It's About Time (GMW - Joshaya)

Chapter 24

Maya's POV

"Maya," he repeated my name again a little more softly.

I couldn't move. I was paralyzed, and I couldn't even look at him. My head was resting on my knees, and my arms were wrapped tightly around me like a guard wall. 

"Maya, please talk to me. Let me explain," he slipped down to the floor so that he was facing me. I felt his warm hand grip around mine as he gave it a squeeze. He scooted next to me and I leaned my head on his shoulder snuggling into his chest. He wiped away a tear from my cheek, laced his long fingers with mine, and kissed the back of my hand. Strangely, I felt safe right now even though he was the one who was constantly hurting me.

"It's not what it looks like Maya," I looked up at him and I knew he regretted his word choice immediately. I let him continue anyways." There was this waitress in Atlantic City last night that brought me my drink. She was flirting with me and ended up writing her number down on a napkin..." I held my hand up to protest this time.

"Look Josh, I don't want to hold you back anymore. I've been doing that on and off for long enough. You want to go be with other girls, go! I don't want to hold you back," I winced as I said these words.

"Maya--" Josh began.

"You know what Josh...you're going home in less than a week. You'll be in Florida and I'll be here. Go be with all the girls you want. I'm not going to stop you and I don't want to be just another one of your girls. Live your life. I'll live mine. That was the deal right?" my heart was shattering as I spoke. 

I watched a tear slide down his cheek. Un-freaking-believable. I found myself overwhelmingly angry at this point. "Bye Josh," I stood up, wiped my tears away, and headed to Riley's room so that I could sneak out the window without passing anybody in the building. 

"Please, Maya wait," he gently grabbed my waist to turn me around. 

I shook him off me, "I said goodbye Josh. After this wedding, whatever this is, it's done. Let's just get through this wedding for Cory and Topanga and let things go." I climbed out the window and down the fire escape without looking back. 

I walked another block until I was out of sight and began to silently sob as I made my way to the subway--unsure of where I was going.