JOSHS POV
I vigorously hit the top of my desk with the dull pencil sitting in my fingertips, thus creating a pattern of sounds.
"Josh, put your pencil down." Ms.jamison alarmed me and I flew my head out of its daze.
My eyes were glued to her wrinkly ones but I wasn't hearing a single word that escaped from her paper thin lips. I deceived her eyes by behaving like an obedient pupil that processed every sound she made.
"Blah blah blah in New York."
That's all I managed to hear but as soon as she uttered New York my ears were pointed upwards. I felt my heart do flips in my chest and I anxiously waited for more details on what current event is taking place in this beautiful city. I needed an excuse to go back there, to see Maya.
"What's in New York?" I finally screamed over the tens of astute classmates sitting and scribbling down several pages of notes in front of me.
"If you would just listen Josh!" The teacher scolded me while smoothing out her frumpy dress.
"Yes M'am."
"It's a college program, it'll help you get adjusted to the area if that's where you're interested in attending college. It also gives you a leg up on the competition and you'll meet tons of new students from all over."
I didn't care about meeting anyone, I wanted my eyes to reunite with Maya's beautiful cerulean ones.
"When?"
"In a couple weeks. See me after class if you're interested Mr.Matthews."
I nodded and drifted off into my thoughts.
Brrrinnnngggg
The obnoxious, ear shattering bell went off discharging me from my daydreams of the beautiful blond. I walked over to Ms.Jamisons desk and waited patiently for her to give me acknowledgment.
"You want information on the New York study program?" She spat out while digging through her chaotic pile of disheveled papers. Finally she smiled at her victory and handed me a wrinkled piece of paper entitled "NYU Study Program".
"When does this take place?"
"Well, you will need to attend their sessions that start in a couple weeks. I'll give you a rundown. You will attend a local high school where you will finish your last semester of your junior year. On specific days you will be assigned a "buddy" who will show you around the college and give you some valuable tips. It continues into the summer. It's ultimately your choice wether you want to finish your senior year there or come back here."
"I'm very interested."
Other than seeing Maya again, this sounded like an ambitious journey that I needed to embellish in, in order to pursue my dream career of becoming a journalist. New York had countless numbers of the top newspapers that I could venture my way into. This set off a fire in the pit of my soul and I felt enraged to achieve these unfathomable dreams.
MAYAS POV
I finally processed Josh's absence in my empty life, everyday became further and further from those memorable scars. With each day passing, the scars gradually faded and I felt myself beginning to see light again.
"Hey Maya!" Riley screamed, capturing all of my leftover attention.
"Riley, I need to ask you something."
"Well, ask me!"
I grasped her long thin arms and pulled her towards our safe haven, the windowsill.
I starred into her sparkly, innocent brown eyes and fiddled with my fingers.
"What is it?" She asked impatiently
"Don't be mad because you know I'd never hurt you..." I mumbled.
"I know Maya. Just tell me."
"Lucas asked me out." I released and felt guilty as soon as it slipped out.
"Oh." Riley said looking downwards into her lap.
"I won't go on the date with him Riley, if you don't want me to."
"I like Lucas, a lot Maya. I've never liked anyone before and I chose him. He's my first crush, the first boy I've developed real feelings for. He was my first kiss and my first boyfriend. He choose you. There's nothing I can possibly do to alter his feelings. If you like him, I give you my blessing."
"Riley..I don't want to see you in pain. I don't want it to torture you. I don't want to be itching inside to tell you about my date and not be able to because it'll hurt you. I can't hurt you. You're my best friend."
"He doesn't like me,Maya. It isn't fair for me to get in the way. You've had to deal with a lot of drama the past month. Josh gave you hell and you took it like the princess warrior you are. You deserve a boy like Lucas, a sweet boy who won't hurt you."
"You sure? It's just one date, nothing serious. I can't do serious again for a while.."
"Thanks for trying to protect my feelings but I can handle it. Lucas is great but that doesn't mean he's great for me. If we are going to happen, it'll happen. That's what I believe."
She was a bubbly ball of positive energy that bounced around off of the walls spreading her good vibes. I'd call her naive but she wasn't, she was simply a believer. She was one of those people that believed in happy endings and true love. I was a realist, I neglected to find reality or truth in either, I've been surrounded by proof of it my entire life.
"So, where's he taking you?" She asked faking a smile.
"I'm not sure. He is supposed to text me with plans any minute." I said attempting to control my excitement.
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.