Rilaya: The Beauty and the Broken

Chapter 20

*Maya's POV*

A few days have passed and I still haven't entirely explained to Riley what had happened before she found me in the dark, foul alleyways. There's a certain look in her eye that tells me that she's still worried about me, but she understands I'm not ready, and I love her for that, I really do. For the most part, I've managed to cover up the wounds and bruises on my face with various types of makeup I have no idea how to use, and any questions about the remaining visible marks have been answered with a funny story about me tripping and falling down the fire escape. That worked for now, but I have a funny feeling that Topanga sees right through it. She's clever like that. She sees through me.

I still haven't fully processed the events of that morning. What was Kermit doing there, and why was he calling it his house? He hasn't lived there for over 10 years, he has no right to call that shit hole a home, no right at all. Just thinking about him made anger bubble up inside me. My heart rate increased and my heavier breathing must have given my emotions away as Riley reached for my hand and softly gazed into my eyes. This motion brought me back to reality and I realised that my hands were shaking and red-hot tears began to well up in my eyes.

"Peaches?" She whispered softly with a concerned look on her face.

I slowly shook my head, and as tears started to fall, my anger softened into pain as I laid my head on her lap and began to overthink and sob about the calamities of my past. Her gentle hands flowed through my hair providing me with great amounts of comfort as I weeped into her ripped blue jeans.

*Riley's POV*
Maya and I spent the afternoon lounging about on the couch eating various snacks and binge watching my favourite shows. But as interested in the tv as I was, I could tell that Maya wasn't feeling the same way. I can tell that Maya hasn't been feeling the same ever since that morning in the cold, filthy alley. So many questions constantly flooded my mind about what had happened, but the drained look on Maya's face made me resist the temptations to ask and to help her... at least for now anyway.
I notice that my attempts to distract the poor girl seem to have fallen through when all of a sudden the seemingly lifeless Maya next to me began to breathe rather quickly and heavily. Almost immediately I reached out my hand, gently placed it on her soft porcelain skin, and looked up, through her eyes and into her soul.
"Peaches?" The sweet nickname was all I managed to stutter out to comfort her, but it seemed to do the trick.
Her whole body began to tremble as she lay her head onto my lap and released her emotions through a flood of salty tears. I slowly ran my fingers through her stunning blonde hair, and as I stared at the broken girl on my legs, not only did my concern for her grow, but also my deep love. It was in that moment that I allowed myself to come to terms with who I am. I'm gay. There, I said it. And Maya Hart is the only girl I want to protect and look after until the very end of time.

*a few hours later*

The loud click of the lock on the door awoke me from my slumber. My mom walked through the door, seemingly exhausted from her long day at work, and made her way through to the kitchen without taking notice of my presence. "Hi Mom!" I quietly exclaimed. She gasped and quickly turned to face me. "Riley! You scare..."
"Shhh!" I interrupted her, gesturing to the sleeping beauty on my lap. She glanced over at Maya and back up at me with a slightly concerned look on her face. I know she knows something happened that day and I decided that it was time for me to explain what I saw. My Mom fixes things. She always knows how to fix things. Maybe she can help Maya. Cautiously, I lifted the girl just enough for me to wriggle out from underneath her, and made my way to the dining table to explain Wednesday morning's events.
I expected my Mom to be shocked and maybe even a bit angry but instead her face gradually expressed deeper concern as I described the situation. I can tell she really cares for Maya, as do I. We shared a love for this girl that could only grow as we collectively vowed to take care of her from now on.
Maya awoke as Dad and Auggie returned home with their joy and laughter ringing throughout the building. My Mom and I agreed we wouldn't tell dad, poor Maya didn't need anyone else on her case.
The blonde looked up at me from the couch with tear stained cheeks. She looked better. Not good but better. "Morning Peaches!" I exclaimed. "It's 4:30 in the afternoon, time to get up"
I heard a groan as I watched her bright hair disappear back behind the couch.

*Maya's POV*
I sank back into the warm couch of which I had fallen asleep on. That short nap was probably the best bit of sleep I've had in a while. My thoughts were disturbed by an excited brunette running round to the sofa, grabbing my hand and swiftly dragging me through to her room.
She quickly shut the door and sat cross legged on the bay window facing me. I couldn't help but stare as the sun reflected gold in her deep brown eyes. I stood frozen, astounded by her perfection, lost in the moment. Oh how I'd give anything to rush over to her, slowly run my fingers through her silky hair, and gently place my lips on hers. I'd decided to stop denying my feelings for the girl. They definitely weren't going away anytime soon. I scanned her face for any sign that would suggest she felt the same way, when suddenly I was interrupted as the tall brunette rushed towards me. She took my hand as she stood with her face a few inches from mine. I felt the heat of her quick breaths on my face as she gazed lovingly into my eyes. Before I could even think, I reached up and planted a quick kiss on her plump cherry pink lips.
She took a step back and immediately fear began to grow inside me. Did I read the situation wrong? Is that not what she wanted? What was she doing then? My panic however, was swiftly interrupted as I felt her passionately place her soft lips on mine, reciprocating the act.
As quickly as it began, we broke apart and gazed into eachothers eyes. My heart fluttered thinking about what had just happened. I have to tell her. I just have to.
"I love you Riley." I blurted out. I could feel the heat radiating off of my cheeks as they turned a deep shade of pink.
A smile grew on the brunette's face as she spoke the words I'd been dying to hear. "I love you too Maya."

Authors note:
Oh my god guys I'm so sorry for not updating for over a year! Oops!
I was so busy with my gcses that if I'm honest I completely forgot about wattpad and this account and this story.
I picked it back up the other day and it really helped me remember my love for writing.
Thank you so much for all of your support! Somehow I managed to get no. 4 in #rilaya which is absolutely insane.
I was going to make this into two chapters butI thought you guys deserved a long one.
I plan to update regularly so stay tuned!
Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I do.