Late Night Texting Buddies

Ghost Texter

Hey Riley.. Can we talk?

..I guess

I just wanted to apologize for what I said when I thought you were Maya. I shouldn't have said I never loved you

Did you mean it? You never loved me? Not even a little bit?

Of course I loved you. How could I not? You're adorable.. but we just didn't work out as a couple. I'm sorry. You deserve so much better.

I thought you were better. The best.

Thanks. I think you're the best too.

Then.. why Maya?

Because I love her

But when did you fall in love with her? Why? If you loved me then.. why? I don't understand this.

I'm sorry Riley. It's hard to explain. I barely understand it myself, but I don't want you to feel bad. I don't like seeing you sad. I love you as a friend and I always will. Always.

..Farkle? Do you have Lucas' phone?

"Do you have Lucas' phone?" Zay snapped grabbing the smart phone with a black and navy case out of Farkle's hands. "Dude, what are you doing?" He looked down at the open message screen between "Lucas" and Riley and shook his head. "Serious bro. Lucas said he didn't want to apologize. You're gonna make more problems than solutions by texting Riley like this. Are you out of your mind? Lucas will hurt you."

"I couldn't stand idly by while Riley was so upset and Lucas was being to stubborn to apologize to her."

Zay sighed. "You weren't paying attention in the group chat were you? He's not being stubborn. He didn't want to apologize because he doesn't believe he did anything wrong. Riley was in the wrong. And your plan didn't even work because she saw right through you after a while and now she probably feels even worse." Zay shrugged. "You should have left it alone, man. Just let Lucas and Maya be happy."

"How can I?! Riley is hurting! She is upset and probably crying and I don't want that! I don't like Riley getting hurt and I don't care what I have to do to make her feel better!"

"You know something you shouldn't even have a girlfriend." Zay stated.

"What? What does my girlfriend have to do with this? This is about Riley not Isadora." Farkle said in denial.

Zay slipped Lucas' smartphone into his back pocket. "Exactly. All you care about is Riley. I bet you've been neglecting Smackle lately because you've been so focused on Riley."

"What?! No I haven't!"

"I get that she isn't the best at emotions, but I can tell she isn't happy that all you talk about is Riley. That group chat? That had to hurt her. Summoning us all into one chat just to discuss how unhappy Riley is and what we can do to make everything better for her. Nevermind Isadora and forget about Maya. All that matters is Princess Riley." Zay sucked in a breath. "Honestly, I'm sick of it. I'm sick and tired of Riley being the sun we all revolve around. I don't like the way you brush off Maya's feelings and I don't like the way you barely notice when your own girlfriend is upset. I'm done."

"What do you mean you're done?" Farkle frowned. "Does that mean that we're done being friends?"

Zay shook his head. "Nah, we can still be friends. We can talk about comics and movies and video games. You can even talk to me about nerdy science stuff. But from now on when you bring up Riley Drama I just want you to know that I'm Team Maya. I'm gonna defend Maya just like you always defend Riley." Zay placed his hand on his chest. "And I'm also gonna protect Isadora Smackle."

"Protect her from what?"

Zay smirked. "You. Any time you act like an insensitive jerk of a boyfriend I'm gonna smack you in the back of the head." He grinned brightly.

"When am I ever an- Ow!" Farkle rubbed the back of his head. "Why?!"

"For last night's group chat and for using Lucas' phone to tell another girl you will always love her."

"That's not cheating. I was just trying to make Riley feel better about this."

"Sorry I'm Team Maya and Smackle." Zay said then he walked away.

"Hey Farkle, have you seen my phone?" Lucas asked while towel drying his hair as he walked out of the boy's shower room and over to his gym bag where his stuff was.

Farkle stared at Lucas for a few seconds. "Zay has it!" He yelled then he quickly ran from the locker room.

"Okay?.. That was weird."