Chapter 3

"Max, can you please stop being a baby and just say that you'll go." I roughly adjusted my backpack and glared at Alexa who looked exasperated.

"Alexa, I repeat, I. Will. Not. Go. You should know me better than this, I hate dress shopping." And now she was making me sound like a baby. The joys of having a best friend. Especially one named Alexa Forester.

"Maximum Ride, it's Prom for God's sake! Are you just going to wear jeans and sneakers?" I side-glanced at her, an idea boiling in my head. Her expression went from pissed-off, to shear horror.

"No Max, no way in heck! You are wearing a dress and that's final." No one could break this girl; it was like talking to a rock. I rolled my eyes and looked down at my faded and torn black Converse. There wasn't anything wrong with them. Why did Prom have to be so formal?

"So what's with all this bickering about? Max, what did you do?" We both look up at the new voice to see Peter walking toward us, holding a muffin in his hands.

Alexa laughed and shook her head. "Actually, it's what Max doesn't want to do. She wants to wear jeans and sneakers to Prom. Please tell her she's crazy."

Peter took a bite out of the muffin and looked right at me. "Max, you are freaking amazing!" Alexa's jaw dropped and I smiled so wide, the people in California could see my teeth.

"Peter!" There was a loud smack as Alexa punched his shoulder.

"What? She is probably the only girl who would actually go to Prom like that. And I think that's pretty cool. She'll stand out." I bumped Alexa's shoulder and grinned happily.

"Stand out my butt." Alexa mumbled, giving a death glare to the side of Peter's head.

"See, I'm not crazy."

Then the bell for homeroom rang. Alexa stood angrily and snatched her bag, "Whatever, you just better watch your back, Ride."

And she wonders why I'm paranoid.

With that she turned on her heel and walked to homeroom. Peter finished his muffin as we both followed Alexa to our homeroom. We arrived in class, everyone already inside, seated and talking loudly or texting.

We sat in the back row, me, Dylan, Peter and Alexa. Usually I sat next to Dylan, but today, I sat next to Alexa instead, seeing he wasn't here yet. The tardy bell rang with no sign of Dylan, and he is never late. Our teacher started taking roll; she was coming up to Dylan's name.

"Dylan Fletcher?" Everyone looked around, noticing he was not in class. "Dylan Flet–"

The door burst open and in came Dylan. Cheeks bright red, hair disheveled and backpack open with papers sticking out, he stood in the doorway panting heavily. "Here! I'm here!" he called before taking a seat next to Peter.

The teacher glared from behind her catlike, red rimmed glasses, her beady eyes staring straight at Dylan. "Tardy." She wrote something on her roll sheet and continued. I turned around and smiled at Dylan; he looked so cute with his cheeks all red.

He returned the smile with his famous sloppy grin. The one he only does for me.

I turned back around and starting doodling on my binder when the speaker crackled and the voice of our class president poured through. She talked about the daily bulletin, sports' rankings and other gibberish that the entire school usually tends to zone out.

"And now, what the seniors have all been waiting for, this years Valedictorian!" I sat a little straighter, looking up at the little black box next to the white board. This was the moment I'd been waiting for, through all the announcements.

"As you all know, this year we had three students running, Jane Acosta, Maximum Ride and Andy Chase!" My heart beat faster, this was it. Wait for it…

"It was really a close call, coming down to the last couple of votes. But, there could only be one winner, and that winner is…"

She waited for what felt like hours.

"Come on already!" I stood, shouting at the box, everyone eyeing me weirdly.

"Maximum Ride!"

Our whole homeroom stood, clapping, cheering, and yelling like the maniacs that we were. I closed my eyes and smiled, feeling like the greatest person in the whole planet. I let out a laugh as I was hoisted into the air on top of Dylan's broad shoulders. By now, the whole room was chanting my name.

Raising my arms over my head, Dylan spun around and smiled up at me. It was truly the greatest moment ever. Dylan brought me down and gave me a huge kiss, congratulating me.

Alexa came over and hugged me, Peter engulfing both of us in his chest. After our whole fiasco, the announcements ended and the bell for first period rang.

Outside in the halls everyone was congratulating me. Even people I didn't even know. I walked with Peter down the hall, still feeling pumped and super excited.

"You know Alexa is still planning something after practice right?" Peter looked down at me, a hint of worry in his usual playful voice. The change in his usual demeanor had to mean he was serious.

"I know, but what's the worst she could do? Kidnap me?"

He shrugged and chuckled. "All I'm saying Max, is that you better watch out. You don't know what that child is capable of." I smirked, turning down our hall.

"Puh-lease, she's as harmless as a fly."

I was wrong.

Right after swim practice Dylan came over to me and threw me over his shoulders, fireman style. At first I thought he was just messing around, but when we weren't going towards my car, I knew something was up.

Next thing I know, I am sitting in Alexa's car, my hands, feet and mouth bound and gagged shut.

I struggled desperately, but could not break through Dylan's or Alexa's grip. "Sorry Max, but you know how Alexa is. You should've just said yes." Dylan leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "Have fun."

My voice was muffled by the towel covering my mouth.

No Dylan, don't walk away! Please, come back!

But I just watched in awe as my boyfriend was walking away. Not even looking over his shoulder to make sure that my best friend wasn't going to try and kill me.

"Max, stop being a baby. It's just dress shopping. You act like if I'm taking you to Hell." She turned on the car and drove out of the school parking lot.

That's because it is Hell!

She hummed along to some song on the radio, acting like kidnapping was totally okay. She was dead.

Minutes later we're sitting in a parking space in front of the mall.

"Okay, now Max. I am going to let you go, but you better not run. Cause if you do, than these poor babies," she pulled out my Ray Ban aviators for emphasis, "Are going to be accidentally dropped."

She knew I loved those glasses more than anything. I nodded roughly, trying not to see the horrible image of them dropping to the floor.

She pleasantly smiled as she reached for my mouth gag. She pulled it off, also untying my feet and hand "cuffs".

"You. Are. So. Dead. You're going to wish you were never born Forester," I hissed menacingly, lacing as much venom as I could into my words. She slipped my glasses into her purse.

"Whatever you say, Maxie. Just don't try anything, or say adios to your babies!"

The mall was filled with thousands of other senior girls. All looking for Prom dresses. They were all screaming, bouncing and throwing their hair over their shoulders as they chatted with their friends. Did I mention they were having a grand time? With all the hair flipping and stuff?

Kill me now.

"Alright, so let's start at that store. What color were you thinking of? Purple, green, pink?" I glared at her, but ignored the comment, for my glasses' sake.

"Anything but pink, and nothing too short, tight or revealing. Don't want to look like a hooker or something." We started shuffling through racks and racks of dresses.

Nothing interested me at all. "Alexa, this is useless. I am never going to find a dress… let's just go home."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "No Max, we are not leaving. Even if that means getting a laundry dress from Victoria's Secret." I sighed loudly and looked over at the dressing rooms.

There were plenty of girls crowding the mirror, checking out their butts. Did they have nothing better to do? Like ambush Alexa for kidnapping?

"How about this one?" Alexa picked up a dark green dress. It was fairly long, with an open back and a v-neck. I shrugged, "I guess it's all right. Not really crazy about it…"

She sighed and dragged me to the dressing rooms. "Just try it."

The second I put it on, I knew it was not the one. It was too itchy, with a dangerously low v-neck and the back barely covered the top of my butt. "Alexa, not this one! It's horrible!"

Outside of my dresser I could hear Alexa mutter, "She's worse than my grandmother, and that's saying something..."

The next store was not successful either; every dress, too short, too tight or just not me.

We had stopped to get some ice cream when I got a text from Dylan.

Dylan: How's it goin?

Me: Amazing! I LOVE dress shopping now! :)

Dylan: Really? That's great!

Me: Hope u got the sarcasm

Dylan: …

I licked my chocolate ice cream, throwing my phone back in my bag. "Alexa, can we please stop now. I mean, it's obvious I'm not going to find a dress, it's a sign from the Heavens. And plus, I need to finish my Calculus homework. You do too!"

She ignored me and continued eating her Rocky Road cone. "Just one more store, and if not, we'll stop. And then I can tell Dylan that he is going to Prom with the loser girlfriend he has, that's going to wear jeans."

"Don't forget the Converse!" I smiled at her, knowing I was getting her mad. After our 'break' we walked into the last store.

This one was also filled with a lot of girls, most of the dresses already gone. I went left and Alexa went right, hoping we would find the dress faster. After some minutes looking, I gave up.

Throwing my hands up like a five year old, I groaned, completely ticked off. "Alexa, that's it. Let's go, we can't find the stupid dress!" She poked her head out from behind a rack with an incredulous smile.

"Oh Maxie-poo!" she sung, "I think I found it!" Alexa rushed to me, squealing the way only Alexa Forester can squeal.

She handed me a dark blue and black dress. It was strapless, with small ruffles on the skirt. There was a thin belt connecting the top to the bottom and the skirt had some sequins.

It was the most decent one yet.

"Please, just try it? I know it'll look perfect! Please?" She did Bambi eyes and I was a goner. I grabbed the hanger and walked into a dressing room.

Once the dress was on, I didn't look in the mirror, just walked out. My eyes were closed when I heard a gasp. I peeked out and saw Alexa's mouth open, tugging into a smile. "Max! You look amazing! OMG, that's the one!"

I turned to face the mirror, seeing myself in the dress. It stopped mid-thigh, hugged my waist perfectly, and actually covered my boobs.

This is the one.

And that, ladies and gents, is how I, Maximum Ride, bought my first dress. Ever.

The next day, Alexa kept bragging about how I was going to look amazing at Prom with Dylan. We had also found him a dark blue tie that matched perfectly. And he said that Alexa found the perfect corsage for me. Oh the joy!

All week long I kept the dress at the back of my closet, hidden from sight when I opened the doors. Honestly, I was getting antsy about Saturday.

What if I fell and broke my leg… Would they make a cast the same shade as the dress?

Or if the house caught on fire and the dress burned?

Or worst of all, what if I gained weight and couldn't fit in it anymore?

The Horror.

And then Dooms-Day finally arrived.

I woke up that Saturday and had a short run down at the beach. It felt nice breathing in the salty morning air, forgetting that in a couple hours I was going to become Alexa's Barbie doll.

Once I returned home, I showered and watched TV with Ari. And just an FYI, Ari is miserable. He's had pain since the day he got stitches; it's kind of funny and entertaining. I mean, I feel bad for him… Oh well…

He has to wear this ridiculous brace that makes him walk like a penguin, needs to take painkillers every three hours, and has to wrap his leg in a plastic bag before he showers. Poor, poor Ari.

Dylan would be picking me up at 6:30, and Alexa would be at my house by five. Which is in five minutes – and there's the bell.

"Max! Alexa is at the door!" Ari yelled all the way up to my room. I didn't even have a second to get off my bed before Alexa ripped my door off its' hinges.

"Max, get your butt in the bathroom! NOW! We only have an hour and thirty minutes. Come on, you are wasting precious time!" Wasn't even thirty minutes enough time?

Trudging to the bathroom, I grabbed my iPod. Blaring the music high enough, I sat myself on the counter and let Alexa 'beautify' me.

Every once in awhile, she would put pressure on my eyelids and cheeks. Next she had me sit on the toilet as she did my hair. She pulled and yanked on my tangled locks, putting spray every now and then. I could smell my hair burning from the curler, all those split-ends…

Once my back became sore, there wasn't any sensation in my legs excluding the numbness, and I had a headache from all the pulling, I was done.

"Don't look yet Max, you need to put the dress on for the whole effect." Screw the whole effect, but I couldn't help but listen and do as she said, at how excited Alexa sounded.

She helped me zipper up the dress, and I put on my dark blue, sparkly death traps (aka, heels). Just as I was opening my eyes, Alexa stopped me. "Wait, one last thing."

Her heels clicked further away, into the bathroom, then back in front of me. Alexa stuck something in my hair. "Done."

I opened my eyes and gawked in front of my full-length mirror. "Alexa, oh my gosh…"

The other words caught in my throat as I looked at myself from head to toe. My hair was in a loose side bun, tighter curls hanging, cupping my face. She had put in the side of the bun a black flower with dark blue mesh material, and sequins she added herself. I wore black studs with a matching black beaded bracelet. My sparkly heels stood out, dare I say amazingly, against my Florida tan.

"I know, I know, I'm amazing. No need to thank me." Alexa bowed and waved to imaginary people in my room while I just laughed at my weird best friend.

"You look absolutely amazing." Standing at the door, my mother watched me with tearful eyes. I smiled at her, and then hugged her tightly.

"Do I really look that good mom?" I took a step back, peeking at myself again. She chuckled, wiping the corner of her eyes.

"Of course you do, thanks to Alexa."

I looked to my best friend; she had a huge smile on her face. "Oh Max, you look amazing. I am so proud of myself!" We all laughed as a car pulled into the driveway.

"That's probably Dylan, I should go and welcome him in." My mom rushed downstairs as my phone buzzed from my nightstand.

"Well Max, you look amazing. Have Dylan keep a close eye on you, don't know who'll pick you up," Alexa teased. I laughed at her ridiculous comment. "So I'll see you there, my date is picking me up at my house." She grabbed her cosmetic bag, heading to the door.

"Wait Alexa, you still haven't told me who your date is." Her smile said more words than anything.

"Be patient Maxie, you'll see him tonight." Then she slipped out and I heard her say hello and goodbye to Dylan and my mom. I quickly grabbed my phone and checked to see who texted me.

1 New Message From: Dad

I sighed and opened the message

Dad: Hi Max. So I've heard your Prom is tonight and just wishing you a wonderful time. Whoever your date is, he is one lucky man. Have fun, but not too much! Love, Dad.

I reread the message like five times. It was the first time I heard from him in almost eight months, maybe longer.

I deleted the message and grabbed my black handbag. I slipped in my phone, camera and a tube of lip-gloss.

"Max, come on. Dylan is waiting!" Ari had entered my room, staring at my dress. "Wow, there must be an apocalypse, Max is wearing a dress!"

I ruffled his hair, "It's prom idiot, that's what you're supposed to wear." He waved my hand off his head, and then smiled at me.

"I know genius, you look really nice." I blushed and touched his shoulder.

"Thanks, well I guess I should get going. Don't want to keep Dylan waiting."

Making sure I was holding onto the railing tightly, I descended down the stairs. Somewhat gracefully I suppose. In my terms at least, especially since I was wearing heels.

My mom and Dylan watched as I landed on ground floor. I looked up and smiled at Dylan, feeling like a princess. "Max, you look, gorgeous." Dylan whispered the words, making them sound even more effective.

Blushing crimson, I looked down as I walked to him. He wrapped an arm around my waist while my mother ran off to get the camera. "You look good Dylan, handsome as ever."

He looked down, "That's an understatement compared to what people are going to say about you." He just has this amazing ability to make me blush.

My mom had returned and pointed the camera towards us. "Dylan, put on Max's corsage." He brought out the little clear box, opening it to reveal little purple and black flowers.

They were mixed together with little silver vines holding them in place. The flash went off as he slipped the corsage onto my wrist. Then he kissed the top of my hand, making me blush again.

"Oh Max, he is such a keeper!" Could my mom be more embarrassing?

She took more pictures, capturing us laughing, me kissing his cheek, him looking into my eyes. It was truly a perfect moment. I couldn't of been happier.

Once the pictures were done, we got into his car and drove to the hotel the school had rented. The theme was "A Walk On The Beach", fitting for a Florida Prom.

The entrance was covered with teal, white and light pink balloons with various kinds of seashells. Once you entered the main hall, it was breathtaking.

The lights were dimmed with small, twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling, giving the effect of stars. To the right was where they were taking pictures; in the middle was the dance floor with a DJ in the back.

The left section was open into a huge balcony. There were small round tables with people clustering around, chatting.

"Want to take the pictures now or later?" Dylan asked, we both looked to the right.

"We should just get it over with, before more people come." Dylan and I walked hand in hand, waiting behind a couple that was debating on what pose to choose.

When it was our turn, Dylan stood behind me holding my waist with my hands on top of his. The photographer positioned us so that we were facing forward and we looked to the side at the camera. We heard the click and then the flash.

After, we sat at a table, watching our fellow classmates dance. "You thirsty Max, want some punch?" Dylan was so sweet, I couldn't say no.

"Yeah, thanks."

He kissed my cheek as he got up, walking to the back of the room. "Max!" Alexa came running to me, throwing herself into my lap in a hug, yet carefully enough not to mess up anything.

"Alexa! You finally made it!" She smiled at me, and I noticed the guy standing behind her. I stood up, smoothing my dress and turned to Alexa's date.

"Max, this is Conrad, Conrad this is Max."

He had pale grey eyes that popped with the light yellow dress shirt that matched Alexa's dress. His dirty blonde hair was slightly spiked and he also had a wonderful tan, the color of melted caramel. His smile matched Alexa's, big, wide and pleasurable.

They really looked cute together, wonder where Alexa found him...

I smiled and shook Conrad's hand. "Hi, I'm Conrad. I've heard so much about you. You're all Alexa talks about. It's great to finally meet you." I shot Alexa a playful glare, then looked back to Conrad.

"It's nice to meet you too, although I can't say the same. Alexa has been dying to introduce me to "Her Date"." I air-quoted the last part and we all laughed. I liked Conrad right away, he was nice, funny and I know he is going to treat Alexa right.

"Hey Alexa!" Dylan had gotten back with our drinks; I took my cup as he hugged Alexa. He was introduced to Conrad and they started talking about 'men stuff'.

We left the two boys and headed to the balcony. "So you like him?" Alexa bit her lip as she watched me from the corner of her eye.

"Of course, he seems really nice, and looks like he likes you." She lifted her eyebrows, a glint in her eyes.

"Really? Oh God, that's such good news. I didn't know if you guys were going to like him!" I laughed at her, drinking my punch. We were now outside, leaning on the balcony railing enjoying the evening. The sun setting just over the ocean, giving the water a glint of orange and red. It seemed almost as if the sun were bleeding into the water, giving out its last rays for the day.

"It turned out really good huh?" I faced Alexa and gave a warm smile.

"Yeah, they did an amazing job. Perfect theme too." She nodded her head and looked inside.

"Peter's here, we should go say hi."

I turned and saw Peter standing with a blond girl, they were talking with Dylan and Conrad. We both went back inside, greeting our other friend. We all got a table together and then dinner was served. After our grilled chicken with veggies, everyone headed to the dance floor.

They were blasting some loud, fast moving music. Not at all in my comfort zone.

"Don't worry Max, just let loose, have some fun!" The way Dylan said it made me want to dance, but I didn't want to look stupid. I tried following his moves, but probably ended up looking like a fish out of water.

Once I got more comfortable, I started having fun. We danced for what felt like hours, it seemed like the DJ's playlist was endless.

"I'm going to take a breather before the slow song." I fanned my face, it suddenly got really hot.

"Do you want me to go with you?" I could tell Dylan wanted to go with me, but also wanted to stay.

"No it's fine, I'll just be a minute." He leaned down and brushed my neck with the tips of his fingers.

"Love you," he whispered. I smiled at him and squeezed his hand.

"Love you too."

I made my way to the balcony, dodging and ducking around people to get through. Once I past the dancers, I took off my heels and headed outside.

The cool breeze prickled my skin, but it felt good. I went to the edge of the balcony and peered over, hearing the waves crash onto the shore in the distance. The sun had set by now, but it still looked as beautiful as ever.

This night felt like a dream, like I should wake up any second and be home in my bed. Not leaving to another state in a week. That thought suddenly brought tears, I felt so far away from home already. I would miss everything, everyone.

I wiped my eyes and set my heels down. I sniffled again and rested my arms on the ledge. More tears fell but I quickly wiped them away, not wanting them to ruin my make-up.

"Are you okay?" I gently rubbed at my eyes again and turned towards the unfamiliar voice. I sniffled and made out a tall, slim figure standing before me. I couldn't see his face, but I definitely knew he didn't go to our school.

"Um, yeah, just something got in my eye." I sounded so stupid with my shaky voice. A dark chuckle came from the stranger as he stepped closer.

"You don't sound fine, you were crying."

I laughed weakly, "What gave me away?" He leaned on the railing next to me; I could feel his body heat from here.

"The sniffles, the shoulder shaking, the wiping of the eyes. You know, the usual." I looked down at my dress, suddenly feeling self-conscience.

"Well, you don't know if I was laughing so hard, I started to cry. And plus, you can't even see my face." He shifted so he was looking out to the water.

"True, but then what are you doing out here alone?" I shook my head. "Is this like 21 Questions or something? Do you want my background info as well?"

He laughed again, a sound that seemed foreign on his tongue. "No, just curious. You intrigue me." I blushed, hopeful that he couldn't see it.

"Well, um, what are you doing here? You don't go to our school, that's for sure."

"Touché." I could hear the smile on his lips. "I came with a girl from your school. We used to know each other maybe a couple years ago, when I visited my grandmother down here. She asked me to her Prom, so I said yes."

I shifted onto my back and looked inside. They now had strobe lights flashing. "You enjoying the night?" I asked, looking to him.

"Yeah, they did an amazing job. Perfect theme." I laughed out loud.

"I know right? Perfect. And I'm Max, by the way." His face turned towards me and I finally saw his eyes. They were dark brown, almost black. The strobe lights inside glinted off of them, creating a mysteriously beautiful effect. They were nothing like I had ever seen — and that's after meeting Dylan.

"I'm Nick, nice to meet you." I was about to shake his hand, when my name was being called from inside by Dylan.

"Well Nick, that's my queue. It was nice talking to you." I grabbed my heels and started walking to the hall.

"Bye Max." I turned once more and waved. Before I got in, I put on my heels, my feet feeling sore. I stepped onto the dance floor, wrapping my arms around Dylan's neck.

He intertwined his fingers behind my back and I rested my head on top of his shoulder. The music played softly in the background, all the couples swaying back and forth.

I looked over Dylan's shoulder and see Alexa and Conrad. They have their arms around each other and I could see Conrad's lips moving near her ear, then Alexa smiles.

I smile too, content at how amazing this night is. It was picture-perfect; I wish I could freeze time here and live in this moment forever.

But, in the back of my head, I was still thinking of Nick. Nick, and his mysterious eyes.


And there you have it!

So far thanks to all my readers and reviewers, you guys are amazing! :)

I am truly so so so proud of this chapter, me and my beta have worked pretty hard, and hope this chapter showed it!

And maybe another 10 reviews, please! There are chocolate chip cookies involved...