"You once said you were playing the long game."

"I like you, Josh. It's you I like"

"I like you too. And I'd never want you not to be in my life. How about we try this-"

"Boyfriend and girlfriend right now."

"No."

"Boyfriend and girlfriend, eventually."

"..."

"You're not saying no."

I used to believe in love. I used to think I was in love with my best friend's uncle. It was a phase until he told me he liked me too. I was thrilled because he told me he wanted to play "the long game".

"You do understand I'm too old for you."

"I do Josh, I know that."

"Good."

"But I'm in it for the long game."

At the time, Josh and I were perfect for each other. I thought we would make it into the real world. When I turned 18, three years ago Josh said we could give it a go. We tried, and it worked out for a year and a half, but I realized that relationships are complicated and as much as I liked Josh, he wasn't the one for me.

"Maya! Wake up!"

I open my eyes to a tall dark-haired figure. "Go away, Dad. It's my morning off." I groan, but the figure stands there. My vision clears and I jump up at the sight of the person. "J-Josh?"

"Hi, Maya." He smiles and sits on the end of the bed. "Your mom and Sha- dad let me in."

"Oh," I say. I'm rarely speechless but just the way Josh speaks, he changes me. I look at him and sigh. "Josh, what are you doing here?"

"Maya, just because we aren't together it doesn't mean we can't be friends." He says, and his eyes show pain, that I haven't seen in him before.

"Josh. Why are you here?" I ask, taking his hand, and squeezing it.

"Maya, I once told you I couldn't imagine living in a world where I wasn't your friend." He says, looking down at our hand, and I pull mine away.

"Josh, no. We can't be friends. After everything we've been through, we cannot just be friends. I think... I think you should leave. I'm sorry." I say, getting out of the bed, and standing in front of him.

"Maya, please don't do this..." He whispers, standing up, and looking down at me.

"Maybe you were right. Three years isn't working. Maybe when we're older. Remember, I'm playing the long game. Let me finish college- I only have a year left. Please."

"Maya. You used to tell me that three years didn't matter, and now you're making a big deal about it? That's ridiculous." He says and turns towards the door. "Maya, you're still best friends with Riley and I'm her uncle. You can't avoid me."

"I know, Josh, and I'm not trying to avoid you, but we can't be together right now. Please, if you really like me, you'll accept what I say, and you'll wait." I say, as my eyes fill with tears. "Please, Josh. I'm sorry." I say and wipe away the tears. I go over and put my arms around him, and sigh into his chest. He looks at me and hugs me back, and I feel that he's crying. Not on the outside, but I broke him on the inside.

"Ok. I do." He says, and walks out of my room, his hand trailing on mine, and then dropping. I go and sit on the bed again, tears streaming down my face. Dad walks in and sits down by me. "Josh slammed the door on his way out.

"What happened?" He asks, and I start sobbing again.

"I told him I wasn't ready..." I say, and cover my face with my hands. Dad puts his arm around me and shushes me as I sob.

"Maya, when your mom and I started dating I wasn't sure about her. I asked myself, 'Shawn, do you really want to marry Katy? She's a Clutterbucket.' " I give a shaky laugh and sigh.

"I want to be with Josh, but I'm just not prepared for a long-term relationship," I say, and dad nods understandingly. I sigh again and stand up, slowly.

"I'm going to go to Riley's. I'll be back in time for the show." I say, and pull out a shirt from my closet.

"Okay. Feel better, hon. Oh, and we need to talk to you about something when you get home. He says, with a mixed expression. I nod, and he gets up, and walking out. I change into regular clothes and walk out of my room.