Girl Meets High School

Chapter 1: Welcome to High School

FLASHBACK: LAST DAY OF 8TH GRADE

"Hey!" Riley exclaimed, catching up to Maya after the bell rang, and kids were screaming and running around. "You don't have any plans for the summer, do you?"

"Do I ever?" Maya laughed, stuffing every last book from her locker into her backpack. "I'm burning all of this junk when I get home."

Riley grinned like a fool before saying, "We finally made it, Maya. We're done with this school. It sucks to not have my dad for history anymore, but we're done with this place."

"We're not done, we never are," Maya said, shaking her head. "Four more years at JQ High School. I don't think I'm gonna be able to handle this, Riles."

"Yes, you are," Riley told her confidently. "Stop putting yourself down every five seconds. You can make it through high school if you believe that you can. I know it's a cliché, but it's true. I believe in you, and so does my dad. And he's pretty much your dad!"

"He's the best," Maya said with a smile. "He was the only reason I was able to get out of Katy's house. I couldn't stand living with her anymore."

"She's not just Katy. She's your mother," Riley reminded.

"A mother is somebody who cares and loves me. My real mother is your mom. Katy is just a biological mom. She wouldn't tell me about who I am, and things were never right with her," Maya said.

"Hey, guys!" a high-pitched Farkle exclaimed, running by them. "Any chance you two ladies wanna give Farkle a goodbye kiss before he leaves for the summer?"

"Leaves?" Riley asked. "You always hang out with us during the summer. But no thanks on the kiss thing."

"As tempting as it is," Maya sarcastically said.

"I know you meant that, Hart," Farkle joked, grinning. "And no, I'm not staying here for the summer. Papa Minkus and I are leaving the country. We're doing some European travelling, baby!"

"Sounds exciting," Riley said. "You're going to JQ, right?"

"Of course," Farkle said.

"But I'm not so sure that I am," Lucas said, stepping up to them. "My dad just got a really good job offer in Texas, and I'm not sure if I'm staying here, guys. I'm visiting Texas over the summer. My dad wants to check things out again, and if they're good, I'm staying there."

"You're leaving?" Riley asked.

"Possibly," Lucas answered.

"This might be the last time I'll ever speak to you again..." Riley mumbled, glancing at Maya nervously, looking for advice on what to do.

What if it was her last chance to tell Lucas how she felt about him? She wasn't mentally prepared to blurt out that she had a massive crush on one of her extremely close friends!

"Riley, are you okay?" Lucas asked. "Is there something you want to say?"

"Well, my parents are waiting to pick me up for the airport, so I have to leave," Farkle said. "I hope you stay, Lucas. I hate to admit it, but you're the best. I'll die a little inside if you go, but I won't ever forget all the good times we've had together."

"Right. You keep going strong, Lucas," Maya agreed. "I hope you stay, too... Riley?"

"Have fun in Texas!" she blurted, and then ran away.

..............

PRESENT DAY

"I can't believe my little baby girl is going to high school!" Topanga exclaimed, grabbing the camera. "Cory, take a picture already. I want to remember this moment."