Not so little anymore

That Horrid Day Of The Year

Hi everyone! Hope you guys are doing well! Thank you so much for reviewing and reading! I wanted to give a quick shoutout to @ForeverReader300 her story is amazing! If you haven't gotten the chance to read it I recommend it!
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February 14th had Maya vomiting in her mouth every time she turned around. Waking up that morning was bad enough, in her opinion. But having to watch people make out and giving cliché heart shaped candy to each other had really put her on edge.

It's not like she hadn't expected it. She knew what to expect when she had gotten up this morning. She just didnt realize she would hate it as much as she did now. She never used to hate Valentines day, but the deep growing of bitterness was getting stronger and stronger with every couple and heart shaped decoration she saw.

"You're just pissed because you dont have anyone to swap spit and candy with." Zay told her on their way to their last class of the afternoon. Maya gave him one of the worst glares that she had ever given anyone in her life.

"Look who's talking." She spat back at him. Zay rolled his eyes.

"I'm single because I want to be. You're single because you're stupid." Zay ducked into the classroom, barely missing Maya's swinging handbag as he chuckled all the way to his seat. Maya glared at him as she walked past and sat down in the seat behind him.

Getting her books out and putting them on the desk, she rolled her eyes at the goofy grin that was on her Professors face as she walked in the room and set her box of candy down on her desk. This day could not end quick enough.
~

"You really dont have to come, you know." Riley told her as she put on her jacket. "I'm riding with Josh."

"The last thing I need is for your family to realize that something happened between me and Josh, as far as they know I wouldn't miss Josh's party even if the world was ending. There's no reason to make them think things have changed." Maya told her as she grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder.

"Except things have changed. You and Josh hardly ever talk to each other anymore. The only time you see each other is when you're passing through the same hall or going to the same place. Even then you two only say hello and then move forward. It's kind of sad to be honest." Riley admitted. Maya shook her head.

"Whatever, I just have to hold out until May." Maya stated. Riley froze and sighed as she turned to face Maya.

"I cant believe Uncle Josh is taking that job just because you told him to." Riley said as she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Maya. Maya shook her head.

"The only reason Josh would have stayed was because of me. Since we're not together anymore it doesnt make since that he would stay. It's his dream. Always follow your dreams." Maya told her. Riley sighed.

"There are still other people that would like for Josh to stay, you know." Riley told her. Maya nodded her head.

"Then tell him. But I'm not going to be the excuse he gives if he turns down that job, Riles. I cant be." Maya stated firmly. Riley nodded her head.

"We should go. He'll be waiting for us." Riley said. Maya grabbed a jacked on the way out and closed the door behind her as Riley left in front.
~

The car ride to the Matthew's apartment was filled with Riley talking about all her teachers in her classes and the homework assignments that they had given out. Josh was Engaging in conversation with her, but every few seconds his eyes would glance in his mirror to the backseat to look at Maya.

Maya had told Riley to take the front so she wouldn't have to talk to Josh anymore than she had to. She had wished him a happy birthday, and had given him a brief hug before getting into the backseat not wanting it to be anymore awkward than what it was between them.

Once they had pulled up to the apartment building, Maya got out as quick as she could while Josh and Riley hung back.

"Are you really going to take that job in California?" Riley asked him as Josh watched Maya walk into the building. He sighed and looked over at his niece.

"Looks like it. I already called them and scheduled up a meeting with them in April. I'll take a weekend and fly out there. Then in May I'll pack up my things and head to Virginia for training at Quantico." He told her. Riley bit her lip and sat back in her seat.

"What if I didnt want you to go. What if me asking you to stay had nothing to do with Maya, but just because I dont want to lose you to those sunny beaches." Riley asked him quietly. Josh looked at her and smiled.

"Riley, I'm only a phone call away. You know that. Just because I'm moving out to California for a job, does not mean that I'm not going to be your uncle anymore. Once I get settled, you and Auggie can come visit with me anytime you want. Summers, spring breaks, holidays. I'll be home sometimes to. You're not going to lose me."

Josh laid a hand on Riley's shoulder and she looked up at him before springing into his arms for a hug.

"I'm really going to miss you, Uncle Josh." She spoke as she tried to keep tears from coming out. Josh kissed the side of her head as he held her close.

"I'm going to miss you, too." He stated. "But hey, California is still a ways away. You dont have to miss me too much yet. Come on, lets go party." He told her as he pulled away. Riley smiled at him as they got out of the car and headed into the building.

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