"Maya, you need to decide" I take a sip of my hot chocolate as I relax a little. It's my break time from work and I just wanna chill a little. Unfortunately none of my friends care about it.
"Why?" I ask Farkle with a groan
"Because my brother and my uncle are literally in war right now. Do I also have to remind you that they both live under the same roof? And that I'm under that roof too?"
"Yeah, Maya. You better decide. I wanna go back to play with Elliot and ask Uncle Josh relationship advises" I raise my eyebrows at the youngest Matthews.
"What? Ava is complicated"
"The point is: I'm tired of seeing them fight constantly" I frown and glance at the two boys who are talking and laughing behind the counter
"They seem pretty chill to me"
"Yeah, now that you're here. They are faking it. You can easily tell that they despite each other. That's hot" Farkle's eyes widen at his girlfriend's comment
"Smakle!"
"That's true! I'm not the only one who thinks that. Just look at Maya, she's literally drooling!" I purse my lips
"Not true"
"Explain that stain on your pants then"I start blushing
"Hot chocolate"
"Honey, hot chocolate is brown and that doesn't seem like a brown stain to me" I whine
"Not you too, Zay" he raises his hands in defeat
"Riley's right, Maya. You need to decide. This situation is really stressing her out" Missy wraps an arm around my best friend
"And I don't want my girlfriend to be stressed" I smile in awe at their cuteness
"Listen guys, if I knew who I liked better then I would'we already chosen but I don't. And I also don't wanna hurt them by choosing one instead of the other"
"Maya, you remember our triangle with Lucas, right?" I nod
"We managed to stay besties because we have a super close relationship. They don't"
"Maya, did you forget how hurt you were while the triangle was going on? How bad you felt every time he complimented Riley or something similar?"
"Farkle, how do you know all that stuff?" Zay asks him
"Yeah, I've never told anybody" he rolls his eyes playfully
"Oh, come on. It was pretty clear. Every time he did that you had the same look of when I ate your tuna melt"
"Wait, didn't that happen years ago? Aren't you over that already?" Riley says in disbelief
"It was my tuna melt! He didn't even ask me if he could have a bite. He literally ate the whole thing in one bite! It was my only meal of the day while this rich boy had a restaurant at home!"
"I said I was sorry!"
"And I said that I'd never forget about it!" I snap back and sigh
"Anyways. I'm gonna get another mug of hot chocolate"
"One chocolate coming right away!" Elliot shouts and start heating up the coffee machine
"Out of the way! I'll do it!"
"Uh, guys-"
"Don't worry, Maya!"
"Yeah, I've got this"
"You've got this?! Nah-ah!"
"Guys-"
"Just be patient!"
"Five minutes!" I chuckle and grab the mug that was on top of the counter
"I prepared two hot chocolates earlier because I knew that I'd want a second one" I smile
"But thanks for worrying" I sit back down on the couch
"See? I was right"
"You always are, Smakle. They are fighting for me"
"I wasn't talking about that. I meant how hot they are when they fight for you" I laugh nervously while Zay shakes his head
"You're never gonna learn, will you?"
"What's the matter? You jealous?"
"Farkle!"
"I've officially given up"
"Okay, me now. How am I gonna choose?"
"How about going on a date with both of them?" I open my eyes in shock. Is Missy mad or something?
"At the same time?!" She rolls her eyes
"Of course not. Two dates. Forget about the other boy and pretend to be a couple" I frown
"That's a horrible idea. I can't just casually forget about one of them while being on a date with the other and do all the stuff that a couple would do. That's cheating"
"Well, you're not technically dating either of them"
"Well, if it's not cheating then it's playing with people's emotions. And I don't wanna do that. Especially to them. I don't wanna hurt them more than I am right now" Riley smiles sympathetically at me
"You really like them, don't you?"
"How could I not? They're both good guys. I feel like I don't deserve them"
"Don't say that. You're a good person too"
"How, Smakle? How am I a good person? I've been a mess for the past year. I was so selfish that I wanted Lucas to stay here instead of being happy with his family, I had a drinking problem, I called your uncle by my ex's name, I created a triangle and I'm basically playing with their feelings" Zay furrows his eyebrows.
"Damn, your GPA might be higher but you're still a stupid blonde. Listen: yes, you've made mistakes but you were able to learn from them. Farkle, would you mind making a resume of all the good things she has done this year?" The genius nods with a grin on his face
"Of course my brainless friend. Maya, you helped your parents move in a new place even though you were already super busy and always tired. You changed the cheer uniform to stop everyone to look in between the girls' legs and make them more comfortable-"
"You welcomed me and my sister into your group"
"You supported me when I came out to you"
"And you were totally okay with me dating her" I slightly smile at the couple
"You're trying to forgive your father and even offered to tutor me on Science since I'm failing it. You're like an angel...can I join the triangle too?" I chuckle and shake my head in denial
"I don't think that's a good idea, Zay"
"Peaches, I'd say you do what Missy told you to. Go on different dates with them"
"I don't think they'll like-"
"Nope, we're totally down for it"
"You two were listening?" Josh nods
"Yeah, it's kinda hard not to when you're the only people in here and basically shouting"
"Maya. We'd like to go on a date with you and put an end to this triangle once and for all" I sigh
"Okay, fine. What should we do?" Missy smirks
"Oh, well, I made a list" she pulls out a sheet of paper from her back pocket and starts reading it out loud.
"The location is up to the boys to decide. However, I have a list of activities and you'll have to rate the two of them on a scale from one to ten" Is she serious right now? Please tell me this is a joke. She clears her throat.
"Number one: holding hands. Number two: jokes. Number three: chemistry. Number four: physical beauty. Number-" I interrupt her
"Don't you think that's a little superficial? I don't care about their looks. I mean..." I turn my head around to look at them and melt when they both smile at me
"They sure are pretty but that doesn't count on my decision"
"Are you saying that these..." Josh lifts up his shirt, revealing his abs and making me blush.
"Won't help me? Not even extra credit?"
"I-I..."
"Oh, yeah?" Elliot takes off his shirt and I can see all of his muscles
"Then what about these, huh?"
"Maya?" I ignore Farkle's call until he waves his hand in front of my eyes
"Stop daydreaming! What's next on your list, Missy?"
"Right. Okay so, if you would've let me finish earlier than you would know that this list is not superficial at all. Number five: conversation. Number six: kiss. Number seven: sex" she smirks and I almost start chocking in my hot chocolate
"No way, I'm not doing that. Nuh-uh"
"Why not? I mean, you could choose a great guy but if he's boring on those areas -if you know what I mean- then your relationship is bound to end. Those things are important too"
"Missy! I have to stand with Maya in this. Are you out of your mind?!" Riley asks in shock
"Ugh, okay. You don't have to do them if you don't want to...but it wouldn't hurt if-"
"No!"

*A few days later*

I still can't believe that I agreed on doing this stupid date thing. I still think that this is a bad, terrible, idea.
I hear a knock on the bay window and open it knowing already that it's Josh.
"Hey, beautiful" I grin
"Hey, Boing. Where are we going?"
"I was thinking about going to the movies. Riley told me you liked horror movies and there's a new Annabelle movie. What do you think?"
"Sounds great to me"
"Perfect then. Let's go"
"Sure" I take his hand and he guides me down to his car.
"Madame..." he says in a French accent as he opens the car door for me, making me chuckle.
"Thank you sir" he smirks and kisses my hand before closing the door and get inside the car as well. As he starts driving I notice that everything is much tidier
"You cleaned the car?"
"Yeah. Last time you were here there was a huge mess. I threw all the junk away to make more space"
"Why'd you need more space?" he shrugs
"I don't know. Maybe if me and my friends are going to a party I'll drive" he pulls over and we get inside the cinema.
"Two tickets, please" After Josh pays we get some popcorn and take our seats on the last row.
"Do you get scared with horror movies?" I shake my head in denial
"Absolutely not. I'm a brave kid" he rolls his eyes playfully at me
"Okay but don't scream when a scary scene will-" He stops talking to shout just like Cory when the first jump scare comes on. I simply laugh
"Boy you really are Matthews' brother. You sounded just like him"
"I-I didn't"
"Tell that to my ears, I'm completely deaf by now" he laughs nervously and I decide to make a move. I move my hand to his and take it on mine, holding it.
"Maya..."
"Don't worry, Boing. I'll keep you safe from that evil doll" I reply in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"I'm sure you will" he replies while giving me a kiss on the cheek. Luckily it's totally dark or we could see my cheek turning to a deep shade of red.
After we finish the movie we get back inside his car but he doesn't start driving.
"So, did-did you enjoy the movie?" I nod happily
"Very much. Thank you for bringing me here"
"Yeah, yeah, no problem" I smirk devilishly when I notice that he's still trembling in fear
"Do you like it?"
"Oh, yes. Absolutely. I love watching creepy dolls murdering people"
"Oh, come on. It wasn't that bad!"
"Is it okay if we just stay here, talking for a while until my hands stop trembling, please? I just gotta calm down. Gosh, this is embarrassing..." I smile sympathetically at him at hold both of his hands
"Don't be ashamed. We're all scared of something"
"What are you mostly afraid of?" I look away
"You promise to not tell anybody?"
"I promise" I take a deep breath and spill it out
"I'm afraid of thunderstorms. I don't know why. I just am"
"Well, I do know why"
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah. Since you were alone most of the times at home you had nobody who would comfort you and tell you everything was gonna be fine"
"You really do observe people, huh?"
"Yes...and I also know because Riley told me" we both laugh
"If you knew the answer then why did you ask the question?"
"Because I wanted to hear it from a reliable source"
"You are incredible Joshua Matthews"
"Well, so are you Maya Hunter" he glances at my lips but then goes back to look at me in the eyes
"You know, now I am much calmer and I think that I'm able to drive. All thanks to your hands" he kisses them and sets them free. I already miss the warm feeling that he gave me when our fingers were linked together.
During the drive to our way home we play songs on the radio and basically scream the lyrics to every single song.
At last we arrive and he pulls over.
"Maya"
"Yeah?"
"Would you mind staying here a little longer and talk a little?"
"Why?" he smiles and I can't help but smile back.
"Because I wanna know more stuff about you. Your favorite color, favorite animal...things like that"
"Well, my favorite color is green, my favorite animal is...dolphin, I guess?" I chuckle
"I've never thought about my favorite animal, really. My favorite dish is tuna melt. Favorite book, well, I don't have one" he laughs but after a while he looks at me directly in the eyes
"You know, Maya. If we won't end up together..." he sighs
"I wanna make our someday today" I frown
"What do you mean?"
"Can I kiss you?" I don't have enough time to reply to him before he crushes his lips onto mine.
This kiss feels so good, probably because I haven't kissed someone in a very long time. Doesn't matter. I'm too busy enjoying it.
I unfasten the safety bell and straddle him, still kissing him. I feel his tongue brushing against my lips. I open my mouth enough to give him access to explore my mouth.
Somehow we end up on the back of his car.
"Now I understand why you wanted to make some space..." I whisper with a grin in between kisses
"You're a very smart girl, Maya" he moves his lips to my neck and starts sucking on my soft spot, making me moan.
"Wow, Josh"
"You want me to keep going?" He takes off his shirt and I move my hand to touch his abs. I nod in response to his question but finally come into my senses.
"Wait, no. I'm sorry. I just-"
"It's fine. Don't worry. It was stupid of me to even think about doing that. This is a matter of respect and I definitely crossed the line. I should be sorry instead" I sit up on my elbows
"It's okay. No need to be sorry" I kiss his bare chest and he smiles
"Now put your shirt back on before I totally loose control over myself"
"Sure ma'am" he wears his shirt but it's like I have an x-ray vision because I can still see his abs.
"You want me to walk you back home?" I shake my head
"No, thanks. I just have to climb the fire escape. You go ahead and take the elevator" he nods
"See you, Maya"
"See ya" he gives me one last kiss before I climb back to my room.
I immediately see the list Missy gave me laying on the bed. I still can't believe that I'm doing this.
I grab the pen and start 'grading' him.
Holding hands: 7
Jokes: 9
Chemistry: 8
Let's skip physical beauty.
Conversation: 8
Kiss: 9
Sex: none.
Done. Those are my grades. Definitely high ones.

*A week later*

Well, now it's Elliot turn. I'm starting to have second thoughts about this. I feel like I'm playing with both of them. It just does't feel right. I highly regret kissing Josh, it was wrong.
My thoughts are interrupted by someone knocking on the door
"Come on in!" Mom opens it with a big smile splattered all over her face
"Your date is here" I frown. Why didn't he just climb through the bay window?
"He's talking with Shawn right now"
"He's what?! I gotta save him from the devil now" I sigh and walk in the living expecting the two of them fighting but they're sitting on the couch while holding my siblings
"Hey"
"Maya, hi. You look..." Shawn completes Elliot's sentence
"Wow"
"Yeah, wow" I smile widely
"Thank you" I point at my father
"Did he say anything to you?"
"Kid, relax. I'm not that kind of dad, especially with Elliot. I know he's a good guy. And I had the confirmation earlier. He asked me for my blessing. Not many boys do that anymore. Plus, he's Cory's son. He's a Matthews. They're all naive"
"Okay, well, I'm not-" I interrupt him
"Yes you are" Bridget starts cooing in his arms as he gently rocks her.
"Hey Bridget, I'm your uncle Elliot. How are you?" I feel my heart melt at the scene, they're so cute!
"Yeah, I'm gonna go to the kitchen for a while. Can you hold him?"
"Uh-I-"
"Perfect, thanks" he hands me Chet before I can say anything else and leaves.
"Holy shit..." I whisper to myself when I remember that I've never held a baby until now
"What's wrong?"
"I-I've never held a child"
"What? Maya, they're four months old. You're telling me that you've never held either of them?" I start freaking out when Chet starts whining
"No! I'm always afraid to let them fall! Please help me now. How do I do this?!" the baby starts crying and I panic even more
"Okay, first of all: calm down. If you're nervous then he's gonna be nervous too. Just take a deep breath and relax"
"Can we just skip to the next step?"
"Put your hand under his head and not his neck and use your other forearm to support his back and butt" I follow his instruction but he keeps crying
"Elliot, what do I-" he starts laughing
"Just chill! Babies are very sensitive. Inhale and exhale, slowly" I sit next to Elliot on the couch and try to relax. After a while Chet finally calms down and I start rocking him to make him fall asleep
"Are you sure you've never held him?" I nod
"Totally, why?"
"Well, he's already asleep so I just assumed you did it at some point"
"Trust me, I've never held a baby. Especially these two"
"Why?"
"It's scary. What if I let them fall and they get hurt? I would never forgive myself if something happened to them because of me"
"I understand your point. But I believe you're exaggerating. You're a natural at this. I bet you'd make a great mother" I look at my baby sister and grin
"Well, you're a natural at this too"
"Thanks. You know, she looks just like you"
"You think?"
"Yeah, she only has Shawn's eyes and hair but she's still identical to you" I smile
"She's perfect"
"You're perfect, Maya" I roll my eyes playfully
"Oh, please. I'm not"
"But-"
"No, I won't listen to any of your arguments. I'm far from perfect. You should already know that by now" he gives me an arrogant smile
"You're wrong"
"I am not"
"Whatever you say" I chuckle
"Stop smiling like that!"
"How am I smiling?!"
"Like you're right and I'm wrong"
"That's because it's just they way it is"
"Whatever, I don't care. Where are we going?"
"Oh, you'll see"
"Babygirl, Elliot. You two can give me the twins and enjoy your date..."
"Thanks mom"
"...But don't enjoy it too much" I start blushing
"Mom!"
"Okay, sorry. Go ahead, go!" Elliot holds out his hand for me to grab. I feel electricity as soon as our fingertips touch, almost a connection.
"Follow me" I take it and he guides me to the rooftop. The only difference is that there's a table at the center with a picnic basket in the middle and rose petals on the floor.
"Elliot, why?" he smiles as we sit on the table
"Because I know how much this place means for you. Your mom and Shawn got married here and I know that ever since you've moved in this building you always come here to make up your mind"
"Thank you"
"No problem. Oh, I also know that..." he pulls out my favorite dish
"You love tuna melt!"
"You didn't!" I take a bite of it and moan
"Delicious! Did you make these?"
"Yeah, with a little help from mom"
"This is why they're almost as good as mom's"
"Yeah, Katy's tuna melts are unreachable. But I'm glad you're enjoying-you've already finished it?!" I shrug
"Yup" he simply laughs
"Elliot?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you asked for Shawn's blessing?"
"Well, I remembered the time Lucas did the same with Riley. I saw how much you wanted that happen to you so I though 'Why not'? I hope you didn't mind"
"No, absolutely not. In fact, I really liked it. Nobody has ever done that for me"
"Well, I'm glad to be your first then" we stand up for our chairs and sit on the floor, just watching the sunset.
"El?" I ask when he wraps an arm around my shoulder
"What's up?"
"I need to tell you something"
"Then tell me" I look at the horizon
"I know that I shouldn't talk about Josh -I mean, that was part of the deal- but..."
"What happened? Come on, tell me"
"We kissed. I'm so sorry. I deeply regret it. It wasn't fair. Not to you. If I could go back in time I'd erase that moment"
"You do?" I nod
"Yeah"
"Maya, you know that kissing was a thing on the list? It's fine. We agreed on going on dates and-"
"I don't care about that stupid list Missy wrote. It wasn't a fair thing