girl meets the secret to life | lucaya & riarkle

10. Girl Meets the Night.

Lucas Friar's POV

"Urgh!" Maya moans. She rolls over and slams the pillow over her ears. "Lucas make them shut up!"

"I'm not magical," I groan.

"Don't sass me Friar," She mumbles. "I got up a half hour ago and fed them both. I've only been asleep for fifteen minutes. It's your turn to get them."

"Fine," I say with a huff. I snap up in bed, and stomp out of the room. The cold air startles my bare chest.

"Your shirt's on the dresser," Maya mumbles. "Hurry up before my ear drums burst. They're going to wake up Isaac and Elizabeth. It took me an hour to put them to bed."

I wave her away and walk heavily towards the screaming nursery.

This has literally been the worst night of my life. All the twins have been doing is crying.

"What do you girls want now?" I groan. I walk up to their cribs, I pick up Bethany, who's screaming louder than Grace. "Hey little one, it's okay. Daddy's here."

I rock her slowly. "Shh... shh... it's going to be okay."

The poor girl still is confused, she has no idea where she is.

And she only knows one person.

And Grace only knows one person.

"You're scared because your sister isn't right next to you," I whisper.

I place her back in her crib and put one blankets in the play pen. Then, I place the twins next to each other.

"There, your sister is right next to you."

As soon as their arms touch, the twins settle down. They find comfort in each other.

After I watch their connection in awe, something I wish I had.

And I begin to reflect.

For this whole damn project, I've thought of Riley. Of her kindness.

But I've been missing the beautiful girl who's actually with me.

Maya Hart.

A rebel. A rule breaker. A tough girl.

But she's beautiful inside and out. She loves her friends more than anything.

And she loves these kids with all her heart.

Because Maya doesn't live life like it's a game. Like sunshine and rainbows exist.

Unlike Riley.

Maya lives in a world of pain, hate, and fear. But she embraces it, and she wears it with pride.

With beauty.

And that's when I realize it.

She's mad at me most of the time because I've been so dumb.

Because I should be choosing Maya. Not Riley.

I get out of my seat quietly and leave the twins sleeping in the play pen together. I check on Elizabeth and Isaac, and to my relief, they're fast asleep.

And when I walk into our room, Maya's fast asleep too.

I lay down next to her, and wrap my arms around her.

"I choose you Maya."

And then I drift off to sleep.

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Isadora Smackle-Gardner's POV

I hug Charlie goodnight before I head up to my bedroom.

I lay on my bed, thinking.