It was easier for Maya to get through the week knowing she had dinner with Josh to look forward to. She could tell he'd matured and was hopeful that finally, for once, he could possibly look at her differently. Maya had had a few relationships in her later years of high school, though none that were worth anything. She knew Josh as someone who could really understand her, and the little moments and memories that they shared over the years were things she would always hold on to. But she wondered if anything more could now happen. The idea excited her. After what seemed like the longest week ever, Friday finally came. Maya personally did not know what this dinner meant to Josh. But she knew what it meant to her. A chance. She'd have to use this chance because she didn't know if she'd ever get another one. Josh might graduate. But then again, he also might not. Maya just didn't know. So like most of her life, she'd just have to wait.


Josh spent the rest of the week leading up to the dinner thinking. He was so pleased to see Maya again. She'd only gotten more beautiful since the last time he'd seen her. He hated to admit it to himself, but she would likely be a major factor in his decision. Ever since that night she snuck out to see him at his first college party he actually could see a future with her. And then of course, there was the ski lodge. He'd told her he was in it for the long game. And he was. But Josh was considering finally starting something real with Maya. He knew that they could be together now, because at this point in life, an age is just a number. At first, he didn't know what to make of Maya. She was a fierce spirit, but also fragile on the inside, even though she didn't like to show it. She understood Josh and he liked that about her. He felt that they understood each other. As the years passed by, he felt that their connection only got stronger. As he walked to dinner on that Friday night, he considered all of this. He knew what he was going to do. He knew what decision he was going to make.


Maya was waiting anxiously for Josh outside the diner. She didn't exactly know what the proper attire was, and she didn't want to be overdressed but she definitely didn't want to be underdressed. After much contemplation, she settled on light-wash jeans and a maroon crew-neck sweater. She was waiting outside for only a few minutes when she saw Josh.

"Wow, Maya you look great," Josh told her.

She smiled shyly. "Thanks."

"So um, wanna go inside?"

"Uh yeah, sorry. Let's go." Maya's heart was racing. She was never like this. Since when did I have trouble talking to Josh? she thought. I need to relax.

After they were seated, Josh broke the silence. "So, Maya, how has your first week at NYU been?"

"Well, it's been pretty good. It'll definitely take some getting used to though. But me and my roommate get along pretty well, which is good."

Josh laughed. "You're lucky. Me and my roommate did not get along at all. I don't know if you remember, but my freshman year my roommate was this weird guy who said-"

"Schnoop-aloop at the end of everything. Yeah I remember."

The two shared another laugh. The rest of the evening moved pretty smoothly. After getting comfortable, conversation came easily to the both of them. They caught up and shared a few more stories, and a few more laughs. Before they knew it, their waiter told them it was 10 o'clock and the diner would be closing soon. They paid their bill and began leaving the restaurant.

"Well it was really great seeing you, I had a fun time tonight," Maya told Josh.

"Yeah me too. And hey, Maya? Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, of course," Maya said shakily. She had no idea where this was going.

"Well…" Josh hesitated. "Will you be my girlfriend?"