checkered smile || maya hart (sequel)

4

I sit in the bed, surrounded by questions nobody could answer.

You ruined everyone's lives.

"Shut up," I whisper.

You shouldn't have anyone care for you.

"I don't need this right now."

Why not? Aren't you suppose to be strong? Aren't you the one who protects everyone? Well where are you now?

"QUIT IT!"

"Maya?" a voice hollers from the hall. My head is still throbbing, it sounds so far away I can't figure out if it's in my head or not.

"Who is it?"

"It's Lucas."

As he opens the door, I let myself smile. I need to have someone I can talk to about the past events.

"I heard you yell, is everything okay?

I don't want him thinking I'm crazy, so I leave him in the dark. "Just been having trouble processing all of this."

"Yeah, I get it."

"You understand? Mr. Perfect understands me? What am I, dreaming?" We both laugh together.

"Not many people know this, but I have moments like those, too," he tells me as he fiddles with the zipper on his jacket. "Obviously nothing compared to what you've gone through, but I want you to know you're not alone.

I hug him for a while, and eventually tell him "Thank you for being here for me. I know it can't be easy with everything that happened with the three of us. You don't have to do this."

"You were my friend first, and we don't abandon each other. You can still talk to me."

I take a second before opening up, knowing Lucas and I have never been close like this before. "I've wanted to have someone to talk to ever since Riley pointed that gun at me. I've been scared and confused. Happy and sad. Everything all at once is very scary."

I can tell he's at a loss of words, but who can blame him?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"No, don't apologize. You deserve people who will listen to you. I know it sounds crazy, but it will be okay soon."

We smile at each other, allowing the peaceful moment last a little longer.

"I should go, but text me, or any of us, if you need anything at all." Lucas stands up and walks out the door, lightly shutting it after waving goodbye. I lay back on my bed, being grateful that I have people by my side.

Lucas' POV

As I shut the door, I sigh.

"So?" Zay asks, impatiently.

"I didn't say anything and I shouldn't. There's no way we're ever gonna happen," I tell him, sadly. "We all know she loves Riley, that's the only person she will ever love."

"You can't give up now! Riley just put her through what could be said as the most traumatic moments of her life. Can you really see her staying with her after all of this?"

I know I can't put this on Maya. She's going through a lot, I need her to be okay.

"It's a crush, it'll probably go away."

"And if it doesn't?"

I feel the frustration eating at me, leaving me to walk away from Zay only to find Farkle around the corner. He looks confused and, quite frankly, angry.

"Farkle, it's not what you think--"

"I have to go," he interrupts as he steps away from me. "I saw Maya's dad and I want to see if he's okay."

Zay and I stay silent, not really knowing what to say. As Farkle passes by both of us, he stops and whispers to me,

"I cannot believe you."

-- END OF CHAPTER FOUR  --