Chapter Text
The first semester of Maya’s freshman year had gone and past, filling her with both a sense of accomplishment and a sense of dread. She had done well on her finals, partially due to the six friend’s late night study sessions, but also her own newfound drive and motivation. On the other hand, she was only halfway done with her first year of highschool, and as Riley had informed her a few months prior, she had three more years after this one until she was done. Part of her hoped everything would get easier as time went on, but even Cory said it wouldn’t while he was ranting on New Year’s Eve.
“Soon you guys are going to be sophomores, and get all these feelings that I’d really rather not have you guys explore but of course you will anyways- and then I’ll have to find a historical event to relate to seven minutes in heaven-”
“Cory!” Topanga hit her husband's arm, and took away his glass of champagne.
“And then it’ll be junior year, and you guys will be taking the SAT and choosing colleges and drifting apart. Plus, I’m sure you guys will still have breakups and make ups and question your friendship… God I’m going to hate junior year aren’t I? Why did I even agree to teach high school? It was so much easier when you guys were in middle school” Cory lamented.
Lucas shook his head, “No, middle school was when the triangle started. Nothing about that time was easy.”
Cory’s brows furrowed in anger and confusion, “Why are you even in my house?!”
“Because you said I can have my friends over,” Riley shifted uncomfortably next to Maya, “What do you mean questioning our friendship?”
“Yeah Matthews, Riley and I… All of us are forever” Maya said matter-of-factly.
Smackle cleared her throat, “Well, forever isn’t actually attainable, especially considering the sun will eventually collide with the Earth, and the fact that I have yet to find the secret to immortality.”
“Smackle’s right, forever goes against science, time-wise. And forever goes against life. It’s constantly changing. Although I suppose if anything were to come close it would be Riley and Maya” Farkle agreed.
“And all of us right?” Riley questioned, putting her hand in Lucas’, “We’re different from others. We won’t fall out and forget about each other.”
“Maybe not forget about each other, but as you progress in your last two years you’re going to be bombarded with work. Study sessions at Topanga’s might not be as frequent. And you’ll be going to different colleges and growing up… Oh god, college. My baby is going to be leaving!” Cory started to sob.
Topanga shook her head at her husband’s theatrics, “Let’s get you to bed Cory.”
“You know, a couple years ago your New Year’s Eve party was full of entertainment and drama, but I have to say, this year is just depressing” Zay quipped.
“Mom?” Riley asked, a sad look in her eyes.
“Yes sweetie?” Topanga looked at her daughter while slinging Cory’s arm over her shoulder.
“Will that really happen? Are we going to stop being friends?”
Topanga sighed, “It won’t be easy, but you can try. And either way, you’ll always have the memories you guy’s have shared. So don’t worry about it and enjoy the time you do have with each other” she walked off with Cory.
“No. I won’t allow it. We’re going to be friends forever okay?” Maya stood up, “I can’t afford to lose you guys.”
The five friends nodded in agreement.
In addition to New Year’s and years of highschool, another important year had passed. The day of her birth to be exact. She was turning sixteen today, and of course the universe decided to make today the day she had a biology test. Maya was pretty sure it was illegal for her teacher to give them test only two weeks into the semester.
She was sat next to her lab partner, Lucas, whose leg was bouncing on the stool.
“Can you stop?” Maya hissed under her breath.
Lucas looked at her and realized what he was doing, “Sorry” he whispered before turning his attention back to the test.
Eventually his nervous energy was transferred to bouncing his pencil between his thumb and index finger whenever he was thinking about a question. Maya rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the anxious mess beside her.
The shrill bell eventually rang, Lucas sweeping the eraser shavings off of his desk and the two of them packing up before dropping off their tests at Mrs. Hollis’ desk. At this point, they usually walked to Riley’s locker and eventually meet up with everyone else, grabbing some brunch at the cafeteria. However, they had barely walked out the door before Maya pulled him aside.
“Why were you all nervous in there?” Maya interrogated.
“It’s a test? People usually get nervous about important stuff like that Maya. Let’s go-”
Maya rolled her eyes and pulled him back, “Lucas, you have the best grade in our class. And this was more than just normal test anxiety.”
Lucas sighed, looking at the floor while he was trying to decide whether or not he wanted to tell her before taking a deep breath, “I was thinking about what Cory was saying about college. And I did some research. To be accepted into a good and well respected school with a great veterinary program, I need to take AP Biology- which is known as one of the hardest AP classes in the school. If I fall behind in this class, if I don’t understand something, then I won’t be prepared enough for AP Bio. I… I can’t fail okay?”
“Lucas,” Maya put a hand on his shoulder, “You’re gonna be fine. Don’t worry about all that stuff. I know you’ll get into a good college. You’re smart. But we’re only freshmen. Focus on right now and lighten up a bit.”
He smiled brightly, “Thank you Maya.”
“Don’t tell anyone I was nice to you” she threatened.
“My lips are sealed.”
“Anyways, if you want to relax and have fun for a bit I heard there’s gonna be a fun party tonight” Maya winked.
“Why would there be a party tonight?” Lucas asked with faux innocence, a teasing look across his face.
Maya groaned, “You are not a good liar. Huckleberry, you made me a card and played ‘Happy Birthday’ for me on the harmonica when I walked into class.”
“Yes I did,” Lucas nodded, “And you have no video or witness proof.”
Maya groaned with frustration, walking past him and heading towards Riley’s locker. Lucas turned on the heel of his foot and followed, a smug grin plastered across his face. The hallway rush had died down so it didn’t take as long as usual to get to their destination. The pair approached her locker, seeing Riley and Farkle looking into it, discussing something intensely.
“Whatcha doin?” Maya asked, standing on her tiptoes to look over their heads.
Riley gasped and slammed her locker closed while turning around, shock written all over her face. Farkle played it off much more cooly, scratching the back of his neck.
Maya smirked, “What were you guys talking about?”
“Nothing!” Riley replied at the same time Farkle had answered ‘the English homework’.
“Hmm, interesting,” Maya put a finger to her chin, like she was deep in thought, “Either you guys were talking about English homework or nothing, which is it? Although, to be fair, I wouldn’t know what the homework was because I never do it.”
“It doesn’t matter, we don’t have English today anyways. Did you enjoy the cupcake I made for you this morning?” Riley asked, trying to change the subject.
“Yes, although next time I recommend that you don’t wake me up at 6:30 in the morning by yelling happy birthday in my ear.”
“Noted. How was the biology test?” Riley asked, taking Lucas’ hand in hers. Maya decided to let Riley think she had successfully avoided her questioning- she knew it would come up again soon enough.
“It was alright, but I’m nervous about the chromosome identification portion” Lucas admitted.
“Those were chromosomes?! I thought I had to find a hidden word!” Maya shouted in disbelief.
Lucas furrowed his brows, “What word did you even find?”
“I will not give up my academic integrity by telling you the answers I got on my test Ranger Rick,” Maya shunned him, “And I thought you were the moral compass of the group.”
“Well today in science I learned about quantum field theory,” Farkle informed, a smug smile on his face, “But I’m proud of you dum-dum” Farkle patted Lucas’ head before having it promptly swatted away by the Texan.
Just then Smackle and Zay rounded the corner, “Okay Riley, we finished the banner-”
“Sh!” Riley quieted them harshly, running over to close the large paper they were currently revealing to her.
“What’s that?” Maya questioned, even though she knew exactly what they were holding.
“Oh, um…” Zay searched for an answer, “It’s our project for art class.”
Smackle nodded, “We were showing Riley because Zay and I have been fighting over making it perfect.”
“That’s interesting, because neither of you take art class” Maya pointed out.
Zay raised his free hand in defeat, “Fine, fine. I was going to ask Farkle to the dance” he shrugged.
“Wouldn’t that lie make more sense coming from me?” Smackle raised a brow.
Riley sighed, “There isn’t even a dance coming up.”
“Sure, I’d love to go” Farkle shrugged.
“Farkle!” Smackle shouted in disbelief.
“What?” Farkle stuffed his hands in his jacket, “Zay’s a good dancer. I wanna work on my moves” he attempted to do a little dance, but it ended up looking like all of his bones were trying to escape from his body while he was slipping on ice.
Zay shook his head and turned to Smackle, “I hate when white people try to dance.”
Smackle nodded her head and started to do the robot awkwardly.
“Nevermind, you’re no good either.”
Smackle ignored him, “So, now that I’m free… Lucas, would you like to go to the dance with me?”
Lucas sighed and put a hand to his forehead, “Why didn’t I just stay in Texas?”
Maya was enjoying watching everyone struggle to keep a secret she already knew, but she felt bad that they thought they were successful, “The banner is for my surprise birthday party at Topanga’s. You were going to have Zay distract me while you set up- and you got my favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream, but got rid of those gross chocolate chips and put the good ones in.”
“How do you do that every time?!” Riley stomped her foot.
“I can smell the mint on Zay’s hands” she pointed out.
“Nah, that’s just my lotion. Burt’s Bees.”
Riley sighed, “I meant how do you always figure out what we’re going to do for your surprise parties.”
“Because I hate surprises, so I always figure them out before I can be surprised. Don’t worry, I’ve been practicing my shocked face” Maya threw her hands on her cheeks and dropped her jaw, letting out a gasp.
Riley crossed her arms, “Why won’t you just let me surprise you?”
“Riles, you know I don’t like surprises. Not since the surprise of my dad leaving,” she shrugged, trying to act like she didn’t care, “You don’t need to give me a big party. Just invite over some of my friends and let me have some fun… Did you get those sparklers left over from new year’s? It’s the safest way for me to set something on fire.”
“Great, I thought she wouldn’t figure that one out” Riley lamented, burying her head in Lucas’ chest.
“I bet I could figure out what present you got me,” Maya put a finger on her chin, “I’ve been watching quite a bit of The Owl Detective with Auggie lately.”
“Maya, stop” Lucas warned, his hand rubbing Riley’s back.
She paced around thinking through the possibilities, “Did you get me those acrylics I wanted?”
“No” Riley answered, her voice muffled, “Should I have?”
“Damn, I knew the owl detective was an idiot!” Maya cursed.
“I’m confused, are we still doing a party tonight or not?” Zay asked, “Because if not I’ve got to plan what color Farkle and I will wear.”
“I was thinking a deep purple.”
Maya rolled her eyes, “Sorry boys, but I still want to have a birthday party. Just not a surprise one.”
“Will there be any eligible mates attending this party?” Smackle inquired.
“Smackle!” Farkle yelled.
She shrugged, “What, you’re the one who’s going to the dance with Zay. I would like a companion as well.”
“For the last time, there isn’t a dance coming up!” Lucas groaned in frustration, throwing up his free hand in the air- the other one being held by Riley.
“I don’t like the idea of you with someone else,” Farkle shook his head and walked closer to Isadora, “Sorry Zay, but I think I’m going to stick with my arch love-isis” he threw his arm around Smackle.
Zay gasped, “I can’t believe you would betray our love like that!”
“You guys are ridiculous” Lucas sighed.
“Yeah, but you love us” Riley looked up at him smiling, the bell ringing signalling the end of brunch.
Lucas nodded and Maya beamed. So far, they were proving Cory wrong- nothing would change.
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The ‘surprise’ party was going well, Riley had pretended Maya didn’t know about it, forcing everyone to hide behind the furniture in Topanga’s and pop out to yell happy birthday. Everyone already knew Maya had figured it out, so the shouts were a bit lackluster. Maya didn’t mind, she had chocolate cake and those who cared about her around.
She supposed they could be considered her family. Like most holidays, Maya always felt a bit incomplete on her birthday due her father’s absence. But now she was starting to feel loved around her friends. It wasn’t just her and Katy anymore. Her family included her friends, and the Matthews. Maybe it wasn’t her father’s love or attention, but part of Maya felt like she’d rather have the support of those who truly cared about her than some half-assed recognition from a man she barely even knew.
Maybe Maya went a little too far this morning with Riley. The brunette was just trying to do something nice for her and even though it frustrated her that Riley wouldn’t just let the whole surprise thing go, she pushed at her buttons a little too much. She looked to her right, where Riley sat, frosting on her face while she laughed about something with Josh. Just next to her was Lucas, who upon noticing her staring sent her a look that said ‘apologize’. And while Maya did not listen to others and often did things out of spite, she knew it was the right thing to do.
“Riles?”
“Yes peaches?” Riley turned to her, taking another bite of cake.
Maya stifled her laughter as her friend was somehow able to get even more frosting on her face, “Thanks for the party, it’s been really nice so far.”
“Nothing but the best for my best friend” Riley threw her arm over Maya, “I’m sorry it wasn’t exactly what you wanted though.”
She shook her head, “No, I’m sorry I pushed it today. I know you were just trying to give me the ‘normal’ birthday experience, but I’m fine with what I have.”
“It’s fine,” Riley smiled, “Next year I’ll try to resist throwing a surprise party.”
“And if you can’t, I guess it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,” she admitted and Riley’s face lit up, “But let’s stick the plan that you don’t.”
Riley nodded, giving Maya’s arm a squeeze before letting go. The gnawing feeling of regret was gone, and she finally felt good enough to have some of her cake. She took a bite, letting out an involuntary noise of content as she tasted what felt like the food of heaven.
“You like it?” Farkle asked beside Lucas. Maya nodded in response.
“Good,” Josh smiled, “I had to spend all night baking it with them. Definitely not as fun as the last time I had to bake, Farkle is very intense in the kitchen.”
“Now I know why it looks like crap” Maya smirked, looking at the mess of sprinkles and the shoddy lettering.
“That was Zay and Lucas,” Farkle sighed, “I told Riley they’d mess up the whole dish but nooo, they had to help somehow.”
Lucas sheepishly took a sip of his cocoa, avoiding eye contact while Zay gave an apathetic shrug.
Smackle pushed her glasses further up her face, “Dearest one, how one looks on the outside does not affect what is on the inside. If anyone should understand this it is us.”
Farkle crossed his arms, looking a bit like an angry baby, “That’s just a cake, not a person!”
“Exactly, it’s just a cake ” Smackle smiled smugly.
Farkle stammered, upset that she outsmarted him, “Fine, you’re right.”
The seven finished their cake, catching up on the few things they hadn’t already. Riley had been thinking about joining the school newspaper, Lucas and Zay were making improvements in baseball, and to no one’s surprise, Farkle and Isadora were dominating the science club. Josh was taking new classes, and informed Maya that he magically passed his psych class. He was able to take some more classes geared to his architecture major, and was taking some photography classes as well. He started to talk about a class he was taking with Andrew, Charlotte, and Jasmine but Katy interrupted the conversation.
“Hey babygirl, do you want start opening presents?” Katy asked.
Maya nodded, curious to see what her friends and family got her. Everyone settled into their seats, Riley sitting next to her on the couch, while Katy and Shawn were on the chairs beside her. She started opening her gifts, getting mostly art supplies and records from everyone, which Maya was perfectly happy with. Riley had gotten her a new sketchbook as well as some nice watercolors.
There weren’t very many presents left, only a present from Josh and one from her mom, although she and Shawn had already given her an easel this morning. She picked up Josh’s present, which was in a blue bag. Josh fiddled with his fingers nervously across from her. Inside was a card, which she put aside to read later; as well as a set of copic markers. Maya gasped, staring at them.
“Holy crap” Maya’s eyes snapped up to meet his.
“Are they bad? I picked them up ‘cause some art majors said they were pretty good” He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. Maya could tell that he did, in fact know what they were.
“ Bad ?” she repeated incredulously, “These are only the best art markers that professionals use… Wait, how did you afford these? They’re crazy expensive and you’re a broke college student.”
“Thanks” Josh replied, his voice dripping in sarcasm, “But I saved up some money. No big deal.”
Maya stood up and hugged him, “It’s a big deal. Thank you Josh.”
It took him a moment to put his arms around her before whispering ‘happy birthday’ in her ear. When she pulled away a very slight blush was dusted across his cheeks that only she noticed.
She opened the final gift, a few small canvases from her mom. Maya began thanking everyone but Shawn stopped her.
“Actually, I have one more gift for you” he pulled a small square box adorned with a bow out of his leather jacket and handed it to her.
Maya lifted the top of the box off, and blinked blankly at what was inside. She pulled out a key, “What’s this?”
“A key to our new apartment- if you want you and your mom to move in with me” Shawn replied.
The ground beneath her feet felt like it was crumbling around her, and she was finding it hard to breathe. Moving in with Shawn? This was a huge step for her mom and him. And for her relationship with Shawn as well. Not to mention the fact that Katy and her wouldn’t be alone anymore. Maya couldn’t think clearly, she was excited and happy but nervous as hell.
“Woah” was all she managed to say.
“Ha! You got surprised!” Riley rejoiced, but slapped a hand on her mouth once she realized what she said. Maya ignored the comment, she knew Riley had no idea about this either. However, her reaction shook Maya out her daze a bit.
Maya let out a shaky breath, “Why do you want to move in with us? Tell me why you did this.”
“I’m always driving over here to spend time with you and your mom after my trips for Hit the Road,” Shawn began, “So there isn’t really a reason for me to live upstate. And Katy and I want to take our relationship a step further.”
She was about to ask where the apartment was but Cory beat her to it, “Is it the apartment above us?! Am I going to be able to go over to yours and ask for sugar?”
Topanga sighed, “Cory, that apartment got rented months ago.”
“Let me live my dream!”
Shawn rolled his eyes affectionately, “It’s nearby. You’ll still be close to Riley and be able to go to Abigail Adams. Your mom and I made sure of it.”
Maya looked at the brass key in her hands, her thumb stroking the cold metal. Isn’t this what she wanted? A happy family? Why did she feel so scared? What if they did move in together and Shawn decided he never wanted to see her or Katy again? Everything could get messed up if they got an apartment, and then she’d be right back where she started. Maya wasn’t sure she could handle another father figure leaving.
Her eyes scanned her friends faces, searching for their opinion. None of them looked as scared as she did. Riley was smiling hopefully at her. She found herself looking at a pair of familiar blue eyes for an answer. Josh gave her a look, one that said she knew what the right thing was to do. But did she? Maya wasn’t exactly experienced with family or happily ever afters.
Suddenly she was reminded of her conversation with Josh the day after Thanksgiving. Her telling him that she wanted to focus on how she was lucky, and what made her happy.
“Good. I’m glad you’re starting to see you are so much more than your dad… The circumstances you come from don’t dictate your life.”
His words rang through her ears. Maya needed to start letting good things happen to her. There was no way to tell it would end up exactly like it did with her father. And if all it did turn to shit, well, Maya and her mom were strong enough to handle it. She closed her palm, letting the ridges of the key make an indentation, changing the lines across her skin.
She smiled at Shawn and Katy, “I guess I’ll need to start figuring out my new route to the bay window.”