- 6 months after Fang leaves:

Max is on the terrace of the flocks new abode. Sitting on the edge of the railing looking out into the sunset. It was an overcast day, and now all the clouds are strewn around the sun's rays. Max likes this place, it's her comfort zone, a way to escape the ruckuses inside.

Max POV

When I come out here nothing matters anymore. I leave all the drama and baggage of my life behind. Out here it's just me and the sunset. The warmth. The peace. I remember when Fang and I... Wait stop. Don't commit to a memory about him. It's too soon for that. I don't have the strength for it. It's just me. I'm alone. I won't think about him. Not here. This is my safe place. Away from the pain and hurt . I think a part of me keeps expecting him to come around the corner, on hands and knees, begging me to take him back. Saying he was wrong, and he'll never leave again. But as much as I hope that will happen, there's that other part of me that knows it won't. That part that doesn't believe in fairy tales, or happily ever after. That part of me that doesn't believe in love. God this is too much, it's too heavy. Okay Max, imagine you're on a beach, the sand between your toes, the heat radiating off your skin. Right, now that's better. Breathe Max, just breathe. Now a deep one...and release. All your worries. Gone.

A: Hey Nudge, where's Max? I wanna show her this new trick I taught Total.

N: She's on the terrace.

A: Oh. Never mind, guess it can wait.

D: What can wait?

A: I just taught Total an amazing trick! You wanna see?

D: Sure.

G: See what?

A: Come on.

I: Well I guess I'll come too, in an attempt to be less antisocial.

Gasman, Iggy, Dylan, and Nudge follow Angel out of the house, meeting Total by a tall sycamore tree.

A: Alright Total, you ready?

T: Where's Max?

A: She's busy.

T: Okay then, here we go. If you please Angel.

A: Of course.

Angel lays a bone shaped treat on the tip of Total's nose. She claps suddenly and the dog flips the snack up, landing in the Totals mouth.

G: That was awesome! Wish I could do it.

T: Yes, one of the many joys of being a dog; performing tricks.

I: Thought you hated being a dog, what with the lack of opposable thumbs.

T: Well that is a down side, but you have to admit, the life of a dog is far superior. I mean I am practically the master. You don't see me picking up your poop.

N: He has a point. Brava Total!

G: Its' bravo' Nudge.

N: No its not, I saw 'brava' last night while watching Phantom of the Opera.

G: That's because it was a girl. If it's a boy, you say 'bravo'.

N: Nu uh!

A: It's true Nudge. Like in Spanish they say chico, instead of chica when referring to a boy.

N: That's Spanish Angel. This is French.

G: No its not! Its Italian!

N: Really?

A&G: DUH!

N: Back me up here Iggy!

I: I am a neutral party.

N: (glares at Iggy) Fine! Dylan will vouch for me, right Dylan?

Everyone looks to where Dylan was standing just minutes before. He's gone.

Max swings her legs off the ledge and back onto the balcony. She looks up right as Dylan enters through the sliding glass doors.

D: Hey Max.

M: Hi Dylan

D: You alright?

M: Peachy keen

D: You know you're missing some good fun down there. Total just showed us a pretty extraordinary trick.

M: Total hates tricks.

D: I think he's finally accepted that he's a dog now.

Max look sullen.

D: Max, I know I'm probably the last person you'd ever want to talk to about, well, anything. But I want you to know that I am here if you need me. To listen.

Max, doesn't even look up.

D: Well, I've said my piece, now I'll just excuse myself before this gets too awkward.

Dylan turns to leave.

M: Dylan?

D: Yeah?

M: Thanks.

Dylan gives a small smile and exits.