"I'll have a vanilla latte with soy milk and an add shot of espresso, please," says a small Asian girl, with clear rimmed glasses and messy bun. "Actually make that a double.."

"Still working on that thesis, Ness," asks Maya as she enters the order into the register.

"I'm slowly dying," remarks the college student.

"Well then," Maya states, "you're lucky you are one of my favorite regulars because I saved your booth for you and I'll throw in a cranberry scone on the house."

"O my gosh," the girl smiles brightly, "You. Are. A. Lifesaver!"

"What would you do without me," Maya laughs.

"Did I mention the whole dying thing," the girl replies with amusement as she gathers her books and walks to her booth.

"Vanessa still working on her thesis," Josh asks as he drops dirty plates off at the counter in front of Maya.

She grabs the dishware, placing it into the tub behind her and faces back to Josh before responding.

"She's slowly dying," she says with a chuckle.

"Well then, I better add a scone to her order," he says leaning with one arm onto the counter.

"Already got it covered Matthews," Maya smirks leaning with both arms on the counter across from him.

Josh continues to smile at the blonde, "great minds," he begins.

"Think alike," Maya ends raising her eyebrows.

"Hey, you two," Shawn says as he enters the bakery.

"Hey, Shawn," Josh says, turning his body so that his elbows and back face the counter. "How was the shoot?"

"Good. Glad it's over, but good," he says as he gets closer to the pair. Before he reaches the counter, he peers over to the booth where the college student is buried deep into her books and laptop, feverishly gnawing at her pencil. "Better give Vanessa a scone if she's still working on her thesis."

Josh and Maya share a glance and grin as they both respond, "already got it covered."

"You two really need to stop spending so much time together," Shawn says pointing at the pair.

"What," Maya starts, "we can't help it if our schedules are the same."

"Yea, Shawn. Besides, you're the one that did the scheduling," Josh laughs.

"Right," Shawn says admittedly. "Well, speaking of scheduling, Maya, shouldn't you head out to the community center for helping hands?"

"Shoot, what time is it," Maya exclaims as she unties her apron, putting it on the counter, "you good to close shop, Josh?"

Josh raises his eyebrows at the blonde to which she responds with a laugh and nod, "you got it covered." She quickly kisses Shawn goodbye, grabs her things, making her way to the door. Not moving from his position, Josh continues to watch the blonde until she is no longer seen.

"Okay, Romeo," Shawn says, handing a coffee and scone to Josh, "back to work."

"What," Josh says with a smile before taking the items. Shawn simply shakes his head and walks to the register, and Josh continues with his job.

.

.

.

"I'm here," Maya states as she walks into the community center art room.

"Babka," Mrs. Keisler says, clasping her hands in happiness.

"I'm sorry I'm late."

"O no dear, it's fine. The kids were just starting to work on their projects. Come, let's sit and talk."

The old lady motions Maya to follow her as she takes a seat in the back of the room. Kids as young as seven and as old as twelve talk amongst themselves as they draw and paint with every color imaginable. A theme is written on the front board stating "happiness". Maya can't help to start conjuring what she would create that symbolizes happiness to her. Flashes of faces race through her mind, one in particular making her smile a little more than the rest. Finally, she takes a seat next to her old neighbor.

"So, tell me, how is everything going," asks.

"Good. Mom has almost gotten used to not working at the bakery, but Shawn and I still need to tell her to stop cleaning so much while at home."

"Well, she's a mama, she can't help but to take care of things."

Maya smiles as the warmth of the love of her mom fills her. "True," she simply states.

"And the bakery, it's been a couple of weeks, are you doing ok?"

"It's great! I'm having a lot of fun. And Josh has been such a big help with everything. He is actually there now with Shawn."

"O Josh, such a handsome young man," Mrs. Keisler says, placing a hand over Maya's. "You know Babka, you are at an age where boys can be more than friends."

Maya presses her lips together tightly to contain a laugh. She breaths the comedy out slowly before speaking. "I know, Mrs.K. Believe me. But Josh and I are just friends. For now at least."

"Well you never know what the future holds," adds . "As long as you are happy."

"I am. Really happy," Maya smiles into the odd certainty of her statement. "Things right now just seem right where they belong."

"Ok, but I am here if you ever need me for anything. Talks. Chit chat. Advice on this, that, on kissing the boys."

"Mrs. Keisler," Maya says with amused shock.

"What," she says nonchalantly, "I may be old, but I was young once. I used to kiss many boys in my day."

"Oo, you were a little hussy." Maya nudges her side softly and winks.

Mrs. Keisler covers a bashful smile with one hand and turns to face Maya completely. She tells the young blonde stories from her past and Maya shares with her the story of her first kiss. It was after a group "date" with Zay freshman year. Both realizing quickly after, they were better off as friends, no benefits. Although she had her share of dates since, and kisses, tons of kisses, she realized she wanted to focus more on herself. Engrossed in each other's stories, the pair finally became aware that class was over. As the last of the kids left for home, Maya turns to give Mrs. Keisler a hug.

"Bye, Mrs.K see you next week."

Mrs. Keisler squeezes the blonde a touch more and gives her two paper bags of goodies, "see you next week."

.

.

.

Maya drags her feet as she enters her apartment, tired from the day's activities.

"Hey, honey, welcome home," an enthusiastic yet somewhat sarcastic voice states.

Maya smiles as she lifts her head, seeing Josh lazily sitting on the couch reading a book.

"What are you doing here," Maya asks, slumping into the spot next to him. "Don't you have a dorm to go home to," she adds playfully.

"Nice to see you too," Josh states.

"Josh, I literally just saw you like five hours ago."

"I know, right? And I already miss you so much much much much," he says while nuzzling into her comically.

Maya sits trying her best to ignore the action, but begins to laugh hysterically as Josh starts tickling her sides. Between bouts of chuckles she finally gets out, "ok ok! I give!" The pair sit up, Josh smiling at Maya as she catches her breath.

"Seriously, though," she turns to Josh, "where are my parents and why are you here."

"Well after you left, Katy came to the shop demanding we close since she was lonely. There were no customers so we did what the lady said and I was asked to come here to eat. And now Shawn and Katy are getting…"

But before he is able to finish his sentence the door opens letting a smell so wonderful Maya is only left to scream, "TACOS!" She jumps from the couch grabbing the bag from Shawn and placing it on the dining table. Quickly she takes out a taco and starts biting into the delicious blend of spices, meat, and tortilla loudly emitting "Mmms" and "ooo my goodness" through a mouthful of food. After a couple more bites, she snaps out of her "taco heaven" and looks around the room. Shawn and her mother are still standing at the door, gaping at how wildlike their daughter had just become. Then her eyes move to Josh, still on the couch, yet he is grinning from ear to ear, mouth closed, and clearly holding back a chuckle.

Slowly, she swallows her last bite and wipes the end of her mouth with her thumb,gently placing the taco back onto the table.

"Ahem," she says, clearing her throat, "would any of you like to join me, and partake in this delightful dinner, that my parents have so graciously purchased."

Josh shakes his head and lets out a laugh through his nose. Making his way next to Maya, he grabs a taco for himself, sits, and says "Yea. Let's grub before Maya eats it all." He ends his sentence with a smirk and wink to Maya, who responds with a slight shake to her head and with a playful look towards him she cutely sticks out her tongue. Her parents join them at the table, and commence what seems to be becoming a regular, happy family dinner.