Maya and Josh- The Long Game

Aftermath part 2

Topanga had some good friends at the local hospital who immediately did the drug testing for Josh there. Since this was such a basic test they were able to get the results quiet fast and as expected Josh had been drugged with a very common tranquilliser called Valium. With the proof in their hands they went straight to Ambers dorm and knocked. Amber opened the door with a confused look on her face „Uhm, Josh?" And pointing at Topanga „And who are you? And what are you doing here both?"

Not even letting Josh speak, Topanga got straight to the point „My name is Topanga Lawrence and I am an attorney at Bakersville here in New York. We have proof that Josh had been drugged last night and considering all the circumstances that you are familiar with we are very certain that you drugged him. Now honey, you got 2 choices, either you deny everything and make this whole process worse for you than it has to be because trust me, the evidence we have is enough to get you convicted. Or you are smart enough to comply and confess and I will try my best to make this whole process as painless for you as possible. So whats it gonna be?" she finished with an expectant look at Amber who was clearly shocked and felt her heart drop.

She shakingly said „e-Ehm, maybe you should come inside."
Josh just questioningly looked at Topanga, he really didnt feel like coming inside Ambers dorm where this whole nightmare had started but he also wanted to get this over with. Topanga just nodded and motioned for him to follow Amber inside. So they both went in as Amber closed the door. They sat down at Ambers couch and there was a very long silence in the room. Topanga could tell that Amber was conflicted and in fact, Amber felt all the emotions, guilt, shame, embarrassment, frustration, fear. After a while she broke the silence and confessed, swallowing hard

„I know this is not an excuse for what I have done but I have to get this off my chest because maybe at least you will understand why I did it. I was abused by my stepfather for years. Until my grandparents took me in as I was a complete mess. I was doing drugs and alcohol from a young age. I managed to finish Highschool with good grades and made it to NYU. But once I got there and all the partying started I couldn't stay away from it anymore. I joined in and soon I was back to my old ways. I never went to therapy during the time at my grandparents because I didn't want to open up to anyone. So I always carried the pain with me. I did horrible things to myself, but the worst part is that because I hated myself I was never able to love anyone else too. I guess I just got a little obsessed with Josh because he was such a good guy. He wasn't like most guys in college, he was never drunk, never hit on girls, he was respectful and kind. I guess I wanted to be loved by someone like him." Amber said while looking down

Josh didnt know what to say, he was still so angry at Amber for what she had one to him and Maya but at the same time he felt bad for Amber and for what she had experienced in her life too. Topanga had a lot of compassion for Amber because she had heard these stories many times before in court. And it is always the girls who end up destroying themselves because they cling on to the hope of being loved so much so that they often times make unhealthy choices. Topanga reached out her hand and laid it on top of Ambers. Amber couldnt help but tear up at Topangas touch and started weeping. Topanga gave Josh a knowing look and he knew that it was time for him to leave and let Topanga do the rest. As he left, Amber wept uncontrollably because she never in her life experienced someone extending such loving grace towards her. After a while Amber asked with a broken voice „How can you be so nice to me? You dont even know me and what I have done to Josh was horrible.."

„I know, honey, but I also know that there is hope for you. I am pretty sure that you can find healing too, because I have seen it many times before. You just need the right people who help you." Topanga said with a comforting smile on her face

„But, I am scared know, I have never had to go to court and I can't lose my spot here at university."

„Leave that up to me. I will talk to Josh and see whether or not he wants to press charges. Maybe we can find an agreement somehow."

They exchanged numbers and Topanga gave her some more comforting words before she left.

Josh was waiting outside for Topanga and they both headed for the car to go back home to the Matthews apartment. On the drive back she filled him in on everything and what she thought about the whole scenario. Josh was mostly quiet and couldnt make up his mind yet, all he could think about was Maya and how relieved he was that he really didnt do it after all.

Arriving at the apartment, Topanga and Josh sat down at the kitchen table now joined by Riley and Cory. Riley was the first to speak up „Uncle Josh, I am so sorry about everything and how I yelled at you. I am so glad that this was all just fake and that nothing happened!" She said as she got up to give Josh a hug
„It's all good Riley, I mean I would have also believed that I was guilty If I were you."

As they sat back down Topanga started to suggest ideas to move forward „Josh, so this is all up to you but you can either press charges against Amber which would mean that she will be expelled from school without a chance of getting back and she will probably get community hours. Or you don't press charges and I will file a restraining order so she can't come near you, arrange for her to get therapy and get her to volunteer at a woman's shelter here in New York. With the last option she would at least be able to continue to go to school and wouldn't have a criminal record. What do you think?"

Josh took a deep breathe as he already knew what he wanted „Well, I am still frustrated and angry for what Amber had done and part of me wants her to be punished for it more but I also see that with the right help she might be able to change and get well. So I go with option two. Thank you so much Topanga, for everything, I mean I wouldn't know what would have happened without you." he stated as he got up to hug his amazing sister in law

„aaah Joshy, I am pretty sure that you would have figured everything out aswell if I wouldn't have, you are a smart young man and you should trust your own instincts more, you know yourself, honey!" She encouraged him after they hugged.