Disclaimer: I don't own Maximum Ride or any of the characters, but this plot is mine. Read and review!
"Max? Max – wake up." A frightened little voice broke into my reverie.
"Hmm?" I raised my head from my arms.
"It's dinner." Angel said in a tiny voice.
"I'll be down in a minute," I murmured, staring out the window and drawing my fingers across the windowsill.
"Come on, Max," Angel said persistently. Was it my imagination, that little hint of fear I heard in her voice? "Everyone's waiting for you."
"All right," I sighed. "I'll come down…in two seconds."
"Max, please," Angel pleaded, but I ignored her and resumed my gaze out the window. Her little footsteps padded away. I rocked slowly back and forth. Back…forth. Back…forth. I shut my eyes to the world and kept rocking. Back…forth.
"Max, come on." A low voice urged me. I didn't raise my head. Before I knew it, hands were on me, lifting me.
"Let's go," Iggy said softly. He forced me to walk down the stairs. I wasn't sane enough to be embarrassed. All I felt was an aching deep in heart and in the pit of my stomach. An ache that food couldn't fix.
Gazzy's pale, freckled face stared at me as I got down. I know what you're thinking. I was supposed to be strong, tough. I was Maximum Ride – so why exactly was I acting like this?
I stared down at the plate set in front of me. It took me a moment for my brain to register the food, a hamburger and fries. What used to be my favourite. I picked it up and nibbled at the bread, my taste buds dormant.
For once, the dinner table was silent. Nudge was actually quiet, sullen, staring down at her lap as she ate. It was so tense you could cut the air with a butter-knife. I couldn't stand it anymore.
"I'm not hungry." I mumbled, pushing my plate away.
"Come on, Max, stop acting like this," Iggy said in a frustrated voice.
"What?" I said, shocked as I stared up at him. The other kids froze.
"Ever since Fang left – " I cringed as he said his name. "You've been acting like you're emo. Guess what? He's gone. He's not coming back, and you moping around isn't going to help!" He glared at me.
"I'm not moping." I said.
"Oh yeah? Then why won't you let Dylan come back into the house?" Iggy asked.
"Excuse me?" I glared at him.
"You know why? Because you're scared that you're going to like him. Even though you're all mushy with Fang. You're afraid that you're going to fall for Dylan, even though you know that Fang is never coming back!"
"That's not true!" I yelled at him.
"Oh yeah? Then let him in. Call his hotel room and tell him to come." Iggy said challengingly.
"Dylan has nothing to do with any of this!" I cried.
"Yes he does. You're not willing to let go of Fang. You're neglecting all of the kids because of him. Just give it up!"
"Shut up!" I yelled and fled the table, tears streaming down my cheeks.
You like? Here's how it's going to work: I have chapter 2 all ready to go, BUT I will only add once I get to 20 reviews. So start typing and you'll find out how this is going to proceed.