"Maya, you love him! You can't just do that!"

"Riles, I'm just not ready! Of all people you should understand!"

"No, Maya. For Christs' sake, he's my uncle! Family before friends!"

"What..?"

Riley is the best, she's always there for me, and she always has the best advice. Riley and I are families. We've always been. When my mom wasn't always around I practically lived at the Matthews' house.

"Maya, we're best friends, and I love you more than anything, but you aren't my family. Josh is my family. I have to take his side this time, I'm sorry." I sit on her bed, speechless. The Matthews tends to have that effect on me.

"Riles..." I say, not knowing what to say. "I have to go... Mom and dad are taking me to a show.." I say, and she looks at me.

"Shawn's not your dad." She says, and I whip around.

"What? He signed the adoption papers. He's married to my mom. What the hell, Riley." I say, and tears spring in my eyes, and without waiting for a response I slam the door shut, and run across the street to my parents' house.

I run in, and slam the door with such force the ceiling dust falls to the ground. Both mom and dad rush out, mom's belly popping, ready to burst.

"Maya? Is that you? What happened? Are you okay?" My mom asks and dad walks over.

"R-Riley. She said that you," I look at dad, "are not my dad. A-and she said that family comes first and that she was siding with Josh, this time." I sob, collapsing onto my knees. Dad comes over to me and picks me up.

"Maya, of course, I'm your dad. I'd be your dad even if I hadn't adopted you." He says softly, and cradles me like a baby.

"Maya, Shawn is just much your father as he is to this baby." She says, motioning to her belly, and dad nods.

"Your mom's right," he says, putting me on the couch, and sitting with me. Mom comes and sits down, too, putting her hand over my shoulder. I shake it off and get up.

"I just need to be alone. Call me when it's time to go." I say and walk out the door. I walk to a park, and sit down on the bench, my face red, and drizzling with tears. As I sit, a boy walks up and sits down next to me.

"Maya, what's wrong?" I look over to see Lucas, one of my best friends. Riley's boyfriend. I look at him and almost burst into tears again, but I manage to hold it in.

"I told Josh I wasn't ready, and Riley got mad at me... Lucas, I don't like the long game... Why can't I go back to playing the short game?" I say, sobbing into my hands, as he puts his arms around me, holding me close.

"Riley's been having a hard time since her father's death." He says, and I nod.

"I know, but why does she have to take it out on me?" I ask, wiping away fresh tears.

"She's scared she's going to lose Josh, too. Ever since he was diagnosed, she's been very prot-"

"What? What do you mean 'diagnosed'?" I ask, standing up. Lucas looks at me and raises an eyebrow.

"He didn't tell you? He has-"

"No, don't tell me," I say, getting up. "I have to go. Thank you." I say, and he nods. I run back to my house, grabbing my bike and peddling to Topanga's bakery. I park my bike and run in, breathless. I look around and hear the unmistakable voice of Josh. And a girl.

"Josh?" I say, and see him sitting at a booth with a girl his age.

"M-Maya?" He says, and the girl stands, up and looks at me.

"You shouldn't scare him like that. Not since he was diagnosed with malaria-" He shoots her a look and then looks at me.

"You told her?" I ask, outraged. "Josh, you asked her, but I'll bet you don't even know her middle name. Or birthday?" I yell, causing other customers to look over.

"I- Maya, that's not important..."

"Josh, what's my middle name?"

"Penelope."

"Birthday?"

"January 16th, 2001."

"Favourite food?"

"Tuna Melt, from the Nighthawk Diner."

"What's her favourite food?"

"Maya, we don't have to do this..." He says, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes, Josh! We do!" I say, my face crumpling up, and tears rolling down my cheeks. The girl looks at Josh then scoffs.

"You have a girlfriend?" She asks, and Josh looks at me,

"Yes, he does," I say, and he grins, but I shake my head, and his smile falters. The girl just rolls her eyes, picks up her cupcake and smashes it against Josh's face.

"Loser." She says and walks away. I try not to laugh, but it comes out as a snort, and Josh looks at me, then starts laughing too.

"I don't have any money on me. Well crap..." He mutters, emptying his pockets.

"So. Why did you tell her?" I ask and he sighs, obviously trying to avoid the topic.

"Maya, I told her because she's different from you. She wouldn't freak out." He says and I scoff.

"You know what? Fine! Have it your way. Go mess around with girls, don't tell me anything. Goodbye." I say and turn around. "Oh, and don't forget to call me when you die," I say, and run out of the shop. I get back on my bike and start peddling, not sure where I'm going.