"One thing you can't hide - is when you're crippled inside." ― John Lennon

Two weeks had passed since Riley heard about Billy's Instagram post. It had also been two weeks since she had gone to school. Each morning she got out of bed and hurried back in at the idea of having to deal with anyone. This was her senior year, and she was well into her biggest depressive episode yet.

Today, Topanga announced that Riley would have to return to school if she wanted to graduate. Riley had shuffled her oatmeal in her bowl and frowned at her mother's words. She didn't have the appetite to stomach the food or the news. Riley could see it in her family's eyes; they were worried about how she was handling things.

"Mom, can't I be homeschooled?" Riley asked.

"What about all of your big moments? Prom? Senior Trip? Senior Ditch day?" Topanga asked with a frown.

"I don't care about that stuff mom, I just … I can't handle going back, not yet, maybe never!" Riley said and shoved the bowl of oatmeal away from her.

"Eat," Topanga said and put the bowl back.

Riley was frustrated that everyone was aware of her eating disorders. They also had decided to stop walking on eggshells around her. They talked about her case, and Riley heard everything that Topanga's firm was working on.

"I'm not hungry," Riley said.

"You need to eat Riley," Cory said as he walked into the room with Auggie on his trail.

"No school again?" Cory asked as Riley sank into her seat.

"She's going to see Dr. Emery today, and then tomorrow she will be going back," Topanga announced as Riley grunted in frustration.

She got up from the table with no words and stalked off to her room. As much as she was frustrated with her mother, she knew she was right. Riley couldn't avoid school forever, as much as she wanted to. Plus Riley enjoyed talking to Dr. Emery, she listened to Riley, she really listened. Riley threw herself onto her bed and looked for her phone in the knotted sheets. As she found her phone, she could see she had four text messages.

Peaches: I miss you honey, and I hope today is a better day than yesterday. See you after school with cupcakes.

Bestie Zay: Hey Sugar, hope you had an easier night, and don't worry about keeping me up to 3 AM! I am always up anyway. I'll get your homework for you.

Charlie: Hey Ri, I don't know if you're coming today but if you are, I'm here for you.

Lucas: You were the first thought on my mind this morning. I hope you have a good day. I'll be tagging along with Maya and Zay after school. I hope that's okay.

Riley smiled at her small support system and cleared their messages. She would answer them a bit later and knew she had to get ready to see Dr. Emery.

Riley sat on the bright yellow couch and folded her hands in her lap. Dr. Emery sat across from her with a notepad and a bright smile. Riley admired her outfit today as she wore a simple lilac sweater and jeans. A crystal headband held her brown afro back with flowers. She was approachable, and yet Riley sat quietly in front of her.

"Well, Riley, time is dwindling away. I don't want to waste any, especially since your mom said you would return to school. How do you feel about that?" Dr. Emery asked.

Riley picked at her leggings and shrugged at the question. Dr. Emery sat up and sighed.

"Riley, we have made such improvements over the last few months. Why are we back peddling on this?" Dr. Emery asked.

"Maybe you could say that I am not ready to go back," Riley said, and Dr. Emery smiled.

"Ah I see, Riley I understand your fears, but you can't stay locked up in your bedroom. It's unhealthy," Dr. Emery said.

Riley frowned and crossed her arms in frustration.

"But I can't see anyone yet. I am tired of being the talk of the school. I can't see him yet, he isn't in jail. He is walking around our school and spreading lies," Riley said as tears pricked her eyes.

"I understand, sweetie, but your bright light should not be extinguished because of him. You are so strong, you have gotten better, … we haven't had a chance to talk about it but how are you feeling about the case?" Dr. Emery asked.

"My mom is taking care of it, I hear them talking but … I don't want to hear about it," Riley said.

"You're going to testify, that's scary. Are you ready for that?" Dr. Emery asked.

"No," Riley whispered.

"Why not?" Dr. Emery asked.

"Because he said I slept with him. He said I was cheating on Charlie with him! I didn't, but I kissed Lucas. I did cheat, and everyone at school thinks so. It's easier to believe him because I haven't been honest. Charlie knows the truth but this case, people will be there, and they will hear everything I've been through. I just … can't," Riley rambled.

"That must make you upset, these rumors," Dr. Emery pushed.

"Yes, they do. I didn't mean to cheat on Charlie, and I feel so shitty about it. Yet now he is spinning that narrative to fit his lies. I want him to stop. I need him to stop," Riley sniffled.

"Have you talked to Charlie?" Dr. Emery asked.

"Yeah, we talk every day. He checks on me, hopes I will return to school. He hasn't left my side as he promised," Riley said.

"What about Lucas?" Dr. Emery asked.

"I talk to him every day too, he stops by, and he's doing what I asked, he's being a friend," Riley said.

"Seems like everyone you love and trust is making sure you're okay and protected," Dr. Emery said.

"Yeah," Riley whispered.

"Use that support system Riley, use it against Billy," Dr. Emery said, and Riley felt her stomach knotted.

She couldn't even stomach hearing his name. It made her sick to her stomach, and when she heard his name, it made the situation more real. In her mind, he was a monster, but he wasn't real. However, when others said his name, she could see his face clear as day. She could recall all the moments he brushed her off or said an offhand comment. Riley couldn't believe she never realized how much he disliked her. However, no matter how much he had disliked her, she couldn't believe he would attack her or rob the cafe.

"Don't say his name," Riley said.

"No, Riley we have to say his name," Dr. Emery said.

"Why?" Riley cried.

"Because he is real, because he has hurt you, and because you're going to have to deal with him very soon. You can't suppress him and hope he disappears. He isn't a character in your stories, he is a person, a real-life person!" Dr. Emery pushed.

"Billy," Riley whispered.

"What did Billy do?" Dr. Emery asked.

Riley cried softly as she pinched herself. She didn't want to remember, and she tried so hard to forget, but she couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes, she could feel herself in the cafe, she could feel him hitting her.

"Billy attacked me, Billy hurt me, Billy hates me," Riley cried.

"Oh sweetheart," Dr. Emery said, and grabbed a few napkins. She passed them to Riley, who took them and wiped her eyes.

"I just want to know why me? I never did anything to him," Riley asked.

"Well, the case will help you figure that out. They are going to push him, but they are going to push you. I wanted to talk about how you feel about that? When they cross-examine you, they will bring up Lucas and Charlie. How are you feeling about that?" Dr. Emery asked.

"Fine, I mean the important people know the truth," Riley said.

"You know his team will pick at you. Their goal is to make him look better and you look bad," Dr. Emery said.

"Yeah, my mom warned me, but I didn't do anything horrible. How bad can it be?" Riley asked and she could see Dr. Emery sighed.

"They will make you look as bad as they need to, to make sure that he looks like a saint. Your team will do the same, but I want you to be aware, there is going to be a time where you feel everyone is against you, and I want you to remember your friends, your family, me." Dr. Emery said.

"Thank you, Dr. Emery," Riley said.

"Of course Riley, you are my favorite patient," Dr. Emery said, and Riley smiled.

"You probably say that to all your patients," Riley said.

"You'll never know, patient-doctor confidentiality," Dr. Emery joked, and Riley chuckled.

Riley wiped her face and sat back in her seat. She ran her hands against the yellow couch and smiled once more.

"Now about college," Dr. Emery began.

"Can we save that for next week, I'm already really drained," Riley said as Dr. Emery nodded.

"Uno?" She said as she leaned over to get a deck of cards.

"Yes," Riley said as Dr. Emery shuffled.

Lucas glared across the cafeteria at Billy, who had surrounded himself with some underclassmen. Maya tried to get the Texan's attention, but Lucas couldn't stop.

"Okay, he's officially gone," Maya said to Farkle.

Farkle threw a fry at Lucas, who grunted and turned to his friends. Maya raised her eyebrows at him, and Lucas sighed.

"Look, our entire senior class believes Riles. He has to find someone to believe him," Maya said.

"He's slandering her, he's hurting her, and I want to-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Zay said as he sat down next to Lucas.

Lucas seized up as Charlie also joined them at their table, but sat far away from the Texan. Smackle had found her way to the table as well, with a look in her eyes.

"What's up, Smackle?" Maya asked as Isadora sat next to Farkle.

"I got into Princeton," Smackle whispered and Zay yelped.

"Congrats, Smack!" Zay cheered and Smackle sniffled.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Farkle asked.

"I got in, and Riley isn't here to enjoy this moment with us," Smackle said.

The table relished in her confession, and the mood changed. Lucas shoved his tray away and leaned his head on his hands. He could hear Billy's voice and loud laughter. It boiled his anger, and he tried to control the small voice in his head. Yet it was getting louder with each passing second.

"Well, still congrats Smackle!" Maya urged.

"I'm proud of you," Farkle said and kissed Smackle's temple.

"Congrats Isadora," Charlie said and Smackle smiled.

"Yeah, congrats Smackle" Lucas mumbled.

"It's great that something good is happening amid everything," Charlie said.

"Yeah, and Riley would be there for the next one," Farkle said.

"A straight-up hoe!"

Lucas got up as he heard Billy yell, and Zay tried to pull him back down.

"Luke," Zay warned, but Lucas pulled his arm away from Zay.

"Come on, Friar, he isn't worth it!" Charlie said, but Lucas started walking towards Billy.

The cafeteria quieted down as Lucas got closer to the table. Billy chuckled as Lucas approached the table. He sat back in the chair and raised his eyebrows at the Texan.

"What's up Friar?" Billy asked.

"Keep her out of your mouth," Lucas gritted.

"Oh, our mutual friend, there's no point in hiding that she loves to go around to all the guys. Everyone knows, no need to keep it a secret!" Billy chuckled, and Lucas clenched his fist.

"Ross I am asking you nicely to keep her name out of your mouth or you will be sorry," Lucas gritted.

"Well, she couldn't keep her mouth off of me-" Billy was unable to finish his comment as Lucas leaned over and pulled Billy across the table.

Bily struggled as Lucas picked him clear off the ground. Billy tried to escape Lucas's grasp, but couldn't. The cafeteria roared with cheers as Lucas threw Billy onto the ground.

"I said stop it!" Lucas growled as Billy got to his feet. He chuckled at Lucas

"Oh, damn, she got you on a tight leash, I mean she is not that good in-"

Lucas punched Billy across the face, and the cafeteria broke out in gasps. Billy spit out blood and lunged at Lucas, who moved out his way.

"Lucas no!" Maya screamed.

Zay, Charlie, and Farkle tried to pull Lucas away, but Billy punched Lucas in the stomach. Lucas picked Billy up and slammed him onto the ground. Billy groaned and wobbled to his feet. Zay tried to pull Lucas away, pleading with the Texan to stop, but he wouldn't listen.

"Lucas, come on, man," Zay begged, as Billy made a fist.

"She ain't worth all this shit Friar, Matthews is a grade-A slut," Billy chortled.

Zay turned to Billy, but Farkle intervened.

"This isn't helping Riley! Stop it!" Farkle pleaded as Zay glared at Billy.

"Wow, did she fuck all of you?" Billy yelled.

Lucas pushed his friends and swung his fist into Billy's face. They all heard a crack, and Billy screamed in agony. He collapsed to his knees, and Lucas picked up his foot, but Charlie pulled him away. Billy looked up, and Lucas could see the blood pouring out his nose and mouth. Lucas's eyes were bewildered, and he tried to calm himself. Yet that little voice was screaming at him to keep hurting Billy.

"Lucas, go!" Maya said as security ran into the lunchroom.

"Go!" Maya urged as Lucas turned and ran out the opposite direction from the lunchroom.

Lucas collapsed against the lockers as he tried to catch his breath. He couldn't believe he just harmed Billy that way, but his Texas side took over. Lucas was always going to protect Riley from harm's way, and he just proved that. However, he knew he took it too far, and now his actions were going to have severe consequences.

"Lucas?"

Lucas looked up and saw Cory standing there with wide eyes. Lucas trembled, and he looked down at his hands. Blood covered his knuckles, and he tried to catch his breath. Lucas could hear the walkie-talkies, and Cory turned towards the sounds.

"What did you do?" Cory asked.

"I'm sorry," Lucas cried.

"Go Lucas," Cory said, and Lucas turned away from Cory.

Lucas ran down the hallway and out the side doors. He couldn't see anyone around and escaped out onto the street. He knew his emotions won, and he couldn't control his anger anymore. He kept running until he reached a safe area that was far enough from the school. Lucas collapsed as he leaned on a tree and allowed the tears to run down his face.