Hi everyone!  A little note from the author! If you have any suggestions on how to make this a better story, please write them in the comments, or send me a message.  I won't be updating this in a specific pattern, but I will be updating as much as I can. If you like the story enough a vote would be thoroughly appreciated! Thank you!

~ Olivia/Deedee

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"Remember what you said when you first saw Lucas? On the metro?"

"Oh, yes! And you were putting on kiwi lipstick!"

"Yes! And I thought I was cool, but when I saw him, I melted!"

"That smile was the cutest thing ever, though." Riley and I turn our heads to see Lucas leaning on the doorframe to my bedroom. Riley blushes and looks at me. I scoot over and pat the empty space.

"Come sit with us, Huckleberry," I say, and Lucas obeys, squeezing next to Riley and I. "Lucas remember what I said to you on the metro?"

"Most of it."

"Wait, here." I stand up, and Riley giggles, clutching onto Lucas' arm. I walk up to Lucas, "Hi I'm Maya. You're really cute. We should hang out sometime. You make me happy. You don't pay enough attention to me. This isn't working out. It's you, not me. We can still be friends. Not really." I say and turn away.

"Wow, every word," Lucas says, and claps. Riley looks at me, smiling. "Maya, you also used to make this noise in m-"

"Ha-Hurr!" I yell, and he jumps back, surprised, and then starts to laugh.

"Yep, that exactly." He says, and I sit down again, grinning.

"Uhm, Lucas do you want to go out for lunch?" Riley says, turning to Lucas. She gives me a look that I saw in middle and high school. Jealousy.

"Yeah, you guys go. I have some schoolwork to catch up on. Big, uh, project. For... History!" I say, putting on a faux smile. Lucas starts to say something, but Riley grabs his arm and drags him off.

"Bye...!" I say, halfheartedly. I sit down on my bed and look at the photos on the nightstand. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial a number.

"Joshua Matthews speaking, how may I help you."

"Hi," I say, then frown at the silence. "It's Maya. Maya Hu-"

"I know who it is! What do you want?" He snaps, and I'm appalled.

"I just wanted to check in. See how you were doing." I say, biting my lip while waiting for a response.

"Maya, you left. I haven't heard a peep out of you for weeks, your parents won't tell me anything and neither will Riley, Lucas, Farkle, Zay, and Smackle. You can't do that." He says, his words slurred over the phone. I close my eyes and let out a shaky breath. "Are you crying? Please don't cry.." He says, and my breath catches.

"You're right. I'm sorry." I say, and I hear him sigh. "I-" I stop, not having any to say. I lay down on my bed, the phone still to my ear.

"Maya, I uh, I have to go. Work is calling..." He says and I sigh.

"Okay. Can we talk again later?"

"Year sure. Bye, Maya." He doesn't hang up.

"Hey, Josh?"

"Yes?"

"Remember. I'm in it for the long game." I say. I hear him sigh, but I can tell he's smiling while he does. "Bye-bye," I say, and hang up. I smile to myself and close my eyes, hugging my pillow. As I drift off my phone rings loudly. It's dad's ringtone.

"Maya? Maya, are you there?"

"Hi, Dad, what's up?"

"Your mom had the baby! I've texted you multiple times. She's really disappointed you weren't there..."

"What? No, you haven't." I look at my messages and see six new messages from dad and three from mom. "Yes, you did..." I say. "I'll be there soon. I'm leaving the house now." I say, and hang up.

"Maya! Maya! Maya!" I hear the front door open, and Riley calls my name.

"Riles, I have to go. Mom had the baby." I say, grabbing my bag, and heading towards the door.

"Maya! Look!" She yells and I look over at her in shock. "Riley, I have to go. Family first." I say, the words stinging my throat. She looks hurt, but I know she understands. I nod at Lucas, and run out of the door, swinging it closed behind me. I jump on my bike and zoom to the hospital. I run in, and sprint to the front desk.

"Patient's name?"

"K-Katy H-hunter," I say, catching my breath.

"Maternity Ward, room 327." The lady says, and I thank her before racing up the stairs, into the maternity ward. I walk through the hallway and open room 327.

"Maya?" I hear dad's voice, and see his face pop around a corner. He smiles slightly and motions for me to follow him. I see my mom, sleeping on her cot, with a small little boy in her hands.

"Cory Kermit Hun-"

"You named him after my biological father?" I whisper, glancing at mom then back at dad.

"It was your mom's choice. I chose Cory, though..."

"Yeah. I like Cory." I mutter, looking at the baby. I reach my hand out and caress the baby's soft, lumpy head. I smile, and my eyes fill with tears. "Hi, Cory," I say, running my finger down his little cheek. Dad smiles at me and puts his arm around my shoulder. My phone starts to ring, and I look down. Josh is calling again. I look at dad, and he gives me a small nod, so I leave the room and answer the call.

"Hey, Josh," I say, but nobody responds on the other line. "Josh? You there?" I ask, leaning against a wall.