Maya Meets World

Maya Meets Changes

"We need to talk,"

Maya pulled her brows together, "Do we?"

"Yes, Maya,"

Maya sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. "Can I get some peanut butter first?" She asked, her eyebrows raised, her eyes lighting up.

Riley waved her hand toward the kitchen, Maya walking past her, swiftly making her way to Riley's cabinets. She pulled out a jar of peanut butter, sliding a drawer out to grab a spoon, hitting it closed with her hip as she quickly undid the lid, dunking her spoon into the jar.

Riley was sitting in the bay window, waiting patiently for Maya to join her.

"Mmm-mmm, we're doing this in here," Maya nodded toward the couch instead.

Riley stood and walked to the living room, joining Maya on the couch.

Maya curled her legs under her. "What's up?" She asked, the spoon of peanut butter in her mouth as she licked it clean.

"Where's your head at...?" Riley asked cautiously.

"Where's your head at?" Maya repeated back to her friend, an eyebrow raised.

Riley shook her head, "This is an about me, Maya."

Maya plunged the spoon back into the jar of peanut butter. "Isn't it, though?" she asked, her eyes focusing on the jar in her hands.

"Maya,"

"Riley," Maya sighed looking up, shaking her head slightly. "Listen. Anything you've got to say, trust me I've already said it. Any concern or question or critique you could possibly come up with, I've already been there a thousand times over."

Riley's eyes were now downcast.

"But Riley," Maya said with a slight shake of her head, "this is where i'm at now. This is what is happening. And honestly the very last thing I need is for my best friend," she said, her voice beginning to quiver. Maya took a breath, composing herself before she continued, "I just need you to be here for me."

Riley exhaled heavily. "I am here for you, Maya. You know that."

"Then what is it, Riley?" Maya asked. "Is it Josh? Do you think he's going to bail?"

"Of course not," Riley barely got out before Maya continued.

"Because ya know," Maya sniffed, "I don't... I can do this on my own."

"No, Maya. And you won't have to do this alone," Riley's brows were pulled together as she shook her head.

"Then is it me? You don't think I can be a good mother?!" Maya put the jar of peanut butter on the coffee table in front of her with authority.

"Maya," Riley exhaled, sounding as if the breath had been knocked out of her.

Maya's chin was quivering. "I get it, Riley, I didn't have the best - -"

"Maya stop!" Riley's hands were placed on top of Maya's shaky ones steadying them.

Maya looked up at Riley, her eyes full of tears. She set her jaw tightly, trying to keep her tears at bay.

"It's this," Riley whispered. "This is what I'm worried about..."

Maya shook her head, pulling her hands away from underneath Riley's.

"Maya..."

"What do you want me to say, Riles?" Maya asked shaking her head.

Riley shrugged slightly, "I don't know, Maya."