Riley woke early and allowed Isabella to get a few more minutes of sleep. The little girl had been so excited to spend time with Lucas that she barely had a wink of sleep. When she did finally crash it gave Riley time to reflect on the last few days. How it was supposed to be a simple trip, a simple goodbye. Now here she was heartbroken, lost, and drained from the amount of emotions she had to deal with. She crept into the kitchen and could see Cory sitting at the table with a cup of coffee.
"Oh I'm sorry," Riley said as Cory jumped.
The sun peeked through the blinds and allowed some yellow light to spill into the room. Cory shook his head and patted the spot next to him at the table. Riley grabbed a cup of coffee and joined him at the table. She played with the rim of the mug and could see the fatigue in his face. His curly hair started to puff out more and his eye bags stood out.
"Your mother told me about Lucas, I'm proud of you Riley," Cory said and patted Riley's hand.
"Do you think I made the right choice? I'm scared that Izzy has these expectations now," Riley asked.
"Lucas is a good man, he won't renege on his responsibilities, don't worry please," Cory said.
"How are you, daddy?" Riley asked as Cory sighed.
"Horrible, I can't sleep. I just keep thinking about him, and I regret not being by his side," Cory admitted.
"He passed with a smile," Riley reassured and Cory squeezed her hand.
"Thank you for being there, I am so glad family was with him when he … god Riley, thank you for coming back home," Cory said as his voice broke.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to come back home daddy, but I'm here and will be here until everything is finished. Mom told me it's tomorrow, how are you feeling about that?" Riley asked.
"I wish we had more time, but Josh didn't want us to dwell, and we have to respect that. Have you figured out what you were going to say?" Cory asked and sipped his coffee.
"Yeah, I have stories from when we were kids and I went to Philly. It's about when I first rode a bike and first fell off a bike," Riley said with a soft laugh.
"That's sweet honey, I can't wait to hear it," Cory said.
Silence overtook the room and the two sat with one another. The only sounds were slurps of coffee and breathing. It was a way of grieving without breaking down with one another. Riley let out an exhale of breath and turned to Cory.
"Do you think … that … Lucas could be, right? That he and I could be a family with Izzy?" Riley asked.
"Yes but I don't think you will allow yourself to get it. You're so scared of messing this idea up you won't even risk it," Cory said.
Riley played with the rim of the mug and listened to her father's words. They resonated the way with what Zay had told her last night. She was scared, and she wasn't going to magically stop. For the past four years, she had created this world where it was just her, Isabella, and Zay. It was a safe world, a bubble but with Lucas knowing everything she knew it would get popped.
"Izzy isn't up yet?" Cory asked.
"No she was tuckered out I think by all the emotions of yesterday, I should probably text Lucas … if I had his number," Riley said and groaned.
"I'm sure Maya and Farkle have his number," Cory said and stood up.
He kissed the crown of Riley's head and walked over to the sink. Riley pulled out her phone and looked at the time it was almost 8 AM, Farkle had to at least be awake. However, she was hesitant to ask for Lucas's number, another form of communication with the past. Cory rinsed his mug and turned to see Riley hesitant.
"For Izzy Riley," Cory said and quietly left the room.
Riley sighed and shot Farkle a quick text asking for Lucas's number. It was as if Farkle was waiting for her to text because he responded instantaneously. Riley thanked him before she crafted a message to Lucas. It had to be nonchalant and confident but Riley knew anything with Lucas involved was the opposite.
Riley: Hey there pal, I was just wondering what time you would like to come to meet up with us? Sorry to text so early! Have a great morning pal. It's Riley btw.
As Riley sent the text she could feel the heat in her cheeks. She couldn't believe she sent that text message and it made her sound as she was inept. Riley wanted to take it back but she couldn't, it was gone.
The text message illuminated on Lucas's screen but he was still fast asleep in the bedroom. Allison held his phone in her hand and stared at the text message with tears in her eyes. After her confession last night it put her and Lucas at a stalemate. He offered her the bedroom so many times but Allison wasn't going to get any sleep. They tabled the conversation for the morning but she could see he had other plans.
Allison swiped on the text message and tapped the number. Before she knew it she blocked the number and then deleted the text message from Lucas's phone. It was wrong of her, but they still weren't done with their conversation. She knew that he would go to Riley to see his … daughter. Her stomach turned at the idea that Lucas had a child, with his ex, the one he never got over.
She placed the phone face down on the counter and walked over to the couch. She stared out the window and could see the city shine in the sunlight. Lost in her thoughts she didn't hear the door open and see Lucas walk out of the bedroom.
"Alli," He began his voice groggy from his slumber.
He stifled a yawn and walked over to her on the couch. He tried to get her attention but she wanted to focus on the skyline.
"How did you sleep? I told you, you could have the bedroom," Lucas began.
"I didn't," Allison responded and turned to Lucas.
His eyes were tired, and he hadn't shaved in a few days, and his hair was tousled. He didn't look like the man she fell in love with.
"Alli that isn't healthy," Lucas said and reached for her.
"I'm going to order some food, are you hungry?" She asked and reached for her phone, just enough out of his grasp.
"Alli, look there is something I need to do today," Lucas began.
"So then that's it? Where do we stand Lucas?" Allison asked, her voice trilling.
"Alli relax," Lucas said.
"Relax, I am exhausted and you want me to relax! I couldn't sleep a wink last night because I told you something so beautiful and your response was oh. Oh!" Allison exclaimed.
"I'm sorry … look, you're right, let's get something to eat and we can talk. I can do my thing later in the day," Lucas said as Allison calmed a bit by his words.
Allison looked at her phone and then opened the Grubhub app. She ordered their usual breakfast and then looked back at Lucas. He was tired, he looked beyond exhausted but he also looked anxious. She could see that he was trying to keep his gaze on her but she could tell he wanted to get to his phone.
"I ordered the usual, can we talk right now?" Allison asked.
She placed her phone down and turned to him completely. He sat back and nodded for her to continue.
"I told you I was pregnant last night and you just stare at me. You said oh Lucas," Allison said and her voice wavered.
"I'm sorry Alli, it's just I was overwhelmed. I just found out I had a four-year-old, with Riley, and then your news," Lucas trailed off.
"I guess it's not as special as Riley's?" Allison asked and Lucas could tell she was hurt.
"What of course, Alli you're having my baby, I am so happy but I am also so confused and overwhelmed. Twenty-four hours ago I had no kids and now I have two. Can you understand why I am a bit anxious?" Lucas asked.
Allison nodded and honestly she understood where he was coming from. It was a lot of information to take in all at once. However, she wanted her news to take precedent to Riley's. She wanted Lucas to give her a big hug and kiss, and feel happy but Allison didn't get any of that. He glanced once more towards his phone and she placed her hand on his cheek. She directed his gaze onto her and held him there.
"I understand but I need your focus here, on this family," Allison said.
"Alli I lost four years," Lucas said.
"You won't with this one," Allison said and Lucas sighed.
"I promised her, I promised her I would see her, Alli I can't break that promise," Lucas said.
Allison felt him pull back and off the couch. It was his phone that he was focused on, not her.
"After breakfast!" Allison exclaimed.
"Please can we just enjoy our breakfast love before we deal with the world?" Allison asked as Lucas stopped.
"You're right, I owe you at least that," Lucas said and grabbed his phone.
He slid the device into his pocket and Allison exhaled in relief. He didn't take a look at his phone to see that she was in it. She hoped all of her evidence was gone and she didn't make a big mistake. Lucas walked back over to the couch and plopped down.
"Do you want a boy?" Allison asked.
Lucas was taken back by her question but he had thought for a moment.
"Since you have a daughter, would you like for our baby to be a boy?" Allison asked.
"Oh … I want a healthy baby but I wouldn't be disappointed it was a boy," Lucas said with a smile.
"A little boy like you," Allison said and smiled brightly.
"Or little girl," Lucas said.
"I want a boy, I want him to be just like his father, just like you, responsible and loving, faithful," Allison said and Lucas could feel his stomach turn.
Faithful?
He hadn't been faithful and he wondered if he should even open that door at the moment. Allison had such a look of joy on her face as she talked about their child. She made sure to remind him that the boy was theirs, as to show him he had a family right there. Before Lucas could respond they both heard a buzz.
"Oh breakfast is here," Allison said and got off the couch.
Riley stared at her phone and wondered if she had the wrong number. She texted Lucas eight hours ago and she didn't hear back from him. Was a double text message too much? She constantly checked her phone but nothing. It was well into 4 PM and the sun was setting soon. Isabella had dressed early and sat in the living room bay window since 10 AM. Determined that her dad would keep his promise.
Riley paced the kitchen floor as the front door opened. It was Topanga and Maya with bags in a hushed conversation.
"You're still here?" Maya asked as she closed the door.
Riley looked over at Isabella whose eyes were wide with hope and now filled with fear. This feeling that built-in Riley's stomach is exactly what she wanted to avoid.
"Yes, I think maybe I got the number wrong," Riley said as Maya took out her own phone.
She read off Lucas's number and Riley nodded. She didn't get the number wrong, he hadn't answered her and he wasn't there yet. Her mind wandered as she wondered if he was hurt or something happened.
"Do you mind texting him?" Riley asked in a whisper.
Maya: Huckleberry everything cool?
Maya glanced over to Isabella who had her knees under her chin. The little girl was staring out the window. She rapidly texted Lucas and waited for his response. It was a mere two minutes later and Maya's phone chimed.
Lucas: Busy with Allison. TTYL.
Riley's face flushed with anger as she realized he wasn't going to come. He was busy with Allison, his life, exactly what she expected. Now Isabella had gotten the short end of the stick and was left out. Riley huffed and Topanga glanced at her.
"What?" Topanga asked.
"You made such a big deal of telling him and he couldn't even keep a park promise! It was a promise! He promised her and now I have to be the one to break her heart. I told all of you, we aren't part of his life anymore," Riley exclaimed as Maya frowned.
"Something had to happen! He came over, he was so excited to know about Izzy. Trust me, something important, maybe Alli got sick?"
Maya tried to help but it was no use. Riley looked over at Isabella and had to prepare to tell her that Lucas wasn't coming.
"Izzy?" Riley called as the little girl turned to her.
She had a pout on her face and Riley could feel her heartbreak.
"Yes, mommy?" Isabella asked and Riley walked over.
She leaned down in front of her and Riley heard the door open once more. Zay walked in with Cory and glanced over to Riley. The same look Maya had was on his face, and Riley frowned. He was wondering why she was still there.
"Your daddy … he's not coming," Riley said and prepared for tears.
"He promised!" Isabella exclaimed.
"I know Izzy but it's getting late, and … sweetie he isn't coming. I am so sorry," Riley said as Isabella's lip trembled,
"He promised mommy! You said we don't break promises or tell lies!" Isabella cried as the tears ran down her face.
Before Riley could swoop in Zay was by her side with open arms.
"Come here," Zay said and Isabella launched into Zay's arm.
"Hey look, sometimes people make mistakes, ok Izzy?" Zay said and glanced at Riley.
"He promised," Isabella sniffled.
"I know, but hey Uncle Zay will take you to the park right now if it's okay with your mom?" Zay said as Riley nodded.
She didn't want Isabella to be there when Lucas eventually showed up. She didn't want Isabella to see her anger towards the Texan.
"What! You're going to go with Uncle Zay! Isn't that awesome?" Riley exclaimed and tried to push the happiness out. It was tiring.
"Okay, can we get ice cream?" Isabella asked Zay as he chuckled.
"Two scoops, with sprinkles, and whipped cream," Zay said as Isabella giggled.
"Zay," Riley warned.
"Okay just one," He said but winked at Isabella who giggled at him.
"Grab your coat," Zay said as Isabella wiped her face and went to grab her coat.
"Riley-"
"It's okay Zay you had every right, I'm sorry," Riley said as she didn't even let Zay talk.
"What are you going to do?" Zay asked.
"Yell, I am going over there and yelling at him!" Riley said as Zay nodded.
Riley turned to her parents who had witnessed the entire thing with Maya. All three had the same look of confusion and sadness. However, Riley wasn't sad, she was pissed and she was going to make sure that Lucas Friar never broke a promise again.
"Go," Zay said as Riley nodded.
She grabbed her coat off the hook and left the brownstone with haste. She knew exactly what she had to do.
Riley banged on Lucas's door so hard she's pretty sure his neighbors upstairs heard it. Each bang hurt her fist but she didn't care about that right now. He needed to know that he fucked up. The door swung open and Riley almost fell into the apartment. Allison stood there dressed in Lucas's shirt and a shy smile.
"Riley darling what are you doing here? How did you even know we live here?" Allison asked.
"Is Lucas here?" Riley asked, ignoring Allison's tone.
"No, he stepped out to get me some tea and medicine, I am not feeling well, and he is taking good care of me," Allison said and fluffed her hair.
"You look fine to me," Riley gritted and annoyed with the blonde.
"Well after Lucas and I … reconnected, I just felt a bit ill. I think it might be the baby" Allison said with a smirk.
Riley's heart broke at Allison's words and tone. She didn't want to be here anymore, she didn't want to listen to her. She didn't want to be hurt but it was too late.
"Can you tell Lucas I was here? To call me, it's very important," Riley gritted.
"Absolutely, well ciao darling," Allison said and slammed the door in Riley's face.
Riley stared at the door with anger and pain. Her stomach twisted as she replayed Allison's words in her head.
Baby. Reconnect.
He had a new family, one that didn't involve her or Isabella. She was a fool to think otherwise, she was a fool to think that he would choose them over Allison. She knew that she should have stuck true to her words, and never let Lucas meet Isabella. However, you cannot turn back time.
Riley sniffled and turned to walk away from the apartment. As she waited for the elevator, she could feel the ache in her eyes as wanted to cry. She pressed the button again and stared at the two elevators, she needed to get out of there. Frustrated, she decided to take the fire doorsteps and just escape the darkness that tried to swallow her.
As she ran down the steps, the elevator doors swung open and Lucas walked out of the elevator. He held a white paper bag and he looked frustrated and tired. He unlocked his door and saw Allison on the couch again with a magazine. He noticed her attire and was puzzled as to why she was dressed as such.
"Here's your medicine … Why are you wearing my clothes? You hate to do that," Lucas asked.
"I wanted to feel close to you," Allison said and grabbed the bag from Lucas.
Lucas walked over to the kitchen counter where he had left his phone as he ran out to the store. Allison glanced at him and had a strange look on his face.
"What's wrong boo bear?" Allison asked innocently.
"Maya just randomly cursed me out and told me not to go to the funeral tomorrow, I better call her," Lucas mumbled.
"Don't," Allison said louder than she expected.
"Why not? Josh was my friend too," Lucas said.
"You know how Maya felt about Joshua, give her time to cool off," Allison said and Lucas agreed.
"You're right, look I have to head back out and-"
"No! Don't leave my stomach, it still hurts. What if it's the baby?" Allison asked.
Lucas was hesitant but sighed and sat down on the couch next to Allison. He thumbed through his contacts and went to text Farkle. Allison took his phone and placed it on the table. She crawled into his arms and she could feel Lucas tense up.
"Please rub my back," Allison said as Lucas did the act absentmindedly.
He wasn't there with her mentally and she knew it. He observed the skyline and she could see that he was overthinking about something.
"What's wrong?" Allison asked.
"I texted Riley earlier but she hasn't responded, I tried to reschedule with Isabella, do you mind if I give her a call?" Lucas asked.
"I do actually," Allison said and Lucas sighed.
He had spent all morning trying to contact Riley, he sent over a dozen text messages after Farkle gave him her number. She didn't respond to a single one and it frustrated him. He wanted her to know that he was stuck with Allison and she was under the weather, and he wanted to be sure she was okay. He couldn't leave her, as she kept reminding him it could be the baby. It was as if that was the only word she knew at the moment.
"Okay," Lucas said and threw his head back.
He didn't understand why Riley didn't pick up his calls. He called her twice earlier before he left his apartment. He kept texting her, and he even asked if Isabella could call him. He thought of going to the Matthews while he was out but he didn't. He knew that it was wrong to leave Allison behind but his heart and mind were on someone else. Allison sniffled and it broke Lucas's chain of thought.
"What's wrong?" Lucas asked.
"Nothing is going right, I thought … I thought this would fix everything," Allison confessed.
"Alli-"
"Don't just … go … go to your daughter but … come back to me, your future wife," Allison said as she sat up.
Lucas watched the tears sparkle in his eyes and he wanted to stop the pain. Instead, he swiped his phone and got up from the couch. He could feel Allison's gaze on him but if he looked at her, then he wouldn't leave but he had to go see them … his family.