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Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Did you guys know there's a new girl that transferred?" Farkle said.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "In the middle of the semester?"

"I know it's odd but apparently she's a sophomore."

"And you know this how?"

"I work in the office in the mornings remember?"

"Right."

"What are you two losers gossiping about?" Maya asked, taking a seat at their lunch table.

The others circled in after her.

"Farkle was telling me about a new sophomore that just transferred.

"Is she hot?"

Maya threw a french fry at Zay. "Seriously? That's the only question you have?"

"No." He ate the projectile on his tray. "I have plenty of questions but that was the most important one."

"Her name is Lucy Hart."

"Ooh, she has your old last name Peaches. How fun!"

Maya scrunched her eyebrows in thought.

"That's even weirder," Lucas commented.

"Do we require more information? I can happily hack into the school's database." Smackle offered.

"Not necessary Smackle," Maya said.

Riley turned to Farkle. "Do you know when she starts?"

"Tomorrow."

"Maybe one of us can show her around and make her feel welcomed," Riley suggested.

"Are you not on the welcoming committee anyway?" Zay asked.

She gasped. "OMG, I am! I'll volunteer to show her around. Do you want to help me Peaches?"

"Would rather scoop out my eyeballs with a spoon." She said not looking up from her meal.

Zay nudged her, whispering lowly, "You get to ditch classes."

Her head shot up. "And by that I mean is yes of course I'll show the kid around."

Riley clapped her hands. "It's settled then, I'll let Secretary Rose know."

Riley and Maya waited in the office for the new student. Principal Lewis breezed past them to go to his office.

"Good morning Principal Lewis." Riley greeted. "Donny." Maya greeted.

He sighed and stopped, nodding his head, "Ms. Matthews." His eyes narrowed, "Ms. Hunter. Isn't it too early for you to be in my office?"

"We're showing a new student around school today." Riley supplemented.

"Well, I understand that coming from you Riley but Hunter—"

"—I heard I can miss class."

He clicked his tongue in realization. "Of course. Try not to corrupt this one, Ms. Hunter." He parted for his office.

"No promises!" Maya sang out.

"Why do yeah always gotta mess with him?"

"It's fun."

"It's our principal."

Just then a girl walked into the office, observing everything. She had blonde hair and brown eyes. She dressed to impress on her first day by wearing a flower skirt and a flowy pink shirt.

Riley jumped up from her seat. "Hi! I'm Riley Matthews and you're the new student Lucy Hart right?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, hi. I assume you're my guide?"

Riley nodded and dragged Maya to stand up. "This is my best friend Maya Hunter and we'll be showing you around.

Maya tilted her head up, "Sup, I'm Maya you don't look me in the eyes."

Riley guided the new girl out of the office and into the hallways. "First, welcome to Abigail Adams High."

"Thank you, I'm happy to be here."

"We don't ever get transfers. What's your deal?" Maya asked straight away.

"My dad got a new job so we moved closer to his work. He's actually from around here."

Riley entered the main girl's bathroom. "Here is the main bathroom. A lot of the girls like to hang out here and gossip before school. Fair warning it's packed in here Mondays because of break-up Mondays."

"Break up Mondays?"

"There's always a party Friday night and people hook up and then usually get dumbed on Monday so we have drama for the rest of the week."

"Is that a requirement?" Lucy asked worriedly.

Riley shook her head, "No, no." She assured her. "It's really blown out of proportion and doesn't apply if you're seriously dating."

"Have you guys ever...?"

"We don't really get involved with the drama or the parties that often. I've been dating my boyfriend Lucas since freshman year."

"Speak for yourself." Maya snorted sitting herself on a sink.

"Oh right, she comes in here Monday mornings because Maya charges 5 for girls to spray paint their ex's names on the wall."

"First break up you go through no charge. But I also have a boyfriend in college so I don't go to high school parties anyway."

"Are you guys seniors?"

"Juniors. I'm seventeen, Riley is sixteen because she's a baby."

"I just turned sixteen."

Riley smiled, "Oh fun!"

They left the bathroom and continued showing some of the classrooms.

"If you want you can sit with us and our friends at lunch." Riley offered.

Lucy tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "I mean...as long as it's okay with everyone."

"Everyone will love you."

"Intruder alert! Intruder alert!" Smackle pointed.

"Smackle chill it's the new transfer," Maya confirmed.

"Oh. Are we inducting her into our group? Should I conduct a series of tests?"

Farkle placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to worry about any of that Sweetheart."

"Lucy this is Farkle and Smackle, our resident geniuses." Riley introduced.

"Nice to meet you guys."

Maya searched around the cafeteria. "Where are the boys?"

"They got pulled out of physics by the baseball coach," Farkle said.

Zay and Lucas jogged into the open room and got in line.

"Hey," Lucas greeted. "Sorry, we're late. Baseball stuff."

"Guys, this is Lucy, Lucy this is Lucas and Zay."

"Wow, is it just me or do you and Maya look kinda alike," Lucas observed.

Farkle squinted, "It appears that you two have the same hair color—"

"—nose—" Smackle piped up.

"—and chin."

Maya quirked an eyebrow. "Really?" She scanned Lucy. "I don't see it."

"I mean besides you guys dressing totally opposite, I would think you guys were related or something," Lucas said.

Zay budged up against Lucas to be closer to Lucy. "Hey there, I'm Zay. Also known as the single guy in the group."

"Desperate much?" Maya mocked.

Zay flicked her, "Can't do any worse than how you used to act around Josh."

She gasped, "Foul! Farkle that was uncalled for."

"What! No way! Farkle you know that was in rules of same comebacks."

Farkle clicked his tongue. "Sorry Zay, we added the no-Josh clause last year remember?"

"Was that before or after we added that Smackle is no longer allowed to energy drinks rule?"

"Hmm...before."

"Damn it." He slapped his knee. "No wonder I forgot, I didn't sleep for two days dealing with Smackle on a sugar rush."

Farkle shrugged, "Maya is allowed two flick-backs."

Zay squeezed his eyes shut and tensed up. "Make it quick."

"That takes the fun out of it Darlin."

Lucy leaned closer to Riley. "Are they always like this?"

"Yep. Everyday."

"So why weren't you and Maya in my class today?" Cory asked at the dinner table.

"We were showing the new girl around. Her name is Lucy and she's a sophomore and I think she will be a great addition to the group."

Topanga looked up in surprise. "Really? You knew her for a day. How do you know she'll fit in with the group?"

Riley shrugged, "She's really nice and kinda shy. She told me she really didn't have friends at her other school. I think I could really help her spread her wings."

Cory glanced down at his plate, "I would wait before rushing into things Riley."

"But Dad, aren't you the one to always tell me to help those in need? Lucy is in need of friends."

"Trust me, give it some days."

Topanga glanced at her husband with a suspicious look but said nothing.

Riley didn't understand the warnings her dad was giving her. These past four days with Lucy integrating into the group have been fine. They were all in the parking lot ready to depart from school. Josh revved his bike to get Maya's attention.

"My ride's here."

"Who is that?" Lucy asked.

"My boyfriend Josh. I guess you never met him huh?"

Riley was already making her way over to her uncle.

Josh had his helmet off seeing the rest of the group come over. He had his eyes set on Maya.

"Hey, Gorgeous."

She leaned over the handlebars to peck his lips.

"Woah, am I seeing double?" Josh asked seeing the new blonde in the group.

"That's what I said," Lucas remarked.

"Uncle Josh, this is new student Lucy Hart."

He shares a look with Maya before acknowledging Lucy. "Hi, Josh Matthews, Maya's boyfriend, and Riley's uncle."

Her eyes widened. "Uncle?"

Zay waved off the question. "Yeah, he's only three years older. Weird family dynamic. Don't ask."

Lucy's phone beeped. "Oh, my dad's here. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

She waved goodbye to them and walked across the parking lot. Their eyes followed her to her car where a man stood by the driver's side door. His arms were crossed over his jacket. He looked up from observing his shoes. Maya took a step back like she's been physically hit. Her face lost all of its color.

"Maya, what's wrong?" Riley asked, concerned. She's never seen her best friend look scared before.

Lucas had a hand on her back so she didn't back up into the car parked next to them. "Maya?"

His touch seemed to have brought her out of her stare. "That's my dad."

"You're dad dad?" Zay said.

She nodded her head slowly.

Farkle was putting the pieces together. "Then that makes you and Lucy—"

"Okay! I'm putting a stop to this conversation. Not here alright?" Josh said firmly.

Riley nodded grateful for her uncle to get everyone on the same page. "Bay window. Bay window right now."

All of them stormed into Riley's apartment. Everyone talking over one another but Maya stayed silent.

Riley grabbed her best friend's cheeks. "Peaches? You have to say something Peaches. Talk to me."

"He didn't even wait long to start a family...he replaced me in a year." She wrenched her hands away from her face. Taking a seat on the couch with her head in her hands.

Topanga and Cory came out to the living room.

"What's going on in here?" Topanga asked.

"Lucy is Maya's half-sister." Josh sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Topanga's mouth opened in shock. She turned to expect the same look on her husband only to be met by a downcast gaze. "Cory?"

"You knew didn't you Mr. Matthews?" Maya said quietly.

He opened and closed his mouth several times. "Maya..."

Riley had a mix of confusion and anger on her face. "Dad, how could you not tell us?"

"She's a year younger. I didn't expect you guys to even know that we got a new student or care enough. Lucy isn't her father and I thought chances were slim that Maya would even see him anyway."

"You betrayed us. Isn't that right Maya?" Riley expected to get a response but when she turned her head to look at the couch her best friend was gone. "Maya?"

The others were confused, searching the house and coming up empty for the blonde.

"Great, she could be anywhere by now." Lucas groaned.

"She's probably somewhere where she doesn't want to be found," Farkle explained. "It's gonna get dark soon though."

Josh grabbed his helmet from the coffee table. "I'll look for her."

Cory stepped in front of him. "Josh—"

He hit his shoulder against him to get him to move aside. "I think you've done enough."

Josh left the apartment, taking the stairs two at a time. He had a list of places in mind to check. She wouldn't go anywhere obvious and with a lot of people. He remembered her telling him about a large art piece she was working on in one of the alleyways that was somehow still untouched. Josh rode through and by every alley, he could think of. Finally, he spotted a lone figure almost hidden in the corner. He turned off his motorcycle and walked towards the person.

There she was, cans of spray paint around her working on the brick wall in front of her that already had hours of work on it. She had one earbud in her ear, the other dangled over the collar of her shirt. Dusk had already set.

"Maya."

Her eyes flicked to him for a second before focusing on her work.

"We gotta talk about it."

"There's not much to talk about Josh."

"Cory should've told you."

Maya rolled her eyes, "Noooo really?"

He rubbed his eyebrow, "Look at me."

She ignored him until he forcefully took the can from her. Tossing it into the pile of others. "You're dad's a massive dick."

Maya let out a watery chuckle.

"He is." Josh thumbed away a tear on her cheek. "And you are not replaceable."

She rolled her eyes, trying to escape his grip but Josh wouldn't let her this time.

"I'm serious. Do you have any idea what you mean to this family? How our lives would be different if you weren't Riley's best friend?"

"Probably better off."

"No bullshit, Maya you know that."

"How my life would be different if I never met you?"

Maya clasped her fingers around his wrists. "Now you're exaggerating."

"No, I'm not. I would be dying at NYU. Stressed out of my mind with barely a social life. I wouldn't have known to live in the moment. Shawn wouldn't have you to call a daughter."

Her lip quivered. "If I'm so great how come he didn't want me?"

"Because some people just really fucking suck."

More tears escaped her eyes until she was fully crying in his arms.

"You don't need him. There's so many people who love you."

She calmed down a bit, wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands. "Are you one of them Boing?"

"I'm probably number two on that list."

She raised an eyebrow, "Not one?"

"We both know that number one is always gonna be Riley."

Maya snuffed, "Thank you."

He nodded once, "I don't want you to ever doubt your place in this family or how much you're loved. If you do I'll just have to keep reminding you."

"How are you gonna do that Boing?"

He moved one hand down to her waist and squeezed, pushing her body closer to his. "I think you know."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I think you should show me."

He leaned down to capture her lips in a sweet kiss. Maya pulled him closer, pressing her lips harder against his, demanding more. He hesitantly swiped his tongue across her lower lip. She tugged on his hair in a way that she knew drove him crazy. He groaned into her mouth, moving both of his arms underneath her for more leverage. She took that as a cue to jump up. Josh had her pinned against the brick. His teeth dragged against her jaw and chin before his lips met her neck. Her hands left his hair to trail up his shirt that rode up from lifting her.

Red and blue lights lit up the dark alleyway.

Maya opened her eyes, noticing the lights for the first time. Josh still wasn't paying attention.

"Shit."

Riley paced around the living room. Lucas gave up trying to settle her down hours ago. Katy and Shawn were called and surprisingly enough Amy and Allen arrived for a surprise visit at the worst time. Cory had to fill both sets of parents in on what was happening.

A knock on the door had Topanga rushing to answer. The first person through was a police officer, followed by Maya and then Josh who was being held onto by another officer. Once they were all fully in the door the officer let go of Josh's shoulder.

"Peaches. What did you do?"

The front officer answered first. "New York code 145."

"Vandalism?" Topanga's eyes widened.

Katy sighed, "Again Babygirl?"

"I like to call it art."

The officer narrowed his eyes at her and she backed off a little bit.

"And what did he do?" Cory asked gesturing to Josh.

The second officer answered, "New York code 240."

"Loitering," Topanga confirmed.

The officer pushed Josh to stand next to Maya. "Not to mention New York code 245."

Topanga's eyes widened even further. "Public indecency?!"

"What?"

"What?!"

"What?!"

Josh blushed, "It's really not what you think."

"We'll let them off with a warning but next time there will be fines." The officer said before slapping his buddy and leaving the apartment.

"Well I can't say this is the first time one of our sons got brought home by police but I am shocked that it was you, Joshua." Allen lamented.

Shawn had his arms crossed, "I know I'm not the biggest fan of cops but Maya what were you thinking?"

"I know. I'm usually gone by the time they patrol in that area but I guess I got distracted."

"Yeah..." Josh rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry about that."

"Public indecency. I should kill you, Baby Matthews." Shawn pointed at him.

He held up his hands, "I was trying to get her mind off of everything. Wrong place, wrong time. I get it."

"You're job was to bring her back as soon as you found her Josh," Cory told him.

"Oh no. You don't get to lecture me about this brother." He practically spat, "You knew that girl was that bastard's daughter and that he was back here this whole time."

"Don't Josh, not for me," Maya told him softly.

"Not for you?" He was at a loss for words that she could even think he wasn't going to defend her at every chance. "Maya...I'd do anything for you."

"I do owe you an apology Maya," Cory spoke up. "I didn't want to believe it at first and then I asked for the records. I just didn't want to cause you more pain."

Maya nodded, "I know. and I know that you guys would never intentionally hurt me."

Riley grabbed Maya's hands. "This doesn't change anything Peaches. No one knows that you two are related."

"You know what's funny?" Maya said, "For the first seven years after he left all I wanted was to see him again. But now...I don't think I could ever look at him again."

"Oh, Babygirl." Katy wrapped her daughter in a hug.

Amy motioned for Josh and Cory to come close to her. "Now you two make-up."

"I'm sorry Josh. I know how protective you are of the people you care about especially Maya."

"I'm still pissed at you but give me a day and you're forgiven."

"Man, you two are even starting to hold onto grudges the same," Cory stated.

When Maya met up with the rest of the gang she had to assure to everyone that she was fine. As long as nobody knew that they were related, she could just go on ignoring it.

Farkle cringed, "That's going to be a little difficult."

"Why?" Riley asked.

"Because Missy overheard us yesterday in the parking lot and already spread it around," Smackle said.

Maya scowled, "Just perfect."

When they entered the hallways, she could feel the stares. When Lucy approached them she felt them intensify. Now realizing that they were half-sisters it was crazy to see how different they were personality-wise.

"Maya, I just want to say that I had no idea that my dad had another family."

She scoffed, "Of course he didn't." She bumped her shoulder into Lucy's as she walked past.

Riley smiled awkwardly, "Give her some space Lucy, she doesn't like to talk about her dad."

Missy was surrounded by a group of students, talking loudly. "I mean it all makes sense. Lucy is what her dad always wanted in a daughter. No wonder he left Maya."

"Oh no." Riley gasped.

"I can't believe she's saying that." Lucas glared.

Maya wasn't in any of Riley's shared classes. She didn't even show up at lunch.

"Do you think she ditched?" Zay asked.

"I don't know, I haven't seen her all day." Riley pouted.

"I think she's just hiding out somewhere," Lucas reassured his girlfriend.

Maya was actually hiding out in the art room. The only room in the school that she actually enjoyed. She was working her frustrations out on a piece of canvas. Her pallet consisted of mostly dark colors to resemble her mood.

"Ms. Hunter. I hope you're not hiding out from the mayhem you caused." The art teacher Mr. Jackson kidded.

Maya gave her second favorite teacher a small smile. "Sorry to disappoint Mr. J, but the point of causing mayhem is to watch it go down."

He pulled up one of the stools to sit next to her. "Usually I don't find you in here unless you're working on a big project."

"I just needed to get away for a bit...my thoughts."

"That seems counterproductive. One of the things I love about your work is that you paint whatever is on your mind." He gestured to the mess of lines on her canvas. "It appears you are anyway."

She groaned, dropping her brush back on her easel.

"What's going on?"

"I'm sure you heard the rumors. My past isn't much of a secret." Her gaze stayed on the floor.

"You are many things Maya but a failure isn't one of them."

She picked her head up to look at him.

Mr. Jackson continued, "Are you rough around the edges? Sure but once you let someone in you never let them go. I see it in your paintings every day. You have so much potential and I'm not just talking about art." He smiled. "Some people may write you off in life but that's okay because you know who you are and your friends and family know the true you."

Maya felt her eyes tear up but forced it back. "Thank you Mr. J. I really needed to hear that."

He patted her shoulder. "Any time Maya."

Maya acted like what Missy was saying wasn't bothering her. Lucy kept her distance like Riley suggested. She stopped eating at their lunch table as soon as Maya became a permanent fixture again. The rumors too were dying down as the student body moved on to newer drama.

The group was at Topanga's like normal after school. Josh was even able to join them today since his one class got canceled. He had an arm around her shoulders as he recounted a funny story about baseball practice. They paid no mind to the bell chiming signaling a new customer.

"Maya."

The deep voice had them quieting down. Josh felt Maya's nails dig into his thigh.

"Kermit."

"Let's talk?"

The boys were up instantly to block him from viewing Maya.

"She doesn't have to do anything with you," Josh answered for her.

Lucas and Zay flanked both sides.

Kermit raised his eyebrows. He spotted Katy coming from the kitchen.

"Katy!"

She looked over at the scene. "What are you doing here Kermit?" Her tone wasn't pleasant.

"I just want to talk to Maya."

"Maya doesn't have to talk to you if she doesn't want to."

Josh pushes him back towards the door. "It's best that you leave and never come back."

"Josh..."

He turned his head to see Maya standing behind him. "It's okay."

Her voice made his eyes soften. "Are you sure?"

"Might as well get it over with at some point."

Josh stepped aside to let Maya through. She gestured for Kermit to go outside for some privacy. They sat at one of the tables.

"Some protection you got there." He chuckled awkwardly.

"Yeah, that was my boyfriend and my two best friends. They always have my back."

"A boyfriend huh?"

"You haven't earned the right to ask about my love life."

Kermit held up his hands in apologies. "Fair enough...umm...I see you met your sister."

She nodded, "I did...Lucy...she's only a year younger than me."

He swallowed, "Yes...she is."

"What made her different?"

"I wasn't looking to start another family. But after she told me she was pregnant with Lucy, I was able to hold down a job. I promised myself not to fuck up this time. Not like I fucked up with you and your mother."

"So it was a do-over? You could've come back to us! We would've given it to you." Maya started to tear up.

"I thought by then it would've been too late. I didn't deserve you, Maya."

"Is that why it took you ten years to reach out to me now?"

He nodded.

"Look," She snuffed, "I thought if I ever saw you again I could forgive you but I don't need to anymore. I have a new family. I'm a Hunter and Shawn is just like me. He knows what it's like to not have anyone to count on. We might not share blood but he is my dad."

She made a move to stand up.

"For what it's worth Maya, I am sorry for everything."

She frowned, "The least you can do now is to not abandon Lucy. She's too good for that."

Maya left her biological father at the table and made her way back inside the bakery.

Riley was the first person to greet her. "Are you okay Peaches?"

"No," She smiled slightly after taking a deep breath, "But I will be."

Her best friend squeezed her into a hug.