Chapter Ten:
A/N: Erm well I could go on and on about writing this, but I'll save you the trouble. Just read:
We had everything packed and ready, and we each carried our own bag as we flew. Sometimes occasionally, Nudge would complain, but I told her she shouldn't have packed as many clothes. She rolled her eyes at me, and I grinned. We flew over the grassy plains. The Flock and I made one stop, and only to eat since we were starving. We landed close to the nearest Big Boy (Only because I just ate there) and scarped down food. I finished first, closely followed by Iggy.
After we were all done, we paid and left, once again, soaring into the open sky. I felt more free then I had ever in my whole entire life. There was no more Itex, no more school, no more horrible Erasers or Flyboys. There was nothing holding me back now. I had the free rein to go wherever I wanted without being tracked, be whoever I wanted to be. Except there was one thing I could never truly get rid of, and now that I think of it, I don't really want to. I would never get rid of my wings, and I think my Flock would like to second that statement.
We landed at my mom's house three hours later, being so far away. She came outside with a smile on her face, Ella standing next to her. I sense Iggy felt her presence, because he stiffened. But then, I remembered how Nudge felt so happy about Iggy. What will happen? I posted that thought at the back of my head and hugged my Mom. Of course, in all the happy reunion, Fang was completely silent. I glanced at him as Angel hugged Ella, almost squealing in excitement that we finally could sleep in a bed and finally have a normal life. Fang caught my eye, but his expression was stony, like he didn't like being here.
"C'mon in, guys!" Ella said excitedly, and the Flock raced in at full speed. Here, they were just a bunch of regular skinny kids. Out there, they were heroes. I was so proud my eyes were filling with years. Pull it together, Max. You don't cry.
I hurried after them into the house, Fang right behind me. As soon as we were inside and the Flock was all in the living room with Ella and my mom, I turned to him.
"What's up?" I asked casually as we walked down the front hall. I remembered this house perfectly. The smell seemed to give my brain a boost, and instantly recognized my surroundings. Fang, of course, just shrugged, exhausting on the stool by the kitchen counter. I leaned up against the wall as he turned to me, ready for me to comment. I didn't say anything though. He still waited.
"That's it?" he asked, and I looked at him, confused a bit, "You're not going to round on me?" he asked.
"Why the sudden hostility?" I asked, practically ignoring his question. "We just saved the world for crying out loud," I said, almost growling. Why must he always do this to me? What did I ever do wrong? I mean, how can he be angry with me if we just busted out of the School, blew it up and ended Itex forever?
"You thought about sacrificing yourself, Max. You didn't need to. Don't ever think that again. I thought you were dead." He said in the lowest tone he could manage. I blinked furiously, if that's possible.
"What?" I asked, just as Ella walked in the kitchen, an empty bowl of what used to be popcorn caught between her hands. Fang and I both looked at her as she stopped in front of the doorway, one eyebrow arching up.
"Hi, Ella," Fang said rather too nicely. My mouth popped open. Oh no he didn't just set her off. Ella giggled, setting the bowl down and sitting on the countertop. She opened a jar from beside her and pulled out three suckers.
"Hi Fang, you want one?" she asked, handing him one. He grabbed the grape one in his hand, and nearly broke the stick trying to get the wrapper off. I nearly laughed out loud. I took cherry, and shoved in my hard set mouth, crossing my arms as Ella became swinging her legs. "I'm so excited you guys are back." Ella continued on, staring at her feet. I watched her, and my eyes darted to Fang. He was looking at Ella with a sudden interest. What was wrong with him today? First of all, he told me he loves me, and then kisses me. I'm okay with that part, but then going off all freakish and flirting with my sister? What, I ask you, is this about? I was glaring at them both when another body entered the room, making it just a little bit too crowded. My mom came in, and she glanced at me, then at Ella, and then to Fang. She winked at me and I shook my head, reading her mind from the way she held her face in an uplifted grin. She passed right through to the next room.
Ella erupted in giggles, and then turned to me, her eyes glowing. Her long nails tapped at the countertop as she bit her lip.
"She's going to come back in here. She thinks you and Fang are going to start making out or something like that," she said, and I couldn't help but blush. Been there, done that, I admitted rather sheepishly. Ella gasped, and started laughing all over again. I felt Fang's black eyes on me, but I didn't face them. Ella ran out of the room, still giggling, and I followed her. I didn't feel the presence of Fang behind me, and my face lowered.