Enjoy…
School the next day went along as usual. Only this time everyone gossiped over the dance. J.J almost screamed when I told her about Sam asking me. It was a bit funny how so many people were taking this thing so seriously.
We arrived at the house at our regular time, and since it was Friday, I let the kids do whatever they wanted. Everyone ran in different directions, leaving me standing in the kitchen all alone. I decided to go up to my room and change into my worn in jeans and a t-shirt. My mind was cluttered with thoughts about that night. I was a bit excited for it, but I didn't want to go through the whole 'getting ready' part. I looked in the mirror and ran my fingers through my long dirty blonde hair. Picking up a brush from the dresser, I attempted to part my hair off to the side and pull my hair up in a ponytail of some sorts. By now, I looked like a deranged monkey with frizzy hair. I sighed in frustration and threw the brush off to the side. This was hopeless.
I lay down on my bed and sank my head into the pillow. It was only about three o'clock, so I figured that I could squeeze in a little cat-nap. Before I knew it, my eyes were closed and I was drifting off to sleep.
oOo
"Max. Wake up." I heard someone whisper beside me. I opened my eyes to see Anne smiling at me warmly.
"It's six o'clock honey. Dinner is ready," She said sweetly and walked out of my room.
I slowly got up into a sitting position and rubbed my eyes. I had exactly two hours until the dance started. Sam and I had agreed to meet at the front of the school at eight. So thankfully, that gave me enough time to get prepared. I stood up and stretched my arms and my wings. The smell of spaghetti filled my nose almost instantly, practically making my mouth water. I quickly walked out of my room and down the stairs.
"Good morning sunshine, did you have a nice nap?" Gazzy said while he set the plates on the table.
"Yes actually, I did thank you very much." I laughed and ruffled his light blonde hair.
"Now that the sleepy head is up, dinner is ready." Iggy said as he brought a large bowl of spaghetti to the table.
We all sat down and immediately dug in.
"So, are you guys excited about this dance thingy tonight?" Gazzy said with a mouth full of noodles.
"Oh my gosh Max! Can I help you do your make-up and hair? I think you would look amazing with curly hair! What do you think Angel?" Nudge exclaimed before I could even open my mouth to answer Gazzy.
"I think Max would look good with anything! Can I help too? Please?" Angel said while giving me her infamous bambi eyes.
I rolled my eyes and shrugged. "I guess. You two would probably be useful because I have no idea what to do with this hair."
They squealed and went on eating, quietly discussing their plans for me. I glanced over at Fang who was silently studying his plate. I sighed and shook my head.
The rest of the dinner went along uneventfully. After helping Iggy clean the dishes, I went up to my room and pulled out my dress from the closet. I had close to one and a half hours left to get ready. I laid the dress onto my bed and looked at it for a moment. I started feeling anxious. This dance thing was really getting to me, and not in a good way. I tore my eyes away from the dress and walked toward the bathroom, grabbing my brush along the way. Once I made it to the mirror, I looked at myself and turned my head to the side. My dirty blonde hair fell to my mid back in waves, which didn't look as bad as I thought it would. I tried pulling the top half of my hair into a short pony tail and held it there. I wrinkled my nose and shook my hair down. This part of the dance was going to be the hard part. I heard a soft knock on my door and Anne's voice calling my name. I reached over and opened it to see Anne standing there with a small bag filled with various types of lipsticks and eyes shadows.
"Hey Max, I thought you could use some help." She said sweetly.
I nodded my head and smiled at her.
oOo
The finished product of Anne's semi-makeover was not all that bad. Nudge and Angel had come in and helped like I had promised them. I sat on a chair biting my lip while they painted my face and pulled my hair.
When they had finished they all stood back and admired their work. Nudge and Angel started giggling non-stop while Anne stood there beaming at me.
"Max you look so pretty," Angel said.
I smiled at her and turned to Anne.
"Can I see?" I asked nervously.
Anne nodded quickly and handed me a mirror. I shut my eyes and positioned the mirror in front of my face. With a deep breath, I opened them slowly and looked at the girl staring back at me. At first, I couldn't believe it was me. My usually messy hair fell passed my shoulders in soft blonde waves. My cheeks were lightly covered with blush and my eye lashes were coated with mascara. It was like a complete transformation into a new Max; a prettier, more girly one at least. I laid the mirror down onto my lap and looked back up at the three smiling faces.
"Oh Max. You have to put your dress on now. You are going to look like a movie star. Everyone is going to be so surprised to see you. Especially…"
"Thanks Nudge," I said. I knew where her ramble would lead to, and I didn't feel like getting embarrassed right then. "And thanks for doing this for me guys."
"No problem Max. You look so beautiful!" Angel squealed.
"It was my pleasure." Anne said. "Okay girls. Let's leave Max to change into her dress."
"Okay!" Nudge and Angel said in unison and skipped happily out of the bathroom. Anne winked and followed the girls out.
I sighed loudly and took my dress off of its hanger. Slowly I pulled the silky fabric up my legs and over my arms. After situating my wings, I put on my sweater and smoothed it out. Despite the winged factor, I guess I look relatively close to the definition of the word 'pretty'.
Looking in at my reflection, I parted my hair to the side making it look layered. I stood in front of the mirror for a whole ten minutes, just looking at myself, examining every detail. A knock at the door forced me to look away from the 'new Max' that was standing before me.
"Come in," I said.
Slowly the door opened to reveal a tall dark figure. He took a step forward, making the light from the bathroom define his face. I felt my eyes widen as I looked at a totally changed Fang standing before me. His dark tux complimented his eyes and his hair, which both seemed to glimmer under the light of the bathroom. His hair that was usually messy was looking cleaner and shinier. His bangs dropped over his forehead, slightly shading his eyes.
He shook his hair out of his face and looked back at me with his eye brows raised. He cleared his throat and nervously shifted his gaze to the ground.
"Um, you ready to go?" He said.
"Yep," I answered.
We both walked down the hallway in silence. I felt him glance at me quickly and then turn away. He seemed a lot more fidgety, stuffing his hands in his pockets and clearing his throat
"Well," He scratched his neck. "You look…different."
I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "Thanks?"
"No, I mean…" He began. Then he smirked, "You look decent I guess."
I smacked him playfully in the arm and walked past him down the stairs.
"You don't look so bad yourself. I mean, you actually look clean."
He chuckled quietly, making me smile to myself. I wanted to at least try to not make this awkward for us. However, I knew we were way past the awkward stage.
"Oh, don't you two look nice." Anne said as soon as we stepped onto the first floor.
"Well, we've got to head out of her if we don't want to be late." I said quickly. I couldn't handle her carrying on about how wonderful it was that we were going to this "lovely event".
"Max! Nick!" Nudge yelled as she skipped down the stairs with Angel at her heels.
"Woah F-Nick! You look like one of those models you see in magazines. Like, your hair is actually clean and you could almost see your face!" She paused and then turned to me. "And Max, you look like a model too! Someone should get a picture! Where's the camera? This is the first and last time you're going to see them like this!"
"Nudge, no…" I began to say when Iggy walked in.
"You sure clean up nicely James," I said with a wide smile.
Iggy smirked and stood next to Fang. "So, are we going to get this over with?" He said.
"Alright, are we ready to go?" Anne asked enthusiastically.
I nodded and quickly walked out the door. "Bye guys! Be good!" I yelled over my shoulder.
Fang, Iggy and I piled into Anne's car and waited for her to start the engine. I was suddenly feeling very anxious. My leg wouldn't stop shaking and my hands were sweating like crazy.
Iggy leaned over and patted my knee. "Max, calm down will you? It's going to be fine."
"I know James. I'm just a little freaked out by this thing." I whispered into his ear.
"You're fine. Besides, you have one dashing looking fellow sitting beside you. No one will even notice you while you're standing next to me." He said with a smile.
"Shut up," I said as I nudged him in the ribs.
About five minutes later, Anne was pulling up to the brightly lit school.
"Okay kids, have a wonderful time! Call if you need anything!"
"Okay," I mumbled while I jumped out.
My anxiety kicked up a notch when I saw Sam waiting at the door for me. I turned away from him and watched Anne drive away.
"There's no turning back now," I heard Fang whisper behind me.
I turned to him and shot him a glare. He just smirked and started walking towards the entrance with Iggy. Taking in a deep breath, I let it out and walked behind them.
"Hey Max!" Sam called out as he waved his arm.
Fang turned around and looked at me darkly before he entered the building. What's his problem?
"Hi Sam," I said happily.
I have to admit, he looked very cute in his black sports jacket and dark pants. His hair was sticking up in a messy manner, but that only seemed to add to his good looks.
He smiled widely as he held out his arm for me to take. I smiled back and looped my arm around his.
"You look really pretty tonight," He leaned in and whispered.
"Thanks. You too," I whispered back.
He laughed quietly and pushed open the doors. The school was bright and much more cheerful than it was during the day. Streamers and balloons were placed sporadically throughout the hallway, each one a shade of the rainbow. It did seem a bit cheesy to me, but what did I know about school dances? Maybe it's supposed to be cheesy.
"Come on, you have to see inside the gym." Sam said enthusiastically.
He pulled me through the double doors and into a sea of people. The gym was dark and packed with teenagers dancing. The music was almost deafening to the ears, especially when you have genetically enhanced eardrums.
"Let's dance, this is my favorite song!" Same yelled over the music.
I smiled weakly and let him take me onto the dance floor. Some type of rap music was blaring over the speakers, and kids were dancing like crazy. Some were couples grinding against each other, and some were girls dancing in a circle with friends. Sam stopped in a little gap and started dancing automatically. I looked around at this awkward sight. I then came to the conclusion that Maximum Ride does not dance. I wouldn't be caught dead dancing like the others were. They looked like a bunch of animals.
Sam looked like he was having a good time, and I didn't want to ruin his night by just standing there like an idiot in the middle of a big crowd. So I started swaying back and forth slowly to the music. Oh God, this is so horrible.
The song began to change into another upbeat rap song. I didn't know how much more I could take of this. I suddenly started to not feel well.
The music was so loud it made my head spin. Sam put his hand on my hip, but I could barely feel it. I kept looking around, trying to find a way to escape. It felt like I was suffocating.
"Max, you okay?" Sam said. I jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Oh, yeah, I guess I'm just getting a little tired." I said with a forced smile.
"Do you want to get something to drink?"
I nodded happily and started walking away from the crowded dance floor. Sam reached out to touch my hand, bit I quickly pulled it away. Thankfully he didn't seem to notice.
"I'll be right back," He said.
I nodded again and swallowed. I felt like I was going to puke all over him. Once he was out of sight, I pushed back my hair and looked around again. I saw Iggy dancing with some girl from his English class. He was smiling widely, but I could see that he was concentrating hard on his surroundings. I scanned the area for Fang and his redheaded date. He didn't seem to be on the dance floor. My heart started to race. Where is Fang?
"Hey," Sam said from behind me. "Here's your drink. They only have Fruit Punch."
I smiled at him nicely and gulped down the red fruity liquid. Sam's hand reached for my arm again, causing me to jump.
"Hey, you okay? Is something wrong?" He asked.
"No, no. Everything's fine," I lied. "Um, I just have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back."
I booked out of the gym as fast as I could before Sam could even reply. I needed to get out. I felt like I was on fire, and I could already feel beads of sweat gathering on my forehead. Calm down Max.
I pushed past the couples who were lingering around the entrance to the gym. Suddenly a dark figure caught my eye. The boy was standing in a corner with a red headed girl. Fang.
Right then I decided that I needed Fang. Something was happening to me and I needed him to be there. Pushing past another couple, I made my way closer to Fang. I was within seven feet of them when I saw Lisa slowly lean in towards Fang. She was going to kiss him! The dizziness in my mind intensified more rapidly, and I knew I was going to be sick. I stood there watching Fang's eyes widen as Lisa's lips became inches away from his. I couldn't watch this happen. I turned to the right and tried to make my way out, but the gym was packed. Hormonal teenagers were everywhere, kissing and groping each other. I was trying to get passed some perverted guy making 'kissy' faces at me when I glanced back at Lisa and Fang. Lisa was now holding Fang's hand, beckoning for him to join her on the dance floor. Fang glanced to the side uncomfortably, causing him to look in my direction. His face quickly changed to a worried expression as our eyes connected.
I broke eye contact and ran out into the hallway and away from the gym. I kept running until I was alone in some side hallway of the school. I put my hand to my head as my vision became blurred. What is going on?
I felt myself sway to the side uncontrollably until my shoulder hit the wall. Sharp pains shot through my head like lightning bolts. I held a shriek in the back of my throat. I hadn't had this pain since the Voice first broke into my brain. The Voice! Was the Voice trying to torture me again?
"Max!" A deep voice said from behind me.
I heard footsteps running down the hallway, but I was unable to turn around. If I did, my legs would probably fall out from under me.
"Max," Fang said breathlessly.
"What?" I snapped.
Fang came around to face me with a shocked expression on his face. "What? You're asking me 'what?'"
"Yes," I said sharply. The pain in my head was getting worse by the second, and I didn't need the love stricken Fang to ask me questions.
"Okay, I just ran here from across the school to find you. Tell me what's going on." He demanded.
"Look, I'm fine." I lied. "Now why don't you go back to making out with your little girlfriend and leave me alone!"
I winced at my own harshness. Fang's eyes looked at me sadly as he started to walk away. I wanted to tell him to come back and help me, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Another sharp pain hit my head, making me yelp in surprise.
"Max?" Fang walked back in front of me and took in my pained expression. "Are you hurt?"
I couldn't lie anymore; he had just heard me scream. I gave in and nodded slowly, not wanting to cause myself anymore dizziness. However, that didn't work. I started leaning in towards Fang. His arms shot out to catch me around my waist.
"Max, when did this start?" He asked.
"A little while ago," I answered weakly.
By now, my body was practically crumbling into Fang's outstretched arms.
"Does it feel like another brain attack?" He asked cautiously.
"No. Worse."
I yelped again as another bolt of lightning struck my head. Except this time, it didn't stop. The pain was blinding, one hundred and six times greater than an average migraine. My arms flew to my head as I moaned loudly. Pictures were swirling through my mind quicker than the speed of light. The color white and red flashed in my eyes with each image. I could here myself groan far off in the distance along with Fang's concerned voice.
As soon as the pain started, it stopped leaving me panting heavily. I could feel that I was now sitting on the floor wrapped in Fang's arms. I let go of my head slowly and sat up.
"What was that?" Fang's face was filled with a cross between concern and fear.
"I don't know. It felt like a brain att.."
Hello Max. It's time.
I gasped and grabbed Fang's arm. "The Voice! It's back! It's…"
Suddenly without me knowing everything turned black. I heard Fang yell my name before I was swept into the darkness.
oOo
Hey guys, I'm so sorry that I haven't update in practically forever and a day! I was diagnosed with nerve damage since that last time I updated. I had shingles for a while (and no I'm not an old lady). The doctors didn't know what it was since a kid my age doesn't really get shingles…at all. So to make a long story short, it's been hard to be able to update for a while. My mind was focused on other things. But I do get chances to read the other fanfics and they are all really good!
So here you are with another update. Once again, I'm so sorry for the really long delay. I'll try my hardest to update again soon. And expect an update on my other story "Break" soon too. Thankfully I was able to get them typed up. I've been thinking about them forever!! Also, sorry if this chapter is sort of weird. I couldn't seem to find a way to write it the way I wanted. So tell me what you think! Feed back!!
Thank you all so much and please review! Love yah!
