"I'm going to smile like nothing wrong, talk like everything's perfect, act like it's all a dream, and pretend it's not hurting me." –unknown

Ever since he had left, she had been in darkness. Max, in a matter of months, had changed from the strong, loud person to a cold, distant, and broken one. She didn't become weaker; but would force herself to go through hours of training and fighting. The flock had been positive Dylan would move in and they would eventually fall in love-as well as take Fang's place in Max's heart. It was really, the opposite. Every time Dylan tried to "win her over", she slapped it back in his face. Time and time again he tried, and failed. Angel, sensing her thoughts, whispered gently in her head.

'You should give him a chance, Max. He is your other half.'

'My other half left me a long time ago.' her angry, sorrowful mind screamed. 'I want to die. I can't take this shit anymore!'

Angel recoiled from her mind as if Max had slapped her. A look of hurt flashed across her face. Max, the person who had always kept the flock together in the toughest of times, Max, who had always been invincible, was breaking.

Max POV

I felt Angel recoil from my mind immediately after I had let that stupid comment slip. Guilt settled in quite quickly after that.

'Angel...I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I know you're trying to help, but I have to handle my love life on my own, okay?'

I felt her presence in my mind before she spoke. 'It's...okay Max.' came the soft reply.

She then withdrew from my mind, and I was left with silence. I wanted to literally kick myself; I shouldn't be spazzing out on a freaking eight year old girl. The guilt only seemed to continue to get worse. The thing that sucks the most when you want to escape from something is that you can run away from anyone in the world, but you can't escape your own mind.

'Max...you need to control your thoughts. Sulking around over Fang and acting in anger towards your flock is not going to solve anything.' the Voice chimed in.

In case you haven't noticed, I have a freaking voice in my head that annoys the crap out of me. Just when you need more things to add to the problem, the Voice will do it for you.

"Finally talking to me, eh? Well, why don't you go back to being silent? Just leave me alone. I don't feel like dealing with your lectures. I'm going to take a shower," I said out loud.

I had done this once before and I bet people thought I needed to go to a mental hospital. I walked out of the clearing and flew up on to the deck of the house that we were currently living in. I ignored the flocks' stares as I literally ran for the bathroom. What was up with them today?

'More like what is wrong with you today, Max.' the voice chimed in again.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes; that thing was so freaking annoying.

'Shut up!' I snapped at it as I hopped into the shower and let the warm water calm my aching muscles in my back. After ten minutes or so of standing endlessly under the water, I shut it off, and reached for a towel.

I was in the midst of drying my hair (yes I already have clothes on for all the minds in the gutter out there) when something black on my neck caught my eye; it didn't bother me until I realized what it was: my expiration date. Cold tremors ran down my spine as I stood there frozen. Looks like I was getting my wish after all...'I want to die. I can't take this shit anymore!'.

Who would lead the flock when...I was gone? Remembering Angel, I quickly changed the subject my thoughts were on. Later I would make some plans about this.

Normal POV

Max walked out of the bathroom with a heavy heart. How could she tell them-let alone worry about what could happen to them. She walked into the living room, and saw Angel looking at her strangely. 'Whatever you heard from me in the bathroom, do not tell them. I want to talk to you later.' Max thought to her.

Her brows furrowed, but nodded. Just then, a car, that had been speeding, screeched to a stop in the front of the house.

"What the heck was that?" Nudge yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Could you yell any louder?" Iggy growled as he rubbed his ears.

Her eyes widened in annoyance. "Don't you get sarcastic with ME, there mister!"

His expression looked like he was going to smash something. "Stupid woma-"

Nudge's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Finnish that sentence and the people will pick you off the road with a shovel."

Max gave the two a "wth?" look and just had to make a remark.

"Why are you two arguing like a married couple? Get a freaking room-make that a debate room and marriage counselor!"

Max POV

I let my mouth run again...oops. Nudge's eyes grew so wide in rage that I thought she was going to actually dare to put me out on the road as road kill.

"...Max! I'm gonna kill you!"

' ...don't worry that's already being done.' I thought at her in my head.

I just forgot, not so conveniently, that there was a mind reader in my flock. Great. Just as I realized this, I heard a gasp come from Angel's direction. "...Max...?"

0.0 Hey guys! Long time no see! My other stories WILL BE UPDATED! Do not worry! Please review!