"Morning mis padres," announces a chipper Maya as she walks into the kitchen.
"Someone is unusually happy for a Wednesday morning," responds Shawn.
"What can I say? Sometimes ya just wake up and realize life is good," she says as she takes her seat at the table.
"O really?" interrupts Katy, "and this has nothing to do with your boyfriend?"
PFFFFFTTTTT
Shawn spits out his coffee as Maya chokes on her orange juice. "What boyfriend?!" they both respond loudly.
"What?" Katy says perplexed. "You mean to tell me, that you and Joshua Mathews have yet to make things official?"
" .Cial….." Shawn breathes out through gritted teeth.
"O calm down, Shawn," Katy says as she lays her hands upon his shoulders. "Maya is old enough to date. Plus, Josh is a great choice!"
Shawn thinks for a moment. He then cracks his neck from left to right and exhales slowly though his mouth.
"You're right," he says taking another deep breath in and out, "if you and Josh want to be together, you have my blessing. May the two of you have a happy life together." Shawn finishes with another deep exhale and his left hand atop his heart.
"Isn't that wonderful," exclaims Katy, squeezing her husband's shoulders.
Flabbergasted, Maya mouths the word 'WOW' before smacking her lips together and stating, "Ok. First, Josh and I are NOT getting married. Second, he is NOT EVEN my boyfriend. We are just friends."
"Maya Penelope Hunter," interjects Katy, "I see the way you are with him. Mama knows …. You like him!"
Maya looks at both of her parents; their brows furrow and eyes long for an explanation. She twitches her mouth in thought and clasps her hands together. After a brief moment, she breathes out heavily and buries her head in her hands.
"I doo. I mean I'm pretty sure I do. But maybe he's just a different kind of special to me.. I mean.. I just…" She starts to shake her head and scrunch her hair into her fists before continuing, "I don't know. I'm still figuring out where he fits into my life I guess."
Then realizing she started to trail off with her thoughts out loud, she refocuses and finally looks up to see her parents; their concern still staring at her.
She pauses once more before pressing on, "Look, we're in a good place right now. I'm enjoying getting to know him better. What or how he sees things is entirely up to him, but I am not about to ruin anything. Now can we please drop it before he hears us," she says in a whisper.
"Who? Josh?" asks Katy.
"He's not even here," concludes Shawn.
"Not here," Maya questions lowly.
"Nope," answers Shawn, "he left hours ago, something about helping a friend or other."
"O right," responds Maya a bit deflated.
Shawn and Katy share a glance before looking at their clearly disappointed daughter. Both knowing there is more to the words she shares, but feeling it to be better to just leave her to her thoughts.
After she is done eating, Maya clears the table. Slowly she goes through the motions while still in deep thought; the conversation with her parents bringing to light more confusion to her already complex relationship with Josh.
What is he to me? What do I want him to be? Does he have these same thoughts or feelings?
Warm water washes away bubbles on the cup Maya gently holds. Her blue eyes glaze upon the pristine white mug while her thoughts continue to consume her. A buzz from her pocket finally breaks her away from the trance. She grabs a towel to dry her hands, then picks up her phone.
"Hello?" Maya answers, not looking at the caller ID.
"Lady…" responds an all too familiar voice.
"Farkle," she says with a happy laugh, "and to what do I owe this unexpected phone call."
"The truck is all loaded, and I'm headed your way."
"The what now?" Maya states blatantly.
Farkle laughs a little. "The truck of clothes for donations. You know Maya, it still surprises me that you are the head of this clothing drive, and yet this is the second year you seem to forget why I'm headed over. "
"Rrriiigghhhttt," Maya responds, "But that's why I have you, honey, to remind me of such events."
"Maya, I'm not your secretary."
"Nope, you're better," Maya strikes back, "You are my Farkle. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Me neither," states Farkle with a warm smile across his face. "See you in ten."
"Cool. I'll be outside."
The crisp November air bites at Maya's nose as she waits for her friend. She wraps her tan pea coat tighter, only allowing her white scarf to peak through ever so slightly. Her curly golden locks lay underneath a dark purple beanie while its matching gloves lay over her porcelain skin. She hears a honk and looks up with relief as Farkle pulls a Uhaul truck up to the curb. Immediately she runs, her dark brown over the knee boots shielding her legs from the brisk wind. As she jumps onto the seat, Farkle hands her a steeping hot venti Starbucks cup. Her eyes widen as she curls her hands around the warm beverage to defrost.
"You are God sent," she states dramatically.
"No, I am a Farkle," he responds as they both begin to laugh.
"Ready," he asks.
"All set."
Farkle presses the gas pedal and makes his way to Maya's old neighborhood.
The ride for the most part is quiet, whichever unfortunately for Maya leads her to drift back to thoughts of Josh. Unable to suppress the anxiety over the questions rolling through her mind, Maya turns to her friend.
"Hey Farkle…"
"Hey Maya…"
"How'd you know?"
"How'd I know what?"
"How'd you know that Smackle was more? When did you know she was more than just Smackle? How did you know there should be more with Smackle?"
A bit stumped, he pauses before answering.
"You know, "he starts, "I've always considered myself a man of science."
"You don't say, " Maya jokes and they both chuckle.
"As I was saying, I always thought things needed to be calculated and researched before making any rational decisions."
"But," interrupts Maya.
"But, " he says glancing at her fondly, "if there is anything I've learned from Riley, its that with some things you need to just feel."
"Feel," Maya repeats softly, her eyes focus on the road.
"Yea. For once in my life I don't know how to explain it, but everything with Smackle just feels right. It feels like it all just fits into place. But like I said before I am man of science, and as such I plan on finding out why that is. Even if it takes a very very long time. "
His eyes start to sparkle as he speaks about his feelings, and the look of pure happiness on his face brings Maya overwhelming joy.
"Well, Smacke is a very lucky girl, "she says, "I love you, Farkle."
"Quiet you. You had your chance in junior high," he says jokingly, then sticks his tongue out at her. Maya lets out a loud laugh and shakes her head in disbelief at his words.
"Speaking of Smackle," she states as they pull into the Community Center parking lot.
There standing on the curb, Isadora Smackle waves excitedly.
"Smackle!" yells Maya as she jumps out of the truck.
"Hello, Maya," Smackle responds. "We've got about twenty volunteers inside already sorting the clothes. You won't believe how much was donated!"
"That's awesome, Smacks. Now, let's get inside. I'm freezing!"
She links her arm into Smackle's and walks her into the center; leaving Farkle behind to unload the truck.
Inside, boxes upon boxes of donated clothes are piled on one side of the room, while the other side is split into sections designating gender and sizes. Groups of people happily pull out clothes and separate them into each section. Maya's heart starts to fill at the sight of all the volunteers who have come to help her old neighborhood.
"Maya Babka," shouts a smaller older Jewish grandma. Her warm fragile hands reach out to cup the young girl's face.
"Mrs. Kiesler," Maya beams at the lady, "how are you?"
"I'm fine, dear, just fine," she responds, "this is quite the turn out. Thank you again for another wonderful year."
"Anytime. I'm just happy we'll be able to keep some people warm out there."
"That and much much more," Mrs. Kiesler adds, "and it looks like we've increased the amount of volunteers."
"Yea, extending the program outside of my highschool has definitely helped with getting people to come."
"Not to mention some good-looking ones," winks Mrs. Kiesler as she pats Maya's arm. "Here comes one now."
Before Maya is able to meet the volunteer, Smackle catches her attention.
"Hey!" she yells at her friend, "can you grab those coats with you too?"
Smackle gives her a thumbs up and continues on her way.
Maya turns back to Mrs. Kiesler slowly, "Sorry about that Mrs. K, what were you saying?"
"O its ok dear, you've got a lot on your plate. Maybe my friend here can help you out." Mrs. Kiesler then taps the shoulder of the boy who is now tying his shoe. As he straightens up, Maya's heart skips a beat.
"Josh," she utters excitedly.
"Oh, you two know each other?" Mrs. Kiesler questions.
"Yea, we're.." Maya pauses as thoughts from the morning crosses her mind.
"Friends" Josh finishes, his smirk growing more lovable by the minute.
"Yea, " Maya shakes her head dumbfounded by her acions. "We're friends."
"Just friends," she adds underneath her breathe to no one but herself.
"Just friends," Mrs. Kieseler asks with her arms in the air. "What a shame. You two would make quite the match," she adds with a look of disappointment. "Well, you are young and you still have time. But," she says turning to Josh. "There is no one like my Maya."
Maya blushes at the compliment and turns to Josh, who is staring back at her while responding to Mrs. Kieselr, "That I am fully aware of."
Maya's ears begin to burn as she feels the wave of embarrassment washes her face red. She can barely contain the enormous smile spreading across her face. Slightly, she coughs to calm her nerves.
"So," she starts, "What are you doing here, Josh? My parents said you were helping some friends today."
"I am," he says, "actually they needed my help to bring some boxes here. So here I am. Now, what can I help you with?"
"I have everything covered out here," Mrs. Kiesler says to Maya; then turning to Josh she continues, "but, you can help my sweet little Babka with getting the art together for tomorrow's feast."
"Of course," Josh says turning towards Maya for direction.
"Are you sure you don't need my help out here?" Maya asks with concern written on her face.
"O, Babka, I'm old, but I'm not that old," she states staring at Maya while petting her head. "You come find me before you leave," she continues grabbing Maya's chin between her thumb and index finger. Maya nods slowly with a smile and a quick peck to the older lady's cheek.
Josh stays there watching the interaction. His eyes fixate on the young blonde who seems to be surprising him day after day. For years he watched Maya grow up. He knows how much she loves those around her, but seeing her here, now, completely herself, guard down and all, a pull in his chest stirs up feelings he can't explain.. Lost in his thoughts, Josh doesn't realize how long he was starring until Maya is already in front of him.
"What?" she states almost accusatory.
"Babka?" he asks unsure why he was hiding his true thoughts.
She laughs as she directs him to their destination.
"It's a dessert," Maya says as they walk towards the room.
"What is," Josh asks confused.
"Babka," she states plainly. "After my dad left, my mom had to pick up more shifts or odd end jobs to just make ends meet. Don't get me wrong, as much as I appreciate that, it did leave me with a lot of lonely nights. And cereal for dinner."
Josh couldn't take his eyes off this girl next to him as she recounts her memories, a mixture of sadness yet strength across her face.
"Anyways," Maya continues, "Mrs. K lived next door to us and I guess she heard me crying. She came over and brought me some dessert to cheer me up."
"Babka," says Josh.
"Babka," Maya confirms with a nod, "It was the most delicious treat. After that day, she would come over every week and share the dessert with me. From there the name just kinda stuck." Maya stops and turns to Josh, almost contemplating whether to say more, tears slowly filling her eyes. "She is one of the few people in my life I know I can count on. I owe her a lot."
Josh, stunned, smiles comfortingly at Maya; wondering if she sees him in the same light. If he is worthy enough to be counted on by her.
"Is that why you're here today," he asks.
"Today?" Maya answers a little taken aback, "Joshua Mathews, I'll have you know I am here every week."
Josh shoots her a questioning look.
"Did you not see the sign up front? I mean, this program is called, 'Hart's Helping Hands" Then pointing to herself she continues, "I'm the Hart that started it."
"You," he says, "you created this program."
"Not just this, " she says as she leads him into a dark room and flicks on the lights, "but this too."
Josh is astounded as he looks around the room filled with all different kinds of art. Drawings in charcoal and pencil hang around the room, sculptures lay on top a table opposite of them, and there are a few canvas painting sitting on easels.
"You did all this?" Jose says with his hands opening with to everything.
"What? No!" Maya explains, "but I do get the supplies, and come every week to help kinda tutor the younger kids about art. This. This is all them."
Josh stays still, staring at Maya as she smiles at all the artwork.
There she is. Maya Hart. I have never seen her more proud, more light, more beautiful.
As he continues his complimentary thoughts of Maya, Josh's smile grows wider.
"Why do you keep looking at me like that, " she asks catching his stare.
"Like what?"
"All googley eyed.. Like you're seeing something amazing for the first time."
"I am seeing something amazing in front of me for the first time."
"Oookay," Maya says deflecting his compliment.
"No, really Maya. I've never seen you this, well, this you. Ever. You look in your element. Unstoppable, unbreakable, and happy. You've never looked more beautiful."
Awe struck by his words, Maya mouth motions with no words forming until she manages a shy 'thank you' as they stare at each other, almost feeling they were saying more in the silence. As she tucks a loose strand behind her ear, Maya breaks the spell and moves her eyes to the canvases.
"We should get the art back to Mrs. K," she says.
"Yea, right, " Josh responds not taking his eyes off of her.
They grab the artwork and head to the main hall to drop them off.
"Josh, man," a tall skinny blonde yells smacking Josh's back. "Where've you been? I was looking all over for you."
"Hey, Larry," Josh says, "sorry, I was helping my friend, Maya out with some artwork.
Maya nods in Larry's direction to say hi.
"Where's Frankie and Andrew," asks Josh.
"They left already and headed home. I told them I'd stay and make sure you were ok."
In that moment a short haired petite brunette interrupts their conversation, "Hey, Larry," she says, "I'm ready to go!"
Josh rolls his eyes, finally knowing the real reason his roommate stayed behind. He chuckles to himself before shouting "Have fun!" as the two exit the building.
"So that's Larry," Maya says next to Josh.
"The one and only."
"He wasn't THAT loud."
"O, believe me, that was a whisper compared to his normal voice."
"Yowza," Maya adds, "Now I see why you needed to get out of your dorm to study."
"Yea," he pauses, "I guess I am grateful his voice is so loud then." He nudges Maya with his elbow playfully, displaying his signature smirk. Maya smiles in return then grabs his hand to lead him to where they were needed to next.
After a couple of hours, the sorting was finally complete and Maya stands hugging Smackle goodbye.
"Get her home safe, Frakle!" she yells as Smackle skips off to join her boyfriend in the truck.
She sees Farkle nod and smile, then suddenly his smile grows as he rolls down the window and pops out his head. "Get her home safe, Mathews!"
Immediately, Maya feels Josh next to her as he rasises his hand to Farkle, "I won't let anything happen to her," he shouts back, then turns to face Maya.
"Mrs. Kiesler is looking for you," he states pointing to the older lady.
"Is that from her," she asks motioning her head to the paper bag in his hand.
He nods adding with his best impersonation, "You share this with my Babka on the way home. She works too hard sometimes."
Maya laughs, "You sound more like the Godfather than you do Mrs. K….. I'll be right back."
Josh shakes his head in laughter and peaks into the bag to see what treats await.
"We're headed out now, Mrs. K," Maya says pressing a kiss onto the old woman's cheek.
"Okay, Babka," the woman says while softly caressing Maya's face, "You stay safe. And keep that boy of yours close," she adds with her eyebrows raised.
"We're just friends," Maya sighs with a small grin.
"Even so, some of the most wonderful relationships come from the best of friendships," Mrs. Kiesler states, her eyes twinkling.
"I'll keep that in mind," Maya says giving her old neighbor one last hug.
"Give your mom a kiss from me!"
"I will," Maya waves back as she walks towards Josh.
"Alright, kid. Let's head out," Maya says yanking Josh's arm heading for the subway.
As they sit, tired from their active day, Maya once again finds herself resting her head on Josh's shoulder. She looks around at all the different faces and relationships. Her eyes effortlessly settling on an elderly couple sitting and happily chatting together. They gently push each other as they laugh almost not realizing anyone else is around. At one point the older man whispers to his wife and takes out a small white bag from his breast pocket. From it he pulls out a chocolate chip cookie. His wifebclaps her hands with joy and Maya makes out the words 'my favorite' from the woman's mouth. As the husband hands his wife the cookie, she takes it and splits it in half, handing one side to him while keeping the other for herself. They exchange a loving look, cheers with their cookies, and take a bite.
Not knowing he observed the same scene, Josh speaks first.
"Now that is love."
Without moving her head, Maya responds, "do you think we'll ever be lucky enough to find something like that?"
"Maybe." Josh states as he moves to take the paper bag from his jacket handing it to her, "Maybe... Someday."
The word brightens her smile as she takes the bag. Her eyes widen when she sees what lies inside. Gently she takes a piece of babka and tearing off two pieces. The first she keeps for herself.
"Yea," she says handing Josh the other piece with a smile, "Someday."
Mimicking the scene before, they cheers their pieces and take a bite, both wondering where the road will lead them next.