Maya Hart. She was fierce, independent, and a complete amazon warrior. She did what she wanted and didn't let anyone step over her. The little blonde may have been short, but she was also feared among those who weren't close to her.
Maya was also the one who stole Joshua Matthews' heart all those years ago. Even though he was three years older than Maya, he still couldn't help falling for her. No matter how much he tried to deny it or how much he tried to date other girls to distract him from his true feelings, it didn't work.
He had tried for so long to push Maya away and keep her from entering his world, but Maya was persistent and that was what made him declare his liking for her when he was just a freshmen in college and she was just a freshmen in high school. It was when Maya's class went on a trip to a ski lodge. The rest of the trip was a blur to both of them, but they could still recall the moment that everything changed between them perfectly. They had both promised to play the long game together. It was the beginning of their story.
And they did play the long game. They waited for each other for four years. She was a freshmen in college and he had just graduated when they decided to finally get together. Those three years of being together was everything they ever hoped it would be.
Despite their love for each other, it was just not enough. They had broken up a little after their three years of being together. It was a mutual decision, but it was a hard one. She was a senior in college, ready to take on the world, and he was already in the second year at his job at as an assistant pyschogist for kids. They both wanted different things. He was ready to settle down while she was ready to travel and explore the world. They were both at a point in their lives where the other didn't fit anymore. So they let each other go with teary eyes and promises of coming back to each other if fate willed them to be meant to be.
That was how they found themselves at a marriage ceremony a few years later with their loved ones to witness the joining of two souls. Except, it wasn't their wedding. It was hers - and he was just a guest.
"You look stunning, Maya." Josh had found a way to seek pass Riley, a very proud maid of honor, and was now leaning on the doorframe of Maya's dressing room. When Maya turned towards him with a smile on her face, Josh's smile only widen.
"Thank you, Boing, but what're you doing in my dressing room? Riley will kill you if she finds you here distracting me," Maya remarked, glaring at him playfully with a smile on her face.
"I know, but I wanted to see how the bride was doing. Besides, I snuck past her when she was reminiscing with Lucas about their own wedding day so I think I have a few minutes before I die," he defended, smiling sheepishly.
Maya rolled her eyes at him and her own smile widen. "Fair enough."
When it became silent, they both allowed their thoughts to wonder. Once upon a time, they had both truly thought that they would be having a wedding ceremony for themselves. This turn of events was unexpected, but both of them were content with their lives. They just wasn't meant to be. After a while, Maya spoke again. "I'm really glad you're here, Josh. It means a lot."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It's an honor to watch you turned into Mrs. Babineoux," Josh stated, his smile still present. The next few minutes consisted of the usual small talk. She asked him how was his job and how was married life going after three years. He asked her about her new gallery she was opening with Riley in a few weeks and promised that he would attend the opening. "I should probably go before Riley finds me here and kill me for distracting the bride."
"Okay. I'll see you later," Maya said. Her words meant more than it led on because she was truly glad that she got to say them. She was glad that Josh still remained a big part of her life after all these years. She was glad that he was there to witness her getting married to the love of her life.
"See you." He left and somehow was able to avoid the attention of Riley. When he walked back to his seat, he kissed his wife whom he loved oh-so dearly and who was well aware about his whereabouts.
Shortly after, the ceremony officially began and he watched Maya walk down the aisle with a proud look as his face. He couldn't have been happier that Maya found her forever, seeing as he already found his. His smile and happiness only widen when Maya and Zay officially said 'i do,' making them now husband and wife.
For a moment, Josh briefly remembered their promise of the long game and - although it wasn't the forever game they had intended - they had played the game and they had learned to properly love someone. It was because of each other that they were both ready for their individual marriages to their significant others. They had owed a lot to each other.
They both knew that just because their long game ended long ago, they'll always have their friendship to count on.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hoped you guys enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing this. This wasn't how I planned on writing this, but inspiration took over. Now, as much as I love Joshaya, I couldn't help but wonder what if things between them won't work out. In my opinion, even if they never become a thing, I think they'll always be friends and be there for each other.
