Author's Note: A huge thanks to everyone who has already followed, favorited, and reviewed! Don't forget to REVIEW, and enjoy! (Edited by Chereche!)

So, I am SO sorry for the extremely long wait. I have been very busy, and I know a lot of people say that so I apologize, but I have been trying to edit this as well at the same time, which isn't a good combination. ;) I'm trying to fix my future chapters for you guys because I'm aware that some of the characterization needs some work, so I'm trying to do that to the best to my ability...But, 2 of you have PMed me, and told me that they miss my story, and that was SUCH a confidence booster, honestly guys. I really needed that as I was feeling overwhelmed with editing, and nervous about posting these chapters as they're not what I'd like them to be. I am so aware of your support, and I REALLY appreciate it! So, this next chapter is for you as always. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Girl Meets World, just the story!

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Pushing the Object Already In Motion

"So, basically you're forcing me to go," Maya said as she shoved aside some clothes.

"No, that's not what I'm saying," her mother replied impatiently. "What I'm saying is that you need to bond with your father, and this is a really good opportunity to do so."

"Why are you even telling me that? He left us, mom...why are you pushing me to hang out with him?"

"Honey, I understand, probably better than you do... But, here's something you can't quite understand until you have kids of your own. I want the best for you, and I think that one, it's good to get to know your own father, and two, that even though he did that, you should give him another chance."

"Oh, like you gave him another chance?" Maya blurted out thoughtlessly.

"The opportunity hasn't exactly arisen," she responded coolly, moving aside a stack of shirts. "And I think you know it's a little different."

She did. But, she really didn't want to do this and yet—

"Yes, but how do I know how it's really going to go, mom? I don't want things to turn out badly." Maya leaned on the shelf.

"Of course not. But how will you ever find out if you don't go?"

"Maybe I don't want to take that chance."

"Where's the Maya I know?" Ms. Hart smiled sadly at her daughter. "She's certainly not afraid to take risks."

"She's not available right now...would you like to leave her a message along with all the rest of mine?" the blonde said sarcastically. "Cause' she's not answering."

"Oh, honey. Just because you've changed doesn't mean you're gone...it just means you do things a little differently."

"Okay, mom." Maya didn't want to think about this, much less talk about it.

Her mother glanced at her before moving to a rack of dresses, and rifling through them.

"Well, regardless of who you are or aren't, I still think you should go."

"Yes, but that's my decision isn't it?"

"Of course, but you should still have outside input."

"Which I've had plenty of."

"Good...now you just have to listen to it. But, you're right in the end it's your decision and I can't change that," Ms. Hart answered.

Maya fingered the lace on a hem of a skirt, and sighed heavily.

"Should I even be asking you this, mom?"

"What do you mean?"

"You and I both know that you're never really around, and it's always better if you don't get involved, right? I mean, I think I'm handling this just fine by myself."

Her mother looked hurt, but she masked it quickly.

"I don't know, Baby girl. I thought you and I were getting along really well, and that we were communicating. And besides, with this new position, I have more time away from work."

There was only partial truth to her statement. Yes, she had more time away from work, but she wasn't spending all of it with Maya. Like...at all. Probably even less than before, and she had no idea what her mother could be doing. She knew some of it had to do with Shawn, which she wasn't exactly sure how she felt about, but the rest? Who knew?

"I'm sorry, let's just move on." The young blonde shook her head, and swiftly hid behind a wall of shirts. "I like this one."

"Sweetheart, please don't—" Ms. Hart shouldered her purse, and followed her daughter.

"Mom," her tone was deadly serious. "Just leave it alone."

"I just want to understand what exactly is going on! Three months ago you and I were just fine."

"Things change." The small girl looked at her mother. "People change."

So she left it alone, and changed the topic.

"Could I bribe you to go?"

Maya glanced at her mother in surprise; she was sure the conversation was over.

"You mean with dad?"

"M-hmm."

"That's ridiculous."

"Why?"

"Because you shouldn't have to say that! You shouldn't be supporting him in any way!" She shouted, oblivious to the stares of the other shoppers.

"I'm not supporting him—"

"Yes, you are! You're telling me I should go!"

"I've already explained my reasons for that, Maya."

"Whatever. You know what this is? Another conversation where my feelings and life is always last."

"You know that's not it." Her mother grew stern. "And do you realize how hurtful that is? I get it, I'm not the best mother...but I try, I really do. Especially this last year. So if you're going to throw out accusations, think them through first."

Maya bit her lip. "I'm still not going."

"Tell me why that is."

"I've already explained my reasons for that," she sneered.

"Not completely."

"I already told you I don't want to take that chance!"

"What chance?"

It was like spoon feeding her every line, and Maya was growing impatient.

"Of getting hurt again! Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Ms. Hart sighed, and cocked her head.

"Baby girl, everything we do in our lives is a potential reason to get hurt. We just have to embrace it, and hope for the best. And I know that's something you are able to do quite easily; you've done it so many times in the past."

She scuffed her toe against the worn carpet, and crossed her arms.

Ms. Hart continued. "And I'm not doing this for your father. At all. I'm doing this for you, because I think it's what's going to be best for you, and that's all I want. And you know what?"

"What?" The small girl asked quietly.

"Do you really think I want you going all the way out to California with him?" Ms. Hart laughed bitterly. "Again, I'm doing this because even though it's hard for both of us, I really do believe it's going to benefit you in the end."

"Okay, I'll do it." Maya shook her head, and looked into her mother's eyes grimly, not even sure why she was saying what she was saying.

"Thank you." She smiled sadly, and wrapped her daughter in a hug. "I'm so sorry I can't be better for you, sweetheart. I think it stings because what you say is true, and I love you so much. If this is one way to help you, even if you end up hating me in the process, I'll do it for you."

She pulled away, but held onto her arms. "Don't think you've failed me completely, mom. It's not all you...and I know you try."

"Thanks for that, Baby girl."

"To be honest though, you do realize you don't always try right?"

"I do." Her mother tucked a strand of Maya's hair behind her ear. "But, I'm trying to get better...and I'm really hoping this job will be a good start. Change is good right?"

"Not in my experience, mom."

"But there's hope that things can be different than they were before, right?" Ms. Hart said pointedly.

"I guess that's what we're going to find out."

Maya twirled her pencil between her fingers, and stared blankly at the problem in front of her. There was no way she would be able to answer this question, so why even try? That was her motto for homework, and school in general. And so far, it made perfect sense. Maya knew she was no genius, or even average—just look at her grades. Nothing higher than a C on occasion. She was still doing last year problems, or at least that's what Farkle had told her, and she was almost positive at this point she wouldn't be able to graduate high school. And then that left her the options of what she could to with her life, which at this point was absolutely nothing. Wow, was she a messed up life.

Her phone vibrated, as if right on cue, and Maya reluctantly picked it up. Why did she even bother looking at these anymore? They certainly weren't helping her situation.

X: You know what I was thinking about the other day? I was reminded of how everyone in life has some kind of purpose, some helpful trait that can contribute to society...can you tell me what yours is? Because I certainly can't remember. You want to know why? Because you don't have one, and I think you know that too, don't you? What you are is a burden, and someone that everyone merely pities and tolerates...just think about your friends; what do they do? They butt into your life so they can get your problems over and done with. And one last thing,where does that leave you, huh? Think about it...

Oh, she did...a lot. Now, she was going to try to push it to the back of her mind, and focus on science—yes, she realized she was that desperate to get her mind off of things. Especially since she had just been convincing herself there was no point.

5) Table salt, NaCI, is made from:

Oh, yes...she was definitely going to use that in her life. When she had that job interview, and they asked what table salt was made from, she could answer. How lucky she was.

Answer: A highly reactive metal and a toxic gas.

Or at least she thought that was right...well, who cared anyway, right? It was obviously an easy question, and she should know it. Maya sighed, and began to move on to the next one, when a tap, tap sound came from her window. She groaned, and shook her head at the figure in the glass. He shrugged and grinned; and she reluctantly walked over and opened it up for him.

"Really, Huckleberry?" Maya stepped to the side so he could hop in. "Are we going to make this a habit? I have a front door you know."

"I guess I'm just used to going through windows." Lucas shut it behind him gently.

"Yes, well I'm pretty sure Riley's is a lot easier to get through." The blonde walked back over to her spot on the floor, and picked up her homework.

"Whatcha' working on?" He asked as he leaned over her shoulder.

Maya took in a sharp breath. "Just science."

"How you doing?"

"Ugh, why do you even ask?"

"Because I know you're capable of doing better." The tall boy put his hands in his pockets casually.

"Have you been talking to Farkle?" She accused.

"No, why?"

"Never mind...don't worry about that." Maya breathed a sigh of relief. "But, I do have a question for you. What are you doing here?"

"Well, I know tomorrow's the trip, and I wanted to see how you're doing. Actually that's not completely true. I knew you'd be anxious so I came to talk a little bit." Lucas sat on her bed.

"About?"

"The vacation, your life, the group thing..." He approached the topics cautiously.

"Why?" She sighed, and perched next to him.

"Because we have to...and also because I knew how you'd be feeling tonight."

"Which is?"

"Like I said, nervous and a little vulnerable...open to talking."

"So, basically you're taking advantage of my time of supposed weakness?" Maya raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." Lucas didn't seem bothered by her reaction.

"Except I don't have a time of weakness. Especially not right now."

"Do I really have to remind you about last month?" Lucas said teasingly, though using a gentle tone.

"No."

"Besides, regardless of whether or not you're in denial, I'm still talking."

"Sure, go ahead. Talk all you want." Maya shrugged, and reopened her textbook.

He closed it, and smiled. "And guess who's doing the rest of the talking?"

"I don't know, Sundance. There doesn't seem to be anyone else here, so it would have to be your imaginary cow friends, right?"

"So you're calling yourself a cow?"

"Shut up, Huckleberry." She rolled her eyes.

Lucas laughed, and leaned against the wall.

"Okay, got it...so, are you all packed and ready to go?"

"What are you? My mother?"

"No, just a concerned friend."

"Well, if you must know, I haven't started," Maya admitted, crawling back to sit next to him.

"Really?" He raised his head. "Doesn't your flight leave at 9?"

"Yah...plenty of time."

"Except you have to be at the airport early, remember?"

"Ugh." Maya groaned. "It's fine; I'll just stay up late again."

"Oh, yah. How's sleeping been?"

"One word: coffee." The small girl yawned appropriately.

"Sorry."

"Eh, it's okay, Sundance. I'll survive."

"Well, you won't survive in California for very long without anything, so you should get packing. I'll help if you want."

"You mean like right now?"

"Yes, I'm not letting you delay it any longer."

"Fine, but since you offered, you get to do all of the packing."

"Nice try. Let's go, Clutterbucket," Lucas smirked, and dragged her off of her bed.

"You're annoying, you know that?" Maya slumped onto her knees, and dragged a backpack out from under her bed.

"Whenever I think I'm not, you always take me down," he said, clearing a space on the floor for room.

"You're welcome, Mr. Perfect."

"Not going to thank you for that."

"That's okay, I know you appreciate it." Maya stood up, and began digging through her dresser.

"Okay, quick question, how are you going to fit everything in that?" Lucas pointed to her small bag.

"I'm only staying for the weekend."

"Yes, but that's barely enough for room for an overnight bag to your friend's house, let alone a trip across the country," Lucas pointed out.

"I pack light, Ranger Rick. And besides I've used backpacks for lots of things. This is just another one."

"Oh, yes...I remember that bag." He cleared his throat. "Speaking of which; have you seen Jazz yet?"

"You mean since December?"

The tall boy nodded.

"No, and it's a meeting I'm hoping to avoid," Maya said pointedly, grabbing a couple of shirts, and stuffing them into her pack.

Lucas shook his head, and took the clothing out, folding it while she sighed.

"You know you'll have to tell her, right? And Josh too."

"Hey, that's the first time you've mentioned his name without looking like you want to go punch his face!" The blonde girl grinned teasingly.

"Anyway…" He awkwardly looked down and continued the packing. "I'm just saying you'll need to talk to them, and now that you're not going to be involved with the group, we need to do something about it."

"You mean turn them in?"

"Something like that."

Maya took a deep breath. "We can't do that."

"What? Why not?" Lucas paused his folding.

"Because it's too late, Huckleberry. I was involved. I did damage... so did you. We're just as responsible as they are."

"Yes, but we're not doing it anymore."

"Just because you change, doesn't mean the past mistakes are erased," she said softly.

"Well, then what do we do?"

"I don't know."

"Do you think it's time to tell someone else?"

"No!" Maya shook her head rigorously. "That's just going to make it worse."

"We can't just leave it alone."

"Why? Just let them make their mistakes, and the only ones who will know about our damage will be us."

"Because we shouldn't just let them continue their vandalism! Maya, this is a big deal! They're destroying things and if we just sit back and watch, knowing who they are, we're just as bad as them."

They sat in silence, neither moving, just staring each other down. And she knew they weren't going to make any progress, but she was going to squelch any chance they might have had of figuring it out. Because she didn't need another bad mark on her record; she had plenty of those.

"Lucas," she said, speaking up.

He looked worried for her next words.

"We'll just talk about this when I come back, okay?" she offered, and he nodded, agreeing.

Except later always meant never when it came to her, and she was banking on him not realizing that...or at least that's what she hoped would occur.