Notorious Hope

15. Mama

Northside High-7: 56 am, Life Navigations Classroom

''Good Morning Class, welcome back to your first day of the new semester''

Riley and Lucas enter the classroom, concerned about the changing coming into effect. Betty and Jughead are already seated. Betty gives Riley an encouraging smile which Riley returns. 

Their regular principal got laid off for having an affair with a student. Mrs Grundy was always sketchy in Riley's books, now she knows why. Associate Principal McCormick stands at the forefront, her stern expression sends chills down everybody's spine.

'' Like most of you know, sexual misconduct allegations at Northside High have currently made the news headlines. Because of these allegations, we have been forced to suspend Mrs Grundy from her current position here. We have been grateful as a school during these difficult times to have somebody volunteer to step into her position. We ensure at this moment in time whether this will be permanent but I would like all of you to give a warm welcome to Mrs Lockford''

A lady, presumably in her late 30's early 40's steps into the classroom. Her caramel brown locks cascading down her back. Ocean orbs scouring the students in the room. Landing on the Jones' daughter, both of their breaths hitching.

''Good Morning class, I'm looking forward to being your teacher for the remainder of this semester. I hope that we have a good semester together. My door is always open to any of you, just remember that.''

Riley's face going as white as a ghost. An out of body experience as Lucas brings her back to reality.

''You okay, Riles?''

Locking eyes with her mother, Lucas squeezing her hand with support. His whisper calms her down slightly. Grinning slightly at his breath ricochets off of her neck.

''I can't be here right now''

Raising her shaking hand, opening her mouth, looking directly into her mother's eyes.

''Can I please go to the nurse? I'm not feeling so good''

The teacher is quick to hand her a pink slip. A familiar set of sea blue optics appear in front of her. Her boyfriend's presence known as he stands behind the brunette, while ocean optics stare into her chocolate brown ones.

''Farkle? What are you doing here?''

She's on edge as she glances from her boyfriend and back towards her ex. The tension so thick a knife could cut it. Her feelings leave her tongue-tied at the sight. She knows Lucas would never hurt her. He's earned the right to own the key to her heart. Protected her from her father. Put his life on the line for her. Even asked for her brother's permission to ask her on a date. Open with her about everything and anything she wants to know. 

 However, Farkle is still in love with her, she sees the way he looks at her. 

But she knows she can't ignore the small feelings she harbours for Farkle. He's been there for her through her mother's disappearance and her father's drug and alcohol abuse. She's confided in him about things she hasn't told anybody. Farkle sat there when she cried, breaking her tough exterior. 

''I need to talk to you, now''

Not allowing her the time to answer. Dragging her by the wrist around the corner, out of earshot from her boyfriend. She has to give him credit. The old Farkle would've never of been so rough with her. However, she is impressed by his forwardness with the situation.

''Farkle, what the hell is going on with you?''

Forcefully gripping away her wrist from Farkle's grip. Furrowing her eyebrows at the harsh actions made towards her.

''Riley, I can't hold it in anymore. I can't just sit in a corner and watch you be with a guy who could potentially hurt you. I care about you Riley, and to be quite frank with you, Lucas is practically a stranger. I've been there for you when your Mom left and when your father went to prison. I know you better than you know yourself. Riley, I still love you and there's no way that I'm giving up on you. I'm not letting some Huckleberry, cowboy, Ranger Rick take you away from me.''

Gulping at the sight of Farkle's fierce voice. Her face filled with stone, her eyebrows furrowing together. Ignoring the fluttering butterflies in her stomach, unable to deny the feelings in her heart. 

''Farkle, you've been my best friend since we were babies. I know that you still have feelings for me and I do too. But you have to understand that I have a boyfriend. Lucas is somebody who is very important to me and I know that part of me will always love you. But I guess I just need some time to process all of this''

Her mother's reappearance has shot her for a loop already. Now with Farkle's confession dreading her mind, Riley can't seem to wrap her head around everything. This is all happening way too fast. 

''Riles a-''

Unable to release audible sound from her mouth, the brunette scatters back into the classroom. Disregarding everybody's attentive stares, taking her seat in the corner seat. The class placed in utter silence. Something that Riley has never handled particularly well, especially due to the current circumstances. Her optics wander around her classmates.

She's never really given much thought to them. To be fair though, neither have they. The rumour mill in their town is very quick. Her mother's reappearance making her incredibly uncomfortable. Making her anxiety rise to an all-time high, Lucas realizes her anxious state instantaneously. Wrapping his arms around her, silently allowing him to take her towards the teacher's desk.

''Can I take her to the guidance counsellor?''

Her mother catching Riley's bruises in the corner of her eye. She does push this aside. Seeing this as a personal matter to discuss after class. 

''Of course, I hope your feeling better soon.''

Writing Riley and Lucas both a note. Lucas's hand resting on the small of her back, feeling nervous at the thought. The guidance counsellor is a nice enough person. But opening up is something that she has never been good at.

''It's gonna be okay sweetheart.''

Reaching boiling point at those 5 simple words. Clenching her fists, her knuckles redden, her nails digging into her palms.

''Can everybody stop telling me that everything's going to be okay when it won't be!? My mother threw us for a loop when she left. My brother attempted suicide the day before he passed away. My father is never around anymore. My relationship with my mother is toxic. Auggie lives with my Aunt and Uncle because it isn't safe anymore. Can everybody just leave me alone!! ''

Brushing past her boyfriend, hurriedly stomping towards the door. Only in earshot for a few more seconds to hear Lucas utter one word.

''Sweetheart...''

She glances over at the obnoxiously large clock that hangs over the schools' main building.   

8:58 am. 

Shit. 

Well, this is going to be one hell of a year