Chapter 9

Panting as they slowly walk to a stop, Josh looks at his watch happily, "Awesome," he says to himself, "made it with plenty of time." Pausing to contemplate the next step, he looks over to Maya and places both his hands on her shoulders, "I'll be right back. Don't move."

Before she is able to get a word in, Josh rushes into a crowd of people like a man on a mission. As she catches her breathe, Maya finally takes in her surroundings. Railways lay in front of her as travelers of all types fervently get on and off the trains. Maya scrunches her brows, confused by their location.

The train station? What the… he is so lucky he's a Mathews otherwise I'd be out of here in 10 seconds flat.

Unable to understand Josh's choice of distraction, Maya takes out her phone to update her friends. She smiles affectionately at the screen as her friends text hugs in the form of words. Her head fills with gratitude for being fortunate enough to have friends she considers as close as family. Continuing to converse electronically, Maya lifts her head rapidly when she feels someone behind her and instantaneously crashes into their jaw.

"Owww," they both say. Maya rubs the back of her head and turns to see with whom she collided. Immediately remorse settles in as she watches Josh rub his jaw with the backside of his thumb.

"O my gosh, Josh, I'm so sor.." Maya begins before Josh interrupts.

"Man, Maya, for a girl who's hair looks so soft. You sure do have a hard head."

Shocked by his choice in words, Maya waves her hand, " not sorry. I am so not sorry at all. In fact, you deserve that."

"O yea," Josh says with a tinge of flirtation, "why's that?"

"Because. We're here. At a train station. And you have yet to tell me why."

Josh smiles amused by her playfulness.

"Nope. I'm still sticking with the surprise. But as a peace offering how about a piping hot cup of coffee," he states offering her the cup in his hand.

Maya eagerly takes the coffee and breathes in the deep aromas blissfully with her eyes closed.

"I'll take that as a 'I'm forgiven' smile," Josh asks.

Maya smiles devilishly and while taking a sip shakes her head no. Josh laughs as he takes a sip from his own cup.

"Come on," he says gesturing her to walk with him, "our train is this way."

Stunned yet again, Maya stops in her tracks.

"We're getting ON a train," she asks with a hint of excitement.

Once more, Josh flashes his boyish grin as he ecstatically nods yes.

With a smack of her lips, Maya chuckles,

"Are you going to tell me where we're going?"

"Na ah," Josh responds as he turns to walk to their platform.

"Come on, Josh," Maya states as she chases after him, "how bout a hint!"

Josh continues to shake his head no and sip his coffee the entire walk to their train.

"Is it a nice place," Maya relentlessly asks, "or a fun place. Are there lots of people or trees.. is it far. How far. Really far?"

Seemingly defeated, Josh sighs, "fine…"

"Ha," Maya interrupts, "knew I'd break you eventually."

With a cheeky air Josh answers, "we're going to a place I hope you like."

Dumbfounded, Maya takes the seat next to Josh.

"Well played, Mathews, well played."

"Thank you," he says with a slight bow.

Then, he pulls out a white paper bag and reaches inside. He takes out a pristine chocolate donut and splits it half. He gives one to Maya, lifts his in the air, and raises his eyebrows.

"I know it's not babka, but.." he says.

"It's perfect," she responds.

Maya smiles and bites her lower lip, remembering the last ride they took together. She cheers her donut half with his.

"To adventure," she states.

"To adventure," Josh replies.

They silently sit enjoying their donuts and coffee as the train begins to move. Fast on the tracks, they can barely make out the buildings. Josh, sitting next to the window points to the upcoming trees outside. He squeezes Maya's knee to get her attention. She turns and follows his stare. Rows of trees display the colors of the season. Leaves of orange, red, and brown fill the landscape as a crisp blue fills the sky.

"It's like a painting," Josh softly speaks.

"It's beautiful," Maya says staring into the peaceful scene.

They continue to take in the serene surrounding: Josh resting his jaw on his hand while Maya lays her head on his shoulder. No words needed to be exchanged as pure content washes over both of them. Moment by moment, the soothing repetition of the train on it's tracks, succumbs Maya to slumber. Josh looks down taking in the sparkle in her blonde hair, the milkiness of her white skin, and the soft pink of her slightly open lips. He breathes in deeply.

"It really is beautiful," he murmurs to himself.

Ever so gently he rests his hand on Maya's head, rubbing his thumb lovingly. He bends down slightly, and kisses the top of her golden hair, breathing in the scent of vanilla. Maya moves for an instant, adjusting her position while asleep. Josh smiles at her, then lays his unused jacket over her for added warmth. He looks outside once more, captivated by the view, then takes his phone, and clicks to capture the moment before enjoying the rest of the ride.

"Maya" she hears her name faintly.

"Maya" she hears again, this time a little louder.

"hmmm.." is all she can conjure out.

"Maya," the voice says directly yet gleefully, "you're drooling all over me."

Maya sits up intensely, and quickly wipes the sides of her mouth.

"Shut up," she says to Josh and with a light-hearted punch to his arm adds, "I don't drool."

Josh laughs to himself and with his hand over his mouth whispers, "still beautiful."

"Did you say something," Maya asks with puckered lips and raised brows.

Josh takes a beat, keeping thoughts to himself.

"Yea. We're here."

"Yea. I still don't know where 'here' is."

"Come on," he says, "lets get out and you'll see."

The two stand from their seats and make their way through the rows of people still in their holiday travels and step foot out the train. Brighter than she remembers, Maya cocks her hand to her forehead and squints.

"What time is it," she asks.

"9:45," Josh answers.

Still blind from the sun, Maya let's Josh guide her through the station, until finally he stops.

"Well," he says.

"Welllllllllll…." Maya elongates. As her eyes finally start to adjust to the world around her, she sees Josh standing happily next to a sign that she reads to herself.

Welcome to Philadelphia. Enjoy our past…. Experience our future.

"We're in Philadelphia," she says playfully.

Josh nods his head. "Welcome to my home!" Insinuating Maya's blank stare as disappointment, Josh deflates. "This was a bad idea. Look, Maya, if you rather just go home. I completely understand."

"What? Josh. No," she walks over to him and pats his arm, "I'm just a little surprised." Her contagious smiles uplifts his mood. She turns, linking their arms together. "So, what are we doing in Philadelphia."

"Well," Josh starts, "I don't know exactly."

Maya gives him a questioning glance.

"You wanted to be distracted. So I thought I'd show you a little history of me."

Amazed is all Maya could feel at his sweet gesture.

"That. Is a great idea," she says, "thank you."

Josh smiles at her and nods.

"Shall we, then," he asks.

"We shall," she responds.

Both walk, arms linked together, a little happier than when they arrived.