AN- Welp. I didn't abandon you. No time for introductions. OG Boy Meets World references? yes. Snacks? later. 13 Pages? now.
Chapter 19- Hard to Forget
"There you are."
Maya grinned at the sound of Josh's voice, but didn't look up from her textbook.
"Here I am."
Josh's knee brushed hers as he sat down next to her on the wooden stairs of the deck. The warm glow of the fairy lights twinkled above them as the last glimpse of sunlight began to set.
"Nice slippers."
Maya glanced at her fluffy corgi slippers as he gently nudged her foot with his.
"Whatcha doin' out here?"
She shrugged, "Just needed some fresh air I guess."
Josh let out a deep sigh, "Yeah...it's been a bit theatric in there lately."
Riley's muffled voice sung through the air from inside the house.
Maya smirked, "Oh this is just the beginning…"
Josh shook his head, "You know, I never thought I would say this, but I think I miss Grease." He scooted closer to her and leaned over her shoulder, "What's this?"
Maya glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, she could see the mischief playing in his ocean blue eyes.
"English homework."
Josh moved closer to look at the textbook, his hand brushed across her back as he moved to rest his arm on the deck behind her.
"Shakespeare, huh?"
"Yup. Omelet."
"Oh that's my favorite." He laughed lightly, "did you read it?"
Maya grinned, "Nope."
"Me neither."
She finished the last question on her assignment, then snapped the book shut.
"Well aren't we a pair?"
Josh playfully rolled his eyes at her and took the textbook from her lap.
"I have a surprise for you."
Maya raised her eyebrows at him, "You do?"
"Mmmmhmmm...So go put on some hot artsy outfit and meet me at my Jeep."
"What counts as a hot artsy outfit?"
He groaned. "Basically anything with you in it. Geez, why do you have to question everything?"
"To drive you crazy."
Josh stood and offered her a hand. She took it and let him pull her up from the stairs.
"Go change. I already told my parents I'm taking you to pick up your paycheck from the diner."
Maya took her textbook from him, "You're up to something." She studied his face for a moment, "I like it."
She slipped inside and dashed up the stairs to Riley's room, hastily shutting the door behind her. Out of breath from running up the stairs, her voice was near frantic.
"Do you know where Josh is taking me?"
Riley put her script down and bit back a grin from her spot in the bay window.
"Yes, you'll love it, trust me. I already picked out your outfit. It's on the bed."
"Bless you!" Maya praised as she rushed to put on the black jeans and off the shoulder top Riley laid out for her. She pulled her hair out of the messy bun on the top of her head and fluffed it, grateful it was still straightened from the morning. She glanced at Riley in the mirror,
"You gonna be okay if I leave?"
"Maya, I'm not made of glass. I'll be okay."
"I know Riles, you've just been so…" She trailed off.
"Broken?" Riley offered through a deep sigh. "I know."
Maya sat down next to her. "I hate seeing you like this. It's been almost two weeks."
Riley let her eyes close. "I hate feeling like this," she whispered. "But I can't make it go away. God... Seeing him at school everyday...watching girls flirt with him...I know it shouldn't hurt so bad but…" She paused and bit the inside of her cheek, willing the ache in her chest to stop. "Is this how you felt when you saw Josh with Victoria?"
Maya wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "It'll get easier Riles. I promise. Would it make you feel better if I slapped him again? OH! Let's egg his truck, don't Lorelai and Rory do that in Gilmore Girls?"
Riley laughed lightly, "No. I mean, yes they do that in Gilmore Girls, but I don't think it will make me feel better."
"Hey, at least you have the musical to look forward to." Maya playfully nudged her shoulder.
The memory of finding out the cast list last Friday faded into Riley's mind. Opening night is less than two months away, the weekend before Thanksgiving break. They would have to work double-time to make up for the lost weeks of rehearsal. Based on the success of the concert, Mr. Carter was able to cast the show without holding auditions. Slowly she was back in the hallway outside of the theater.
Her stomach had been in knots all day with the anticipation of Mr. Carter posting the show announcement and cast list. She almost couldn't bring herself to look, but at the same time, she was dying to know. Holding hands with Farkle and Maya she took a deep breath and took a step forward...
"Hey Lucas!"
In an instant the air in her lungs was gone. Time slowed to a crawl. She forced herself not to turn her head towards the group of football players entering the hall. Her spine tingled under the heat of his gaze. He was watching her, but she knew she couldn't look. She couldn't stand to see Jordan chatting away with him. A gentle tug on her arm pulled her back to what she was doing. Maya linked her arm through her's and pulled her to the cast list.
Riley's eyes focused on the page. A single glass slipper floated next to swirly lettering. They would be performing Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Her heart sped up as her eyes fluttered down the page.
Maya squealed loudly.
Riley's name was listed first, next to the lead role of Cinderella. Farkle would be playing Prince Charming. Maya was listed as the stage manager and the role of the Fairy Godmother.
Arms circled around her in a tight hug.
"We got the leads! Wifey we did it!" Farkle jumped up and down, bringing Riley with him.
Relief washed over her, followed by a new bundle of nerves. Without thinking, her eyes found Lucas's. His bright green eyes immediately locked with hers. For the tiniest moment, she wanted to run to him. She wished the arms holding her were his. She craved the electrifying tingles of his touch. She could imagine the warmth of his low whisper against her ear, telling her congratulations. But in a flash his face became stone. His eyes darkened to the stranger she didn't know. Her heart sunk all over again. She didn't even register the feeling of Farkle kissing her cheek in celebration.
Chills ran down her arms at the memory. She eyed the spot under her bed where she stashed Lucas's gray Texas Longhorn hoodie, tempted to slip it on as soon as she was alone. She had fallen into a terrible bad habit of pulling the hoodie on in the middle of the night when she couldn't sleep, usually the minute after Maya left for Josh's room.
She wrapped her arms around herself in the bay window, hoping Maya wouldn't notice.
"Yeah. The musical will help, I think."
Maya eyed her knowingly, "Good. But, if you change your mind, just say the word and I'll get the eggs."
Riley shook her head. "You should get going, Josh is waiting."
Maya waved her hand dismissively, "Meh he can wait. Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" She eyed her knowingly, "You could come with us."
Riley shuttered out of Maya's arm. "Peaches, I might not be okay, but I definitely don't want to be a third wheel on your date with my brother. Ack!"
"Good point." Maya laughed.
"Geez, did you get lost?" Josh groaned when Maya finally climbed into the passenger seat of his Jeep.
"Yeah, you know I'm terrible with directions. Must be why I always end up in your room at night."
"Haha." Josh deadpanned as he started the engine. "Well, thanks to your crappy sense of direction, we might be late."
"Late to what?"
Josh grinned at her, "You'll see."
He let his hand drift from the steering wheel to rest on the top of her thigh as he drove. Maya watched the trees grow thicker as he pulled onto the highway. She thought about the excuse Josh had given his parents, picking up her check from the dinner. As if she had one. The last time she went to pick up her paycheck, Chubby had already given it to her mom. He must've known by the look on her face, he'd made a mistake. He offered to void the check and write her a new one, but she played if off as a miscommunication, and assured Chubby her check was waiting for her at the house. She knew there was no point, the money was already gone. Her father left town that morning and as usual, the money left with him. She didn't want to cause more trouble for her mom as it was. Topanga was fighting hard to reduce her charges, but it all depended on Katy not missing her upcoming court appearance. Maya doubted that would happen. The minute Kermit left, Her mom ran back to the city to find her boyfriend.
Josh squeezed her thigh softly.
"You good Kitten?"
Maya nodded quickly. "Yeah, just thinking about the musical."
"You're not getting stage fright are you?"
Maya playfully rolled her eyes at him. "No, I'm not getting stage fright. I only have like two scenes."
He grinned at her, "I mean it can't be that hard, I'm sure the Fairy Godmother doesn't have to shake her ass like you did in the concert…"
She slapped his shoulder. "You wish."
"Oh you know I do…"
Maya pointed to a passing sign, "'Welcome Cadets?' Geez what are you doing dumping me at Military School?"
Josh slowed down to pull the jeep into a small parking lot. "No. We're going to a placed called the Mule Lounge. Stay there."
Maya watched him quickly jump out of the jeep and jog around the car. He opened the door for her and offered a hand.
"How chivalrous." Maya teased but took his hand anyway.
"Well this is a date…"
"Is it?"
"Mmmhmm…" Josh closed the door behind her and let his hands fall to her hips, pinning her against it. His voice dropped to a husky whisper, "You have no idea how bad I've wanted to do this…"
His lips met hers in a soft kiss, which Maya eagerly accepted.
He took a small step back to take in her appearance. The black off the shoulder top, exposed her pale collarbones, tempting his lips to leave his mark there. Her black jeans hugged her hips perfectly. And those heels….
"You're so beautiful." He murmured.
Maya easily pulled him into another kiss, grateful for the tall chunky heels easing their height difference. His lips quickly drifted from hers, to the side of her neck. She bit her lip to prevent a soft moan from escaping.
"I thought we were late…" She reminded him breathlessly.
Reluctantly, Josh pulled away and nodded. He laced one hand with hers and led her to the entrance of the cafe.
"So I did some research and I think you're really gonna like this."
He opened the door for her. Maya gave him a weary look before stepping into the cafe. Warm wood wrapped along the walls, covered with various pieces of art. Paintings, photography, even framed written works. An entire wall was dedicated to a collection of books. Small tables littered the space, booths were tucked in the corners. Small candles on each of the tables flickered warmly against the wooden walls. Most notably, a small makeshift stage stood along the back wall.
A short red head in a beret stood at the mic and began to read from a piece of paper. The rhythmic thumbing of bongo drums vibrated in the darkness next to the stage.
Maya's hand flew to her heart as she froze in the entryway.
"You know how much I love bad poetry slams." She whispered with excitement.
"Told ya you'd like it." Josh grinned, "Come on let's order and get a good table."
His warm hand tickled her lower back as he guided her toward a display case filled with delicious looking desserts.
"Two chai lattes with cinnamon and honey and…" Josh turned to Maya, "What would you like babe?"
Maya studied the dessert case, "...and one cheesecake." she finished.
Josh paid for the order while Maya eagerly took her oversized mug from the barista in one hand, and the small plate with a giant slice of cheesecake in the other.
"You're gonna share that with me right?" Josh teased as he lead her to a small corner booth.
"We'll see." Maya grinned at him like a cheshire cat, before sliding into the booth.
Josh's arm lay lazily along the top of the booth, Maya nestled comfortably into his side. Her head rest on his shoulder. His fork playfully battled with hers over the last bite of cheesecake. Unable to help himself, he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
Maya glanced up at him, "You're still not gonna get it."
He rolled his eyes. "You've let that bite sit there for thirty minutes!"
The hollow rolling taps of the bongo drums subtly drew their attention back to the stage.
"Like the rain on the window pane. You...washed away…" The girl onstage with a half shaved head and a septum piercing paused for dramatic effect. "...my pain."
The bongos rattled again and Maya snorted a laugh.
Josh groaned under his breath, "Did she really just rhyme pane with pain?"
Maya nodded. "I love it here."
"Shouldn't that get me the last bite?"
"Tell you what," Maya turned to face him, "you get up there…" she nodded toward the stage, "and recite a poem and I might consider letting you have the last bite."
Josh thought about it for a moment. "How about I do you one better?"
Maya raised her eyebrows at him.
"Poetry slam-off. Me versus you. Whoever gets the loudest applause gets the last bite."
Maya's eyes gleamed with delight. "You're on."
Small applause signaled the end of the current performer.
"Ladies first…" Josh teased.
Maya smirked at him and slid out of the booth. He watched her hips sway as she fearlessly strutted to the stage.
The small crowd fell silent. Maya took a dramatic breath before stepping up to the mic. Her eyes closed, her face contorted to a pained expression.
"War." she paused for the bongos.
"What is it good for?"
Her eyes slowly glided open. Tears brimmed at the corners.
Josh bit his cheek to keep from laughing.
"Absolutely nothing." Her voice shook in feigned angst.
"War?" she scoffed. "Yeah. I'll say it again. What is it good for?"
Her eyes closed again, she let her head fall back as she whispered. "Absolutely nothing."
Her head lulled forward, she pulled the mic closer.
"I despise. Destruction to innocent lives. Tears. To thousands of mothers eyes. Watching their sons fight and lose their lives."
She paused again for the bongos, "War. What is it good for?" Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, "Absolutely nothing."
She flung the mic away and took a dramatic bow. The audience applauded for her, louder than they had for the previous act.
"You're up." She mouthed to Josh as she walked back to their booth.
He shook his head and slid out of the booth. He took Maya's place on the stage and cleared his throat before starting.
"It's a cool place..." Bongos. He mimicked Maya's dramatic expression. "They say it gets colder, but...you're bundled up now?" he faked a deep laugh.
"Just wait until you get older. The media men? They beg to differ."
He squinted his eyes in a pained look.
"Judging by the hole in the satellite picture? The ice we skate...it's getting pretty thin. The water? It's getting warm, so you might as well swim."
Maya rolled her eyes and slyly flipped him off in the darkness. She knew he saw her, he bit his bottom lip and zoned his attention on the group of girls in the opposite corner.
He dropped his voice to a husky murmur, "My world's on fire. How bout yours?" His eyes snapped back to hers with a quick wink, "That's the way I like it. And I'll never get bored."
He closed his eyes in the painful expression again, "Hey now. You're an all star. Get your game on. Go play. Hey now...you're a rock star. Get the show on…. get paid…" He took a dramatic bow, "thank you."
The crowd, especially the girls in the corner, erupted into applause. Josh kept a sincere look on his face, until he slid back into the booth next to Maya.
"Really?"
"You started it." He slung his arm back around her.
"I don't know if I'm appalled or impressed that no one here realizes what just happened."
Josh shrugged and moved to snag the last bite, but Maya slapped his fork away.
"No, you cheated."
"You're kidding me right? We both cheated."
"No you cheated and you extra cheated because you used your sexy voice," Maya imitated Josh's low rumbly murmur, "...to flirt with those girls."
Josh rolled his eyes at her. "My sexy voice huh?" He dropped his voice lower as he did on stage. "Tell me babe, are you mad that you lost? Or are you mad because I flirted with those girls?"
"Both."
He eyed her for a moment, "I can't tell if you're being serious or not."
Maya arched a single brow, her eyes cold, then turned her head away from him to watch the stage.
He pursed his lips, "Okay. You're being serious."
He rubbed his temple with his free hand and sighed.
"Maya. Look at me kitten."
He gently cupped her cheek and tilted her head back to his. He stared into her icy eyes for a moment, he was surprised to see softness in them. Her walls were completely down, a rarity, he felt he was the only person to ever witness.
"I love you. I don't care about the stupid cheesecake. I don't care about those random girls. I love you. Got it?"
Maya nodded softly. Her voice barley above a whisper, "I'm still not used to this...to us…"
"I know…"
"What are we?"
"What do you mean?"
"We never talked about it. Are we dating? Are you my boyfriend?"
"Well I'm sure as hell not your cousin."
"Josh…"
"Yes, to everyone but my parents, I'm your boyfriend." He let his head drop to rest against hers, "And you're my girlfriend."
Maya's heart fluttered at the word.
"I love you." He whispered as he connected their lips together in a slow kiss.
Maya smiled against him and pulled away. "I love you too."
"Good." he mumbled before he pulled her to him again. Her soft lips caressed his, over and over until he couldn't get enough. He slipped his tongue through her lips and let his fingers thread in her smooth hair. Her hand grazed his thigh as she steadied herself against him. His kisses grew hungrily deeper, he pulled her hips practically to his lap with his free hand.
The bongo drum thumped loudly, bringing them both back to earth.
Josh slowly pulled away, Maya bit her lip while trying to catch her breath.
"I have a great idea." He murmured against her ear.
"Hmm?"
"Let's leave."
Maya grinned, "Lead the way."
He had to talk to her.
The number of times he almost called her, almost messaged her...his fingers would hover over her name in his phone, but he always stopped himself.
He couldn't.
What was he supposed to say? I miss you? Pathetic.
It was like she was everywhere, but always untouchable. Josh kept telling him to give her more time, but dammit, how much longer? He'd give anything just to get to talk to her again. He could see the pain in her eyes, even through the smile she hid behind. His gut wrenched every time, knowing is was all his fault. His dreams tormented him with delusions of their time together, delusions of what it would feel like to hold her in his arms again, the sweet smell of her hair when she buried herself in his chest, the warm sensations of her body against his.
Lucas rubbed his face with his hands. They felt rougher than ever before. Probably from all of the extra boxing workouts he'd started with Zay and Josh. He would kill for something to numb himself inside. He didn't want to feel anymore. It would be so easy to kick back a few drinks, maybe smoke a little to take the edge off. But as he promised, Zay swiped anything from his stash that could get him in trouble. Texas Lucas was raging to be let loose and he knew it.
"Lucas? You still with us?"
He had snapped up as Ms. Burgess called him out.
"Yes Ma'am."
The young English teacher gave him a suspicious look. "What was the last thing I said?"
Fuck. His pulse quickened as all heads in the classroom turned to watch him. Well, everyone except the beautiful brunette sitting as far away from him as possible.
"Uh…"
"Just what I thought." She turned back to the class, "As I was saying, your Hamlet essays were impressive, but I thought we would change it up a bit. Our next venture into Shakespearian Literature will be one of the most famous romantic tragedies in history, a tale of star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet."
The class groaned.
"For this play, instead of reading together as a class, you will read the play on your own, then with a partner you'll rewrite one scene in modern language. I'll leave the interpretation up to you, get creative. You can rewrite the scene in all memes if you want, as long as the scene's original thematic message is still conveyed. You have two weeks to work on the rewrite, then you will perform your scene in front of the class. Now, I know we don't have enough students to fill every role, so I have written down the two most impactful characters in each scene you should focus on."
Ms. Burgess rattled a metal paint can,
"Everyone will pick a popsicle stick from this can, you'll be partnered up by the color and scene on the stick."
Lucas sighed loudly as Ms. Burgess moved around the room to each desk, holding the paint can out to each student to draw from. Some students squealed with excitement, while others groaned in dread as they picked their partners. As she reached his desk, he blindly grabbed a stick and tossed it down without looking. He could tell some of the girls were trying to sneak glances at his desk, hopeful to be his partner. Maybe he'd get lucky and end up with Zay?
After ages, Ms. Burgess reached the final desk. Lucas couldn't keep himself from watching intently as Riley's small hand reached for the final stick. Her body visibly stilled as she read her fate out loud. Chills tickled the back of his neck at the sound of her melodic voice.
"Red. R & J. Act 5, scene 3."
Silence washed over the excited class.
Riley's usual smile slowly faltered as she gazed around the room for her partner.
His pulse quickened, his heart pounded out of control. His throat tightened. The look in her eyes told him exactly what he feared, yet secretly hoped. He finally looked at the stick in front of him.
Red. Act 5, Scene 3.
The tomb scene.
The bell signaling the end of class rang.
"Find your partners everyone and we'll pick up here tomorrow!" Ms Burgess called over the end of class chaos.
Lucas hastily grabbed his bag and sprung up to catch Riley, but she was already gone.
AN
AHHH! I'm mean we all saw that coming right?! What was your favorite part? Please leave a review and let me know! I LOVE reading your reviews! If you don't have an account, please make one so I can reply to you! A lot to process from that chapter, let me know your thoughts! As always review, follow, favorite, do all the things!
I can't wait for what's next…..
Fun Fact: The song for this chapter is Hard to Forget by Sam Hunt.
Lilly.
PS
I hope everyone has been able to stay safe during this pandemic.
I'm sorry I take so long to update. I've been working on a few other stories that I'm hoping to actually publish as a real book, but I have no idea how to do that. It's my dream to be able to quit my IRL job and be a writer, but I also have bills to pay :( I might post first draft versions on FF, we'll see.