Photograph [Maya Hart]

20 ~ talk

The following morning, Harley got woken up by Cassie, who was already dressed and ready for the day.

Harley got out of bed and got ready himself. The two began heading down the stairs with their friends when they saw Riley down there, wearing the clothes she was wearing the previous day.

"It was really great talking to you, Evan, but I have to get upstairs right now before -" she stopped realizing...

She turned around to see her friends standing on the stairs, watching.

Maya had a smile on her face.

"She's wearing the same clothes as yesterday," Maya said.

"Who's that?" Cassie asked curiously.

"While we're wearing, new, different clothes," Maya continued. "She looks sleepy to me."

"Ma - Dad!" Riley exclaimed, turning to her parents.

"You got caught, kid," Mr. Matthews said.

"You know what helps, though?" Mrs. Matthews said.

"Nothin'!"

Riley stared at her parents.

Mrs. Matthews agreed and the two walked away.

"Okay," Riley said as Harley, Gabe, Maya and Cassie walked down the stairs. "This is ridiculous. Are you really going to make me explain myself?"

"What do you think?" Maya said.

"I guess," Gabe shrugged, unsure of what to say.

"Yes," Maya nodded.

"Okay, then fine," Riley said. "I have this boot on," she lifted her injured foot up, "I am hobbled. As a person who is hobbled, all I can do is talk."

"Did Maya offer you help up?" Harley reminded her.

Riley frowned and gave him a look.

Riley hugged Maya and said, "What do you want to do today, Maya?"

"It's not about today," Maya said. "It's about last night."

"All we did is talk," Riley said.

"That's it?" Gabe said.

"Yeah," Riley said.

Gabe nodded, understandingly.

"Are you okay, Gabe?" Riley asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Gabe said. "I am," he smiled. "I'm just hungry."

He walked away.

Harley and Cassie moved out of the way for Gabe to pass.

Riley looked at Maya.

"I'll take care of it," Maya assured her.

She headed over to Gabe.