I apologize for taking so long to update. Hopefully I'll be updating more often. I have in mind what I want to right for the remainder of this story; I just need to type it up. General ideas of a story comes fairly easily for me, but I get bogged down in the details. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter. The next one is almost finished, so it should be up soon.
"Slow down Maya," Diana says, "we're not running a sprint. This is just a light morning exercise. It's just supposed to get us going for the day." They're running laps around the Olympic size track on the center's grounds. All the patients are encouraged to take advantage of the exercise opportunities at the center because it will help them get through the program. And Maya is taking full advantage of them and encourages Diana and others to do the same. Diana is a girl that Maya had befriended at the center. She came in the day after Maya arrived. She's only twenty years old. Maya and her had bonded during their first few days at the center when they were both detoxing. Diana thought she wasn't going it make it but drew from Maya's strength and made it through those first few difficult days. Maya felt for the young girl. It was just her and her mom. Her dad had left them when Diana was nine and it had been just them against the world from then on. And Diana didn't have a Riley in her life. Maya could identify with her plight.
"I know; I'm sorry," Maya said as she slowed her pace so Diana could catch up. "I just fill particularly good today. I've been concentrating so much on just getting through each day, that I kind of block everything out sometimes. I don't even know what day it is. They all seem to have run together."
"I know what you mean," Diana returns. "I don't know what day it is either. They all seem the same now."
"Well, that's okay," Maya tells her, "they'll tell us what day it is if we ask, but right now I don't care, it's just one foot in front of the other and push through. Besides, Chrissy told me that our days will eventually start getting different depending on how we're doing. So we've got that to look forward to." The two continue to jog around the track for the next ten minutes. After that, they head back to their respective rooms to shower and change clothes. Then they meet in the dining hall for breakfast. And Maya is starving, to her own delight. Her appetite has returned and she couldn't be happier. She's gained back some of the weight she'd lost while she was drinking and was determined to get back to a healthy weight for her. She gets regular medical checkups and drugs test. Everyone that is a patient there gets them. The drug tests were to make sure no one was "cheating" and the checkups were to make sure their physical health was getting better. All of Maya's drug tests had come back negative. This was no surprise to Chrissy, her counselor and mentor. She realized that once Maya saw what she needed to do to get better, she was determined make herself better. The doctors at the center kept a close eye on Maya when she first arrived. They had given her a full physical exam and found that she was malnourished and weak. They made sure she was given vitamins and put her on a healthy diet, although at first, they told her to eat anything she liked so she could put some of her weight back on, all of which would help her get her strength back.
After breakfast, the two friends parted to attend classes and therapy sessions with other patients at the center. Maya hated these at first. She felt ashamed to be around others. But slowly she began to appreciate the help she was getting. She learned that her road to recovery was more than just detoxing. It was also about examining the reasons that caused the drinking to get out of control. And she learned that many there were worse off than her. Many struggled with detox. And she learned that some were completely alone, like Chrissy was when she was a patient there. Maya took it upon herself to encourage those that were alone; telling them that they were, in fact, not alone. That everyone at the center was there to help them. After a while, Chrissy and others at the center began to realize that Maya was a natural leader. She told Maya that she was proud of her for caring about and helping others, but had to remind her to look after herself first and not let others hinder her recovery.
After their morning sessions were over, it was lunch time. Maya was planning to meet up with Diana and some others at lunch and hang out. This had become kind of a thing with them. Maya enjoyed their lunches together. It reminded her of simpler times she had in middle and high schools. But just as she was headed to the cafeteria, Chrissy approached her. "Maya," she said, getting her attention, "we've got something different planned today for your lunch. Why don't you come with me?" She started to led Maya away from the cafeteria.
"But I was meeting Diana and some others for lunch like we've been doing," Maya said with a little disappointment in her voice.
"I know," Chrissy said, trying to ease her worry, "but I think you'll like this activity a little more." When she sees the hesitation on Maya, she wants to alleviate her fears. "Don't worry, I'll tell your crew that you're fine and have something to do." She sees Maya nod her head, indicating she's happy with that. Not that she wouldn't do as Chrissy asked; she knows whatever she had planned for her would be good for her. She just didn't want her friends to worry about her.
"Okay," Maya says finally. "What do you need for me to do?"
"Just go out to the lobby," Chrissy tells her.
"The lobby?" Maya responds with surprise. She knows that there's an unwritten rule that the lobby is off limits to patients unless accompanied by a member of the staff. Apparently they've lost some patients who they let wander off to the lobby.
"Yes, the lobby Maya," Chrissy tells her. "Now go on, we've got someone out there to be with you, so scoot."
"Okay," Maya responds as she turns and heads to the lobby. "I wonder who it could be?" She asks herself. Then an idea pops into her head: "It's probably one of the resident shrinks," she surmises. "While I appreciate what they do for me, why can't we do this after lunch?" She asks herself. But she trusts Chrissy and heads to the lobby of the main building.
When she goes through the door into the lobby, she begins to scan the room looking for a staff member. She sees a few, but they all seem to be preoccupied with someone and aren't looking for her. "Are they late or something?" She asks herself. She's about to go ask someone when a movement catches her eye. When she turns to see what it is, she freezes and tears fill her eyes. There, just a few feet away, stand Shawn and Katy Hunter. "Mom? Dad?" she says. She's absolutely thrilled to see them, but she hesitates. She knows that she looks better and is healthier that when she first arrived at the center, but she figures she still looks awful compared to the last time her parents saw her. And even though they were so nice to her when she talked to them on Riley's phone the morning her and Josh brought her here, she wonders if they've had a change of heart after seeing her now. She said some awful things to them the last time they saw each other and wouldn't blame them now if they chastised her for that. But she sees them both smile at her, which perks her up. Then she sees her mother's eyes begin to glisten with tears. Kaya opens her arms and says in a soft and loving voice: "Come here baby girl."
When Maya hears her mother's nickname for her, tears fill her eyes and begin to run down her cheeks. "Oh momma," she says and runs to her mother's embrace. She buries her head into her mother's shoulder and starts to cry…along with her mother. Soon, she feels Shawn's strong but gentle hand on her back. She immediately turns to him, throws her arms around his chest in a hug and says: "Oh daddy." She begins to cry into his chest now. Shawn pulls Katy in as they have a family group hug. As Maya begins to get her emotions in check, a million thoughts go through her head: "Do they still love me? Are they disappointed in me? Will they let me back into their lives?" When she finally stops crying, she pulls away from them, and looks into their faces hoping to read something from their expressions. And what she sees makes her smile. They both give her loving smiles that she's seen from them a million times. "I'm glad you came to see me. Time has flown by. It doesn't see like it's been two weeks."
"It hasn't been," Shawn says, "it's been closer to three."
"It has!" Maya says in surprise. "Why are you….? I mean why didn't you…?" She's confused as to why it's been three weeks and not two.
Shawn sees this and tells her: "We were ready to come after two weeks, but they told us you were doing so well and you were at a critical part of your recovery and asked us to give them a little more time before we came to see you. They called us just last night."
"Oh, okay," Maya says with a smile. "They've been so good to me here. I came in here believing everyone would look down on me because of what I'd done to myself. But's in been just the opposite. I know I'm going to get well now. There's no doubt in my mind."
"It's so good to hear you say that baby girl," Katy says. Then she says: "Why don't we go outside and find a bench to sit on? We brought lunch so we can eat it together."
"I don't know mom. They kinda frown on us going outside the building," Maya warns them.
"I know," Kays says, "but they trust us with you. They don't think we're going to kidnap you or anything. But more importantly, they trust you. They don't believe you want to run away."
"And they'd be right," Maya says. "You couldn't drag me away from this place with wild horses now. I'll leave when they release me and not a second before."
Shawn and Katy exchange looks and smiles with each other. "That's so good hear honey," Katy says. Now let's go find a bench and eat lunch. It's a pretty day and we only have an hour with you."
"What? Why?" Maya asks with a little disappointment in her voice.
"They want to ease you into outside contact kiddo," Shawn tells her. They're going to be keeping you pretty busy we're told. But the good news is: you can have visitors every day, for now, as long as they're scheduled visits."
"I guess I know who my other visitors will be," Maya surmises, thinking of Cory, Topanga, Riley, and Josh."
"Yeah, you probably do for some of them," Shawn tells her with a smile, "but I think you may be in for a surprise or two."
"Really?" Maya says, wondering who her dad might be talking about, but then she says: "don't tell me thought. I think I'd like to be surprised."
The three find a bench outside and sit down to have lunch together. Shawn is carrying a plane white sack with him which he hands to Maya after they sit down. "What did you bring for lunch mom? Did you make it?" Maya asks.
"Not exactly," Katy says, "open it and see." Katy exchanges a knowing smile with Shawn.
As soon as Maya opens the sack, she recognizes the aroma and it makes her mouth water. "Tuna melts?" She asks with a big smile. "You brought tuna melts?"
"Not just any tuna melts," Katy says with a grin; "Nighthawk Diner tuna melts. I know they're your favorites."
"They are!" Maya states excitedly. "I haven't had one in forever. The food here is really good, but you can't beat a tuna melt from the Nighthawk." She proceeds to dig a sandwich out of the bag and finds two others. She hands the other two to her parents, unwraps hers, and takes a bite. "Mmmm….," she moans in pleasure; "that is heaven on two slices of bread." That gets a laugh from Shawn and Katy as they unwrap their sandwiches and begin eating.
Their talk is light as they eat. Shawn and Katy tell Maya about how their work is going including their mini-vacation to Maine along with some funny stories from each which has Maya laughing. After finishing their sandwiches, Maya decides to get serious. Mom, dad," she begins, "I know I look terrible but I'm much better off than I was when Riley and Josh brought me here."
This causes both of her parents to wince, not only because of what Maya just said, but they also recall what Riley had told them about her when she called. "You don't look terrible honey," Katy begins, but Maya interrupts her.
"You don't have to say that mom," Maya says, "I know I look bad. I almost killed myself, but I'm on my way back. I know I look amess though."
"Oh honey," Katy begins, "you're smiling and your eyes shine. You have color in your cheeks and your face isn't sunken in; you look wonderful to us." Shawn nods his head in agreement. When Katy sees the questioning look on her daughter's face, she says: "Riley told us how you looked when she saw you at Josh's." Maya nods her head in understanding.
"I have something I need to say to you both," Maya begins; still being serious. Then she looks her parents in the eye and begins: "I'm so sorry for what I put you through."
"You don't have to apologize to us honey," Shawn says.
But she continues: "I do dad. I need to says this."
"Okay," Shawn answers and he and Katy give Maya their full attention.
"I'm sorry for what I put you through," she repeats, "I'm sorry for not listening to you. But mostly," she pauses now, trying her best to control her emotions because she wants to finish, "but mostly I'm sorry for the horrible things I said to you and the horrible names I called you. None of it was true. The alcohol had me completely confused and turned everything in my world upside down. I thought everyone who loved me hated me, and I couldn't see anything else." She pauses again before continuing. "You two are the best things that's ever happened to me." Tears begin running down her cheeks now.
She looks at Katy and says: "Mom, you took care of me after Kermit left us. You made sure I had everything I needed. I may not have understood that at first, but I eventually figured it out. I had believed you were some type of deadbeat mom, but in reality, you were a great mother to me. I know now that you let me hang out with Riley and her family because you knew they'd be good for me and I could learn from them. I could see that not all fathers were like Kermit. Most wouldn't leave their families and would love their children unconditionally."
Then she looks at Shawn: "Dad," she begins, "you came into my life right when I needed you. You understood what I was going through, even more that Mr. Matthews. He was a good father figure to me, but he couldn't relate to me like you did. And when we were sitting together on Riley's bed, all those years ago, and you promised to always be there for me, it gave me hope; hope that maybe, just maybe, life wouldn't always keep knocking me down. And when you married mom and we all moved in together, mom was the happiest I'd ever seen her. And for that reason alone, I would love you forever." Tears form in Shawn's eyes now, but Maya had more to say: "But then, you adopted me, and my world changed forever; for the better; and I loved you even more. Hope wasn't for suckers after all."
Tears were in both her parents' eyes now. "Mom, Dad," she begins, "I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me one day for what I've done and what I've said to you. I love you both and will forever."
After a few short seconds, which seemed like hours to Maya, Katy takes Maya's hands in hers and says: "We forgive you baby girl."
"And we never gave up on you or stopped loving you," Shawn added, "even when you were at your worst. All we ever wanted was to have you safe and with us again. We just wanted our daughter back."
Maya can see the sincerity and love on her parents faces and she hears it in their voices. As relief washes over her body, she is overcome with emotion and can't control it any longer. She throws her arms around Katy and Shawn's necks, hugs them tight, and begins to cry with joy. They'd forgiven her and she was overcome with happiness. She wants to say something, but can't find the words, but it doesn't matter to Katy and Shawn. They know what she's feeling right now. Maya was terrified that they wouldn't love her anymore and never forgive her. But now she realizes those thoughts were foolish. Unconditional love; she had learned that from the Matthews and now she's feeling it from her parents.
After sharing their hug for a few more minutes, they released each other and dried their eyes with tissues Katy had with her. After chatting for a few minutes about what Maya was doing at the center now, Shawn looked up and smiled when her saw who was coming. He also knew that it meant their visit was over. "Hey Chrissy," Shawn says as he gets up to greet the counselor. He and Katy had talked with her a lot once the decision was made where they wanted Maya to go for rehab. They knew her back story and believed she'd be good for Maya. "I guess you've come for Maya," he says.
"Yeah I have," she answers him. "I'm sorry to break up your visit Maya, but you've got a class to go to; remember?"
"No Chrissy, please," Maya pleads with her. "Can't they stay just a little longer?"
Chrissy really hates to end Maya's visit with her parents, but she has too. Shawn gets her off the hook though. "It's okay Maya," he says, "your mom and I need to get back to work anyway." He can see the hurt in his daughter's eye and wants to end it. "Don't worry, we'll be back soon and then we'll be able to stay longer. This was all the time we had for this first time with you, but we had to see you."
Maya nods her head slowly in understanding. "I know," she begins, "I'm glad you came. This has made my day," she continues as her spirits begin to lift. Thank you for forgiving me. I love you both so, so much."
"We love you too, kiddo," Shawn tells her with a smile. "We're so glad you're safe and are getting better. They share one more family hug, then Shawn says: "Okay, time for us to go and for you to go back in. We'll see you soon."
Maya nods her head at them, trying not to cry or show her disappointment in them leaving. "Bye," she says as they begin to walk away, "I'll see you again soon."
She watches them walk to their car, get in, and leave. She waves at them as they leave. Chrissy puts an arm around Maya and guides her back toward the main building. She can see Maya hates to see them go. "You have two wonderful parents Maya."
"I know," Maya quickly agrees, "I apologized to them for what I'd done and what I said to them while I was drinking, and they forgave me."
Chrissy could hear the amazement in her voice and tells her: "Of course they did Maya. Unconditional love; that's what parents, real parents, have for their children." Maya looks up at Chrissy, smiles, and lets her guide her back to the facility.
Two Days Later….
"Okay, that'll be if for now," Chrissy says to those in her latest counseling session, which includes Maya, "why don't you head to the rec area outside?" The recreational area of the complex is next to the living quarters for the patients at the center. There's a variety of things the patients can do there or just take it easy on one of the many benches. And there's several swings for their use as well. Plenty of shade trees are spread throughout and it's landscaped beautifully to make a pleasant place for patients and staff to relax. Many of the patients like to spend time here when the weather is nice, which it is today. It's also a good place for visits with family and friends, which Maya is about to find out.
"You coming with us?" Maya asks.
"Not right now," Chrissy answers, "I've got some paperwork I need to finish up. But I'll be there shorty."
"Okay," Maya says with a smile as she heads to the recreation area with the rest of the group. Maya enjoys the sessions she has with Chrissy, whether in a group, like the one that just finished, or a one-on-one session. One of the resident psychologists is usually at the meetings, but Chrissy contributes a lot as well. Maya is always attentive during these sessions but is especially attentive when Chrissy speaks because she can relate it to personal experiences since she's a recovering addict as well. And she's needed her counsel as of late.
Maya thought that the worst part of her rehab was behind her after she detoxed, but she soon found out that wasn't true. Now she's having to deal with her psychological addiction to alcohol, which is proving to be almost as bad. She's discovered that during certain parts of the day, like when she wakes up in the morning or about to go to bed at night, she craves alcohol. It's like an automatic reaction her body has because it was at those times she always had a drink, usually several drinks. Chrissy has been so understanding of her feelings because she has been through them herself and can talk Maya through them. Not even her closest friends would be able to understand that.
As she enters the courtyard of the outside recreation area, she begins to looks around for someone she knows to hang out with, like Diana. As she scans the area, she notices something that looks vaguely familiar. There on one of the benches, facing away from her, is a woman with beautiful, thick, brown hair. She's only known two people with hair like that, and that's Riley and Riley's mom. But this isn't Riley. Riley is taller that this lady. "Could it be?" She asks herself. As her throat gets dry, she eases herself toward the mystery lady. Just as she's about to get a clear side view of her, the lady senses Maya's presence and turns to face her. Then she stands up and faces Maya eye-to-eye; neither taller nor shorter than her. Maya swallows hard, not really knowing what to do at this point. She recognizes who it is now, but doesn't know how this lady will feel about her now. Finally, Maya says: "Hello Mrs. Matthews. It's good to see you again."
Maya holds her breath, waiting for Topanga's reaction. Then, a smile breaks across Topanga's face as she says: "Maya, you started calling me Topanga five years ago; I see no reason for that to stop now." This causes a smile to form on Maya's face as the tension in her body begins to leave. She's admired and loved Topanga ever since she first met her in Riley's room when she was six years old and she's worked hard, down through the years, to earn her respect. And ever since she got her senses back, she's wondered if she still had it. "Come here honey," Topanga says gently as she holds out her arms for Maya. She senses that Maya is worried that she may not love or respect her anymore.
Maya runs to her surrogate mother and accepts her embrace. When she does, she's instantly transported, in her mind, back to her younger days when Topanga would hug her like this to ease her fears and worries and assure her everything was going to be okay. "Thank you for coming to see me," Maya says while her head lays on Topanga's shoulder. When the two release their embrace, Maya continues: "I almost didn't recognize you. You weren't with Mr. Matthews. Didn't he want to come and see me?"
Topanga can see the worry on Maya's face and answers: "Of course he wants to see you Maya. He had an errand to run and will be here soon. In the meantime, I wanted to have you to myself for a few minutes before he gets here. Let's sit down and talk." Maya nods her head and the two sit down on the bench. Maya thinks that she's about to get a stern lecture from Topanga because of the trouble she's caused, but she was wrong. "How have you been Maya? I know you're not back to your usual self, but you do look healthy. You just need to put on a little weight is all."
Maya is surprised at Topanga's question. She's not being lectured to as she was expecting. Instead, she sees concern and compassion on her face. The same concern and compassion she's seen a hundred times before. Those who don't know Topanga well tend to think she's cold and aloof. And indeed she is, if she doesn't like you. But with her family and loved ones, she's patient, kind, and understanding. And Maya can see that in her eyes now. "It's rough," she begins, "but I'm getting better every day. Thank you for asking." The two continue to talk causally for the next several minutes. Maya tells Topanga about what she's been doing since she's arrived at the center; about the people she's met, especially Chrissy and what she's done for her, and about other patients she's met.
When she tells Topanga about Diana and some of the other patients who've struggled worse than her and how she's tried to help them, Topanga tells her: "They're drawing on your strength Maya. You're doing a very good thing. Just make sure you're not sacrificing your recovery for theirs."
Maya nods her head in understanding. "I won't," she promises. Then Maya says: "I'm glad you're here. I want to talk to you and Mr. Matthews…."
"Cory," Topanga interrupts her, letting Maya knows that Cory still loves and respects her.
"Cory," she says with a smile. "It's important that I talk with you both."
"Okay," Topanga begins. "You can do that right now if you like." When Maya gives her a puzzled look, she nods toward the building behind them, which causes Maya to turn that way. When she does, her eyes get as big as saucers. Not only is Cory walking towards them, but also his parents, Alan and Amy Matthews. Because she was Riley's best friend, the senior Matthews have always treated her like a second granddaughter. She even calls them grandpa and grandma Matthews. Maya begins to feel a little queasy with nervousness. She hadn't expected this. She'd hope that no one but Riley and Josh, Cory and Topanga, and her parents were all that knew what she'd done, but obviously Alan and Amy know also. Topanga can see the worried look on Maya's face and sooths here nerves. "Don't worry honey," she begins, "Cory new he had to tell them because he and I know how much they love you." When Maya turns to look at her, Topanga says: "And they still love you and insisted on coming to see you to give you that love and support." Maya nods her head, then stands to greet Cory and his parents.
"Hey Mr…, I mean Cory. It's so good to see you," Maya greets her old school teacher and mentor.
Cory immediately embraces the young woman and says: "It's good to see you two honey. I'm so happy you're safe now and are getting better. You really had us worried."
"I know," Maya says, "and I want to talk to you and Topanga about that while you're here."
"Okay," Corey says. "And I know that you're surprised to see mom and dad here, but I knew that if I hadn't told them about your trouble, they would have been very upset with me, and even at my age, I'm still afraid of my parents."
This gets a little chuckle from Maya. She looks at the senior Matthews now and knows she has to say something to them. "I know Cory needed to tell you Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, but I wish you'd never found out. I'm so ashamed of what I did; of the things I said; of the people I hurt and disappointed. And now that you know, I'm so disappointed that I let you down. After all you've done for me; treating me like another granddaughter; loving me as much as you do Riley and Augie; then I go and do something like this. I'm so ashamed that you have to see me like this." As she waits for their reaction to her, her eyes begin to water and a small tear trickles down one of the cheeks.
"Oh Maya," Amy says when she sees the sadness on her face.
"Come here to me," Alan says as they both hold out their arms out to Maya. She runs to their loving embrace; something she's done many times in the past, usually with Riley, but it's never felt better than it does that as this moment. She feels the warmth and love in their arms and it causes the stress and tension to leave her body. For a brief moment she's returned to a simpler time in her life before any of this has happened to her and it feels good. But soon, she's returned to reality as they release her from their arms.
"I know you're disappointed in me; disappointed in what I've done," Maya says. "But I promise I'm doing everything I can to get better so that everything everyone's done for me to get better won't be wasted."
"We're not disappointed in you Maya," Allen tells her. "We're disappointed that this happened to you and want you to get better so you can live a long, healthy life, but we were never disappointed in you. We know you're a good person who just made a mistake and we all make mistakes."
"Yes, but my mistake almost cost me my life," Maya began, "and I let down everyone who ever cared about me." The sadness returned to Maya's face.
"Yes honey," Amy says, "you made some big mistakes, but that doesn't make you a bad person; just human" she gives Maya a small smile. "And while your mistakes may have been big ones, it doesn't mean that Alan and I or anyone else who loves you didn't stop loving you. We've loved you from the day we met you when you were seven years old. You're our granddaughter and youngest son's best friend. That's why we insisted on coming to see you; to let you know we're here for you for anything you need."
"Now, as far as what you did while drinking," Alan begins, "it's time you put that behind you and continue moving forward. I know you've heard that from others, but you're going to hear it from us as well because it's what you need to hear. The past is the past; you can't change that. But what you can do is decide how you're going to deal with this now and from what we've been told, you're definitely headed in the right direction."
Suddenly Maya's eyes well up with tears again. She is amazed at what the senior Matthews have just told her and she was convinced they couldn't love her any more. But she was wrong. She respects and loves them as much as she does Cory and Topanga. "Thank you," she begins, "I can't tell you how much that means to me. I love you both so much." She kisses them both on their cheeks and hugs their necks tight. This causes Alan and Amy's eyes to tear up now.
After releasing them from her hug, she turns back to Cory and Topanga. "I have something I want to tell you while you're here. Can you stay and sit with me for a little while?"
"Of course we can honey," Cory tells her. "I'll get some chairs for us to sit with you here."
"Would you like some privacy Maya?" Amy asks, sensing she wants to talk to her son and daughter-in-law about something serious. "We can go somewhere else while you talk with Cory and Topanga if you'd like."
"No, grandma and grandpa Matthews," Maya responds, "You should here what I want to tell them."
"Okay," Amy answers her with a warm smile.
After getting some chairs for them to sit in, the little group forms a small circle so they can see and hear each other. Maya sits between Cory and Topanga on the bench while Alan and Amy sit in chairs in front of them. Maya tries to gather thoughts but just can't seem to get started with what she wants to say; then her hands begin to tremble. Topanga and Cory both sense Maya's anxiety. Each take one of her hands in theirs to ease that anxiety. "It's okay honey," Topanga begins, "we both love you and always will, so whatever you want to tell us, it's okay."
Maya gives them a small smile, nods her head, swallows hard, and begins: "I want to apologize to both of you for everything I've done."
"You don't have to apologize to us Maya," Cory says. "We know those things weren't you; not the real you."
"Thank you Cory, but I need to do this," Maya responses. "It's important that I apologize to you and Topanga."
"Okay," Cory says with an encouraging smile.
She begins again. "I want to apologize to both of you for everything I've done. I called you horrible names and said awful things to you both." Tears begin to run down her face. Topanga starts to hug the petite blond for comfort, but stops. She knows Maya has more to say, so she doesn't interrupt her. "And none of that was your fault in any way. All you both have ever done for me since we met was support and encourage me and teach me to be a better person. And I let you down." Up until this point, she'd been talking to both, but now she turns to Cory. "Cory," she begins, "you taught me that the friends we choose can have the most profound influence in our entire lives, one way or another. Between Riley, and you and Topanga, I had really good influences and I thought I had life all figured and was bulletproof. But I was wrong and somewhere along the line, I let my guard down I guess, and let bad influences creep in. And I'm sorry for letting you down." Corey started to speak, but held off so Maya could finish. Now she turned to Topanga. "And you Topanga; you taught me that a 'short stack of pancakes' like me can be a 'fierce Amazon warrior,' and that helped me be strong. But then I let those bad influences make me weak, and it almost cost me everything. I'm sorry for forgetting what you taught me and for becoming weak. None of anything I did while I was drinking was your fault. It was just the opposite of that; it was because I forgot what you taught me." She squeezes their hands; brings them up near her face; kisses the back of each of their hands; and says: "I'm sorry for what I did to you and I hope that someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me." By this time, Maya is trying her best not to cry.
Cory and Topanga look at each other with knowing smiles. Then Cory says: "We forgive you Maya," Cory says. "We knew that wasn't you who said those things to us; not the real you." She turns to Cory and sees the sincerity in his eyes.
"We love you honey," Topanga adds. "We never stopped loving you. And we're proud of you for the way you're fighting this; for the way you're fighting to get your life back. We forgive you Maya. We just want the old Maya back. She was flawed like the rest of us, but we loved her just the same and she brought joy to our lives." Maya sees the sincerity in Topanga's eyes as well and she can't hold back her emotions.
"Thank you," she begins, "thank you for forgiving me. That means the world to me. And it gives me the strength I need to finish what I started here and get my life back. I love you both." With that she hugs Cory's neck and then Topanga's.
The three embrace for the next several minutes until Maya finally gets control of her emotions. When she releases them, Maya begins to wipe the tears from her eyes. From out of nowhere Amy produces a tissue for Maya to use. She also has one for Cory and Topanga.
"Now you see granddaughter," Amy begins, which brings a smile to Maya's face at being called granddaughter, "that all your family loves you and wants you back. So stop worrying and get on with your recovery."
Maya sees the smile on Amy's face after she heard what Amy said. And she sees the love on both the senior Matthews' faces. "Yes ma'am," Maya answers, her heart swelling with the love she's feeling from all the older adults with her. "I won't let you down again."
"We know you won't Maya," Topanga says, then gives her a loving kiss on her cheek.
The five enjoy a few minutes of comfortable silence between them as they enjoy what is truly a family moment for them. Then Maya hears a familiar voice: "Hello everyone;" it's Chrissy. As she approaches the little group, they all turn to face her. "I'm sorry for interrupting," she continues, "but visiting hours are almost over."
"Of course," Topanga say, "we apologize for cutting this so close. Our little reunion went longer than I expected."
"Please don't apologize Mrs. Matthews," Chrissy says. "These family meetings Maya's had, and I know you're family to her, have been so good for her. She seems renewed and more determined after them. So if we need to, we can bend the rules a little bit." This gets smiles from Maya and her visitors. "But Maya has one more counseling session today and then it'll be bed time."
"Wow!" Cory exclaims. "Bedtime that early for little miss 'I don't' wanna go to bed.'" Cory grins broadly at Maya, clearly teasing the young blond.
Maya rolls her eyes. "Oh come on Cory," she begins, "I haven't been that way since mom and dad got married. You know that. And besides, they keep me so busy during the day, that I'm worn out by bedtime and can't wait to crawl in my bed and fall asleep." This brings a round of laughter from everyone, including Maya.
They all walk to the main building together. Once there, they say their goodbyes with promises of seen each other again soon. After the Matthews leave, and Maya and Chrissy are walking back to the building where her next counseling session will be, Chrissy says: "You're very lucky Maya; to have all these people that love and support you. I hope you know that."
"I do," Maya answers her with a smile. She can see that Chrissy is envious of her in this regard, and understands why. "Despite everything I've done to myself and what happened to me when I was younger, I know I'm very lucky."