Character Analysis: The City Girl

[Author’s Note: I was reading The City Girl by MadameX818, and I was inspired to write my own story with a similar concept. By no means is this the same story, or I am trying to plagiarize her work.]
Despite the packing boxes and the moving truck parked on her street, Riley Matthews could not accept the fact that she was moving to Austin, Texas. She had only ever known New York City as home. Her two best friends, Maya Hart and Farkle Minkus, lived and conquered the world with her since the first grade. The trio was inseparable. What would she do without them? Her mom promised her that she would make new friends in Texas, but Riley couldn’t trust that. She would be the weird new girl from a state up north. Moving to Texas would be the end of

her life as she knew it.
“How ya doin’?” Topanga Matthews asked as she peeked into her daughter’s bedroom. A frown entered her face when she realized Riley had barely packed. “Sweetie, we are leaving tonight. The truck has to be loaded.” Topanga reminded as she grabbed the empty suitcase off the floor and started packing the clothes in Riley’s closet. “I’m not going, Mom.” Riley protested from her bed. “You are going Riley. Moving is a part of showing you the world. Now why don’t you help me pack your room?” Topanga answered while stripping a dress from its hanger and neatly folding it.. Riley sighed as she removed herself from her bed and started towards her desk. Slowly, she loaded the items from her desk into the box. “Fine, I’ll go, but I am not going to like it.” the usual cheerful Riley huffed. Topanga shook her head at her daughter’s dramatics. At least Auggie was excited to move.

Flash forward to the next morning…

Cory looked at his sleeping children in the rear view mirror. They had been on the road for six hours and still had about twenty left. He had volunteered to take the first shift of driving while Topanga slept; they would switch after they stopped for breakfast. Cory knew the move would be hard on the whole family, but he was being offered a job opportunity that he couldn’t pass up. He loved teaching history to middle schoolers, but being the dean at the University of Texas Austin was huge. He would be making more than he made in a year at John Quincy Adams Middle School. Still, Topanga would have to find a new law firm to work for. The bakery that the Matthews family owned would stay open, but Katy Hart would now be the manager.
Cory pulled over at the next rest stop.

He needed to take a break from driving and use the restroom. He gently shook his wife awake and told her that he would be back in a few minutes. Topanga uttered a reply and went back to sleep. Cory locked his sleeping family in the car and headed to the restroom. On his return from the bathroom, Cory noticed the beautiful sunrise. He stood still and admired the beauty. Lost in the moment, he didn’t notice that his daughter had woken up, gotten out of the car, and was now beside him. “Dad?” Riley broke his moment. The startled Cory jumped at the words of his daughter, but he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, bringing her into a side hug. “Yes Riley?” he answered softly. “How did you feel when you left Philadelphia for New York? Was it hard to leave Shawn behind?” she asked. “Extremely.” Cory

said.

[Ending Note: This is only the prologue of this story; my chapters will be longer if I continue writing it. What do you think? Would you be interested if I continued it? Please let me know.]

“I just got off the phone with your new middle school. You are all set to start tomorrow.” Cory announced as he entered his daughter’s new bedroom. Riley, positioned on her unmade mattress, was staring at a picture frame. Her yes remained locked on the object in her hand, and she made no verbal response. Cory approached and sat down beside her to get a better look at what his daughter was fixated on. The photograph portrayed twelve year old Riley, Maya, and Farkle at the pool. He remember the moment quite well since he had taken the photograph.
The Matthews family offered to bring Farkle and Maya to Central Park with them for the
day. After visiting the zoo in the morning, the family settled down at the pool, so the kids could swim. Topanga and Auggie were splashing in the kiddie pool while the three tweens sat at the edge of the pool with their toes dipped in the water. “Look here” Cory prompted and they all turned to face him. Cory snapped a photo before they realized what was happening and could object to it. The photograph had captured each of their personalities; Maya trying to convince Riley to help her push Farkle in. Farkle tried to explain why he was afraid to get in with drowning rates, and Riley just happy to be with her two best friends. Cory had copies printed of the photo and framed them for each kid. It showed how strong their relationship was.
“Dad I can’t go to a new school. I’ll be without them. They don't have a worry or be scared because they still have each other. I am all by myself.” Riley answered. “You can do this, Riley. You will make new friends and find quickly enough that you will fit in.” Cory encouraged. “Why couldn’t I live with Maya and stay at John Quincy Adams?” Riley asked in response. “Because I would miss you too much.” Cory said as he wrapped his daughter in a bear hug. Riley sighed; she had no clue that her friends would struggle just as much without her.

Back In New York City

“Farkle, I can’t do it.” Maya insisted as she stood firm outside their history classroom. “Riley will not be beside me, and Mr. Matthews will no longer be our teacher. How am I supposed to pass without them?” Maya continued. “You can do this, Maya. I’m still here.” Farkle tried to comfort, but he was freaking out as well. Mr. Matthews was the only teacher who allowed for Farkle time. How was he suppose to prove his supremacy to his peers if he couldn’t speak in front of them? Maya bit her lip and looked at the doorway to their history class. “You go first” Maya said as she used one hand to cover her eyes and the other to grab onto Farkle’s arm. A smile entered Farkle’s face as Maya grabbed onto him, but it dissipated as he pushed open the door to the classroom.
“Hello, I’m your new eighth grade history teacher, Mr.

Masten. What are your names?” the new teacher greeted when he saw Maya and Farkle enter the classroom. He was a bit concerned that the girl was hiding her face and using her friend as a guide. “I am Farkle Minkus, and this is my best friend, Maya Hart.” Farkle introduced while motioning with his free arm. Mr. Masten nodded. The former teacher, Mr. Matthews, had left detailed notes on all the students especially these two. “Pleased to meet you. If you want to take your seats, we will get started in a few minutes.” Mr. Masten suggested before turning his attention to another group of students entering the classroom. Farkle led Maya and deposited at her desk. The fourteen year old had yet to uncover her eyes. Maya slowly lifted her head and looked at Farkle. “Sit in Riley’s desk.” she whispered. Farkle felt funny as he obeyed Maya’s request; he had become accustomed to sitting in the desk behind Riley. It was almost felt like a violation of friendship by sitting in Riley’s old

desk.
When everyone in the classroom was seat, Mr. Masten took his place in front of the chalkboard.