Meeting the world

Chapter 20

Farkle's pov

~

When Lucas invited me to Chuck's party, I was surprised. How did a 7th grader like Lucas get invited to a 9th grade party hosted by the one and only Chuck Gilbert?

Of course I declined, but I was kind of worried. Chuck and his crew were bad news.

I didn't say anything because I was too busy worrying about Maya to be worrying about Lucas. After what had happened, she wasn't really the same. Sure she cracked jokes all the time, but everytime a personal question came up, she deflected it with sarcasm.

Today was Friday, and the whole school was talking about Chuck Gilbert's party. Apparently it was going to be the sickest party of the year.

I walked into Mr.Matthews class and sat down in my usual seat, right behind Riley.

She was already in her seat, but Maya wasn't. That's weird considering they always walk together to class.

"Where's Maya?" I asked.

She turned around to face me.

"Outside talking to Lucas. Apparently they have things to um...discuss."

"What could they possibly have to discuss?" I asked. It was strange that Maya and Lucas were talking outside. And the way Riley said it, it sounded serious.

"I don't know." She said quickly. I knew she was lying, but I didn't push her because she seemed uncomfortable.

"Okay." I took my books out as the bell rang and class started. But for once, I wasn't really paying attention. I was thinking about Maya and her family, about Lucas and his new friend Chuck, about the party tonight, about the secret my friends were keeping from me, everything except the lesson.

"Mr.Farkle." I heard my name and got pulled back into reality.

"Uh..yes?"

Mr.Matthews looked me strangely, noticing I wasn't into it today. I expected him to ask me a question on the lesson, just to make sure if I was listening, but instead he asked:

"Do you know where Mr.Friar and Miss Hart are?"

I quickly looked at Maya and Lucas's desks. Both empty. I hadn't even noticed. I figured they would have been back by now.

"Oh uh no I haven't seen them."

He nodded and scratched his chin.

"Interesting. How about you Miss Matthews?"

Riley shook her head.

"I don't know."

He sighed and continued his lesson, not mentioning them once during the entire rest of the class.

***

When the bell rang Mr.Matthews asked Riley and I to stay.

When everyone left he asked us again.

"Look, I understand you didn't want to sell out your friends in front of the entire class, so tell me know, where are they?"

"We honestly don't know Dad." Riley answered.

I nodded in agreement. "I haven't seen them all morning."

He stared at us for a moment decided wether or not to believe us.

"Fine. You can go."

We both left and headed to the cafeteria for lunch.

"Do you know where they are?" I asked.

She looked concerned.

"No I don't. That's the problem."

I was tired of the secrets.

"Riley what happened between Maya and Lucas?" I was frustrated.

There was a moment of silence, and then she spoke.

"The day Lucas brought Maya back to his house, they um...they kissed. And I walked in on them. Today they were discussing they're...relationship."

They kissed? Maya and Lucas? Their relationship? I did it know why, but I was angry. I felt betrayed, even though Maya and I were never really together. Even though I never told Lucas that I had a crush on her. I pushed my mixed feelings aside and asked Riley where she thought they would be.

She shrugged.

As if on cue Maya came running towards us.

"Guys!"

I ran towards her, Riley behind me.

"Where the hell were you today?" I shouted.

She smiled. "Calm down Freakle. I was with Lucas."

I hated when she called me Freakle. But it was kinda hot.

"So where's your...relationship status at?" Asked Riley.

"Don't worry Riles. It was a one time thing. We aren't dating if that's what your asking. We're just friends."

"Oh, do you kiss all your friends?" I snapped.

"As a matter fact I do. Come give me a kiss Freakle." She retorted.

I was tempted.

"Don't mind if I do."

Riley looked at me and Maya in disgust.

"Guys please don't." She said making a face.

Maya laughed.

"Dude I wasn't going to kiss him."

I laughed also.

"It's probably cuz my lips are too sexy for yours right Maya?"

She nodded. "Yup. That's it."

Riley smiled.

"So I'll see you guys at the party tonight?" She asked.

"Wait, you guys are going?"

Riley nodded but Maya looked uncertain.

"I don't know...I don't think we should go."

Riley shook her head in protest.

"No come on, it'll be fun."

"Riles-"

"Maya you gotta come! Once you get there you'll have a blast."

I looked at both of them shocked. They had reversed roles. This time Riley was the one convincing Maya to do something rebellious, and for the first time, Maya didn't want to do it.

"Riley the people hosting the party are bad news. Believe me I know."

"It's just for one night."

After 10 minutes if arguing, Riley convinced Maya and I to go.

"See ya there." She said as we left the school.