"Jeb, what's for breakfast?" Max asked, she was up before everyone else; she had to, she was the oldest. She was the leader.
"Pancakes, sweetheart, wake the others, we're going to eat soon."
She smiled at him and ran to the rooms of the other members of the flock. Jeb grinned in her direction, but inside, he was uncomfortable. He wanted to stay and never have to do anything with The School ever again. But he couldn't, it wasn't right.
She's only 12 now… it's so unfair.
He knew life wasn't fair. His wife was dead and he had to leave his son behind. Ari, his poor son was all alone with other scientists. There wasn't a day that went by that he did not think about Ari. Or about the time he would never be able to make up. Or not seeing him grow up.
It wasn't just Ari. Everything was painful. Everything sucked. He had to watch Maximum grow up in a cage, never seeing the light of day. Being tested on constantly. It was all his fault. And he was going to cause her more pain; she would hate him. He planned to leave tonight. It was painful for him too, maybe more so, and he hoped his kids would understand that.
He wouldn't have anyone. Valencia wouldn't be there. A voice brought him back to the kitchen. "I'm hungry." It was Fang.
"Uh, yeah, pancakes are ready." Breakfast was silent which bothered Iggy, but he said nothing. Jeb was glad for the silence so he could think more, but maybe that wasn't so good for him.
Maximum helped him put away the dishes like she always did. She followed him around too. He didn't mind, however, he needed to be alone sometimes. Right now was one of those times. He sat at his desk and Max stood by him, just to be around him.
"Hey Max, why don't you go play with the others. I uh, have some things to do right now." She went off to be with Fang. "Wait," he called out and she turned around, "Max, I want you to know, I believe in you sweetheart. I think you can do anything."
"Okay" She smiled at him despite of how strange he was acting.
Jeb stayed at his desk the rest of the day. And he was gone in the middle of the night, accepting that his life would be a complete hell from there on. But with hope, he knew he'd see Max again. And he'd get to tell her everything. He wouldn't have to lie.