Ride of a Lifetime
Max roared into Iggy's driveway, honking loudly as her friend ran out the door with his backpack falling off his shoulders and came down the path to where her car was always parked.
"I swear, Max, you get here earlier every day," he complained, getting in the passenger seat and fastening his seat belt unerringly even though he was legally blind.
"I'm actually hear later, Ig." Max told him as she sped toward the school. "You must be getting up later. And before you ask, Ella's still sick so she's not coming in today. She sends her love." Max rolled her eyes at the gushy emotion. Her best friend and her sister going out-an awkward situation she'd never imagined herself in and wasn't exactly enjoying.
Iggy groaned and leaned his head back against the seat. "When is she gonna get better?"
Max sighed. "I don't know, why don't you go ask her germs? She said she was feeling better but Mom won't let her out of the house until she's been on the medication for two days."
Iggy groaned again.
Max rolled her eyes, not paying attention to the road, when Angel suddenly screamed "Max! Watch out for that guy!"
Max looked up in shock, pulling the steering wheel and just missing running over a tall boy with dark hair. He jumped backwards, looking startled.
She rushed to get out of the car. "Oh my god! I am so sorry! I totally wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Are you okay?"
The boy looked at her, and Max wondered why he was wearing all black when it was still hot outside. "I'm fine." He said simply. "Thanks, uh-"
"I'm Max. Max Ride," Max said, sticking her hand out. He shook it quickly.
"F-Nick. Nick Walker."
"Okay, Fnick." Max said jokingly. "Sorry I almost ran you over, but I have to go. I can't be late for math again."
Nick smirked at her and walked away. Max got back in the car, where Iggy, Gazzy and Angel were cracking up.
"Max almost ran over an emo kid!" Angel gasped. Max glared at her.
"Gosh, nice going," Iggy snorted. "Your driving really sucks."
"So does yours." Max quipped.
"I have an excuse-blind, remember?"
Max sighed. "I'm so under appreciated. I give you a ride to school ever day, and this is how you treat me?"
"Max almost ran over a goth guy," Gazzy said, and they all cracked up again.
*****
The next day…
"Guess what?"
Max groaned. She'd learned that her mom usually said things in that sing-song voice when she knew her daughters wouldn't be too thrilled about them.
"What is it, and why aren't we going to like it?" Max asked.
"You might actually like this one, Max, if you'd give it a chance." Her mother scolded. "We're having a dinner party."
"Oh yeah, I'll love that." she said sarcastically.
Valencia Martinez pursed her lips and glared at her daughter. "It's not going to be painful, Maximum! We're having the Griffiths over! And a new colleague of mine, Anne Walker. She just adopted two children, Nick, who's your age, and Monique, who's Gazzy's age." She paused. "Have you met them at school?"
"I think I met Nick." Max said evasively.
"How?"
"Um…well, I- I almost ran him over."
Whereas any other mother would freak out over this, Dr. Martinez just stared at Max. "You really need to work on your driving."
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, because I'm not James Patterson! Huge shocker to y'all, I know.
A/N: So, I don't have any MR characters kidnapped, so you'll just have to deal with silly little me doing the talking *smiles*. I should be answering questions on 'The Epic of Gilgamesh', but I'm writing this! Yes, I am starting another fanfic, even though school is starting soon. Don't expect super-frequent updates. Yes, Nick and Monique are Fang and Nudge-how did you ever guess??? No, this is not All Human. *evil smile* If you want to know more, review and I'll update as quick as possible! -rowena