And I am back! I know I said I would update in a week but I just couldn't stop writing so here it is the sequel to Was it the Person or the Moment: Playing the Long Game. As promised this story will focus on Josh's and Maya's journey of playing the long game and them officially becoming a couple. In addition, this story will incorporate: storylines that happened in season 3, my own personal ideas, along with would've happened in season 4 and beyond so please let me know if you guys have any ideas about what you want the gang to go through. I want this story to be long (like BMW long), so if you guys have any ideas on any issues you want the gang to tackle feel free to leave a review. So without further ado, I present to you all the sequel! As always please feel free to read and review! Enjoy! :)
"So, class I'm assuming you all read the end of the story?" Professor Smith began interrupting the noisy chatter of the class as Josh held in a laugh as the class immediately grew quiet. As soon as Josh walked into class, he heard many of his fellow classmates talk about the book. Needless to say not many of them were pleased with the ending which was expected. Much like a tv show where the majority of the fans were upset that their OTP didn't end up together, the class had very strong opinions about the pairings at the end of the story.
"So, what are your thoughts on the story?" Professor Smith asked and Josh immediately took a swig of his dark roast coffee bracing himself for the responses. Despite it being 2:00pm in the afternoon, Josh needed the coffee's strong brew to keep him through the strong opinions that he had to deal with for the next hour and a half.
"The author is crazy," a red head named Debra exclaimed without another thought as Josh turned to hear her express her opinion. "It's OBVIOUS that Madalyn and Leonardo were supposed to end up together. How dare the author kill my OTP it doesn't make sense," she finished as Josh tried not to choke on his coffee. He knew everyone was entitled to their own opinion, but he could already tell this discussion was going to get out on hand. Everyone had their own thoughts and judging by how everyone was starting to talk over one another, their opinion weren't going to go unnoticed.
"Exactly!" shouted a blonde hair guy named Kevin. "What was the author thinking? Leonardo and Rebecca have no chemistry. They are boring!"
"No you are crazy. Rebecca and Leo have chemistry they really do understand each other. They have a connection," pipped up another student named Nathan wearing classes. "It seemed pretty clear that they liked each other from the beginning. The author made is pretty clear."
"Puh-lease. All Rebecca and Leo did was talk. However, Leo and Madalyn did have that campfire did together," a pink haired girl named Rose retorted at Nathan who simply buried his head in his hands. Much like Nathan, Josh wanted to do the same. He understood his frustration.
"Yeah well so did Madalyn and Jack. To be honestly Madalyn and Jack are better developed than Leo and Madalyn anytime day. Jack always liked Madalyn from the beginning, he was just unsure of his feelings for her. They really connected just like Rebecca and Leo. It really was both the person and moment for them," said a girl with a silver hair named Debby which Josh found himself raising his coffee cup too. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who had the same opinion on the couples which was refreshing. Not to mention, he was glad he wasn't the only one who had the same opinion on how it required the person and the moment to make a good couple. Maybe he would do just fine on the essay.
"Are you stupid girl? You can't have the person or the moment. It's one or the other. Screw the other couples. Rebecca and Leo are boring AF. And don't even get me started on Madalyn and Jack. Jack just came back into the story out of nowhere. And don't even get me started on the age difference," Debra exclaimed as Josh felt his blood boil.
Okay that's it. Josh fumed to himself as he downed the last of his coffee and raised his hand not wanting to just blurt out answers like everyone else even though he had to admit the Nathan and Debby weren't as loud as his fellow classmates. He thought he could stay silent but couldn't. He couldn't pin point the exact reason why he didn't want to stay silent, but he had a feeling to was maybe it was due to the fact that Debra dissed Jack's age. So what if there was an age difference between two of the main character's? Age was nothing but a number. And so what if he was biased because he happened to like a girl that was three years younger than him? He wasn't doing anything wrong. If his classmates could speak their mind so could he. But maybe he wouldn't get too vocal on the character's age difference. Josh knew it was better to argue with logic than emotions.
"Okay class quiet down," Professor Smith said raising his voice over the class which eventually silenced the class. Still sitting with his hand in the air, Josh made eye contact with the professor who eventually caught his eye. Just because the class quieted down, didn't mean he couldn't express his thoughts. He had a feeling of what the author wanted to say in the story and he had to say it.
"Yes Josh? Do you have something you'd like to add?" Professor Smith as Josh nodded eagerly. He was ready to speak his mind.
"Well the floor is yours and thank you for raising your hand. It's nice to see some of you are still civilized," Professor Smith remarked shooting Debra a look. Josh held in a laugh before preparing to speak. It was times like this he was glad that he was well mannered.
"Yes and thank you Professor Smith. I see that most of you have your own opinions of the story which is great however, most of your opinions about the couples you wanted to end up together is not the story the author wanted to tell," Josh began causing gaps to erupt among the classroom. He knew this would to be expected, but as he saw a nod of encouragement from his professor he continued on feeling relieved that some people were curious to hear what he had to say.
"You see the author had planned to tell the stories of Leonardo and Rebecca and Madalyn and Jack since the beginning. It was what he planned out, however as you continue to read the story you can see their story isn't easy. As the story progresses, he introduces the new possible ships to throw drama into the mix. He does this to show that Madalyn's and Rebecca's friendship is stronger than a boy and to show that these couples still care for each other even though they went through hell and back to get together. Despite him doing this, it doesn't take away from the stories he wanted to tell in the beginning. Although Madalyn and Leonardo seem like they are destined for each other, they are not. If you read between the lines you'll see that they are like wrapping paper on a present: pretty on the outside, but on the inside they are not. Even though the moment they shared together was romantic, it wasn't enough to get them together. So even though in real life couples can get together due to the person or the moment, the author wants to show that sometimes couples can form due to the person and moment. It doesn't always have to be one or the other. Sometimes it can be both. So, if you read the story carefully and go through Rebecca and Leo's story and Madalyn and Jack's you can see just that," Josh finished shocked that class was dead silent. Josh gulped wondering if he was just spewing crap like the rest of his classmates but he relaxed when he saw Debby and Nathan clap in approval and Professor Smith break into a grin.
"Now that," his professor began gesturing to Josh. "Is a student who knows how to analyze a book and take away the message the author is sending. Not to mention, his answer is the type of response I expect to see on your essay that is due next week," Professor Smith finished grinning at Josh as relaxed listening to his favorite professor discuss what was required on the essay.
Looks like I do know what I'm doing. Josh thought eager to hand in his essay. From the corner of his eye he caught Debra scowling at him as she mouthed "Teacher's Pet." Josh held his head up high determined to be the bigger person until he caught her mouthing "Fuck you." Taking a deep breath, he pretended to scratch his nose as he subtly flipped her off. Guess he wasn't as well-mannered as he thought.
Class soon came to an end much to Josh's relief, as he got up, gathered his things, and waited in line behind his classmates who were asking his professor last minute questions about his essay. Catching the eye of the classmates who supported him, Debby and Nathan, who grinned at him as they strolled out of class. It was a victory for them all. However, Josh found his grin turning into a scowl as the red head girl aka Debra shot him a dirty look as he shot her one back. It wasn't his fault the girl was too ignorant to be open to different interpretations of the book.
"And there he is Josh Matthews one of the students who saved my class today! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Mr. Professor asked startling Josh. Trying to regain his composure Josh cleared before stepping forward holding the essay in his hands that he had typed out.
"Thanks Professor Smith. I figured if everyone else was going to talk about their interpretation of the book, I might as well talk about my own. And actually, I just wanted to turn my essay in early," Josh replied as he handed the essay to his professor.
He watched as his professor flip through his essay breaking out in a grin and nodding at its content. "Normally I'd say that's a bit risqué, but judging by how well you know the material and the answer you delivered in class I'd say, you were ready and eager to write this essay," Professor Smith concluded causing Josh to sigh in relief.
"Thank you sir. And yes I was eager to write the essay," Josh responded causing his professor to raise an eyebrow in response.
"Really now? What made you so eager?" Professor Smith asked.
"Let's just say I answered the question I asked you last week. If what the author wanted us to know, if it was the person or the moment, could be applied to real life," Josh began hesitant in his response. Even though Professor Smith was his favorite professor, he didn't want to go into too much detail about his personal life.
"And what did you find?" Professor Smith inquired.
"That it is possible, but not as easy. It can be easy to get side tracked by the possible obstacles in the way, but if you look close enough, you can see that the answer was right in front of you all along. That couples can be due to the person and the moment," Josh concluded which earned him a thumbs up from the professor.
"Excellent! It's great to see my students apply what they have learned to real life. And it looks like you found what you've been looking for. If only some of my students could do the same thing. Though in all honestly," Professor Smith began only to stop and look around the room before gesturing to Josh to lean down which he did so as he continued, "Debra totally deserved what she had coming to her."
Josh sat up feigning shock. Apparently, he wasn't so subtle in his actions. "I don't know what you are talking about sir," Josh began holding back a laugh as Professor Smith did the same. HE felt his professor clap his back in approval causing Josh to relax. His professor was actually glad he subtly flicked off the most ignorant girl in class. No wonder Professor Smith was his favorite professor.
"Of course not! Have a good day Josh," Professor Smith told him as Josh laughed leaving him to talk to his other students.
"You too Professor Smith!" he called out as he exited the auditorium. He defiantly would have a good day indeed.
Moments later after stopped at his dorm, to get a jacket which resulted in an unpleasant run in with his roommate, Josh made his way to Topanga's, the crisp autumn air blowing in his face as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. He was dying to text Maya to tell him about how he had done well on his class discussion, but for some reason the blonde wasn't answering. He figured it was due to school getting out but as he glanced down at his watch he saw it was 4:00pm he wondered what was taking the blonde so long. Was she ignoring him? Did she have a lot of homework to do? Did she…
No stop. Josh thought to himself. Stop acting like an overprotective boyfriend. You guys aren't even a couple yet. Josh reminded himself as he instantly calmed down. He really had to stop doing that. They were playing the long game and Maya was free to do whatever she pleased which included her texting him or not. Whatever the reason why Maya wasn't texting him back was for a good reason Josh was sure of. Besides maybe he could see her at Topanga's for his interview.
Grinning at the topic change, he thought of the possibility of him getting a job. Topanga had finally caved and had agreed to give him interview for a position as a barista at her bakery. Even though he knew his sister in-law could do anything, she needed help and considering Josh had most of his afternoon's free he knew he could help her out. Not to mention he knew his saving's from over the summer wouldn't last him long so he needed to get a job as soon as possible.
Just as he was about to enter Topanga's he heard "Is that Josh Matthews?" which caused him to turn to face Andrew, his best friend. Who he hadn't seen since in weeks. Since the semester had started, Josh barely had time to see his friend and he wasn't about to let this opportunity to catch up with him go to waste.
"Andrew!" Josh exclaimed as he greeted Andrew with their familiar handshake causing the older boy to grin.
"Josh my man, how are you?" Andrew asked.
"Good how are you dude? I'm sorry I haven't seen much of you lately with my accident and all," Josh began only to pause. When Andrew had gone to NYU last fall it had been hard on him since he was his best friend, but they managed to keep in touch up until the accident Josh had last December which caused him to push everyone away. He and Andrew had fallen apart for a bit up until Josh pulled himself back together thanks to the words of encouragement from Maya which helped him reconnect with his old buddy.
"Hey, it was a tough experience man, but the important thing is that we are pals again. And I'm great. I'm sorry we haven't been able to hang out much. Sophomore year is a pain in the butt, but I promise to find time," Andrew explained as Josh nodded in understanding. Andrew was a good friend, he would never blow Josh off on purpose.
"It's understandable man. But how was the study abroad you did for Spanish? Was it fun? Also are you and Charlotte still going strong?" Josh asked eagerly wanting to catch up with is friend.
"The study abroad was amazing. The sights and scenery was simply amazing. Not to mention it took the place of two Spanish classes I didn't have to take so it was worth it. You should consider applying. And yes, Charlotte and are still going strong," Andrew replied as Josh smiled glad things were going good for his pal.
"That's good to hear. And yeah I did apply for the study abroad for Spanish this summer, but I don't know if I'll get it. They are super strict on the GPA requirements," Josh replied thinking about to the day he signed up for study abroad. He had signed up on the whim hoping to save money by taking classes over the summer since they offered scholarships for going and to travel overseas to go to Europe. However, the committee wouldn't make their decisions on who was going until late January next year and since he was competing with upper classmen Josh doubted he had a chance.
"Josh what grade do you have in Spanish currently?" Andrew asked as Josh groaned. Josh had to admit he had a tendency to doubt himself despite his success in academics and as usual his good friend Andrew was trying to drag him out of the dumps.
"An A," he muttered as Andrew nodded approvingly.
"And what grades do you have in all your classes currently?" Andrew inquired.
"A's but Biology sucks," Josh began as Andrew cut him off preparing to launch into his pep talk.
"Silence Joshua Gabriel Matthews! As your best friend it is my duty to tell you are being too hard on yourself and you are indeed being too hard on yourself. Josh you've been making straight A's since you were born. You skipped pre-k because you were reading at a first grade level and you could have skipped more grades if you wanted to, but choose not so you could have a normal childhood. You are practically set on making the Dean's List this semester and many to come. You are smart my friend and if the Spanish committee can't see that, then it is their loss, not yours," Andrew concluded as Josh playfully rolled his eyes at his friend. It was a no wonder his friend was a communications major. He really did have a way with words and could easily read people in any social situations.
"And this is why you're my best friend. You're the best Andrew," Josh concluded and Andrew grinned punching him in the arm.
"I know and no problem. Besides there are always other study abroad programs for other majors. Did you finally decide on a major though?" Andrew asked and Josh eagerly nodded. He had officially declared his major yesterday and was eager to start taking more classes for it.
"I did actually. I officially am a Psychology major as of yesterday and-" Josh began only to be cut off by his best friend once more.
"Psychology major? Well that does make sense you do have a knack for reading people. But I always pegged you as more of an architect major though," Andrew pointed out as Josh rolled his eyes. Why did everyone think he was going to be an architect?
"Why does everyone think I want to be an architect? I can't draw worth shit. But no, I decided to be a Psychology major because I do like reading people and I want to help them whether it is helping them with their problems emotionally or mentally. I want to be a psychologist and am willing to go to graduate school to do it. Besides Maya-" Josh began only to be cut off by Andrew once more.
"Wait Maya as in the Maya Hart. The Maya Hart that threw you the awesomest seventeenth birthday ever and declared she loved you in front of me, Charlotte, and Jasmine? That Maya Hart?" Andrew exclaimed as Josh nodded.
"Yeah and she did not say she loved me in the dorm room party, she said she liked me," Josh began only to earn a knowing glance from Andrew. Crap. I'm caught. And what's even worse I'm going to get an earful from Andrew about not telling him about Maya. Josh thought groaning in regret.
"Aha! You paid attention! You only do that if you like a girl and you like her! You got it bad and I called it years ago! But what's even worse is that you did not tell me you are hanging out with Maya! So are you like dating now? Did Joshaya finally happen?" Andrew asked in a rush as Josh chuckled.
"No Andrew we are not dating, we are playing the long game-" Josh began only to get cut off once more. Andrew was eager for answers.
"The long game? What's that and whatever it is it's not going to last very long judging by how red your cheeks are turning. I give it a year, a month, a week, tomorrow….." Andrew trailed off as Josh pulled his beanie down over his head for a split second to groan annoyance before placing the beanie back on his head. As much as he appreciated Andrew's company he was going a bit too far.
"Well the long game is," Josh began looking at his watch and panicking. His interview with Topanga was in a few minutes and if he didn't hurry he'd make a bad first impression. Family or not he knew Topanga despised tardiness and he couldn't risk testing how desperate she was for work. "Is something I have to explain another time. I have an interview at Topanga's in a few minutes and I can't risk showing up late. I'm sorry bro," Josh finished as Andrew nodded in understanding.
"Of course man. Do what you got to do. Though I expect discounts on my coffee once you start working there," Andrew replied.
"You mean if," Josh began only to earn a knowing look from Andrew. He was being hard on himself again and he couldn't risk another lecture from his pal. "When I start working there," he corrected himself as Andrew nodded in approval.
"Good. See you later Josh! Feel free to text to me so you can catch me up on Joshaya and this long game business and so we can hang out. Also feel free to text me once this long game business ends so Maya and you, me and Charlotte, and Jasmine and Derek can go out on a triple date," Andrew called out walking away from Topanga's as Josh chuckled and called out a "see you later" to his pal. He was glad to have a min reunion with Andrew. Things were looking up.
Without wasting another moment, Josh entered Topanga's to be greeted by the smell of pumpkin filling the air. Making his way inside, he was relieved to see that he still had 5 minutes to spare until his interview. He made his way to counter and took a seat waiting for his interview to start but frowned once he saw Shawn, Katy, Cory, Riley and Maya seated at the usual table Maya and his friends were at. Well that explains why Maya hasn't been answering her phone. Josh mused watching the small blonde engaged in a deep conversation with her mom and Shawn as Cory and Riley were hunched over papers on the table. But what are they doing?
Before Josh could question their motives any further, he noticed his sister in law emerge from the back who greeted him with a smile.
"You are early!" Topanga said happily as Josh mustered up a bright smile. It looked like he would have to find out what the group was doing after his interview.
And there you have it! Please feel free to read and review. I know it ended on a cliff hanger, but if you watched GMW season you guys should have an idea of what the group is doing. ;) See you all in the next chapter!