Alright Girl Meets World Fanfic. I am going to try to make this as canon as possible, but seeing as I don't want to wait until the series is finished, this may break off a little from the series storyline. Don't freak.
Chapter 1
The smell of bacon mixed with a cheeseburger never failed to create an interesting feeling within her stomach that identified as a collaboration between nostalgia and nausea.
"Jumbo Combo with chili on the side and a Bacon Burger." At the nods of the customers heads, Maya placed the orders on the table next to their drinks and then heads to the next table to receive their order.
Just another day of work. Take orders, wipe down tables, deliver orders and be as cheery as possible in hopes of a good tip. For a Thursday night, the tips have been good and that is good. It is simple as that when entering the workforce. One would think being an employee is complicated, but nope. Literally anyone can do it. Grown ups don't know what they were talking about it when they said that one could only understand when they are older. They just didn't want to explain. Big surprise. Take order, wipe down table, deliver orders with a smile.
"Hey Maya" Maya looks to see her fellow waitress gesturing to a table across the room. It was some boys from her school that usually caused trouble around here. None of the waitresses would serve them except for Maya, seeing as to how they like to harass anyone within a 5 foot radius. Maya sighed. This next table looked like they would have been good tippers too.
"Welcome to Harvey's Diner, what would you like for me to get for you?" As nice as the words were, her monotone voice ruined the effect of the chirpy waitress. Not that these guys cared.
"Hey baby, how bout me and you in a more relaxed setting after you get off tonight?" Of course this line could not be complete without the sleazy grin and the giggles of the boys behind him.
"I'm sorry but that's not on the menu. I can suggest the fish n' chips however." Maya was careful not to mention that the fish was three days over its expiration date.
"C'mon Maya, how long are we going to play this game? I think your hot, everyone knows I'm hot," queue hair flip and acknowledging smirks around the table, "no need for you to resist any longer."
Maya didn't even try to hide her grimace to his advance. "Vance, I can think of everything better to do with my time. I will give you guys a couple more minutes to think of you order."
She turned to walk away before the sleeze bag grabbed her arm. "Babe, this hard to get act is getting o-"
"Can I help you gentlemen?" Maya smiled to the older male. Steve was the only male employee at this dump, due to the fact that he was the chief and supposedly stayed in the kitchen. He made sure to protect all the employees from unruly customers such as these boys.
"Maya, it's a slow night tonight. Why don't you check out early and I will take over this table for you."
Glancing and seeing that she only had 30 minutes left, Maya nodded. Yanking her arm out of Vance's hold, she went to the back to change so she could head home.
.…
"Gammy I'm home!" Maya laid her bearings next to the door and entered her and her mom's small apartment. "Gammy?"
"Stephenie, is that you?" Her 80 year older grandmother answered back.
"No, Gammy, it's Maya. Your granddaughter?" She hoped that Gammy was in her thinking moods. She was more cooperative that way.
"Granddaughter? Stephanie now I know it's you. Always joking, you." Maya sighed as she enter her Gammy's room. Gammy sometimes forgets that she lives in her daughter's apartment with her granddaughter and instead thinks that she is still 25 living with her roommate Stephanie. Alzheimer's is fun like that. She has been forgetting more and more lately but they couldn't afford to do anything but get meds and care for her like nurses would.
"Are you ready for your dinner?" Maya asked.
"Ooo is it pizza from Joan's?" Referring to the pizzeria that closed down 20 years ago.
"Close. How about meatloaf from Harvey's Diner? Your favorite." Maya grinned hoping to fool her.
"No, my favorite is pizza from Joan's" Maya internally sighed. It was going to be like that, huh? Well she usually gives in sooner or later.
"Alright well call me when you are ready to eat. Have you taken your medicine for today?" From the stubborn expression on her Gammy's face, that would be a no. Greeeaaat...
"Alright eat your dinner and take your medicine or no icecream for you." Her grandmother was alarmed by the threat and seriously contemplate this ultimatum. Maya gives her 30 minutes before she gives in.
Going to rid herself of the greasy smell in a shower, Maya grabbed a Cami and shorts. She couldn't say that feeding her Gammy was the worst chore. Her and her mom split the responsibility and Mom was in charge of washing, changing and helping her Gammy with things that would make a person regret things about life they never thought of before. She never complained though. It was a rule in the Hart house that beggars can't be choosers and being home for such a little part of the day, that is the only way that Katie can help out around the house. For now.
Katie Hart has realized recently that she is on her last year for a chance on the acting career and promised Maya that she would get a real job after she turns 40. Two months left and Maya was counting down the days. Her mom is out more often for auditions and takes the night shift at her job so she only comes back in the mornings for a nap and to take care of Gammy.
Two months seemed so far yet so close..
"Maya! Baby girl, can you come here for a second?" Sounds like her mom is home. Maya took a second longer to bask in the warm shower and then turned off the shower and put her clothes on.
Drying off her hair on the way to her kitchen, she finds her mom with a grin the size of Texas on her face. "Yeah?"
"Maya…" Uh Oh she has that this-is-going-to-be-big voice.
"Yes, Mom?"
"You know how I have been trying for so many years to get into the acting business. Any kind of acting. A mom. A grandma. Even tried this for sketchy part that was-"
"Get to the point, Mom. What is it?"
"After all this time, you were always with me. Taking care of me when I didn't get the part. Being okay when I was not home. I never realized that you did so much for me until now."
"It's fine. We support each other. That's how we are." After her dad left. But she still doesn't see where this is going.
"Maya, you are not going to believe this. I got the part!" Maya froze.
"What?"
"I got the part! I'm going to be the antagonist is this small tv show. Admittedly it's no Grey's Anatomy, but I finally did it!" Jumping into Maya's arms, Katie squealed.
Maya smiled and congratulated her mom. They talked about the implications for a while. The pay would not be huge, same income as the regular waitress job, but she could be home more often with this so Maya was happy.
"Finally it has happened. Two months before my expiration date too. It's fate." Katie looks like she is going to cry. "I know it hasn't been great around here, but with my new job and your pre-college program at NYU coming up. Things are finally looking up for us."
"I'm happy for you, Mom" Suddenly Gammy is yelling her dinner and Maya remembers. "Oh yeah. I'm leaving straight from school tomorrow, so can you take care of Gammy's dinner?"
Katie sours at the reminder of Maya's Friday schedule but agrees. Warming up the food, Maya fulfills her granddaughterly duties before going to bed. With the NYU summer program coming up and her mom's big break, things were going to change around here. For better or worse? Well Riley was always the optimistic one.
"You failed me"
"Why don't we talk after class?"
"What's there to talk about? You failed me, you think I'm a failure." Like everyone else.
"Maya! You do not walk out of here." Why not? Everyone does it to me.
She looks back to the man who she has come to think of as a father. Guess she was wrong. She won't make that mistake again.
"Ms. Hart." Maya looks up from her notebook, "I'm sorry, am I boring you?"
"No, Mr. Stuffen"
"Is that so? Please tell me if I do. I do not want my students to be so bored that they have their notebooks filled will doodes of…" The elderly man squinted at Maya's notebook, "whatever you call that… art" His voice obviously expressed his doubt over such a title for Maya's doodles.
"Sorry, Mr. Stuffen. I'll try to listen."
"Please do, we wouldn't want that be to become a C, as we all know it easily could with your record, would we?" A couple snickered echoes through the class causing Maya to blush in anger.
"No, Mr. Stuffen." The old geezer scrutinized the young lady, making sure he scolded her successfully, and then went back to what he talked about last week. He likes to repeat himself like that.
This was supposedly one of Maya's favorite subject, History. Not due to this teacher obviously, but due to her appreciation for it her past teacher gave her. That would be the only reason she gets a higher B in this class, compared to the regular borderline B's in the other classes.
The bell rang, signaling lunch. Maya packs up her bags and heads out the door to eat her leftovers from the diner, because there no way she was eating what the state sanctioned edible for the students to eat.
"Maya Hart" Maya looks up to see Weasel, AKA Kennith Barto, second time senior and easily Maya best friend in this school. How does that work, a senior and sophomore? Some may ask. Maya and Weasel have been friends long before high school due to the similar routes they take home from their previous schools."
"Whats up Weasel. No detention today?" Weasel was a regular for Mrs. Bartz detentions during lunch.
"Nah, the Bartz was substituted by a newby. Too scared for handing out detention yet." Weasel grins over what he was able to get away with due to this poor unsuspecting sub.
"How did you do on the physics test?" Weasel repeated that class twice, so he always helps her study for that class. Apparently after throwing enough crap against a wall some does stick in Weasel's case. He is pretty good at physics. Now.
"Got an 82."
"Nice, all you need is a B average for the program right?"
"Yup and with that 82, I now have mostly B's in my classes"
"I'm so proud" Weasel fake wipes a tear from his eye, "To think, little Maya an academic. Can I still hang out with you, Future Ms PHd?"
"Oh Shut up." Maya laughs as she playfully shoves the boy next to her. She forgot how much she missed this camaraderie during lunch.
….
On the last bell's first ring, Maya was already out of her seat and running out the door. She had to leave quickly or she would be late.
Rushing to the subways, she didn't have time to process someone was in front of her until they crashed.
"Ugh shoot. sorry about-" Maya faltered as she looked to who she ran into.
"Maya? Is that you?" Riley was grinning ear to ear and she went for a hug.
Maya could process her thoughts. "Riley?" Her best friend who she hasn't even seen for more than a year. With that description, best friend may sound too strong, but she was still considered the best friend she will ever have.
"It's me silly. How have you been? It's been... what? A week? A month?" Maya could help but stare at her old friend, her heart still in waiting for its next beat. Finally she gained some composure.
"How about a year and a half." sbe mumbled. Riley seemed taken aback by the number.
"What-"
"Riley, are you ok? What happened?" Here comes Lucas Friar to the rescue. Maya could help but smile seeing them still together.
"Hey Ranger Rick." Lucas seemed shocked to see her also.
Maya looks up and sees the clock on the wall. Oh Crap!
"Nice reunion guys but I really need to go." Maya quickly got up. "I'm happy to see you again Riley." She paused to smile at Riley then she ran into the subway.
"Wow, I can't wait to tell Farkle who we saw today." Lucas smiled and shook his head in amazement.
"Lucas?"
"Yes?"
"How long has it been since we have last seen Maya?"
…
Made it. She took a deep breath as she stood in front of the prestigious elementary and junior high private school. Luckily her kids were into after school activities or she would be cooked.
The remaining kids walked out the front of the entrance doors to be picked up by their parents. Now where were... Ah
"Ethan! Lily! Over here." the two kids immediately turned their heads toward the person calling their names and grinned at their babysitter.
Ethan, 12 years old but above Maya's shoulders in height, came running over with his 8 year old sister close behind him.
"Hey Maya! Guess what?!" Maya smiled at the little blond girl. She was always the most exuberant of the two.
"What?"
"I'm going to have a solo in the next choir concert!" Lily was jumping up and down in her excitement.
"No way!" Maya exclaimed in her overdramatic but still celebratory way.
"Way!" Lily grins back. "And guess what guess what guess what!" Maya almost laughs at the spirited little girl. She looks to Ethan and he rolls his eyes and sighs at her craziness.
"What?"
"It's going to be at the NYU campus!"
"Wow!" Maybe Lily's parents will let her come this time since it's so close.
"I'm so excited for you!" Lily grinned and starts skipping down the sidewalk humming a beautiful tune that was probably for the said concert.
Maya started to walk after her to keep up, seeing as to how it was her job to walk these two home and make sure they are okay until one of their parents come home from work. It wasn't a hard job but slightly inconvenience being an hour away from her house. It was worth it though. She looks to her left to see the brunet boy walking beside her.
"How was your day Ethan?" He nods and smiles showing it to be a good day. "Are those boys still bother you?"
He shrugs. "Really? Even after you look them straight in the eye and gave them the Maya Hart glare?" He looked down.
"Ethan." Maya groans, "how many time do I have to tell you? Looking people straight in the eye tells them you mean business. Giving them the glare tells them that their only good response is to back off." He nods.
Ethan doesn't talk much. He used to not talk at all but now it's a weekly thing to hear him say something. Boys have been messing with him as a result. She would call him shy, but really he just doesn't have anything to say that he couldn't convey with his telling looks and motions. His ability to use the silent language is something to be envied.
Maya wraps an arm around the boy's shoulder. "Your mom told me that there is a cherry pie left over from last night. How about we get home, eat like we don't actually have dinner prepared and watch this Monday's Walking Dead?" His eyes lit up and the cutest little grin appears that brightens Maya's whole day.
...
"I'm home! Ethan? Lily?" The sound of the door closing echoes throughout the house.
"Mommy! Look look me and Maya made art!" Here comes a running Lily towards her mother while showing off her masterpiece.
"Wow that's beautiful honey!" Julie studied the picture for a second before hugging her daughter.
"Maya drew it and I colored it in."
"As the best duos should always operate." Maya grins as she got up from her and Ethan's card game to greet Julie.
"Thank you so much for picking them up today Maya, I couldn't get out of the office today."
"It's fine, I enjoyed every second with these two."
"I better get these two to bed." Julie went to lift Lily up but Lily backed out.
"Can Maya do it?" Julie had this hesitant look on her face that made Maya cut in.
"Maybe next time squirt. I gotta go. It's almost my bed time." She grinned teasingly towards the little girl.
"Fine" Lily didn't seem satisifed but she knew not to argue. "Bye Maya." She came in for a hug, forcing Maya to kneel for full effect.
"Bye Lils," Maya hugged the girl for all that she was worth. "I'll be back as soon as you need me okay?" Lily's head bounced. Maya stood back up.
"Bye Ethan." From the living room Ethan waved and finished cleaning the card game up. "We still need to finish up our own masterpieces next time." Queue yet another heart clenching charming grin from the boy before Maya started to walk out.
On the front porch Julie gave the money she owed. "I do appreciate this. I don't know about tomorrow but I will need you to watch them Sunday."
Maya nodded. She had a NYU greeter showing her around campus for the summer program and then work anyway.
"Do you think anyone suspects?"
"Bye Julie" After Julie went back inside, she started walking down the stairs.
"Excuse me." Maya looked to see the elderly neighbor from her door looking over.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering. You look so much like the him, are you related to the people that live here, the Clutterbuckets?"
Maya looked back at the front door. "No, I'm just the babysitter."
...
The minute her back hit the mattress, Maya felt air leave her body and muscles relax into the bed. Long day.
Not only did she get to see her two favorite kids, but she saw her dream and nightmare. Riley Matthews.
It's been so long, but Maya didn't realize how long until she saw her face again. And to feel the Matthews hug was like taking the first breath of spring air. But to see Riley... It's not like the split because of a fight or anything. They just... Weren't together.
Maya quickly changes her direction of thought, having gone down this line of thought one too many times. Think of happier thoughts. The summer program. Due to the raising of that B to C in Physics she now qualifies for the NYU summer program to study art. While a B average is not high for many, Maya had to work hard for that grade.
Sometimes she thinks what would have happened if she was still in the same class as her old friends. Would she have the same grades? Better grades? Would she be working her job still? Probably. Would she be happier? Maya doesn't want to think about it.
It's too late for that life.
...
Crap, Shoot, Son of a Farkle. She was late.
How? Maya would say she had to fight her deranged Gammy out of a burning building before she admitted she just forgot to set the alarm.
Too late for excuses now as Maya bounced her leg rapidly against the floor. Can't this train go any faster? She hopes her advisor doesn't leave their meeting place. He sounded strict on the phone. What was his name against, Steve? Stephen?
Train doors open and Maya practically flies out the subway to get to the coffee shop. When she finally gets to the door of the shop, Maya pauses to catch her breath and calm herself. No need to be late and look like a deranged psycho. One. Two. Ready
"She opens the door to the shop and looks around for the guy with the NYU t-shirt that she was told to look for over the phone. As she looks, she realizes it was familiar to her. She remember this shop. It was the shop she went to during middle school with her friends and the Matthews. She hopes that they still don't frequent here. No need for another reunion while she is with her advisor. And then she sees the clock. Great she's early. How that happened, she isn't even going to ask.
She takes a seat and waits for her advisor to come as she looks over the menu. The prices here were still as good as ever. If only places around her house charged so well, she wouldn't be forced to drink the crappy coffee her mom makes.
"Shi- ugh. Sorry for being late. Forgot to set the timer. Name's Stuart Liams." Comes from behind her. Maya puts a smile on her face and turns.
"Hi, I'm Maya Har-" Wait "Josh?"
"Maya." Yup. There standing in front of her was Mr. Three Year Age Difference Josh Matthews.
"Did you just call yourself Stuart Liams."
"You got into the pre-college program?" He asks this like it was doubtful. Huh no.
"Excuse me?" His pretty blue eyes -urgh no Maya resist!- widen as he realizes what he just said.
"No! It just doesn't seem like you kind of thing." Maya crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows. She remembers him being more charming three years ago.
"Going to college." He is silent, obviously trying to save whatever hole he is digging himself into.
"Let's just sit down and get this started." He slumps, giving up trying to rescue his blunder. Yeah. He sits down in the booth across from her's and puts bulletin board on the table. How he was surprised to see her when all her information was on the sheet is a mystery to her.
"So Maya Hart, what was your primary reason for choosing NYU? Academics, location, or other."
"I guess the art program would be categorized as Academics. Never really I would be signing up for extra school willingly."
"Well from your file it doesn't look like you had the best grades anyways. You barely made the requirements actu…" Josh trailed off as he looked at Mayas deadpanned look. Well this is going smashingly.
"Yeeaah, so I am in this for the academics." Maya looked around for a clock, how long was this going to last?
"You are going to the art program, so I guess we should start by going around the part of the campus where the art classes are held…" Josh looked at the map in hesitation, obviously having no idea where the Art classes are held in NYU.
Maya stared at Josh, "Are you really my campus advisor?" there is no way NYU would send someone like this as their representative.
Josh looked up with a hopeless expression on his face, "Is it that obvious?" Another deadpanned face, "Okay, no I'm not. I am just here for my buddy who is your actual advisor. He couldn't make it, and I owed him so.. Here I am." He pulled off this charming smiling obviously hoping that was that.
"Fine. I know where I am supposed to go anyways. I am here because this tour is supposed to let me inside parts of the school only available for students." Maya started to leave the booth, this is a disappointment.
"Wait, I have that pass, my friend let me borrow it… We could just go around campus into where you want to go." Josh pulls out his pass with another charming smile that made Maya in a slightly better mood. She took a deep breath. This doesn't have to be so bad.
"Okay" She held out her hand for said pass.
"What?"
"The pass."
"Are you kidding me? No, I am going with you. My friend entrusted this pass to me, I don't even know how to find you to get it back or if you were even planning on giving it back to me."
Another look from Maya, more of a glare than before. This boy really wants to get hit.
...
Alright so the big controversy is that Josh is too old for Maya. I get it. I would think its creepy for a sophomore to date is seventh grader in my school. However there has also been over exaggeration over the age difference. In season finally, Josh is going to a pre-college program. Not college. Its three years, he would be 16 or 17(Maya turned 14 on her birthday, a year older than what most people would turn in their seventh grade but I'm assuming she got held back, correct me if that is NY's regular age levels). So when Maya is a sophomore, Josh would be as freshmen… So yeah. While this is slightly an age difference and I am not going to argue with that, I am also just going to say that she is mature and I feel like that is all that matters. The maturity level. My opinion. Not needing to be anyone else's. (If you wanna debate, sure, but I like facts so… bring more facts than opinion.)
