The Disbanded: Divided We Stand-Chapter 25

By MyNameIsCAB

---Max's POV---

Fang seemed really tired when I woke him up this morning. I got the feeling that he didn't get any sleep and I was probably right. Isn't the great Max always right?

I guess we didn't have much planned today. Maybe we'd talk about what we were going to do for Christmas. Messina probably would want to go back to Boston or Chicago. Fang and I would probably tag along to wherever they were going.

"So what's the plan today?" I asked, yawning as we met up in the hallway.

"I thought we might try that café outside the hotel," Cal said.

We headed towards the elevator. At least we were only on the third floor, so the ride to the lobby wasn't long. After being trapped in cages by insane scientists, Fang and I didn't like enclosed spaces like that.

We sat outside, the air cool for a December morning in California. The waiter placed coffee in front of Fang. It looked like Fang could use some caffeine.

"Didn't sleep well last night?" Messina asked.

Fang shook his head, taking a sip of his coffee.

---Fang's POV---

I wasn't really hungry to tell you the truth. I just wanted to go back to bed and try to sleep, even though I would probably end up laying there staring at the ceiling.

"So what are we going to do for Christmas?" Ted asked.

"Well you can come back to Chicago. Mike and I have to go visit our parents. He's going to Oklahoma and I'm off to Michigan," Eli said. "You can stay at the station. We have an artificial Christmas tree."

"No, that's all right," Ted said. "But we'll probably go back there to get some of our things."

"That's fine. You've got the keys. Just keep in touch so we can get back together after Christmas," Mike nodded. "But where are you all headed to?"

"Cal, did you want to go see your parents?" Ted questioned Cal.

She shook her head. "Not really."

"I think I'm going to go to Arizona," Max said suddenly.

"What's in Arizona?" Then I remembered. "Oh, Dr. Martinez."

"Dr. Martinez?" Cal raised an eye brow.

"She's my mom," Max answered. "I haven't talk to her or my half sister in ages. Fang, what do you think about heading over there?"

And all this time I thought Max had kept in touch with Dr. M. "Sure, I guess. Whatever you want."

"You're welcomed to come," Max said to Ted and Cal.

"Arizona sounds nice," Cal smiled. "Red rocks, you know, Teddy?"

Ted smiled at Cal. "Sure."

I guess that settled where we were heading for Christmas. I can't say I was excited to go and see Dr. Martinez, but I guess it was better than being in Chicago.

---Iggy's POV---

"Tom, I need to talk to you," I said, knocking on his trailer door.

The circus was set up already, but we still had two more days and a safety inspector was coming in to make sure the set up was a-okay. But I didn't think I was going to be here for another performance. I decided that staying at the circus wasn't in my interest anymore. You see, I was heading to Arizona. Maybe Max would be with Ella at Dr. Martinez's house. If she wasn't there, I might return to the circus. But most unlikely.

I would probably just get flying again. It's been a while since I've had a really long flight and my wings could use a little stretching. Sure, I'd be back to visit some day. Maybe do a few shows. I'm sure Tom will understand. After all, he's watched performers come and go.

"Yes, Jeff?" Tom asked, opening his door.

"I'm…I'm gonna leave," I said, not really knowing what to say. "I think it's better that way and I might know where my friends are."

"Hmm…I see," Tom said and I could almost image him nodding. "I had a feeling you would be leaving soon."

"I'm sorry to give you such short notice," I sighed.

Tom let me into his trailer and I took a seat on his couch.

"So you need me to get you anywhere? A plane? No, you can fly, but I perhaps a less populated area?" That was Tom for you, always trying to help.

"It's okay, Tom. I'll be okay. But I promise to come back and visit," I assured him.

"Sure, of course." But I had the feeling Tom didn't believe me about that. Rarely did those who left ever came back. Maybe one out of ten, according to Tom and I wanted to be that one person this time.

"Tom, I really am sorry," I said quietly.

"Keep in touch, okay?" Tom said, finding my hand and shaking it. "It was a pleasure to have you here. My father would have been proud of how much profit you've brought us."

"Thank you, Tom."

---Fang's POV---

It's late again. I'm staring at the darkness of the ceiling, a glimmer of moonlight streams across Max's face. She's asleep, her head rested on my chest right now. I have to say right now that maybe she's the only one that can really make me smile.

My prescription for my meds hasn't come yet. Ted, Max, and Cal keep constantly asking the front desk for me. Speaking of Ted and Cal, there's something about them. I'm not usually all that accepted by people. When I spent time in Chicago on the streets, I became an outcast and looked down upon. Ted and Cal seem almost like family now. I feel comfortable around them.

But right now, my leg is killing me. I doubt I'll find any sleep tonight. Hopefully my prescription would come tomorrow. I can almost feel my depression get worse. My arms are tingling, begging for a blade which I refuse to give it. It's hard to keep going. I'm not as okay as the others think I am.

But it's probably best that they just believe that.