Day One
Snowflakes & Tears.
. . .
. . .
A chill quickly runs down his spine as he enters the still apartment building, his skin cold and cheeks red as the bitter January air nips at his nose. It'd been the middle of the week and classes were as long and exasperating as ever, although Josh tried not to think about it too much since everything was surprisingly going his way for a change. It's honestly his excuse for not visiting as often as he used to as it's been a while since he's last seen anyone, including a certain someone.
Josh uses the spare key that was given to him when he first moved to New York to get into the apartment, happily beaming as he opens the door to walk inside.
"Sup, kiddies," he exclaims while standing in the doorway, expecting a living room full of people to greet him like usually but instead, entering what looks to be an empty home.
He furrows his eyebrows, and slowly closes the front door behind himself prior to stepping further into the apartment. Josh then quietly looks around while standing in the middle of the room, wondering who's here if anyone at all. Afterwards, setting the laundry bag he brought along with him down onto the floor near the coffee table before removing his coat, but opting to leave his beanie on. He then shrugs his shoulders, and sauntering toward the kitchen to help himself to something to drink.
Josh grabs a glass from the cabinet to pour himself some water, and beginning to gulp it down when a presence eventually appears in the doorway of the hallway, unbeknownst to him.
"Uh, Josh?" Cory questions, causing Josh to start coughing hysterically as he chokes on the water.
He turns around to see his brother standing behind him, and looks at him with his eyes wide.
"C-Cory?" Josh says, wiping the excess water from his mouth. "Sorry, I didn't think anyone else was here…"
"Right… I guess that also means you didn't notice the stacks of paper on the kitchen table either," Cory replies, pointing to the pile of test sheets he'd been busy grading before suddenly having the urge to use the bathroom.
Josh smiles crookedly. "Nope." He nervously admits, and Cory simply chuckles while shaking his head before going to sit back down to continue grading papers, and Josh joins him.
There's a brief moment of silence as Cory concentrates on the tests and Josh merely watches him, looking at all the names on the pages, but only recognizing a select few. That's when he sees Riley's name, watching closely as his brother grades his own daughter's history test and as expected, her grade was remarkable. Cory then moves on to the rest of the stack, but instantly pauses once he reaches Maya's test. He immediately clears his throat, lifting his head up to glance at Josh.
Josh cocks an eyebrow, confused. "What?"
"I just realized it probably isn't wise for me to grade students' tests in front of you," Cory states, and Josh is speechless.
He looks at his brother skeptically. "Maybe but what's the big deal? I'm in college,"
"I know, but students' grades should be kept confidential from outsiders. For some, it can often be overwhelming and a bit discouraging, especially if the student isn't doing well academically."
"Are you saying Maya isn't doing well?" Josh questions, concern hidden in his voice, and as he says her name, realizing just how long it's been since the two have last seen each other.
Cory stiffens in his chair and swallows. "Don't make assumptions, Josh. I just need some privacy as I continue to grade, that's all."
"Sure…" Josh says reluctantly as he stands up from his chair, and walking back to the living room where he left his laundry bag, deciding to distract himself with washing clothes until his brother is done with his work.
A few hours then go by, and everyone else is finally home for dinner, but Josh can't help noticing a certain someone is missing. He sits down beside Auggie who's sitting across from Riley. Riley is sitting next to her mom, while Cory is sitting at the end of the table in the same chair he sat in earlier to grade papers.
Josh vaguely listens as everyone talks about their day, eating and laughing with one another, but ultimately refraining from joining in on the conversation. Instead, absently picking at his food with his fork, completely dazed and unaware when Riley starts to call his name.
Josh winces, and looking around the table to see everyone staring at him with questionable glares.
"Why is everyone looking at me?"
"We were just wondering if you're okay? You haven't been talking much, and you've hardly touched your food." Topanga states, and Josh chuckles awkwardly to ease the tension.
Of course, the reason for that is because he's busy thinking about Maya, although doesn't have the courage to ask about her.
"I'm fine." Josh says instead.
"Are you sure?" Riley asks, and Josh nods to reassure her.
He smiles faintly at everyone. "I'm good, guys. Really."
"Alright, but if there's anything going on, you let us know." Topanga says, and Josh simply nods his head, desperately hoping to have the conversation change to something else.
Once it's after dinner, Josh volunteers to help clean up, assisting Topanga with washing the dishes along with helping Riley to get the hyperactive Auggie into bed for school tomorrow. He then grabs his laundry out the machine before packing up to head back to his dorm.
Josh says goodnight to everyone as the evening quickly shifts to nightfall, and reaching for the doorknob as he's about to walk out of the apartment until Cory bellows his name, causing Josh to glance over his shoulder in his brother's direction.
He notices Cory standing behind him before promptly ambling toward him. Meanwhile, Topanga briefly steps out of the room to allow the two boys to talk alone.
There's an anticipative look in Cory's eyes, and Josh arches an eyebrow in wonderment as they gaze at one another.
"What's up, bro?" Josh asks, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Is something wrong?"
"Not necessarily… but there is something I want to talk to you about," Cory implies, piquing Josh's interest.
Afterwards, gesturing Josh toward the couch, and waiting until both of them are seated before disclosing any information.
Cory nervously sighs. "It's about Maya,"
"What?" Josh exclaims, his eyes widening and nostrils flaring as he thinks of the worst case scenarios in his head.
He immediately suspected something was wrong when she hadn't shown up for dinner, and nobody bothering to talk about it. He might not have been around for a while, but he understands the dynamic of his family enough to know that Maya not being around is something strange and unusual. Josh soon beginning to ramble and stammer, panic-stricken as he hopes nothing terrible has happened to her.
"Well, what is it? Is she okay? Did somebody hurt her? She isn't in the hospital, is she?"
"Calm down, Josh. She's okay," Cory assures, temporarily easing Josh of his nerves as he sighs a deep breath of relief.
He slowly nods in his head. "Oh, ok… great. Then what's the problem? Why wasn't she at dinner?" Josh interrogates, not realizing how much he actually wanted to see the small blonde until she wasn't around.
Over the years, he's become accustomed to her excessively pining over him, easily professing her feelings, and looking at him with those admittedly beautiful ocean blue eyes as if he's the king of England and can do no wrong. However, ever since their trip to the ski lodge, her infatuation has strongly digressed, meaning she's more mature and calm regarding the way she approaches him now.
There's no more jumping onto his back, standing close with their faces mere inches apart, or sneaking off to college parties to be sure no other girls steal him away from her.
Josh truthfully found the captivation to be slightly annoying but now that the constant behavior no longer exists, typically speculating if those feelings from Maya even still remain. Albeit, he might have crushes of his own, but the only reason he's okay with the idea of talking to other girls is because he knows him and Maya will eventually be together when the time is right, and is simply distracting himself until the moment finally happens.
Cory stares at his younger brother worriedly, acknowledging the frightened look on Josh's face, and touches his shoulder comfortingly.
"Listen to me, everything is fine. Maya couldn't make it tonight, but not due to an accident or anything like that." Cory clarifies, truthfully confusing Josh, who refrains from saying anything as he waits for his brother to elaborate. "Now. I have a favor to ask you, and I want you to hear me out. It's about Maya. A lot of us are worried about her since she hasn't been herself lately, and whatever it is, it's also affecting her performance in class. Basically, I was hoping you could… talk to her and see what's the matter." Cory states, and Josh is speechless.
"Wait, what? Why me? What about Riley or her friends, or even Katy and Shawn?"
"About that… from what I understand, something happened recently that neither Shawn or Katy will talk about with the rest of us out of respect for Maya, and not even Riley knows what's wrong. She's refusing to talk about it with anyone, but I figured just maybe she'd be willing to confide in you because of… well, you know." Cory explains, and Josh grows silent. Cory then sighs. "You know I wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't important, so will you please consider it?"
"I don't know…" Josh murmurs, shaking his head, and diverting his gaze as he stares down at the floor.
Although, he wouldn't mind an excuse to see Maya, he isn't exactly sure if this is a good idea.
"I get why you think I'm the solution here, but if Maya isn't even talking to her best friend about whatever is bothering her, what makes you think she'll be willing to talk to me?"
"Best friends are great. Maya and Riley have proven that… but sometimes a best friend isn't always the answer. Maya tells Riley everything but maybe this time, she'd be better off expressing her feelings to someone else, perhaps even someone who means just as much to her," Cory implies, and once again Josh is at a loss for words.
He looks up at his brother, contemplating a final decision in his head before taking a deep breath, relenting.
"Fine... I'll do it. I care about Maya a lot. She knows I do, so if there's anything going on, then hopefully she'll be comfortable talking to me about it."
"I'm certain she will be, and you'll see, this will all be a good thing in the end." Cory replies, and Josh smiles weakly, although it quickly disappears.
It's been a while since the last time him and Maya have seen each other, and he isn't sure how she'll feel about him attempting to pry into her business, but hoping she'll be open minded about it, nonetheless.
Josh gets up to leave for good this time but not before getting Maya's phone number and address from Riley, so he can call her and possibly schedule a day and time to see one another.
Despite the history the two have with each other, the thought of ever exchanging numbers never quite coming to mind, and now that Josh finally has the blonde's number, tempted to send her a message and ask how she's doing since he's desperate to know. However, choosing to wait to give himself enough time to process everything.
He goes to bed that night struggling to fall asleep as vivid thoughts of Maya float casually through his mind, rendering him sleepless for most of the night as he thinks of everything that can go wrong once they're together again.
Will she be happy to see him, or wish he wasn't around?
Josh wakes up the next morning restless and grumpy as the discouraging thoughts from the night before completely consumed his mind for the duration of the night, and nearly falling asleep in all of his classes from the sheer amount of stress and sleep deprivation.
Josh couldn't believe how much the situation was taking over him, anxious to talk to Maya and finally get the awkwardness out of the way. He then receives a text message from Riley upon finishing his last class for the day, his stomach churning the instant he reads what it says.
I'm with Maya and we're at Topanga's if you want to stop by. I can also find an excuse to leave if you'd rather be alone.
Josh swallows. Of course, he knew this moment would be happening eventually as he agreed to do this favor for his brother, so it was inevitable he'd be seeing Maya sooner rather than later. However, still unsure of how she'll react when she finds out the reason he's really going to see her. Regardless, taking a deep breath prior to sending a reply to his niece.
It takes no more than twenty minutes for Josh to travel from the university to the bakery, although momentarily standing outside the shop before actually going inside. He wants to forget all the ridiculous speculations he had earlier, certain that the blonde will be just as happy to see him as he is to see her, which is more than enough to calm his nerves and build his confidence as he walks through the door with his shoulders broad, chest out, and chin high.
Josh glances the perimeter until he locates the area Riley informed him Maya would be sitting at, and eventually sees her sitting alone at a table near one of the bookshelves, her elbow propped up and cheek resting in the palm of her hand.
For a while, Josh just stands there from afar, admiring her from a distance. There's something about Maya that evokes a burning ember inside of him every time he lays eyes on her, and this time is no different.
He might've rejected her a dozens times up to this moment because of their ages, but even he had to admit that he couldn't wait for the barrier between them that's been holding them back to be broken once and for all.
"Josh… is that you?" her voice hums, cascading gently through the air, and flowing directly into his ear.
Josh immediately stiffens, skittish that he's been caught gawking without even realizing it. He then clears his throat while awkwardly waving his hand in her direction.
"Hi, Maya." His smile is crooked, and his body visibly trembling, demonstrating his coyness right in front of her, although quickly beginning to relax when he sees her hurriedly running over to hug him.
They open their arms up wide to each other until finally they're tightly embracing one another. Josh rests his head on top of hers, while Maya buries her face into his chest.
He'd been a little cold since he'd just came from outside, but Maya didn't mind in the slightest. She then looks up at him while still keeping her arms wrapped around his backside, lightly smiling while her eyes twinkle with pleasure.
"It's good to see you,"
"You too..." Josh mumbles so quietly that no one else around can hear him except the girl standing in front of him, which is all that matters.
He follows Maya back over to her table, sitting down across from her, and immediately noticing the dozen of books scattered across the tabletop along with a half-eaten chocolate chip cookie. Josh then slowly starts to remember the real reason why he's here once they're sitting together, his body feeling tense and lungs closing up as if he's underwater, hopelessly trying to hold his breath. However, the instant Maya begins to smile and laugh, easily lightening the mood, it isn't long before his nerves are settled, talking to her like normally as if nothing is wrong.
The conversation continues on, Josh truthfully forgetting the joy of what talking to his little ferret is like. When her cheeks resemble two bright apples and her eyes glisten with happiness, he secretly falls harder and harder for her all over again.
She deserves to be smiling all the time, resenting anybody who brings her pain and if he could, he would reach across the table and kiss her until the moment her heart heals and the tears finally stop.
She's trying to appear okay in front of him, but Josh knows the instant she's alone, she'll go back to hating herself, and believing everything is her fault.
He refuses to let that happen, deciding to do the inevitable.
Josh starts to dive a little deeper into the conversation, noticing when the mood quickly shifts from casual to uncomfortable the minute he decides to ask about how life is at home, and Maya suspiciously grows quiet.
It's not something they typically talk about but Josh made a promise to his brother, and he's going to do whatever it takes to help Maya get through whatever is bothering her.
He looks at Maya sympathetically. "Maya, are you okay? Did I do something wrong?"
She shakes her head. "No, of course not." Maya responds, although not very convincingly.
She stares down at her hands that are hidden underneath the table, absently twiddling her thumbs. Meanwhile, Josh proceeds to look at her, wondering what's truly on her mind.
"Maya—"
"You know, I should really get going," Maya announces while standing up from her chair, and quickly gathering up all of her belongings to put back inside of her bag. "Riley suddenly left in a hurry just as we were in the middle of doing homework together, and I still have to finish it before tomorrow."
"Ok, but Maya—"
"I'll see you later, Boing." Maya dashes for the door after putting on her coat, leaving Josh behind as he merely watches her walk out of the bakery.
He sighs. Josh didn't know for sure what was troubling Maya, but it's safe to assume that it must have something to do with the way things are at home.
Were Katy and Shawn suddenly fighting a lot, possibly hinting at a divorce?
Josh doubted it the instant he considered it. He hasn't seen two people more in love aside from Cory and Topanga, so it had to be something else, determined to get to the bottom of it.
Josh pulls out his phone to check the time, realizing that an hour had already gone by since meeting up with Maya.
She really is a great distraction.
Afterwards, putting his own coat back on and grabbing his stuff to try catching up to Maya before she gets too far ahead, but the moment he steps outside, he has no idea which way she could've gone. He groans while murmuring a swear to himself, contemplating what his next move should be.
Maya's clearly upset by something he said, although his intentions were never to hurt her feelings, refusing to let the issue go before he gets a chance to talk to her. He then checks his phone again, remembering that Riley recently gave to him Maya's address, and immediately running down the sidewalk and through the streets until he reaches the subway.
Josh frantically looks around once he walks down the stairs to the platform, believing he would've caught up to Maya by now, but still the blonde was nowhere to be seen. Regardless, it didn't change Josh's plans, merely waiting for the next train to stop by, and take him to her apartment.
It's no more than a ten minute ride from one subway station to the next, Josh rushing off of the train the second the doors open.
He continuously looks at his phone as he runs, using it as a reference to help guide him in the right direction. Meanwhile, attempting to call Maya, but is unfortunately sent straight to voicemail each and every time. She's either blocking all of his calls or has completely turned off her phone, and the closer Josh gets to her apartment building, the more worried he is that she doesn't want to talk to him.
Once bursting through the entrance of the building, sprinting through the small lobby toward the stairs and up to the appropriate floor. Josh briefly examines every door number as he hustles down the hallway until finally he's standing directly in front of the Hunters' door.
He freezes in place, attempting to catch his breath and calm down before facing whomever's inside.
Josh slowly raises his fist, casually knocking on the door, and taking a step back as he waits for someone to answer. Elsewhere, his body is as stiff as a board, eager to see Maya but also nervous at the same time.
He doesn't exactly know what he'll say once they're together again, but an apology didn't seem to be a terrible idea. Whatever to prove that he cares about her, and that he doesn't like seeing her hurt because a gorgeous face like hers should never be frowning.
After a few moments of waiting impatiently, Josh can sense the heat rising up in his cheeks as his entire face feels hot. Josh then gulps once Shawn appears in the doorway, expressing utter confusion on top of his usually easygoing but also stern attitude he developed the minute he became a stepfather. Katy must've been working late, leaving Josh to deal with Shawn.
He looks at Josh with his eyebrows furrowed, glancing him up and down before settling his eyes back on the boy's.
"Well, this is a surprise. What's up, kid?"
"Hey, Shawn… I uh, I was actually wondering if I could speak to Maya if that's okay?" Josh murmurs while awkwardly standing in the hallway, wondering if Maya is even aware that he's here, and is just hiding around the corner, listening.
"Hold on a second," Shawn says, opening the door wider, gesturing for Josh to come inside. "Let's talk." Josh reluctantly agrees as he nods his head, and gradually walking onto the threshold toward the sofa in the living room.
He sits down while Shawn closes the door, noticing a laptop along with stacks of paper a disarray on the coffee table.
From the looks of it, Shawn was looking up homes in different neighborhoods for the family to move to, hoping to surprise Katy and Maya with the good news once everything is finalized. Shawn then walks over afterwards, but opting to stay standing as he glares at Josh with his arms folded.
"First of all, I'm fine, thanks for asking," Shawn teases, and Josh anxiously shakes his head.
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"What about you? How's college?" Shawn replies, wasting time with small talk, but Josh doesn't gripe. Instead, simply nodding his head, going along with the moment until he can ask about Maya.
"College is good, I guess. I'm happy…"
As happy as I can be since I'm stuck being separated from the one girl I hopelessly want to be with, but that's a story for another time.
Shawn smirks. "Glad to hear it. Now what is this about Maya? She didn't come visit you at your dorm uninvited again, did she?"
Josh chuckles. "No, not this time." Although, I wouldn't be totally against it. "I actually just want to talk to her. I'd seen her at Topanga's but then she suddenly had to leave, and I figured she would've came back home."
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but she isn't here," Shawn announces, and Josh's eyes widen to the size of two golf balls, staring at his uncle in disbelief. "Yeah, she called a little while ago, and said she'd be stopping by the park before coming home. Don't ask me why because I don't know,"
"The park?" Josh didn't understand why she would go there of all places, especially alone when nightfall was fast approaching. He looks at Shawn skeptically. "Do you think she's okay?" The tone in his voice suggests worry and doubt, rendering Shawn befuddled and curious.
He eventually moves to sit down beside Josh on the couch, staring at him with a piercing glare.
"I don't know what this is about but Maya is a strong girl, so I'm pretty sure she can a handle a walk through the park. Now, care to explain to me what's going on? You know you're always welcomed and yet, this is the first time you've ever been here, and apparently it's because you want to talk to Maya about something important?"
"Well, it's not that I just want to talk to her… I want to see her, too."
"But didn't you just say, you'd seen her at Topanga's?"
"Yeah, but she didn't look too happy when she left. I just want to be sure she's all right," Josh admits, purposely neglecting to mention to Shawn that he might be reason she's upset in fear of getting his arm twisted behind his back, or worse.
Shawn sighs. "I guess she's still not over it…" He murmurs to himself, raising Josh's suspicions. "Listen, it's not my place to tell Maya's business, I hope you understand that. However, if you can get her to talk to you, then it'll all start to make sense very soon." The vagueness didn't help to settle Josh's nerves, but merely having him wanting to be with Maya even more.
He quickly stands up, and dashing toward the door to start heading to the park.
"Thanks, Shawn! I'll see you later!" Josh shouts as he runs out of the apartment, ignoring anything else Shawn might've said as the door slams shut behind him.
Once back outside in the freezing cold that is the dead of winter, Josh doesn't bother taking the subway, but instead chooses to run all the way to the park while desperately avoiding traffic, pedestrians, and slippery sidewalks. And after five minutes of running in his heavy combat boots, Josh could feel his chest beginning to tighten as the frigid air entered his lungs, but he couldn't stop now, not when he was so close.
Josh finally reaches the entrance to the park, admiring the enormous stone arch that stood in front of him. Being that it's the middle of January, the Christmas lights and decorations had all been taken down, although a glorious blanket of snow still covered most of the ground. Children were also still present, making snow angels and snowmen, and even a nearby food truck serving hot chocolate and other delicious treats. Josh's eyes then catch a glimpse of the very sight he'd been searching for, seemingly frozen in place again as he stares at her from afar.
She looks absolutely beautiful in her red hat and plaid trench coat as she talks to a mother and her son. The boy appears to be offering her a hot beverage, and Maya graciously accepts before kneeling down to give the little boy a hug. The two strangers then walk away, leaving Maya alone as she goes to sit on a bench, and Josh finally finds the courage to move his feet and approach her.
It's a slow trot from where he once stood and over to where the bench is, leaving a trail of footsteps in the snow behind him, and his heart soon starts to palpitate the more he closes the gap between them.
Josh quietly stands in front of Maya, awaiting the moment she realizes his presence. She then starts to lift her head, her translucent blue eyes gazing deeply into his, and her pink lips slowly part while her body slightly shivers.
"Josh…"
"Maya,"
They both speak simultaneously, anxious to be seeing one another for the second time today. Josh then notices Maya as she starts to stand up, and urges for her not to.
"It's okay, don't move." He says before moving to sit down next to her.
Maya purses her lips and swallows. "How did you know I was here…" She asks, and Josh awkwardly chuckles, not wanting to admit that he's been running all over town looking for her.
"You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you… but I'm happy I found you." Maya doesn't look at him upon hearing this. Instead, proceeding to look down at the cup in her hands. "Where'd you get that?" Josh asks as if he doesn't already know.
Maya gently smiles to herself. "A mother with her son. Apparently, he'd seen me alone, and wanted to give it to me. He said: You look like you could use this, and he wasn't wrong."
"That was nice of him," Josh replies, and Maya nods her head. Her smile soon disappears as she looks over at Josh again.
Her eyes skim over every little detail of his face until she's only looking into his eyes.
"Why are you here, Josh?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Josh says, and Maya rolls her eyes. "Why did you suddenly leave when we were at Topanga's together? I thought we were having a good time… Did I do something wrong? Is it something I said?" Maya's silence says a lot, strengthening the guilt Josh was already feeling.
He shamefully lowers his head down, and Maya looks at him sympathetically. She then touches a warm hand to his thigh and says, "Josh, look at me," Maya demands, and Josh reluctantly complies. "I am feeling upset, but it's not your fault. Although, when you asked me about how things are at home, I got to thinking about something and I didn't want to be sad in front of you, so I left. I'm sorry if you thought it was you this whole time,"
"Maya," Josh pauses, trying to find just the right words since there's no going back from here. He takes a deep breath. "You know I care about you a lot, and the last thing I'd ever want is to see you unhappy. If there's something on your mind, then you can always come to me. I know that might not seem like much now with the way things are between us, but I would rather you talk to me than to feel like you need to runaway."
"Josh—"
"I still meant what I said about agreeing to play the long game. I do want to be with you if it's still what we both want, and if you want me to prove it then just say the word."
Maya is breathless the longer her and Josh continue to stare at one another. She then lowers her head, wondering what she should do when Josh softly grabs her hand. Maya's heart skips a beat, proceeding to look at their hands before gradually looking back up at Josh.
There's no denying that they barely get to see each other anymore because of school and during all the time apart, Maya assumed Josh had already moved on with someone else.
She thought it foolish to continuously hold on to something that would probably never be, but when Josh is sitting right there, admitting that he still thinks of the two of them being together, Maya felt content knowing she wasn't alone on the matter, feeling like she can tell him anything.
As Maya gazes at him, Josh is mesmerized by the beauty sitting next him, in love with her porcelain skin, rosy cheeks, and blonde hair that looks to be covered with snow flurries. Maya then closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath, ready to admit the truth.
"I don't like to talk about this with anyone other than Riley… and now you," She says, and Josh keeps his focus strictly on Maya as she talks.
"You know as well as I do that Shawn isn't my biological father, and that's because my dad left my mom and me when I was very young. He then recently came back into my life, basically asking for forgiveness for walking out on us and at the time, I refused to do it. I couldn't. A few months then went by, and he showed up again… and again and again, and eventually I just cracked. It became clear to me that he wasn't going to give up, so I finally decided to put my walls down. What started off as phone conversations on the weekends eventually turned into occasional visits and spending time together, just the two of us. Fast forward to a few days ago during my birthday where he practically begged to see me, and of course, I agreed. He said he had a surprise for me, although neglected to mention it would involve meeting the family he left me and my mom for."
During the entire time Maya is talking, Josh is still holding her hand, wanting not to interrupt, despite being able to tell that this is all very hard for her.
Maya begins to grind her teeth while shaking her head spitefully.
"In that moment, I snapped. I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been to actually trust him and after that, I didn't even want whatever surprise he had to give to me. He seemed so happy with those people, and that's what I don't understand. What do they have that we didn't?"
"Maya—"
"You could see the wedding ring on his finger, the happy wife and kids along with the family portraits all over the walls inside of the beautiful family home. Why couldn't he provide for us like he did for them?"
"I understand that, but Shawn—"
"Why did I have to grow up in a broken home? He never loved me, Josh, that's why he left! I guess to him I wasn't good enough, so why should I even try? Why should give him the benefit of the doubt when he clearly doesn't need me to be happy? All he did was manipulate me, and I fell for it… Gosh, I'm such an idiot!"
"Maya, listen to me!" Josh exclaims, grabbing either side of Maya's face to be sure she's looking nowhere else but at him.
Her eyes are shimmering as they water up with tears, a gut-wrenching sight as Josh desperately pleas for her to stop.
"I hate to see you beat yourself up over this, but that man will never understand what he missed out on by abandoning you the way he did. You grew up to be someone truly amazing, and he cannot take responsibility for the person you've become. You're smart… compassionate… strong, and I think he's just jealous that he wasn't apart of your life because of a stupid mistake he made. It's his loss but more importantly, you'll always have Katy and Shawn. You also have Riley and your other friends, Cory and Topanga… and me. I want to be here for you, Maya, whenever you need me or even if you don't need me. Just keep me in mind."
Maya's eyes wildly search Josh's until finally she blinks, releasing a single teardrop as it slowly glides down her cold cheek, and falling into his arms as she sobs uncontrollably. Meanwhile, the cup of hot chocolate she was holding has fallen to the ground, spilling over in front of her feet.
Josh tightly embraces her, lulling Maya to calm down as he tenderly holds her in his arms. He really didn't like seeing her upset, but he hated seeing her cry even more.
Maya has grown so much from just being the girl with the strong infatuation for him as Josh can actually envision a future where the two of them are together, impatient for the moment to eventually happen. He then quietly whispers something into her ear, and Maya slowly raises her head to stare at him, her glassy eyes glossing over every detail of his face with intensity and desire.
She marvels at the subtle stubble above his lip and his chin, and fascinated by the gold specks in his eyes that she never noticed before until now.
Josh's stare is immersive the longer he continues to look at her, willing Maya both coquettish and captivated as she begins to lean closer toward his face to plant a delicate kiss to his cheek. His skin initially feels cold but immediately warm on the spot where her lips once were, and Josh's heart strongly pounds against his ribcage, while no words seem to slip from his mouth.
He always wondered what this would feel like, imagining Maya's lips to be just as soft as they appeared, and now that he'd gotten a taste, unable to stop with just one.
Josh raises his hand up to her face, caressing it gently as he cups her cheek, and gazing deeply into her eyes as silent confirmation. He then smiles the instant she gives him permission, wasting no time at all as he leans forward to lightly kiss her lips.
The moment was brief, nothing more than a peck. Albeit, not lasting as long as either of them would've liked, but still satisfied nonetheless because this was only just the beginning.
From a whisper to a kiss, Josh did not want to let go of her.
Thank you to everyone who's taken the time to read this one shot, I really appreciate it, and hope you all enjoyed it. Thanks again as well to somuchlovexoxo for setting this up, and allowing me to be a part of it.
Until next time,
:)