Joshaya V.S Lucaya

Chapter 4

Maya's POV

"Oh wow! She's definitely excited!" Josh says to me after Riley stops screaming. I know exactly why too.

"Well, looks like Hop-a-long finally told her who he chose" I say with a smirk. Josh just looks at me and nods. Something is off though, on the other side of the room. Lucas seems, almost, morose. That can't be right.

"BAY WINDOW!!! BAY WINDOW RIGHT NOW!!!" I hear Riley yell. So, as her best friend, I break away from Josh, trying to ignore the sadness all over his face, and make my way over to her.

"Hey Riles!" I greet her with a smile on my face. I just can't help but smile, seeing how over-the-moon happy she is.

"Oh Maya! I'm so sorry he didnt choose you but I'm so happy he chose me! Does that make me a bad person?" She looked at me, her face falling slightly. I stole a quick look at Huckleberry, who was, to my surprise, staring at me. I took a deep breath and told her exactly what she needed to hear.

"Of course not sweetie! I'm so happy for you Riley. Now we both get what we always wanted." I tell her. Her face lights up again as I'm smiling at her. She takes my hands and tells me everything. I listen intently, laughing when I need to and letting out the occasional 'awe' in the appropriate places. I can't help but feel something in the pit of my stomach though. Sadness? Longing? Jealousy? I don't know,  but I push whatever it is down and watch Riley flail about as she excitedly tells me all her plans for the future.

"Well, it's been a long day Peaches. I'm exhausted!" Riley says suddenly. I nod in agreement and she stands up, leans down and hugs me. She says goodnight and I tell her sweet dreams. I watch her walk up the stairs and then turn my attention to the window. It's such a beautiful night.

I decide that maybe I'm not as tired as I thought. I contemplate what to do for a moment and then decide to go outside. Maybe I'll walk for a while, maybe I'll just find a bench and sit with my thoughts. Yes, that's what I'll do, find a bench and sit with my thoughts. This has been the longest and most emotional 24 hours I've experienced in over a decade. So, I stand up and begin my short walk to the door. Suddenly I feel a hand clasp my wrist. I turn around and see one of the most gorgeous smiles I've ever seen.

"Want some company, shortstack?" he asks. I smile and nod, and we head out the door as his hand moves from my wrist to my hand, lacing his fingers with mine.