Begin Again - prequel to The Project - book 3

2

Maya's POV:

Josh and I walk outside. Its pretty cold, but the air is refreshing.

I take a deep breath.

"So, how have you been holdin up?" Josh asks.

We start walking towards the park.

"Fine, I guess. I mean the nightmares are still common, but im getting better."

"Good. I cant stand seeing you like this."

I look at him.

He cant?

"Thanks." I flash a smile and look away.

"I'm sorry you're going through this.. it must be terrible."

I feel tears form in my eyes, along with memories of Lucas and I.

Josh notices and quickly changes the subject.

"Well, the stars look pretty tonight." He says.

"Yeah, they are."

We reach the park and sit on a bench.

"I love it here at night. Its so peaceful." I add.

Josh 's POV:

"Yeah." I agree.

I admire her while she stares up at the sky.

She's more beautiful than I thought.

I'd always pushed her away because I'm to old for her. Now she's 16. Im 18. Two years? Not a big deal. What was I thinking.

"Maya.. You remember that day when we were at Riley's house playing that game, and I said i was to old for you?" I ask.

"Yeah.." She looks confused.

"Well I shouldn't have said that. Im not. Just two years isn't that much."

She nodds.

Maya's POV:

Is this.. A hint? Is he hinting that he likes me?

"I-its fine. I mean, you kinda are.. Not that I mind." I stutter awkwardly.

He smiles, and looks at the stars.

It's quiet for a minute. I start thinking.

My life has been miserable. Terrible. And I think.. Now its time to move on. Im going to make a move on Josh.

"Josh?" I say.

"Yeah Maya?"

"Do you.. Ya know, think we.. Could ever happen?"

"Like, us? Date?"

"Yeah. I know its crazy and your to old and stuff but.. I still like you."

"What about Lucas though?"

"Hes... Gone. No, not dead.. But gone. I feel awful because Im always thinking of him and.. I think its best to move on."

He just stares at me, so I stare back. I realize how close we are. Sitting on the bench, side by side.. And our faces are so close.

He leans in and our lips connect. We continue kissing for a bit, then seperate.

I take a deep breath.

"I like you Maya." He says.

"I like you too." I say and we both smile.

"Hey, do you wanna head back now?"

"Yeah." I reply and stand up.

We walk back to Rileys apartment and go inside.

"Alrighty, im going to bed. Sweet dreams." Josh says.

He starts to walk away.

"Wait!"

He turns back.

"Can you.. Stay in here tonight? Im probably going to sleep on the couch.. And im scared that-"

"It's okay Maya, i get it. I'll stay." He interrupts.

I lay on the couch, and he sits in the chair watching over me.

Not to long, I fall asleep.

I think.. I'm finally moving on.