Meeting the world

Chapter 27

Lucas's pov

~

Life without Maya was different. It was less bright. Less funny.

I didn't know her as long as Riley or Farkle did. But her departure affected me just as much as it affected them.

The day I told Mr.Matthews off for being ignorant, I went to Central Park. It's always nice there. It's so big, that you can always find a nice quiet spot to lie down and think.

And that's what I did. I thought. I thought about Maya, and Farkle and Riley and about our future.

I thought about how Maya would be if she had good parents, who cared about her and loved her. If she didn't have a father in jail and I mother who left her, how different would she be?

I guess I'll never know. But I could always imagine.

***

"You look like shit Ranger Rick." She smiled that beautiful smile of hers, her blue eyes sparkling as she spoke.

"At least I don't smell like the streets of New York."

She chuckled and punched me playfully in the arm.

"Dick."

I laughed and she did too.

"We should probably get started on this project now." She said.

"Wow, is Maya Hart actually concerned about a school project?" I gasped dramatically.

She laughed.

"Shut up. I'm serious. If I fail again my parents are going to KILL me."

I nodded. "Same."

The door opened.

A man and a woman walked in holding hands.

"Mom! Dad!" Maya got up and ran to them. She hugged them and they both hugged her back, squishing her in between them like a sandwich.

Her father saw me sitting on their couch.

"Hello Lucas." He said smiling. "Nice to see you."

"You too sir." I responded.

He grinned.

"What did I tell you boy? You're practically part of the family now! Call me Richard."

I smiled.

"You too Richard"

"Good."

"So how was the vacation? Relaxing?" Maya asked.

"It was great." Said her mother.

Richard smiled. "So beautiful. Just like my wonderful daughter and amazing wife."

Katy Hart pulled Maya and Richard in for another hug.

I sat there on the couch watching them. The Harts, a nice happy family.

I only wish that it was real. I wish Maya could of had that. I wish I could give that to her. If I could, I would do it in a heartbeat, no matter what the cost. But she was gone. And I was starting to believe it was for good.