Chapter 2

Girl Meets Shattered

3 Years Later

"I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together" - Julia Roberts

Riley sat at the counter of her Mother's café and scribbled feverously in her notebook.

"Cake?"

Riley looked up and saw Zay standing in front of her with a slice of chocolate cake. Zay grinned and placed the small dish in front of her notebook. She smiled softly and stuck her finger in the chocolate mousse. Riley brought her finger to her lips and moaned at the taste of the sugar.

"Zay you are awesome! I am glad my Mom gave you this job" Riley commented as Zay passed her a small silver fork.

Zay had scored a job at Topanga's a year ago as a Waiter and it has helped him keep everything on track. Riley wasn't surprised that Zay was good at his job, he loves the people and they love him. Between serving the guest and snacking, he made everyone feel important. He was no longer Robin Lunch; he was Zay Best Waiter Ever.

"Well it does help that you are one of my best friends" Zay said as he took a bite of her cake.

"Zay!" Riley scolded with a laugh.

"Quality assurance" Zay mumbled with his mouth full.

"And?" Riley said as he took another bite.

"It's ok" He joked and Riley let out a laugh.

"Zay Man!" Riley turned around to see Maya walking with a messenger bag.

"No love for me Peaches" Riley said, taking a bite of her cake.

"Well that depends Honey, did you finish the next chapter?" Maya asked.

Riley smiled triumphantly and pulled out her iPad and notebook. Maya grinned and snatched the two out of her hands.

"Riles! You've been holding out on me! Now I can draw Violet and Peaches, I've been lacking some great art time" Maya cooed and flipped through the pages.

"I still can't believe you two are creating a graphic novel" Zay said as he took the last bite of cake and grabbed the plate.

Riley titled her head in disbelief of Zay eating her snack and let out a chuckle. Yet he was right who knew that Riley Matthews could write so well. It was well known Maya had amazing artistic abilities, but one day Farkle and Maya read a short story that Riley wrote. They couldn't believe that Riley had a way to convey her emotions onto paper.

So junior year Riley and Maya began writing a series called Violet and Peaches. The series was about two best friends that fought crimes and had the ability to turn into cats. It was a silly idea, but anything could be possible in their world.

Their little crew actually would have weekly meet up and read the adventures and discuss what they believe should happen next. Maya would sketch the new ideas and Riley would write it all down. Farkle has even suggested that they submit it to publishing companies to get offers. However Riley declines every time while Maya boasts about being the next great graphic designer.

"Believe it Zay!" Maya said and stopped at a page.

"Riles this is it, this is Violet and Peaches next adventure, I love it" Maya said and a bright smile graced her face,

"Thanks" Riley said and shrugged.

"No drawing Maya we have to head to the Homecoming Game!" Zay said as Maya pulled out her sketchbook.

"Do we have to?" Maya whined and frowned.

"Of course Riley here is our homecoming queen nominee" Zay said and threw his apron onto the counter top.

"Zay you have to lock up." Topanga said as she came from behind.

"But Mrs. M, the game, Riley, Cheerleaders!" Zay rambled and widened his eyes.

"Mom, I got it" Riley said and walked behind the counter.

"Riley aren't you supposed to be at the game to walk across and everything?" Topanga asked.

"I'll be a few minutes late its fine, really besides, we are closing in twenty minutes, guys go have fun, it gives me private Riley writing time" Riley said and placed her hands under her chin.

"Riles you sure?" Maya asked as she stood from her seat.

"Totally fine Peaches!" Riley said and grinned.

"Zay!"

Riley's grin faltered from her face when she heard the familiar voice. A voice that she didn't hear often, yet it still sent waves throughout her body. She looked down at the grain of the counter before she felt his presences nearby. He didn't acknowledge her or greet her, but he did glance at her.

"Lucas dude what are you doing here?" Zay asked as Maya glanced between Riley and Lucas.

"Dude you said we were meeting up at four thirty, it's almost five" Lucas laughed as Zay patted his arm.

"Sorry late shift today, but come on we are all going to the game now" Zay said as Maya grabbed Riley's hand.

"Coming Maya?" Lucas asked as he turned to the Blonde.

"Yeah Huckleberry" Maya retorted before giving Riley a squeeze.

The three began walking towards the door as Topanga followed slowly behind them. In a silent walk towards the subway the three of them did not say anything. It could have been the awkward tension or the fact that Riley's mother was a few feet behind them.

"What the Princess isn't joining?" Lucas asked and rolled his eyes.

"Lucas!" Maya scolded and pinched his arm.

Maya didn't want Lucas bashing Riley especially in front of her own mother. Lucas wasn't surprised at Maya's actions; however he was surprised at her using his name. He didn't make it easy for his friends to spend time with him whenever Riley tagged along.

Somehow he would end up cancelling or make Riley feel uncomfortable that she would leave. It was like a switch came on inside of him that made him have to hurt her feelings. Maya had every right to be protective, but he just could not help himself.

"Sorry Maya I guess I forget you have to protect the Princess" Lucas said and let out a chuckle.

Maya rolled her eyes and shoved him into Zay which made them fall on the ground. Topanga came over and Maya pulled her away from the two boys. Zay jostled Lucas off of him and stood up.

"Why Lucas? Why do you have to be an ass about Riley?" Zay demanded.

"She makes it easy Zay" Lucas said and stood up from the ground. He wiped his jeans and shook his head in anger. Lucas clenched his jaw and made fists before releasing them.

"Cut it out, at least for tonight! It is our last homecoming game and I want to enjoy it with all my best friends" Zay begged and clasped his hands together.

"Whatever let's just catch up to Maya so we can't sit with Smackle and Farkle" Lucas said as he pointed to the subway.

"Crap I left my wallet back at Topanga's, I think Riles is still there" Zay commented and smacked his pants.

"Look I got it don't worry, I won't say anything mean to the Princess" Lucas said and rolled his eyes.

Zay bit back his words and just held up his hands to allow Lucas go to the café. At least in his mind the two had to say something to one another. Lucas handed Zay his MetroCard before walking back to Topanga's. He had no idea what he was going to say to Riley and he hoped he didn't have to. He walked down the flight of stairs to see the door closed and the lights were off inside of Topanga's.

Lucas was surprised to see the lights were all off at Topanga's and placed his hands on the glass. He peered into the darkness to see nothing but an empty café. He pulled the door to see that it was unlocked and felt uneasy about what was going on. Despite not speaking to Riley, he knew she wasn't irresponsible to leave the place unlocked.

"Um hello?" Lucas called out as he walked into the dark café. The bell rang over his head and he reached to his left to find the light switch when he saw something from the corner of his eye. Lucas fell back into the glass door with a heavy shove shattering the glass. He groaned and noticed that the person was dressed in all black and was running up the stairs.

Adrenaline began to build up in him and he scrambled onto his feet. He scurried inside and began looking for Riley.

"Ri- Ril - Riley?!" His voice shook with vulnerability and he was surprised he even got her name out. Chairs were strewn haphazardly on the floor and the café counter was bare except for a rag. Lucas heard a whimper and knew where she was. He slid to his knees and saw Riley lying face down behind the bar. Her hair was spread out around her and her skirt hiked up.

"Riley?" Lucas cried and picked her head up as she cried again.

"Lucas?" She questioned as tried sitting up.

"Riley, please stay still I have to call the cops" Lucas begged as he searched for his phone in his pocket. His fingers trembled as he dialed the police and his voice cracked. After reading off the numbers to the police and hanging up he looked down at Riley who was curled in a fetal position.

He studied her as he noticed her underwear further away from the two and he froze. That was a question he didn't want answered right now. All that he knew was that she needed him and the three years of anger melted away. She pulled down her skirt and tried sitting up which made Lucas move away.

"No Lucas please, don't leave me" She cried and held him tightly.

"Please I know you don't like me, but don't leave me alone, please Lucas, please"

He held her tightly as she broke down within his arms.

"Don't worry Riley I got you, no one will hurt, no one" He whispered.

He held her for about five minutes before the cops arrived. Before he knew it Riley was in a stretcher and cops were asking him about twenty questions at once. Yet it didn't matter because he just stared at Riley as she was strapped in and crying.

"Son?" The Officer asked.

"I … I … didn't see him sir, but I know he was heavier and taller than I" Lucas croaked.

The Officer noticed Lucas's gaze and patted him on the back. He comprehended that Lucas was not going to be helpful until he knew that Riley was going to be alright.

"Lucas?" Riley cried and Lucas walked over. She grabbed his hand and began to cry as the paramedic placed an IV in her arm.

"I'm right here Riley" Lucas said as she squeezed his hand.

"Young man only family can ride with her, you can meet us at Mount Sinai" The Paramedic said as Riley gripped his hand tighter.

"Please" Lucas begged as the stretcher moved away from him and Riley thrashed crying for Lucas.

Lucas stood dumbfounded and watched Riley begged for him. Thumps filled his ears and he realized his own heart was racing for her. He was scared for her and he did not know what to.

"Son?" The Officer said and Lucas turned to him. The Officer handed Lucas's what he could only figure was Riley's bag and some papers.

"Go to her" The Officer said as Lucas without a second thought ran out of Topanga's.