Author's Note: Hi all! Here is the next chapter! This is the part that we've all waited for…
CHAPTER TEN
"Should we even be in here, Maya?" Seventeen year old Riley questioned as they searched through Maya's mothers belongings for her birth certificate.
"Yes, because applications have to be in by tonight, and I need a copy of my birth certificate for college." She reiterated stressfully as she rummaged through the important documents.
She finally stumbled across it, "ah, ha!" Maya exclaimed and opened the envelope.
"How have you never seen your birth certificate anyway? I figured you would've asked to see it when you were little."
"I did," Maya said unfolding the paper, "but she always had an excuse as to why I couldn't see it."
Riley was putting everything away while Maya was looking through her certificate.
"You know I thought your mom would've organised a bit better…" Riley said, but Maya wasn't listening as her eyes were focused on a particular part of the certificate. "But I guess some people just prefer throwing things into a draw…" Maya still wasn't answering so Riley turned to look at her and noticed how focused she was.
"Maya? Is everything okay?" She asked as she drew closer and peered over Maya's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Maya stood in shock, "it says… 'father unknown'..." she looked at Riley who was now in shock.
"But, I thought your father was Kermit? We met him a few years ago, right?" Maya nodded but no words came out. "Maybe you should talk to your mom, Maya."
"I have to go." The blonde announced as she walked out the room, clutching the paper in her hand. Riley following closely behind her.
"Where are we going?" She asked, trying to keep up with her.
"To see my mom."
Riley's eyes widened "right now?! Are you sure that's wise, Maya? She's at work, there will be people in there!" She whisper yelled.
"That's the point," she turned to look at Riley, "she won't have an excuse this time."
They continued walking, well almost running until they made it to Topanga's and Maya entered with a start.
Maya didn't look around at the wandering eyes, Riley did though. There sat Lucas, Zay, Farkle and Smackle. They were waiting for Maya and Riley's arrival.
Katy was at the counter and looked concerned when she saw Maya standing there, holding a piece of paper in her hand.
Maya walked closer towards the counter.
"Are you okay, babygirl?" Katy asked but Maya just slammed down the paper, Katy looked down at the piece of paper before looking back at Maya, a guilty look grew. "Maya…" She began.
Maya cut her off, "why did you lie to me?" She asked, tears brewing in her eyes.
Katy opened and closed her mouth, "at the time, I thought I was doing the right thing…"
"The right thing?" The younger blonde questioned, "the right thing would've been to tell me. Not have me believe he was my dad!" She shouted.
People started staring at them, Lucas stood from his seat while Riley stood to the side. Their friends watched in shock.
"Can we talk about this later, Maya?" Katy asked, beginning to feel embarrassed with all the stares.
She shook her head, "no. I want to know mom, who's my real dad?"
Katy sighed, "Come with me." Maya didn't move, "we need to talk about this, but privately." Maya hastily began following her mother into the staff room.
She stood in the middle, clutching the certificate in hand and turned to look at her mom as she was closing the door.
"So," Maya began, "who's my real dad?"
The older blonde sighed and walked over to the couch, "come sit." She patted the seat next to her and Maya complied, sitting beside her mother.
Katy took the paper from her daughter's hands and placed it onto the table before taking hold of her hands.
"Before I tell you, Maya. I need you to know that when this happened, I promise you I was doing this for your best interest. It was never meant to hurt you like this, okay?" Maya only nodded once, impatiently waiting.
Katy stopped talking as she was trying to find the words.
"Who's my dad, mom?" Maya's broken voice asked. Katy looked at her daughter and sadly smiled.
"We had met in a bar where I used to work," she began taking a deep breath, "he had an argument with his wife and that night we got together… I didn't see him for weeks until he came by and I told him I was pregnant, pregnant with you."
"Did he leave?" Katy shook her head, "then what happened?"
Katy sighed, "he told me he wanted to be there for me, well for you. He then went home and told his wife he had gotten another woman pregnant when she told him she was also pregnant. When he came back to tell me, I just… I didn't…" She fumbled with the words.
Maya squeezed her hand once for reassurance, Katy took a deep breath and sadly smiled.
"I told him I didn't want him involved… that I was with someone who wanted to be a family with me and you." Katy said, stroking her daughter's hair.
"And look how that turned out." Maya mumbled.
Katy didn't make a remark, Kermit leaving hit the pair of them pretty hard.
"Did my da- Kermit, ever know that he wasn't my dad?" Her mom shook her head, "and you didn't think to try to find my real dad?" She questioned.
"Years had gone by until we were reunited."
Maya gulped, "have I met him before? When I was younger?" She questioned and Katy nodded. "Do I still know him?" She asked, quieter than before.
Katy nodded again, "he's very close to you, Maya."
The teen placed everything together when a realisation hit her, she turned to her mother who shedded a few tears.
"Your fathers Cory Matthews. He's your dad." Maya's eyes widened and before she knew what she was doing she leapt from the couch and headed out the door.
"Maya!" Katy called but she was already halfway out. She sighed and sat back down on the couch, a wave of tears hitting her.
Maya ran straight past her friends, each of them calling after her.
"Should we go after her?" Zay asked, they all looked over at him when Lucas spoke up.
"I'll go," he announced before turning to his other female best friend, "Riley, you coming?" She nodded and the pair headed out to find Maya.
A million thoughts were going through Maya's head. But one especially, why did Cory never tell her? Was he embarrassed to have had a child with another woman?
Maya knew exactly where she was going, the Matthews apartment.
She eventually arrived and let herself in through the doors, having been given a key years ago and rushed up to the apartment.
Meanwhile, Lucas and Riley eventually caught up close to Maya. Seeing her enter the Matthews apartment building. Both were trying to catch their breath as they approached the apartment themselves.
Riley began rummaging through her trouser pockets trying to find her key.
"Well?" Lucas asked, waiting for Riley to find her key.
She looked at him and sheepishly smiled, "I think I forgot my key…" she trailed off. Lucas gave her a 'seriously' look before she reached over to press the intercom button to the Matthews apartment.
Maya eventually made it to the house and let herself inside. Cory and Topanga were sitting at the table together, as they usually were.
"Maya?" Topanga called out, she took in Maya's distressed appearance, "are you okay, sweetie?" She asked as Maya continued standing by the door, her eyes never leaving Cory's.
The intercom suddenly rang out, it was Riley's voice.
"Mom? Dad? Is Maya with you? I forgot my key…"
Maya turned and pressed the intercom button, "you can come when I'm done talking to your dad." She then turned to Cory.
"I need to speak with you, in private." She stated, leaving no room for argument as she headed into Riley's bedroom.
Cory looked over at Topanga with a worried look. Both were thinking the same thing, 'has the secret finally come out?'
He followed her nonetheless and found her sitting at the bay window, he took a seat beside her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" A small voice called.
Cory appeared confused, "tell you what?" He asked.
"That your my… dad." The word still felt strange to use on him.
He immediately looked down at the floor, "your mom told you then?"
Maya shook her head, "I found my birth certificate, it had father unknown." Maya sighed, "when I confronted her she told me that you were my dad." She shrugged.
Cory finally had the guts to look at her, even though she stared straight ahead, "I'm so sorry, Maya. I should've told you… I should've told Katy it was time."
"When would it have been time?" She asked, "when you first met me? I was six. My da- Kermit," she corrected, "left three years later. But you could've told me when I got older."
"It was never the right time, Maya." Cory began, "and besides I made a deal with your mom when she found out I was Riley's dad."
"What deal?" Maya asked, looking confused at him.
"Your mom didn't tell you?" He questioned.
Maya shook his head, "what deal?"
Cory sighed, "it was a long time ago, Maya. It doesn't matter now-."
"Well for me it's happening right now," the blonde cut him off, "please just tell me."
Her dad took a breath, "when I first met you, you were only six and it was by complete accident. But, when your mom came by to pick you up and we saw each other for the first time in years… she threatened for you and Riley to never see each other again." Maya looked shocked, "I told her if we continued with how things were, you would never have to know I was your father."
Maya was taking everything in. She could've had a whole life having an amazing father along with step-mother and two siblings. But because of her mom, all of that got taken away from her. She didn't know what to feel. Should she hate her mom? Her dad?
—-
"Mom?" Riley called, entering their apartment, "where's Maya?" She asked as Lucas followed behind her.
Topanga looked at her daughter, "she's with your father." Riley nodded and started walking towards her room when her mom called her, "Riley, wait." She looked back at her.
"I need to know Maya's okay, mom." Her daughter responded before turning away and walking to the bedrooms. Leaving Lucas and Topanga alone.
"Is Maya okay, Mrs Matthews?" Lucas asked, Topanga briefly forgot he was in the room when she turned to the deeper voice.
She smiled softly and nodded, "she will be."
"Maya?" A voice called from the doorway, the blonde looked over and saw Riley standing there. She was only just beginning to take in that Riley was her sister. Her sister. Auggie was her brother. Her adoptive family was becoming her real family.
"Are you okay?" Riley's voice pulled her away from her thoughts again. She looked at Cory once more.
"Can Riley know?" She asked, he looked over at his other daughter before settling back to Maya and nodding.
"If you want to, Maya."
"Tell me what?" Maya gestured for her to come over to her, "what's going on?"
Maya took a breath, "Riles. Matthews isn't just your dad."
Riley appeared confused, "what do you mean?" Maya didn't respond and looked down at the floor, "Maya?"
The blonde looked up at Riley. "He's my dad as well."
Riley stared between the pair in shock. This had to be a joke, right? How was this even possible?
"H-h-he can't be…" she began looking at her father, "dad?" His gaze was set on the floor, "it's not true, right? It can't be." Tears began falling from her eyes, a sad smile sat on her face.
"I'm sorry, Riley." Cory apologised.
Riley couldn't believe what she was hearing and ended up storming out, Cory chasing after her.
"Riley, wait." She ended up stopping in the archway of the living area. Lucas and Topanga looked over to the doorway and saw how distressed Riley seemed.
"What else have you got to say, dad?" He looked at her with a sad look, "you've lied to me, to mom and most importantly to Maya."
Cory sighed, "RIley. Your mom already knew." He announced defeated.
She seemed slightly shocked, "oh well I guess that's another secret you forgot to mention. Have I got any other siblings out there I don't know about?"
Topanga walked over to them, "Riley. You need to calm down, right now. This isn't helping anyone."
Riley simply shook her head at them both, "I need some air." She stated before turning around and heading out the front door, Lucas appeared confused. Hel tried to piece together what they had heard.
Cory looked over towards his daughter's friends, "Lucas," he called, "can you go after Riley?"
The younger man nodded, "what about Maya?" He wondered. He cared for Riley a lot, but his feelings for Maya never truly went away.
"I think it's best I talk to Maya, you go after Riley."
Lucas nodded hastily this time and headed out after Riley. Part of Cory knew Lucas wanted to stay for Maya.
Cory sighed deeply once the door had closed and Topanga drew closer to him, rubbing his back soothingly.
Maya soon entered the room, "she hates me, doesn't she?" Their heads whipped around to the broken voice.
Topanga walked over to her, "of course she doesn't. You know she never could… give her some time to cool off."
Maya smiled at her, her father then drew closer to the pair.
"I'm truly sorry, Maya." He began, guilt overtaking him, "I should've done things differently."
"Why were you willing for me to never know you were my dad? Was I that bad?"
He shook his head immediately, "Maya, no it never had anything to do with that. In fact, the second I knew you were my daughter, all I wanted to do was tell you, to have a father daughter relationship. But I couldn't have, you knew Kermit as your father and you were only six. I wasn't willing to change your entire life just to know you as my daughter."
"Sweetie," Topanga spoke up from beside Cory, "nothing changed the way we feel about you, you're still a massive part of our family. You were before you knew and you still are now."
Maya sadly smiled at her, eyes glistening with fresh tears, "you really mean that?"
Topanga nodded with a small smile, their eye contact broke as she looked over at her father. "Dad?" Her voice sounded so quiet, so timid, much like when she was six and again when she reunited with Kermit.
His face somehow softened even more as she walked closer to him and wrapped her not so small arms around him, resting her head on his torso. He looked over to Topanga who beamed, her eyes feeling heavier and he carefully wrapped his arms around her. Almost like he was scared to break her.
Their first hug as father and daughter, Cory didn't know what he was most happiest about; Maya calling him dad for the first time or their first proper hug.
Meanwhile with Riley.
She had made her way back to Topanga's, Lucas stopping her just before she entered the cafe.
"RIley, stop!" He called out and carefully grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
She turned to look at him, her face covered in dry tears, more continuing their route. His face softened slightly, he always hated when his friends were upset.
"I know what's happened is a shock-."
"It's not just a shock, Lucas." Riley stated, cutting him off. "All my life I've been best friends with the one person I wished was my sister, and not once did anyone think to tell me?"
At this point, the rest of their friends had heard the pair arguing outside and walked out. Patiently standing behind Riley.
"But it's not about you Riley." Farkle piped up from behind Riley, she turned to look at him, shocked.
"Farkle, no one told me about Maya."
Farkle shrugged, moving closer to Riley, "but no one told Maya either. She was led to believe Kermit was her father, and when Maya's mom met Shawn Maya finally thought she'd found her true dad, just to be told the one man who'd been there nearly her entire life is her dad. How would you feel after that?"
Riley went quiet, her mouth slightly open as if she wanted to say the first thing that came to her mind.
"You love Maya," Lucas said, "we all do." He looked around at the gang, all nodding in unison.
Zay stepped forward, "and if you really love her like you say you do, you have to put your own feelings aside for Maya's sake. She needs her best friend now more than ever."
Riley appeared in thought for a few seconds before saying, "no."
"No?" Lucas questioned, confused.
She reached up and wiped her face, trying to put her brave face on. "I have to be there for my sister." She smiled at her friends, they all returned the smile.
Riley walked past her friends and then peered round seeing they weren't following her, "you guys aren't coming?"
They all shook their heads, "you go. We'll be waiting here for you both." Lucas spoke up.
Riley shared a final smile with them all before rushing away.
Back at the Matthews house, Cory and Maya sat side by side on the couch while Topanga prepared them all a drink.
Their eyes all moved in sync towards the opening door as their oldest daughter walked through and closed it carefully behind her.
"Have you guys talked yet?" She asked the pair.
Cory glanced at Maya before turning back to Riley, "not properly, no."
She nodded, "good, because there are a few things I want to say." She replied, moving closer to her sister and dad. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted, it wasn't my place to react like that."
"Riles, you don't need to apologise." Maya stated.
"But I do, because this news is good news." Riley said with a smile.
Maya's smile slowly grew, "you really mean that?" Riley nodded, taking a seat beside the blonde.
"And this good news means that I officially have a sister."
"And so do I."
Cory smiled at the two, of course there was never any doubt that they'd remain the best of friends if the secret ever did come out, but the sight of his two daughters getting along made his heart warm.
Topanga soon walked over with a tray of mugs, hot tea for the four of them.
Cory grabbed a mug as did Topanga.
"So, what happens now?" Maya questioned, looking between Cory and Topanga.
"What do you want to happen?" Cory wondered, taking a small sip of his tea.
His daughter shrugged, "it just doesn't really feel like anything's changed. Does it feel that way for you?"
Cory half nodded, "I suppose so. I guess we've always treated you like our daughter, and that will continue no matter what. Right?" He looked over at his wife.
"Right, Maya, you know nothing is going to change unless you of course want certain things to change." Topanga responded.
"Like what?" Maya pondered.
"Well," she began setting her tea down, "such as your birth certificate. Do you want to change it so Cory is there as your father?"
"Of course she does, right Maya?" Riley piped in, looking over at her best friend.
Her eyes drifted to Riley, Topanga, all waiting for her answer. She finally looked at her dad, he tried to not look so hopeful but failed. They all knew it was Maya's decision, her knowing who her father is and having it written on something so permanent were two completely different things. She didn't know if she was ready.
"I-I… I don't know…" The blonde responded, her voice getting quieter after each word.
"Why wouldn't you know?" Riley questioned, puzzled before anyone else could respond.
Maya went to respond, but she truthfully didn't know how. She could feel all three pairs of eyes on her again, either waiting for her response or judging her she wasn't sure. So she did the one thing she does best. Run.
"I-I've got to go." Maya managed out before rushing to the door and running through the corridor. She just needed to escape.
"Maya wait!" Riley's voice rang out behind her, but she didn't stop. She sighed deeply and walked back into the apartment, shaking her head for confirmation to her parents.
Cory held his head in his hands, today had been something.
"What do we do now?" Riley asked her parents, looking between them.
"We wait until she's ready." Her father spoke up, both his wife and daughter looked towards him.
The young brunette went to speak but her mother beat her to it, "your father's right, Riley." She looked to her mom. "We need to give Maya some time to comprehend the last hour."
Riley sighed and looked over at her father, he seemed so guilty? Sad? Everything just seemed to hit him at once. Just like Maya.
'Maya'. Riley suddenly thought, she just hoped she was going to be okay.
The blonde eventually made it back to her own house, her mom was no doubt still at work leaving Maya alone for a while to let everything sink in.
She truly didn't know how to feel. She no longer felt shocked, she didn't know if she felt sad? Mad?
Maya opted to head straight for her bedroom. Not wanting to be in the open when her mom arrived home.
She paced the floor for a while, holding her head in her hands trying to make sense of the situation.
Her roaming eyes soon landed on a picture sat upon her desk. Her, her mom and Shawn. What was supposed to be the perfect family. Of course they were still just dating but their relationship was getting serious to the point Maya thought he would stay forever.
A small droplet of water landed directly onto the picture and Maya registered she was freely, unwillingly crying.
As more tears fell, the more anger she felt and Maya threw the picture onto the floor, shattering the glass.
The blonde continued crying as she looked upon the mess, no remorse felt as Maya felt herself falling onto the floor. Her back against her bed, her chin resting on her knees and her arms wrapped around them. She rocked back and forth, in any attempt to calm herself down. But nothing worked.
Meanwhile, Riley had left her parents' apartment, opting to meet her friends at Topanga's like they originally agreed.
Riley walked into the cafe, spotting her friends sitting at their usual spot. Her eyes wandered to Katy though, she hadn't seemed to have noticed her yet.
"Riley? Where's Maya?" Lucas' voice rang out as Katy finally registered her daughter's best friend, now sister, in the cafe.
She looked over at her friends, "Maya went home." Katy looked down at the ground.
"Are you staying?" Farkle asked, sensing the tension.
Riley looked over at him and shook her head, she thought she'd be able to sit there as usual with her friends. But she didn't realise how angry she was at Katy for hiding this secret from Maya.
"I'll see you guys at school." She stated, leaving no room for replies as she swiftly made her exit. Not realising that Katy was only a few steps behind her.
"Riley, wait, please." Katy pleaded as they reached the stairway. Riley stopped in her tracks and turned to look at the older woman. "Is Maya okay?"
Riley looked incredulously towards her, "of course she's not okay." Katy looked down at the ground again. "Why did you keep this from her? From me?"
Katy looked back at the brunette, "I…I don't know. It was so long ago, Riley. You have to understand that."
"I understand that perfectly. But I don't understand why you couldn't tell her when she was older. She would've understood, you know that."
The waitress shook her head, "it was easier to pretend." She shrugged.
"Easier for who? You or Maya?" Riley bit back.
She nodded and glanced down, "do you think Maya will forgive me?" Her voice sounded so quiet, so not like her.
Riley half shrugged, "I think that it's going to be awhile before she's ready to forgive you." She began, "but I think you should start by explaining to her why you kept the secret from her for so long. She at least deserves that." Katy nodded as she sniffed.
There was a silence that erupted between them until Riley sighed, "you go talk to Maya," the older blonde looked up at Riley. "I'll stay here and call my mom down to help."
"Are you sure, Riley?" Katy questioned, half confused why Riley was trying to help her.
The younger woman nodded with a small smile, "I can't say anything to Maya to make it better, but in a way you can. You can give her answers."
Katy nodded and reached down to take off her apron, placing it on the table beside them and rushing off to her home.
Riley watched her leave, hoping Maya would give her mom a chance to explain her actions. Afterall, she did the same for her then father.
Thank you for reading! The secret is out! Maya knows the truth! I haven't written anything beyond here yet so if you have any ideas please let me know! I will work on something over the next few days/week.