Sometimes, she thinks about what it would be like. When she first noticed him, back there in the subway, could he have been looking at her? Could they have been like Riley and him? Would Riley be in her shoes, forcing them along in this relationship?
What if she walked up to him and was sincere in her words? "I like you, you're cute…" What would have happened? Would their first kiss be on the subway too? Would Riley still like him? Would Riley be his princess or her? She thinks she doesn't want to. Be his princess, that is. That's not her, that's Riley. Would she have to be more like Riley for him? It wouldn't work that way.
She tried it once, threw the wig off her head in history class only minutes after donning it. Being Riley isn't her. But he seems to like their relationship, their banter. Would he like her? Would he walk her home and hang around, whether her mum was home from work or not? She imagines her mother would approve of him. She can't think of anyone who wouldn't. Would his mum approve of her? The broken girl from a broken family and a broken home versus the perfect rainbow girl with the perfect parents. Maya thinks not. Riley is everything she isn't, and she loves her for it. Maybe one day Maya could have that herself. But not with him. Never him. He isn't hers.
Except… He called her his blonde beauty. And it might not mean much, just a superficial title. Riley got a description that included her looks and personality. Maybe all he sees is her pretty face. Maybe that's all she is to him. But it's a start. And they are young, both in age and in this relationship of theirs. There's room to grow, mature, for him to realise there's more to her, more that he likes.
But for now, she watches from the sidelines, tries not to interfere too often and waits it out. She could be patient. He could be worth it.