Chapter 1 (My POV)

As soon as Max and the flock landed in my backyard, I jumped up, threw on my Crocs, and went outside. It looked as if they were about to fly off, but I cried out, "Wait!" and ran next to Max.

The flocked exchanged nervous glances, and then Total spoke, "Well, spit it out! We don't have all day!" Fang clamped a hand over Total's mouth and spoke, "Sorry about Total."

I replied, "I know, he can get a little impatient sometimes."

Angel giggled. Total tried to squirm out of Fang's grip, but Fang held him tight. Total tried to say something that sounded like, "Hey! Put me down!"

Max gave Total the Evil Eye and said to me, "So, hi. Is there something you wanted to say?"

"Um, yeah. I just wanted to see how you guys are doing. You know, with the whole saving the world thing and all."

Max smiled and said, "We're doing fine. It could be better, but we're doing the best we can."

"Can I help in any way?"

"There's nothing really special, I don't think, that you can do. Just the usual reduce, reuse, and recycle stuff."

Fang interrupted, "Well, there is one thing…"

"What, what?" I asked eagerly. Max looked at Fang.

"Never mind," he said.

"Oh, OK." I pouted. "Change of subject. Do you guys need somewhere to stay? I'm sure my parents won't mind."

"Well, I guess a night or two won't hurt," Max said with a smile.

Fang uncovered Total's mouth and put him down. "I hope your parents like dogs," Fang said.

"My dad does. My mom's not too crazy about them. But she might learn to love Total." I smiled. "Come on inside" Everyone followed me into my house. "Mom! Dad!" I yelled, "Can you come here a sec?" My parents came into the kitchen where the flock and I were standing. My mom raised an eyebrow.

I asked, "Can some of my friends stay over for a few days? Oh, and their dog?" I saw Total wince and the mention of the word "dog". I shot him a sympathetic smile. Sorry, I mouthed.

My mom looked at my dad. He said, "I don't have a problem with it." My mom nodded her head in approval. I pumped my fist in the air. "Yes!"

I brought the flock upstairs. "We don't exactly live in a mansion, but is this OK? You can split up between my room and the guest room."

Max nodded. "It's very homey." The rest of the flock agreed.

"My room won't exactly win the award for the cleanest room, but it's livable." I laughed. "So, who wants to sleep where?" Max, Nudge, and Angel decided to stay in my room. Fang, Iggy, and the Gasman (plus Total) decided to stay in the guest room. "Sorry there isn't enough room to stretch your wings all the way out."

"That's alright," Max said. "That's what the huge backyard is for."

Then Iggy said, "Do you think I can call Ella? I just want to check in with her."

Fang groaned, "You just saw her this morning! What could there possibly be to talk about?"

Iggy shrugged. "I just want to talk to her." Then he turned to me. "Can I use your phone?"

"Sure," I said. I took him into my parent's room where the nearest phone is. "I'll give you a little privacy. Do you want me to dial for you?"

"Nah, I can do it," he replied as he dialed Ella's number. I left him to talk to Ella alone.