A/N: So, here goes the first chapter. Originally, I hadn't planned on it being so long, but the story somehow just came to me and wrote itself. The next chapters are probably going to be shorter. Anyway, I really hope you like this story. Feel free to leave a review and let me know what you think :)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Girl Meets World characters.

Piece by Piece

And all I remember

"And all I remember is your back

Walking towards the airport, leaving us all in your past"

"Daddy!" five-year-old Maya Hart called weakly and with tears in her eyes as she watched her father make his way out the door without looking back. The door fell shut and Maya started sobbing and shaking.

"It's gonna be fine, baby girl," the girl's mother, Katy, tried to soothe her daughter. She gathered the little girl in her arms and held her tight while fighting the oncoming tears. They were not for her husband; he was not the good man his daughter believed him to be and Katy was relieved to see him go. They were for her daughter; it killed the woman to see her baby girl having her heart broken by the one man who was supposed to love her unconditionally and forever. "We're gonna get through this," she promised.

"How?" Maya sniffled and looked at her mother with big, sad, blue eyes.

"I don't know yet," Katy admitted. Their financial situation had never been great and the loss of a second income surely wasn't helping things. She would have to start working more hours, which inevitably meant that she would see Maya even less than she already did. "But we're gonna make it work. And you know why, baby girl?"

"Why, Mommy?" Maya asked curiously.

"Because we are strong, you hear me. You and me together, we can handle anything," Katy promised.

"We are strong!" Maya exclaimed and Katy was glad to see her little girl's spirits lifted – if only for a moment.

"Exactly, sweetheart!" She gave her daughter a big kiss on the cheek and Maya giggled. "And we have people, who will help us."

"Riley!" Maya pointed out, which made Katy laugh. Even though her daughter had only met Riley Matthews a few weeks ago, the two girls had quickly become inseparable. Katy had met Riley's parents – Cory and Topanga – and found them to be kind and caring people. Maya had charmed the two of them immediately and the Matthews had assured Katy that Maya would always be welcome in their home.

"Yes, Riley and her parents," Katy agreed. "And your grandma."

"Granny!"

"We're gonna get through this," Katy repeated and once again hugged her daughter tightly.

And this was how a few weeks later the lives of the two Hart girls had taken a 180. Katy and Maya had moved in with Maya's grandma Angela, who had happily taken them in. Katy had talked to her boss at the diner and was able to work more hours, so she could support her little family. She was devastated to be separated from her little girl for most of the day but there was no other way to handle this. At least she knew that with her grandmother in the apartment, Maya wouldn't be alone. However, Angela was not getting any younger and had a hard time keeping up with a five-year-old bundle of energy every day. Katy knew she would have to figure something out. If only she knew what to do.

"Maya!" a little brunette girl greeted Katy and Maya at the Matthew's front door. "And Maya's Mommy!"

"Riley!" Maya called back equally excited. She had been looking forward to this playdate all day.

"Hello, Riley." Katy smiled at the little girl. "Are your parents here as well."

"Right here, Katy." Topanga Matthews came into sight behind her daughter. "Riley's just a bit quicker than we are. Come on in, you two!"

"Thank you," Katy answered as the two girls immediately headed for Riley's room to play. Katy looked after her daughter wistfully. She could feel the two of them growing apart but also knew that there was currently nothing she could do. All Maya knew was that her Daddy was suddenly gone and now her Mommy also had much less time to spend with her. Katy did everything in her power, so Maya wouldn't feel abandoned by her as well but with all the hours she had to work to keep them supported, there was not much time left. There were only so many hours in the day. She was glad however, that Maya had found a friend like Riley.

"Katy?" Topanga asked with a worried expression. "Is everything alright? You seem a bit distracted."

"I'm fine," Katy tried to assure the other woman but even she herself could hear her voice breaking at the last word. Tears were welling up in her eyes and she desperately tried to blink them away. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be!" Topanga quickly put an arm around Katy's shoulders to comfort her. "Please, why don't you sit down. I'll make us some tea and we can talk if you want." Katy nodded and sat down on the couch while Topanga headed to the kitchen.

"I hear giggling from Riley's bedroom," a male voice said with a chuckle. Katy turned to see Topanga's husband Cory entering the kitchen/living room of their apartment. "I take it, Maya's here."

"Yes, she and Katy just arrived. I'm making some tea, would you like some, Cory?" Topanga asked.

"I'd love some." Cory gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and finally spotted the other woman in the room. "Hi there, Katy!" he called and walked over to keep her company.

"Hey, Cory. How are you?" Katy asked with a small smile.

"I'm fine," Cory shrugged. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, you know …"

"Tea's ready!" Topanga interrupted and handed the two of them mugs.

"Thank you," Katy said and took a sip. She sighed contently, slowly calming down a bit.

"So, Katy," Topanga started carefully. "What's going on? Did anything happen?" Cory shot his wife a confused look but decided it was probably best if he stayed out of this conversation until he had more information.

Katy took a deep breath. "Maya's father left," she blurted out. Cory and Topanga looked at her with a shocked expression.

"What?" Topanga asked while Cory just sat there with his mouth hanging open.

"We've been having problems for a while – I don't really want to get into it right now – and a few weeks ago he just walked out the door," Katy explained. "Maya was devastated – she still is. She really loves her Daddy."

"I am so sorry, Katy," Topanga assured her and hugged her from the side. "I get that you don't want to tell us more about it. I just want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, you can come to us any time."

"I couldn't agree more," Cory said. "We've grown very fond of you and Maya over the last months and we are so glad that Riley has her as a friend. She always used to be so shy and Maya gets her to come out of her shell a bit more."

"That really means a lot to me," Katy told them.

"So, how are you guys handling it?" Topanga asked. "I know it can't be easy."

"We moved in with Maya's grandmother and I started working more hours. It's hard but we manage. The only problem is me being gone so much. Maya just got left by her father and now, to her, it must feel like I'm abandoning her as well. It breaks my heart but I don't know how to change it. I'm glad she has her grandma to look after her at home but she's not getting any younger and has a hard time keeping up with Maya," Katy explained, her voice breaking once more. "I'm sorry. I guess it just all hit me before – and now again."

"It's totally fine," Topanga assured her, hugging the woman tighter to her. Cory also put his hand on her shoulder to show his support. "So, the big problem is that you need to find someone else to watch Maya while you have to work?"

"I guess it is," Katy admitted. "I'd rather have her with me but that's not an option. We don't have the spare money to afford a babysitter and I don't really want her growing up with a complete stranger."

There were a few minutes of complete silence as Katy looked down on her lap with a devastated expression. That way, she didn't see the look of understanding that passed between Cory and Topanga.

"Say, Katy," Cory started. "Would you consider us friends? I know we don't know each other that well but I have a feeling that our girls will be close for a really long time. I think it would be nice if we were friends."

"I'd like that, too," Katy admitted. She didn't have very many friends and couldn't think of two people she would like in her life more than the Matthews.

"Well, then it's settled." Topanga clapped her hands together happily. "We just solved your problem."

"I don't quite understand," Katy said hesitantly.

"Well, you said you didn't want Maya to grow up with strangers. I understand that completely. But we just established that we're not strangers."

"What exactly are you offering?"

"Let Maya stay with us," Cory blurted out. "I'm sure the girls will be thrilled to be spending more time together. We'll go over our schedules but I'm sure we can figure this out. Whenever Maya's grandma needs a break and you have to work, Maya is welcome to stay at our place."

Katy couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not. We're offering," Topanga clarified.

"Why are you so kind to us?" Katy asked.

"We don't know each other very well yet. But from what you just told us, I can see that you are a wonderful mother who loves her daughter very much and wants what's best for her. But, like you said, you can't do it alone – and you shouldn't have to. That's where we come in. When you need to work, Maya can come here and play with Riley for as long as both of you want it," Cory offered.

Katy's eyes welled up with tears; but this time, they were not from sadness and exhaustion, they were from gratitude. "This means a lot to me. You can't even begin to understand how grateful I am to both of you."

"We're happy to do it," Topanga assured and gave Katy another hug.

Cory was next. "So, I take it you have to go work." He let go of Katy and gestured towards her outfit.

"Yeah," Katy admitted.

"Well, what do you think? Should we see if the girls are up for a trial run?" Topanga asked.

"You wouldn't mind her staying today already?" Katy asked. "You don't have anything planned."

"It's no problem," Cory assured. "My parents are coming later on and they are bringing my little brother Josh. He's only three years older than the girls, I think they will get along just fine."

"Okay, but only if it's not too much trouble," Katy clarified.

"Katy, you'll have to stop doing that." Topanga laughed. "I promise, we'll only offer something if we're prepared to go through with it."

"Okay, let's tell the girls." Katy grinned.

The three adults entered the room to see the two little girls sitting at the bay window and playing with some of Riley's stuffed toys. Katy's heart welled up seeing her daughter happy and laughing with her best friend.

"Girls, could you come here for a sec?" Topanga asked. "We have something we need to ask you."

"Sure," Riley said and both girls hopped off the bench and walked over to them.

"Do we have to leave, Mommy?" Maya asked sadly.

"Actually, baby girl, I do. I have to go to work." Maya looked at her feet dejectedly and it broke Katy's heart to see that. "How would you like to stay here and play with Riley until I finish work?"

"Really?" Both Riley and Maya's eyes lit up excitedly.

"Only if you want." Katy chuckled as Maya tackled her with a hug.

"Yay!" the two girls exclaimed and raced back to their bay window.

"Thanks again," Katy said to Cory and Topanga, never taking her eyes off of her little girl.

"It's our pleasure," Topanga assured her.

"I should be back by seven o'clock to pick her up."

"Take all the time you need," Cory said. "She's in good hands. Don't worry about it."

Katy took a deep breath. "I'll try," she relented. "I'll get there someday."

"Someday," Topanga agreed with a smile. "Maya, get over here and say goodbye to your Mommy!"

Maya bolted over and threw her arms around her mother's neck. "Bye, Mommy. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too, baby girl." Katy held back tears and kissed her daughter's cheek. "Have fun, okay." Maya nodded and stepped back. Katy was surprised to find herself being tackled with a hug by the little brunette next.

"Thank you," Riley said and Katy gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"You're very welcome, sweety." With a last wave to Cory and Topanga, Katy headed out the door.

While Maya really did miss her Mommy, she had to admit that this was one of the best day's she had had in a long time. After having lunch with Riley and her parents, the two girls had gone back to Riley's room and played with Riley's dollhouse.

"I'll play the Mommy-doll and the son-doll," Riley declared while happily grabbing the toys. "And you can be the daughter-doll and the Daddy-doll!"

Maya looked at her best friend sadly. "I can't," she said simply.

"Why not?" Riley asked confused by the girl's sudden change of mood.

"I can't play the Daddy-doll because I don't know what he would do," Maya explained as silent tears escaped her eyes. "I don't have a Daddy anymore."

"Why don't you have a Daddy anymore?" Riley asked while hugging her best friend tightly.

"Mommy and I don't know where Daddy is," Maya said. "He walked out the door and didn't come back."

The two girls sat in silence for a little while; Maya quietly sobbing and Riley just holding her friend and trying to comfort her. "Would you rather play the Mommy-doll?"

"Maybe. But I don't know much about what a Mommy does, too. My Mommy is always leaving to go to work."

"But she always comes back," Riley pointed out.

"I guess, she does," Maya pondered. "Okay, I'll play the Mommy-doll." With the little blonde's spirits lifted, the two girls happily resumed playing. "I love you, Riley," Maya suddenly said.

"I love you, too, Maya."

Their little doll-family had just welcomed their newest addition in the form of the son-doll into their family when they head a knock on the door.

"Girls, can you come out into the living room. There are some people here, who are really excited to see you," Topanga told them as she entered the room.

"Coming, Mommy!" Riley called, took Maya's hand and followed her mother out the door.

Stepping into the living room, Maya could see two adults sitting on the couch and a boy, a bit older than herself, standing next to them. The boy was currently enveloped in a big hug by Riley's father.

"My brother!" Cory exclaimed.

"My brother!" the boy repeated happily and looked at the man with shining eyes. "I missed you!"

"Likewise, little man," Cory agreed. "My God, Josh, you shot up like a weed since the last time I saw you."

"Uncle Joshie!" Riley cried. The little girl let go of her best friend's hand and tackled the little boy in a hug.

"Riley!" the boy called Josh exclaimed and hugged the brunette tightly. Maya took a step back and made herself a bit smaller. She didn't want to intrude.

"Well, if it isn't our favorite little granddaughter," the woman sitting on the couch said as Josh and Riley separated.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" Riley called and threw herself at the elder couple. "I missed you so much!"

"We missed you, too, sweety!" the man said. He looked up from the little brunette and his eyes fell on Maya standing there, looking a bit lost. "And who is this pretty little girl over there?" All eyes immediately went to her and Maya took another step back.

"That's my best friend Maya," Riley introduced and raced over to the blonde. She took the little girl's hand and dragged her over to her family.

"Maya, these are my parents, Amy and Alan, and my little brother, Josh," Cory said gesturing to all three people.

"It's really nice to meet you, sweetheart," Alan told her with a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Alan and Mrs. Amy," Maya said politely, just like had mother had taught her. She really wanted these people to like her.

"God, she's so cute," Amy gushed and enveloped Maya in a hug. "You can just call us Alan and Amy."

"Okay." Maya grinned and held on to Amy tightly. Alan was next to hug the little girl and she turned to the brunette boy next. "Hi Josh."

"Hi Maya." He smiled at her and, without thinking too much about it, hugged the blonde as well. The adults all gushed at that.

"Maya is staying with us while her mother is at work," Topanga explained. "Joshie, what do you say. Would you like to go play with the girls?"

"Okay," Josh said and with that the three kids headed back to Riley's room.

Shortly before seven o'clock, Katy arrived to pick up Maya. She walked into the room and was greeted by the sight of a big happy family sitting together at the table and having dinner. Maya sat between Riley and a little brunette boy. They all turned towards her as they heard the door open.

"Mommy!" Maya exclaimed, jumped up from her seat and barreled towards her mother.

"Maya, I missed you so much, baby girl!" Katy hugged her daughter tightly. "Did you have a good time."

"I had the best time!" Maya was positively bubbly, something Katy didn't see often from her little girl.

"Why don't you sit down and have dinner with us, Katy?" Topanga asked. "There's more than enough."

"I don't want to intrude," Katy started but remembered what Topanga had said earlier. "I would love to."

Topanga introduced her to the rest of the Matthews family, and they resumed their dinner. Katy was happy to see her little girl interact with the whole family; she really did fit right in there. She shot Topanga a grateful look and the other woman reciprocated with a big smile.

That night at home, Katy was lying in her bed with a content smile on her face; Maya hadn't been able to shut up about how fun today had been. That didn't mean that all of the women's worries would suddenly be gone but now, they both had something – or someone – to hold onto. She knew that Maya still missed her Daddy; and she also knew that Maya was still sad that she had to work so much because it took away from their time together. However, a little of the weight on her shoulders had been lifted; the two Hart women had found a great new addition to their little family in the form of the Matthews clan. And who knew, maybe things would turn out right eventually. Katy didn't know that; but she knew one thing: piece by piece, step by step, both of them would find their way in the world.