complicated [lucaya]

11

**Trigger Warning**

[Lucas' POV;]

We left Austin's apartment twenty minutes ago and I still haven't pulled out of the parking lot. After hearing what he had to say, I'm just happy that Maya finally got her closure. However this entire situation makes me hate Josh even more. 

"Lucas, would you please loosen your grip, I'm afraid you're gonna tear the wheel off."

The sound of Maya's voice had a calming effect on me, so I hesitantly did as she asked. "If he ever comes near you again, I'll kill him."

She sighed and leaned against the window. "I'll help you kill him."

"No, you won't kill him. I don't want you anywhere near him. You need to tell Riley."

Maya ran her hand through her hair, "I can't tell her." She looked at me. "If she knows she'll tell someone else."

"Yeah, like her dad who is Josh's brother." I can't believe she was doing this. "You can't protect him, Maya. He can't get away with this. Just tell Riley."

"He's her uncle! I don't want her to see him in that way."

I sighed and reached over to grab her hand. "Maya, you need to talk to someone about this."

"Why can't I just talk to you? You don't look at me like I'm damaged goods."

"Maya," I squeezed her hand and looked into her eyes. "You need to at least tell your parents if you're not going to talk to the Matthews. Someone needs to press charges." She stayed silent and looked away from me. Taking my hand to her chin, I gently tilted her head up and kissed her nose. "If you let him get away with this, you're going to see him and be angry with yourself. I don't want you to be mad at yourself. You did nothing wrong."

"I did everything wrong, Lucas." She shook her head and pulled her hand away from mine. "I was so infatuated with an older guy that I just disrespected myself, and he took advantage of the situation."

My heart broke as I watched tears roll down her cheeks, "Oh Maya." I pulled her in for a hug, then squeezed tighter when I felt her head buried in my neck. "It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself for this."

I kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. "How could he do this to me?"

"I don't know, but I do know that I'm never letting that bastard come near you again." She pulled away from me and wiped her tears. "Do you want to go back to school?

Maya shook her head, "I can't go back there and face Riley and Mr. Matthews. Will you take me home?"

"Whatever you want." I started the truck and and pulled out of the parking lot.

-

[Maya's POV;]

Lucas placed a gentle kiss on my temple and pulled me into his chest. "Are you going to tell your parents when they get home?"

I sighed and looked at the blank television screen. "Mom is working late and Shawn is Upstate. Besides, I don't think I'm going to tell them."

"Maya," Lucas started. "You really need to tell someone"

Glancing up at him, I caressed his cheek and looked into his eyes. "This is my decision Lucas."

His eyes softened and he gently held my wrist. "I know, and I'm sorry. It just makes me sick to even think about what he did."

Neither of us moved as we kept each other's gaze. There was a look in Lucas' eyes that I don't get to see very often: compassion for another human being. Granted, we never stopped being friends, but whenever we're acting it often seems as if he's lost his humanity