Girl Meets Senior Year

Waiting

"I want to go home," Maya said annoyed.

"The doctor said it would be at least another few days before the tube can come out. They won't even considering releasing you before then," said Katy to her daughter. She gave her a weak smile, "Sorry, baby girl. You're stuck here."

"Why can't you just bring me back to have it taken out later?"

Her mother moved behind her to readjust her pillows, "You know it doesn't work like that."

"Mom, I am bored out of my mind. I actually miss school, that's how bored I am!"

"You just miss Riley," she gave a knowing look. "Her parents wouldn't let her miss anymore school now that you're doing better. Today is the first day she hasn't been here all day."

"I think I preferred it when you didn't tell me what I was thinking," Maya replied, clearly frustrated.

-

Maya mindlessly clicked through the daytime programming available on her hospital room tv. There was nothing on besides talk shows and soap operas. Her mother had left to get lunch, leaving her alone.

"Knock. Knock," came a familiar voice from the doorway.

Maya's face lit up as she turned to see Riley. "What are you doing here? School isn't out yet."

"I came to see you, silly."

"Did you sneak out? Has my bad influence finally paid off?"

"I have a free period after lunch so I just have to be back by one." She walked over and handed Maya a white bag. "I brought you something."

Maya took the bag from her and looked inside, "Tacos!"

Riley smiled, "I knew you were sick of the hospital food."

"Thanks, Riles."

"You're welcome," she reached down and kissed Maya on the forehead.

Maya reached into the bag and took out two tacos, handing one to Riley. She unwrapped hers and took a large bite. When she swallowed she looked to Riley, "So how was your first day back?"

"Weird. I know the guys told us about the metal detectors and the cop out front, but it was different actually seeing them."

"They still don't have any idea where she is?" Maya asked.

"No. My dad has been keeping me in the loop with what the faculty knows. Even her parents don't know where she is!"

"So they say," Maya added.

"They are worried too. They still can't believe their daughter did any of this."

"I hope they find her soon. If feel a lot safer knowing she wasn't out there looking for another shot at you. I can't protect you from a hospital bed."

"I'm fine," she reassured her. "No one is letting me go anywhere alone anymore. I have a body guard 24/7."

"Do your guards know you are here right now?"

Riley gave her a smile, "Why do you think your mom left you alone for so long to get lunch? She came and picked me up. We had this planned."

"What?"

"Mrs. Hunter?" Riley yelled towards the door.

"I'm right out here. Just giving you girls some privacy," Katy called from a chair in the hallway.

"You two are good," Maya laughed clutching her side as she did. "I'll be so happy when that doesn't happen anymore."

"You have to be careful, baby!"

Maya looked up at her, "Baby?"

Riley blushed. "Yea. Sorry, slipped out."

"I liked it," Maya returned Riley's flushed pigment.

"I'll try to let it slip out more often then." Riley stared down at her smiling. Minutes passed before she spoke again. "Maya?"

"Yea, Riles?"

"I want to be with you."

Maya looked up from her pile of tacos to give Riley a confused stare, "You are with me, Riley."

"Peaches," Riley started but Maya quickly put the pieces together.

"Oh! You mean with me with me. Now?"

"No, that's silly. You're in the hospital. I mean when you get home. Unless you aren't ready."

"I'm ready. I've loved you since before I knew what love meant, Riles. Are you ready?"

"I think so."

"This isn't something you can just think you know. You have to be sure. This is what ended you and Lucas. I'm not risking it."

"You almost died, Maya. And if something happens to one of us I don't want any regrets."

"Sweetheart," Maya took Riley's hands in hers.

"Sweetheart?"

"If you get to add baby to our list of corny nicknames I get to add something too. It's only fair." Riley laughed, and Maya continued. "I don't need you having any regrets about us. Fear is not a reason for us to do that. I need you to be ready."

Riley changed her gaze from Maya's eyes to their entwined hands. "How will I know when I'm ready?"

"You just will."

Riley looked back up, her eyes glistening, "I love you."

"I love you too."

"I should be getting back to school."

"I wish you didn't have to leave." Maya leaned into Riley until their foreheads rested against each other's.

"Me too."

"You'll be back after last period?"

"Mmhmm. Farkle is driving me back. Everyone wants to see you."

"As much as I miss them I'd rather it just be you."

Riley closed the distance between their mouths to kiss her girlfriend. Maya moaned into her mouth.

"See, my point. We can't do that with our friends here."

"Well we could, but it would be extremely impolite," joked Riley. "I'll see you in a few hours, baby," and she gave Maya one more quick kiss.

"Missing you already, Riles," Maya said as Riley stood up from her chair and collected her backpack.

"I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Good, and bring more food with you."

Riley laughed. "Text me what you want," she said, shaking her head in amusement, as she walked towards the door.