JOSHS POV
I pulled out my cellphone quickly dialing Cory's number. 
"Hey josh, how are you?" 
"I'm fine, and yourself?"
"We're doing good. "
"Good." I said avoiding the question.
"So why did you call?"
"I needed a favor Cor.."
"I'm a teacher Josh, I barely make enough money as it is.."
"I'm not asking for money Cor.." I chuckled.
"Ah, what do you need my brother?"
"In a couple of weeks I'm doing this NYU study program, it'll extend through the summer."
"That sounds like a great idea Joshua."
"Yeah, mom and dad think so too."
"Good! Good for you."
"I was wondering if I could stay with you guys? I won't be a bother, I promise to behave and focus on my school work."
"Of course Josh, we love having you here."
I beamed with excitement and anticipation for this day.
"Thanks cor.. Do me a favor?"
"What do you need?"
"Could you not tell Riley, I'd like for it to be a surprise."
"Of course."
"Thanks Cor, I'll see you in a couple of weeks."
"Looking forward to it! Bye Josh!"
"Bye."
The line went silent but my heart was roaring like a ferocious lion. I couldn't help but sit there smiling to myself for what felt like hours, playing out little scenarios in my head. 
                          
MAYAS POV
I felt the vibration of my phone going off in my back pocket and I twirled with anticipation.
The text read "hey beautiful" from Lucas. 
I smiled to myself and my finger tips danced over the keyboard as I contemplated what to say.
"Come outside." 
"Why?" I texted back puzzled by his request.
"Just do it." The next text commanded me.
I apprehensively hopped up off of the window sill and made my way out the door to see a tall, muscular boy with a smile that made you melt and eyes that sparkled like they were gifts from the stars. He tightly grasped an arrangement of daisies in his shaky hands. Josh never gave me flowers, he was never so afraid of messing up he couldn't stop shaking. I reached for the flowers and placed them aside. I cupped Lucas's soft, large hands until they weren't shaking.
"Thanks." He mumbled.
"Where are we off to?" I asked with the expression of a child painted on my face. 
"I'm taking you to an art exhibit."
Something strange started to tickle my heart, he knew I was passionate about art. He put effort into this little date, his presence alone was simply more than I could ever ask for.
"Let's go!" I said even more childish, as if we were off to the toy store. 
We strolled side by side on the chaotic sidewalks towards the exhibit. 
"So, how's Riley?" Lucas asked concerned for her feelings.
"She's Riley, she's so sensitive but she's the sweetest so she nearly begged me to go on this date." 
"She's the best,huh?"
"Yeah, she really is." I smiled in a moment of appreciation for my best friend.
"How are you?" Lucas asked looking me straight in the eyes.
"I'm okay."
"Maya.."
"No, I really am Lucas. I only need people on my life who want to be there."
We entered the exhibit hand and hand. Once the doors peaked open so did my mouth, my eyes wandered the room and I froze in astonishment. I couldn't take in all of this beauty. In my peripheral vision, I could notice Lucas starring down at me and smiling. I flew my head towards him and screamed "what?!"
"I don't know...When you get excited and overworked about something, I find it extremely attractive. You're so passionate and your brain.. You're just so creative."
As soon as my eyes caught glimpse of an original master piece in the corner, I dashed towards it and carefully studied the fine strokes of color. I got lost in the maze of contrasting collars and organic shapes. 
Lucas and I made our way through each piece of artwork until I spotted a rather familiar piece, a piece signed M.H in the bottom left corner. It was a piece I painted of my mother, half of her because she was always half present in my life. I didn't know how to digest the fact that my painting was up on the wall amongst other greats, for people to interpret.
"Why'd you do this?" I asked stubbornly.
"I thought you'd like it.. People deserve to witness your amazing talent Maya!" He defended his actions.
"You don't understand! I draw for myself. This is private, I didn't want this to be shared Lucas!"
"You're so insanely talented, stop looking for excuses to not show people. Stop pretending that you're not great."
I started to walk away enraged that my soul was displayed for everyone to poke, prod, and peak at. 
I felt his strong hands grip my wrists and pull me in close.
"I'm sorry, I should've asked. You're so talented, I just wanted to share your gift."
I couldn't help but feel my cheeks light up a soft rosy color.
"I guess it is pretty cool." I admitted in defeat. 
"I knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long." He smirked in satisfaction.
"Oh yeah?" I walked away and he pulled me back again. We both erupted in laughter on the attempt of acting mad at each other. He was right, I couldn't stay mad at him. He was the sun, golden and light, I needed him to thrive and grow. 
His lips grew closer to my face and my heart started to bounce around in my chest like it was a trampoline. I pulled away, avoiding his lips. I couldn't, his mind looked like it was a million miles away and I'm guessing he was wishing his body was there accompanying him as well. 
"I'm sorry." He finally spoke up breaking the uncomfortable, long silence. 
"I-I just can't do this right now."my face felt warm and prepared to melt off.
"I'm sorry." 
"No, it's not your fault. You're perfect. I just am a complete mess right now."
"Here, I'll walk you home."
We walked home with nothing but the sound of wind and our footsteps on the tar. 
We finally reached my door step and he broke the lingering silence.
"Thanks for letting me to take you out."
"Lucas, I really did have a great time."
He shuffled his hands in his pockets and nodded walking away. 
Screw you Josh, I won't allow you to hold my feelings captive. I ran back into the street towards Lucas and turned him around. I got on my tippy toes and gave a soft kiss, short but passionate and I broke it smiling. I ran back inside without saying anything else and I fell leaning against the door smiling.

                          
The bright sun woke me from my slumber, it was brighter than usual. I grabbed my bags and advanced towards Riley's house to pick her up from school. 
"Good morning." I smiled bright and with meaning.
"You seem rather happy this morning." She smiled spreading more happiness.
I grabbed her flimsy, spaghetti arms and ran towards the subway.
"How was your date with Lucas?" 
"It was fine. Does that hurt you?"
"No, I can manage. I just want to know that he's worth it to you because he's worth it to me and I don't want you to realize you want Josh because it'll crush him."
"I don't want Josh, I want Lucas." I said trying to convince myself.
"What if Josh were back? Would you still like Lucas?"
"Yes." I said while thinking it through. 
We arrived to class and Mr.Matthews greeted us.
"Good Morning Class! We have a formal dance coming up. We will need to elect some kids for queen and king."
"So like homecoming?" An irreverent  student in the back asked.
"Kind of." Mr.Matthews replied.
"Riley for queen." I smiled 
He jotted down Riley's name on the bored after I threw her into the race.
"I vote Maya for queen." Lucas smiled at me.
I didn't like this game, I didn't want to be an award that didn't mean anything. A crown on your head didn't make you a queen, you could pretend all you wanted but it's not important. A true queen should make a difference, affect its people.. That's why I voted Riley.
Cory jotted my name on the board below Riley's and I felt my stomach churn.
"Lucas for king." Riley smiled. 
"Missy for queen!"
"Dan for king"
Random names were thrown into the mix and the ballads were made. 
"When's the dance?"
"In a couple of weeks but we need to start selling tickets and planning."
I was no queen, I was barely a peasant.