I'm almost fifteen-years old and still get on Webkinz. #NoLife

~ JM/SS/CW

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"Maya, are you coming?" Riley asks, stopping in the doorway of the classroom.

Almost reluctantly, I shake my head slightly. "I'll catch up with you, I just need to ask your dad something." Before she can say anything, I quickly add, "About the homework." Riley just nods, following Lucas and Farkle out the door.

After everyone is out of the classroom, Mr. Matthews shuts the door, sitting down on the edge of his desk. Giving me a knowing look, he says, "I can tell just by the way you're acting that this isn't a question about homework. What's bothering you, Maya?"

Sighing, I look down at the floor. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. "Yesterday, I witnissed someone doing something that... made me really angry at them."

"Who was it? What were they doing?"

"It was Lucas, and.... H-He's cheating on Riley."

"What?!" Mr. Matthews jumps up, but I quickly make him sit back down.

"No, please don't tell Riley! It'll break her heart."

After staring at me for a few seconds, he sighs. "Okay. Okay, I understand." Before I can respond, he puts his hand on my shoulder. "Can I ask you a personal question, Maya?"

I nod.

"You don't have to answer, I'm not going to pressure you. Do you love Riley?"

I nod again. "Of course I love Riley, she's my best friend."

He shakes his head. "That's not really what I meant. Do you love Riley as more than just a friend? More than just a best friend?"

I shake my head frantically. "O-Of course not! Why would I like Riley in that way? What, you think I'm bi or something? You think I want to kiss her all the time and think that she's the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on? Please!"

"Maya --"

"Shut up!"

I run out of the classroom, half expecting Mr. Matthews to chase after me. But he doesn't, which I'm grateful for.

Of course it's so obvious that Mr. Matthews can tell.