The wedding was beautiful. It was a short ceremony, but it still held all the love and emotion that a wedding should. Everyone expected emotional tears from Katy, but when Shawn cried as he recited his handwritten vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the church.
Two hours later, after lots of pictures, all the friends and family reconvened at the reception hall. Cory had just given a lovely toast as Shawn's best friend and best man. Now, as the maid of honor, it was Maya's turn.
Maya gathered up all the courage she had and got up from her seat next to her mother, walking to the small stage that the band was set up on. Maya stood front and center in her floor length, chiffon gown. It was a light coral, strapless number with vertical layers pouring out from the dark coral sash around her waist. Her hair was perfectly curled and pulled half up by a sparkly, silver clip, which matched her simple, silver jewelry set she was wearing. Maya felt vibrant, beautiful, and somewhat confident. She took a deep breath and grabbed the microphone.
"Hey, everybody. So, first off, I would like to thank you all for spending this special day with my family and me. It really means a lot to all of us." She smiled, giving a quick glance to the newlyweds. "Now, I'm not the greatest with speeches, so I'll keep this short and sweet... when I was at the church today and the priest pronounced my mom and Shawn husband and wife, my first thought was...finally." The crowd laughed. "We were finally a family." Maya continued. "But then it hit me, we were always a family, ever since you two went out on that first date three years ago. Today just made it official." Maya smiled brightly. "So, please join me in raising a glass to my official family." Maya raised her glass of champagne high above her head. "To family!"
"To family!" They all repeated.
Maya downed her glass quickly, needing some liquid courage for what she was about to do next.
"One last thing before I let you get back to the party," She added. "The thing is, recently my mom has been dropping a few hints that she would like me to sing a song at the reception, and by a few hints I mean bugging me nonstop about it." She threw her mom a wink and they crowd chuckled. Maya loved music, from writing it to singing it, but she had never showed anyone her songs before, or let anyone hear her sing. It was something she kept private, but after her mom overheard her belting out some lyrics in the shower one day, she kept insisting that Maya should sing at the wedding reception. Just the thought of it made her so nervous she could vomit, but Maya figured it was a good test. If she could do this, then she could handle being a performing arts major at NYU... if she got in, that is.
Maya was planning to sing some cheesy love song from a list of top wedding songs she had found online, but instead she decided to do an original, something that would capture the essence of Shawn and Katy's love. She asked them once what love felt like, mainly because she was trying to figure out her feelings for Josh, and they had used some interesting metaphors. Her favorite was Shawn's description of love being when you can look into someone's eyes and immediately feel at peace. Maya really liked that concept and wrote it down, along with a few other things they said. She had come across this page in her notebook recently and felt inspired, staying up all night writing the perfect song. She really hoped they liked it. She really hoped they allliked it.
"Well, your nagging paid off mom! I ended up writing a little something just for the two of you. You guys actually inspired it. It's about what love's like, about what your love is like, and what I imagine love to be like for me one day." She gave her parents a warm smile, but spared Josh a quick lance on the last few words. Looking back to her mom and Shawn, she continued. "The song is call "Your Love's Like" and I hope you all like it.
A moment later the music started, compliments of a premade CD and Farkle's sound system that he set up in exchange for an invite to the wedding. Maya placed the microphone on its stand and gripped it with two hands and waited or her cue. She heard the special note and opened her mouth...
"Sometimes life gets bitter Your love's like breathing in the salty air
I get strung out, caught in the middle
And I can't breathe
I just need a little taste of paradise
I know a place I can escape to
Where I go, troubles never break through.
The grass is greener, my head is clearer,
I got peace of mind, when I fall into your eyes...
of summer on a private island just for me.
Your love's like the feeling I get
when my favorite song's spinnin' in my head,
Keep it play playin' on repeat.
It's like flowers in the spring time,
Every day is Valentine's,
So good it's hard to describe.
It's like Paris after midnight,
Dancing in the moonlight.
That what your love,
That's what your love's like.
That's what your love,
That's what your love's like.
That's what your love,
That's what your love's like."
Maya looked at the newlyweds, the whole time she sang. By the end of the first verse, her mom was crying happy tears, and Shawn just sat there, beaming up at her like a proud father. Euphoria flowed through Maya's veins upon seeing their expressions, making her power on into the next part of the song. During verse two, Maya got so lost in song, she didn't notice the exact moment Shawn pulled Katy to the dance floor to have their impromptu first dance to her song. Maya also didn't notice Riley recording the whole thing on her phone. By the start of verse three, she couldn't help herself, she had to do it. She fixed her gaze on Josh, locking eyes with him as she smiled softly, willing him to understand the meaning of the words that were flowing out of her mouth.
"When life has left me numb,
And I need a pick me up,
There's no better rush than your love,
Your love, your love...
Your love's like breathing in the salty air
of summer on a private island just for me..."
It was obvious that she sang that last verse completely to Josh, but most people were up dancing along with the newlyweds, so they didn't really notice. Josh, however, was not. He stood, staring at Maya, watching her belt out every note full of passion. He was smiling at first, but then it faded at that last verse when he met Maya's eyes. He gulped as his stomach did funny things again. This song may have been influenced by Shawn and Katy's love, but Josh knew it was really about her feelings for him. She still loves me. Josh thought, suddenly feeling overjoyed, partly because he also realized in that moment that he was in love with her too. He knew he was having special feelings for her, he had always had special feelings for Maya, but this was the first time he understood just how deep those feelings ran.
Maya finished the song, dragging out the last few notes, then took a bow as the room erupted with applause. She made her way off of the stage and Shawn and Katy rushed to wrap her in a giant bear hug, expressing just how proud they were of her. After that, Maya was attacked by Riley who squeezed the daylights out of her as she told her how amazing and talented she was. Farkle, his date Isadora, and Lucas all joined in, agreeing with Riley's sentiment. Maya's heart swelled at their words.
Minutes later, the band started into their own rendition of "Love Will Keep Us Together" and everyone started dancing again. Maya was dancing with Riley and the guys when she caught a glimpse of Josh over Riley's shoulder. He was marching toward her with a determined expression on her face. Pushing his way past Riley, he grabbed Maya by the arm, and dragged her over to the corner.
Okay, he's angry. Maya thought. Maybe I shouldn't have sang directly to him, it probably embarrassed him. I'll just apologize and-
Josh stopped and turned to face her once they were in the corner, his words breaking her from her thoughts.
"That song you sang was about me, wasn't it?" He queried, wanting to hear her say it aloud, to make sure they were on the same page, that they had the same feelings.
Maya sighed, "Yes, it was, but I-"
She never got to finish her thought for before she could, Josh had grabbed her face with both of his hands and pulled her in for a long, hard kiss.
Maya was stunned, leaving her eyes wide open for a second before letting them flutter closed to fully enjoy the blissful moment. A little bit ago, her heart was soaring, but now it was exploding. The moment their lips touched, they both went back to that night four years ago when they had shared their first kiss. She had surprised Josh with that kiss, and now he was surprising her with this one. If this was karma, Maya was ready for all of her wrongs to be righted.
Suddenly, something occurred to Maya, and she pushed Josh away, breaking the kiss.
"No." She said, pulling his hands from her face. "Don't kiss me like that, not if you don't mean it."
Josh looked at her like she was crazy, as he responded, "Of course I mean it."
"Maybe you mean it now, but later will you still feel the same way?" She asked before continuing. "Because letting you go the first time was the hardest thing I ever had to do, and I don't think I can do it again."
He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little guilty. "Look, Maya, I know that I was sort of a jerk in the past, but I just didn't get it then..." He paused, dropping his hand and taking a step toward Maya before he went on. "But I get it now."
"What are you saying, Josh?" She questioned seriously, feeling totally lost.
"I'm saying that I don't want you to let me go again...I want to be with you...I love you, Maya."
"Oh," Maya stated. "Well, in that case..." She finished her sentence with a cheeky smile before throwing her arms around Josh's neck and pulling him back in for another kiss. His arms immediately wrapped around her waist, hands resting on the small of her back as he pulled her flush against him.
This kiss was the best yet. They were both ready for it this time, allowing them to fully pour their heart and soul into the kiss. It was long and passionate and everything Maya had dreamed of.
Needing a moment to catch her breath, Maya broke the kiss softly. Leaving their arms in place, they just stared at each other happily.
"Dance with me?" Josh asked hopefully as the band began playing a slower song.
Maya just blushed and nodded with a smile, which Josh returned before reaching up to grab both of her hands and leading her out onto the dance floor. Once in the middle of the floor, they held onto to each other like they had done a minute ago, this time swaying from side to side.
Flicking her eyes around the room for a second, Maya caught a glimpse of her mom and Shawn dancing to her right with their foreheads pressed together. Then, to her left, she also noticed that Riley and Lucas were looking pretty cozy on the dance floor with Riley's head resting on his shoulder as they moved to the beat.
Looking back into Josh's eyes, Maya sighed contentedly then leaned a cheek against his chest. She smiled as the chorus of the song rang out at that exact moment.
"I finally found the love of a lifetime,
A love to last my whole life through.
I finally found the love of a lifetime.
Forever in my heart,
I finally found the love of a lifetime."
Maya didn't know the name of the song or the artist, but nonetheless she decided that it was perfect for this moment.
Two weeks later, Cory and Topanga had a big family dinner at their place. The guests included Shawn, Katy, Maya, Josh, and Lucas, who was now officially dating Riley. Turns out, they had their own special moment at the wedding as well, then a few days later, Riley officially asked him to go steady. Maya was ecstatic when she heard the news, and they proceeded to plan a double date for that night.
The adults were talking in the kitchen about Shawn and Katy's honeymoon in Cancun, while the Riley, Lucas, Josh, Maya, and Auggie sat in the living room playing Apples to Apples. Auggie had just won for the fifth time in a row, when Maya pulled a long white envelope from the inside of her jean jacket. It was from NYU and would tell her whether or not she had been officially accepted. Maya got it the day before, but decided to wait until she was with her family, her whole family, to open it.
Maya just stared at it a moment, until Josh nudged her shoulder. He was the only one who knew she had gotten the letter.
"Gonna open it?" He inquired.
"Open what?" Riley suddenly asked her, then noticed the letter in her best friend's hands. "Oh, my god! You got your letter! Maya got her letter!" She shouted excitedly for the whole house to hear.
The adults all rushed over to stand around their children.
"What are you waitin' for, baby girl? Open it!" Katy urged.
Maya took a breath and began to tear open the letter.
"Wait!" Riley said, grabbing her hand, stopping her before she could actually make a tear. "There is something that you need to know first."
"What?" Maya looked at her friend curiously.
"Do you remember that song that you sang at your mom's wedding?"
"Yeah..." Maya stated hesitantly.
"Well, I videoed it." Riley told her.
"I know, Riles, I saw you."
"Yes, but what you don't know is that I made a copy and sent it to the NYU admissions office."
"You what?" Maya asked incredulously.
"You're so talented, Maya, and you deserve to get into this school, and...I just wanted the admissions board to see it for themselves, to see what I see every day."
As Maya moved a hand over Riley's, her expression softened.
"That's sweet, Riles, but you have got stop interfering with my life like this." Maya said seriously.
"I can't." Riley stated.
"And why not?" Maya questioned.
"Because...we're sisters, remember? And sisters stick up for each other, no matter what."
Maya smiled as she recalled their conversation outside the NYU dorms four years ago, when they had attempted to crash Josh's first college party. It was the first time that Riley had referred to Maya as her sister and not just her best friend. It was one of Maya's favorite memories.
"Thanks, Riley." She smiled, giving her hand a squeeze.
"Enough already!" Josh half-shouted, plucking the envelope right out of Maya's hand and tearing it open. He didn't want to ruin the girls' moment, but he was dying to know what the letter said. Josh had three more years left at NYU, one to finish his bachelor's degree in business, then two additional years of grad school, and he just had to know if he would be sharing those years with Maya. He had been waiting nearly 24 hours already, and it was pure torture.
"Hey, that's mine!" Maya yelled as she stood, reaching for the folded up piece of paper in his hands.
"It affects me too!" Josh fired back with a wicked grin, using the same words Maya had used when she had opened his letter from NYU all those years ago. She smiled mischievously, knowing exactly what to do next.
Josh went to take a few steps away, but Maya was too quick. Before he was able to get too far away from her, she stood up on the couch and jumped forward, landing hard on his back. As everyone just watched the scene unfold in front of them in amusement, Maya secured her jean short clad legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Once Maya felt stable, she reached one hand out towards the letter, which Josh proceeded to hold high above his head.
"Give it!" She demanded.
Josh ignored her and proceeded to read the letter.
"Dear Applicant Mrs. Boing..." He began.
Maya shook her head and reached harder for the letter.
"It doesn't say that!" She scolded playfully.
"This year we are only accepting applicants who are dating ruggedly handsome seniors."
"It doesn't say that!" Maya repeated as she rolled her eyes, still trying to rip the thing from his grasp.
"Yadda, yadda, yadda..." Josh pressed on. "we regret to inform you..." Josh trailed off, dropping his hand down and growing silent.
Maya's heart stopped, and her eyes went wide a moment, before she slid off Josh's back.
"Regret to inform me?" She repeated softly as her feet hit the floor, ready to curl up in a ball a cry.
Josh turned to face her and the rest of the spectators who all wore somber expressions, before he continued to read further.
"We regret to inform you that you will be spending the next few years in the same college as Josh!" He exclaimed, wearing the biggest grin she had ever seen.
"I got in?!" She asked disbelievingly.
"You got in!" Josh assured her, finally handing over the letter.
Maya scanned it quickly to make sure.
"I GOT IN!" She shouted before throwing her arms around Josh's neck. He hugged her back tightly as he lifted her feet off of the floor and spun her around in a circle out of both excitement and pride.
"My turn!" Riley yelled as Josh set Maya back down on her feet, then proceed to squeeze Maya's guts out.
Katy couldn't wait any longer, so she came around the side of the couch and hugged Maya from the other side, along with Shawn.
"I'm so proud of you, baby girl!" She exclaimed, happy tears pooling in her eyes.
"We both are." Shawn corrected, beaming at both of them.
"We all are." Cory stated matter-of-factly.
"Congratulations, Maya." Topanga smiled, as the rest of them all joined in, trapping Maya in gigantic group hug.
Maya never felt more loved, then she did in this moment. She thought her heart was going to explode with happiness.
They all began to separate and let go of Maya, when Topanga shouted, "This calls for dessert!"
Five minutes later, the group was scattered about the kitchen and living room areas. Maya was on the couch, sitting on Josh's lap as they shared a piece of strawberry pie. Peeking over Josh's shoulder, Maya noted her mom and Shawn on the window seat doing the same. Then, glancing across the room, she noticed Lucas and Riley cuddled up at the end of the kitchen table, stealing bites of each other's slices.
Maya was beyond happy. She put her faith in the universe, trusting that things would work out and, boy, did they ever. Riley was finally with Lucas, Shawn was finally an official part of her family, and Maya had finally gotten into the school of her dreams and finallywon over the boy of her dreams.
Everything was as it should be.
Finally.