typical | rilaya au

s e v e n t e e n

I groaned to myself as I rolled over, spreading my arm to the other side of the bed. I was shocked when my arm hit another body and I remembered that Maya and I slept together last night.

I gradually opened my eyes and rubbed them, appreciating the sunlight that shone on all of her features while asleep. I couldn't laugh at how typical it was for Maya to be such a loud snorer.

I froze as she unconsciously wrapped her arm around my waist and pulled me closer into her chest. I didn't protest, but enjoyed the moment as I cuddled into her side.

I felt her beginning to stir as I looked up, still engulfed by her arms. "Morning" I smiled sweetly, my voice still raspy from sleep.

Maya opened her eyes slowly and looked at me. "You're so cute in the morning." She flirted and tucked a loose stand of hair behind my ear.

"What time is it?" She asked tiredly. I glanced at my alarm clock and replied.

"7:52"

Maya groaned and shut her eyes again. "Can we sleep in?" She pouted.

I melted at her cuteness and nodded, even though I know she couldn't see me. "It's the weekend, so sure." I agreed. I stayed quiet for a couple more seconds thinking that she hadn't heard me. But then I saw the faintest smile tug on her lips as her breaths became heavy.

~

Shortly after Maya fell asleep I followed, completely forgetting that my parents would be home by the afternoon. I nudged the beautiful blonde beside me and whispered for her to wake up.

"It's already 1pm Maya you've been sleeping for 13 hours." I chuckled lightly and cuddled into her arms again.

"I love you honey." Maya said from her heart as she kissed me on the forehead.

Then, something inevitable happened. My dad stormed into my room.

It took him a split second to comprehend what was going on. His homophobic eyes were scanning over the scene in front on him.

I watched as his eyes widened when he saw his gay daughter and her girlfriend both half naked and lying in each others' arms in bed. It was truly a sight to be seen.

He went to open his mouth to speak but no words come out. Shock became the new emotion in this room, replacing the innocent love that filled it mere seconds ago.

Maya and I froze, what else could we do? We were caught red handed and there was nobody to blame but ourselves.

"Get dressed and out of bed I want to have a word with you." He said firmly, hatred seeping through his words. "Maya. You should leave."

I frowned as I watched the blonde shrugging her shirt over her head and putting her pants on. I grabbed her wrist in protest. "No. She's staying or I leave." I argue with him.

"Riles, it's okay. I don't want to interfere with something that's not my business. I'll see you later." She said softly and smiled at me.

I nodded at her, appreciating the soft side she shows for only me.

My dad stepped to the side as Maya awkwardly shuffled out the door. Leaving me alone with my biggest fear.

"Care to explain?" He asked after what felt like a century.

I looked him up and down, thinking about how gentle and loving a father he used to be. His strictness grew throughout the years, as his youth faded away.

"I love her, daddy." I was a little taken back by my use of that phrase. I haven't called him that since I entered elementary school. It brought out the soft side of him though, his facade wavered for a split second when he remembered his little girl. I inhaled deeply and spoke without a filter for the first time in my life.

"I love her and there's nothing you can do about it. I know you don't like people like me but all I've ever wanted to do was impress you. That's why I started running."

I paused.

"Everything I've done in my life has been for you. Just please, let me have this one thing. Even if you don't personally approve of it."

His expression remained stone cold, like he was waiting for me to finish talking before he could tell me about how much of a disappointment I am.

"Maya.. she brings out the best of me." I ran a hand through my hair and looked into his eyes, no longer scared.

"When I'm around her, my heart speeds up, she makes me laugh and keeps me focused on the good things in life. I want to be happy, and if that means I have to do it without your approval, so be it." I finished, a little out of breath from this sudden surge of courage.

I could feel my heart physically breaking in two when he shook his head. "It's not right Riley, you of all people should know this."

"Know what?!" I exclaimed, louder than I had expected. "It's 2017, open your eyes dad, I love her the way you love mom."

"I don't have time for this." He huffed and left my room. It seemed he left the house too, when I heard the front door slam shut.

"Riley" My mom called out from the living room. "What was your father so upset about?"

I wiped a tear from my cheek and stood up straight.

He will not ruin my happiness.

My feet carried themselves to the living room. I was surprised when I saw my mom and Maya sitting together on the couch, having a lighthearted conversation.

As soon as they saw me, my mom stood up and embraced me in a hug. "Oh honey, it'll be okay I promise." I nodded obediently and fought back tears. "Your father went out for a little drive, I'll set him straight when he comes back Riles."

I pulled away and glanced from her to a grinning Maya perched on the couch.

"Your girlfriend here told me everything." My mom explained with a smirk, reading the confused look on my face.

I turned my body to the right and smiled at her. 'Thank you' I mouthed, to which she replied with a nod.

~

3 hours have passed and my dad still hasn't come home yet. A part of me began to worry for his wellbeing but pushed those thoughts away.

I pushed around the peas on my plate as Maya analyzed me. "You okay?" She whispered in my ear, so that Auggie or my mom couldn't hear.

I shook my head up and down like nothing was wrong.

The door creaked open slightly as a man I recognized as my dad stepped forward. His appearance unchanged but somehow completely different at the same time.

"I'm sorry Riley." were the first words he uttered out. I ran into his arms and cried, accepting his apology. "Thank you. For accepting me dad."

"I thought about what you said, and how passionate you were about her. I've never seen you care for someone that much before." He remarked.

He glanced up towards the dining table where Maya was seated, watching the whole affair.

"If my daughters in love with someone, I'm glad it's you Maya." He acknowledged her compassionately.
"But don't get me wrong, I'm only letting this happen because I like you so much." He joked.

"Thank you Mr. Matthews." Replied a giggly Maya. My heart was bursting at the seams as I listened to her angelic laugh.

Maybe everything will be okay.