It's About Time (GMW - Joshaya)

Chapter 66

Maya's POV

Before I could say another word, the priest spoke. 

"Alright, I think It's time we begin," he cocked the microphone at the podium down so that it was level with his mouth. "Can we have the bridal party meet me in the back? Please find your partner as well when you get back there."

Suddenly I felt a little nauseous. I was gonna have to face Josh again. And this time, I can't run away, or cry, or slam the door in his face. I had to put on a good face for everyone today. It was the least I could do for Cory and Topanga who practically raised me. 

Besides, I didn't wanna be a bitch. I just want the feelings and the hurt to stop. I want the games to stop. If cutting him out of my life for a while is the way to do it, then, thats the way its gonna have to be.

I walked with Riley toward the back of the church where the rest of the bridal party was gathering. I watched with a fixed gaze as the close family and friends and out-of-town guests shuffled in and found their ways to pews in the church. 

Colors streamed in from the stained glass windows and reflected on the guests that were sitting on the right side of the church. 

"You look gorgeous as always," a voice whispered into my left ear. It caused me to shudder a little bit. 

The voice that had snapped me out of my trance was none other than Josh's and I recognized it right away. I ignored his compliment as he moved from behind me to the right side of me.

"Come on Maya," he began to whisper so that no one could hear.

I turned toward him and placed a hand on his chest to stop him.

"Please. Not here and not today Josh. If not for my sake, do it for the sake of Cory and Topanga. I'm gonna do everything I can to act as normal as possible, but I'm gonna need you to lift some weight yourself for once," I retracted my hand, realizing that it was still on his chest where I could feel his heart beat racing a million miles a minute.

"Okay," the priest projected his voice loud enough so that we could all hear. "I'm gonna read off the list of pairs and I'm going to need you guys to line up in that order." 

Everyone hushed down and paid attention to the priest who was holding a list in his hands.

"First, we are gonna need Cory, who is gonna walk down right behind me. Then, once Cory makes it all the way to the alter, Amy and Alan will follow down the aisle. Once they make it halfway down the aisle, we are going to need Rachel and Jack. This will now be the deal with the rest of the bridal party. You will begin when the couple before you is halfway down," the priest squinted at the paper. "Excuse me, I'm going to run up and get my glasses quickly. I apologize. I will be right back."

"Maya," Josh spoke softly into my ear.

I slugged him right in the stomach to shut him up. Not too hard, but enough that he would get the point. But that doesn't mean that I didn't catch him off guard enough because he still made a little grunt. The bridal party turned to face us. I smiled and played dumb, hoping that we would not draw anymore attention to ourselves.

"Alright, I am back," the priest slid his glasses up his nose, unfolded the paper, and began to read again. "Next up is Morgan and Jesse, then Jo and Eric."

"Maya and Josh," he continued. 

Josh and I linked arms and took our place in the procession line.

"Followed by Riley and Auggie. Then, we will have the maid of honor and best man: Katy and Shawn."

Cory and Topanga decided that this time Shawn would get to be the best man since last time things with Eric as the best man got a little out of hand (or so I've heard). And my mom has become best friends with Topanga over the years, so it just seemed right.