Wassup Homeys? (Hello guys! In cliché American movie gangsta.)
Okay, one of the last chapters ever! Sorry about the update speed. But I just moved house, and town, and my version of a state. Am going to a new school, and they thoroughly enjoy giving out homework. Yay!
Shout out to Architect Of Your Dreams for being really sweet. Maximum Melody for making me squeal. Black Hawk for making me laugh. Everyone who read chapter 20, even though I had technical difficulties, and everyone who reviewed, for making my day!
On with it dawgs! (On with it people! In cliché American movie gangsta).
Max POV
Prom. Oh how I hate that word. And seriously, it's the only word I've been hearing.
On the way out of the bathroom-
"OMG! What if I get the runnies! That would be, OMG!"
In the lunch line-
"If you only eat the appetiser, and a cup of water at the dance, you won't like, totally bloat at the after party."
In PE-
"Yeah! Like, I've so just started the yeast-cardio diet. It's all the rage in Brazil."
Hell! Even is History!
"Is scoop neck too medieval? And sweetheart is like, so! Overdone!"
So you can imagine my utter… Joy! When Ella insists on my taking her dress shopping. Well, her exact words were-
"Maximum Ride! This is your prom, and you will wear a dress, and heels, and make up. No exceptions!" What a wonderful wake up call.
If I'm going to be honest, I was actually going to skip. With the whole 'Dylan and Lissa' being the hot couple. I'm not upset or mad and I haven't cried.
All I feel is betrayed. I told him all my thoughts, my dreams; I called him in the middle of the night when Jeb was on the phone with his 'Little Lady'.
Oh! Jeb! I almost forgot!
It turns out, he has a girlfriend. He had two jobs, to love lives. Two families! He'd go up there, lovie up with them, then come back here, and free load. And I'm Max, so I got mad.
Very mad.
Who wouldn't when they can hear their mum crying herself to sleep? Or your sister not being a cow to you. They both had a dead look. They relied on family too much. But you know, what are you gunna do?
So then next time he came home after work, he stayed for a few minutes.
And then left with bruised ribs, a broken nose, a black eye, and dislocated shoulder. Of course, he also left with some serious hurt in his, ahem, area.
But, not being satisfied, I got his mobile, called the other family, and filled them in. She sounded angry.
So all's well that ends well!
If only it were that simple.
Now I'm left with a verging on workaholic mum, and a sister whose making up for all the time she was relatively… Normal.
So that is how I, Maximum Ride, ended up in court. But I'm off topic, so let's just stick with how I got in court. We'll come back to the joy of senior dances soon.
-Time Skip-
"Max. Okay, just keep your cool. And whatever you do sweetie, just don't react to what ever they say. It'll only make more problems. Okay, sweetie?" I nod at Val. Confused at to why they're overreacting. This ain't my first rollercoaster.
But that's not important.
We walk into the large hall, and everybody directs their eyes to us. I raise an eyebrow in return as the others shrink behind, using me as their shield. Angel clings onto my wrist, freaked out by all the people.
Sometimes, I want somebody to be my shield. Just somebody to hide behind when I need it all to go away.
Head in the game Max! Don't go wasting your time on silly thoughts like that. You don't need anybody. Kapeesh? Good. We get to the front of the room, swear on the bible, and sit down with our supplied lawyer.
Turns out dad, I mean Jeb, is a big deal.
More like a big ass who would prosecute their own daughter.
What kind of sick bas- person does that? Oh right, the one in front of me.
"Miss Maximum Ride. You are summoned here today by Jebediah Ride, your father, on grounds of violent acts and hospitalisation. Please present your case to the jury." Some poncy dude with a diploma says to the crowd.
Yes crowd. Who knew the press were interested in some rich two timer who then gives his daughter a criminal record as payback for screwing up his happy little life.
Yay! Oh right, the jury.
Standing up, I wipe my hands on Val's pant suit. It's pinstripe, with tailored pants, a cami, and a fitted jacket. Of course, we mustn't forget the lime green converse. That raised some eyebrows.
Walking over the little podium, I waited for Wig Dude to give the okay to talk. HE nodded at me, and I launched into my tale.
"Hi, I'm Max. Look, the only reason we're here is because Jeb, had not only my mum Valerie, but also some blonde down in Michigan. When I found out, I snapped. He made my sisters cry, can you blame me? Not to mention-"Ella shoots me a look, saying to shut the hell up before I messed this all up.
"Thank you Miss Ride. Mr Jebediah please come up and present yourself to the court." Wig Dude say's in that annoyingly loud voice of his. Standing up smoothly, I manage to not slip over. As I pass Jeb, I shoot his a discreet glare.
Smirking, he sits in the seat I was in a second ago. I raise an eyebrow at him from my desk. Which he returns.
Game on.
-Time Skip-
"Maximum Ride leaves with no charges. While Jebediah Ride, is convicted with mental abuse. All in favour raise your hand and say 'I'. Wig guy says. I cross my fingers under my legs, and look around with a blank expression.
Slowly, a hand rises. Followed by another, followed by a large group. And eventually, almost every hand is raised. Smiling, I walk out, after the Wig Guy nods at us to go.
As I walk out, the door guy yanks open the huge… Doors… And I let out a sigh of relief as the wind whacks me in the face. Breathing in, I allow myself a second of peace before everybody catches up with me.
I yank of the jacket, and close my eyes.
Bliss.
-Time Skip-
Now that that's over, let's get back to the topic of Prom. And not by choice. In fact, I have as much choice, and I do right this second.
Where Ella's dragging me into my car to go, wait for it.
Prom shopping.
Kill me now.
"Come on Max! Mum said you have to! Capital H-A-V-E have to!" She says in her shrill voice, that never fails to burst my eardrums.
"No. I'm not going to prom. I don't have anybody to go with, and I hate dresses and dances and make up, and social occasions." I say, trying to be calm, while she practically tears my hand off like a zombie would a head.
"What's wrong with going solo?" She says. Who knew she was so strong. Oh, right. It's 7am on a Sunday. As in, I'm three quarters asleep.
"What's wrong is that I'd be standing in a corner, bored out of my mind." I state, injecting boredom into my tone. She smirks at me, and just continues dragging me into the car.
"I never thought I'd see the "Great Maximum Ride' scared of a little dancing!" She laughs, making me glare at her.
"You better watch you back." I hiss, causing her to laugh even more.
-Time Skip-
"Ugh! No way in Hades am I going out in this!" I yell from the dressing room. This is the… twelfth dress? Maybe the eleventh? And it's no better than the others.
As in, upper thigh, tight as skin, and far too low down in the upper region.
Oh the joy to be had.
"Max! Get out now, or I swear, I'll burn all your hoodies when we get home!" She threatens. Not doubting her one bit, I slowly pull back the drape. Glaring at her, she begins to laugh.
"Oh! You're so lucky! I wish I had that much-"
"Shut up!" I say loudly. Laughing, she hands me back all my clothes.
"I'm going home." I say grudgingly. I'm so, so not going to prom now. I decide with a vengeance.
-Time Skip-
"Oy! Noobface! Get over here! I found you a dress!" Ella yells up the stairs. Grumbling, I drag myself up from the letter that I was about to open. Cursing under my breath, I follow the sound of her squeals, only to be led to Val's closet.
Fun.
I can hear them all jumping up and down, clapping their hands. Well, maybe only Ella. And I'm getting off topic. In my head, and that isn't weird or anything.
Swinging open the door, Ella quickly shoves a mound of fabric behind her. Pink fabric, pink, sleek shin fabric. Kill me now?
"What are you doing?" I ask cautiously. Giggling, Ella pulled the Pink Pile of Death out from behind her.
"Try this on!" She exclaims. Raising an eyebrow, I slowly take it from her.
Holding in gags, I look at the blue meringue in front of me. It has frills, lace, and is a disgusting baby blue colour. Now, don't get me wrong, blue is one of my favourite colours. But think back to that day when you're finally a big kid at school.
Then remember that horrific, thick, knobbly sweater that your mum made you wear, because your great great something grandmother left it in her will for you.
Yeah, that sort of blue.
Looking up at their grinning faces, I raise an eyebrow.
"Uh. What is this?" I ask slowly. Trying to not hurt their feelings. They all frown in sync, only for Val to come out with yet another smile.
"It was my favourite dress at your age. I wore it to prom." She says dreamily. Sighing, I lift it up to the light, my brain whirring with ideas.
"Is it okay if I make some slight…? Alterations?" I ask. Val nods. I walk up to my bedroom, and get out the sewing kit.
-Time skip-
"Okay, this is officially hard." I grumble to myself, as I prick myself with yet another sewing pin. Lifting up the fabric, I examine my work so far.
Val is going to brutally murder me.
Once upon a year eight summer, Ella dragged me along to a sewing course with her. I sucked, she rocked. But I actually remembered some of the stuff we did. Which is why, the drab, motionless, one tone piece of icky is now… Kinda cool.
The hemline has been bunched up, moving it from calves to knees. And I added some tulle underneath that I found in the attic. I swapped the lilac bow in the wast for one of my leather, studded belts, and lobbed off the sleeves.
I took some paints, and splashed on some darker blues, making it look all watery colour. I changed the turtle neck for a sweetheart neckline. And the sleeves were spaghetti.
After adding some dark blue converse and taking my hair out, I looked pretty damn cool.
"Max! We're coming in!" Ella yells, from their position outside the door. I hastily added some studded leather bracelets, blue Lego piece earrings, and ripped fishnets.
"Okay!" I reply begrudgingly. As cool as the whole outfit looks, I seriously don't, want to go the hellhole they call prom. Or was it a ball? I can't remember.
The door slam open, and they all pile in, eyes wide.
"Max. What happened to the dress we gave you?" Ella asks quietly.
"Alterations." I reply confidently.
"Max, honey! You look… Nice?" Val says, not quite sure what to make of it. I feel my face falling as Angel wrinkles up her nose, but I catch it.
Show no weaknesses.
"Well! Thanks guys! But I best be off. Sleep and all that." I say chirpily.
"Max, its like, 6pm. And you haven't had dinner yet." Ella says, and my stomach grumbles in response.
The well timed ding of the doorbell nips my snarky comment in the bud.
"I'll get it." I say annoyed.
Ugh! I worked hard on this dress. They least they could do it be grateful that I'm going and making sure Ella comes back in one piece. And then they have the decency to totally diss the dress. Which looks rather damn awesome.
"Coming!" I holler, and the person at the door starts getting impatient. Swinging it open, I raise an eyebrow at the shocked looking Pizza Boy at the door. Recognition sparks as I note that he's from my fight club.
"Max! Gnarly outfit! You look like a total babe." He says confidently. Rolling my eyes, I point to the box of pizza in his hands.
"Oh, right. That'll be seven fifty nine." He says. Grudgingly, I take my wallet from my back pocket and give him some notes.
"Thanks." I say. He takes it, smiling at the tip.
"Hey Max! If you come to the dance, we should try dancing. Without the fists." HE says, adding the last part in an attempt at humour. Chuckling, I take my pizza and slam the door in his smirking face.
"Foods here!" I yell through the house. The sounds of footsteps being my reply.
Taking a few pieces, I begin to walk up to my room, and the forgotten letter, that had been discarded on my bed.
Putting the pizza to the side, I pick up the messy letter, and begin to read.
Hey Max!
Well what ever floats your ship of sarcasm and imaginary wittiness.
Max, just tell me what happened. Please? I don't bite, contrary to what my name suggests.
Ugh! I'm SO much more a black satin cocktail dress. Ooh! One with little beaded detailing and a black feather boa. In some gritty night club, talking in a British accent. Oh, can we please ignore that last statement. Like, now?
I don't actually know if it's a show tune. Sorry to disappoint honey. And I'm sure, out there, there is some poor sap just dying to fall in love, get hitched, and have lot's of little Max's running around. Although, to be honest. I think I speak for many, many people when I say, one Max is one too many.
Well, if he was willing to make out with a 'slut', then he wasn't worth it. And if you want, I can come over to New York and bash his face for you.
My day… Well, I got dragged to a party, where my friend accused me of taking advantage of the girl he likes, who was stone cold drunk at the time, then I drove everyone home, and Iggy puked in my car. Yay.
Oh Max. Sweet, naïve, innocent little Max. I'm so manly, in so very many areas, that nothing could take away my points. In fact, I'm in the top three in the country. In case you were wondering.
My prom? Around the same. I think they're on the same day or something.
For my question. What are you wearing? Trust me; I would pay to see you in a dress. I'm going in a black tux. Fun.
Fang,
Fly On
Fang in a tux. Oh, that sounds rather… enjoyable.
Max! What's wrong with you? You don't fantasise anout how a pen pal you've never met would look in formal wear. No matter how nice it would look… Maximum Ride! Get your mind in place and reply!
Grudgingly, I do what my head tells me, and begin to reply. There might not be very many letters after this. Considering the school year ends really soon, and he probably wouldn't want to waste his time in collage writing to me. No matter how much I want to write to him.
Max! Focus!
To Fang.
My ship is so much bigger than your ship, it's-
Ta dah! Hope it was okay and in character. I couldn't picture Max's prom dress, so it's pretty vague.
My reply to last time. My New Years Resolution is to make at least one friend at my new school. I'm new, like, I started last week. So I'm to the point of eating lunch by myself! Yayness!
New question… What's the most amazing person you know like? It can be anyone!
Blue-Songbirds