It's been about two weeks since Maya visited her old colleagues at the art gallery where she used to work before her drinking problem. That visit lifted her spirits more that she could have ever imagined. And everyone around her noticed. She had more spring in her step. She laughed and joked a lot more. She went back and forth with "Ranger Rick" more whenever they saw each other. "Huckleberry" was still his girlfriend, Amanda's name for him, so she didn't use it on him any longer, but though it adorable when Amanda did. All-in-all, everyone agreed she was returning to "normal" Maya; which to those who didn't know her might seem to be a bad description, but to those who did know her, was pure joy. "So I think you're Maya again," Lucas told her one evening after the old "gang" had spent the day together getting caught up with one another's lives. Everyone remembered the time when they were freshman in high school; after Maya had lost herself for a completely different reason, when Lucas had asked her that.
And her answer was the same as it was then: "Well, everyone seems to think so." This brought a round of cheers from the little group, which got the attention of everyone in O'Malley's, the group's new official meeting place because Riley's boyfriend owned it and because they all liked him. The whole gang was there except for Vanessa, Zay's girlfriend, who was visiting family back in Texas for a few days. During the cheering, Maya and Lucas shared a long warm hug.
A lot of people who knew the little group of friends always believed that she and Lucas would get together at some point. But those who knew them well knew that wasn't going to happen. Only a few knew, mainly Farkle, Zay, and Riley, that Lucas and Maya had several conversations about their relationship. They each learned that they were worried about upsetting the other because of the choices they'd made during the whole "triangle" fiasco. After several good Maya/Josh style conversations, they both finally understood the others feelings. The both loved each other, as friends, and that friendship was unshakeable. Each cared deeply for the other, but that was as far as it went. When Lucas's girlfriend, Amanda, came into the picture, Maya took it upon herself to talk to Amanda about her and Lucas's history. As she had been with Riley, Amanda was a little wary of Maya at first, but soon realized her true feelings toward her boyfriend, forever close friends, but no more. Amanda was willing to fight for Lucas if she had to, but saw that was unnecessary with the two best friends.
When Maya and Lucas released their hug, Maya looked at Amanda and said: "You've got a good man here Amanda, don't ever let him go." Amanda smiles brightly at the petite blonde. She sees that Maya wants them both to be happy. "Wild horses couldn't drag me away for him," Amanda replies. Maya gives her a knowing nod as the two Texans share a loving kiss. Maya's heart swells for them. Amanda knows Maya well enough now to realized she wouldn't try to take Lucas from her even if she did have romantic feelings for him because it would go against her, Maya's, own moral code. She probably got that from Riley, Amanda assumes. But she believes there's another reason as well: Maya has eyes only for one guy, and that's Riley's uncle, Josh. To Amanda it was as plain as day, because of the way the two were together. But for some reason, the handsome Uncle Josh hadn't acted on his feelings for Maya. And she can't understand why. She knows Josh has feelings for her. She hoped for Maya's sake, that he figured it out soon.
And speaking of Josh, Riley happens to notice that her uncle has just walked into O'Malley's and was now at the bar greeting his friend Brody. "Uncle Josh is here," she says to everyone, but mainly to Maya.
She looks up to see him and smiles. "He texted me earlier," Maya says, "and said he had something he wanted to ask me. So I told him we were all having dinner at O'Malley's if he wanted to join us, but he declined." Riley, Isadora, and Amanda could see the slight disappointment on Maya's face. The guys didn't and continued to talk amongst themselves. "They are so clueless," all three girls think to themselves. "He said he'd talk to me after we're through if it was okay with me. So, there he is."
All three of Maya's female friends could hear the disappointment in her voice. Amanda speaks up: "Who knows Maya, maybe what he wants to ask you will make your day."
"I'm hoppin'," Maya says without thinking, then realizes she said that out loud and looks, wide-eyes, at her three companions. "Do they know?" Maya asks herself nervously.
Amanda lets her off the hook by saying: "It's okay Maya. We three girls know, even if our clueless boyfriends don't." She rolls her eyes which causes the other women to laugh.
"Riley and I have known since high school Maya," Isadora says. "And for the life of me I can't understand what your Uncle Boing hasn't jumped on you yet."
"Isadora!" Riley exclaims in horror. "That's my uncle and best friend you're talking about. I'm all for them getting together too, but I don't want him to jump her." The other three girls laughed out loud, which causes the guys to look at them briefly, then go back to talking to one another.
"Seriously thought Maya," Amanda begins, "he's a dumbass for not asking you out already because you're a real catch." She looks at Riley now, a little embarrassed at what she's just said about her uncle. "Sorry Riley, didn't mean to insult your family member."
"That's okay Amanda," Riley says, "I happen to agree with you."
"Thanks guys," Maya says, "I really appreciate your support, but all I can do now is hope he cares for me as much as I do him."
Riley hugs her best friend and says: "He does Maya. I'm sure of it. I saw how he was after he found out about your problem. How he agonized over the fact her couldn't help you. And I saw how he was when you came back to us. Everything her did, Maya, everything he suffered through while you recovered, were all more than the actions of someone who's just a friend."
She gives Riley a sad smile and says: "Thanks Riles. You're the best friend I could ever have." Riley tightens her hug on her for comfort.
The little group finally breaks up for the night and says their goodbyes to each other. They all leave O'Malley's except for Maya and Riley. Riley stays to spend some more time with her boyfriend, Brody, while Maya walks up to Josh and says: "Hey Josh, you wanted to ask me something?"
"I did Maya," he answers, "let's get a booth together. Can I get you a club soda or something?"
"No thanks Josh," she returns, "If I have another one tonight, I may pee in my pants." This gets a laugh out of Josh and eases Maya's nervousness.
Riley sits at the bar so she can talk with Brody. When he comes over to her, she asks: "Brody, when you talk to Josh, does her ever mention Maya?"
"Yeah, he does a lot actually," he answers, "he's told me how well she's doing after leaving rehab; how happy she seems to be; and how excited she is to be going back to work. Things like that. Why?" He asks.
Riley looks at him, but instead of answering his question, she has another one for him. "Does he ever say anything to you that might seem to indicate that he's interested in her….romantically?"
Brody leans back from her and eyes her up and down. "You mean the fact they have feelings for each other."
"You've noticed that too!" Riley asks in shock. "The girls and I have, but the guys don't have a clue."
Brody chuckled. "Most guys don't," he says. "But since I'm a bartender, you kinda learn to pick up on things like that." Riley nods her head in understanding. "And for the life of me Riley, I can't understand why he doesn't act on his feelings for her. It's obvious to anyone who pays attention that he has feeling, strong feelings in fact, for her. Your guys would even see it, if they'd just take a few minutes to watch them together."
"It's so frustrating Brody," Riley says, "and I feel so sorry for Maya. She's so confused. Do you think I should say something to uncle Josh about her, or maybe you could talk to him?"
"Don't think I haven't thought about it Riley," he says. "And not only for Josh, but for Maya as well." Riley's eye brows raise in surprise at what he's just said. Brody smiles and continues: "They've been in here a few times together and I've really gotten to know Maya better. She's everything you said she was, and more." Riley smiles and gives him a quick peck on the lips. "But to answer your question," he continues, "no, I don't think we should talk to him about her. It might make things better, but it just as easily might make things worse. They need to work this out on their own."
Riley sighs deeply and nods her head. "I guess you're right," she says. "I just hate seeing her like this. She has so much love in her to give and I know he does too. They should be together."
Brody looks at his beautiful girlfriend and sees her inner beauty, her true beauty, shine through. "She's the most loving and kind person I've ever met," she thinks to himself. "I'm so lucky to have her in my life." After a few moments of staring at his girlfriend, he comes back to reality and says to Riley: "Don't worry honey. They're two of the most intelligent and caring people I know. They'll figure it out."
"I hope so honey; I hope so," she replies.
Meanwhile, Maya and Josh are sitting at their booth and catching up on their days. "Sounds like you really had a good time with your friends tonight," Josh tells her.
"I did Josh. You should join us some time," she says hopefully. "They're a good bunch."
Josh smiles at her. "I don't doubt that," he tells her. "But you and Riley went through school with them, from grammar school to college. So basically, I know you and Riley. And I'm older than everyone too."
"Oh God Josh!" Maya exclaims. "You're not bringing back that old 'three-years older than you' thing are you? I thought we'd killed that long ago."
Josh had to laugh again at that. "No, no," he says with a smile. "Don't worry; it's dead and gone forever. But I hardly know any of the others and the few ones I've talked to I haven't talked to since your college freshman year. But who knows what the future holds? I'm hanging out with you some and you're handing out with them more. Life is good, so we'll see."
Maya wasn't sure if what he just told her was a good thing or a bad thing. It was just confusing to her. But, he still hadn't asked her anything that seemed to be as important as he indicated in his text to her. "Anyway Maya," Josh suddenly said. Snapping her out of her daydream. "I have a request."
"Request?" She asks herself. "I guess that could be considered a question," she thinks to herself, "just not the question I was hoping for unless asking me on a date is a request?" She's frustrated but says: "Okay."
"Would it be okay if I came to your next addicts' support group meeting at the rehab center with you?" He asks.
This takes Maya completely by surprise. She's delighted that he wants to attend one of her meetings, but disappointed it wasn't the question she wanted him to ask her. And the disappointment must have shown on her face because Josh quickly says: "If it's not okay Maya, I understand completely. I can see that those meetings could be very personnel and private for you. I won't be hurt if you'd rather I didn't go."
She suddenly looks up and him and says: "No Josh." Then she smiles at him and continues: "I'd love for you to go to one of my meetings with me. I was just surprised by you question, that's all." She wasn't about to tell him the reason she was surprised though. "But I'm curious, why do you want to go?"
"Well, I've seen what they mean to you," he begins. "You've said so many good things about them and I wanted to see how they work. Maybe they can help me to help you along you journey of sobriety. Friends help each other you know."
She looks at his caring face and sees what she's always seen, someone who genuinely cares about her and her happiness. "Damn you Matthews!" She says to herself with a laugh. "Every time I get so frustrated with you that I could scream, you go and do something like this and I forget all about them." She lowers her eyes, shakes her head, then looks at him and smiles.
"What?" He asks. Now he's confused.
"Nothing", she says while continuing to smile at him. "Josh," she begins, "people like you, we call you 'caregivers' or 'support people,' are always welcome at our meetings. We consider you heroes. People who never give up on us. And I'd be proud to introduce you to the others in my meeting. I hope to get Riley to come sometime too, but I'd love to introduce you to everyone first."
The two share a comfortable silence for a few minutes, and Maya swears she sees Josh tear up a bit. But she's not going to tease him about it. This was way too serious and special a moment for that. Josh sniffs ever so slightly and says: "When's your next meeting?"
"This coming Tuesday night at eight o'clock," she answers. "Will that time work?" She asks hopefully.
"Perfect," he replies, making her smile. "I'll pick you up say….about seven and drive us there?"
"Perfect," she relies to him causing him to smile. The two spend the rest of the evening talking and generally enjoying each other's company.
A Few Days later…
Maya is waiting on the stoop of her building. She'd told Josh she would meet him outside her building so he wouldn't have to find a parking place. In a few minutes she hears a horn blow and sees Josh's car about to stop in front of her building. She quickly goes down the steps and climbs into the passenger seat. After she closes the door and buckles herself in, Josh drives off. As they drive through the streets on their way to the outskirts of town to the rehab center, they catchup on their days since they last saw each other. They both enjoy this. The conversations with each other always flow easily whether they were serious or casual. It'd always been that way between them. Maya always contributed that to what she called the "Matthews Gene." She's always been comfortable talking to any of the Matthews family, Riley being chief among them.
She had put her thoughts of her and Josh dating aside for now. She was looking forward to this evening and this meeting. She had feelings for Josh yes, but first and foremost she was proud and felt lucky to have him as a friend, and she was looking forward to introducing everyone in her group to Josh. He was an inspiration to her that helped her stay sober and she was hoping he'd be for the others as well.
They drive through the gate to the center and Josh finds a parking place. They get out and head toward the main building. As they walk, Maya looks at Josh and says: "I'm really glad you're here Josh." This brings a smile to his face. "You'll know some of the people at the meeting tonight, like Chrissy, and I believe Dr. Anderson will be here tonight as well. But most you won't know. Most of the group are recovering alcoholics, like me, or recovering drug users. I'll tell them how you helped me, but not because I like to brag about you Matthews." This causes Josh to look at her in surprise, but he sees her little mischievous smile and knows she's teasing him again. "The real reason I'll tell them about you Josh, is in the hope that the other recovering addicts will see that not everyone outside of this facility will look down on them. That many, if not most, will not only not look down on them, but will be willing to help in any way they can. I'm lucky. I have a whole support group, the Maya Committee, and others who stood by me the whole way. But some don't have that kind of support, or believe they don't. Maybe that someone, like their brother, or cousin, or uncle for that matter," they exchange smiles at that last reference, or maybe even a co-worker, will want to help them at well. I know what hope can do for you Josh, and I want everyone in that room to have it."
Suddenly Josh stops and gently turns Maya toward him. They're standing just beyond the entrance to the main building and he just stares at her with a smile on his face. "What?" Maya asks; not understanding why Josh has stopped and is now staring at her. "Is there something wrong with my face?" She thought maybe she'd messed up the little amount of makeup she's put on because she had put in on hurriedly because she was running late.
Josh continued to stare at her for a few moments, then said: "Come here Gorgeous," and suddenly brings her into a warm, loving hug. She could feel the love in it as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest, as his arms encircled her neck. She didn't know what had caused this sudden burst of affection, and she didn't care. She just enjoyed the moment. Then she realized he'd called her by his old nickname for her, Gorgeous. "Josh?" She asked out of curiosity. He finally released his hug on her but kept looking into her eyes. It was a look that she loved, but also made her slightly uncomfortable because it was so intense. Finally, he says: "You're amazing; you know that? You come to these meetings to help keep you on track with the program and stay sober, but what is the first thing you think of? Someone else's struggles and how you can help them. You did the same thing while you were in rehab. Like I said, you are amazing."
Maya is slightly embarrassed by Josh's comments about her. "It's that little piece of Riley that's in me I guess." She says meekly.
But Josh just shakes his head. "That may be what triggered it," he begins, "but Maya, that loving and caring nature has always been in you. Like I told you once before when we were both teenagers; You've got the greatest capacity for love I've ever seen."
Thank you Josh," she says after a brief moment. She's one the verge of crying from the kind words he's said to her. She turns away briefly to compose herself, then looks at Josh and says: "Come on; we don't want to be late for the meeting." He nods his head in understanding, but keeps him smile as he opens the door for her to go through.
When they enter the room where the meeting will take place, it seems almost everyone is there. As they walk farther in, they're greeted by Chrissy, Maya's counselor while she was in rehab. "Hey Maya; good to see you tonight."
"It's good to see you too," she answers.
"And who is this handsome young man you've brought with you today?" She asks Maya with a big smile. She knows exactly who he is and how close he and Maya are. She also wonders if they've gotten "closer" since she last saw them together. But this is neither the time or place to ask that.
"Oh, him?" she asks and points a thumb in Josh's direction. "He's just some guy I picked up on my way over. I wanted some company and he seemed to fit the bill. Although now, I'm beginning to have my doubts." She grins at Chrissy.
"Hey!" Josh exclaims in mock anger; going along with Maya's joke.
Before Maya can say anything else, Chrissy says: "Well, if you don't want him, then I'll take him home with me." Toward the end of Maya's stay at the center, she and Chrissy had become close and little, lighthearted exchanges like this came easy and natural to them.
"Hey!" Josh again says in mock anger, this time aimed at Chrissy.
"Oh no Chrissy," Maya says sternly. She encircles her arms around one of his, pulling him close, and continues: "He's all mine."
With that, the three share a light-hearted laugh. Chrissy looks at Josh then and says: "Good to see you Josh. I'm glad you came." She puts out her hand for Josh to shake, which he does.
"It's good to be here Chrissy," he says and shakes her hand.
"Could everyone make their way to a seat please," came a voice from the front of the room. It was Dr. Emily Franklin who usually leads these meetings. "We've about ready to get started," she finishes.
"Josh," Maya said, getting his attention, "all of the recovering addicts will set in that circle of chairs near the front of the room." Josh looked up to see where Maya was talking about. "The rows of chairs right behind them," she continued, "are for guests. You can sit there. You should be able to see and hear everything." Josh nods his acknowledgement to her. They walk toward the front of the room together, but just before Josh takes his seat, Maya takes his hand in hers causing him to pause and look at her. "Thanks again for coming tonight Josh," she says, then releases his hand. But before she can walk away to take her seat, Josh gives her a quick kiss on her cheek. "Your welcome Maya," he tells her with a smile and takes his seat. Maya feels her face heat up and she knows she's turned red, she just hopes it not too bright a shade. She returns his smile before heading to her seat.
"Alright everyone, let's get started," comes another voice from the front. This time it's Dr. Beverly Anderson, head of the rehab center. Apparently she will be leading the meeting tonight, which she does occasionally. "It's good to see everyone here tonight. I'm glad you all have decided to attend these meetings on a regular basis. I know you may get tired of hearing us say this, but these meetings are crucial to your continued sobriety." She looks to where the guests are seated then says: "And it's good to see the guests who are with us tonight. Guests of our attendees are always welcome. Now I believe I've seen all our guests here before but one. And I believe he's Maya's guest." She looks at Maya who confirms this with a nod. "Would you like to introduce him to the group Maya?"
"Yes, I would Dr. Anderson," she says. She smiles a little now. She knew this was going to happen. Others who had invited guests to the meeting were asked to introduce them to the group and she was very anxious to introduce Josh to them. "Josh, would mine standing please?" Josh does as she asks.
Before she can begin with her introduction, someone says: "Wow! Maya; he's a hottie!" Everyone laughs at the lighthearted comment and sees it Diana, one of the patients who Maya had befriended while they were in rehab together. She also sees that Josh is slightly embarrassed by the remark.
"Oh, Diana!" Maya says excitedly, "Don't embarrass him. He may not come back." This brings more laughter from the group and she sees Josh relax a little. After everyone settles down, Maya introduces him. "Everyone, this is Josh Matthews. We've known each other since we were children. He's my best friend's uncle. Josh has always been my friend. There were times when we were growing up when it would be months, sometimes years, when we wouldn't see each other. He lived in Philadelphia and I lived in New York. But when we did, it was like we'd never been apart. We'd just seemed to pick up right where we left off. After college, Josh moved back to Philadelphia to work and I stayed in New York. We didn't see each other for several years and kind of lost touch with each other. But he eventually moved back to New York. And it was then that we reconnected. But by then, I had started drinking heavily. We happen to run into each other at a bar, and I ended up picking a fight with him. Later, he found out that I worked at a bar and went there and tried to talk me into leaving with him and get some help. By this time, he'd realized I was a drunk and needed help. But again, I picked a fight with him. I accused him of doing some horrible things in our past, none of which were true."
She looks at Josh now and sees the pained look on his face as they relieve those bad times together. "But he never gave up on me," she continues. "And when I reached my lowest point, when the guy I was living with left me stranded at 2:00 in the morning, at a bar in a not-so-nice part of the city, and I had no money and no place to go, I didn't know what to do. I was ashamed to call any of my family or friends….except Josh. I hoped he would help me. So I called him and he immediately came an got me, even after I had mistreated him, because that's just the kind of guy he is. He took me to his apartment. Let me take a hot shower. Gave me clean, warm clothes to wear and fed me. And the next morning, he and my best friend, Riley, brought me here to get the help I needed." Maya had to stop and compose herself as tears began to fill her eyes. "Josh is my hero; my guardian angel, and he saved my life. I wouldn't be here if not for him and the rest of my family and friends who never gave up on me. And I wanted everyone here to meet him and believe, as I do, there are those out there who will help you and will never give up on you. They, like Josh did for me, will give you hope."
Maya's vision was blurred by the tears in her eyes, tears of gratitude. But she dried her eyes and kept her composure. Dr. Anderson put her arm around Maya and said softly to her: "That was wonderful Maya. Why don't you sit down now and we'll begin the meeting. Maya did as she was asked. Dr. Anderson looked at Josh, who was still standing, and said: "You are welcome here Josh and you always will be. Please take your seat." After he did, she addressed everyone at the meeting. "Let's get started everyone. Would anyone like to share something they've struggled with lately with the group?"
Josh paid close attention at the meeting began. A few shared their struggles as the meeting began. One even told how they had struggled this week and in fact had a few drinks just yesterday. To Josh's surprise, they weren't chastised for this like he thought they might, like a student who had failed to complete an assignment. On the contrary, they were encouraged by the others for not giving up and coming to the meeting tonight. "We all struggle sometimes," one member said. "But the trick is not to give up. Josh was impressed with this and made note of it. The rest of the meeting was spent on specific ideas on how to stay on track and stay sober. He was most impressed at the support he saw for each other. And there was absolutely no judgement from anyone, either from attendees or staff of the center.
The meeting lasted about an hour and Dr. Anderson wrapped it up by asking: "Does anyone else have anything they'd like to say before we adjourn?" To everyone's surprise Josh raised his hand. "Yes Josh," Dr. Anderson says.
"I would like to say something to the group if that's permitted," he says. Everyone turned and looked at Josh in surprise, especially Maya. Rarely did any visitor have anything they wanted to say to the group.
"Of course it's permitted Josh," she answers. "Comments for visitors, especially support people like yourself, are always welcome. Why don't you come to the front of the room?"
Josh nods his head in acknowledgement and walks to the front of the group to face them. On his way, he looks at Maya and sees the bewildered look on her face. He smiles at her which seems to cause her to relax a little. He looks at everyone first before beginning. "As Maya told you, we've known each other since we were children. In fact, parts of her family and mine have known each other since before we were born. And we're very close, almost like one big family. So when we realized that she in fact had a drinking problem and believed we might lose her, well, we were all terrified." Josh paused briefly to see the looks on everyone's faces and saw that they all understood what he and his family went through. "But as she said," he continued, "we never gave up on her, and when she finally admitted she needed help, we brought her here. But at that point, that's all we could do. The rest was up to her and everyone here. And of course, as you all know, she recovered from that nightmare." Once again Josh saw looks of acknowledgment on everyone's faces. "And she continues to stay sober with the help of this group and these meetings. She's told me many times how important you all are to her." He pauses again and takes a breath. "Our families have discussed this many times, so…., on behalf of all of us, we want to thank everyone at this center and all those who attend these meetings, for giving Maya back to us." As Josh looks around again, he sees satisfied looks on everyone's faces and maybe even a few tears. Now he looks at Maya, who can't believe what's just happened, and holds out his hand for her to join him. She does and Josh takes her hand in one of his. Maya, for her part, puts both her hands around his and looks up at him in disbelief. He looks down at her, smiles, and says: "There are now words to describe how precious she is to all of us. Especially to me." Maya's eyes open wide when she hears this. "If we would have lost her, a part of all of us would have been lost as well." Tears fill Maya's eyes at Josh's words, and she's about to lose control of her emotions, until she feels his hand squeeze hers and sees him smiling at her. She smiles back at him and relaxes.
They share a brief moment when it seemed to be just the two of them, together, alone, but then Dr. Anderson speaks again. "Thank you for those kind words, Josh. We all do this for each other, to keep each other clean and sober, but it's nice to know that someone outside of our group is appreciative of our work." Josh smiles this acknowledgement to her. Dr. Ander looks at Maya next and says: "You're very lucky to have him in your life Maya."
"I know, Dr. Anderson," Maya says. She looks at Josh and says: "very lucky."
At the meeting breaks up and everyone is preparing to leave, several people come up to Josh and thank him, including Chrissy and other staff members. Several of them also thank Maya for telling them about Josh and how it gives them hope for their futures.
As Maya and Josh head to his car to leave, Maya stops and takes Josh's hand in hers. She has something to tell him. She looks at Josh and again, tries to control her emotions as she begins to realize what this one Matthews has meant to her down through the years: far more than a crush; far more than a strong like; and far more than the boyfriend she'd hoped he'd be someday. "Thank you for being so patient and understanding with me," she begins, "even when I jumped on your back like some crazed teenager." This gets a smile from Josh. "Thank you for looking out for me in my first year of college when I wouldn't listen to Riley or dad or anyone who tried to talk some since into me. And finally," she swallows hard before continuing, "thank you for saving my life."
Josh is touched by what she's just said. After looking at her for a few minutes and not knowing what to say, he finally wraps her in his arms and says: "It wasn't just me Maya. It was all of us."
"I know," she says in a small voice as she lays her head on his chest, "but you started everything by rescuing me that night." Josh nods his head in silence and the two hold each other for the next several minutes. Josh finally releases their hug and says: "Well, I guess I better get you home, I have to work tomorrow and I know you have some things you have to do before you start back to work on Monday."
She sighs deeply and releases him. "Your right, the only downside to being sober and not being a drunk," she says and Josh gives her a questioning look, "is that I actually remember how to be a responsible adult." That gets a loud laugh from Josh which makes Maya smile. He gives her another quick hug, then opens the passenger door for her to get in.
A Few Days Later…..
As Maya approaches the art gallery where she's returning to work, she can't help but smile. So many good memories flood back into her head about the good times she's spent here. She had worried about the bad memories she might have here to, memories of when she was drinking. She had mentioned this to Shawn one evening while having dinner with her parents. Shawn smiled and hugged his daughter. "I guess it's time for me to give you some fatherly advice," he tells her. "I've done some bad things in my life too, when I was a teenager," he begins. "Some things I'd liked to forget." Maya's eyes widen and she looks at her mom. Shawn can see what Maya's thinking. "Don't worry kiddo," he says, "your mom knows all about them. When we were dating, I wanted to make sure she knew what she was getting with me. And I guess she lost her mind and decided to stay with me."
This gets soft laughter from mother and daughter. "Your dad isn't that guy anymore honey, "Katy says. "If he had been, I would have stopped seeing him and I wouldn't have let him near you." This brings an appreciative smile to Maya's face. Her mom always had her back, even when she, Maya, hadn't realized it. "And I've always trusted he'll say the right things to you."
Shawn takes Katy's hand is his and smiles at her faith in him. "Anyway," he continues, "I learned down through the years, that those bad memories do stay with us, but fade with time. We'll only remember just enough of them to remind us of what can happen to us if we're not careful." Maya pays close attention to what her dad is telling her. "The good memories however," he continues, "will remain strong with us for a lifetime. I'm reminded of that every time I see Cory or Topanga, or Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. And you'll find that out when you walk into that gallery the first time you're back."
Now she's finding out Shawn's words are true. When she hears the door squeak slightly as she opens it, she's reminded of the hundreds of times she's opened that door and the joy she had every time she went through it. It even smells the same as it always did, which continues to bring up wonderful memories. However, she notices something seems odd. Usually at this time in the morning there's a lot of activity just inside as they prepare to open their doors to the public. But this time, she's greeted with nothing but silence. "What gives?" She thinks to herself. But then she hears a giggle, and she would recognize that giggle anywhere. "Alright Kim," Maya says loudly to make sure she heard. "What's going on." She can't imagine what that wonderfully creative girl is up to. Then suddenly, on the far end of the room, a long banner unrolls from the ceiling. And printed on the banner in large letter is: "WELCOME BACK MAYA." She's stunned by this but before she has time to react, Kim and the rest of her fellow artists spring out for everywhere. They're all wearing silly-looking cone-shaped party hats and blowing annoying party horns as they approach her. They all encircle her while still blowing their horns and someone pops two confetti bombs overhead and it lands all over her. Not knowing what to do or say because she's so surprised, she finally says: "You guys, this is too much."
"No it's not Maya," Kim tells her. "We've all been looking forward to this day, so we had to do something."
"Uuhhhh, Kim had to do something Maya," Justin, her other workroom mate says. "She just badgered the rest of us until we gave in."
"That's not true Justin!" Kim complains, "It was my idea but everyone else though it was a great idea."
Everyone bursts out laughing at Kim's reaction, which causes her to look at everyone in bewilderment. Maya can't help but laugh too, but decides to ease the girl's anxiety. "Kim honey," she begins. "I've told you time and time again, 'don't take what everyone says to you so literally,' especially this bunch here. They love to tease you."
Kim looks around and sees that once again, she's been had. "You guys," she whines, "you said you'd stop doing that to me."
"We did Kimmy," Justin says, "we just didn't say when we'd stop."
This brings another round of laughter from everyone, which this time includes Kim. After the laughter dies down, Maya says to Kim: "Be happy Kim, if we didn't like you so much, we wouldn't tease you." This makes Kim's face light up.
"Alright everyone," it's Jessica, gallery administrator, who gets everyone's attention. "I hate to break this up, but we do have a gallery to run. So everyone, back to work. And that includes you too Miss Hunter." Jessica has a big grin on her face as she tells Maya this. "And I'm expecting some great things from you now that you're back."
"Me too, Jessica," Maya answers her.
"And if you're interested in continuing your work in art restoration," Jessica continues, "we have several paintings to do some light restoration on and you can work on them some this week if you'd like."
"I'd love to Jessica," Maya tells her.
"Great," Jessica says. "Now go to you room and get to work young lady!"
Maya knows this is Jessica's way to welcoming her back, and she loves it. "Yes ma'am," Maya says with enthusiasm as she turns on her heel and heads to her room and do just that.
It's been a little over two weeks now since Maya has returned to work at the art gallery. It already seems like she never left, never started abusing alcohol, and never was mean to any of these wonderful people she gets to work with. And to their credit, none of them bring up those dark days either. The only thing that's different than when she was here before, is they, mostly Kim and Justin, have gotten her caught up on what the gallery's been up to since she's been gone. Their art shows have gotten more popular and they've gotten more and more art lovers into their showroom who've actually bought something. "I see you've gotten along just fine without me," Maya commented several times, only to be scolded each time by one of her fellow artists. Each told her they'll do even better now that she's back. Maya doesn't have words to express to them what that means to her. And she's been busy. Just as Jessica predicted, she had so much untapped creativity and ideas inside of her, that once she started painting again, she was almost like a painting factory. Not only did she paint at the gallery, but also in her room at the apartment she shares with Riley. Jessica kept a close eye on her during these first few weeks. She could see Maya was exploding onto canvases, and she made sure Maya slowed her pace some so her haste wouldn't leave her disappointed in her final result.
And back at the apartment she shares with Riley, her excitement spilled over onto her best friend. For the first three nights after she returned, Maya talked Riley's ear off about her days and what she's working on. And they'd talk, or rather Maya would talk and Riley would listen, till the wee hours of the morning. Riley was excited for Maya, but on the third night, she had to cut her off. They were sitting on their couch together and Maya was right in the middle of explaining yet another idea she was excited about, when Riley suddenly threw her arms around Maya which caused the excited blonde to stop in mid-sentence. "Maya," she said then looked her best friend in the eye, and continued: "Peaches, I'm so happy for you. It's the happiest I've seen you in a long time, but I can't keep staying up till two-o'clock in the morning and then try to prepare my lesson plan the next morning."
"Sorry Riles," was Maya's embarrassed response.
"It's okay," Riley tells her. "And I want to hear everything, just not all at once, okay?"
"Okay," Maya answered her with a smile.
She's told her parents about what all she's been doing, and all her friends as well, just not in the detail she was telling Riley. And she told Josh too. And to her delight, her was just as interested as Riley was. But, just as Riley, he didn't need to stay up half the night listening to her. Of course, she accommodated him. The two had taken to having dinner together about once a week so they could catch up with what was going on with each other. Neither wanted to drift apart like they had before. They would text some during the week, but each enjoyed their dinner "dates" more. Face-to-face was more satisfying. Maya also hoped that on one of their "dates," Josh would ask her out on a real date. They had grown closer since Maya had returned to everyone, and Josh was always affectionate with her, often giving her hugs and an occasional kiss on the cheek, but nothing else. And she never saw him with another girl, even though she had seen him out several times when they weren't doing something together, like at O'Malley's. She was getting frustrated with their situation. She wasn't upset with him, she never could be, but she just wished she knew how he actually felt about her. They're friends, but will he ever look at her as anything more? She'd wondered if she should just tell him about how she felt, or ask Riley to talk to him for her; Riley knew about her true feelings for Josh. In the end, she decided to do neither of those things. But she knew she couldn't stay like this forever.
Maya is standing outside the gallery. She 's waiting on Josh to come by for their weekly dinner together. She had just checked her phone to see if Josh had texted her anymore. He'd done so earlier, telling her he was running a little late. She had texted him back not to hurry, she could wait. She had just put her phone back in her tote bag, when someone spoke to her. And the voice sent a chill up and down her spine.
"Hey there blondie," it said. "You're looking better than ever."
Maya turned to where the voice was coming from. "What are you doing here Max?" She asked. It was her old drinking partner and enabler. The sound of his voice and the sight of him brought back a lot of bad memories. Memories she had almost forgotten about, almost. And it caused her to feel sick.
"What do you mean, "what am I doing here,'" her returned, moving a little closer t her now. "I came here to get my girlfriend back."
"I've told you before Max," she begins, standing her ground. "I'm not your girlfriend. I never was and I never will be."
"Oh come on baby, don't be like that." he says as he moves still closer to her.
"How did you find me Max?" She asks, still not retreating.
"I remembered you told me you used to work at this place, so I just hung out around her till I saw you, and presto, her I am." He had a big grin on his face now. "I would have called," he went on," but I lost my phone and couldn't afford a new one, not enough money."
"I'm not surprised," Maya begins. "Since you left me stranded, your meal ticket vanished with me." Maya was well aware that she had been paying for all their bills while she was living with him. She wasn't proud of that or what she did to make money, but she wasn't going to deny it either.
"Ohhh, come on Maya," he says as he moves even closer to her, now only a little more than arm's length away. "You could have come back to the apartment with me. We had fun."
"Gone back with you for a drunken orgy?" She says; remembering him and his friend picking up two girls to "party" with. "No thanks."
"Don't be like that," he implores. "Let me buy you a drink and we'll patch things up between us. I've missed you baby."
"I bet you have Max," she says. "Or more precisely, you miss the money I had." He looks at her now, with a tint of anger on his face. But Maya isn't intimidated. She was never afraid of Max before and she certainly isn't now. "If he moves any closer, he'll be throwing up whatever's in his stomach after he feels my knee in his groin," she thinks to herself. "And I don't drink anymore Max," she states flatly.
His eyes get as big as saucers at first, out of surprise, but then he just starts laughing, thinking she's kidding him. Maya sighs. She can't blame him if he doesn't believe her. She was drunk when she met him and she was drunk the last time he saw her. "It's true," she finally says. Then a thought pops into her head that makes her smile. "And you're a big reason I quit drinking Max, oddly enough." He cocks an eyebrow at her then, not knowing what she means. "The night you left me stranded, I was alone; had no money; and no place to go. I didn't know what to do and I was scared. So I called the one person I knew who might help me. But I wasn't sure if even he would come and get me. I had been so mean and hateful to him. But he did Max. It was two-o'clock in the morning and he was sound asleep, but as soon as he heard my voice, he came and got me. I thought he might just take me to a homeless shelter, but he didn't. He took me to his place, even though I was dirty and smelled of stale beer and puke. He let me take a shower, gave me clean cloths, and fed me. And never once did he look down at me, even though I wouldn't have blamed him if he did. And it was then Max, that I realized I needed help. And if I didn't get it, I was going to die. So he took me to a rehab center where I got well and got my life back, my real life. I've been clean and sober ever since and I will not go back to that life….ever." Mayas in near tears, but she doesn't let Max see that.
He's just about to say something to her, when they hear a loud voice: "Hey you! Get away from her you asshole!" It was Josh. And Maya could see the rage in his eyes.
As he approached them, Max backed away from Maya. He didn't have his buddies with him to back him up, and he wanted nothing to do with this maniac. When Josh got to them, Maya put her hand out to stop him. She wanted to calm him down. "It's alright Josh. I got this." When she saw that he was still staring at Max and hadn't calmed much, she got firmer with him. "Josh!" She said with more emphasis. That got his attention and he looked at her. "I'll handle this Josh," she says firmly and gives him a look that she meant it. Josh sees that look. He sees the real Maya Hunter now. The one his sister-in-law calls a "Fierce Amazon Warrior, and he knows to back down." When she sees him do this, she gives him a sweet smile and gently tells him: "I need to handle this Josh."
Josh understands what she means and relaxes. He smiles at her and says: "Alright, but I'll be right here it you need me."
She smiles back at him, and softly says: "Thank you," and turns back to Max.
Max, seeing that Maya has stopped Josh from attacking him, regains his cockiness. "I remember you," she says to Josh. "You're the guy who kept trying to pick Maya up when she was obviously with me."
Maya rolls her eyes. "He was not trying to pick me up Max!" She tells him. "He was trying to get me the help I needed, but I wouldn't listen to him." Then she turns back to Josh briefly and says: "But her never gave up on me." Then she turns back to Max and says: "unlike you, who abandoned me."
Max is shocked at Maya rejecting him and looks at the two in anger. "Oh, I see how it is now," he begins, "she's sucking your di…."
"Shut up Max!" Maya cuts him off angerly, which startles him completely. He's never seen her like this.
"Fine," he says to her. "Be pissed at me. I don't care."
Maya sighs and calms herself down. "I'm not pissed at you Max," she says quietly. "If I feel anything towards you, it's pity." Josh sees the blood rise on Max's face now as anger begins to take over him. He's ready to stop him if her tries to harm Maya in any way. But then, he sees that Max isn't about to do anything that might get him hurt. "You need help Max," she continues, "just like I did. And if you don't get it, you'll eventually die." When she sees he's not going to respond, she goes on. "You can get help Max," she says, "if you want it." Then she remembers something. "Max, go to the police precinct where they used to take us for 'drunk and disorderly.'" She takes a quick glance at Josh. She's never told him about all the times she's been arrested. "Oh well," she thinks, "one problem at a time," and turns her attention back to Max. "You remember that sergeant there don't you? He was always trying to get us into rehab, remember. He must have seen something in us that others didn't. Go to him Max and get the help you need."
Max seems to be seething with anger now. But instead of attacking them, as Josh feared he might, he just turns and begins to walk away. "Max?" Maya asks. Hoping he'll come back and talk to her.
But he doesn't. Instead, he keeps walking and turns his head back to her and shouts: "Fuck you, Maya! I don't need any help. I doing fine on my own, so you can go to hell! And I hope you and lover boy there are happy together and are fucking each other's brains out!" With that he turns a corner and is gone. Josh is glad, they were starting to attract a crowd.
Maya turns back to Josh who is looking down at her. "You okay?" He asks.
"I'm fine," she answers with an appreciative smile. "I'm really not mad at him. What I did, I did to myself. And I really do pity him and hopes he gets help." Josh continues to look at her after she stops talking. "What?" She asks with a smile.
"Nothing," he says, returning her smile. "You've just shown me again, how utterly amazing you are."
Maya blushes deeply now at Josh's kind words. "Ah Boing," she says, causing his smile to widen. "I bet you say that to all the girls."
Josh lets out a short laugh. "And that cheesy line is older that my parents!" He says with an even bigger grin, clearly teasing her.
"Stop it Josh," she admonishes him as she gently slaps him on the shoulder. "Let's go get some dinner. All this drama has made me hungry."
"Sounds good," he says. It kinda made me hungry too." She smiles up at him as he says that. They head in the direction of the restaurant they'd picked out. As they're walking, he asks: "So, you've been arrested a few times?"
"Yeah," she responds." I guess I forgot to mention that with everything else that went on when you came and got me."
"Forget about that Maya," he tells her with a knowing smile. "Put those arrests in the 'lessons learned' category. I like the way you're headed with your life now.
"Thanks Josh," she tells him with genuine affection. As they walk along in comfortable silence, old questions return to Maya's mind: "He just called me amazing….again. I know he likes me. So why hasn't he asked me out yet? Does he not like me like that anymore? If he doesn't and would tell me, then at least I could move on from him. I wish he'd just tell me. He must know I like him more than just a friend and that I think he's amazing to. What's going on in that cute head of yours Josh." She asks herself. "Why won't you tell me? God this is so frustrating."
-END-
A/N: All of the preceding chapters, including this one, have been leading up to the next one. And I bet you all have been waiting for it. And I can't wait to write it. I've been dying to write it. Hopefully I'll get it written and published a lot quicker that some of the others. I love this story because it was inspired by personal experiences of mine concerning a family member. But I have an idea for another story that I've been spending way to too much time thinking about (I haven't written a single word on it yet) at the expense of this one. We're getting near the end of this story, maybe three or four more chapters after this one. Hope everyone is well and I hope you enjoy the rest of this story.