A/N: Life is one that gets more difficult the older you get. Full time job and school will get the better of you and drown you in your sorrows. But I guess better late than ever my darlings.

Hope you like it, because it's just about to get more interesting.

Summary: How does living with your best friends affect the way you see one another? Join the lives of the original trio and how they are to face the many challenges in meeting the real world.

Word Count: 7k

Previously on Sense and Sensibility:

"Maya moved closer to him and pull him over her to give him a kiss. She loved kissing him. It gave her butterflies every time no matter how many times they had done this. Their lips moved in harmony for a few minutes and she savored how minty he tasted. Pulling away, but still keeping his face close, he brushed their noses together in an Eskimo kiss. "I love you too Josh." And with that she yawned right in his face followed by a laugh due to his dismay.

He smiled and pulled away to turn off the lamp on his side of the bed. "Goodnight." He said as her eyes closed and she was pulled under a gracious sleep."

Chapter 12: Trust the Art

Maya

She woke up to the muffled sound of someone fiddling around the room. Not knowing what time it was exactly, she vaguely remembered Josh needing to be up early for the meeting. Her eyes barely opened as she felt him press his lips to her head, whispering the words, "I'm heading out. I'll see you in a little bit. Love you."

She mumbled back barely audible words before falling back into a slumber only to be woken up to the sound of her incredibly loud alarm on her phone. Groaning she opened her eyes and quickly shutting them due to the brightness beaming through the gap of the thick red curtains. Her fingers found her phone and turning to lay on the other side of her body, she finally let her eyes peak for the time. 8 AM. So the time wasn't terrible to wake up to.

A yawn emerged from her as she sat up and raked her fingers through her hair. Maya glanced around the room and her blue hues found a note on the bedside table. A reminder that she would be picked up at 9:30 by Jo in the lobby. Maya wondered what she was going to be doing today. Exploring no doubt. She was excited to see the city.

Getting ready was nice when your place wasn't a mess and you knew exactly where everything was. Maya took her time reasonably and made sure she was dressed comfortably. She took out her dress for the art show that was folded nicely in a special bag in her suitcase. It wasn't the ideal way to carry a dress, but when you're flying, it's not the easiest choice. She hung the dress up in the open closet. It was a simple floral-embroidered dress. The base was a black and strapless sweetheart neckline, but above the chest was a black see-through mesh, all the way up to the black collar and down the arms, with pink flowers embroidered all over.

It was simple, but a beautiful dress that made her look more like a woman rather than a teenager. She thought that was an important aspect of her look. She was 18, almost nineteen in just a few days. Her boyfriend was 21, out of college, and had a job with a very big art museum. She had just started college. All of these people were much older, and looked at her as a baby, which is how everyone looks at her. She didn't want to look like Josh's baby girlfriend, but someone that was mature enough to be with him and to stand beside him while he worked.

What she decided to wear while walking around the city today was dark denim jeans, a cream colored knit sweater, the maroon scarf she acquired from Christmas the previous year, a jean jacket and brown knee length boots. It was comfortable in this cold weather, classy and casual. She finished with her makeup, which was a toned down version of what she was going to wear for tonight. After a spritz of perfume, she was out the door and down to the atrium.

Once down stairs, she could smell food coming from the bakery in one of the kiosks. Her stomach rumbled and she waltzed inside and back out with a small sandwich and coffee. Her walk to the lobby was confusing and she ended up having to ask for directions twice, but once she was there, she sat in the chairs in the front looking towards the entrance revolving doors. She was about ten minutes early.

Not long after, Mrs. Lopez entered the hotel, with a smile plastered on her face. "Good morning Maya! I have a morning planned for us as well as a lunch. You're in for a treat."

Once in the car, Maya got comfortable. She could actually see landscape today, which was nice, because they got in too late last night to actually see anything while driving. Once getting on the freeway, she notice how different this city looked compared to her city. It was spread out and way less concrete jungle looking. There was green everywhere, and though in some areas you could see where it was hilly, it wasn't as compact as she was used to.

They drove around the city, but avoided the traffic in downtown, which was bustling with people who were driving to work and meetings, and the tons of people who were heading to the festival that was near downtown as well. Making a few stops where they picked up Mrs. Lopez's mother from the nail salon and then went to lunch at this incredible sandwich shop located outside of the city.

Conversation was mostly them asking about Maya and her family, and growing up in New York. And of course she was asked about Josh. "So, how long have you two been dating?" Mrs. Lopez asked.

"About a year now," Maya shook her head in disbelief that it had only been a year. Yeah, officially it was April, but its been since December of last year when Maya decided she wasn't going to see anyone else but Josh.

"But you and Josh have known each other for a long time?"

Shen nodded. "Yes, Josh and I have known each other since I was eight, almost nine? And he was eleven, almost twelve. We've had some run in's when ever his parents would come to New York for a visit to his brothers. We met for the first time at his niece's eighth birthday party. She and I are best friends. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have met him or his family. It's definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions the last ten years with him, but life has a way of working itself out, and I'm loving how it is right now."

Mrs. Lopez's mother Jerrianne looked like a very skeptical woman, but was actually a very sweet woman, who was very seemed very interested in getting to know people. She munched on her chips and responded with a gentle smile. "Rollercoaster of emotions will never stop. Take it from someone who has been married to the same man for 47 years. It might be up and down, but it will never stop being exciting to be in love, and continue loving and then also loving my children as well. The ride won't stop until you have parked your life in heaven. Then a new ride begins."

Maya liked that saying. She had never heard it before. But people didn't talk like this in New York, nor were they as kind and open to others. This was a different atmosphere all together, compared to the bridges that linked the concrete jungle to the outside world. They continued to finish eating before they headed back out onto the road.

They drove back to their home in Belle Meade, and looking around, Maya gulped at thinking this is where she could only dream to live, due to the houses that were being sold for millions of dollars. What exactly did Mrs. Lopez's parents do to own such a beautiful home as this? The answer was unknown for now. They parked the car and made their way into the home. The first room they had entered was their mud room, but walking up the stairs they came into a hallway that led them all the way into the great room. Shiny marble flooring, nice comfortable, but fancy couches decorated the room. The room was split with high marble arches that connected to their living area and open kitchen. At the breakfast table sat 4 guys, one included Josh and another, Mr. Lopez.

Josh spotted his girlfriend this sensual expression entwined with a smirk appeared on his face. She loved that this particular expression was reserved for her only. He approached her and wrapped her in his arms and gave her forehead a peck. "I can't wait to get to the festival later. I could already see the crowds filing in earlier while at the Art Center downtown. We are going to have so much fun tonight."

She desperately wanted to get away with him, but she knew that work for right now is important. "I can't wait either. So what time do you need to be at the show?"

"I need to be there around 5:30, since it starts at 6. It's 11:30 right now, so I thought we could head to the festival for a couple hours." Josh turned, lightly reaching for Maya's hand and intertwining their fingers. He led her over to introduce her to Mrs. Lopez's father, and brother Collins. Mr. Chad looked like he smiled for a living, due to the wrinkles on his cheeks and the twinkle in his eyes. He must have made a lot of people happy in his life.

He shook her hand delicately. "You two are a mighty fine lookin' couple," his southern twang was laced in his accent. "Y'all going to the festival tonight after the show?"

"Yes we are. In fact we might go for a couple hours before to grab food and check it all out, Mr. Chad. Can't wait to listen to some good music and ring in the new year," Josh noted. As they conversed, Maya's phone began to ring. She glanced down and saw Farkle's name pop up on the screen. She looked at Josh showed him her screen and excused herself.

Once out of the room, she answered. "Hey Freckle, how are things?"

" Okay, for the most part. I was just calling to see how everything was going today, and how last night was, and how Nashville is and also, we need a new plan to get Riley to sleep . . ." There it is. She knew this was more than just a 'how are you' conversation. If it were just that, he would have only texted her.

"I don't know. It's the fear, Farkle. It's that invisible shadow, something that her mind is creating in the dark. We both know she can't sleep with the lights on, but when the lights are off, her imagination is making her feel things that aren't really there. I went through the same thing after the whole Don thing, but I mainly slept next to Riley the majority of the time until I got over that. Plus, we don't know exactly what he did to her. She's sensitive right now because of that." Maya ducked outside the house. She didn't exactly want her voice to be echoed through the house with this conversation.

She continued. "When my situation with Don happened, he was forceful and touched in places I didn't want to be touched. I had no control over my body. He was a weight on top of me. It sickens me just to think about. Riley is probably having similar troubles. It's the darkness the empty void. And I don't know if there is anything we can do to help her at the moment. It's a battle she's having with her own mind."

"I just hate seeing her in this state. She's Riley, but not the Riley we know. I want to help her, and I don't know how." He sounded desperate for an answer.

Maya bit her bottom lip. "Well, let's research it, and if I find anything that might help, I'll text you. I'll ask Josh as well. The only two people who are going to be able to help her are you and me, and right now, you are the only one there with her. We'll figure this out together, like we always do."

"Okay, I have a friend I can call as well. My dad was recommended to her when he broke down. She might have a suggestion on how to help her too. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to call."

She nodded. "No it wouldn't. I'll look too and see what I can find. Though it was scary and difficult with the aftermath with Don, I couldn't remember everything, which in my case was good for me, because I can block that out. Riley wasn't drugged, nor with alcohol in her system. She remembers everything. It's so fresh right now. If you notice that she's so sensitive to others touching her, unless she is the one that commences the action. Maybe we can help her with that first. Getting her to trust us and help her not fear the action that comes with physical touch." Wow, that was a mouthful, she thought.

Maya could hear Farkle exhale on the other end of the call. "Okay, I might have an idea for that actually. Thank you. How is Nashville?"

"It's great so far. Josh and I are fixing to go to the festival for a couple hours before the art showcase. I'm excited. For the first time I get to go to a big show like this. And with Josh. It's going to be a great night."

He chuckled. "Yeah, you have fun Maya. It's not everyday you get to have an adventure like this. Tell Josh I said hi. I know that this wasn't supposed to be his show, but the fact that his boss chose him out of all the other people to help out, is saying something." She was about to say something, but he cut her off with another question. "He said no to the job offer though, I know you don't agree with him and his reasoning. Has he mentioned anything to you?"

"No. And I don't understand why he would give up this opportunity. I'm trying so hard to not be upset. It's his career, and his choice, but those benefits, how much he loves his job, I just don't see how he could say no, and tell me it's because he's not ready."

"Just because you think he's ready, doesn't mean that he really is. Maya, don't be upset. The world is full of opportunities. This won't be his only offer. I don't think Mr. Renaldo is dumb to think that Josh has other reasons for not accepting. He'll ask again. I've got to get going though, Riley just got home."

She smiled, loving her talks with Farkle. "You have a great day Farkle. After all, remember that this year ends in about 10 hours and a new one begins."

"Thanks Squish. Happy New Year. Talk to you soon."

She hung up the phone and made her way back inside. Josh looked over at her concerned and his eyes asked her the question if everything was alright. She nodded. "He's just worried about Riley. She was up all night again." Maya wasn't going to mention anything about the job to him. The best thing she can do for him is be happy if he is happy.

Josh nodded, and they walked away from the group of people. "I can't think of any way to help her either. I know that she's battling with something, but if she doesn't talk to us or someone about what happened, she's not going to get better."

Maya nodded. "I know. She's going through something similar to what I went through after everything went down with Don. Yeah, I was roofied and I might have drank a little too much, and not remember much, but I still remembered what it felt like. How awful I felt to not have any control of my own body or actions, and everything was forced. But it's a faint memory. This is too fresh for her, something that she remembers so clearly. She can't even let anyone touch her without flinching, or backing away completely." She sat down on the chair in the great room. "I don't think he just came on to her, but while she struggled to get away, he hit her." She let out a breath that she had been holding.

The thought had never surfaced verbally until now, just remained in her thoughts, wanting to bury them away in another dungeon of sadness. The dungeon reserved for things that she didn't want to admit. "She covers her arms completely all the time. Holds them tightly against her body, as if she's trying to shield herself. I honestly don't think she's dong it on purpose, but she's subconsciously reminding herself that she could get hurt once again."

Josh sat down next to her, and put his arm around her, kissing the top of her head. She could tell his thoughts were everywhere due to his silence. This was very hard for him too. This was his niece. His precious, sunshine loving, bight-eyed niece, who couldn't even harm a fly if she tried. His relationship with her is very delicate and special. Not very many people have this bond that they do. Maya looked up at him and as he stared off at the non existent fire in the fireplace, she lifted her head to place a kiss on the crook of his neck. The action snapped him out of his thoughts and he sighed. "I hate that she's going through this, and we're finding it hard to help her, and I'm pissed at this Dillon guy, but I have to remembered that she's alive, and will get through this. She has you, me, and Farkle." He looked down. "I'll give Farkle a call in a little bit. I think I might have an idea for how he can help her, but right now, let's go to the festival and get food."

He stood up and offered his hand to her. She took it and help on, intertwining their fingers together. All she wanted to focus on was him and her tonight.

Farkle

Farkle spent the day running errands, and doing random stuff for his mom. In the middle of his day, he took that time to call Maya, and ask her for advice. Yes, Riley did talk to Farkle and he was grateful that he was an option to talk to, but when it came to this, he was sure Maya knew more than he did.

Surprisingly to him, she didn't know much more than he did. Which was odd. Riley must not have talked to anyone about this situation. This was an issue. Farkle knew that if you bottled something up for a long time and didn't talk to anyone about it, you would either explode in anger, hurting the people around you and yourself, or resolve to thinking about things that could endanger your mental and physical health. He new this from experience by watching his dad. That was another situation he was finding difficult to deal with.

Farkle and his family were on the tabloids for a couple weeks now, due to the Thanksgiving fiasco. Rumors about his parents relationship crumbling being the reason Stuart Minkus hasn't introduced a new product or upgrade of an old one in a while (that's a 50/50 reason in which his father has been developing a new invention, but it's just not ready for the public quite yet), and this could possibly be the downfall of Minkus's career. Another rumor about Stuart selling the business, not even thinking about handing it down to his son, who has become a rebel himself apparently.

Yes, Farkle Minkus was on the cover only a week after the party, leaving the building in Brooklyn holding hand with a mystery girl, whom wasn't even caught in the photo (thank God), but it didn't surpass the press to write a "great" article on how Farkle Minkus left his long term relationship (which he and Smackle had been in the news before due to science awards—noted that they were dating), for a life involving flings with random girls. He had a great laugh at that with Maya and Riley, who were baffled at the thought of Farkle actually being a guy like that. Farkle was too nice when it came to girls though, so it was mind boggling that people actually might believe such stories.

That didn't stop the curiosity of his friends. Smackle called him not too long after the article was published. She was concerned about what happened and he let her know exactly what happened. Even Zay texted him, which was saying something. It was a few weeks back, but his friend didn't necessarily find out by reading the article at first.

Hey Farkle, I was wondering if you were okay man? I heard something happened the other night at your dad's benefit, and someone we went to school with sent me an article. Are you okay? -Zay

Farkle was glad to hear from Zay, due to their last conversation where they promised they would keep in touch, even if their schedules got busy and out of whack.

Yeah Man, tabloids. Press just don't know how to butt out of peoples personal lives, or not give a story that has so many flaws to it. Fake news, am I right? I'm okay though. Yeah, my dad said some things he probably should have kept to himself, and he got lost in the toast with his emotions towards my mom that he didn't even mention anything about his new invention he's so excited about. As for the girl I'm clearly holding hands with in the photo, that was Riley.

The genius was sure he was going to get questioned about her from Zay, but he didn't even consider that apparently, due to his response.

I figured it had to have been Riley. Maya told me about her Thanksgiving at the Matthews, but didn't mention Riley's name until later. I'm glad that someone close to you was there while that happened. I'm sorry that that has happened as well.

Since Thanksgiving, he noticed Zay texting him more. Farkle guessed that his semester had been coming to an end, and his schedule lightened up. It was nice to be in weekly communication with him again. He wished the same for Lucas, but he had only texted him very little. It was always phone tag with them, but the text version of that. Because their conversations would go on for a few days. Granted he was an hour behind, which doesn't seem like much, but is actually a difference when you have classes all day long and he's a guy who is an athlete who is up early for training and in practice in the evening. Farkle can't blame the guy for being busy.

So he arrived at Topanga's and noticed that Riley wasn't there. It was odd, but he found her mom behind the counter. "Let me guess, she was falling asleep in here once again?"

Topanga nodded. "Not as bad as she was the other day, but there is something we've got to do."

Farkle shrugged hopelessly. "I know. I called a friend who could possibly give some advice as to how to help her, but she's in a meeting right now, so I left her a message. Maya had a point, and we can't blame her. It's a traumatizing event. I just hate seeing her in this state."

"She'll figure it out, Farkle. In the mean time, we just have to be there for her, when she needs us." Topanga wiped the counter down. "And she will come to us when she needs help."

Farkle nodded. "I hope so," he sat down at the bar and Topanga made his usual. He took out his laptop and read some emails. Some were from his teachers next semester, and some were just the random ones you don't want to read, but delete. While sorting out his files and getting his desktop ready for next year, he received another email once again, but this time it was from Dr. Hathaway.

Farkle! So glad to hear from you.

I got your message. And there is this young woman I know that gave a TED Talk a few years ago, and I thought she might be able to explain it better than I would. I've sent you the link in the attachment below. She has a similar story, and this is how she recovered from that traumatizing event. I hope this could help. Also, if Riley is in need to talk to a councilor like me, definitely have her ring me.

Dr. Jen Hathaway

The genius took out his headsets and plugged them into his computer. He scrolled down to the attachment and clicked on it. It was a 30 minute long discussion, but he was ready to hear what this woman had to say.

An hour later, he was walking down the side walk back to his townhouse thinking about the talk. Now this woman was a victim of rape, which Riley had not been . . . but that doesn't mean that it couldn't have happened. Farkle was just lucky enough to actually get there before the worst could take place. Still, she was touched and forced just like this woman. She was pinned to the walk and the floor, helplessly trying to get away.

It was a terrible thought to imagine his best friend going through that. Still, this TED Talk woman, that went by the name of Lindsay in particular had similar issues like Riley. The flinching when someone reached out to touch her, the long, sleepless nights, and the covering up of scars.

It was 5:30 when he arrived home. He walked up the stairs and into the living room where Riley was curled up. He sighed. This was where she normally crashed when she wouldn't be able to sleep the night before. He took the blanket that was draped over the side and placed it on her carefully. He walked into his room and cleaned up a little bit. By the time it reached six, Riley walked inside his room. "Are you going anywhere tonight?" She asked.

He thought about it. This year he didn't really have any plans. "I wasn't sure yet. Do you want to go somewhere?"

She shrugged. "I would like to ring in the New Year doing something."

He sat down on the edge of his bed. "Well, I have no plans. And it's just us for the holiday. So, what would you like to do Mrs. Riley?"

"I want to watch the ball drop up close, but I don't want to be around so many people."

Farkle thought about this for a moment. "I have an idea . . . Are you up for an adventure though?"

She raised her eyebrows. "What do you have in mind?"

They raced through the city, Riley's giggles getting lost in the wind. The city was chaos underway, and people were filling the streets, preparing for the concert. Once on W 46th Street he realized that he was going to need a back up plan. The road was covered with people. There would have been no way they could get to the entrance. The closer they got to Times Square the swarm of people grew, blocking them, making it hard to move. So he grabbed her hand, looking at her to make sure she was okay, and when she squeezed his own, he turned, guiding them the way he should have taken before.

Around the block, he ducked into a store and headed to the back. Riley kept asking where they were going or why they were in a clothing store, but he continued to the back hallway. It was technically an area for their employees, and considering that he didn't own anything or lived in the building of their destination, they could get in trouble. So he ran, tugging her behind him, and somehow ended up backstage in a small theater.

His eyebrows furrowed, confused because he didn't remember this route. His head shook, turning suddenly to think, but he heard footsteps. Riley giggled softly and pulled him behind the curtains, out of sight. Her head peaked to the side to look out of the curtains, but turning back to only realize they were inches apart. She looked surprised, but she spoke softly. "They're gone."

Nodding, they moved forward out the back door, Farkle hoping that this was the right door. Relief flooded him knowing he had chosen correctly. The cold bit of air outside hit them like a wall. The sight that was in front of him was supposed to be a beautiful green garden, but instead greenery was covered in a white sheet of powder, as well as the statues, and the fountain in the middle. Riley glanced around. "What is this place?" She asked in curiosity.

"Well, this is the garden that belongs to the church over here. This is not our final destination, but we're almost there." Farkle walked down the steps into the snow filled garden and across to a narrow path in-between two very tall buildings.

He had only done this once before, but he had taken another direction to get out here into the garden. Once the narrow path opened up, they were now in another spot where greenery would normally fill the walls and the surrounding area. On the left, two chairs and a table sat, which made sense that this was somebody's outside living area. Straight ahead was the fire escape he was looking for. He reached began to climb, but before he continued, he glanced down at the brunette below him and looked up in curiosity. "Farkle Minkus, where are you taking me?"

He smirked at her. "I did say adventure right?"

Riley thought about it, for a split second before reaching her hand up to grab the railing and follow him. Once they climbed to the very top floor, which was very high, Farkle made sure they were both okay before looking at the window greeting them. He fiddled with the side, lightly placing his fingers underneath to open the window. He could feel the blast of warm air meet with his face, and he climbed in. Riley cautiously trailed in as well.

A bark could be heard from behind the door and then a dog appeared just as it opened. A beautiful golden, Labrador Retriever ran into the room, almost running into the wall, dire to the fact he didn't have a full left back leg. He ran straight into Farkle and the genius pretended to fall dramatically, and chuckle while reaching out to greet the dog. Riley giggled and got down on her knees to rub the dog as well. "Whose dog is this? And whose house are we in?"

"This is Astro. Ari is around here somewhere. She likes to hide. And this apartment belongs to Lionel," Farkle finally answered the question she had been asking since they left their house.

"Lionel? As in driver Lionel?" She motioned her hands as if she was turning a wheel while asking her question.

Farkle nodded. "Yep. He is overseas with his family till after the New Year. They normally take the animals with them when they go places, but since they weren't in the country this time, he was told by his wife to keep them here. I offered to help him out. I could feed them, walk Astro, spend some time here, just so he wouldn't have to worry. So he gave me a key, told me that I could bring a couple friends over to watch the ball drop tonight if I wanted. I was going to see what you were up to first, before I suggested. Then again, the adventure was fun."

She smiled. "It was," she walked over to the door and came out into the living room. "How exactly are we going to see the ball drop? These windows don't exactly help the view."

"Oh, that's because we won't be watching it from inside. Come with me." He turned down into the hallway. She followed behind until they reached a small study with a book shelf. Behind one of the books was a handle. He pulled it and the case creaked open slowly revealing a staircase leading to the roof.

Behind him, he could hear Riley speak. "And so, the adventure continues."

He knew she was going to love this place. As he gained closer to the top, the greenery that should be down on the ground, was placed up here in a hidden greenhouse atop the building. As he turned to see Riley, she looked around in amazement. "It's single digits outside, and in here its . . . warm." She closed her eyes, and he could tell she was probably imagining summer. And the brightness of the sun. They don't get that much these days due to all the snow they've been having.

"Rita loves botany, according to Nigel. She likes to grow her own fruits and vegetables in this greenhouse, and apparently does it through hydroponics? She's a smart kid." Farkle took a glance at the framework of the garden. It wasn't a huge room, but big enough to grow several plants. On the far left side of the greenhouse was a glass door leading to the roof. Farkle tugged Riley along and they made their way up the two concrete steps onto the roof of the building.

There was a breeze in the air, and Farkle was hoping that the weather would hold up so they could watch the ball drop from out here. Riley smiled. "It's windy, but it's a great view." Sure enough, they could see Times Square perfectly from where they were standing. Riley turned to look up at him. "Want to make dinner?"

He nodded aggressively before he ducked back into the apartment. With music playing and the tv on ABC, which was live streaming Dick Clarke's New Years Rockin' Eve. They had brought the stuff they were going to make at home, and began to cook. Riley danced around the kitchen, while she made her favorite, rigatoni. Farkle was making something he had learned to make from his grandad. It was a Jewish dessert called Babka. There were several different ways to make it, but his favorite was cinnamon.

Farkle found space heaters in the shed on the roof. He and Riley set up the area overlooking Times Square, with four heaters around set on their highest setting. They took the cushion from the two benches in the greenhouse and placed them together with pillows and blankets on top of them. Surprisingly it was warm on the cot they made. They listened to music and ate their dinner in small conversation.

Riley took a bite out of the Babka and her head rolled back. "Oh how I've missed your Babka."

"And cinnamon," they both said in unison. "My favorite." They laughed. Riley almost looked like her normal self, except with the dark bags under her eyes. He watched her and then took a swig of the vodka he brought from his mom's liqueur cabinet.

He passed her the bottle and she took a swig too. "What are you looking at?" She asked.

"What, I can't look at you?" He smirked, but her eyes still read the same question. "It's just nice to see that I can make you smile every once in a while." The corners of her mouth quirked up. "You're exhausted aren't you?"

She nodded softly. "I hate that it's so hard for me to fall asleep. It's just that anytime I close my eyes, or the lights go off, I can see him, feel him, and sometimes, I could even smell the scent of him. It's suffocating."

"The mind is a fickle thing. Anytime you go through a traumatizing experience, you will have PTSD. There are minor cases, and then their are major cases. In this case, it's minor for you. I want to help, but you have to trust me. You have to be willing to talk to me and Maya. We are the two people closest to you. I have an idea how we can get you past this, but you need to push forward, and not stay where you are." Farkle waited for her response.

She sighed. "I'm tired of being scared. What did you have in mind?"

He stood up and motioned for her to follow him back into the apartment. In the living room he took off his coat, all the way down to his long sleeve shirt. Riley did the same. "Because you fear him, the darkness around you acts as a void. Your fear, lets you see him first. It replays the moments you feared the most with him. He hit you. I know this, because you had a strawberry on your cheek when I got there, but you also flinch when any hand gets close to your face. He forced himself on top of you, giving you the suffocating feeling. He didn't give you any control over your body, which then explains why you've had little physical contact with anyone this last week and a half. Your mind makes up the feeling of him, instead of anyone else."

"This is an experiment. I asked a friend who is a psychologist about this type of situation and how to help and she sent me this TedTalk video of a woman who had a similar experience, and how she treated it. The majority of the video was talking about PTSD, but she shared her own experience in the end. Granted this woman was actually a victim of rape, but that's because no one came to her aid. Everything leading up to what happened, was very much like your experience. I hate to say that if I hadn't been there, you could have been looking at the same situation, but we were very lucky to not have that happen. Anyway, the people who were close to her helped her overcome her fear of physical interaction by giving her hugs. All the time. Now I know that seems silly, but they would open their arms to her and she would have the option to accept an embrace. It's to allow yourself to be in control of your own body, but also to fight that fear of being touched. Soon enough, because she was surrounded by the people she loved, and who loved her, when she would be consumed with fear, her mind refocused on who she trusted, rather than the man who did harm to her."

"Of course this took time some time, but I had another idea pop into my head, as I was watching the video." Farkle grabbed an eye mask to give to Riley. "Now I know this is probably going to sound strange, but it could work. I'm obviously a different body type than Dillon. He's a bit thicker, and more burly. I have a little muscle on me, but I have way less body fat. If you put this on, it will seem like you are standing in the dark."

She looked at him oddly, but she licked her lips and sighed, putting the eye mask over her eyes. "I hope you know what you're doing."

Farkle bit his bottom lip, thinking about how he hoped this was going to make a difference. "This was my idea. So no awkwardness here. You're my best friend. And I don't mean for this to sound so weird, but I want you to get to know a different body type than his. Yes, we've hugged many times, but it's never been the kind of hug you think about constantly. I might be really good at giving hugs, but the way my embrace feels against you is not something that's on your mind all day—or in this case all night."

"So you want me to hug you?" She asked.

"Precisely. But I also want you to take the time—and this is also something you can do with Maya—but take a moment to feel me against you . . . If that doesn't sound weird—but it does."

Riley put her hands up. "I know what you mean Farkle. You're trying to get me to replace the feeling of him, with the feeling of you."

"And eventually Maya, and Josh, and your parents. Basically anyone who is close to you that you love and trust." Farkle took another sip of the bottle of vodka and stood right in front of his best friend. "Now I'm right in front of you, so you can reach out for me. This will also help with the, 'being in control' thing I was talking about. Whenever your ready."

Josh and Maya

It was 7 PM and the Art Show had taken off. People came from all over, to see their display. Of course it wasn't art work you'd see in The Met. Josh worked for a curator department that traveled around, set up shows, did advertisement, that gained peoples attention to partnering museums. This wasn't his show though. It was supposed to be Dave's. Josh didn't want to intrude on his friends work, but he was second to know how the show was supposed to run.

Earlier today, they walked around the festival which had been in full swing since noon had hit. The food was delicious and the music being played by cover bands and small guests filled their ears, giving them a little taste of what was to come when the showcase was over. But for now he was in the bright halls of the art show.

He mingled with art lovers and his boss, who looked at Josh as if he was his pride and joy. Man, Josh hadn't been looked at like that in a long time. Even by his dad. It was a sad thing to say, but yet having a father who has been through fatherhood three times before he came along, it was hard to compete with his siblings. Then he screwed up again. He declined the job offer, for selfish reasons, but it only seemed to make his parents even more concerned about is life choices.

He tried to push that thought aside. He wasn't making bad life decisions. These were to make him happy. He knew that. Josh only wished they knew. The only person that related to him, and was totally okay with him deciding this was Topanga. God, he loved his sister-in-law. She knew exactly where he was coming from. Her parents didn't seem like they wanted anything to do with her after her decision to decline Yale, and stay with Cory, and move to New York City to be this bad ass lawyer. And they still don't seem to notice. But Josh knew she chose this for her happiness. No, her adult life had not been sunshine and rainbows, but she wouldn't change it for the world.

His eyes searched for a blonde in the midst of the crowd. She had been wandering the aisles of paintings, doing her thing while he did his. Mostly because of the amount of people who came up to talk to him. He almost forgot that he had a badge that said Curator on it.

Josh approached Mr. Renaldo, after having a light conversation with an English man. His boss beamed at him. "Joshua, my boy," he patted the young curator on the back. "This is the man of the night. Josh Matthews. He helped our Senior Curator, Dave Tonkins with this project. One of our finest showman's."

"You've done incredible here, Mr. Matthews. I'm Warren." He shook hands with this person, who he'd probably never meet again, but smiled and thanked them on behalf of Dave and himself. "I'd say your team is quite efficient, Ren. You have some fresh faces too. That young blonde is quite the artist herself. Don't have to see her art just to know that she's a creator. Very knowledgable. My wife has had a time talking to her." The woman beside him gave him a bright smile.

Mr. Renaldo narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Blonde? I don't have a blonde working for me."

Josh's eyes widened. "Blonde, short, gorgeous blue eyes, black floral dress?" The man nodded. "That's . . ." He smiled in admiration. "That's Maya."

"Oh!" Renny exclaimed. "Should have known. Maya doesn't work for me. Although, I would love her to. She is a very creative and inspiring person, and my wife loves her. She is with Josh."

"Wow," Warren's wife stated, "A fine Curator, and a beautiful woman by your side, who also loves and appreciates art? You are doing very well with your life."

Josh looked down for a moment, taking in what she said, before looking back up. That was exactly what he wanted to hear. He needed that. "Thank you," he felt a hand grasp his own, and he glanced down to meet a beautiful pair of blue hues. "She's definitely art work herself." Her cheeks turned red, but she laced their fingers together and wrapped her other hand around his arm.

"Are you talking about me?" She asked teasingly.

Josh smirked shyly. "I'm always talking about you." He leaned over to kiss her head.

She raised her eyebrows. "You're supposed to be talking about art."

Mr. Warren chuckled. "Keeping him in line, are we Mrs. Matthews?" Maya dropped all of her thoughts and looked at the man who said that, and Josh did as well. Everyone had laughed at his comment. And Josh felt his face heat up at the fact that they all believed Maya was his wife—not that that was a bad thought. He looked down at her hand, and noticed she was wearing a ring. Her great-grandmothers engagement ring. It was a gift when she graduated. Plus her friendship ring with Riley as well. And that's what gave it away.

Maya blinked and she looked up at Josh. She looked utterly confused in this situation. He smiled softly at her. "Yeah, she always keeps in line." Josh winked at her. These people didn't know them, nor did they want to correct them, because correcting them could propose questions that wasn't about tonight. And they were away from home. They both didn't seem to mind. "Anyway," he couldn't seem to leave her eyes, "Artwork."

She nodded. "Yep, art. That's why we're here."

They moved on walking through the room that just never seemed to end. They came upon a photo and Josh couldn't help but smile. "I've heard stories about this painting. Cory and Topanga talked about it. The Starry Night, by Van Gogh."

"This is one of my favorites," she said. "And I don't mean for that to sound like a typical artist, but this painting always looked odd to me growing up. I mean I could look at this photo, and its hypnotizing design, it almost looks as if the sky is really moving. And if you stare at it long enough and look away, you still see it. Imprinted in your brain. Kind of like the actual stars. If you stare at the sky and you close your eyes, you could see those constellations. Mesmerizing. So, from looking odd so long ago, it looks beautiful. Amazing even."

Josh chuckled. "I used to think, when I was younger, that the stars were fireballs, heading to the town."

She laughed out loud, but immediately put her hand up to her mouth. "Like an attack?"

His grimaced face nodded. "Not my finest moment with art. But, Cory taught me a lesson. First he told me that they were stars, hence the name of the painting," he chuckled, "but if I looked closely, I could see how even though it's called The Starry Night, the stars give the town light as if it was daytime. They protect it from the darkness. It gives you something to believe in something bigger."

Maya bit her lip. "And even you have a better understanding than I do sometimes." She looked away. "You should go talk to that group over there. I'll be here. You go do your thing."

He knew he needed to get back to work. There would be time for them later. "I love you."

"I love you too." She said through a smile.

And he walked away, off to discuss another painting in the student section of the gallery.

Maya watched Josh through the night. And to say he wasn't ready to take on this position as a Senior Curator was bull. He is so good at what he does. He had this incredible mind with such deep perspective of everything. Not just art, but he delve into people and life. It was hard to understand why he said no.

She tried to think of it, but it just couldn't click with her.

But she couldn't be upset. She told herself she wouldn't get upset. He knew what he was doing.

Instead she walked around, talking to people. Now they knew her as Mrs. Matthews. She had no idea what to say. She was afraid that if she had said, "Oh no, we're just dating," that would propose questions about their relationship, and they didn't need to have people talk about that for the remainder of the night. She was relieved to know that Josh would go along with it, but that didn't mean she was going to bring it up later.

Towards the end of the show, she stood at the bar, looking at emails she received from her new professors for the semester. Just info about class meetings, projects that would be due, other assignments that were to follow. She was going to be swamped this semester.

"You know, you shouldn't be sitting at a bar in an art gallery looking at your phone," someone new said.

She glanced over to see this older, but handsome man holding a beer. She closed her phone. "Yes, I'm aware. But walking in these heels for the last three hours straight are not my forte."

"Let me buy you a drink," he stated, eyebrows raised in a suggestive way. Disgusting.

She pursed her lips. "Sweet, but no thanks. My boyfriend is standing right over there, and I'm not legal to drink yet."

His jaw dropped slightly and locked. His eyes slacked a little and she knew that he was drunk, probably not even interested in the art, but finding a hook up on New Years, with someone who had a much larger brain than he did. "Okay fine, I wasn't even interested anyway." His tone sounded unbelieving as she walked away.

It was gaining close to nine, when Josh approached her in front of another painting. "Hey, I just got the clear. Everything is set for tomorrow, so I can head out now and enjoy the rest of the night with you."

She smiled. "Awesome. Can I get out of these shoes?"

Josh chuckled. "Of course."

They each grabbed their bag and headed to the bathrooms to change into normal clothes. Maya wore high-waisted jeans, a black cropped long sleeve shirt, chucks, and her tan leather jacket that had fur inside of it. There was no sense in messing with her hair.

She walked out to find Josh in blue jeans a thick gray sweater, a jean jacket with cream colored fur on the inside. He had a black beanie on, which made his blue eyes pop. He put his scarf around his neck, and she did the same. "Ready to go?" He asked.

"Yeah," she reached for his hand. "Let's go."

A/N: The next chapter will end the year. Hope you all are up for an interesting next phase.

You all are troupers. Thanks for tagging along still. Mucho love, Panda xx