Thanks guys so much for reviewing! I totally love all your reviews! I feel as if this story is a success! You guys are encouraging me so much! And giving me some great ideas for this chapter, sadly it's not the Halloween chapter. The next one will be though, promise!

Babiixilyx3 andparo4peace; I never really thought of making a chapter about Jesse's past. Just wait, Jesse has some news. You tell me if it's good or bad.

Again, thanks to all my lovely reviews! I really can't thank you enough!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot. Maybe a few other unrecognizable characters…

Chapter Nine: The Unexpected

Max POV:

"Are you okay?" Jesse asked. He took his eyes off the road for a few seconds to look my face over.

"Yeah, fine." I watched my hands slip from my lap and bury under my thighs. I only did that when I was upset. It was a method I used so no one could see my shaking hands, that way only my face reveled my feelings. But even then sometimes it was hard to decipher what I was thinking.

"That was, Nick Ruben, right?" Jesse asked. His voice had a hint of jealousy, disrespect, and annoyance.

"Yeah…"

"Hate him." Jesse's voice was mumbled and almost silent.

"What? Why?" My head popped up to study his face.

"Donno. Just seems like a jerk to me." Jesse shrugged. He had a smirk on his face.

"Well he is." I crossed my arms and looked out the window. I could feel Jesse's eyes staring into my head. He was wonder what I was thinking. "He used to be my best friend. We used to be friends since third grade. We did everything together. Spent everyday together. And then came high school. He ditched me for his new friends. And his new friends hate me… I've tried to join in… He's not helping either. He's not even trying to stay friends. It's been since the beginning of the school year since we've had any time to hang out. I-I hate him."

"I'm sorry." Jesse whispered.

"Sorry? For what? You didn't disown me. In fact, I'm really glad I meet you. At lest I have one person to hang out with—you know, besides family." I smiled up at Jesse. For the first time I realized how much taller he was compared to Nick. Okay, only two, maybe three inches but it matters.

"I'm glad I met you too." Jesse smiled but kept his eyes on the road.

Both of us sat silent as we pulled into the mall's parking lot. We got out silently and walked to the front door with out a word said between the two of us.

We talked about school and after school activities. Jesse was surprised I didn't have any activities going on after school. He told me that he met with some guys almost every day after school. They went to the park and skateboarded for hours without five minute brakes. Couple times a year they'd have parties and on Halloween they'd all dress up and go trick or treating instead of the 'stupid school dance.'

"I totally agree. Dances are stupid." I laughed a little.

"Really? Most girls really want to go to school dances." Jesse looked around the mall, "Hey want to get something to drink?"

"Sure. Not me, I totally dislike dancing. Do you ever play pranks on Halloween?" I asked as we walked up to Dairy Queen and ordered two drinks.

"Oh yeah! Pranks are a must!" Jesse said nodding.

"Cool." I smiled.

"Hey, you want to come trick or treating with us? Play some pranks on the airhead jocks?" Jesse asked randomly.

"Most defiantly." I nodded and sat down on a bench. "Do you think you could teach me how to skateboard?"

"Sure. Just be prepared to fall on your butt a lot." Jesse smiled slyly at me.

"What? You think girls can't skateboard?" I got a little defensive.

"Heck no!" Jesse tilted his head back, "Some of the best skaters are girls! It's just more of a guy thing, that's all."

"O-Kay." I looked down at my swinging feet.

"So you don't like sports or what? How come you don't have some after school activity?" Jesse asked, changing the subject.

"I like sports fine. But I hate being center stage." I told him, my eyes seemed to be locked on my sneakers.

"What's your favorite sport?" Jesse prodded.

"I love running."

"Dude, your eyes just lit up." Jesse's voice had a joking and yet some how amazed and sweet demeanor to it.

"Because running is as close to freedom as it gets. It's like flying, only on the ground." I froze right after I had said that. That is what I consider poetic. And I couldn't believe that had come out of my mouth.

Jesse started at me with admiration and sadness in his eyes. He looked away and put his elbows on his knees. "If I tell you some personal stuff will you swear never to tell another living soul?"

"I-I—unless it's something like you taking drugs, then yes, I promise." My heart started racing. What was bothering him?

"You were so open and free in the truck. Telling me your whole life's story with Ruben, I mean. So here's a quick overview of my life." Jesse and I started walking around as he talked. "My parents were big hippies. They believed freedom was when you were old enough to decide things for yourself. They married when they were seventeen—some states allow fourteen year olds to get married."

I froze. Seventeen was awful young.

"When I was seven, my parents divorced. My dad took out his anger on me. He beat me once in while, but mostly he threaten and yelled at me. I didn't tell a single soul about that—actually, you're the first." Jesse winced then continued, "My mom started dating again when I was twelve. I hated every guy she ran into. Donno why, guess it was a gut feeling. And just like that, every guy turned out to be what she lest expected. One of them stole half her savings, another broke into her house."

"After awhile I started getting depressed. I actually did try drugs once or twice. Never really worked for me… I lied a lot. Skipped school. Even stole a car for a joy ride once. I snuck out and got a stud earring and a small tattoo on my back, that was three months ago. Dude, I am so messed up." Jesse ran his hand through his glossy brown hair.

"Wow…" I whispered mostly to myself. I hadn't at all expected that. "It's amazing that you still have manners."

"Don't even joke. I only have manners when I think someone is worth the time." Jesse sneered. "One last thing. I live with my grandparents because my dad died of alcohol abuse and my mom doesn't want me."

Nick POV:

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I asked Lissa. I sat in a chair in a half lit room. The place smelt like cigarette smoke and they guy running the place looked shady.

"Of course!" Lissa said as the owner took a black marker and put a single dot under the left side of my lip. Lissa stood behind me rubbing my shoulders. "Just close your eyes and everything will be over with in a split second. You won't feel any pain at all!"

I didn't feel so sure. My head was already pounding and I couldn't get Max out of my head. Had she really meant what she said? Why does she hate me? What did I do?

"Ready?" the husky voice of the owner asked.

I nodded stiffly and watched as the man loaded a hand gun. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes as the man got closer.

It wasn't the fact that I was scared, it was just that I didn't know if this was a good idea. But for whatever reason, I went with it. Lissa said it was cool. She said she wouldn't forgive me if I didn't do this. So I buckled down and held on tight for the ride.

How was that? Did ya like it? Enjoy it at all? I liked writing it, so I hope you at lest liked reading it!

Okay, now that that is out of the way...

MRVWHC OUT!