Hey, Lovelies.

This isn't my favorite chapter, by far, but it's one of those necessary segway types. And I did promise every other Tuesday so here you guys are, I hope its not too bad.

Now, before we get into it, I want to address the big issue a lot of people are upset about. Many of you want me to reveal which ship is the end result. And honestly, I wanna tell you. But it shatters the perspective I'm going for. However, I have been hinting since the beginning. Clearly not in a obvious way, but I want to explain that's the point.

The story itself isn't strictly on who does Maya Hart choose. I don't want that to be the main premises. It's exploring the growth through two emotionally stunted people in their mutual respects on the matter. Learning from each other and those around them. Getting them to the point where they can love each other or others properly.

Anyway, on the bright side soon her choice will be VERY clear. (Still not the point though).

I really really hope you guys like this chapter and every one after.

Again, please comment and let me know what you think.

~Geni


Chapter 11:

Josh's POV

One moment Maya is right next to me. Heartbeat steady, talking softly, radiating happiness and warmth. The next, she's somehow ice cold and on fire all at once. My hands rest on either side of her face, so close I can still feel her heartbeat. But I can see in her eyes that she's miles away.

The night rushes past my eyes and I wonder how on earth we got here. The gentle laughs married to innocent touches linger in my lungs and on my skin, yet seems so long ago now. A distant memory in contrast to the intensity we face now.

It's almost painful, the speed of which my heart beats. Like a collision of joy and fear bursting on impact. Breaking my bones with the reminder that this evening, as imperfectly wonderful as it was, managed to slip through my fingers so quickly. My heart races to catch up.

It sinks to my toes as terror gurgles past my vocal cords, grabbing the beautiful woman in front of me, before she can leave. It was so fast. Too fast. I want- I need more time. Desperately!

I berate myself for losing the opportunity to fully appreciate the curve of her lips or the sound of her laugh. She can't leave. Not before I memorize the mischief in her eyes or the softness of her hands. I have to get her to stay. Keep her talking...make her yell. Yeah, arguing, that'll keep her.

We go back and forth for a while as I marvel at the electricity circling between us. I wonder how can I be so frustrated with the blonde while also staying so cripplingly in love with her.

Maya's pale cheeks rush with blood, the fierce look of offense somehow makes her that much more beautiful.

Rushing to wipe the love stuck look off my face, I listen to her voice slow. The angry urgency ebbing away with each word that falls from perfect lush lips.

"You can't just get rid of me then decide you want me when you see someone else has me." Anger flares dangerously, low in my gut.

"Why does he get to have you?" I snarl, jealousy making me visibly shake. She must understand what knowing they are together does to me. Even if she doesn't believe me,-which I'll admit I deserve- even then she must know how this is killing me.

Before I can find another way to keep her here with me. Where she fucking belongs, Zay is standing in front of me.

Hands blindly reaching out for Maya. Zay take hold of my gaze. The air surrounding him assuming the position next to the her. As if to say 'this is where I belong'. If he thinks he can just show up on his high horse and take Maya away, he's got another thing coming. Because the only man who belongs beside this incredible woman is me.

I promised myself I would prove I deserved her. Something I fully intend on doing.

Fighting may not seem like the most affective or loving approach to a relationship. But trust me it is for us. I've told her many years ago, that she has the greatest capacity for love I have ever seen. But that's not broad enough to be true. Maya held the greatest capacity for emotion. Every single one. As long as it kept her caring. Anger, love, or fear. It all retained her connection to you. Held your importance in her life. When the yelling stops, that is when I'll begin to worry. All that'll tell me is there's nothing left to fight for.

"Let go of her,Josh" The younger boy says roughly.

Only then do I realize I'm still holding on to Maya's arm. Quickly releasing the limb, I focus my attention to the blonde to apologize.

"M, Riley is waiting for you by the bumper cars, she's been hysterical looking for you." He began, "You should go let her know your okay." The dark skinned boy says never looking away from me. I glare right back, refusing to be first to look away.

From the corner of my eye, I watch Maya look between us. Worry clear in crystal blue eyes.

"Zay...You promised me" Raising an eyebrow I wait for him to address her.

Breaking our staring contest he turns to Maya, taking hold of one of her hands.

Fighting the urge to rip them apart, throw Maya across my shoulder and run to a deserted island, made just for the two of us, I listen intently to their conversation. A poor distraction from the distinctly comfortable contact between the two. But my only one.

"And I intend to keep that promise, Curly. Don't worry. Now, go find Riley. I'll catch up in a second."

"Okay" she mumbles softly. Chancing a glace at me before turning just as quickly as she looked.

Neither one of us spoke until we were sure she was out of earshot. Resuming the staring contest until we were sure she was.

"As pretty as I am. I know you didn't stay just to appreciate my bone structure. So let's skip the formalities, shall we?"

The younger boy laughs darkly, squaring his shoulders in preparation for a fight.

Coreys words from the other day the only thing keeping me from giving him what we both clearly want.

"you're real funny, Josh" he deadpans.

"Why thank you, I was thinking about taking on stand up comedy. Take to the road. Preform for the public, y'know. See where it takes me"

"Far away I hope"

Narrowing my eyes I grind my teeth silently,"Just say what you have to say, Zay. I don't have all day" At my sides my hands shake violently.

It would be so easy to wrap my finger around his throat or tackle him to the ground. And while I remember Corey's warning that fighting the boy in front of me will do more harm than good for my relationship with Maya I've never wanted to hurt another person more in my life.

The very person who gets to go home with her each night. The man who's allowed to hold her hand whenever he wants. Presses sweet and rough and lazy kisses to soft perfect lips. Lips I've only experienced once.

How come he can share a bed with the woman of my dreams, dopey smile on his face and I can't pummel him to the ground, just a little!?

Because it would destroy Maya. The little voice in the back of my mind reasons.

"You know that girl always forgave you." He said with distaste. "She always loved you. And no matter what you did or said she let you back in, even after every time you threw her to the ground."

"But guess what? You pushed too hard. And waited too long. Because this time when you pushed her-literally- from your threw her into mine. And I won't be dumb enough to let her go"

"I'd never expect you to" I manage to say with limited hostility.

"Then we're done here" He replies proud at holding the bulk of the conversation. Brown eyes satisfied with my lack of response he turns to leave.

"Quick question, Isaiah" I barked. Unable to help myself.

"There's a significant difference between a man who truly loves someone; aiming for a life together and a man who wants you just so no other man can have you." Taking small steps forward I get myself close enough where I'm towering over the boy, but still far enough where I can still control myself.

"Where's the question, Joshua" He snaps.

Shrugging, I look him up and down before answering, "Which one are you?"

"Go fuck yourself,Matthews" Zay spits getting even closer.

A thrill runs up my spine. Fists balled up beside me, waiting…

Come on. Come on!

Hit me. Hit me, damn it! Give me an excuse to put your ass down.

The image is like glass behind my eyelids. I would stand above him, knuckles abused, blood harshly announcing my victory...Maya's fear. Small body crouched low. Pale skin touching his, concerned and loving before hate would claim her heart. Soft curves turning to sharp edges. Cutting me with just my eyes bearing witness to the change.

I step back. Though it's not enough for Zay to take note. I see his resolve waning. Eyes twitching while he debates the impending fight with muddled anger. I'm thinking of how else I can press his buttons before our heads snap in the direction of the girl it's all about. The only girl in the world that matters.

"Zay! C'mon let's just go" Maya shouts from across the lot. A nervous crease marks her face with concern. Its that look that makes me step back. This time he notices.

"I better get back to my girl. See you around, Joshua" Jogging over to the love of my life, I ignore the pang in my chest as she returns the hug he immediately pulled her into. Eyes burning, I fight off the tears and give in to the nausea that follows the rough kiss he smacks against her mouth. I can't look for long. Knowing if I do, all the cotton candy and sugar Maya insisted on sharing would all come right back up.

There's nothing left for me here.

The thought of spending the rest of the evening with all of them leads me home. A Zay shaped barrier constantly reminding me of my mistakes would be too much for me. A torture I'm not yet willing to endure.

Walking past the entrance and towards the train station I can't bring myself to regret the night. I haven't seen Maya laugh like that in years. We spoke so freely about so much. It made me feel like a schoolgirl. Reminding me of why I've decided to do this.

In the moments like just now, where there is only anger. I wonder if love is worth fighting for, worth suffering and risking rejection, but then I see her face… And I'm ready for war.

The emptiness of my apartment reflects the loneliness in my life. I sit on the blue couch in silence. Bathing in the glow of the evening.

Biting my lip I try to stop the smile threatening to split my face in half.

She may think she hides it well, but I could see her sky blue eyes tracing my face, making me fly.

I think of our impending date and how gorgeous she looked surprised. The game may not have gone as well as I had hoped for myself, but God did she look good in control. Maya is a strong woman, one who knew how to wear it. Well.

Her thoughtless joy, however kept her from seeing her mistake. I hoped that on some level she had purposefully chosen that silly prize despite knowing how unlikely it was.

The night dragged after that. The urge to call her growing stronger each tantalizing second. Clicking my phone on, I read the digital clock with contempt. Luminous white text displaying 1:27a.m.

I consider my options.

Corey is probably asleep. If I woke him now, even if by some miracle he wanted to give me Maya's number he wouldn't. Just to spite me for waking him.

Tapping my leg excessively, I think of calling Riley. Surely she's awake. There's a chance she would help me. Sweet considerate Riley. With her on my side, my chance of regaining a place in Maya's good graces increases, even if just slightly.

Fingers run across the screen, the delicate hum of the dial tone makes me itch. Stressed, my fingernails bite into my palm.

"Hello? Uncle Josh?"

"Hey! How'd you know it was me?" The question leaves my mouth before my palm finds my forehead. How stupid can I… Ugh!

Screwing my eyes shut painfully I wait for her response, "Is that a joke, Uncle Josh?"

"Sure" Sighing, I sit up pushing my elbows to my knees.

The words clog up in my throat. How am I supposed to do this. How can I put my baby niece in the position of either staying loyal to her uncle or respecting the privacy of her best friend. Practically her sister!

I am truly trash. The scum of the earth. A villain! Worst part being, while I know that is all true, it doesn't stop me.

"Listen, Riles" Clearing my throat, I prepare myself to grovel. Taking the moment to note how there was literally nothing beneath me when it came to Maya. There was no sewer I wouldn't stoop to in order to reach her. There isn't a level of embarrassment or ficture of hardship above my willing participation. Nothing on earth worth denying her. Not a single thing.

"I was, Uh, wondering if maybe-"

"631-426-7914"

"Huh" Confusion colors my tone with vibrant excited hues of blue and gold. Almost as if the wind has been knocked out of me, the echoing of my labored breaths sound through the phone.

"Wait wait wait" I shout. "Don't hang up, Riley" Sock covered feet pad down the hall and into the kitchen. Rummaging through cluttered drawers, not a single pen seen in sight. Where in the hell are all my pens, I curse. Tossing the contents of the designated junk drawer, long finger blindly search for anything that can write.

Oh, God! I'll take a fucking crayon! How can there not be a single writing appliance I'm this entire kitchen!?

"Aha!' I exclaim victorious. A refugee jammed between two old Chinese menus, two dozen packets of condiment packets and about a thousand chopsticks (Don't judge. I eat a lot of lo mein.)

"Riley, you still there?"

"Yeah, got a pad?" Shutting my eyes tightly I refrain from asking for another minute to look for one.

Instead I reply, "Yeah, of course."

"Ink poisoning is a thing, Uncle Josh. You really shouldn't write on your hand" The petite brunette chastises. Her tone a direct reflection of how fiercely loyal she is, just like her mother.

"Riley" I whine, rather than beg.

Sighing like a disappointed parent she repeats the numbers slower. Mindful of the desperate Uncle pestering her for her best friends number. Aware he'd probably gotten the dullest pen available in the apartment, while also writing on the palm of his hand as opposed to a much more reliable and eternally more reasonable piece of paper.

"Thank you so much, Riley. I can't tell y-" She interrupts.

"Yes, yes. I'm great. We need to talk." Without room for argument her voice slices through all praiseful thoughts.

"Okay…"

"I am not giving you Maya's number out of familial obligation or loyalty. Because she is just as much family to me as you. Giving you that number for any other reason except I genuinely think it will help fix things between the two of you would then imply otherwise. Understood?" Before I can mutter an agreement she's already resumed.

"What I am trying to tell you is. You are going to fix this, Uncle Josh. My best friend has been keeping things from me. For years, apparently. And while I take a great part of the blame I hold you accountable as well. You have a chance to fix this. And after the little she's disclosed. I am surprised you have this chance at all." Though her voice stays understanding the weight of the words leave a harsh pain in my heart. I can't blame her though. She's absolutely right.

"She loved you as a friend just as much as she had a lover. Thankfully, this gives you an in." Flinching slightly at the use of past tense, I listen intently to every word Riley says.

"I honestly don't care if the two of you become involved romantically, or never speak again, all as long as my sister is happy. As long as you don't hurt her again, Josh."

"I promise Riley, I will never make that mistake again." Voice dropping. I pore as much sensairity into my tone as possible. An unshakable foundation surrounding the words as I build up to its truth.

"Then there's nothing more to say. 'Night, Uncle Josh."

The silence reclaims the space of the apartment. Making me feel like a guest in my home. Intruding on the mute serenity.

It takes about fifteen seconds to tap in her phone number. Five more to make her contact info 'Gorgeous Maya'. Ten minutes to click dial and thirty more before I stop hitting end call.

Running rough fingers through dark brown hair I tug painfully at the strands. I pace my living room for an hour before finally deciding on sending a text.

'I'm sorry about tonight.' ~Josh

Okay, good. I have to keep it light and kind. Taking a deep breath, I try to busy myself around the apartment. Pretending not to be mindful of my phone.

It takes her twelve minutes to reply.

'Did Corey give you my phone number too, or it is Walmart having a sale on stalker starter kits?' ~Your worst nightmare in a dress?

Inside the privacy of my apartment I allow the smile to demand clearance across my face, unashamed.

Then I realize what she said. I guess Corey must have told her he let me know how to find her tonight. I can't blame him.

'Unfortunately no… I had to pay full price' ~Your willingly compliant dreamer

Typing I chuckle softly. Finger hovering above the send for a second longer, hoping I'm not replying too fast.

'What a pity. I heard Target was selling buy 1 get your first hostage free: Ransom not included.' ~Maya-Killer-of-Men.

My skin tingles with butterflies fluttering past my stomach and under my skin.

Hearing her voice in my mind. Like a song you haven't heard in too long, somehow remembering the words anyway.

'Very witty.' ~Boing

'Boing huh?' ~Maya

The simple signing of just her name made me nervous.

'I thought you hated being called Boing. Said so a lot, in fact.~Maya

'And if I changed my mind?' ~Ya-boy-Boing

'I don't see why you would

Also never use the phrase 'ya Boy' again, the world may burst with laughter.' ~Maya

'Duly noted, wouldn't want to cause the annihilation of the earth' ~BOING

'Maybe if things between us get better... Is there something else you wanted to mention? ~M

'Well...about our date…' ~Josh's-Awkward-table-For-Two

'You mean your trap door?' ~Woman-Scorned

I sigh deeply biting the bullet before I have time to change my continuation of her handles making me brave.

'I was thinking my place. I can make pasta'

I freeze unable to come up with a cutesy sign for the message.

Nerves picking up the longer my fingers moved just above each digital letter. Praying something would come to me.

Shaking my head violently I move to backspace the entire message. Ready to overthink a response that won't make her block me. Instead I press send.

If it were possible for my heart to leap straight out of my chest, I'm sure it would have flown out the window. I wonder what the paramedics would predict. Death by texting panic?

Gnawing at my lower lip I stare at the message bubble. The godforsaken white ellipses appearing and disappearing every couple seconds.

Oh fuck!

What the shit! Thinking it was appropriate to invite her to my apartment. Alone for Christ sake! She should have me committed or , or listed! Jeez,I text her at 2 o'clock in the morning after getting into a fight with her and nearly a brawl with her boyfriend. I force the venom past my thoughts in order to criticize myself more thoroughly.

God! I've screwed up.

I know inviting her to my apartment was a long shot, but the thought of filling this pathetic excuse of a home with her lemon scent and bright smiles, was just too tempting.

I never expected her to say yes, but then again I didn't expect her to call either...

The shrill ring of my phone made me jump. Staring at the number below the capital letters spelling 'GORGEOUS MAYA'.

Bringing a lightness to my chest I didn't know was possible.

"Hello?" I say warily. Unsure if I've drifted off to sleep, Mayas sweet voice simply a dream.

"Did you seriously just invite me to your apartment?" It's said in a rapid whisper. Somewhat echoing through the phone.

"Why are you whispering?"

"Because, Handsome. You take my breath away" Maya snorts untractively. "Why do you think? I don't wanna wake Zay"I picture her rolling her eyes.

The jealousy sizzles just beneath the surface while I try to focus on the fact that she's risking a potential argument with her...boyfriend- just to talk to me. I set aside the sick satisfaction in order to answer.

"Yeah, Zay. Of course. Wouldn't wanna do that, would we?"

"Josh don't sta-"

"So, dinner. My place then?" I interrupt, a deepness I didn't recognize possessing my voice.

"Josh, I am not going to your apartment!" I stop myself from laughing at the sound of her whispered shouts, in fear that Maya would hang up.

"Fine, M. You pick where."

There's a beat of silence followed by a fluttering sigh of acceptance.

"Fine" She starts, "Uh… I'm going out tomorrow to pick up my cousin Sarah-"

"The country girl?"

I can hear the smile in her voice, pleasantly surprised that I remembered."Yeah actually"

If only she knew each word she spoke was precious. Every aspect of her life she chose to share with me a privilege she couldn't begin to understand how much I cherished.

"Well, we're picking her up from the airport tomorrow morning. Then taking her about for a little sightseeing after" I try not to flinch at her admission of 'we'. Sure that the younger boy was who she was referring to. Instead, I drink in her voice feeling the approaching end of our conversation.

"But… How 'bout Sunday?... I'll text where to meet me. Sound good?"

Releasing a gust of air I didn't know I was holding I clutch the phone like its gold, "Yeah" I say breathlessly. "Sounds perfect"

"Good," I wish I could see her smile,

"Goodnight… Boing" She whispers like a secret.

"Sweet dreams,Gor-."

"Babe?" A deep far away voice joins my girl.

"It's almost 3 o'clock. Come back to bed, Curly. You can be mad at me in the morning" I don't ask who it is and she doesn't tell me.

Without another word. A soft click sounds through the phone. Ending all communication. All connection left between us. As she went back to him.

Throwing my head back against the cushions, closing my eyes and sighing deeply I imagine a girl with golden princess hair and flawless eyes lit on fire.

She sits beside me where she belongs, humming a gentle song. Lulling me to sleep with a voice like sugar. Incredibly sweet and utterly addictive. I hold her tightly. Harder than I've ever held someone before. she brushes my tears with full pink lips. Then my cheeks, then chin and finally my lips.

"Maya" I say to the emptiness of the room, drifting to sleep, but the girl says nothing...

I spent the greater part of Saturday freaking the Hell! Out.

I couldn't decide what to do with myself. Waiting for a message from a taken woman. A woman who may not even text me back.

That's how I spent my day. Waiting and staring at my phone for Maya's text. But, it never came...

Until three o'clock I busied myself with a series of mindless tasks paired with the knowing anxiety of when and where and how and WHEN! was she going to let me know the details of our not-date.

The phone is within my hands at warp speed the moment I make the decision to just text her first.

'Hey. Did Sarah get here safe?' ~B

The nearly instant response let's an electric shock coarse through my body.

'Hey. Yeah she's passed out now, we really wore her out. On top of the flight and all' ~M

"Keep the girl alive would you? I'd love to hear some country Maya-esq stories. It'd really pull a weight off Lucas' ~B

'Don't you even think about it!' ~M

An evil smile curves at my lips. A level of pride taking over me as I think of her texting me despite being with him.

'Too late'~B

The messages continued for some time before she finally sent me an address to meet her at.

'Is sometime around one okay?' ~M

'Yeah, Gorgeous. It's perfect. I'll meet you there' ~B

'Sweet. I hav 2 go.

and U hav 2 come up with a better nickname. "Gorgeous" isn't one. Ttyl B ~G

Gaping at my phone I trace the small letter gingerly. The smile she gave me held like a gift between my lips.

I am so ready for tomorrow.

New York city has never been a silent place. Far from it actually. It is a storm of loud music, screaming children and angry cab drivers. Vibrant colors dulled by the constant smog, LED lights couldn't overpower. It has always been a consuming contrast to the small town life in Philly where I grew up. My childhood house never really feeling like home. With the constant noise, blinding lights, and never ending party or war(interchangeable really) and all, this is more my home then Philly ever could've been.

While New York truly is the city that never sleeps, there is always one thing every New yorker can confirm. There is one moment that the city is put on pause-just for a second- at the hands of one person.

Upon their arrival, all music disconnects, the children and every cab driver within a 50 mile radius fall silent, while the lights shine brighter behind a clear sky.

And every New yorker lucky enough to have experienced it,will tell you a different name.

Newly straightened blonde hair swings behind Maya like a cape. Her eyes find me across a crowd of strangers, though they appear to part artfully, providing a path she glides through. Bouncing towards me, the smile she wears causes the hairs on my arms to stand on end.

Just so fucking beautiful…

I feel the power she has over me from the distance. The fighter living behind ice blue eyes. Silencing the city with the beautiful strength evident in each step coming in my direction. And like a true hero she has no idea, that just by breathing… She has saved me.

"Hello, Boing"

I mirror her expression, heart thumping violently against my ribs when I feel her tiny fingers wrap around my wrist.

"Let's go" She speaks softly. Looking over her shoulders a bit, but I ignore it, pushing off the Macy's Department store I had been leaning on as I allow her to lead me towards the street.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere that's not here."

"What about our date?" I ask, while the small woman pulls me into Penn Station.

"Not a date, Boing" Smirking, the blonde takes her warmth from my wrist. Reaching into a denim messenger bag she pulls out a set of tickets.

I watch as she slaps them against her palm looking around nervously.

"Mayor Maya!" A vaguely familiar man shouts across the room before half walking half jogging towards us.

A smile breaks across Maya's face before pulling the stranger into a hug.

"Navy Davey" She says back.

I stare hard at the large man, a sinking feeling that I know him.

He finally makes his way to us, prompting the man's face to match a memory from the other night.

"Carnival guy?" With my eyebrows scrunched together and a frown etched onto my face, I'm sure I look odd amidst the two, who are obviously well acquainted and engaged in friendly conversation.

"We actually prefer amusement park specialists" The bearded man chuckles.

"Really!?" My angel laughs.

"Of course not! Just fucking with ya boy here" A thick hand barrels to my shoulder squeezing me respectfully. I let a laugh bubble past my chest, realizing that Maya actually kept in contact with the guy from the other night.

"How come he can say 'ya boy' but I can't?" I pout,mocking a hurt look .

"Oh, brother. Sorry but you don't have the swag to pull that off" Dave says Seriously, not a trace of a joke visible on his sharp edged features. Letting my face fall I seep into the Solemn air.

Maya bursts into a fit of giggles, breaking Dave's mask as he allows himself to tear into a smile.

"Ha ha." I deadpan.

Shaking her head at me, Maya brings the blue and red tickets to Dave's hands.

"Here is what I promised you. I let Meredith know you and Tommy were gallery virgins and what you're planning. So, she's taken it upon herself to have a little something special set up"

"Thank you so much, Maya. You have no idea how much this means to me" Dave's eyes shine with what looks like unshed tears. Something a bit unusual with such a muscular and masculine man expressing with a girl who is practically a stranger. I watch Maya place a pale hand to his shoulder. Her short frame making her raise her arm comically high, though the tenderness edge of the conversation keeps the laugh trapped behind my teeth.

"Don't you ever mention it, Dave. I am thrilled to help. And I am 100% convinced it was destiny to kick this fools ass at your booth," jabbing thumb at me the three of us share a laugh. "So that we could be friends."

He pulls my girl into a sweet hug, handing her a set of keys and two black and white tickets.

"I'm sure you're right, shorty. I'll make sure to send you pictures, y'know if everything goes well, that is"

"You better! And I'm sure it will. Now go, I'll see you in a week"

Dave waves as he makes his way out of Penn station.

I'm not sure what has just happen, but I do know that the look on Maya's face means it was good. And important somehow.

I don't realize I've been staring until Maya elbows me in the stomach.

"Hey! What was that for?" I manage past the coughs and above her laugh.

"You were staring and we have a train to catch" Coyly the blonde scurries down a flight of stares towards a silver bullets promising a switch at Jamaica station.

Gaping at the space that she's left behind I begin after her.

"We are?"

Sinking into aqua blue and green seats on the long island railroad brings the evening into perspective.

"So our date is in…?" I question. Maya throws her bag beside her after throwing herself into the plastic seats.

"Not a date, Josh." She frowns.

"Okay okay" I raise my hands in defense. "Not a date. So, where are we going?"

Raising to her knees excitedly Maya reaches into her bag and pulls out a worn out sketchbook.

"One of my favorite places on earth!" Flipping through a sea of lines and smudges she finds what she's looking for flipping the drawing for me to see. Hugging the back of the book to her chest.

The wind knocks from my own as the intricate assortment of curves and color make love to the page.

"Wow, Gorgeous" I mutter softly.

Among the dark blues and whites of the night sky, there is a detailed lighthouse beside a blonde little girl in awe. Water waring just behind the lighthouse. The structure looked to almost be protecting the girl. On the corner of the picture a sign read in bold letters drawn to look like wood. 'Welcome to Montauk'

Moving my eyes from the page before me, I gaze into the crystal eyes of the only woman who has ever held my heart.

Then the tracks stop clacking together, the older rowdy men sat just beside us go silent and the hospital Esq lights above the bars for luggage shine like a summon for the angel sat across from me.

I feel the wind knock out of me like a rocket. Eyes wide I openly stare at the creature that is the girl of my dreams.

Uncomfortable seats and all, the glow of her company allows me realize Maya is home. I have always known that home is not where you are from. It is the one place I'm the world where you truly belong. People have searched and traveled their entire lives to find it. I had always thought that place was New York. My dream to attend college and live there present since a very young age, now though. Now, I know home was never a place. Never New York. Home is where ever Maya happens to be.

New York is only my home because that is always where she will return. I feel more at home on this dingy train than I ever have in my apartment.

Home was a sweet blonde girl with hypnotizing eyes and a silver tongue sharp enough to cut the strongest of men.

My home is Maya Hart. No matter where she is or where our relationship lies, she always will be.


Okay lovelies!

I hope it wasn't bad. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Also, I've been thinking of having a chapter in Zay's POV, though I'm still not sure. If you guys would tell me if you'd like it or not it would give me little perspective, so again let me know if you have any suggestions.

Anyway, next chapter is the big 'not' date! I'm so excited. Maya and Josh are in for a treat!

Thanks for reading!

~Geni