One shots

Seeking Pluto

Seeking Pluto
Riley Mathews grew up in New York the oldest child of Cory and Topanga, with her best friend Maya always at her side. She dreamed of meeting a hero that would treat her like a princess, but much like her favorite planet Pluto that prospect seemed light years away. She dated on and off since high school and college, but she hasn't had that romance that has knocked her off her feet.
Growing up she always said she wanted to be a killer shark lawyer just like her mom. So she surprised everyone but Topanga, when she chose education as her major. Her dad had been one of the biggest single influences of her life. Using is lessons to teach them not only history, but also help them grow as people. She knew she wanted to guide her students the same way.
Riley decided to focus on early education. She had worked hard at Pennbrook University and graduated in 3 years. She came back home to New York to teach kindergarten for her old grade school John Quincy Adams. Her "Uncle" John had hired her the day she graduated, since the previous teacher had informed him she was retiring.
She was full of nervous energy her first day of school, and had to change her outfit twice after dropping her bowel of cereal. Maya giggled and handed Riley a cereal bar. "This may be safer today, Honey." Riley nodded anxiously, "What if I am a horrible teacher, Peaches?" Maya shook her head, "Not possible. You got this. Ring Power. Lightening." Riley sounding slightly more confident as she grabbed Maya's hand, "Thunder."
Riley reached for her coffee and teaching bag and headed out for the first day of school. She tried to remind herself that it was the children's first day too. They were probably just as nervous as she was, if not more so.
The first day she hadn't planned too much. They were going to put away their new supplies, do introductions so the could all get to know each other, and probably have story time on the carpet.
Riley started the introductions. "I'm Ms. Mathews. I am so excited for all the new things we are going to learn and do this year. Let's introduce ourselves so we can get to know each other." They all raised there hands to share, but Riley couldn't help but focus on one little girl in particular. She had long flowing blond hair, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to speak of intelligence and wisdom beyond her years.
Riley knelt down next to the child's desk. "Do you want to go first?" The precocious girl answered bravely, "My name is Soleil Marie Minkus. My father named me Soleil, because he says I am his sunshine." She giggled and then continued. "He also named me Marie after Madame C, C, Carry." Riley inquired, "Madame Currie?" Soleil's eyes were round with wonder that Ms. Mathews knew who she was talking about. "Yes he said she was a brilliant scientist, and he knew I would be smart."
"His name is Farkle, and he runs a company with my grandpa." Riley smiled reassuringly at the girl, "He seems like an amazing man, What does your mom do?" Soleil grinned, "It's just my dad and I, he adopted me when I was a baby." Riley squeezed Soleil's hand, "Thanks for being so brave, and going first. I appreciate you sharing with the class." The morning quickly whittled away as the rest of the class introduced themselves.
At story time Riley read Murray the Moose to the kids. It was always one of her favorite stories growing up. She acted out all the parts with different voices, and enjoyed the giggles she got from the kids. They all took turns sharing what they learned from the story with the class, but her favorite answer was from Soleil. "I think it means you should be who are, and true friends will be there with you."
Since it was the first day, it was only a half day. They cleaned up after story time, and had a quick snack of grapes. Parents began to arrive and one by one the children left. Faces aglow clearly happy with their first day of school.
The only child to remain was Soleil. Her father had emailed that an emergency meeting had been called at work and he would be a few minutes late. Riley gave Soleil some pictures to color while she waited, as Riley continued to clean up the class room. She breathed a small sigh of relief that she hadn't tripped on her first day or done anything klutzy.
As she turned around from the book shelf, He walked in. He was tall and lanky, not muscular. He had blue eyes that twinkled like the constellations Riley loved to study at night. It felt like her whole world had stopped the moment he walked in, and then suddenly sped up and tilted on its axis. She realized she was tilting; she had tripped on a corner of the reading rug. Riley braced herself for the impact of the fall.
Instead she was enveloped in two strong arms. "Woah there, are you ok?" Riley looked into those eyes, and felt like she was looking into Pluto. She blinked dreamily trying to to clear her mind. "You saved me." The mystery man chuckled kind heartedly. "Are you ok?" He repeated as he stepped away from Riley. Riley was shocked by the emptiness she felt when she was no longer in his arms.
Soleil skipped up and grabbed his hand. "Daddy this is my teacher, Ms. Mathews. She is amazing. You're going to love her." Farkle picked up Soleil and kissed her on the cheek. "Hi sunshine." He reached out his hand to Riley. "I am Farkle Minkus. Its nice to meet you. I am surprised you didn't laugh at my name most people do."
Riley blushed slightly as their hands touched. "My mom's name is Topanga, and my best friends biological dad was Kermit. I like unique names. I think their beautiful." "Like mine," Soleil exclaimed. Riley ruffled her hair, "Especially yours."
As Riley ruffled Soleil's hair, she heard Farkles breath hitch. She tilted her head to see why, and was again trapped in his gaze that reminded Riley of a Starry night. She cleared her throat, "Um...So I have to go. I promised my roommate we could go get tacos today. You don't want to see her if she misses out on her tacos. Soleil, I will see you tomorrow."
As Riley said this, she quickly started gathering her stuff to leave. She was aware that Farkle still stood there watching as she as she orbited the room. "Oh yes, of course. Soleil, we have to go anyway. I took the rest of the day off. I just have to pick up some packages for my office first... Good bye Ms. Mathews. Pleasure to meet you." As he said this he playfully saluted Riley, and grabbed Soleil's hand to leave.
Without Farkle in the room, Riley felt like she could finally breath again. She headed to the subway to go home. Although, she was still so off kilter that she almost missed her subway exit.
She skipped absentmindedly into her apartment, as she hung her sweater on Maya. She tried to plug her lunch box in, and put her phone in the refrigerator. Maya quickly removed her phone, and plugged it into the charger. "Riles how'd your first day go?" Maya asked tentatively. "Oh it was Farkley....I mean fine." Maya giggled, "What in the world is Farkley? Oh nevermind, get changed. I want tacos. We just have to wait a few minutes because a buyer is picking up two of my pieces."
Riley ambled to her room contemplated all that had happened today. She changed into her favorite purple leggings, her Pluto shirt, and an orange cardigan. The doorbell rang as she slipped her boots on, and threw her hair into a messy bun.
There is a strange familiarity to the voice with Maya's that Riley couldn't place as she walked back into the living room. The unspoken thought was answered as Riley was almost knocked over by a mass of blond curls. Soleil wrapped her in a hug, "Ms. Mathews what are you doing here?" Riley hugged Soleil back, "I live here."
Soleil excitedly lead Riley to the door where Maya and Farkle remained. Riley finally turned to gaze at Farkle that pull almost like gravity drawing her to him. Maya turned to see Riley. "Oh, great your ready! Riley this is Farkle Minkus, he bought my Pluto meets Mars pieces. Mr. Minkus this is ..." Suddenly Maya noticed that Soleil was holding Riley's hand. She narrowed her eyes and looked back and forth at all three of them. "Oh, Farkley! Now I.." Riley stomped on Maya's foot abruptly.
Maya covered quickly. "Soleil, Mr. Minkus, we are going to get Tacos down the street for lunch. Want to come?" Soleil clasped her dads hand with her free hand. " Can we dad, please?" Farkle looked to Riley and then Soleil still holding hands and his daughters other hand in his, "No place I would rather be."
#riarkle # riley x farkle #farkley #gmw #lasha1878 #anon #ballerinascowboys andminki #rileymathews #farkleminku