The After Effect

Chapter 22

Farkle P.O.V

I woke up like any other day, today was going to be just as uneventful as the day before accept I have to continue to watch Riley and Charlie date as though they are soulmates.

And I have Smackle on my arm a women I was content on loving until Riley had to go and open up a wound that never healed properly, and then instead of bandaging it up again she rubbed dirt on it and left it to get infected.

Infected by her as I once was. She is my addiction, infection and love all wrapped into one and I cant seem to stop that reality.

"Farkle!" I turned and noticed I was in the cafeteria with Zay and Smackle.

I scrunched my face up. "Where's Maya and Lucas?"

Zay looked at me strangely and then leaned forward to whisper. "I thought your first question would be where is Charlie and Riley."

That's when it hit me they weren't here either.

Where the hell are they?

"Maya and Lucas are off on some super date." Repiled smackle.
She then gave me a smug look. "And as for those two love birds they literally just left to the bleachers."

Make out spot.

I clenched and unclenched my fist, as my jaw did the same.

"I am going to go get lunch." I said as I stood up.

Smackle then spoke. "But you have lunch on your tray."

I kept walking.

Zay then yelled. "And you heading for the doors."

I toned them out.

I just kept walking until I was running to get to the bleachers. To do what? I don't know. But damnit. I just, I just wanted to stop her from making a mistake.

Because as much as I hate to say it, he isn't the guy for her. I am. And I will be damned if I let her slip through my fingers once again.

I made it just to see Charlie place his hand behind her head and lean forward.

"Riley!" She turned around to face me, Charlie looked beyond irritated.

"Farkle?" She scrunched her face up in the weirdest way. "What are you doing here?"

"Stopping you from making the biggest mistake in your life, or the second biggest...because the first biggest we both are held responsible."

He shook her head. "What are we responsibly for?" She visibly gulped.

"For not getting together when we had the chance...twice."

She shook her head. "What does that have to do with this now?"

I threw my hands up. "God Riley you know what!" She looked down. "I am the one you belong with."

She shook her head as she met my eyes and a tear dropped. "You said we can't go that route. That it was for the best."

I gave a humourless laugh. "Yeah I was an complete idiot, but I am an idiot who still loves you Riley."

Her eyes widened. "You still love me?"

I smiled. "I never stopped loving you. I just ignored my feelings because it took you so long to accept yours and I couldnt sit through that pain anymore. "

"What about Smackle?"

"I love her, but I an in love with you."

She was smiling through the tears.

I then grabbed her hand as Charlie turned to leave. "You, me and Pluto."

"You, me an-" she then looked behind me and shook her head. "Farkle. I can't do this again."

I shook my head as tears slipped down my cheeks. "What do you mean?"

"You were right. I took ages...ages to finally realize my feelings, and then when I tried to admit them you were dating Smackle, God smackle. My second girl best friend. A person I did not wish to hurt. But I hurt her, Maya, Lucas and you all while discovering my feelings. I should finally take on the duties of girl code. "

I shook my head. "Riley what are you saying?"

"I am saying that yes I love you, God I love you to Pluto and back. But- I can't be with you when I left destruction in my pathway the last time we-I tried stuff. And us dating would just cause more pain. So what I am saying is I love you, but I can't  be with you." She then let go of my hand and walked past me away.

I just kept staring off in the other direction. "Riley?"

"Yes Farkle?"

"You shouldn't let fear guide your decisions. "

"Sometimes it's the wiser option."

"Will we ever be together?" She took a minute to answer while her voice cracked.

"I don't know."

I then turned to look at her to see a retreating back. And then the worst kind of image. Adjacent to her stood Smackle with tears streaming down her face, Zay stood beside her with a blank expression. He turned to leave with Riley.

"Smackle I-"

She shook her head and held up her hand. "No need to explain."

"But I would like to-"

"Honestly Farkle I get it, she is your first love and well she still is your love."

"That doesn't mean I regret a single second of you and I."

She nodded. "I know you don't and I know you really did care for me and maybe even love me." She then closed her eyes shut. "But when Riley finally revealed she felt the same an old spark within you ignited."

"Smackle-"

"And I should've know. I mean I am extremely smart and maybe deep down I knew you still loved her, I just didn't want to face it just as you and Riley didn't."

"Smackle, I am so sorry...you have no idea how much."

She nodded. "I know...I hope you get her one day Farkle."

I shook my head and laughed. "I highly doubt that Smackle, we are like-"

"Star-crossed lovers." I looked her in her eyes.

"So I am assuming this is the moment you end things with me?"

She nodded. Then patted my back. "You are very wise Farkle and I am sorry I couldn't my the one you loved." Tears were still running down her face and mine.

"And I am sorry I couldn't love you the way you deserved. "

She smiled. "Go get your Juliet." She then turned and left.

I did the first thing that popped into my mind.

I called Lucas.