typical | rilaya au

n i n e

While braiding my hair, I heard the doorbell ring. I knew it was Maya but I definitely didn't want her to see me like this.

I finished up the braid while listening to Auggie's little footsteps run down the stairs towards the door.

I smile to myself as I eavesdrop on the conversation going on outside of my closed door.

"Hey! You must be Riley's little brother, I'm Maya." she introduced herself.

"What brings you here today Megan." questioned Auggie, clearly butchering her name.

Maya laughed sweetly before she corrected him. "It's Maya." she paused.
"- and I'm picking up Riley!"

I cringed when I heard my Dad's familiar voice ask Auggie from the other room. "Is that Maya Hart?"

Okay, that's enough. I decided. I finished up my makeup and burst out of my room to save both of us from embarrassment.

Funnily enough, that was not the case at all. In those two minutes, my parents had somehow already hit it off with Maya.

When I entered the living room, I was welcomed to the strange sight of Maya Hart having a riveting conversation with my parents.

So riveting in fact, that they didn't even notice my presence until I loudly cleared my throat.

The three of them all looked up at me, Maya just stared with a blank expression.

"Hi" was all that I could make out.

The blonde shyly waved back and smiled, "Hi"

Taking note of this interaction, both of my parents stood up simultaneously.

My dad grabbed me by the shoulders as my Mom grabbed Maya. We stayed still while they pushed both of us out the door. "Have fun kids!"

Not knowing what had just happened, we both burst into laughter. I tucked some hair behind my ear as I greeted Maya. "You look nice."

The edges of her cheek turned bright pink and she turned towards the exit. "Thanks Riles, let's go."

~

Maya was insistent on opening the car door for me even though I told her multiple times that I have my own hands.

"Shh, just let me open the door Riley!" She exclaimed.

I accepted the gesture and thanked her. But it felt different from when Lucas insisted on carrying my books. With Maya, everything just felt natural. And I liked it that way.

~

As soon as we walk in, I'm overwhelmed by the loud blaring of trap music and rambunctious teenagers.

I didn't even realize that I had grabbed Maya's hand until she started to rub her thumb on the back of my hand; soothing me.

"Follow me, you'll be fine. I promise." assured Maya. I nodded and followed her like a lost puppy through the crowd of people.

I smiled as she pulled up a chair and stood on it to reach the top of the liquor cabinet. I could've easily gotten it for her, but it was cute to see her struggle.

Seconds later, the blonde turned to face me with a huge smile on her face. "This, is our friend Jack Daniels." she smirked.

I reached out a hand to help her down from the chair which she happily accepted. She seemed the more eager of the two of us, so I let her do most of the work.

I watched from her side as Maya delicately poured the whiskey into two shot glasses. One for each of us.

When she finished, she glanced up at me and tucked a hair behind my ear. "Ready Riles?"

I nodded. "More than ever."

With that, both of us quickly downed the substance and put down the glasses. I pursed my lips at the taste of the burning liquid travelling down my throat.

"You're a natural!" Maya complimented, pouring two more shots.

"One more for good luck?" I asked.

"One more for you and I being here tonight." beat. "Together." She finished.

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, knowing that I was visibly blushing and took the shot glass from her.

I closed my eyes for a second to take in everything that had just happened. From the rush of my first shot to the same rush I got when my fingertips accidentally brushed against Maya's.

"Here's to us" I smiled again, before swallowing the drink.

~

The next couple hours were a blur. Maya and I were connected at the hip all night, travelling everywhere from the dance floor to the poolside to the kitchen.

It was now dark out and the two of us had somehow separated from the crowd and found our way to the backyard.

It was no question that I was definitely the drunker of the two, but that was okay because I trusted Maya to keep me safe.

After my third shot, my head was ringing. I stumbled as I walked, and I slurred just about every word.

I silently cursed myself knowing that I would have have my first killer hangover tomorrow morning.

The blonde and I were both laying on our backs, staring up at the stars. A little cliché, but that's just how we like it. No words were exchanged, we were just enjoying each others' presence.

That, and I was too drunk to form proper sentences.

Pushing my hands against the grass, I sat up and looked over at Maya. She looked so beautiful in this moment, with her hair naturally spread across the grass, closed eyelids, and a small smile in her lips.

"Heeyy Ma-y aa" I slurred.

She giggled and sat up as well, studying me. Maya grabbed both of my hands and looked into my eyes. "We should get going, it's kind of late. I'll drop you off at home, okay?"

I raised an eyebrow at how easily she was able to speak, it was like she wasn't even drunk.

"Nooooo" I whined, resting my chin in her shoulder. "I want to stay here, with you."

"Okay." she murmured.

I lifted my chin up from her shoulder and caught her already looking at me- specifically at my lips.

And suddenly, a desire that I didn't know I had to kiss Maya Hart appeared in my mind. Her lips looked so soft and desirable, something I couldn't bring myself to comprehend just by looking.

I needed to feel.

We had stayed in the same position for almost a minute now, both of us breathing heavily in the cool summer night. Faces inches apart, and hearts beating too fast.

I took a deep breath and decided it was finally time for me to take a risk for once in my life.

My eyes closed subconsciously while I gently placed my right hand on Maya's cheek; treating her like a fragile porcelain doll. Her breathing halted as soon as I began moving closer. She stayed motionless.

I continued to inch closer to her, my eyes still closed- anticipating to meet her lips. But it didn't happen.

Instead, I was met with a breath of fresh air and Maya scooted to the side, right before we kissed.

I was humiliated.

"Riles.." she started. I could hear the pity in her voice as I began to stand up.

"Save it, it's okay. Let's not talk about it." I said monotone, my brain suddenly began to clear up.

By now, Maya had stood up as well and grabbed my wrist. Except unlike the other two times, I remained unfazed. "Wait, let me explain-" she said.

"There's nothing to explain, let's just.." I sighed, "go home."

She nodded but stayed still in the same spot.

"Please." I begged.