The flock and I had been living with Dr. Martinez and Jeb for a few weeks when Dr. Martinez said the house couldn't fit everyone happily and comfortably. I couldn't agree with her more. We all needed our own space. Jeb and Dr. Martinez loved each other, I'm guessing they always have, and never stopped. I loved being with them. They were my family and I couldn't live without them. Ella was the best sister I could ask for, and Dr. Martinez was the best mother I could ask for too. Jeb had explained everything to me, but I still didn't completely understand. The flock was still their usual selves. Fang was still quiet and annoying, Iggy was still blind, but slowly adjusting to the house, Nudge was still talkative as ever, Gazzy was still mischievous and, well, gassy, and Angel, was well, angelic, as usual. As for me, Max, I was still strong, stubborn, and loving. More important we were all a family now.

"Max!" I heard a voice shout, "Come here!"

I followed the voice into the living room where everyone was seated and sat next to Fang.

"Now that we're all here," Jeb said, "Valencia and I have something to tell you."

"Okay then, tell us," Iggy said.

"Well as you know, this house is too small for all of us to be comfortable and have our own space, so we bought a new home. Enough room for all of us, no one around us. The flock can fly without being noticed. Each of you will have your own room and bathroom. I hope you all don't mind, but we already picked your rooms out so there wouldn't be any arguing."

We were all quiet for a minute thinking it over and finally Nudge spoke up.

"So we each have our own room and bathroom?"

"Yes."

"When do we move in?" Iggy asked.

"Whenever you like. Tomorrow if you'd like."

"Okay, cool!" Angel said.

"Where will I sleep?" Total piped up.

"You will have a room with Angel, since you like being with her," Jeb said.

"Can we go tomorrow?" Gazzy asked.

"Of course."

The flock looked at me asking if it was okay to be happy about all of this.

I smiled at them and said, "My own bathroom? I could get used to that," and smiled at them. They all cheered and high-fived. Jeb and mom looked happy, so did Ella. I looked at Fang and he mouthed "I can't wait for my own room."

I laughed and mouthed, "I'll bet." He smiled my favorite half-smile. What can I say; the boy had me wrapped around his long, slender fingers.

"Well, its getting late. Angel, I think its time you went to bed," Mom said. Angel got up and hugged everyone goodnight and headed off to bed.

I went outside for some fresh air. I flew to a tree and sat down to think and clear my head. I was still confused about Fang. I knew I loved him, I just didn't know if he felt the same way. I was still confused about Jeb too, I didn't know whether I could trust him or not, but everyone else except Fang trusted him. Fang was my best friend, my right-hand man, he was more than a brother, I'd fallen in love with him, and there was no way I'd fall out of it. I heard wings beating and I knew who it was immediately: Fang. He sat next to me on the branch and said, "Are you okay?"

"Yes and no. I'm okay, but my thoughts are bothering me."

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

"I don't know whether to trust Jeb or not. I know the kids trust him and Dr. Martinez, but I just don't."

"I understand. You want to believe him, but your head won't let you."

God, he knows me better than I know myself.

"Max, just follow your heart," he said.

"Okay."

It was quiet for a while and Fang was right about the whole "follow your heart" thing, maybe I should do just that.

"Fang, you remember when you tried to help me change my mind?"

He nodded his head in response.

"Well, I changed my mind."

I looked over to him and he was looking at me with those dark, emotionless eyes. I put my hand to his face and gently caressed his cheek and pushed back a little of his dark locks, leaned in and kissed him. He was stiff for a moment, and I almost pulled back, but his arms pulled me closer.

A few moments later, we pulled apart and I whispered, "I'm following my heart," and lightly kissed him again.

He grabbed my hand and lightly stroked the back of it with his thumb and said, "I'm glad I could help you change your mind."

With that said, he kissed me and I smiled into the kiss and said, "Fang, I love you."

"I love you too," he mumbled against my lips.

He gently pulled away and said, "Don't you ever forget that Maximum Ride. I will always love you. I'll always be here for you. I'll never leave you, ever again."

He held me in his arms for a little while; he broke the silence and said, "We need to go back to the house."

I nodded in agreement and looked up and kissed him again.

I unfurled my wings and flew back to the house, Fang right beside me the whole way. We quietly walked into the house. Iggy, Gazzy, and Nudge were all asleep in the living room. Angel was sleeping in Ella's room on her spare bed. Fang and I grabbed a few blankets, moved the coffee table, laid the blankets down and we cuddled under the blankets. Fang kissed me a few times before I drifted off to sleep. The last think I thought was, "I'm finally happy now."

I woke to a light kiss and bustling in the kitchen. I opened my eyes to see Fang looking at me with his dark, violet eyes.

"Morning," he whispered.