xxx

Maya continued to stroke the shiny locket softly, silently admiring the jewelry as it brought back memories.

A couple of months ago, on Maya's fourteenth birthday, Maya thought that her mom had forgot about her. Katy Hart didn't even say good morning to her daughter, and left the house for her job at the diner, like she does every other normal day. Maya was only slightly hurt, but not disappointed or surprised.

Maya had excitedly walked to the Matthews's, who purchased her a giant, delicious cake and a small, thoughtful gift. What the Matthews had done for Maya's birthday was very sweet and special to her. She was glad to know that somebody cared, and that she had a family, even if it wasn't by blood.

Also, Cory's best friend, Shawn Hunter, was at the Matthews's house that day to kindly celebrate Maya's birthday with them. It was a crazy day, but was full of excitement. Riley had sent Shawn off to meet Maya's mother without permission, and Maya thought that she was going to loose him; that Hunter would run off just like her biological father did. Katy Hart wasn't good at keeping things that she loved.

Later that night, Maya's mother surprised her and purchased her a golden locket. It was almost identical to the one she had picked up from a Lost and Found a little while ago, but there was one hug difference, this locker contained love. It was more special to Maya for a reason that she couldn't seem to understand.

Maya raised her unconsciously eyebrows and reminded herself how lucky she was to have people who cared about her. Maybe she was overreacting about her living situation, maybe she didn't need a father to be happy.

Knock, knock, knock

Three heavy knocks startled Maya out of her imagination. The three loud knocks were followed by five more tiny taps. Nobody really visited Maya when she was home alone, so she grew very confused and slightly curious.

Maya shrugged her shoulders and dropped the locket, letting it hang down her neck in a necklace position. She yawned quietly and jerked open the door, causing it to let out a creaking screech.

In the doorway was Riley, Auggie, and Shawn Hunter. When Maya saw him, she smiled quickly and immediately. Other than Cory Matthews, Shawn was the closest thing Maya had to a father. Hunter reminded her of herself, which Maya extremely enjoyed. He understood her absent parent situation and rebellious ways.

One time, Shawn had taken Riley, Auggie, and Maya out on a road trip. It was the farthest she had ever went and the most excitement she felt in years. Even though Shawn rarely visited New York, Maya adored it when he could take the time to do so. She definitely loved Hunter like family and was amazed that he was here in person again.

Shawn looked at Maya and nodded, "Hart," he greeted her, trying to hold back a smile to appear tough.

Maya flattened her grin as well, mimicking Shawn's grim expression. She shot him a small nod back and said, "Hunter."

As Shawn crossed his arms in a conceded way to tease Maya, Auggie tilted his head up at him and giggled a little. "You wanna go somewhere with Riley, Auggie, and me?" Shawn wondered raising his eyebrows. Maya lifted her eyebrows as well and copied his stubborn looking stance.

"Yeah!" Maya agreed excitedly clenching her fists to her hoodie and nodding swifter.

Shawn narrowed his eyes, "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Good," he added playfully, finishing the back and forth, joking debate. Maya's smile spread back as she stepped out of the door, standing in front of Riley, Shawn, and Auggie.

Before Maya could do so, Shawn pulled the door closed by himself. She looked up at him and smirked, then said, "Ah Hunter, you beat me to it."

Shawn laughed a little and grinned at her and shook her head.

Maya's day before now wasn't really bad at all. It was going along like any other normal day of her life, but at that point, it had turned into the highlight of her week. When Maya stopped laughing at herself, she glanced over at Riley, still breathing quickly from the giggles.

Riley didn't speak a word; she hadn't even greeted Maya at the door when Shawn arrived to pick her up. It didn't take a scientist to realize that something big was wrong with Riley, and Maya felt as if it was up to her to pick up the pieces. Though Riley was always so smiley; Maya couldn't imagine anything being a problem to her.

"Riley, what's up?" Maya questioned the brunette in a concerned sort of tone, causing Riley to jerk her head towards her in response. Out of the corner of her eye, Maya noticed as Shawn glanced back at the two girls, examining Riley's facial expression.

Riley waited a brief minute to respond, but then blurted out, "Maya, what's it like to have an absent father?"