falling.

Part Two: Farkle Continued.

After returning home it was late, so I changed into my pajamas and headed to bed.

A deep sleep would have been wonderful, but instead I got almost no sleep. Tomorrow was fast approaching and I couldn't help but ask "What in the world have I gotten myself into??"

It was too late to call the fight off, I would look like a wimp, and I had to win this fight. For Riley. So, instead of being a wimp, I decide to be fortune's fool. On the contrary, staying up all night helped me think of some fighting strategies. Sure, I don't have big muscles, but I do have a big brain that could help me figure out how much power I will need to use in order to knock Friar down.

4:28 am my clock read right before I dozed off.

6:13 am my clock read when I woke up. Time for school, and the inevitable fight that was going to go down later on this morning.

While getting dressed I started thinking of other ways I could prove my love to Riley, so I wouldn't have to go through with this fight. My mind goes blank. Well, maybe Lucas will be the bigger man and call the fight off. He'll see how silly this is, won't he?
Guess there is only one way to find out.

The ride to school wasn't slow enough, but I did figure a few things out. So what if Friar doesn't call the fight off? We'll fight, and I'll probably be beaten to a pulp, but then he'll realize how idotic the fight was, and Lucas will forgive me for challenging him. Right?

Getting out the passenger side, I saw a few kids looking at me. I watched Maya walk up to me and say "Hey, Minkus."

I looked at her when she called my name. "Yeah?" I asked.

"What's up with this rumor that Friar and you are going to fight."

"It is not as rumor. I plan on fighting Lucas this morning."

Maya laughed. "You must be out of your mind. He would squah you in a second. And what's your reason to fight?"

"Well, Maya. Farkle does what Farkle wants."

"Farkle better watch out and don't bring Riley into this. I don't want her getting hurt." She coldly told me.

"She's going to find out when she hears people talking about it."

Maya shook her head. "I don't care, do not talk to her, Minkus."

I went to go say something, but the bell rang indicating it was time for school to start before I could. I walked passed Maya and into the school.

When entering the classroom I looked around for Lucas. He wasn't here yet. I sat down at my desk, at little relieved, although I don't know why. Brandon and Maya walked into the classroom, Brandon sat on top Riley's desk and Maya sat at her regular seat.
Usually, I would find interest in eavesdropping into their conversations, but today was different. I kept asking myself over exaggerated questions such as “What if Lucas is so strong he punches me in the head and I get severe brain damage, then I'll have to quit Mathletes, because I'll no longer know that slope intercept form is Y = MX + B.”

My thoughts were cut short when I heard Mr. Matthews say "Mr.Friar, you're late."

I didn't dare look at Lucas. Instead, I looked straight ahead.

"I know sir, its just-" I felt Lucas look at me "I got caught up."

Mr. Matthews nodded and began the lesson. It was torture watching the clock tick closer to the end of class, but since Maya told me to keep my mouth shut, I had nothing else to do. I knew I was about to lose Lucas as a friend and I couldn't lose Maya again, so listening to her was best.

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when I heard the bell ring. I quickly packed my things and headed out the back door. I stood against the wall for a fast second to recollect my thoughts. It was time.

I arrived at the stairwell and leaned against the wall. I watched a crowd of people make their way here to see what was about to go down. Lucas finally arrived and I watched him, as everyone else watched us.

When I got closer to him everyone began to chant "fight, fight, fight, fight."

This was insane. I was insane to be doing this. And all for what...?

"Farkle! Lucas!" I heard Riley call our names out.

And that's when I remembered what this was all for.

Both of us looked up at her. As she was walking up the stairs I told her "Stay out of this, Ry."

"Why are you two doing this?" Riley asked, ignoring me telling her to stay away.

"Because, he wanted a fight!" Lucas told her.

"So that makes it right to actually fight?"

"You ready, Friar?" I asked, pushing Lucas against the wall, in all efforts of trying to look tough.

"Farkle, stop." Riley tried getting between us, but Lucas stopped her.

"No, Riley. If its a fight Farkle wants then a fight he is going to get." He shoved me hard and I fell back a few steps.

Maybe if I go ahead and hit him, he'll throw a few punches. Hopefully make it quick.

I threw a punch at Lucas. His face got real serious real quick.

Lucas and I began throwing punches, but it was pretty hard doing so when Riley was right there trying to stop us. I heard Maya and Brandon yelling at her to get out of the way, but she refused to until we stopped. I wish she would just lis—

One scream followed by multiple others.

I turned around to see why everyone was screaming, only to find Riley lying on the floor and Brandon standing beside her unconscious body..