Eventually, with much persuasion from Zack, I finally left our proposal spot. We blew out all of the candles together and shut the apartment door. Heading back on his bike, he took me to Crash. We pulled up at the back and quickly got off. Giving him a few kisses here and there, we eventually walked in. Zack and I stared at the enormous crowd from the staircase. It was crowded, that's for sure. He ended up spotting everyone near the pool table and we tried to make our way there. Zack, being the gentleman that he is, had me at his side as he lead us through the crowd, making sure every now and then that I was with him and no one was grabbing at me. As we made it in sight, OC popped up squealing in happiness. My face lit up and staring up at my now fiancée with a smile, he nodded towards my best friend and I took off running.
"Oh my god!" Original Cindy yelled in happiness, practically jumping up and down. She looked at my ring, my face, and my body posture. After all of those approved with ecstatic happiness, she grabbed me and hugged me tight. Zack came up to us, letting out a laugh and stuck close to my side.
"Zack," OC let out, "you da man." Pounding a fist with him. I let out a giggle and snuggled my body into his side.
"Whoa, what's going on here?" Syl asked coming up to us with a beer in her hand.
Putting up my left hand, her eyes went wide and she squealed like OC.
"Here we go," Zack whispered in my ear. I let out a laugh and hit his chest lightly.
"What the hell?" Jondy said as she grabbed my left hand and held it up.
"Zack! Nice man!" Zane said with a slap on his back.
"Oh my god," Syl said freaking out. Her and Jondy gave me a tight hug and said sweet things.
"Congrats my girl," Krit said giving me a hug.
"Thanks," I told him with a smile.
"Wow," Zane said giving me a hug next. I let out a laugh and went back to Zack. He kept an arm around my shoulder as I looped my arm around his waist. Kissing my temple he murmured to me softly. "I'll let you get to the girl talk."
Laughing, I pulled away and kissed his lips.
"Want anything?" he asked referring to the bar.
"Just a beer," I told him. Nodding he quickly dipped his head, giving me a lingering kiss that made me wanting more. I opened my eyes as he left, playfully glaring at him as he walked off with the guys to the bar.
Evil man, I thought to myself as I bit my lip. Turning to the table full of excited girls and Herbal and Sketchy, I walked over and pulled up a seat.
"So!" Syl said, the first one to say anything.
"I'm getting married," I said bubbling with happiness. It wasn't so much the thought of getting married that was exciting, rather the thought of being able to call Zack mine forever and wearing the ring on my finger with honor and pleasure.
"How did this happen?" Jondy asked.
As I told them the entire story, the girls continued to awe and melt. Herbal, Sketchy, and I just rolled our eyes at the girls sinking into putty.
"I can't believe you are going to get married!" Syl said excitedly. I flashed them all a grin and looked down at my ring. I couldn't believe it either.
"Care to dance?" Zack asked coming up behind me with my beer. Looking up at him, I let my smile brighten and nodded. He set my drink on the table and took my hand. As we walked to the dance floor, Zane and Krit were passing us, shooting us a wink.
"Go ask your girls to dance," I told them with a nod back over at the table. They blushed slightly, and I let out a laugh. Boys will be boys.
Zack finally found us a spot to dance as the music turned into a slower song.
"Who knew Crash played slow songs," I said looking upward.
"I guess we are lucky then," Zack said staring down at me.
My eyes connected with him and I smiled. "I thought you didn't believe in luck."
He let out a laugh and shook his head. That was something I never let him live down. He gave me a swift kiss and put our foreheads together.
"Well I do now," he said.
We held each other close through the whole song. As I let my thoughts drift, I still found it to be unbelievable. Between Manticore and now, it was like life had gotten so much easier.
"What are you smiling about Maxie?" Zack asked.
"You," I said gazing up at him. Unfortunately before I could explain, Zane and Jondy came up to us.
"Heads up, your boy Logan is over there looking for you," Zane said. Jondy gave me a look, silently telling me to do something about it.
Sighing, I looked up at Zack, who seemed to be upset. Zane and Jondy went off farther in the dancing crowd, leaving us alone to deal with the problem.
"Don't," Zack said as I started to pull away.
"Zack," I said unsure. What was Logan here for tonight? Did he not understand I hated him at the moment?
"Max, just let him go. Tonight you're supposed to be all mine remember? It's supposed to be our day- you and me. Not Logan," he said.
I bit my lip knowing he was right. Today was our anniversary. We were supposed to be here celebrating with our friends, and to Zack, Logan didn't really count as a friend.
"Look," Zack said frustrated by my silence, "if you want to go, go." His hands went limp, leaving my hips and we stopped dancing. Standing in the middle of the dance floor, I realized the decision was up to me.
Glancing over at Logan again, I considered everything he put me through- what he put Zack and I through. Was I really going to choose Logan over Zack? Was I really going to do this?
"No," I told Zack looking up at him again. I slid my arms up his chest and back around his neck. Holding him tight I continued to sway to the music. "I want to stay here."
Zack looked at me surprised as he went to grasp my hips again. "You sure? Logan's right over there; He probably spotted you looking at him Maxie."
"Well then I guess he will just have to get the hint."
Zack continued to look surprised and glanced back over at Logan.
Lightly, I hit him on the chest, pulling his attention back to me. Smiling up at him, I couldn't help but laugh. It was funny how the small things could make Zack so happy. "Stop staring."
"Maxie," he said, his tone light and full of happiness.
"Its rude."
"Hey, im just keeping an eye out," he said trying to act all innocent.
"Right, cause im sure Krit, Syl, Jondy, Zane, and Original Cindy aren't already doing that…" I told him.
We both up from each other and glanced around. Jondy and Zane were off dancing at the side of dance floor, each turned so they had an eye at the table where Logan was sitting. Syl and Krit placed themselves strategically at bar watching Logan from a small distance while still appearing normal. And OC, on the other hand, was just flat out staring with a hand on her hip as she played some pool with Herbal and Sketchy.
Even with all eyes on Logan, he still took the bold move and stared at Zack and I.
"I told you," I said to Zack as we looked back at each other smirking.
Zack bent down for a kiss, making sure our lips parted so he could slip his tongue in for a taste. After battling tongues for a bit, we pulled away for air. Feeling a blush creep up on my cheeks, I put my head on his chest. When Zack kissed me like that, my insides felt like goo and my legs turned to jelly.
He let out a laugh as I leaned more of my weight against his body. Kissing my head, I muttered a soft, "jerk," as he knew what those kisses did to me.
"He's still staring isn't he?" I asked as Zack and I continued to dance.
Quickly looking up, Zack muttered a "yup," and held me against him tighter. I sighed at the situation. Logan isn't getting the hint. Doesn't he see OC glaring at him? Or my brothers and sister placed strategically watching him?
Zack let out a hard breath, his temper getting the best of him.
"Zack," I warned, popping my head up. "Hey," I said pushing my hand against his cheek to look at me.
"I know," he said reading my mind. "But if he keeps staring at you like he is Maxie…" Zack said leaving an open-ended threat.
I sighed. Logan had been trying to burn holes in my back for the last 10 minutes now by staring at me for so hard and long. Not only was it bothersome, but a bit creepy. Zack and I had tried to ignore it, but this man just didn't give up.
"Can I please go do something?" Jondy asked coming up to us with Zane in tow.
"Sorry, I tried to stop her," Zane said.
"I know what you mean," I told him as I gave a look over to Zack.
"Max, he's been staring for like the last 10 minutes," she said.
"I know," I told her.
"Maxie," Zack said with a hard-set jaw. He was now glaring at Logan with his hands in fists.
"Jondy, take him outside," I ordered about Zack. Nodding, she grabbed him with a fist full of shirt and dragged him outside.
"She'll calm him down," Zane said taking my hand and dancing with me.
"Yea," I said sadly.
"Cheer up, its your anniversary and engagement," he smiled.
My face brightened up a bit. It was.
"He's good to you, you know," Zane said looking at the door Zack exited through.
"Yea, he is," I smiled.
"I've never seen him so happy. He was so…uplifted when you guys arrived." Zane let out a laugh and twirled me. "When we were getting our drinks at the bar, he literally could not stop smiling."
I let out a laugh. It was odd to see Zack this happy- for all of us.
"You're his other half Max," Zane told me softly.
"Just like you are to Jondy," I said to him.
He was a bit puzzled at the quick turn of the situation.
"I see how you stare at her. It was the way Zack and I always used to stare at each other- it's the way we still stare at each other."
"What do you mean?" he asked dumbly.
"Oh come on," I laughed. He seriously didn't think I would buy that would he?
"The meet ups every once in a while? And the small touches you guys share? Just tell her already. She like you and you like her, so stop wasting your time and just be a man about it. Admit it already."
"Its not that easy," he told me.
"It is," I confirmed. He swallowed hard and spun me again.
"What if things go bad and everything is ruined? I don't want to lose my best friend over something like that…"
"Zane," I said making sure he looked me in the eye. "Give it a chance. Take the risk. You guys are perfect for each other."
"I know Max im just- im scared." He admitted.
"Don't be. It all works out if it's meant to be…and you're the kind of people that are meant to be together" I told him thinking everything over.
We danced with each other for a little while longer before Zack and Jondy returned.
"She's all yours," Zane said stepping away for Zack come in. Giving me a wink, he went off with Jondy to go dance again.
"Everything okay now?" I asked him.
He nodded and touched foreheads with mine.
"Come on," I told him, no longer feeling the dancing mood. Leading him through the crowd, I went back up the platform to join OC and my Jam Pony buddies.
"You two okay?" OC asked, looking at Zack's face. I could tell she felt bad for the guy.
"Yea, I think we might get out of here, you cool?" I asked her.
"'Course Boo. Just get you and your man out of here, Original Cindy can handle your Mr. Creepy eyes over there." She said disapprovingly.
"Thanks girl," I said giving her a quick hug. After waving to Herbal and Sketchy, I grabbed Zack's hand and left the club, not even once looking at Logan and where he sat.
"Hey" I said to Zack as he got on his bike without a word.
Standing in front of him, I swung his face to look at mine. Giving him a long and deep kiss, his body relaxed and his arms came out to pull me closer. The bike eventually got in our way of everything and I smiled in the kiss. I kind of forgot we were in public.
"Get on," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. There's my Zack, I thought to myself. Following his directions, I swung a leg over his bike and held myself tight to him as we took off. When we got home, the clothes went flying and we quickly made it to the bedroom. Only a few times did our lips part from each other. The days' events were poured into our feelings and actions. I could tell how bothered Zack was over Logan- I could tell by the way he kissed me and felt. Not only were his kisses possessive but also his body was stiff and tense. Showing him love and ease, I tried my best to calm him down. He had nothing to be jealous or upset over. I was his, just as he was mine. Logan was to never come in between that. I continued to try and make him feel the happiness I was feeling. I rubbed his shoulders and pushed my body close against his.
By the time we finally laid down next to each other, we were both exhausted.
"I love you Maxie," he panted, pushing my hair away from my face.
I entwined my hand with his and kissed his palm. "I love you too baby."
Moving closer to him, I tilted my head up, kissing his neck.
"Zack, whatever happened at Crash…"
He looked down ready to say something, so I put my finger over his lip and cut to the chase of my spiel.
"You're mine, just like im yours. He can't do anything to change that," I told my fiancée as I referred to Logan. " I fell in love with you Zack. You're the man I want to be with the rest of my life- the one I want to wake up to- or the one I want to hold me close. You are the man I want to kiss and laugh with alongside my friends. I want you, not him."
He stared at me for a while. I wasn't sure what he was going to say. Was I wrong about what he was feeling? Maybe I was imagining it all…
His lips captured mine and my eyes fluttered shut. The kiss was sweet and loving. The way he tugged my lower back to come closer to him- I knew he wanted to kiss and cuddle.
Once we pulled away, his hand lingered around my face- cupping my neck while his thumb ran over my jawbone. After a few minutes, I snuggled my face into his neck and let my eyes close. It was funny how I sometimes got tired. Before my relationship with Zack, my body never once needed sleep, and now it came as a comfort. Within a few minutes, my breathing had evened out and I was asleep with Zack hugging me close.
"Maxie...Max," a voice called. Groaning, I swatted at the noise and rolled over on my other side. A laugh was sounded and I raised my head a bit to see who it was.
"I'm over here," Zack said, tugging at my shoulder for me to roll over.
"Hi," I said tiredly.
"Hey," he chirped giving me a quick kiss. "You have to get ready for work. It's a little past 9."
I let out a grunt and put a pillow over my head. Today was the type of day where I really didn't want to go to work.
"Come on," he said taking the pillow off my head.
"Can I just call in?" I practically pleaded with him.
He shook his head with a smirk fighting to win and handed me a cup of coffee.
Taking it, I sat up a bit and sipped the caffeine. Okay so maybe the day wasn't going to be too bad.
"What time did you get up?" I asked him as he smiled at me.
"A little while ago. I wanted to make sure our guests found a place to stay for the night and didn't want to wake you. OC took them all in."
"All of them?" I asked.
"All of them," he confirmed just as impressed as I was. As I fiddled with the sheet to wrap around my whole body, Zack watched me.
"You know I've seen you naked Maxie," he said as I held the sheet tight and got out of bed. It was time for a shower
I rolled my eyes and stopped walking.
"So if I was to drop it right here, right now, you wouldn't want to jump my bones?" I asked with attitude.
He let out a laugh and ran a hand through his hair.
"Exactly," I said and then finished making my way into the bathroom. After a nice long shower, I grabbed some clothes and headed in the kitchen for some breakfast.
"You know, I was thinking," I said to Zack, who was watching TV, as I made some toast.
"What if everyone was to stay here a little while longer? That way we could…"
"Max," Zack warned cutting off my idea.
I sighed and buttered the bread. I knew what he was going to say. It would be too risky- too dangerous. It was a stupid thought.
I stood there gloomy. The toast didn't look so good anymore.
My thoughts swirled around, buzzing to life. Why couldn't they just visit for a while longer? Would it be that risky? What's the worst that could happen?
"I know how great it's been to have them here, especially for you," he said coming to hug my waist from behind. "But we already took a big risk by them coming here."
"But Zack," I said turning in his arms to face him. "Manticore is gone, what do we have to worry about? And I was only thinking maybe a few more days, that's all…" I said with a sad face.
He sighed and kissed my forehead. He didn't like when I was unhappy but knew what was 'right' and 'wrong'.
"Max, just because Manticore is gone doesn't mean there still aren't people out there hunting us."
My shoulders fell, as I knew he was right. Laying my head down on his chest, I listened to his strong heartbeat. So much for hopes and dreams…
He kissed my head and hugged me tight. This was something Zack and I would always disagree on. He was big on safety while I was big on living.
"Will we ever get to be free?" I just asked out in the open.
"I don't know Maxie, I don't know," he sighed trying to comfort me best as possible. By the time I had to go to work, I was still a bit disappointed.
"Maxie," Zack called, jogging up to me as I left our building." I love you."
Letting a smile grow on my face, I quickly replied. "I love you too."
He gave me a quick kiss, sending me on my way. By that time, I was happy as a lark, smiling all the way into work.
"What's gotten into you?" Normal asked as I passed the front desk.
"Morning Normal," I chirped.
"Hey Boo," OC said lacing up her shoe.
"Hey," I said opening my locker.
"How was last night?" she asked with a small grin on her face.
"Amazing," I said, not even finding that to be the right word. "Hey, thanks for taking my brothers and sisters, Zack told me they stayed at your place for the night."
"No problem," she said waiting for me. "They were quite the excitement."
I looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she gave me the look of 'don't even ask'.
After I put my stuff away, OC and I headed over to Normal to start the day. He threw us our assignments. OC and I decided to take shift together today- it seemed like we haven't talked in a while.
While on our first few stops, OC told me about her crazy night with my siblings. Apparently they liked to go wild instead of sleep. They played cards, made themselves food, watched a few movies, and even stayed up gossiping with OC.
"You have a fun night with your boy?" OC asked.
"Yea, we did," I said with a blush. From there we talked about Logan and his issues.
"That boy just needs to learn you ain't his Boo," she told me as she got off her bike.
"But you would think he would take the hint…" I said still bothered by how stupid Logan was. Was he really that blind?
"Well, he's a guy…" she said stating it like it was the obvious. I let out a laugh and walked up the front steps of the house with her. As we waited my thoughts drifted back to this morning. Jondy, Syl, Krit, and Zane were all supposed to leave later tonight.
"What's wrong?" Original Cindy asked as my smile faded from my face.
"Nothing, "I shrugged. "Its just-…they're all supposed to be leaving tonight," I said referring to my family.
"They ain't stayin' for a few more days?" she asked.
"No, Zack feels like it still isn't safe enough."
"That boy," she said shaking her head as her lips closed together in a thin line. "He needs to stop worrying so much."
"No, he is right." I said sadly. "I just wish they could stay a bit longer you know? It was like I barely had time to hang them even though they've been here a few days."
"Well, time fly's when you're having fun," OC added.
I stuck my hands in my jacket pockets and waited for her to get a signature.
"Look on the bright side Boo, they will be there for your wedding, right?" she asked as we walked away.
My wedding? Oh gosh…
My face must have gone blank because OC took one look at me and laughed.
"Girl, you look like you just saw a ghost."
"I have to plan a wedding," I told her in crisis. I was not a girl to do this kind of thing. I could barely get myself dressed in the morning and now I have to plan a party?
"Max, you still have a while. Its not like you guys are in a rush," she said calming me down.
"Right," I said trying to pull myself together. Getting on my bike, I kicked up the stand and took off with my best friend.
"You don't think Zack will want a big wedding do you?" I asked her.
"Probably not, he's a pretty private guy," she reasoned.
"Do you think he will want something outdoors?" I asked.
"Max, maybe you should ask him," she said glancing at me.
"Right," I said finding that logical- he was my fiancée after all. We continued to ride and talk. She filled me in on any gossip I missed while I just filled her in on life. When we got back to Jam Pony, I ignored Normal's calls and went straight for the payphone. Calling our apartment, I got the answering machine. I listened to mine and Zack's voice play as I went to hang up the phone.
"Hello?" someone suddenly asked.
"Hello?" I asked back.
"Max?" Jondy asked.
"Oh Jondy," I said now knowing who it was. "What are you doin' at my place?" I asked.
"We all just came back to chill for a while."
"Oh, is Zack there?" I asked.
"No, sorry sis," she said. I sighed and leaned against the wall.
"What's with the sigh?"
"Did you know I have a wedding to plan?" I asked her.
"Yea, that's what happens when you get yourself hitched to a guy Maxie," she said.
We talked a little while longer and she calmed my fears a bit. Her and OC were right- Zack and I weren't in a rush, there was nothing I needed to be stressed about.
Getting back to work, I waited for the day to be over. Not only did I want to go home, but also I wanted to see the people at home.
"Overtime people!" Normal said to a few of us.
"You've got to be kidding!" I complained as I was taking out my stuff from my locker.
"Does it look like im kidding?" he asked."Bip bip!" he exclaimed.
I shut my locker hard in anger to vent.
"Come on, we'll help guys," OC said, making Sketchy help Herbal and I.
We did the divide and conquer routine, which worked out pretty well. We each had about 4 packages and delivered them in no time.
"Thanks again guys, I owe you," I told them as I grabbed my stuff.
"Oh, don't worry Boo, we'll collect," OC said getting her own stuff together. I gave her a knuckle touch and was off to see my family.
"Hey," I called walking into the apartment. It smelt really good in here.
"Well Hello!" Syl said coming to greet me. She waited for me to put all my stuff down and then took my wrist. "If you would follow me…"
I noticed Zack also sitting on the couch and wondered what was going on. Syl gave me no explanation, instead just pushing me over to sit with Zack.
"What's going on?" I asked turning back to see if I could see Syl.
"I wouldn't do that if I were-"
"Turn back around!" Syl yelled.
I immediately swung back around and faced Zack.
"-you," he finished.
"What's going on?" I asked again.
"A surprise," he said, "for both of us."
"That's right, and you are going to love it," Zane said coming in to say hello to me. Giving me a kiss on the cheek, he snuck me a wink and then went to take Syl's place on guard.
Not wanting to take the chance of getting yelled at again, especially by Zane, I snuggled up with my fiancée.
"How was work?" he asked.
"Stupid overtime," I said rolling my eyes. Zack let out a laugh and kissed my head.
"How was your day?"
"The usual- not much has been going on since Manticore- but I think they found someone new to be in charge."
I looked at him alerted and he had a grim face. That was not good news. Turning to look at me, his posture and expression changed.
"Lets not worry about it now," he said.
Thinking it over, I wasn't sure if I wanted to let it go yet. I wanted to know more- what was going to happen? How long did we have? Were we going to run?
"Max," Zack said pulling me out of my thoughts. Nodding, I snuggled back into his chest. Tonight was supposed to be memorable. Manticore and those people didn't have to ruin it. We watched TV for a while till we heard a bang.
"I'm okay!" Krit yelled. Zack and I chuckled.
"What do you think they are doing in there?" I asked him.
"Not a clue," he said with a smile.
"Dinner is served," Syl said bouncing back in the room.
"Dinner," I said with an impressed voice. Laid out on the table was a candle light dinner. Pasta was the main dish, along with fruit, salad and garlic bread.
"You guys," I said in awe. It all looked so beautiful.
"This is our thank you for housing us," Jondy said, smiling as Zane pulled her in his arms.
I smiled at the pair. It was about time!
"Thank you," I said coming over to hug everyone. We all sat around the table eating the wonderful meal. We talked about our day and last night.
"Seriously, that was good," Krit laughed, thinking about his peanut and banana sandwich he had last night at OC's. We all laughed and switched to the next topic.
When dinner was over, we all brought our plates to the sink and did the dishes. It was kind of funny how easy it was to get in position. We set it up like an assembly line. Someone to grab the dishes, someone washing them, someone drying them, and two people to put them all away. When we were done, it was an odd feeling. I didn't know what time they were leaving and I was afraid to ask.
"Scary movie?" Zane asked. We all looked at each other and then ran for it. Krit, Jondy, Zack and I were the first ones to make it on the couch. We all laughed and shoved each other, trying to fix who would be on the couch.
"Who's making the popcorn?" I asked. Someone called out nose goes and Krit lost.
"Aw, come on guys," he said. Pulling himself off the couch, he pointed at his spot.
"Mine, I come back and it's gone, there will be some X5 sibling rivalry."
Still laughing, we all watched his spot, leaving it open, as Zane and Jondy got comfy on the floor.
I sat on Zack's lap to create more room on the couch (and its not like he minded anyways). Usually we weren't this cuddly or showed much PDA, but since it was just our family and they knew, it came easy to us.
Krit came back with a huge bowl of popcorn and we pressed play to the movie Zane put in. It was actually pretty scary. A lot of things popped up and at one point, it was so suspenseful Krit jumped and scared Syl, who was sitting on his lap and the popcorn, went flying.
"Krit!" she yelled, hitting him for scaring her.
We all brushed the popcorn off of us, chuckling in the process.
"Oh come on!" I said complained towards the TV. Stupid cliffhanger ending. Did the guy die or not?
Zane turned the lights back on for us and we all laughed. Popcorn was still everyone-on the couch, the floor, in Krit's hair…
"Very nice," Jondy giggled at Krit. Getting everything cleaned up, Zane gave Zack a look.
"We should get going," Zane said sadly after we were done.
Everyone looked at each other, and then at me. I bit my lip and tried sucking it up. I knew this was coming, so why was I having such a hard time? Everyone started to say goodbye to each other.
Syl came over to hug me first.
"Hey don't be sad, we will see each other at your guys' wedding!" she said, thinking it would cheer me up. After letting me go, Jondy grabbed my shoulders giving me a look and shook her head. That was the last thing that would soothe me and she knew it.
"I love you girl, call me if you need anything," she said.
I nodded and waited for the guys to say goodbye.
"Hey turn that frown upside down," Krit said hugging me.
"We'll see you soon sis," Zane said moving Krit out of the way and coming to hug me."Take care of our man for us," he also whispered.
"Always," I smiled as he pulled away.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Zack said coming to kiss me.
"Okay, be careful," I told him as he planted a kiss on my lips and then forehead. Smiling up at him, I tried to show him I would be okay. As the group called for Zack, he gave me a wink and went to take them all back home.
A few minutes after they left, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I had an odd feeling my chest being all alone, but at the same time I couldn't seem to think about anything as my mind was quiet.
Deciding to take a bath, I turned on the water and waited for the tub to fill up. Slipping off my clothes, I slid into the warm bubbly comfort and laid my head back to relax. As I let the days' stress seep out of me, I felt my body begin to twitch a bit.
Pulling up my hand out of the water, I knew what was happening. The tremors were starting again.
Getting out of the water, I quickly pulled a towel around myself and went to find the bottle of tryptofan. Swallowing the pills dry, I walked back into our bedroom and sat on the bed. The tremors should stop soon, I thought to myself. Feeling them get more powerful instead, I laid on the bed, clutching the towel to my chest.
"Oh Max," Lydecker said as he sat by my bed. My body shook with tremors and he held my hand.
"They'll stop," he whispered reading the fear in my eyes. After a few minutes, true to his word, the shaking stopped.
"The chemicals in your brain are imbalanced." He told me. "But with these, you can stop them." He showed me the unlabeled bottle of pills.
"What are they?" I asked softly.
"Tryptofan," he said looking at them. "A supplement in milk."
I looked at the bottle and then up at him. He was staring at me.
"Go to sleep Max," he said sitting back in his chair. "I will be right here."
Stowing away the uneasy feeling I had, I followed his order and closed my eyes, trying to conserve my energy for whatever came tomorrow.
I woke up gasping and still clutching the towel in my hands. It was just a dream- or a faded memory really. I slid up and out of bed, my body still weak and somewhat shaky. The tremors got worse. They always came in phases like that. I braced myself against the nightstand beside the bed. 10:26 am, it read. Slowly walking to the bathroom, I drained the bath water from last night and went to put on some clothes. When I was done, I popped a few more pills in my mouth and went to the kitchen to make some food.
I decided on a sandwich. It was probably the easiest thing, especially since I had work in a few.
My hands continued to shake as I tried to untwist the bread from its packaging and my body trembled the longer I stood.
This was ridiculous! I yelled in my head. Bracing my hands against the counter, I let out deep breaths, trying my hardest not to let my anger get the best of me. After a few seconds, I went back over to the bread, this time moving slowly. The twisty tie untied for me and I grabbed my slices of bread. From there, I opened the jars of peanut butter and jelly. Not too bad.
Sticking the knife in the jelly, my body shook a bit and I took a few breaths. Don't get discouraged; they will go away soon, I thought to myself.
I took a break after the jelly was on the bread. I leaned my weight back on my hands that braced against the counter and closed my eyes. Why did it have to be now? And why were they getting worse?
I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity for a few minutes before pulling myself back together and going back to my lunch. I started to smear the peanut butter on my bread, watching as my hands tremored.
"Maxie?" Zack called coming in the house. I looked over to him, knowing he would immediately be concerned. There was nothing I could do to hide it or stop it.
"Max?" he asked concerned as my body began to convulse again.
"It will stop," I said determinedly as I tried walking into our bedroom. I needed more tryptofan. My head suddenly felt like it was splitting in two. Pulling my hands up to my head, I quickly fell over letting out a call of pain.
"Don't worry Max, I wont let anything happen to you," Lydecker whispered next to me. I was in the medical wing. There was an IV in my hand and I lay tucked in a bed. Lydecker had his hand in mine, holding it tenderly.
"You're going to pull through," he said. "ill save you."
I sat up with gasp. I was in Zack's arms shaking like a leaf. He was wide eyed and panicked, not having a clue what to do.
"They will stop," I muttered to Zack. I felt bad; he had never seen me like this. Usually I could hide it from him. Sometimes I would hide out at Logan's or stay with OC. I never wanted him to find out.
"Tell me what to do Max," he pleaded to me.
"Just hold me," I said looking up at him.
He nodded, hugging me close. Feeling his warmth and stability, I closed my eyes.
"I'm okay Zack," I whispered to him as I found him staring at me after Lydecker left. He didn't say anything, rather, continued to watch me.
"I'll be okay," I whispered to him again as we stared at each other in the eye.
When I woke up again I was laying on the couch, the tremors now fading, just showing in my hands.
"Morning," Zack said sitting near my feet.
"Hey," I said sliding up to face him. I wasn't sure what to say. I kept this from him for a reason.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"11:30," he said not looking at me.
"I have to get to work," I said tugging the blanket off me and starting to stand up. He quickly grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.
"Max, you're not well. You can't honestly think you are going in," he said in a controlling voice.
"I'm fine," I told him, slowly meeting his eyes. "I'm sorry I scared you," I said moving my shaky hand up to his face. He visibly sighed and put his stable hand on top of mine.
"Did everyone get home okay?" I asked.
"Yea," he said softly, still watching me.
"Good," I smiled, trying softly to pull my hand and body away. I needed to get to work. I was not going to lose my job.
"Max, you shouldn't go," Zack said getting up with me.
"I can't lose my job Zack," I told him walking to get my stuff. His jaw set and he stood in the middle of the room.
"Look," I said coming over to him. "I'm fine right now. I'll have OC go on runs with me today and if I get worse I will call you," I tried bargaining.
"I can't let anything happen to you Maxie," he said running a hand through my hair.
"Nothing will," I said giving him a small smile. Kissing him, I made sure to show my confidence. I was going to be fine-hopefully.
"Max!" Zack called still standing there as I opened the front door. Turning, I caught the bottle of tryptofan he threw at me. Nodding, I stuck it in my bag and was off to Jam Pony.
"You're late," Normal called to me as I rolled in with my bike.
"Doctor's appointment," I called over my shoulder as I headed to my locker.
"You okay Boo?" OC asked me as my hands shook against the lock on my locker comb.
I stayed silent and she caught on. "It's happening again isn't it?"
I nodded and let her take the lock and key from my hands to open my locker.
'Thanks," I whispered to her. She nodded and waited for me to go on the next run with her.
"Zack found out," I said as we left Jam Pony to go to our address. She stayed silent and let me continue. "I was still getting over the shakes when he came home. I ended up collapsing in front of him."
"Boo, maybe it was time to tell him, they're getting worse," she said. I kept my eyes down.
"He was scared, terrified really," I said.
"He has a right to be," she justified.
"I just- I don't want to mess up what we have you know?" I asked her.
"Max, you two are getting married. There is nothing else you can really screw up."
From there, our conversation came to an end as we walked up the steps to a house and delivered a package.
After delivering about two more packages, the seizers began to take over again.
"Max," OC said concerned. We quickly walked off to the side of the building watching as my body convulsed.
"Tryptofan," I said pointing to my bag. OC nodded, getting out the pills. I popped about three into my mouth and waited for them to stop again. My head started to pound again. Bringing my hands up to my head, I tried my hardest to not let out a cry of pain. My head literally felt like it was splitting in two.
"What can I do girl?" she asked as I slid down to the ground in pain.
"Can you call Zack?" I asked, finding I was bad again.
She quickly nodded and looked around for a cell phone. "Max, I got to go use a payphone," she said worried about me.
"I'm okay, go." I told her. She nodded, running off to call Zack. Leaving me in an alleyway, I waited for her to come back. My body became weaker and I found myself curling up in a ball and falling into blackness.
"Max," Lydecker called. "Max. Open your eyes Max," he commanded softly while rubbing my forehead gently.
"Wha-?" I asked groggily.
"We fixed you Max, just like I promised." He said.
"What did you do to me?" I asked trying to fight the waves of sleepiness that came over me.
"Your genes are special Max. They are so special." He told me before my eyes finally fluttered closed.
I woke up to OC shaking me awake. "Max, come on, wake up girl," she said.
"OC?" I asked groggily.
"Yea, its me," she said pulling me up. "Oh god Max," she said looking at me.
"What?" I asked. Touching the side of my face, I pulled some hair back and felt something warm. Looking at my hand I found blood.
OC pulled out a tissue and handed it to me, "your nose."
Putting a hand up to my nose, I felt all the blood and went wide-eyed. What was going on? OC helped me wipe off most of the blood and pulled me up to stand.
"I called Zack, it went to your guys' answering machine, so I left a message telling him to meet us at Jam Pony. You think you can make it there?" she asked still holding onto my elbow. I nodded and popped two more tryptofan before getting on my bike.
When we got back to headquarters, Normal shot us orders and OC quickly bit him a new one, telling him a 'not now'. She guided me to the bathroom, wetting some paper towel and getting the rest of the dried blood off my face.
"You look as good as new," she said with a small smile.
"Thanks," I told her weakly.
We went back out to the main area and waited for Zack. He came within a few minutes, in his leather jacket and dark blue jeans, looking as fine as ever.
"Max," he said spotting me.
"Hey," I said tiredly.
"It happened again?" he asked me and then looked to OC.
"Yea," I said not looking at him. I felt OC glaring at me, which made Zack look down at me.
"Can we go home now?" I asked.
"Yea, come on," he said guiding me along.
"And where do you think you are going?" Normal asked as we passed the front desk.
I held onto Zack tight as he stiffened, ready to say something.
"She's not feeling well Normal. Original Cindy's got her shift," OC said stepping towards the desk. I shot her a thankful look and she gave me the 'I have to tell Zack the whole story' look back.
"You're lucky we aren't very busy today missy," Normal said to me, accepting the change.
Zack and I walked off, thanking OC again. When we got home he quickly went into the 'take care of Max' mode. He helped me take of my hat, my bag, and even carried me up to our apartment.
"Zack, I can do it," I said taking off my jacket and shoes. He backed off a bit, knowing I wanted a bit of independence. After that, he dragged me to the bedroom. My head hit the pillow and let out a sigh of happiness. It was nice and cold against my hot head.
"What happened today Maxie?" he asked facing me.
I turned my head, observing his facial expression. He seemed worried and scared. But there was also this showing of strength somewhere inside of him.
"OC and I did packages together today," I said softly. "And after about the third one, the seizers came back."
I turned my head, no longer looking at him. His arm came around my stomach, resting there as his thumb rubbed comforting circles on my hipbone.
"They got pretty bad," I said with furrowed eyebrows. "My headache came back too."
He continued to stare at me, an elbow propped up on the pillow to support his head on his hand.
"So I had her call you. She needed to go use the payphone so she left for not even 5 minutes," I told him. "I must have passed out because when I came to, she was shaking me awake."
"This has happened before hasn't it," he guessed. Looking away again, I nodded. "A few times, they get pretty bad each time, but this has been the worst of it so far."
"Why didn't you tell me Max?' he asked. I glanced back at him again.
"I didn't want you to see me like this- so weak and vulnerable. I can take care of myself, its just sometimes…it's a bit difficult."
"You're not weak when you're like this," he said staring into my eyes. Switching topics, he put up his 'in charge' face. "How bad have these progressed? Any other symptoms or things I should know about? When did they start?"
"You know when they started Zack," I said sadly.
"Back at Manticore," he sighed. I gave him a look of confirmation and then answered the rest of his questions.
"They've progressed slowly. It only used to be just the seizures, which went away within a few minutes of taking the tryptofan. Now they have progressed into seizures, which take maybe 10 minutes to go away with the supplement."
"Headache too right?" he asked in confirmation.
I nodded, "headache usually comes around too, that progressed more as I got older though. Now they are progressing into blackouts and nosebleeds."
He stared at me. "Nosebleeds?"
I swallowed hard, "it just happened today."
We watched each other for a while, neither of us breaking the silence. I knew he was worried- so many thoughts must have been going around in his head. I cuddled next to him, trying to comfort him the best I could. I didn't want him to worry- I would be fine.
"Go to sleep Max," he said softly as my eyes drifted closed. Swiftly opening them, I shook my head a bit.
"No, im okay."
"Sleep," he commanded softly, kissing my forehead and holding me close. My eyes fluttered closed after that and I was off to dreamland.