Always - A Joshaya Story

Reminiscence

MAYA
As I climbed the fire escape to my best friend Riley Matthews bay window, a flurry of soft snowflakes settled in my hair. Even though it didn't snow in New York very often, occasionally it would surprise us with a light dusting around Christmas. "Perfect timing." I thought. I arrived at my destination and pulled open Riley's bay window. I watched Riley dancing to Christmas music, chuckling to myself quietly she did an unbalanced spin and almost stumbled into me. "Merry Christmas Eve Riles!" I yelled over the music, steadying her.
"Maya!" Riley wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. "I feel like we haven't seen each other in forever!"
"Riley we saw everyone at Topanga's yesterday."
"Oh, right!" Riley's smile slowly faded and her face suddenly became void of emotion. She grabbed my hand and pulled me over to our beloved bay window. "Peaches, I have something to tell you."
"Okay." I said calmly, while every possibility of what she could possibly say flew through my mind.
"Uncle Josh is coming."
"Oh." I said, my voice catching. I looked down at the friendship ring I was twisting around my finger as my stomach overflowed with butterflies.
"You gonna be okay?" My concerned best friend asked.
I nodded, while my mind took a stroll down memory lane.
2 years earlier
"You know, Boing there are six weeks out of the year between our birthdays when we're only two years apart. Like, oh, I don't know, right now, so how about this? We get to hold hands six weeks out of the year. I'll take it!"
"We could do that. Or how about I like my deal better? You once said you were playing the long game."
"I like you, Josh. It's you I like."
"I like you, too. And I'd never want you not to be in my life. So, how about we try this."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend right now!"
"No."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend eventually. You're not saying no. You have to say something."
"I'll play the long game. Live your life, I'll live my life, I know you're out there and I'm out there, too."
"That's your deal? "
"That's my deal."
"Someday?"
"Someday."
We shook hands.
"Let go."
"Someday."

Josh and I had agreed to play the long game my freshman year of high school. He told me I shouldn't wait for him, that I should try to date guys my own age. I tried my best to abide by his wishes by going on dates and to dances, but I only had eyes for Josh. Time and time again I had denied my feelings for Josh, hoping they would go away. Not even Riley knew my true feelings. I loved Josh.

He was a sophomore in college and I was a junior in high school. I wanted this to work so badly but the 3 year age gap had always seemed like a big problem for him. He had stopped texting me once he began his sophomore year of college. I snapped back into reality as I realized Riley was talking to me.
"And I can't wait to see what Lucas got me for Christmas!" Riley and Lucas had liked each other ever since she fell into his lap on the subway. They had finally started dating this year and everyone could see that they were meant to be.
"Yeah Riles I bet you're excited." I replied, plastering a smile on my face. Riley noticed and reached over to grab my hand.
"Peaches, if there was something wrong you'd tell me right?"
"Yeah." I looked into Riley's chocolate brown eyes. "I would."
"Good." Riley smiled. "Now lets go help with dinner." Riley and I linked arms and waltzed down to the kitchen. As we went through the doorway side by side Cory practically attacked me.
"Maya!" He screamed. "IS SHAWN COMING?"
"Yes?" I replied, holding out the E. A look of relief washed over his face, but was quickly replaced by confusion.
"Wait. How do you know and I don't?"
"Shawn is dating my mom, remember?" I said, tapping my temple for emphasis.
"How dare he like someone more than me." Cory complained.
"It's easy!" Mr. Matthews faked being offended then pulled us both in for a hug.
" We're going to help Mom in the kitchen. Please let go." A smothered Riley complained.
Cory let go.
"You're welcome. Have fun girls!"

Topanga Matthews turned around from where she was preparing the Christmas ham.
"Here to help?"
"Yeah Mom! What do you need us to do?"
As Riley and I helped in the kitchen, Cory and Riley's little brother Auggie finished decorating the tree. Riley and I busied ourselves with peeling potatoes and chopping vegetables. I tuned out of the Matthews conversation as my mind whirled with the possibilities of what I would say to Josh when I saw him again.

Before I knew it 6:30 rolled around and it was time for the rest of the family to arrive.