Deep Down

Part 1

"Guess who," Maya smirked, poking her head inside Riley's bedroom.

"Peaches!" Riley spun around, delighted to see her best friend. 

Maya climbed the rest of the way in, plopping herself down in her usual spot. "So, what's on the agenda today?" She asked.

Riley seated herself beside Maya with a side way glance. "You mean after school?"

"Ugh!" Maya groaned, throwing her head back. "Is that still everyday?"

"You're not gonna skip again, are you?" Riley questioned cautiously. 

Maya shook her head. "No," she promised. "That part of me is over."

"But you are Maya now, right?" There was hope and worry all at once on Riley's face as she waited for her best friend to answer.

Maya looked directly into Riley's brown eyes. Looking into them made it impossible for her to lie, and Maya didn't want to lie anymore. She wanted to know her true self too. Taking a deep breathe, Maya let everything out. 

"A more mellowed version, yes," Maya spoke slowly. "Part of me is changed, but I believe for the better. My important unique qualities are my own again, though." 

Riley grinned uncontrollably and embraced her friend. "Yay! I've missed you, Maya."

Maya patted Riley's arm with an amused smile. "It feels good to be back."