A/N: I know I really shouldn't be writing another story, but this idea hit me and I fell in love with it. I just couldn't let it go. So here it is. I'm still debating the title: Nothing Changes or Awkward Lifestyles. Tell me what you think. Any title ideas are welcome! R&R

Disclaimer: I don't own Maximum Ride, JP does.

Max's Pov

"And I'd give up forever to touch you cuz I know that you feel me somehow. You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be and I don't want to go home right now…" I sighed and closed my eyes, slipping into a dreamless sleep, the Goo Goo Dolls singing in the back ground. Another painful move across the country, it's a wonder how we haven't ran out of states to move to yet.

Ella was snoring lightly in the backseat and my mom had that determined look on her face which meant that she wasn't going to wake me up when it was my time to drive. I mentally shrugged, more sleep for me. But I still felt kind of bad; my mom works hard, hard enough to keep us going in a two story house all by herself. She deserved a break, but even if she's given one, she denies it. We try to get her to sleep in, we tell her we'll make breakfast but we wake up to the smell of waffles anyway.

I always wake up to the simplest things, a simple shift in the weather, a small tap on the window, the heater turning off/on, Ella tip-toeing around downstairs, everything. So I was surprised when I felt hands shaking me awake instead of the engine turning off. I slowly woke up, looking around, noting that we were parked in front of a two story house that looked identical to the one before it. Ella was smiling at me sleepily and I knew it must be really late… or early. I saw the yellow sun peaking over the hills in the distance and knew it must be around five.

"I thought about leaving you here, but I'm not that mean," She whispered and started walking back to the house. It was a simple house, nothing too special to mark it as unique, but that's fine with me. I give this place three months before mom's relocated again.

I sighed and slowly got out of the car. I stretched and slumped into the house. I aimlessly walked up the stairs and went to the nearest door I found. I saw Ella sleeping in the bed and I cursed quietly. I love Ella, but she has an abnormal fear of waking up and finding someone else in her bed, even if it's a family member. Once, I fell asleep in her bed and I woke up to her screaming and her claw-like nails. I unconsciously rubbed the scar on my wrist. I hide it well, but the memory still pains me. I hate being feared, that's my abnormal fear. I hate people being scared of me. We all have our flaws, don't hate, or judge. There both bad things.

I slumped into the next bedroom and fell onto the bed face-first and was asleep before I hit the bed.

I woke up to the smell of bacon and new that bad news was around the corner. I groaned and slowly stood, rubbing my eyes and rolling my shoulders. Here's a word of advice, don't ever sleep in day-clothes on your stomach because then you'll be aching in the morning.

I made my way downstairs, each step echoing in the almost filled house. In the kitchen I saw Ella slowly chomping on her bacon on the circular table and mom at the stove, making herself some. I noticed the table set for three and knew that I was going to either hate this morning's breakfast or absolutely love it. It's usually the first one though. I slumped into a chair and started eating the bacon and eggs in front of me. Mom happily sat down, eating her food slowly, taking her time. Odd. "Morning girls," She finally said, looking up at us.

"Morning," We mumbled, still dazed by sleep. Mom was wearing her usual work clothes, a long-sleeved shirt of any color tucked into a pencil-skirt, sometimes pants. Mom was a vet, one of the bests, but I guess my vote is biased.

She frowned at us and commented on our attire, "I guess you were both still exhausted." I nodded, eating my bacon, the flavor lost to my tired mind.

"So…"

"Start with the bad, then the good," I said and she frowned at me. She opened her mouth to ask how I knew what she was going to say and I waved my hand dismissively, "You're my mom, I should know what's going to happen when you make bacon and eggs for breakfast."

She laughed a little, "Well, as you girls know, you'll be starting school next Monday," She waited for us to nod and continued, "I want you two to know this town by heart before then." Easy enough, I already did my fair share of research on this place. Call it paranoia, but it's really just trying to not look as lost as you feel. I always search up the place we're moving to, ever since the first time when I walked into someone's territory. I thought it was open to the public because it was a hill, but apparently only some parts of it were. They let me off with a warning, and ever since I've always made sure to do research on the place.

"I have a friend here, her name's Alyssa Griffiths, and I asked her if she wouldn't mind showing you two around. She agreed-"

"But," I prompted, not meeting mom's gaze.

"But nothing, she agreed to let her kids show you two around." Now this job is harder.

"I can do it myself." Another abnormal fear of mine: I hate meeting new people. I'm somewhat antisocial, or socially awkward. I can never act correctly in front of people, so I usually let myself fit in and blend into the background. I don't go out of my way to look good, I don't wear very known brands, I don't draw any attention to myself. That's just how I am.

Mom shook her head, "Nonsense," I'm socially awkward and even I know that no one says nonsense anymore. "You'll have fun, Max. Give it a try; you might actually like these people." I shrugged, I highly doubt it. I hate how much faith my mother has in me because that makes me even more of a failure. I guess I hated this breakfast, no matter how amazing the food was.

"Maybe," I said just for her. Her smile brightened and I knew that I'd actually have to try this time.

After I dressed and brushed my teeth and hair, I found myself lounging on the couch, rocking out to my play list. It didn't even make sense; it was fast then slow, calming then energizing. Awkward. But it was me; it explained me and my ways.

"My shadow's the only one that walks beside me. My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating, sometimes I wish someone out there will find me 'til then I walk alone!" I sang along with Billie.

I heard a faint knock and heard Ella scream, "I GOT IT!" But I didn't really care what was happening. Well that is until Ella plopped down on my stomach.

"Get off!" I gasped, pushing her off of me with a hard shove.

She was laughing and said, "Good, you're still alive! Okay, come on let's go!" I looked at her like she was crazy and she laughed again. I was beginning to miss the tired and quiet Ella, she was much more bearable. "To look around town, silly!" I sighed and sat up.

"I'm not feeling well; you know after you mauled me, I felt like breakfast was going to show up again." I put a hand on my stomach and wobbled a little. She rolled her eyes at me and pushed me towards the door. I groaned but let her pull me outside where three people were waiting.

"Sorry guys, my sister was having some issues," Ella commented and we started walking.

"My only issue is you, dear sweet sister," I said sarcastically, putting my headphones back in my ears. I heard some laughs, but my music was really too loud to even hear what was going on. So I lowered it just in case they were talking to me, I didn't want to look like an idiot. I promised my mom I would try. My sister and the other girl, a dark skinned girl with mocha colored eyes and dark brown hair, hit it off immediately. They were both blabbing on and on about the cutest new trend and the cute boys at our old school and new school. James Blunt was blasting in my ears when Ella turned the conversation to me.

"But Max is the athletic one." I hate her. I don't like bragging or showing off, because that draws the unwanted attention.

One of the guys, the one that was a good foot taller than me with black hair that hung over his dark eyes, looked at me curiously and asked, "Really?"

I shrugged, "Sure, I guess I'm okay." Ella gaped at me, shaking her head.

"Max is not just okay, she's amazing! At everything!" I rolled my eyes, shifting uncomfortably.

"Ella's just exaggerating; I'm just as bad at everything as she is." She glared at me.

"HEY!" She yelled, whacking my arm and I smiled a little.

"Just saying what you said," I shrugged.

She rolled her eyes, "Okay then you agree, you're amazing at everything." I opened my mouth then closed it. She had me there.

I shook my head, "Nope." She looked like she wanted to press further but my phone started ringing. We were both shocked, no one other than mom called me, and even then she preferred to call Ella. I took out my iPhone and saw JJ and her smirking with a hat picture on. I happily answered.

"Hey," I said into the phone and Ella mouthed, "Who is it?" I raised a finger to tell her to wait because when JJ rambles, you need to listen otherwise you'll be lost.

"HEY MAXI-MILLION!" She yelled into the phone, so loud I'm sure that the people heard her. I guess I'm not trying too hard, I don't even know their names, not like I'm going to ask.

"Hey, JJ," I said into the phone and Ella still looked confused. JJ was a friend of mine from camp. I attended a sports camp during the summer and met JJ; we exchanged numbers and called ever so often. She usually called, but whenever I need her to listen I call and so far she's always answered. I moved the phone away from my mouth and said in a hushed voice, "Sports camp." Great, now they probably think that I am good at sports.

"OMG! YOU WILL NEVER GUESS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!" She shouted and I laughed. JJ was the only person, other than my family, that I wasn't awkward around.

"I'm guessing something totally amazingly awesome that will make me go 'oh' and 'ah'?" I could hear her nod her head and smiled.

"YES! OMG! First off…. DANNY FINALLY ASKED ME OUT! AH!"

"Congrats on that! I'm sure that you've added to you're Danny shrine," I smirked and knew that she was probably turning a bright red. I motioned for the others to keep going, I felt bad that I was making them stay, and I didn't appreciate them listening to my conversation.

"Shut up," She muttered and I laughed.

"No, it's illegal for me to shut up." I heard her laugh and I missed her. I would never see her again and we would slowly grow distanced and my amazing friendship with her would shatter. I would be awkward with everyone.

"Psh, someone needs to change that law. Anyway, I needed to tell you this and I wanted to tell you in person but you know…" I heard the sadness there and I just wanted to be like everyone else and be able to stay in one place for once, to have one place to call home and not the entire freaking country, but I never complain. My mom has enough stress that she doesn't need my complaining to be added to the stack.

"Yeah," I sighed and scratched my head a little.

"Anyway. I just got promoted to head cheerleader!" She squealed and it was hard for me to not be happy for her. I squealed with her and it sounded alien in my ears.

"OMG! That's great! You're going to be awesome out there! I wish I could be there!" In reality I was glad I wasn't. I'd be rejected, at least now I could drag out this friendship for as long as possible, but she would never befriend me if I went to her school. It's just a fact. I'm socially awkward and never do anything fun, other than sports really.

"Yeah, hey, you're in Cali, right?" I nodded then said, "Yeah."

"Well, in one month we're going to be performing there for one of the football games and you could come!" I smiled at the idea, we both knew I probably wouldn't be able to come, but we could dream.

"SURE! Of course! Just tell me where and when and I'll take it from there!" I could hear her smile in her voice when she told me how excited she was to see me again and I agreed. I didn't want to say goodbye, but every hello ends with a goodbye. I see nothing 'good' about 'goodbye' but… I don't know. Goodbye is just a painful way of saying I wonder when I'll see you again.

"So, JJ?" Ella asked, trying to rack her brain for that name.

"Yes, you seriously don't remember her?" I asked and wondered if I ever told her about JJ. Ella was more book-smart than street-smart and can easily remember things so if she can't remember the name I probably never told her.

I went to my photos and clicked the one with JJ and me in it. I handed it to her and she shook her head, "How come I've never heard of her?" She demanded after handing me back my phone. I shrugged.

"Slipped my mind."

"This conversation is not over young lady!" Ella said angrily and I tried not to laugh.

"I'm older than you, Ells." She just glared at me.

After walking around some more, I found out that the guy that was at least a foot taller than me and looked more like a shadow than a person was named Nick but his nickname was Fang. The boy with strawberry blond hair and light blue eyes was James but was called Iggy. Iggy and Fang were like yin and yang, dark and light, happy and sad, outgoing and shy. Complete opposites. The girl with dark skin and mocha eyes was Krystal Anne, odd but not as odd as her nickname, Nudge. Iggy and fang were my age, seventeen while Nudge was just about to turn Ella's age, fifteen. Nudge was Fang's adopted brother and Iggy was Fang's closest friend. Boys apparently don't have 'best friends'.

Mom called a little after we got ice-cream, saying that she would be home late and that we should be home before he, which meant we should be asleep by ten. I had the entire place memorized by heart by the time we were on our front porch at five. I knew Ella was going to invite them in, so I let her deal with opening the door.

"You guys want to come in?" Ella asked half-way through opening the door. Fang shrugged with Iggy and Nudge was in there before I could even go inside. I locked the door behind everyone and went back to my couch. I laid back down and hired the volume on my iPod, humming to California by Phantom Planet. I closed my eyes tapped my foot to the beat.

I opened my eyes and screamed shoving Iggy's laughing face out of my face. I muttered something under my breath; it sounded something like "class hole". He just laughed. I was going to kill him.

I shoved him again; he stumbled and fell on his butt. I laughed a little and he mock glared at me. "I'm bored." I rolled my eyes.

"Go be normal and eat something." He shrugged.

"I'm not hungry," he complained.

"So?" I asked, "You're bored, so go eat." He shrugged.

"So I hear you're good at sports…" I stiffened a little and yelled, "I'm coming Ella!" I got up and walked to the kitchen. Sadly, he followed me.

"Which ones?" I ignored him, busily pouring myself a glass of milk. "You look like a basketball player, maybe a soccer player?"

I sighed and looked at him, "You're not going to drop that are you?" He shook his head smugly. Then Fang walked in. I've never been happier to see his face.

"Nice house," He commented, sitting down on one of the table chairs.

I chugged down the milk and nodded, "Thanks. Hey is Ella calling me? Hmm, better go check!" I ran out of the room, but still heard Fang sigh.

"What did you do this time?" Iggy just laughed.

I knew Ella didn't need me so I went outside. I never got the chance to see the backyard so I used this time to look around. There were trees lining the fence, the grass an unnatural green, bushes popped up around trees, there was a swing on the porch, a potted plant next to the door. In the very middle of the yard was a willow tree. Something you wouldn't expect to see, something that looked as awkward as me. It didn't fit, it made no sense being where it was, and it looked gauche. I loved it. I loved anything that simply reminded me of myself. I liked knowing I wasn't alone. Because nobody wants to be the last one there, everyone wants to feel like someone cares and nobody wants to do it on their own. Everyone wants to know they're not alone.

A/N: Okay at the end I used some Nickleback lyrics to help fit my story. So I guess I need to add that to the disclaimer... I'll just do it here. I OWN NOTHING! IT'S ALL THE WORK OF NICKLEBACK AND JP! I cut out some of the lyrics but they're still there and I need to acknowledge them. Oh and I'm sorry to say but I don't know if this story is going to have Fax in it. I love Fax but this story doesn't seem to be leading to that... Sad, yeah. I know.

~~~Yours Truly Forever~~~

(|0|) I'm a hamburger! (|0|)