Masks.

Chapter 17 Ever Hear Of Marlie?

A/N: Okay I feel really bad because I promised a bunch of new chapters this weekend and I was gonna start up another book, but I've been so busy. I started dance again on Thursday and I have it on Monday too. On Friday I was at a football game, in the rain, soaked. And did I mention we lost? Saturday I got my homecoming dress! I had a ton of homework today but I REALLY wanted to post a chapter! I'll try really hard to post a chapter this week!
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Riley
I spun around in my dress.
"Well? How do I look?"
Maya tapped her finger against her lips.
"Mmmm good enough. It is just Farkle we're talking about here."
I rolled my eyes, a date with Farkle is just as important as any other date.
"If Lucas was taking you on a date, you would be just as excited."
This time Maya rolled her eyes.
"Yeah but.... i-it's just more complicated."
I shrugged.
"Whatever you say Maya."

Farkle
I fidgeted with my tie, I'm so nervous for this date. Finally I worked up the courage to knock on the door. Isaac, Riley's brother answered it, He was staring me down. Hard.
"Is uh Riley almost ready?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"Mhm she'll be ready soon. Our parents aren't here right now, but I'm watching you. No fast hands tonight, got it?"
I gulped, this guy means business.
"Yes sir."
After what felt like an eternity, Riley came out of her room. But it was worth it because she looked absolutely stunning.
"Woah."
I breathed.
I could see her blush a little. Maya walked out behind her.
"Ready?"
She nodded and headed towards the door. Maya grabbed my arm before I followed her.
"Hey uh don't be stupid tonight."
She let go and walked back to her room.
Riley and I headed to the subway.

Maya
With Riley on her date and Isaac who knows where I had the house to myself. Just like old times, except now I didn't have to worry about cleaning up after my drunk dad. God I hope he's rotting away in that crappy apartment.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I went to open it and almost fainted when I saw who it was.
"Gardner?!"
"Hey Hart. I heard you were staying with the Matthews, doesn't surprise me. Riley and Maya forever, right?"
I looked down embarrassed.
"It's not like that anymore, things uh changed. Anyway why are you here?"
This time Charlie seemed embarrassed.
"Riley went on a date tonight with that Fabio kid tonight right?"
I slowly nodded.
"Farkle. And yes she did."
"Then how would you like to go on a date with me?"
My eyes almost fell out of my sockets. I haven't seen this guy in years and the first thing he asks me is to go on a date?!
"I-uh I mean..."
"No no! God no it's not like a real date! I just need someone to help me spy on Riley so I make sure she doesn't fall in love with Farkle."
Part of me was relieved I didn't have to turn down Charlie, but another part of me wished he was serious.
"Yeah why not let's go."

I nervously looked around the subway, this felt so awkward. Charlie's been non-stop chasing Riley and Farkle all around the city.
"Did you see what subway they went on? I think they're headed to Bleeker street, we could catch them there."
I signed, I'm absolutely exhausted.
"No Charlie we're not gonna chase after them. You and I are gonna go home, come on I'm tired."
I grabbed his hand and practically dragged him out to the streets.
We started walking back to the apartment.
"I can't believe I'm back in the city. Everything's just so different now."
I nodded.
"People change. Like when you and I were in 5th grade I had a huge crush on you."
I slapped my hand over my mouth. I felt like a puppet. Like someone just shoved their hand up my back and made those words come out of my mouth. That never meant to happen.
"Charlie I didn't-"
He roughly grabbed me and pushed his lips against mine. I was taken aback, but something about his lips against mine just felt right. I could feel my arms start to melt into his back, they fit like puzzle pieces. I've been waiting 5 years for this moment. He pulled back a little suddenly.
"I-I'm sorry Maya, but I can't do this. I still like Riley."
Charlie walked away into the night. I stood still, wanting to disappear into the darkness.