"What Might Have Been, The Prologue" Part 1
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters; they belong to James Cameron, and this story is not intended for profit, blah blah woof woof . . . . Rating: PG-13 Author: JeanneMarie Haight, 12/16/00 (Angel33296@aol.com)
[This is the beginning to What Might Have Been. It's 2 years before the scene in WMHB. It takes place right after "Blah Blah Woof Woof", so the date is 2019.]
Scene 1, 2019, Logan's
Logan looked at Max. "You're leaving?" It wasn't really a question.
"I have to. Lydecker's not gonna stop looking for me just because he has Zack," she reminded him.
"I know, I just . . .well, I wish you could stay here where I can keep an eye on you."
"I promise to stay out of trouble," she said, a smile curving her full lips, "as long as you do."
Logan wheeled over to her and took her hand. She let him. He looked at her for a long time.
"Then this is goodbye," he said finally.
"I hate goodbye," Max said bitterly. Logan looked at her. Were those tears????
"Until we meet again, then," he told her, unable to look her in the eye. Who knew when, or if, that would be.
"Ok," Max leaned in and kissed him, hungrily. She drank him in, needing to fill herself with his taste. Logan kissed back, wanting to pour himself into her until they were one being.
"Gotta blaze," Max said when she finally pulled away, and was gone.
Scene 2, 2019-2021
~ Max's Story ~
(Her POV)
So, I left him there. Left him staring after me. I knew that he wanted me to stay, that he still needed me. But I don't want to be needed. I can't be needed.
I got on a bus in Seattle and never looked back. When I got to New York, I changed my name. And my hair color. Zack would approve.
Now I'm Angela Evans. But I'm no angel despite what my boss says. I got a job in a diner. Ella, my boss is always saying, 'Your name fits you, you are an angel.'
She likes me 'cuz I'm willing to work extra shifts. Hey, its not like I've got anything better to do, and a girl's gotta support herself. In the city, Tryptophan is expensive. And I'm not making money from robbing people. I haven't robbed anyone since I met Logan.
Logan.
Ok, so I did look back.
Scene 3, 2019-2021
~Logan's story ~
(His POV)
I should have gone after her. I probably wouldn't have caught up to her, but at least I would have gone after her instead of sitting here, helpless and empty.
Sitting here. At least I can do more than that now. It's been a year and a half. I haven't adjusted to Max being gone - I don't think I ever will. I have adjusted to Karen and Brandon, though. They've been here for a whole year now almost. I found Karen shortly after Max left.
Karen's husband was killed by some men working for Edgar Montoya, a guy I'd been after for a while. She came to me with information, hoping that, as Eyes Only, I could help her.
I can't help anyone, though, not with out Max. But I've been protecting Karen and her son, Brandon. He's a year old. His father never knew him. Makes me wonder what Max's mom went through. And Max, never seeing her mom.
I've gotta stop thinking about her. Max is gone. Gone for good, just like my sleep at night. Max is gone. Gone.
I'm sure she never looked back. Why would she? She's not the type to get attached. Not like me.
Karen's great. She's always there. If I could ever stop thinking about Max, who knows? And Brandon is cute. Makes me wish I had a son.
I sit here at my computer, where I've written a hundred unsent letters. To Max, of course.
I've gotta start focusing on what's here, not what was. But I can't get that dream out of my head. The one where I held her in my arms and we danced to Sibelius' Valse Triste.
Valse Triste. Sad Waltz. How right Max was. It describes our life together. It ended; it was only as long as a dance. Now I'm sad.
No. I will not think about her. Karen. Brandon. There, see? I can do it.
Max.
Scene 4, 2021, a week before the scene in What Might Have Been
~Max's Story ~
(Her POV)
I said I'd never go back. And I meant it.
Sorry, Logan, but I'm not a superhero. I couldn't even save myself.
I'm no angel, as I've said.
So why am I on my way back to Seattle?
Logan?
No.
Eyes Only?
No.
Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy?
No.
Kendra?
No.
Zack?
No.
Lydecker?
No.
Guilt?
No.
Ask me again why I'm going back.
Logan?
Sure, why not.
Scene 5, 2021, just after the last scene
~Logan's Story ~
(His POV)
Yesterday, out of the blue, Bling asked me two things.
One: Did I love Karen?
My answer: I don't know.
Two: Would that answer be different if Max had never left?
My answer: I don't know.
I don't know a lot of things anymore.
Then he asked me how I'd feel if Max came back.
I told him it wouldn't change things. That I wouldn't care.
He just smiled. I think he knew I was lying.
Was I lying?
We'll never know, will we?
Scene 6, 2021, Logan's
(This takes place right at the end of the last scene.)
A knock interrupted Logan from his reverie. He looked up, expecting to see Bling or Karen standing there.
Instead, it was Max.
"Hey," she said quietly. Logan stared at her. She hadn't changed much in the two years she'd been gone, except she was thinner. He immediately wanted to take care of her. But he wouldn't allow himself to.
"Hey yourself," was all he said. Max noticed that except for the circles under his eyes, he hadn't changed, either.
For the longest time, they just looked at each other.
Logan was the one who finally broke the spell. "So, um," he cleared his throat, "I bet Cindy and Kendra were happy to see you. As well as Herbal and Sketchy."
"I wouldn't know," she told him, "This was the first place I came to since I got here."
"Oh, when'd you get in?" Logan tried to sound casual.
"Five minutes ago," she responded, looking out the window.
"Well, um . . . would you like something to eat? A turkey sandwich?" he tried.
"No thanks," she told him.
"Oh, okay."
"So, how's the Eyes Only thing goin'?" she asked.
"Fine. Its great. . . yeah, great," Logan said, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself. 'Great, Cale,' he scolded himself, 'You really sold that one.'
"That's good," she said.
Logan took a deep breath before opening his mouth again. He had to be careful. Unfortunately, Karen spoiled his chance.
"Logan?" she called, walking into the apartment, "I told Bling that I'd cook supper tonight. How's Brandon?" She stopped short when she saw Max.
Max stared at her, until it was almost impolite. The she turned her head and refused to look at Logan.
"Max, this is Karen Parker. Karen, this is Max Guevara, an old friend," Logan said, feeling the tension rise between the two women.
"Hi, Max," Karen said calmly, "It's nice to meet you."
"You, too," Max said a little too sweetly. She turned to Logan, "Well, I see you're busy. Gotta blaze," she said turning for the door.
"Max, wait!" Logan called, standing up to go after her.
She turned and was startled by the sight of Logan standing. It took a lot to shake her.
"You're doing well, I can see," she said. Then she walked out the door.
"Damnit, Max!" Logan went after her, but she was already gone.
Scene 7, 2021, Kendra's
Max walked straight into her and Kendra's apartment without paying much attention to anything. She was still burning over Karen's living with Logan. Her head told her she was being irrational. But her heart knew better.
She walked into her room and dumped her bag on the bed. Then she walked back out into the rest of the apartment. She checked the refrigerator. Empty. Max smiled to her self. Typical Kendra, hiding the good stuff somewhere.
'Speaking of Kendra,' Max thought, 'where was she?' The door was open, so she had to be somewhere in the apartment.
"Kendra," Max called
"Kendra's not here," a girl with red hair said, coming out of the bathroom, "Can I help you?"
Max tensed. Who was this? "Who are you?" she finally asked.
"Tara. Kendra's roommate," the girl answered.
"Nevermind," Max said, turning to go, but she bumped into someone.
"Max?!" came from an astonished Kendra.
Scene 8, 2021, Kendra's
(continuation of previous scene)
"Max, when did you get back?" Kendra asked, hugging her, "I missed you."
Max was a little stunned, so it took her a minute to reply, "Um, I just got in, actually. I came here and . . . "
"Ooh, you met Tara!" Kendra cut her off, "I didn't know when, or if, you were coming back, so I got a new roommate. I needed the rent money, Max, it wasn't personal or anything. Anyway, this is Tara Clarke, my new roommate," Kendra turned to Tara, "Tara, this is the famous Max Guevara."
Max became immediately alarmed. "What do you mean, famous?"
"Kendra told me a lot about you," Tara said, "You were her favorite roomie."
"Oh," Max said, relaxing and shaking Tara's outstretched hand. Max noticed that she had an unusually firm grip.
"I just got some coffee, real coffee this time, not that silly imitation," Kendra announced, "Stay and we'll have a cup," she invited Max.
It was tempting, but there were other people Max still had to see and Logan would probably be there any minute, looking for her.
"Another time," she told Kendra, "Right now I gotta blaze. Goin' to see Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy."
"Oh, ok," Kendra replied.
Max grabbed her bag, "If Logan comes by, I was never here," she said.
"Max! Wait!" Kendra called after her, but the only one who answered the call was Logan. Max was already gone.
"She run out on you, too?" he asked.
Scenes 9-12, 2021, Jam Pony
Max walked into Jam Pony, carrying her bag over her shoulder. She looked around. Not much had changed.
Normal was the first person to see her.
"Well, Max, how nice of you to drop by. After 2 years," he said.
"Hello Normal," Max rolled her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady! After listening to the boneheaded excuses your dim brained ex-coworkers gave me as to why you weren't showing up for work, I replaced you."
"Yeah, well, I want my job back," she said.
"You want your job back? Just like that?"
"Okay, it was an emergency. I couldn't contact anyone, and I'm really sorry, but can I please have my old job back? I'll work double shifts . . . " Max wheedled.
"Well, I'll think about it, in the mean time here," Normal handed her a box, "Clean out your locker."
Max took the box and walked over to her old locker; surprised that Normal hadn't cleaned it out already. With a laugh she realized that he probably wouldn't touch their lockers with a ten-foot pole.
She found Original Cindy at her locker.
"Well, well, if it isn't the long lost Max Guevara, back from the great beyond," Cindy commented, "Where you been girl?"
"Long story."
"Well, I don't have all day, homegirl," Cindy said, placing her hands on her hips, "Dish."
"Okay, I had to leave town for a while. I went to New York. But I had to come back," Max gave her the short version.
"Mmhm, you left your boy toy here," Cindy reminded her, "You had to come back and get him."
"Logan had nothing to do with it."
"Right. But I'll bet he's been lost without you and you've been the same way," Cindy insisted.
"I wouldn't know," Max mumbled.
"What was that? Speak up girlie."
"I wouldn't know. There's a woman there, living with him," she explained.
"Another woman tryin' to move in on your man and you're here cleaning out your old locker and beggin' on your hands and knees for your job back?" Cindy raised an eyebrow.
"He's not my man, I could care less," Max informed her, but she blushed ever so slightly. Cindy caught it, but Max was saved by Sketchy, who had just come back from a run and spotted her.
"Max!" He cried running over. He hugged her. "Man am I glad to see you!"
"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" Max asked.
"Whatever it is, I'm not dealing with it," Cindy told Max, "It's your turn."
Sketchy finally let go of Max.
"What do you need?" Max asked him.
"Nothing, Can't a guy just be happy to see an old friend?" He grinned.
"Not if It's you," Max said.
"Seriously, Max, I'm not in trouble," Sketchy told her, "Just happy to see you! We thought you'd gotten in big trouble! Or worse."
"Sketchy's telling the truth," Herbal said, walking over, "He's not in any trouble. Where have you been?"
"Miss Maxie went on a road trip," Cindy told him, "But she's tight-lipped as to why."
"I can't tell you guys, not right now. I gotta bounce before Logan gets here. Put in a good word for me with Normal and I'll tell you later," Max said gathering up her belongings.
"Now why are you avoiding Sir Logan, Knight in Shining Armor?" Cindy wanted to know.
"Can we talk about this later?" Max pleaded, "I really need to get outta here before he comes."
"Ok, sure thing, babe, but Original Cindy will know the whole story in the not so distant future, right?"
"Of course," Max promised her, "Oh, um could I stay at your place for a couple days?"
"I'd love to help you there, Hun, but Cindy finally got Lickety Chick to agree to a night at her place."
"Okay, I'll find another place then," Max assured her.
"You could stay at my place," Sketchy offered.
"I'll pass, thanks," Max said, "I'm out."
Logan arrived three seconds later and was greeted by the knowing faces of Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy.
"Just missed her, right?" he said.
"She just went out the back," Cindy informed Logan, "But I need to talk to you. Why is Original Cindy is hearing that you've got another chickadee livin' in your house in the sky? Cindy feels very upset on her homegirl's behalf. And Cindy even thought you were worth keeping." She blocked his path. Herbal and Sketchy backed her up.
"Cindy, Karen's a friend and that's all," Logan said, "And I need to find Max and tell her that."
"Original Cindy is not convinced, but she'll leave it up to Max to forgive you or not." She moved out of the way, "Good luck finding her."
"I think I know where she went. Excuse me, gentlemen," Logan said to Herbal and Sketchy. Herbal moved off to the side, dragging Sketchy with him. Logan followed Max's trail out the back.
****To Be Continued in Part Two******
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters; they belong to James Cameron, and this story is not intended for profit, blah blah woof woof . . . . Rating: PG-13 Author: JeanneMarie Haight, 12/16/00 (Angel33296@aol.com)
[This is the beginning to What Might Have Been. It's 2 years before the scene in WMHB. It takes place right after "Blah Blah Woof Woof", so the date is 2019.]
Scene 1, 2019, Logan's
Logan looked at Max. "You're leaving?" It wasn't really a question.
"I have to. Lydecker's not gonna stop looking for me just because he has Zack," she reminded him.
"I know, I just . . .well, I wish you could stay here where I can keep an eye on you."
"I promise to stay out of trouble," she said, a smile curving her full lips, "as long as you do."
Logan wheeled over to her and took her hand. She let him. He looked at her for a long time.
"Then this is goodbye," he said finally.
"I hate goodbye," Max said bitterly. Logan looked at her. Were those tears????
"Until we meet again, then," he told her, unable to look her in the eye. Who knew when, or if, that would be.
"Ok," Max leaned in and kissed him, hungrily. She drank him in, needing to fill herself with his taste. Logan kissed back, wanting to pour himself into her until they were one being.
"Gotta blaze," Max said when she finally pulled away, and was gone.
Scene 2, 2019-2021
~ Max's Story ~
(Her POV)
So, I left him there. Left him staring after me. I knew that he wanted me to stay, that he still needed me. But I don't want to be needed. I can't be needed.
I got on a bus in Seattle and never looked back. When I got to New York, I changed my name. And my hair color. Zack would approve.
Now I'm Angela Evans. But I'm no angel despite what my boss says. I got a job in a diner. Ella, my boss is always saying, 'Your name fits you, you are an angel.'
She likes me 'cuz I'm willing to work extra shifts. Hey, its not like I've got anything better to do, and a girl's gotta support herself. In the city, Tryptophan is expensive. And I'm not making money from robbing people. I haven't robbed anyone since I met Logan.
Logan.
Ok, so I did look back.
Scene 3, 2019-2021
~Logan's story ~
(His POV)
I should have gone after her. I probably wouldn't have caught up to her, but at least I would have gone after her instead of sitting here, helpless and empty.
Sitting here. At least I can do more than that now. It's been a year and a half. I haven't adjusted to Max being gone - I don't think I ever will. I have adjusted to Karen and Brandon, though. They've been here for a whole year now almost. I found Karen shortly after Max left.
Karen's husband was killed by some men working for Edgar Montoya, a guy I'd been after for a while. She came to me with information, hoping that, as Eyes Only, I could help her.
I can't help anyone, though, not with out Max. But I've been protecting Karen and her son, Brandon. He's a year old. His father never knew him. Makes me wonder what Max's mom went through. And Max, never seeing her mom.
I've gotta stop thinking about her. Max is gone. Gone for good, just like my sleep at night. Max is gone. Gone.
I'm sure she never looked back. Why would she? She's not the type to get attached. Not like me.
Karen's great. She's always there. If I could ever stop thinking about Max, who knows? And Brandon is cute. Makes me wish I had a son.
I sit here at my computer, where I've written a hundred unsent letters. To Max, of course.
I've gotta start focusing on what's here, not what was. But I can't get that dream out of my head. The one where I held her in my arms and we danced to Sibelius' Valse Triste.
Valse Triste. Sad Waltz. How right Max was. It describes our life together. It ended; it was only as long as a dance. Now I'm sad.
No. I will not think about her. Karen. Brandon. There, see? I can do it.
Max.
Scene 4, 2021, a week before the scene in What Might Have Been
~Max's Story ~
(Her POV)
I said I'd never go back. And I meant it.
Sorry, Logan, but I'm not a superhero. I couldn't even save myself.
I'm no angel, as I've said.
So why am I on my way back to Seattle?
Logan?
No.
Eyes Only?
No.
Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy?
No.
Kendra?
No.
Zack?
No.
Lydecker?
No.
Guilt?
No.
Ask me again why I'm going back.
Logan?
Sure, why not.
Scene 5, 2021, just after the last scene
~Logan's Story ~
(His POV)
Yesterday, out of the blue, Bling asked me two things.
One: Did I love Karen?
My answer: I don't know.
Two: Would that answer be different if Max had never left?
My answer: I don't know.
I don't know a lot of things anymore.
Then he asked me how I'd feel if Max came back.
I told him it wouldn't change things. That I wouldn't care.
He just smiled. I think he knew I was lying.
Was I lying?
We'll never know, will we?
Scene 6, 2021, Logan's
(This takes place right at the end of the last scene.)
A knock interrupted Logan from his reverie. He looked up, expecting to see Bling or Karen standing there.
Instead, it was Max.
"Hey," she said quietly. Logan stared at her. She hadn't changed much in the two years she'd been gone, except she was thinner. He immediately wanted to take care of her. But he wouldn't allow himself to.
"Hey yourself," was all he said. Max noticed that except for the circles under his eyes, he hadn't changed, either.
For the longest time, they just looked at each other.
Logan was the one who finally broke the spell. "So, um," he cleared his throat, "I bet Cindy and Kendra were happy to see you. As well as Herbal and Sketchy."
"I wouldn't know," she told him, "This was the first place I came to since I got here."
"Oh, when'd you get in?" Logan tried to sound casual.
"Five minutes ago," she responded, looking out the window.
"Well, um . . . would you like something to eat? A turkey sandwich?" he tried.
"No thanks," she told him.
"Oh, okay."
"So, how's the Eyes Only thing goin'?" she asked.
"Fine. Its great. . . yeah, great," Logan said, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself. 'Great, Cale,' he scolded himself, 'You really sold that one.'
"That's good," she said.
Logan took a deep breath before opening his mouth again. He had to be careful. Unfortunately, Karen spoiled his chance.
"Logan?" she called, walking into the apartment, "I told Bling that I'd cook supper tonight. How's Brandon?" She stopped short when she saw Max.
Max stared at her, until it was almost impolite. The she turned her head and refused to look at Logan.
"Max, this is Karen Parker. Karen, this is Max Guevara, an old friend," Logan said, feeling the tension rise between the two women.
"Hi, Max," Karen said calmly, "It's nice to meet you."
"You, too," Max said a little too sweetly. She turned to Logan, "Well, I see you're busy. Gotta blaze," she said turning for the door.
"Max, wait!" Logan called, standing up to go after her.
She turned and was startled by the sight of Logan standing. It took a lot to shake her.
"You're doing well, I can see," she said. Then she walked out the door.
"Damnit, Max!" Logan went after her, but she was already gone.
Scene 7, 2021, Kendra's
Max walked straight into her and Kendra's apartment without paying much attention to anything. She was still burning over Karen's living with Logan. Her head told her she was being irrational. But her heart knew better.
She walked into her room and dumped her bag on the bed. Then she walked back out into the rest of the apartment. She checked the refrigerator. Empty. Max smiled to her self. Typical Kendra, hiding the good stuff somewhere.
'Speaking of Kendra,' Max thought, 'where was she?' The door was open, so she had to be somewhere in the apartment.
"Kendra," Max called
"Kendra's not here," a girl with red hair said, coming out of the bathroom, "Can I help you?"
Max tensed. Who was this? "Who are you?" she finally asked.
"Tara. Kendra's roommate," the girl answered.
"Nevermind," Max said, turning to go, but she bumped into someone.
"Max?!" came from an astonished Kendra.
Scene 8, 2021, Kendra's
(continuation of previous scene)
"Max, when did you get back?" Kendra asked, hugging her, "I missed you."
Max was a little stunned, so it took her a minute to reply, "Um, I just got in, actually. I came here and . . . "
"Ooh, you met Tara!" Kendra cut her off, "I didn't know when, or if, you were coming back, so I got a new roommate. I needed the rent money, Max, it wasn't personal or anything. Anyway, this is Tara Clarke, my new roommate," Kendra turned to Tara, "Tara, this is the famous Max Guevara."
Max became immediately alarmed. "What do you mean, famous?"
"Kendra told me a lot about you," Tara said, "You were her favorite roomie."
"Oh," Max said, relaxing and shaking Tara's outstretched hand. Max noticed that she had an unusually firm grip.
"I just got some coffee, real coffee this time, not that silly imitation," Kendra announced, "Stay and we'll have a cup," she invited Max.
It was tempting, but there were other people Max still had to see and Logan would probably be there any minute, looking for her.
"Another time," she told Kendra, "Right now I gotta blaze. Goin' to see Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy."
"Oh, ok," Kendra replied.
Max grabbed her bag, "If Logan comes by, I was never here," she said.
"Max! Wait!" Kendra called after her, but the only one who answered the call was Logan. Max was already gone.
"She run out on you, too?" he asked.
Scenes 9-12, 2021, Jam Pony
Max walked into Jam Pony, carrying her bag over her shoulder. She looked around. Not much had changed.
Normal was the first person to see her.
"Well, Max, how nice of you to drop by. After 2 years," he said.
"Hello Normal," Max rolled her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady! After listening to the boneheaded excuses your dim brained ex-coworkers gave me as to why you weren't showing up for work, I replaced you."
"Yeah, well, I want my job back," she said.
"You want your job back? Just like that?"
"Okay, it was an emergency. I couldn't contact anyone, and I'm really sorry, but can I please have my old job back? I'll work double shifts . . . " Max wheedled.
"Well, I'll think about it, in the mean time here," Normal handed her a box, "Clean out your locker."
Max took the box and walked over to her old locker; surprised that Normal hadn't cleaned it out already. With a laugh she realized that he probably wouldn't touch their lockers with a ten-foot pole.
She found Original Cindy at her locker.
"Well, well, if it isn't the long lost Max Guevara, back from the great beyond," Cindy commented, "Where you been girl?"
"Long story."
"Well, I don't have all day, homegirl," Cindy said, placing her hands on her hips, "Dish."
"Okay, I had to leave town for a while. I went to New York. But I had to come back," Max gave her the short version.
"Mmhm, you left your boy toy here," Cindy reminded her, "You had to come back and get him."
"Logan had nothing to do with it."
"Right. But I'll bet he's been lost without you and you've been the same way," Cindy insisted.
"I wouldn't know," Max mumbled.
"What was that? Speak up girlie."
"I wouldn't know. There's a woman there, living with him," she explained.
"Another woman tryin' to move in on your man and you're here cleaning out your old locker and beggin' on your hands and knees for your job back?" Cindy raised an eyebrow.
"He's not my man, I could care less," Max informed her, but she blushed ever so slightly. Cindy caught it, but Max was saved by Sketchy, who had just come back from a run and spotted her.
"Max!" He cried running over. He hugged her. "Man am I glad to see you!"
"What have you gotten yourself into this time?" Max asked.
"Whatever it is, I'm not dealing with it," Cindy told Max, "It's your turn."
Sketchy finally let go of Max.
"What do you need?" Max asked him.
"Nothing, Can't a guy just be happy to see an old friend?" He grinned.
"Not if It's you," Max said.
"Seriously, Max, I'm not in trouble," Sketchy told her, "Just happy to see you! We thought you'd gotten in big trouble! Or worse."
"Sketchy's telling the truth," Herbal said, walking over, "He's not in any trouble. Where have you been?"
"Miss Maxie went on a road trip," Cindy told him, "But she's tight-lipped as to why."
"I can't tell you guys, not right now. I gotta bounce before Logan gets here. Put in a good word for me with Normal and I'll tell you later," Max said gathering up her belongings.
"Now why are you avoiding Sir Logan, Knight in Shining Armor?" Cindy wanted to know.
"Can we talk about this later?" Max pleaded, "I really need to get outta here before he comes."
"Ok, sure thing, babe, but Original Cindy will know the whole story in the not so distant future, right?"
"Of course," Max promised her, "Oh, um could I stay at your place for a couple days?"
"I'd love to help you there, Hun, but Cindy finally got Lickety Chick to agree to a night at her place."
"Okay, I'll find another place then," Max assured her.
"You could stay at my place," Sketchy offered.
"I'll pass, thanks," Max said, "I'm out."
Logan arrived three seconds later and was greeted by the knowing faces of Cindy, Herbal, and Sketchy.
"Just missed her, right?" he said.
"She just went out the back," Cindy informed Logan, "But I need to talk to you. Why is Original Cindy is hearing that you've got another chickadee livin' in your house in the sky? Cindy feels very upset on her homegirl's behalf. And Cindy even thought you were worth keeping." She blocked his path. Herbal and Sketchy backed her up.
"Cindy, Karen's a friend and that's all," Logan said, "And I need to find Max and tell her that."
"Original Cindy is not convinced, but she'll leave it up to Max to forgive you or not." She moved out of the way, "Good luck finding her."
"I think I know where she went. Excuse me, gentlemen," Logan said to Herbal and Sketchy. Herbal moved off to the side, dragging Sketchy with him. Logan followed Max's trail out the back.
****To Be Continued in Part Two******