"Izzy! Izzy! Come quick, I need you!"
Isabelle came racing up the stairs at top speed and burst into Max's bedroom.
"What is it, Max? Are you okay? Did you see something?" She asked worryingly.
"Celine just asked me if I wanted to hang out. Is she asking me out? Am I ready for that commitment. Izzy, help me! I'm freaking out here." Max frantically questioned, hugging his knees closer to his shivering chest. Izzy laughed a small laugh.
"No worries, little brother." Isabelle assured him
"Just remember what we practiced. Deep breath in," Max sucked in a wavering breath ,"and now slowly let it out." He let out a shaky breath before returning back to his older sister.
"Better?" She smiled a careful smile.
"Much better. Thanks, Izzy. Okay, so what's the deal? What's she asking me?"
"Celine is probably just bored and needs a friend." Isabelle reached out to Max.
" So I'm her boredom policy. Oh, God. How could I think I'd have a chance with her." He palmed his forehead a couple times. Izzy grabbed his wrist and put it to his side before he could do any more damage.
"No Max, that's not what I meant. Just forget I ever said that and go hang out with her."
"Thanks Izzy! I won't remember anything that you just said in the last 2 minutes if that helps you sleep at night."
Before he could race out the door she called his name. "Max! Do you need me to drive you guys there and back?"
He winced at the words " need me to drive". The thing was that Izzy's driving skills are worse than her cooking abilities, if you can believe that.
"Ummm, no?" He drew out the last word.
"I think Jace can drive us. But thanks for the offer!" He waved as he went out the door.
Right after the door clicked shut, Izzy thought to herself This makes me wonder: Where are they going?