Girl Meets Graduated

It was the day after both Riley and Maya had walked across stage collecting their diploma. Most of Riley's family were in town and were now all gathered at the Matthew's along with the Hart/Hunter family.

"We're both real proud of you Riley. You too, Maya," Cory had said hugging both girls.

"It's just high school, Matthews. Everyone does it." Maya never understood why people were so proud of their children graduating high school. Sure, college is a different story, but high school? Everyone graduated from high school nowadays.

"I know, I know. You guys are just growing up now and leaving us in a few months' time. I'm proud that you guys have set yourselves up for success, and are now both going to go to one of the greatest schools out there."

"You and me, Maya. Sharing a dorm and getting to be one with the city…as adults!" Riley was so excited to be attending NYU with Maya. Even though she always had fantasies about attending the same college with Maya and rooming with Maya, she never thought it was going to actually happen.

"Thunder."

"Lightening."

Both girls took each other's hand and headed off towards the bay window in Riley's room.

"We actually did it, Maya. We graduated, and now we get to make the city ours!"

"We will be kings once again!"

Riley and Maya have sitting at the bay window chit chatting about their futures for around an hour when they had gotten interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Riley sang.

"It might be your Uncle Josh," Josh yelled through the door.

"Let him in! Let him in!" Maya whispered to Riley before Josh took it upon himself to let himself in.

"I'm sorry to interrupt whatever shindig stuff you guys are talking about, but Eric has been looking for you for like fifteen minutes now, saying that he wants to talk to you about the city and the secrets you need to be aware of? I don't even know, I'm sure that guy has lost it."

"I don't think he ever had it," Maya joked. Riley giggled in agreement as she left the room.

"So," Josh said as he walked over to Maya. "You're graduated now."

"Yup."

"And you're attending NYU in the fall."

"Indeed, Uncle Boing."

"I'm not your uncle, Maya. We've been over this."

"I know, but when you deny it, it makes it better," Maya smiled at him.

Rolling his eyes, he was speechless when she said things like that. "Do you want to talk? I mean Riley is talking to Eric, so who knows how long that'll be with all of the nonsense he has up in his head."

"We're talking right now, aren't we?"

"No, Maya. I mean actually talk." Before Maya could say anything, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her out of the room.

Maya had no idea what to think about this. Where were they going? What did he want to talk about? Before she knew it, he was dragging her through the house sneaking behind everyone, who was interested in what Eric was saying to Riley, and the out the door.

"We are we-"

"Shh. Just wait till we get there, it won't be long."

Maya was so confused. She was being taking through the halls of the building, upstairs, and finally ended on the roof. Just her and Josh. What was in store?

"Josh, what are we doing up here?"

"I wanted to talk."

"Here?"

"Yeah."

Maya didn't know what to say. She walked over to the ledge releasing Josh's hand and looked out into the city.

"Tell me about yourself." Josh had walked over to Maya leaning against the ledge.

"Huh? You know me." What was he getting to? Josh had known Maya for most of his life. Sure he didn't know everything like Riley did, but he did know the major things that went on in Maya's life.

"I do know you, Maya. That's why I wanted to come up here to talk. See… ever since I started to go to college we've been a little distant. All we know of each other is this imagination in our heads that we'll end up together someday. I still would like that, but I want to still know who you are. I want to be one of your friends who gets to hear about your day. I want to know your favorite TV shows and movies and hobbies. I want to know you, Maya before the city gets in my way."

"Are you serious?" Maya couldn't believe what was happening. Everything that Josh was saying was true. She's thought about this before. She wanted a relationship with Josh, but most importantly she wanted a friendship where she could talk about anything and everything.

"Of course. Let's pick a place to start. How about freshman year of high school. Four years should make up for everything."

Maya blushed. She really did like this idea, she wanted to talk the evening away, but she couldn't, so she kept it brief. "Well, I guess I could just hit some key points. Umm… Freshman year, let's see." She was trying to think of interesting moments. "Freshman year I found out I could actually manage to keep good grades, went to the ski lodge with you, joined art club. Sophomore I dated a jerk, won student of the month in art class. Junior year I fought my battle with the SAT. Senior year I got accepted into NYU, ended kissing you, and graduated."

Josh had a strange look on his face like he was expecting more. "That's it?"

"Well yeah, for now at least. If I go into full detail about everything Uncle Eric down there is going to make conspiracy theories about where we are."

"Ahh yeah." Josh had just decided to agree with Maya, because maybe he thought she would take the lead with this, but she didn't.

Maya started to walk towards the door. She thought she was going to enjoy this, so why was she feeling so uncomfortable now? Isn't this what she wanted? Josh pulled her back.

"What's holding you back?"

"Nothing." Maya usually was a good liar, but it was hard to now.

"Something is up there in your mind."

"Josh." There was a long pause before she spoke again. "You're one of the easiest people to talk to… it's just I don't want you to change your perspective about me."

"What do you mean?" He took both her hands, concerned about what she was getting to.

"Everyone sees me as fearless. I'm not, though. I'm absolutely terrified about my future. What if the city overcomes me? What if I flunk out? What if the city changes me into to something I'm not?"

Josh was absolutely speechless. He could only think of one thing. At that moment he let go of her hands, grabbed the back of her neck, and kissed her. Was this going to comfort her? He didn't know.

They broke apart. "What was that for?" Maya looked up shyly.

"I I I could never think different of you. You are one of the most powerful people I know. You're strong… and out there… and you never let anything get in your way. If you don't want something to happen, you don't let it. I know the city may seem scary, it did for me, too, but I ended up owning it, and you can, too, especially with Riley by your side."

"And you."

"Yes. And me, too. Don't you ever forget that. I'll always be here." He winked at Maya with a smile reminding her of their deal, and then grabbed of her hands to lead her back down to the gathering.

That's not what either of them expected to get out of this, but they both knew that their connection would soon be coming. The city would be theirs to get through together.

Hey everyone! I'm so sorry it took me so long to update. I just started a job, so I've been dealing with that. Also, I have school coming up, so I'm trying to get prepared for that as well.

I posted an author's note awhile back asking you if you guys wanted me to make an actual story or if you wanted me to continue doing clip, and a lot of you have answered for me to do both, which I am ecstatic by. It'll probably be awhile, before I post another clip, because I have a story in mind to create! I'm not exactly sure when the first chapter will be up, but I am shooting for the end of the month. I am honestly so excited about this! Thank you all so much for supporting my writing, I didn't even think it was that good. As always, though, please leave a review.