Max POV

I lied. I wasn't getting better. I was, in fact, getting worse. No matter how hard I tried to fight it, my thoughts went back to dark, horrific images. I could only imagine things like how it would feel to fall into a pool of water and let the cool liquid fill my throat. Or take a sharp, cool blade and slice it across my skin, watching as scarlet red drops seep out of the cut. I hate them but I can't let them go.

"Max?" I looked up from my untouched tray of food to see Angel staring at me.

"Yeah?"

"You okay?" I furrowed my eyebrows at her.

"Of course. Why do you say that?"

"You just seem... Distant." I laughed lightly, brushing it off like it was nothing.

"I'm alright, Angel, no worries." She looked at me suspiciously before giving a slight smile.

"Okay, well, uh, I'm going to head to sixth period. See ya at the end of school?" I nodded, smiling at her. She returned it, picking up her tray and heading towards the trash. I noticed her glance back at me before exiting the cafeteria. Releasing a huge sigh, I laid my head on the table, relishing in the loud noise that seemed to drown out the horrifying thoughts in my head.

"I'll admit it, I've seen you in better shape." I looked up to see Fang sitting in the seat Angel just vacated.

"Fuck off." I grumbled.

"Whoa, somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Yeah, whatever." He looked at me, eyes searching my face.

"Max, have you-"

"No. I have not."

"It's just, you seem..."

"Distant?" I offered. He nodded.

"Yeah, that."

"Well, Fang, you wouldn't be the first to notice." I grunted.

"I want to take you somewhere." He suddenly stated, stealing a French fry off my plate.

"Where exactly is this somewhere?"

"A place. Well, a house, really." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You aren't going to take me to a rape shack or something, are you?"

"A rape what?"

"A rape shack. I think that's what you call it." He shook his head at me.

"No, of course not. I'm taking you to meet someone." I stared at him.

"Who?"

"That, Maxie, is a surprise." I glared at him.

"Don't call me Maxie." He stood, making his way around the table to my seat. Leaning in so our noses were almost touching, he smirked.

"See you around, Maxie." With that, he left, leaving me staring at his retreating form in shock.

What the hell was that?