Maya

December 11th, exactly two weeks until Christmas. Snow has begun to fall and the purity of the white snowflakes are turning grey as soon as they hit the pavement. The sidewalks are crowded with just about every New Yorker as they shop for their friends
and loved ones. Family seems to be a big deal this time of year. I've got my mom, Shawn and the Matthews family. And I have yet to do any of my shopping.

"You know, if you keep fussing with your hair like that, it's going to fall out."

I whip my head around so fast that I'm pretty sure everyone else in the room can hear my neck crack as I stop dead in my tracks after pacing the living room. "I'm stressing!" I snarl, but then feel my cheeks burn from embarrassment as soon as
I make eye contact with Joshua Matthews.

"What are you so stressed about, little ferret?" Josh laughs as he pats me on my shoulder while passing me to go over to where his brother and sister-in-law are.

"Um, Christmas shopping." I mumble as I slump down on the couch next to Riley.

"That's what you're so worried about? Haven't you started? It's two weeks away." Josh asks and I hear a beer bottle opening.

"I haven't had the time." I shoot back as I jump up off of the couch.

Josh raises an eyebrow in my direction in mid sip of his beer. "Maya, I'm not looking for a fight here." He tells me in a much kinder tone. "If it makes it any easier on you, why don't I help you?" Josh offers and I watch as Cory and
Topangaturn theirheads at the same time to stare at Josh and then to look at me and back at Josh. Cory makes his girly gasp and I hear Riley snicker on the couch.

I silently nod my head at Josh while all eyes are on him. I nervously cough/giggle and then Cory turns his attention back to me.

"You!" Riley's dad screeches while pointing a finger in my direction.

"Me?" I innocently answer back as I point to myself.

"Dinner is ready." Topanga announces just as a timer goes off, diverting a possible bloodbath that could have erupted.

I hesitate at first to join the others at the table for dinner. Standing still, I watch Rileys mom set out the French Onion soup from the oven to everyone's spot on the table. Riley fills her glass with more wine before getting out spoons for each bowl
and places one at each. The smell is so enticing, so I make my move to join the Matthews family.

"Maya, do want another beer?" Riley asks and I snap my head in her direction after taking a whiff of my soup that's in front of me.

"Yes, please." I answer her with a nod of my head, so she goes into the fridge to get my drink and hands it to me.

"This will be my first Holiday spending with you that you can legally drink." Josh comments as he sits across from me.

"You're forgetting your birthday, Easter, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving." I list off as I twist off the cap to my beer bottle.

It's his turn for his cheeks to turn red from embarrassment. "Oh, yeah." Josh mumbles against the lip of his beer bottle after taking a sip.

"No one mention Thanksgiving!" Cory squawks as he takes a spoonful of soup and ends up spitting it onto the table.

"Cory, it'll be okay." Topanga reassures him as she pats him on the arm.

"It was a disaster." Cory goes on to mutter.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch the frown form on my best friends face as she takes a sip of her wine.

"So, Maya, how are your classes going this semester?" Topanga asks me, changing the subject.

"They're going great. My best class is Art History." I answer her with a genuine smile.

"That's great news, Hunny." Topanga replies with a mirroring smile.

"I get compliments on your painting that I have in my apartment. The people want to meet the artist." Josh speaks up and I look to him over my spoon and he just smirks back at me.

"What is going on between you two? I don't know how I feel about these looks you're giving each other." Cory blurts out and I feel my cheeks grow warm as I pick up my beer bottle and take a gulp of its contents.

"We're friends." Josh answers his brother and my heart sinks at those two words that just came out of his mouth.

I remained quiet for the remainder of dinner. Feeling a mixture of anger and hurt, I excused myself from the Matthews residence after dinner was finished and cleared. Making the excuse of that I should get back to my dorm, so I can study for my first
midterm that's tomorrow morning. Rileys parents understood my leaving. Riley gave me a sympathetic farewell as I left. Josh just gave me a worried look as I dodged his hug goodnight.

To be honest, I am exhausted and might just set an early alarm so I can quick study before heading to my English exam. I took my time walking to the subway so I could feel the snowflakes hit my face.

Upon entering my dorm room, I find my roommate, Sam, buried in her notes with her headphones on. I just go grab my pajamas and toiletries and head for the bathroom to change and get ready for bed. As I return to my room, Sam is no longer in our room,
so I just place my things on my side of the room before turning out the light. I set my alarm before I shutting my eyes, so I can wake up bright and early.

Authors Note: So, I had this thought of writing this while putting up Christmas decorations. I want to know your thoughts. It would mean a lot to get reviews! :) Thanks a bunch! Sarah