Always There

Chapter 4 - Josh

Maya was sitting inside of Topanga's busy studying for some big test for her Spanish this Friday.
It hasn't even been a week since Shawn and Katy told Maya she's going tk be a big sister.
She was very excited but also she hasn't been this happy since Shawn adopted her.
She knew it was something to be very strong of.

A guy in his late teens comes into the bakery and immediately sees the blonde sixteen-year-old girl.
He hasn't seen her in potentially three months which was a record.
He saw Shawn and signaled him to not say a word.
He wanted to surprise Maya.
Whether it was going to happen only she will know.
Maya was busy saying a term in Spanish when she heard footsteps.
She turned around and faced the nineteen-year-old.

"Josh!" Maya said and gave Josh a hug.
"Hey Gorgeous. What are you doing?" Josh asked and sat down.
"Studying but I could do with a break. What are you doing here?"

Maya was suddenly happier than she ever was.
She was more happy than she was ever sad.
Her eyes were sparkling and her smile could tell a thousand words.
Which both Shawn and Katy saw.

"Sounded like Spanish. Didn't know you take the class," Josh said.
"For the past two years. One class I actually do good in. Or what do you say Dad?" Maya asked.

"That and History which since Cory left went down the drain. Hi Josh. What can I get for you guys?" Shawn asked.
"Orange juice for me please," Maya said.
"I'll take the same," Josh said.
"Coming right up."

"Since when does Shawn Hunter play waiter?" Josh asked.
"Since he heard his wife is pregnant. I'm having a baby sister or brother," Maya said.
"That's amazing Maya. It's what you always wanted," Josh said.
"Yeah. Excuse me for a second," Maya said and stood up.

Josh could see almost immediately that she has been crying.
And he also knew that he had to explain to Shawn.

"It's not your fault. In February her other friends left as well. Smackle and Farkle went to Einstein Academy and the cowboys went to Texas. She hasn't been handeling it very well," Shawn said.
"Neither would I. Does she have any contact with either of them?" Josh asked and Shawn shook his head.
"Don't know if it's her or their choice. But it's killing me seeing her like that," Shawn said.
"Probably her choice. I wouldn't want to keep in contact with people who raised me for eleven years to just quickly say hello. Congratulations on the baby. Must be excited," Josh said.
"That was the first thing in three months that made her happy. But not the last," Shawn said and sat down next to Josh.
"I saw how her face lightened up when she saw you. It was like when I walked in a room which Katy was in before I popped the question," Shawn said.
"We like each other. But unfortunately for me was the age gap of three years still too much. Don't know. Maybe it could change quicker than I thought. Listen I know she's probably in the middle of finals but could I abduct her tonight?" Josh asked.
"She isn't. It's just a small test in Friday. Go ahead. It would mean the world to us. Let me give you her number. It will be easier and now that you are gonna be here for like a few years you can bond. She urgently needs it," Shawn said and gave Josh a piece of paper.
"Thanks. At least I know one thing. My brother won't give me the 'don't ruin Riley's friendship' speach. I'll take good care of her," Josh said and was gone.