A/N: Thanks for reading my story! This is my first, and honestly I have no idea how to use this site "sheepishly smiles". Since this is the second chapter, I'm going to assume that you actually liked the first, which gives me relief! Sorry if I'm sounding corny right now. And also, if any of my information about the army or army bases is weird or, like, not right it's because I don't really know anything about that stuff, I'm just a writer! For those people outside of the U.S., you are so cool! Last time I checked, one from New Zealand and 2 from Puerto Rico. SWEET!

Disclaimer: I don't own Maximum Ride, the characters, or the Army. But I do own Obama! Haha not really… on with the story!

Rather do Without

"Maximum Martinez, get your butt in here now!" Jeb called. It was the day before we were leaving for Arizona, which is apparently where the Army base is.

"What do you want?" I groaned. I haven't been a happy camper. I walk into my room and see and angry, red-faced Jeb looking at my room. Nothing is packed.

"Explain yourself" Jeb points to my room and I just shrugged. He goes into the hall for a minute, then comes back with about seven boxes. "Your room will be packed by-" he checks his watch, "Seven fifteen, or I will disown you" I tried to hide a laugh, but it came out as a snort. Ever so classy. Jeb and his tomato face stomped out of the room and I looked at the boxes. Some were labeled "To Keep", some "For Charity", and some "Trash". I snorted at the corny-ness. Well, time to get started.

Ella's POV

With my room all packed, I decided to check in on Max when I hear Jeb walking past my room muttering to himself. I decided against asking him and go straight to where I knew the problem would be, Max.

I knew Max would be in a cranky mood, so I quietly slipped into her room.

"Hey, Ells" she called from her bed, throwing a small pillow up and down. There were only five things total in the boxes all together. I sighed. "Max, you gotta pack up. We're leaving tomorrow."

"Well, maybe I don't want to go tomorrow."She sneered. I rolled my eyes at her. "Max, weather you want to go or not, we are going anyways. Now, get up and help me pack your things before I get my makeup out and decide to have a little fun with your face." She bolted upright.

"You wouldn't" she glared at me. "Oh, but I would" and just for effect I started to walk out the room. "Fine! I'll do it!" she called after me. I smiled, thinking Perfect.

Max POV

"iPod"

"Keep"

"Harry Potter books"

"Keep"

"CD collection"

"Keep"

"Ba- EWWWW Max, really? A banana peel?"

"Trash" I giggled.

Ella was helping me clear out my room. Well, she asked me if I wanted it or not. I just lay on the floor listening to the latest 30STM album, This Is War.

"Woah, Max when did you get this?" asked Ella, pulling out a dress from my closet that I've never seen before. That was weird for two things: One- I never wear dresses. Like, NEVER. I'm still trying to think of a classy thing to wear to my wedding, if I ever even got married. Two- It was a wedding dress. And trust me, it was not Valencia's.

I got up from my spot on my bed and took the dress out of Ella's hands. Sure, it was beautiful, if you liked that kind of stuff. But this was really strange. I turned it over and there was an old note on the back, written in my biological mothers handwriting.

Dear Maximum,

I want you to know that I love you. I might be abusing myself, but that should not affect you. I don't know what you're father has told you, but I want to let you know that I didn't kill myself. I left. For you. The minute I started to harm you I packed my bags and took the next train out of New Hampshire. I couldn't deal with the fact that I would ever hurt my own child. By the time you read this or find this I will have been long gone, assuming you will be in your teen years, maybe even cleaning out your room for college. I'll give you my number, but it will probably be expired by the time you get it. I cannot give you a set place, as I will always be moving. I love you, baby girl. Stay strong, and kick your father's ass for me. I know you will grow to be tough and self-supporting. Keep in there.

Love, Lucille Batchelder

P.S. My number:

She left her number underneath the letter. I was shocked.

"Max? You ok?" Ella asked warily. I looked at her dead in the eye.

"Yeah," I replied "Just peachy."

A/N: Thanks for reading! How'd you like the whole different POVs?

Question of the Day:

Who do you want to see in the same Arizona family? I'm either having 2 or 3. So review what pairs you want the following people in a family: Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, Angel, Total, and my surprise character! Example: Fang, Iggy, and Angel are Rides; Nudge, Total, and S.C. are Blakes, and Gazzy is a Haupan. Review!