Protected

Tie

I went to the other side of the house, to the gym, where there was a makeshift guy-beauty-parlor. There was a partition put up.

I went to Farkle, who was adjusting his tux nervously.

"You look great, Maya," he said.

"Thanks, Farkle. Wait until you see Riley," I said. His eyes shined.

"Why isn't your tie on?" I asked, "You know how to tie one, you had to all the time for your debate tournaments."

He stared down at his feet, "My hands were shaking too bad," he said to the ground.

I smiled, "Understandable."

I grabbed the tie from where it was hanging on the arm of the elliptical, and started to tie it.

"So," I said, "You're getting married."

"I'm getting married," he said.

"That's pretty big," I commented.

"Yeah. Yeah, it is," he said.

I finished tying his tie and patted his chest. 

"Everything's going to be great. Everything is great," I said.

"Yeah," he smiled sheepishly, "I'm getting married."

And then the tears were coming, streaming down my cheeks.

Farkle jumped, "Maya! Don't cry... why are you crying... please don't cry."

I threw my arms around him, "You're not my tiny baby bowl-cut turtleneck weirdo anymore!" I bawled into his chest.

He laughed, "No. I'm not. Sorry?" he said.

I shook my head, laughing through my tears, "I just mean- that- you weren't supposed to get married yet- you had to get all big and-"

He raised his eyebrows, "Have you seen my freakin' biceps, Maya? How much more grown up am I supposed to get?" he said, laughing, "Please stop crying. I can't deal with crying."

I laughed, "Shit, my makeup," I dabbed at my eyes.

"Did it smudge?" I asked, looking up at Farkle.

He examined my eyes, "No. It's still perfect."

He brushed a tear from my cheek, and then kissed my forehead, "I'm marrying the sun, Maya. But I still love you. You're my sister. My best friend." I smiled and hugged him one last time, squeezing as hard as I could.

"I should probably go help Lucas," I said, "he doesn't know how to tie a tie."

Farkle nodded and started pacing back and forth. I went behind the partition, where Lucas was waiting, in a tux.

I held my hand out. He huffed and handed me the tie. I started tying it, while he played with my hair over my shoulder.

"Are you excited?" he asked.

"To give my baby away?" I said.

"Which baby? Farkle or Riley?" he asked.

I laughed, "Both. I mean, when they were dating, I was there. I was still a part of them, but not as much as I used to be. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for them. It's just... now Riley legally belongs to Farkle, and Farkle legally belongs to Riley. Riley isn't all mine anymore," I finished his tie, then straightened it, "It's an adjustment."

He half smiled, and tilted my head up, pressing his lips to mine, "It's okay. I can be all yours'," he assured me. I smiled and buried my head in his chest.

"Anyway. I have to go help Ava and Zay get ready," I said, kissing him one last time, "See you in a few hours."

"Bye," Lucas said, "Maya?"

"Hm?" I said, turning back around.

"I really am all yours'."

I smiled, "I know."