Girl Meets Senior Year

First Day of the Rest of Our Lives

         

Maya paused outside of the open window of her now girlfriend, Riley. She had climbed through this window a thousand times but this time was different. It was only the night before that Maya finally told Riley the secret she had been hiding for years, that she was hopelessly in love with her best friend.

"You can do this, Matthews. This is just like any other day. Maya is coming to pick you up and you will walk to school together. Like. Every. Other. Day," Maya heard Riley say to herself. She's as nervous as I am.

Maya stuck her head through the window, "Honey?"

Riley turned to look at her crawling through the window. Her face lit up the moment their eyes met, "Peaches!"

"Hi," Maya said and proceeded to bite down on her lower lip.

"Hi," Riley answered back.

The two just stared at each other awkwardly.

"I don't think we've ever been this quiet," Riley said finally breaking the silence.

"Sorry," Maya said taking a step closer. "I'm just not sure how to act around you right now."

"Same as always I'd assume with the addition of," Riley paused and her face flushed, "you know... kissing."

Maya tried to control her smile as it attempted to take over her entire face. "Does that mean it would be ok for me to give you a kiss good morning?"

Riley nodded enthusiastically as Maya closed the space between them in seconds, grabbing Riley by the nape of her neck and smashing her lips against hers.

"Maya, I wasn't kidding about using the front door," Cory said from the door way.

"Dad!" Riley screamed as Maya backed away, horrified.

"Good morning, Maya."

She smiled back through tight lips.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or was it my daughter?"

Maya's eyes flew wide and just stared at him, unable to come up with any words to say.

"Oh my god, Dad."

Cory just smiled, "What? This is fun." He laughed. "Come on girls, breakfast is waiting."

Maya simply nodded frantically in response.

Once he left Maya was still motionless.

"Maya? Peaches?"

"I don't know if I can go down there, Riles."

"What?" Riley looked at her confused. "You always eat breakfast with my family."

"Ya but now..."

"Maya, nothing changes. Ok? I'm not willing to give up anything we already have together."

Maya swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

"Plus, you are Maya Hart. There is nothing you cannot handle."

"Ok, Riles. Let's just get it over with."

"Quit your pouting. There are pancakes waiting for us."

The girls made their way down stairs to find Cory, Topanga, and Auggie already eating.

"Good morning, Maya," said Topanga with a knowing smile.

"Morning." Maya sat down and stared at her plate, not bothering to even lift up her fork.

"Maya, are you ok?"

Maya nodded.

"Dad teased her and got her all freaked out," Riley said clearly aggravated.

Topanga turned on her husband, "Cory!"

"What? I was having a little fun!"

"Maya, sweetie," Topanga started. "You know how happy we are for you two right?"

Maya looked up and met Topanga's gaze, her eyes glistening on the verge of tears.

"You have always been part of this family. Now you've just become an even bigger part. Don't let this one get to you. We couldn't be happier."

"Thanks, Mrs. Matthews."

"You know Maya, you two are seniors now and are starting this new relationship. Maybe it's time you call us Cory and Topanga?"

"Really?"

"Really," she smiled at her.

"Really," added Cory. "Except for in class of course. And Maya, I really was only kidding around. I didn't mean to get you so freaked. We will need to set some ground rules, but I don't want you to feel scared of us. Ok?"

"Thanks. I appreciate that." She looked to Riley, "So I'm even more part of the family now?"

Auggie, who had been quiet the entire conversation, spoke up, "Only thing left now is for you two to get married."

"Auggie!" snapped Riley.

Maya laughed, "Its ok, Riles." She picked up her fork and began to eat. Married... what an idea. Maybe someday. If I'm lucky. She glanced over at Riley and lost track of how long she was looking at her.

"What? Do I have syrup on my chin or something?"

"No, I was just thinking." Maya turned back to her plate.

"What were you thinking about?"

She smiled, "Someday."

Riley looked at her clearly not understanding, "Should I know what you're talking about?"

"Not right now, no. Just," she looked back at Riley and stared into her deep brown eyes, "someday."

"You're weird," Riley said.

"You're beautiful."

"You're both going to be late," chimed in Topanga, as she cleared the table.