One day, 24 hours, that's all the time I have left t spend with Lucas before he leaves for good.
"Maya? Sweetie?"
"Yes, mom?" I reply, refusing to get up from the bed, I'm too sad and tired for that.
"It's late, you're gonna miss school. I've already prepared breakfast for you" I bury my head under the covers
"Can I just skip a day? I don't really feel like going" she sighs an sits on the mattress
"Babygirl, I know how you're feeling right now and I'm sorry that two people you really care about have to leave but you can't let your duties aside"
"Please, mom"
"Can I talk to the kid?"
"Sure, Shawn" mom stands up and leaves me alone with my step dad
"What do you want?" I say in a groan as I rub my eyes
"Listen, kiddo. I understand that you feel. I remember when Angela left"
"How'd you feel?"
"Devastated, I was completely destroyed and gave up my hope on love..." I bite my lip
"Well, that sounds just wonderful"
"Until I met you and your mom. And look what that got me" I frown
"Are you saying me and Lucas are not meant to be?"
"Absolutely not. Every relationship is different. What Angela and I was totally different from what you and Lucas have. Okay? I'm just saying that before the rainbow comes the storm" he kisses my forehead
"I'm sure very good things are about to happen to you. But in order for them to come, well, you need to suffer a little. But I promise it'll be worth it" I sigh
"I just can't understand it. How could Lucas' dad do this to him? He has a life here with us. He can't just decide to go back to Austin and drag the whole family with him?"
"Have you asked Lucas how he feels about this?" I nod
"Yeah. He keeps saying New York is his home but has to leave"
"Well, do you know the relationship he has with his father?"
"He's always off to work but they love each other really much" he slightly snickers
"You know, your relationship could be kinda similar to mine. Angela didn't want to leave but she did anyways because she really loved her dad"
"Why doesn't he want what's best for his son?"
"He wants the best for him"
"I'm what's best for Lucas, okay? I'm here for him every single day of his life. He can't say the same thing about him" he hugs me
"I'm sorry it happened to you, Maya"
"You know, I ran away thousands of times"
"I know, your mom told me about it"
"I always left everyone behind that meant anything to me and that's what brought me back every single time. When I realized that nothing out there meant more than the people that are here for you every single day! Elliot told me that it's okay to be selfish"
"Well the, I'm proud of you letting Lucas be selfish"
"Not him! Me-"
"I want you to realize how important for him and his dad to come back to Texas and spend more time together"
"But-"
"I know you and your dad didn't have the opportunity to spend this time together. And I'm so sorry for that. But how would you feel if you had that opportunity and someone just stole it away from you?"
"I...I'd be very sad" I finally come into my senses
"I have to let him go, don't I?"
"I'm afraid yes, kiddo. But why don't you spend the little time you have left with him?" I nod
"Yeah, you're right" I stand up
"Maya"
"Yes?"
"I know you're trying to keep it together for everyone but it's okay if you just loose yourself and cry a little"
"And look like a train wreck? No thanks" he chuckles
"Okay, you know where to find me if you ever need advice"
"Thank you, dad" he smiles widely
"You're welcome" he says before walking out the room.
He's right. I need these 24 hours to be happy and not sad. I don't want his last memory of me to be a sad girl, 'cause that's not who I am.
*At school*
"Hey, baby!" I say as soon as I approach Lucas and wrap my arms around him and kiss him
"Hey, baby? What's up with this new nickname?"
"What's up is that I love you, really, really much" I get on my toes to rub the tip of our noses against each other and he chuckles
"I love you too, shortstack"
"Okay, but I love you more"
"No, I love you more"
"No, I love you-"
"We get it, you love each other" Zay says with annoyance in his voice and I blush.
"You want something to eat? I got a brownie" I take it out
"Oh, thank you but I'm-"
"I made it by myself, it's homemade" his eyes light up
"Oh! Give me!" I smile and give it to him
"Can I have some?" my smile falls as soon as I hear Farkle
"No, get lost"
"Wow, this was your best brownie! Did you add something? Like a secret ingredient?"
"Yes, I added all of my love into it" he wraps his arm around my shoulders and kisses me
"You're the best girlfriend ever, I'm glad I found you"
"I'm glad I found you too"
"You know, Maya was the first one who saw you that day at the subway. She's the one who pushed me and made me fall into your lap" Lucas smirks
"I knew she pushed you but I didn't know she was the one who first saw me. Is this true?" I blush
"Not only that, but I think she immediately started having a crush on you!"
"Riley!"
"Oh, really? Why is that?"
"She said you were cute"
"I didn't say that"
"Oh, you're right. She said: let's see how cool you can be when you look at him. You know why? 'Cause she knew that I'd loose my cool around a cute boy. This means that she thought you were cute"
"Any other signs that lead her to liking me when she first saw me?" Elliot raises his hand
"She started talking to me about a certain cute cowboy form Texas and asked me to teach her how to flirt. I obviously said no because she still was in sixth grade. What kind of kid wants to flirt at that age?!"
"A kid that would soon fall in love" Zay answers with a grin
"Okay, enough talk!" I take Lucas' hands
"Today we're gonna spend the day with you and make sure you're never alone"
"Thank you, to all of you"
"You're welcome. This is your last day here and we want it to be special" I frown
"Wait a minute, where's Missy?" Riley sighs
"She didn't feel like coming to school. But she'll meet us at Topanga's later" she takes a deep breath
"I also have to tell you guys something important. Can we all go to my house before Topanga's?" she looks very worried, why?
"What's up with that look? Is it bad news?"
"I...I don't really know if it's bad or good news, that'll be up to you to decide" she notices the look on my face
"I'm not leaving, Peaches. I'm not moving anywhere" I sigh in relief
"Then it's definitely good news" a thought crosses my mind
"Elliot?"
"Yeah?"
"Which college will you go to?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Because if you're leaving too at least say it with a few months earlier. This way I'll have more time to prepare" he chuckles
"Don't worry. I applied for NYU. I'll stay here"
"Good. 'Cause I don't think the group would be capable of losing someone else"
"The group or you?" Smakle asks
"What?"
"Smakle is saying that you're using the others' feelings to cover up for yours. Your sentence really meant 'Cause I don't think I'd be capable of losing someone else'" I glare at Farkle
"I'm worried about all of us"
"You're trying to cover your feelings,again"
"I'm worried about all of us"
"You're trying to-"
"I will kill you" he raises his hands up in defeat and the bell rings
"Time for your last day of school"
*Hours later, at the bay window*
"So, Riley. What did you want to tell us?"
"And where is Missy?" my best friend starts blushing
"I told you she'd see us at Topanga's"
"Okay, what's the big announcement?" Zay asks enthusiastically
"Well, uhm... I need to let you know something first: I love you, all of you, forever. This thing that I'm about to confess you won't change anything in me. I'm still Riley" Smakle scoffs
"Just tell us"
"Okay, uhm..." she looks down and I take her hand
"There is nothing to be afraid of Riles. We're your friends"
"And I'm your brother. I'll love you unconditionally forever"
"I might have a thing for Missy" everyone falls silent. No one says a thing except for me
"Really?" she nods and I smile
"I think I like both boys and girls...does that make me bisexual?"
"It's up to you to label yourself, Riles" I hug her
"So, you aren't angry?" I frown
"Why would I ever be angry at you? Whatever you feel it's up to you. And I'm glad you told us"
"Farkle? Smakle?" She asks for reassuring
"I've loved you since the first time I met you. Nothing's going to change that"
"I'm glad you felt save enough to come out to me" Zay raises his hand
"Me too. We haven't known each other for so long and it makes me feel included in this group"
"Lucas?" he smiles
"I'm happy you came out before I left"
"Elliot?"
"Like I said, I'll always be your brother and love you no matter what"
"Have you told anyone else?" I ask her
"No, you're the only ones who know. Please don't tell mom or dad, I'm not ready for that yet"
"It's fine. You'll come out to them when you're ready" we hug again
"Do you think there's a small chance that Missy likes me back?" I tilt my head
"Well, I don't know"
"I do"
"Show us the light then, Zay" he smirks
"Will do. When Alice left, who did Missy cried her soul out to?"
"Riley"
"Exactly. And from what I've seen, you've been inseparable since then, am I right?"
"Yes. Zay, she needs comfort right now"
"Why don't you take advantage of the situation and-"
"I can't. She's too vulnerable, right now. I could never do that to her. I'll ask her out when she'll be emotionally stable" he rolls his eyes
"Ugh, okay"
"Who would've ever thought that you'd go from hating Missy because she was trying to hit on Lucas to having a crush on her, huh?"
"Who would've ever thought that you'd go from hating Missy because she was trying to hit on Lucas to inviting her to sit at our table, huh?" she says in the same tone
"She was jealous too?" Lucas asks with amusement
"Oh, she was. I didn't notice back then but looking back at it now makes total sense" she gasps
"You were also jealous when Smakle tried to hit on him constantly!" I start blushing and Smakle does a hair flip
"You felt threatened? By me? I feel honored"
"Enough talking now! Let's go to Topanga's instead" I smirk
"Someone's impatient to see their crush"
"Oh please.... well yes" I chuckle. I truly love her. I'd be completely lost without her, I swear.
*At Topanga's*
"Hey, what took you guys so long? I thought you stood me up" Missy tells the group as soon as we come in
"Sorry, we had a setback"
"Is everything fine?" Riley nods
"Yeah, don't worry. Everything's fine now" they sit next to each other and I can't help but smile. I hope they fall in love and be happy together. They both deserve it.
"Yeah, I'm gonna start my shift now. So, if y'all excuse me" Elliot walks behind the counter and wears his apron.
"Guys, we need to talk about the fact the I'm leaving" I look away
"Maya, you know we can't avoid it"
"I know, it just makes it more real than I want it to be" Riley smiles
"Remember the day we met him? How adorable he was while reading the book?" I smile back
"How could I not remember?"
"That was the most important day of my life"
"Why?"
"First of all: I had my first relationship" we both laugh
"It lasted for less than a minute but it was still something. And then you two introduced me to Farkle, who became my best friend"
"Hey!" Zay says offended
"You know who you are to me" he smiles
"Yeah, I know" I look at the floor as I'm trying to contain my tears knowing that we won't have anymore moments like this one
"I'll miss you, very much" he taps my shoulder
"Maya"
"Yeah?"
"Look at me" I raise my head and show him the tears that are scrolling down my cheeks
"I want you to stay" I say through loud sobs as he hugs me
"Maya, you know I want to but I have to go" I nod
"I know, I know" Shawn enters the bakery
"Hey kids. Maya, you okay?" I nod
"Yeah, I'm fine"
"Lucas. Thank you"
"For what?"
"Making her happy and treating her right...most of the time at least. You're a good guy, I feel like I might miss you"
"I feel honored Mr. Hunter"
"Shawn, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, I came to pick your mom up. We're having a date tonight"
"Hey Shawn!"
"You ready?" mom nods
"Yeah" he takes her hand and they walk out. An idea suddenly crosses my mind
"Lucas, let's go to my house, now"
"Why?"
"I need to show you something"
"Can I come too?" Riley asks innocently. She has no idea of what I'm talking about, right?
"No, unless you wanna be traumatized for the rest of your life" I take his hand
"Come on, let's go" I literally drag him away.
*In Maya's room*
"Maya, why are we here?"
"Listen il Huckleberry: this is our very last chance to do it so less talking and more action" his eyes widen
"Are you sure? I don't want you to get emotionally attached, that'll break you even more tomorrow"
"Let's be honest, I'm already emotionally attached to you" he looks hesitant
"Are you really sure about this?" I nod
"Yes, totally" I tug at the hem of his sweater
"Please" I whisper while blushing
"Okay" we both smile and start kissing
"I love you Maya"
"I love you too, Lucas" he picks me up and gently lays me down on my bed
"Is this the warmest thing you have?" I ask, referring to his sweater
"Don't worry about it, I won't need it in Texas" he bites his lip
"And I've got you to keep me warm now. Right?" I go back to kissing him, putting my arms around his waist while his travel my body. My breath is cut off not only by his kisses but also by the weight of his body on top of mine.
We keep kissing for a while until our clothes come off without discussion. He presses his bare chest against mine, catching each other's breaths as we kiss and kiss.
It's him who pulls my jeans off and then I decide to reach for his belt but he sits up on one elbow and grabs my hand instead, slowing me down.
"Hey" we turned off all the lights but I still feel like my body is glowing, too visible. I keep fighting back a flutter of panic. What if he doesn't like my body and doesn't want to do it anymore? Did I ruin everything?
He runs one finger from my shoulder to the belly button.
"Are you nervous?"
"Is it that obvious?" he gives me a reassuring smile
"Not obvious. Sweet. It's sweet" he kisses my forehead
"Listen. You don't have to. Anything more than this. This is fine. This is good"
"What if I want to?" he's quiet for a brief second, then moves that same hand along the same course it has just taken before, this time stopping for a moment at my breasts, making me moan.
"Then we will. If you want to" I lie quiet for a moment as he stops and moves away from me to dig inside his pocket. I hear the crinkly sound of a wrapping paper and then ripping. Of course, protection didn't even cross my mind.
"Hey" I put my hands on each side of Lucas' face
"I'm glad you're more prepared than I am" he smiles and I hold in my breath as I close my eyes. Everyone told me that this moment would be painful but it's not, nota at all. This is rather a gathering of all my senses.
Of all the things I imagined I'd feel, nothing could've prepared me for this kind of happiness.
*The next day, at the airport*
"Okay so I want you to do me a favor. I need you to hand these out to all the Texan girls to see, okay? And tell them if they want me to be their New York boyfriend my number is right there at the bottom of the picture, okay? Now, I only got 500 so don't be handing them out to the hairy chicks, okay?" Elliot gives Lucas his pictures, what a narcissist.
"I'll do my best" he puts them into his backpack. Elliot smiles
"I'm gonna miss you. You were always my favorite"
"Really?" he shrugs
"I-I don't know" they both laugh
"Just kidding. Give me a hug" Wow, I've never seen them being so pacific and friendly, it really warms my heart.
"Farkle, thank you"
"For what?"
"For being my friend. For believing in me and Maya as much as you believe in you and Smakle. And I have to thank you for that too, Isadora. I owe you"
"No, you don't. Your friendship was already enough"
"Zay, my man, promise me to not get in trouble again 'cause I won't be there to protect you anymore" they hug
"I won't. Well, I'll try not to. See you in summer?" Lucas nods
"Absolutely" he looks over my best friend
"Riley. Please always stay like this, okay?"
"I'll try. I hope you'll become a veterinarian"
"I hope so too. You know. I never told you guys what I did back in Texas. And it doesn't feel right to me. I know your secrets and it's finally time for you to know mine"
"Are you sure, buddy?"
"Yes, Zay. I'm ready" he takes a deep breath
"I didn't do just a thing. I did a lot of things. I was basically like Maya, just worse. I also got into a lot of fights. That's what I did"
"So, you were a bad boy!" Smakle winks at him...I think.
"Yeah, kind of"
"Ready, Lucas? They can't be waiting" Mr. Friar says
"Yeah, just a minute" he walks up in front of me
"Let's not say goodbye. Let's just say: I love you" I nod
"I love you too. I always will" we hug tightly and then kiss one last time.
"I will never forget you" he smiles widely
"Me neither. I'm glad we got to have a serious and deep conversation before I left"
"Yeah, me too" he sighs and pulls away from the hug, then picks up his luggage and walks to his terminal. This is it, this is the end.
"...Goodbye Lucas" I whisper to myself when he's out of sight. I feel Elliot patting my shoulders
"Don't spin out of control, okay?"
I can't. I just know I can't.