Their World | Rilaya

72: Thankful

"What am I thankful for? Like every year in the past I would have to say I'm thankful for my family, friends and health. However, this year I am thankful for something I have never realized I should be thankful for, and that would be my mistakes. Recently I have made some mistakes that have heavily impacted my life in a negative way. I didn't take responsibility for one small mistake, and I turned it into the biggest one of my life. I hurt people that mean more than anything to me. I lost the privilege to call these people my friends. I messed up and I'm sorry. I wish that it wouldn't have taken this to make me realize that I can't take things for granted, especially when they mean so much to you. My mistakes made me realize what's important in life, the people I love. I've grown and I've learned, but that doesn't mean that I'll will get these friends back, and I know that. Although I regret these mistakes, I am still thankful that I made them, because I learned a priceless lesson. Even if my friends don't accept my apology I want them to know that if someone new comes into my life that is important, I will never take them for granted. I will cherish them, I will love them, I will protect them. I'm sorry I didn't do that for all of my friends before, like I should have. One last thing I am thankful for is the friends that I had. I still see you all as my friends, even if all of you don't see me as the same. I am thankful for you now, I was thankful for you then and I will always be thankful for you. If I had one thing that I would hope to be thankful for next year, it would be that these friends accepted my apology, and we were able to make up."

Lucas nods his head to show that he is done talking.

"Thank you, Mr. Friar. I said that it only had to be a couple of sentences, but it's nice to see that go above and beyond," Cory states. "You may take your seat."

As soon as Lucas' back is to Cory, Cory silently gestures the class to start clapping.

Everyone awkwardly looks around the room that is currently full of tension, and soon all of the class slowly begins to clap. Well all of the class expect for Maya and Farkle, as even Riley and Zay give Lucas a couple of quiet claps out of politeness.

Lucas stops right in front of Riley, Maya, Farkle, Zay and Smackle's desks. "I don't know how many times I have to say that I'm sorry, but I am. Please can you at least think about forgiving me?"

"I forgive you, Lucas," Smackle says.

Everyone in the group instantly turns towards Smackle with a death glare.

"Really?" Lucas asks, with a smile of hope.

Smackle looks around at her friends. "I mean no, stop flirting with me. You and I are never going to happen."

Lucas lets out a small laugh, simply because it's been so long since he talked to anyone of them and he missed Smackle's funny attempts of flirting. His laugh soon turns into a sigh and he continues to his seat.

"Well class it looks like we are almost out of time, so no one else has to share what they are thankful for," Cory states.

There is a bit of muffled celebration scattered around the room.

"I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. I will see you all next Monday."

[Later that evening.]

"Is that everything?" Topanga asks, as she put the last bag in the car.

"Yeah, I think so," Riley confirms.

"Okay then-" Topanga starts.

"Next stop, Philadelphia!" Cory and Shawn shout in unison.

"Are you excited, Maya?" Riley asks her girlfriend.

"For Thanksgiving with both of our families in Philadelphia, yes. For spending the next two hours in a car with those two dorks," Maya says, pointing at Cory and Shawn who are still happily celebrating and skipping around. "No."

Riley laughs at the sight of Cory and Shawn. "Hey, you will still have me."

"Yeah, but why were we the ones that got stuck with them? How come Auggie gets to go in the same car as our moms."

"Because he is smart and asked first," Topanga says, interrupting their conversation. "Now get in the car. You two are only stuck with them for two hours. I've been stuck with them my whole life."

"Come on, you two both love them and you know it," Riley claims.

Topanga and Maya look at each other and then Cory and Shawn and smile.

"Let's hurry up. We've got a ways to go before we get to Philadelphia," Maya says, as she climbs into the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Next stop, Philadelphia! Who's excited? Cory and Shawn sure are. This takes place a few months after the whole Lucas event, and he obviously still hasn't been forgiven, but should he be?

Sequel Question:

Not a new question, but if you still have any suggestions for what the second generation's names should be leave a comment.

Again:

Minkus will be a girl.

Babineaux will be a boy.

Friar will be a boy.