Fragile Heart

Chapter Twenty one

JOSHS POV
I vigorously hit the top of my desk with the dull pencil sitting in my fingertips, thus creating a pattern of sounds.
"Josh, put your pencil down." Ms.jamison alarmed me and I flew my head out of its daze.
My eyes were glued to her wrinkly ones but I wasn't hearing a single word that escaped from her paper thin lips. I deceived her eyes by behaving like an obedient pupil that processed every sound she made.
"Blah blah blah in New York."
That's all I managed to hear but as soon as she uttered New York my ears were pointed upwards. I felt my heart do flips in my chest and I anxiously waited for more details on what current event is taking place in this beautiful city. I needed an excuse to go back there, to see Maya.
"What's in New York?" I finally screamed over the tens of astute classmates sitting and scribbling down several pages of notes in front of me.
"If you would just listen Josh!" The teacher scolded me while smoothing out her frumpy dress.
"Yes M'am."
"It's a college program, it'll help you get adjusted to the area if that's where you're interested in attending college. It also gives you a leg up on the competition and you'll meet tons of new students from all over."
I didn't care about meeting anyone, I wanted my eyes to reunite with Maya's beautiful cerulean ones.
"When?"
"In a couple weeks. See me after class if you're interested Mr.Matthews."
I nodded and drifted off into my thoughts.
Brrrinnnngggg
The obnoxious, ear shattering bell went off discharging me from my daydreams of the beautiful blond. I walked over to Ms.Jamisons desk and waited patiently for her to give me acknowledgment.
"You want information on the New York study program?" She spat out while digging through her chaotic pile of disheveled papers. Finally she smiled at her victory and handed me a wrinkled piece of paper entitled "NYU Study Program".
"When does this take place?"
"Well, you will need to attend their sessions that start in a couple weeks. I'll give you a rundown. You will attend a local high school where you will finish your last semester of your junior year. On specific days you will be assigned a "buddy" who will show you around the college and give you some valuable tips. It continues into the summer. It's ultimately your choice wether you want to finish your senior year there or come back here."
"I'm very interested."
Other than seeing Maya again, this sounded like an ambitious journey that I needed to embellish in, in order to pursue my dream career of becoming a journalist. New York had countless numbers of the top newspapers that I could venture my way into. This set off a fire in the pit of my soul and I felt enraged to achieve these unfathomable dreams.

MAYAS POV
I finally processed Josh's absence in my empty life, everyday became further and further from those memorable scars. With each day passing, the scars gradually faded and I felt myself beginning to see light again.
"Hey Maya!" Riley screamed, capturing all of my leftover attention.
"Riley, I need to ask you something."
"Well, ask me!"
I grasped her long thin arms and pulled her towards our safe haven, the windowsill.
I starred into her sparkly, innocent brown eyes and fiddled with my fingers.
"What is it?" She asked impatiently
"Don't be mad because you know I'd never hurt you..." I mumbled.
"I know Maya. Just tell me."
"Lucas asked me out." I released and felt guilty as soon as it slipped out.
"Oh." Riley said looking downwards into her lap.
"I won't go on the date with him Riley, if you don't want me to."
"I like Lucas, a lot Maya. I've never liked anyone before and I chose him. He's my first crush, the first boy I've developed real feelings for. He was my first kiss and my first boyfriend. He choose you. There's nothing I can possibly do to alter his feelings. If you like him, I give you my blessing."
"Riley..I don't want to see you in pain. I don't want it to torture you. I don't want to be itching inside to tell you about my date and not be able to because it'll hurt you. I can't hurt you. You're my best friend."
"He doesn't like me,Maya. It isn't fair for me to get in the way. You've had to deal with a lot of drama the past month. Josh gave you hell and you took it like the princess warrior you are. You deserve a boy like Lucas, a sweet boy who won't hurt you."
"You sure? It's just one date, nothing serious. I can't do serious again for a while.."
"Thanks for trying to protect my feelings but I can handle it. Lucas is great but that doesn't mean he's great for me. If we are going to happen, it'll happen. That's what I believe."
She was a bubbly ball of positive energy that bounced around off of the walls spreading her good vibes. I'd call her naive but she wasn't, she was simply a believer. She was one of those people that believed in happy endings and true love. I was a realist, I neglected to find reality or truth in either, I've been surrounded by proof of it my entire life.
"So, where's he taking you?" She asked faking a smile.
"I'm not sure. He is supposed to text me with plans any minute." I said attempting to control my excitement.