What Are We Now?

(7) What Happened To The Long Game?

It was the weekend and the gang, all except Zay who refused to be a seventh wheel again, decided to meet up at Riley's house before the movies, that Friday night. They were all in her room. Smackle and Farkel were sitting on Riley's bed debating if movies dates were good for a relationship or not. Lucas was standing by the door waiting for Maya who went to the kitchen to bring some drinks for everyone. He was watching Riley as she introduced Charlie to the bay window. There they were, sitting side by side.
"This is where Maya and I have our best talks." Riley says.
"Do you talk about me here?" He asked.
Lucas looked away then, he didn't want to see Riley all shy over perfect Charlie again. What was it about him anyway? Even Mr. Matthews was in love with him. Ok maybe it was because Charlie was always good, just like his daughter. Charlie didn't have anger issues or was ever expelled from school. He was perfect for her.
"Yes." Riley laughs and looks down embarrassed. Yup that's it. Lucas walked to Riley's desk and grabbed a book, anything to distract himself from the nightmare that was his life.

"Hey Maya, what are you up to?" Topanga asks.
"Oh I'm getting drinks for everyone. You know I think Farkel is trying to get us to be more comfortable with each other, in this new situation we got ourselves into." Maya says.
"Yeah you guys are in a situation aren't ya?"
"Yeah it's weird."
"I know honey, well hopefully it will get better."
"Yeah I think I'm going to trust Farkel. He's smart, he must know what he's doing."
"No doubt about that." Topanga smiles.
There's a knock at the door, then it flys open and Josh walks in.
"Uncle bo-" Maya cuts herself off and looks down and starts setting the drinks onto a tray.
"Hey Topanga"
"Hi Josh" Topanga smiles to herself and walks out of the room. Looks like Maya forgot about her crush. Then again Maya always said that her feelings for Josh were stronger than that.
"Hi, need help with that Maya?"
Josh walks towards Maya, making her step back nervously. She bumps into the counter, and almost drops the trays she's holding, but Josh manages to steady it in her hands, their finger tips touching. Maya looks up at Josh.
"T-thanks."
"You're welcome." Josh says breathily.
"Maya?" Riley says.
Maya jumps back and the tray falls, juice spilling all over the both of them and onto the floor.
"What's going on? Oh." Farkel says.
"What happened?" Smackle asks.
"Is everything ok?" Charlie asks.
"Maya?" Lucas was the last to come into the kitchen. He face darkens as he sees Maya and Josh both wet holding the tray together. Seriously? Now that Maya and I are giving it a try, Josh suddenly has eyes for her? Lucas thought.
"Lucas," Maya laughs, "looks like Riley's clumsiness is rubbing onto me huh"
"Hey!"
"Well it's true!"
"Yeah probably." Riley says guiltily.
"Oops I guess we made a mess, sorry." Josh says, "I'll clean it right up."
"I'll help." Maya says.
"Maya, you can't you have to get cleaned up if we're going to make it to the movie on time." Lucas says.
"Yeah and I like seeing the previews to coming attractions!" Charlie adds jokingly.
"Yeah what he said." Lucas says.
"Oh you guys are going out? Can I come, I haven't been to the movies in a while." Josh says, " I can clean this up in no time."
"Unbelievable!" Lucas says.
"What's wrong with him?" Josh asks.
"Uncle Josh, you can come but you have to bring a date." Riley says.
"Easy, I'll bring Maya."
"Actually I'm taking Maya." Lucas says.
"You don't have to go with both Riley and Maya, Lucas. Let me take Maya." Josh says.
"He's not going with both, I'm going with Riley. I'm her boyfriend." Charlie says with pride.
"Wait what?"
"It's true. I'm going out with Charlie and Maya is going out with Lucas." Riley says.
"Sorry what?"
"It's true" Riley says again.
"What are you thinking! You can't just play with my niece's feelings!" Josh says grabbing Lucas by the collar.
"Uncle Josh this is my choice, I don't like Lucas anymore, I like Charlie. Please! Let him go."
"I'm sorry Riley but I don't believe that." Josh says.
"Believe it." Charlie says.
"I'm sorry Charles or whoever you are but something is not right here...Maya? What's going on. You like Lucas now? I thought you liked me. What happened to the long game?"
There was nothing that could break Maya's heart more than the boy she's liked for the longest time asking her if she likes someone else. Maya sighs. There was nothing she could say. Nothing but the truth anyway.
"Josh, I like Lucas."
"Oh..." Josh says, he looks down at the floor, " I see."
"Yeah" Lucas says robotically.
"Riley can I talk to you in your room?" Josh says.
"Sure." Riley gives Maya a meaningful look and smiles at Charlie before parting. Riley couldn't even imagine what was going to happen next.

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