Chapter 10 - Dinner with Daddy

-Maya laid on her bed curled up in a ball crying. It had been several days since the incident with Chuck, and she still didn't feel any better. She still went to school, but Maya had difficulty talking to any of her friends. She eventually told the full story of what happened to Katy (who then later shared it with Shawn) but Maya still had difficulty getting up to do anything other than her schoolwork. The one evening while getting ready for bed, Shawn and Katy discussed the matter.

Shawn: So did Maya seem any better when you tried talking to her this afternoon?

Katy: No. Her little heart is still broken and... I don't know what else I can do.

Shawn: That's terrible. Do you think she'll be okay if we leave her alone when we go out to dinner tomorrow night?

Katy: I... don't think do. Which is why you need to go out to dinner with her tomorrow night.

Shawn: What?

Katy: Shawn, I don't know what else I can say to help Maya. But maybe if just you spend some time outside of the house together tomorrow, you might able to say or do something to make her feel better.

Shawn: But what can I say or do that can make her feel better?

Katy: Shawn Patrick Hunter, when you're uncertain of what action to take... just do the first spontaneous loving thing that comes to your head. That's what you did for me. And you made my life all the more better that way.

-The next day, Maya still laid on her curled up in a ball. Maya then heard a knock on the door.

Maya: Come in if you feel like it.

-Shawn then opened the door to the room and threw a dress at Maya.

Shawn: Here kiddo. It's a new dress your mom bought for you. She's certain it'll fit. Put it on because we're gonna hang out tonight.

-Maya then sat up with a confused look on her face.

Maya: I thought you and her had a date tonight.

Shawn: Well she's gotta pull an extra shift this weekend. So I thought you might wanna come with me. The gift certificate I've got for the restaurant expires tonight so lets not allow an opportunity for free food to go to waste. Be ready by 5.

-Shawn then closed the door as Maya picked up the dress and slowly prepared to put it on. That night, Shawn took Maya to the fancy restaurant. The setting inspired Shawn to tell Maya fun stories of things he and Cory did growing up at restaurants they and their friends usually went to. The fun stories caused Maya to laugh a bit, making her feel better. As the dinner was drawing closer to an end, Maya who was starting to smile now spoke up.

Maya: Thanks Shawn. I may never get to experience going on a date with a boyfriend, but at least I had this nice evening.

Shawn: Maya... I'm sure you'll find a nice boyfriend one day. And later down the line, I'm sure you'll find a happy marriage one day. Never let go of that hope. Hope isn't for suckers. But until that day comes... I want you to have this.

-Shawn then took out his pocket a small box and opened it showing a diamond ring. Maya's mouth opened as tears began to come out her eyes.

Maya: Is this...

Shawn: It's kind of like a purity ring, but it's more than that. Until the day comes when you finally put on a wedding ring, I want this to be the ring that reminds you that there is someone who loves you right now, and will continue to keep loving you no matter what.

-Maya put on the ring as she began to cry tears of joy. Maya then got out of her chair and then went over to where Shawn was sitting and hugged him. Shawn then began to hug Maya back as he began to cry tears of joy as well.

Maya: I love you daddy.

Shawn: I love you too Maya.

THE END