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Bruises

"What happened?" Topanga tried to comfort her by rubbing her back.

Maya unintentionally flinched away from Topanga's touch.

"I went back home," she started.

She could feel all eyes on her, watching her every move and taking in her every word.

"Maya, why?" Riley asked sadly.

"I wanted to get a few of my clothes so you guys didn't have to pay for any new ones."

"Honey, don't ever worry about money," Topanga told her. "Our top priority is your safety and well-being, and it should be yours too."

"But I already have clothes, and it's kinda unnecessary for you to buy more," she argued.

Before Maya could argue any further, she was hushed by Topanga.

"How does your nose feel? Does it hurt?"

"A little," she answered.

In reality, it was throbbing and extremely painful to touch. Despite Maya's protesting, they took her to the urgent care not far from their apartment.

Topanga stayed with Maya during the examination. The doctor determined that her nose and ribs weren't broken, just severely bruised. She also had a mild concussion.

He wrote her a prescription for the pain and told her to expect bruising of both her eyes over the next few days. Then he asked Topanga to step out so he could speak with Maya in private.

"Your injuries are quite extensive," he remarked.

"You said it yourself, Doc, nothing but bruises," she shrugged.

"If those people are subjecting you to abuse, you can tell me."

"No, no," she shook her head. "They're just helping me out."

"Alright, but the law is on your side if you ever wish to report anything."

"I know," she nodded. "I'm okay."

"I just have to speak with your guardians about some things to watch out for, but other than that, you're set to go."

Maya thanked him and went into the waiting room.

"Oh my gosh, Maya, what did the doctor say?" Riley ran up to her.

"Nothing's broken, just bruised. I have a mild concussion but that's it."

"I'm so glad it's nothing more serious," she hugged Maya.

"Ow, ow, careful," Maya said quietly.

Riley loosened her grip but continued to hug her.

They got home and Maya laid on Riley's bed to relax. Maya had repeatedly told Riley that the air mattress was just as comfortable, but Riley insisted.

Riley sat at the bay window doing her homework while Maya talked about nothing in particular.

"How are you so casual about all of this?" Riley interrupted.

"I don't know, we had been dating for a while so-"

"No, not about your ex," Riley quickly stopped her. "I mean, I can't believe your stepdad would do this to you."

"He's an alcoholic with a violent streak, it's what he does," she said unbothered.

"But he hurt you, Maya."

She looked over at Riley and could see the sadness in her eyes. She seemed genuinely hurt by Maya's pain.

Maya finally understood that Riley had the gift of empathy. In Maya's experience, not many people have it, and she still struggles to comprehend what it is. Basically, Riley can somehow feel her sadness and pain, so she makes a mental note to hide things better around Riley.

"Don't worry, Riley," she smiled. "The only thing he permanently damaged was my ego."

"What do you mean?" Riley tilted her head in confusion.

"I didn't even put up a fight," Maya sounded disappointed in herself. "One punch and I was down."

"You're a teenager, and he's a grown man, not to mention he's your stepfather. You shouldn't have to worry about that."

"That's no excuse," Maya shook her head disapprovingly.

"For what it's worth, I think you've put up a pretty good fight your whole life."

Words: 623