College Years

t h i r t y

Maya's POV
The monday after Lucas's funeral, school started again. After all my classes that day, I realized that I couldn't remember the last time I've talked to Josh...or even seen him.

Riley: (opens the door and walks in) Hey, Maya. Do you wanna take a walk?
Maya: Um, sure. Wow. We're both wearing similar outfits: crop top and jeans.
Riley: Yeah. Let's go.

We started walking out. It was average weather...maybe like seventy-five degrees. I HATE hot weather so much, so this was okay. I have to admit, this was a great distraction from Lucas. My grieving process with him was going faster than I thought it should be. After an hour, Riley sat down on a bench.

Maya: What's wrong, Riles?
Riley: (smiles) Nothing.

I looked behind me, and I saw Charlie's semi-formal proposal to Riley from eighth grade all over again. There were people handing me roses until I got a big bouquet, music, and some random guy on skates.

Riley: (sarcastic) I wonder who did this.
Josh: (walks up to Maya) I did.
Maya: Josh? You did all of this? For me?
Josh: (blushing) Yeah, I did. Um, Maya?
Maya: Yeah?
Josh: Will you go on a date with me?
Maya: ...Yes.
Josh: Really? Yes! (hugs Maya)
Maya: (slowly hugs back)

I said yes because I kind of felt like I was ready. I hugged slowly because I was so happy that Josh wasn't tired of waiting. Later that night, Riley was helping me get ready for my...um...date.

Riley: You know I helped Josh, right?
Maya: I know. You're a bad liar.
Riley: What? I am not!
Maya: (raises her eyebrows at Riley)
Riley: Fine. We'll ask Uncle Josh later.
Maya: Deal.

Riley helped me with my outfit. A red dress and some black combat boots. I curled my hair, and put on a little makeup. Then someone knocked on the door. Fingers crossed that it's Josh this time.

Riley: (opens the door) Hello, Uncle Josh.
Josh: Hey, Riley. Where's Maya?
Maya: (walks up to the door) Here I am.
Josh: (stunned) Wow. You look...wow.
Maya: (blushes)
Josh: Well, let's go?
Maya: Yeah. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Josh: What happened?
Maya: Is Riley a bad liar?
Riley: Come on, Maya. Just give it up. It's not like my own uncle would say that I'm a bad-
Josh: Liar? Yeah, you are.
Riley: (opens her mouth shocked)
Josh: ...Sorry. Let's go, Maya.
Maya: Okay. Bye, Riley.
Riley: ...Bye.

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Say this: Red leather, Yellow leather. Red leather, Yellow leather.

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