School. I hate school; even if it isn't the kind where mad scientists keep you in dog crates while injecting various drugs into your arms. It was Monday morning, our first day of school. We were standing at the bus stop listening to Nudge babble about how much fun school was going to be.
I groaned inwardly.
Ella, my half sister, was holding Iggy's hand and familiarizing him with all the school supplies stuffed into his blue backpack. When the school bus finally arrived, Fang, Nudge, Angel, Iggy, Gazzy, Ella, and I (Max) loaded in. Fang and I sat in the back with Ella and Iggy sitting across the Aisle. The rest were in the seats in front of us.
"These uniforms are so tight," I complained.
"They look good on you," Fang said with the slightest trace of a smile. I blushed.
"How long will it take us to get there?" Angel asked turning around.
"About five more minutes," Ella replied.
"Oh, ok," Angel said turning back to brush down Celeste.
The bus screeched to a halt next to a brown brick school. I winced.
"Here we are," Ella said stepping out of the bus.
No freaking duh. I thought.
We walked up to the secretary's desk where she personally handed us our schedules. I looked down at my schedule, then at Fang and Iggy's.
"We've got first and third period together," I told them.
Fang smiled slightly and Iggy punched air.
"Nudge and I keep our same schedules. You guys find your home rooms and I'll take Angel and Zephyr with me," Ella said winking at the Gasman.
"Ok, thanks," I said to Ella. Then Fang, Iggy, and I walked towards our lockers.
I did a 360 survey of everyone in the area. Nobody looked like Erasers, but you can never be too careful. Coincidentally, our three lockers were right next to each other. We hurriedly stuffed all the books and supplies we wouldn't need in them and walked towards out homeroom.
The first day of school was pretty boring. All the teachers did was brief us on what we would be working on in each class. We met after school in front of the large double door entrance and began to walk home.
I snuck glances at Fang almost twice every ten seconds on the way home.
Ugh! Why am I looking at him so much! I thought to myself.
Maybe it's because you love him my voice said. That's right, I have a voice. It gets pretty annoying some times, like now.
What!? I don't love Fang! I thought scathingly.
Of course you do. Stop playing these silly games with yourself. You're not helping yourself in any way. The voice retorted.
Well, even if I did. Fang doesn't love me back.
Yes he does. Angel's voice said inside my mind.
I blinked.
How would YOU know Angel?
Max, I can read minds. I KNOW what I'm talking about. Angel sent the thought. Actually, I think you two would go well together.
I glared at her as we walked in the front door of my Mom's house.
The heavenly smell of home made chocolate cookies wafted through the kitchen. After I finished my homework, we ate dinner. Instead of staying for a chocolate cookie desert, I ran up the stairs to my bedroom and slammed the door shut; the previous thoughts of this afternoon still in my mind. Collapsing on my bed, I began to cry. It was so confusing. Me and Fang? Part of me said no; and the other part screamed yes. I just couldn't figure it out.
Fang walked into my room, silently closing the door behind him. He sat down on my bed next to me.
"Max?" he said quietly.