Playing House~A Lucaya Story

First Encounters: Part One

Friday nights were the gang's 'study nights' in which everyone would band together to study and throw a sleepover. Last night was probably one of the most interesting study nights in the history of study nights.

The surprise had been rather pleasant when Lucas had called in a panicked rush just as the others had started on some math papers, rambling that he and Maya wouldn't be able to make it because their baby was on the way.

Riley had squealed with delight and bounced on her bed as everyone else stared at her. In swift response, she'd landed on her butt and smiled at them with elation. "Guys, oh my gosh! That was—"

"Yeah," interrupted Farkle, who was slouched in a fluffy purple desk chair. "We know who it was, Maya's gone into labor right?"

"Its about time!" Smackle had exclaimed, abandoning her papers and scrambling off the floor to high-five Riley.

"Well, now we have an excuse to ditch the studying. Thank you little Lucaya junior, may God bless the day you were conceived." Zay had smiled, slamming his book closed. "I think this calls for celebratory Tacos, anyone in? Paco's is open until midnight...?"

-

The next morning, they spent most of the time wandering cluelessly down corridors in search of the right department carrying a ridiculous amount of gifts. But eventually, after Riley had apologized to at least half of the other patients for accidentally whapping them in the face with her bunch of pink balloons, the youngsters were led to their destination and; after the nurses had taken each of their names, they were soon standing outside of room number 502.

"Oh my goodness I'm too excited to walk in! I want to live in the suspense forever and ever!" Riley beamed, bouncing on the soles of her feet.

"Someone should take away her coffee and calm her down." Farkle said.

"Yeah because that would make a difference." Replied Zay, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Riley tutted at their comments. "This coffee is for Maya. Now, do you guys think we should close our eyes before we walk in or—"

The door swung open and Riley whirled around. Lucas stood before them. His eyes were circled with with dark shadows but that didn't stop him from smiling and pulling her into a hug. "Riley, hi. Maya's been asking for you."

"Congratu—and your back is wet." Riley pulled away from him abruptly and wiped her hand on his chest.

"Yeah that's uh...baby's first yak."

Riley turned up her nose as Zay batted away the balloons and stuck his head out. "We're her too you know."

Lucas broke out with a grin and reached for his best friend's hand in a masculine shake before fist-bumping Farkle.

"Smackle." He greeted with a friendly tip of a phantom hat.

"Oh Lucas, stop it. You're a daddy now." Smackle joked.

"Yeah...That's right."

His face was lit with a newfound fatherly pride as he escorted his friends into the room. Maya was sitting upright on the bed, hair tied up into a messy bun. In her arms was a little white bundle.

Riley froze when she saw a little foot peek out from beneath the blanket.

"Maya..." She whispered, lost for words.