Lucas POV

I walked down to hear my parents arguing. Their whispers ceasing to exist as I walk into the kitchen.

"Is everything okay?" I ask. I watch them exchange a look before turning to smile at me

"Yes, it's just a stressful time with your sister's wedding coming up" My mom replied as my dad moved to make himself a coffee

"Do you want a cup?" I shook my head no, as I made myself a bowl of cereal.

"So are you packed and ready the flight is early tomorrow." My dad asked as he sat next to me

"Uh yeah, I'm all good"

"How were exams?"

"I wanna say I'm confident but you can never really know," I said with a small smile

"Do you have space in your luggage your sister forgot her heels here," My mom asked pointing to the box that was sitting on the table.

"Uh, I'll make room, are you guys planning on coming down to Katy's engagement party, Maya's throwing it tonight."

"We'll try to stop by but I did warn Katy that I might not be able to make it, there's just so much going on with your sister's wedding."

"Well, I was going to go and then just bring Maya here after it so we can all leave for the airport together."

"You're not sharing a room with your girlfriend," my dad said sternly

"I'll sleep on the couch," I said while rolling my eyes

"Oh well then, sure bring her here. How late do you think you're going to be?"

"I don't know uh but if it runs too late we'll just stay up and then sleep on the plane."

"Sounds like a plan. Is that all your doing today?"

"Uh no I was going to hang out with a few of the football guys before I left"

"That's fine, We'll see you in the morning then." My dad said before kissing my mom goodbye and walking out the door. I got into my car and drove to pick Billy up.

"Jesus Friar, who knew you had such a sick ride." He said as he sat in the car

"I never drive, I mean we live in New York it's easier to walk."

"But you've been driving a lot more lately."

"Yeah, My brother's been in town lately and he's the one who picked out the car and got it for me so it's more to keep up the appearance that I use the car for his sake yanno."

"You're such an odd guy. Man, If I had a Mercedes you wouldn't find me out of the car."

"Whatever man, who else am I picking?"

"Uh Matt, Zay, Ryan and Josh."

"Cool, so uh did you figure things out with Sarah?"

"Yeah, actually she brought it up herself." I stopped the car, as Josh and Ryan moved into the back of the car.

"Nice car, Friar"

"Who brought what up?" The twins said at the same time

"Sarah" Billy said

"How do I get to Matt's house? We can throw Zay in the trunk."

" Two lefts and then a right, he lives in the orange apartment," Ryan said

"So are you single?" Josh asked Billy

"No, we're still together,"

"Did she lose her shit?" Ryan asked

"No, I mean she was upset, rightfully so I guess. I was just being selfish and I don't know I was a being a bad boyfriend. It was wrong of me to be upset at her for being busy with life."

"I guess, but you're apart of her life, I think it's expected that she makes time for you," Josh said seriously, which was not something you really got from this group of boys.

"And she promised to do so, I think that we're just going to hold on for a bit more and just work on it,"

"I don't think I can park here, someone text Matt and tell him to come outside. I'm just going to drive around the block." I drove around and came back to see Matt Sitting outside on a cooler.

"Open up the back," he yelled as he got up and picked up the cooler to put in the back

"Hey boys," Matt said with a small smile

"It's a little early in the day for beer isn't it Matty?" Billy asked turning slightly to face the redhead

"Yeah well I just found out my ex is going out with some guy, so I think I deserve a few drinks."

"Oh shit, she moved on? Already?" Billy said with a wince

"Yeah, whatever she's a bitch anyway. I say good Riddance" Ryan said smacking Matt on the back as Matt rolled his eyes

"Who's the guy," Josh asked. Matt chuckled dryly

"You won't even fucking believe it but it's Minkus." My eyes widened

"Oh, I forgot you and Amanda dated, If it makes you feel any better, I don't think it's serious and he's definitely not hooking up with her."

"No Lucas, that does not make me feel better, I haven't gotten laid in four months and she's out here making out with Farkle in dark corners. Are you kidding me?"

"Where am I supposed to sit?" Zay asked through the open window

"Ah, you can try to fit in the back with the guys or sit in the trunk. It's only like a 12-minute drive to the lake from here." I explained. Zay opened the door

"Move in," I heard the shuffling of the four boys as they tried to fit all of them in the back, which was tough cause other than Zay the three boys were built big. I heard him close the door.

"Why do you look like hell?" I heard Zay ask

"Shut up, Zay." Matt grumbled.

"Amanda's going out with Farkle," Josh informed him

"Oh yeah, I thought you knew."

"No, I did not, I saw them making out on a park bench."

"Sorry, Man, But I mean it ended for a reason right," I said sympathetically. I remember when I first found out about Maya and Charlie, it was hell.

"Yeah, I guess." We arrived at the lake, We all sat on the rocks and I laid down closing my eyes, enjoying the fresh air. You don't get air like this in the city. I heard the sound of beer bottles being popped open and passed around

"Friar, I'm assuming your DD?" Josh asked me, I nodded

"Zay, Don't drink. You don't want to show up at Katy's party drunk. Maya will have your head."

"Good point," He said before taking a swig and passing his bottle to Billy

"So what's going on with that? Have you finally closed the deal with Hart?" Ryan asked, I rolled my eyes, I was asked this often.

"No, but it's not like I'm trying. Honestly, I don't think she even sees me as a potential."

"Don't be too sure of that," Zay said throwing a rock into the water

"What does that mean? Do you know something I don't?" He shrugged

"Zay, what do you know."

"What we all know, she's very clearly interested in you but won't let it go anywhere because of Riley"

"I never got that, girls are so fucking weird about shit like that. I mean I consider Farkle a friend but I'm not going to go kick his ass because he's hanging out with Amanda."

"You're not best friends. It would be like if Daniel hooked up with Amanda." Zay explained

"I don't even think you could use Matt and Amanda as a fucking example, you two were in an actual relationship. Riley and I had one date a long ass time ago."

"Did you even date other people?" Ryan asked

"I did, Kinda, I mean I hooked up with a bunch of people."

"Why don't you just tell her you're not interested and tell Maya you are," Matt said, I sighed I wish things were that simple.

"I did tell Riley, and now she refuses to talk to me and she's barely talking to anyone else. I don't know it just doesn't seem worth fixing. Maya would never do anything that hurts Riley so it just doesn't look like it'll go anywhere"

"That sucks, man" I shrugged

"Yeah, but what can I do?"

"Isn't Maya coming to Texas with you without Riley?" Josh asked

"Yeah, For my sister's wedding,"

"So you have the entire summer to convince her to go out with you without the guilt of Riley. Think about it, by the time they see each other physically Riley will more than likely be over you and If she cares about Maya she would just want her to be happy."

"Easier said than done Josh, Easier said than done,"

"All you need is one kiss, Once you cross a line you can't just go back," Matt said

"Maya's not like that," Zay said

"I just don't get why this is still an issue. I mean it wouldn't take three years to get with someone. You had one fucking kiss and didn't do anything else together. If Riley seriously thought something was there she's kinda delusional isn't she?"

"Don't be a dick, Ryan."

"Am I wrong though? Like I don't get it, she's pretty and smart and nice so why the hell is she waiting around for you?" I shrugged, I didn't have an answer. I had no answers when it came to Riley. I never did.

*Maya POV*

I was getting ready for my mom's engagement party. It was a simple event, friends and family were invited. I reluctantly invited the Friars, secretly hoping they would be too busy to show up. The last thing I needed was more Riley and Lucas Drama before we left for Texas. I took my time getting ready, savouring the last moments in my bedroom, the last moments in this house. By the time I got back from Texas, the Harts wouldn't be living here anymore. Nope, the Harts will be moving in with Shawn. I straightened my hair, letting fall around my face softly. The party was set, I went in after school made sure the food arrived and the decorations were in place. I felt butterflies flying around in my stomach. I was nervous for so many things. Nervous that I was moving, Nervous about a man joining my family, Nervous about spending the summer away from Riley, Nervous about spending the summer as Lucas's fake girlfriend. Nervous about how I felt. I was just completely nervous. And one thing about the Harts is that we were not good at battling nerves. This summer was going to be something completely unexpected and I can't tell if that's a good thing.

*RILEY POV*

The party was in full swing. It happened to be bigger than Maya expected it to be. It was beautiful though; flowers everywhere, the smell of coffee, caramel, and sweet smelling wine wafting through the air. Shawn looked happier than I have ever seen him. Katy was glowing, I don't think I've ever seen her that way, she looked completely secure, completely happy. What a luxury that must be, security, happiness. The party ran late, the crowd filled with laughter and joy. Farkle stopped by with his date, briefly introducing her to his friends, It felt weird, awkward for reasons I wasn't sure of. Amanda was pretty, no she was hot. She was nice, yet her eyes shimmered with danger. She got along well enough with everyone, rolling her eyes with a sweet smile at Zay's attempt at flirting, Laughing with Lucas at Maya's jokes, she felt comfortable. She looked comfortable. That wasn't what shocked me though, what shocked me was how comfortable Farkle was. He leaned into her whispering something quickly before turning and leaving her with us.

"So do you plan on giving Farkle any action?" Zay asked in a playful teasing tone, as I start to tune into the conversation

"That's none of your business, now is it Babineaux?"

"Good Ole Mattey seems to think you will." I watched Lucas nudge Zay, who simply brushed him off and turned to wait for Amanda's answer

"Matthew can think whatever he wants,"

"I hope you're not using Farkle," I wasn't planning on speaking, though it seems lately I've been acting before thinking. She raised a perfect eyebrow at me.

"Uhm I assure you, Riley, I'm not using him any more than he's using me." The double meaning not only in her words but her expression as she pulled a small smirk.

" Ah so you do plan on giving him some action," Lucas said with a deep chuckle

"You're a Texan, Lucas you should know better. A lady doesn't kiss and tell." I had to physically stop from rolling my eyes. This was all too much

"Excuse me," I looked into the crowd to find Maya. she looked beautiful, parading around in a flowy yellow dress, her hair was straight and she was wearing a flower headband, her makeup was muted, and natural.

"Hey, it turned out great! What would I do without you Riles," she said pulling me into a hug, I could smell the alcohol off her breath. Drinking at her mother's engagement party was so like Maya and I'm not sure why but this action that wouldn't really bother me on any other day bothered me really badly.

"You really shouldn't drink. Especially here." She rolled her ice blue eyes and shrugged

'It's a party Riley, maybe you should loosen up. You've been so uptight all night. I can get you a glass"

"I'm not uptight, Maya. I'm responsible and quite frankly not an idiot." I said harshly. She looked at me with confusion, I could see her eyes searching to find a reason for my behaviour, it must be tough considering I could not find a reason.

"Is everything okay Riley?"

"Please stop asking me that."

"Ladies," Farkle walked up to the both of us, clearly oblivious of the tension there. He wrapped an arm around each of our shoulders.

"I think I'm heading out. This will be the last time the three of us are together until the wedding." or till school starts. I'm still not sure if I'm going to the wedding.

"You're leaving already?" maya asked resting her head on his shoulder, wrapping an arm around his waist.

"Yeah, uh Amanda wants to get going and well, I have an empty house right now, so." This was weird, this wasn't Farkle. Maya giggled,

"Be sure to use protection, kid."

"But of course, Hart." he moved us closer to give us a hug.

"I'm going to miss you both." we pulled out of the hug and stood to face each other

"You'll see Maya next week," I said quietly

"Yeah but we're the og trio Riles. We'll miss you, it won't be the same without you there" He gave me a sincere smile before leaning down and placing a kiss on my cheek.

"I'll miss you too Farkle."

"Farkle," he turned to face the brunette who grabbed his hand

"You ready to go?" she asked

"Yeah, see you, ladies." Maya leaned forward and kissed his cheek before whispering something in his ear. He sent me a look of worry before waving goodbye and walking out hand in hand with Amanda. I never liked change and so many things have changed in the last few weeks and I didn't know how to act. Farkle and Smackle broke up, Farkle was dating Amanda. Farkle lied to me, Farkle kept a secret. Lucas does not want to date me, Lucas wants to be just friends, Lucas lied to me, he was keeping secrets. Maya was keeping something. They were all keeping secrets from me, all the whispers and the worried looks. I hated it. I hated it so fucking much.

"What the hell was that Maya?" she looked at me in surprise,

"What was what?" she asked slowly

"What did you whisper to him, why did he give me that look?"

"What look?"

"The look of fucking pity you all seemed to have adopted when speaking to me." I don't swear but it felt good, the words felt so good.

"No one is giving you pity Riley, we're just worried."

"Why?"

'Cause you know everything with Lucas."

"But that's not it. You're keeping something from me what is it?"

"Riley, I'm not-"

"You are, I can see it your eyes. And plus you've lying about all those times you were painting. so why are you lying to me? We don't do that to each other. " She looked down at her shoes. Then I had a nasty thought. A thought that has been creeping into my mind a lot lately. I looked at the Texan on the other side of the room who was currently asking Katy to dance.

"Do you like Lucas?" I blurted out, blinking quickly trying to stop tears forming in my eyes. I was not going to cry, not here, not right now, I could not afford to look weak. Instead, I wanted to look angry, I wanted to see red but that's not how I felt. I knew the answer, I didn't need to hear it from her. I knew the answer, the minute I asked her I knew, or maybe I knew all along, or maybe I'm delusional and insecure. She looked at me stunned, her blue eyes filled with an emotion I didn't recognize.

"Riley, it's not what you think."

"You don't know what I think Maya. It's a simple question with a simple answer. And the fact that you're unable to give me that simple answer tells me everything I need to know. Have a safe trip Maya, I hope Texas is everything you think it will be. Please tell the Friars I send my best. And please don't try to reach me, I'll contact you on my own accord " I walked away from the party, I walked away from Maya. I could hear Maya calling my name. But I didn't want to hear it. Not right now. I don't even think I'm hurt that she likes him, or the fact that he obviously likes her. I think i'm hurt my best friend lied to me. She lied to me for how long? There was that mixture of feelings again. Hurt. Anger. Betrayal, embarrassment, overwhelming sadness. She lied to me. She let me go on for hours about him, she let me cry about him, while the whole time she liked him. She wanted him.

New York was beautiful at night, it's the city that never sleeps. I don't think I can sleep, I felt the air nip at my cheeks. It was getting late. It was past my curfew and my parents were still at the engagement party. I had no idea where I was walking to, and I knew for a fact that I would be getting in big trouble once I got home but It didn't matter. I needed a change. I didn't want to be the rule-abiding Riley Matthews anymore. I didn't want a curfew. I didn't want to be protected by everyone in my fucking life. It took me a while before I realized where I stopped in front of. This was a bad idea. No, this was an awful idea. I took out my phone and dialled a number I was not too familiar with.

"Hey, I know this is odd but uhm, I'm outside your house and I was wondering if you'd wanna go for a walk."

"Uh sure, you okay Matthews?" His voice seemed skeptical, apprehensive, as if speaking to me was a trap. And quite honestly maybe it was. I felt bold, I felt excited. I looked down at my watch. 3:02 AM. It was then Riley Matthews decided to reinvent herself.

"If I was okay, would I be standing outside your door, Charlie?"

Here is another chapter! hope you guys like it! and yes we're finally going to Texas next chapter! please review and let me know what you think, loads of love.

V