Over Time a Josh and Maya Story

Chapter 1. A shift

There has been a shift. A change, not all at once but little by little. If you didn't know the two parties involved you wouldn't think anything of it. Riley Matthews for quite sometime had notice a change in the relationship between her best friend Maya Hart and her Uncle Josh Matthews.

It all started at Maya's 17th birthday party. Shawn had decided to throw his stepdaughter a small birthday celebration  consisting of a family dinner at a restaurant. All their friends and family were there.
Maya being the guest of honor sat at the head of the table, Riley sat to her right with Lucus next to her, Farkle to Maya's left with Smackle at his side and Zay by Smackle. Shawn sat at the other end of the table with his wife Katy to his left and Cory being is bestfriend to his right and Topanga beside him. Everyone was there to celebrate this occasion, well almost everyone. The one person missing was probably the one person Maya wanted most to see. Josh. The youngest Matthews brother could not attend the dinner due to him being in Philadelphia visiting his parents.
Riley took in the slight sadness that had shown in her bestfriends eyes upon arriving to the dinner and noticing his absence however  it quickly disappeared as fast as it came. Maya Hart was a strong girl who hated being vulnerable, she was an expert at tapping those feelings down and keeping them hidden. Riley however knew her well.

Riley was pulled from her thoughts when Shawn began his speech dedicated to his stepdaughter.

Shawn: "Maya even though I met you when I was thirty two and you were thirteen, you showed me how much I wanted to be a father. Even though I wasn't there when you were born and   I didn't teach you to walk or hear your first words. I promise to be there for everything in the future. I consider you to be my daughter. I watched you grow from a girl to a confident young woman. I couldn't be prouder of you and the person you are slowly becoming. You make me want to be a better person each and everyday for you and your mother. Happy birthday Maya!!! "

With that everyone cheered. Maya let a few tears fall from her eyes. She loved Shawn very much and couldn't ask for a better father.  As the night progressed so did the speeches. Everyone had kind words for Maya and the affect she had on their lives. Funny stories, inside jokes, the evening was wonderful.

As the night wound down everyone slowly started to leave. Maya would be spending the night at Riley's. Outside the restaurant the friends said their goodbyes. Shawn and Katy carried Maya's gift to their car. Maya and Riley linked arms and walked to the subway with Cory and Topanga.

When they arrived at the Matthews residence every one  proceeded to make lines for the shower and get ready for bed.

Riley's POV
I gathered my Pjs and looked over at Maya who was sitting at the Bay window.
"Maya are you okay?" I asked noticing how quiet she had gotten since coming to the apartment.
"Yeah I am fine, just tired.." she replied.
"Okay well I am going to go shower...then you can go next ok?"
She nodded in response to what I had said.
I left to the bathroom and as i turned on the water i realized i had left my shower cap in my room. Since i didn't feel like washing my hair today, i decided to walk back to my room and retrieve it.  As I near my room I start hearing voices.
They are muffled by the door but I can make out who they are.
Definitely Maya and...who else...Josh?
I thought he was in Philadelphia.
I listen to their conversation.

"Sorry I couldn't make it to the dinner..."

"It's okay...no big deal."

"It is a big deal... I drove here from Philadelphia thinking I would make it on time, but when I got to the restaurant it was closed."