Yet another day…
Another day I spend…like…this…
…
Here I am, thrown onto the floor, middle of nowhere.
…
How?
How?
…
Was I dragged here?
I remember falling asleep under a streetlamp.
Moths were flying everywhere, their presences illuminated by the ever glowing light.
Some kept landing on me.
When they had this light, this rich, fluorescent luminous light…it's as if they had…power..
As if they had everything they ever wanted,…everything they ever needed.
But I, Max, had the total opposite.
Maybe that's because everything I had ever wanted…I had always pushed away. Everything I had always needed…I had always pushed away…
Mom…dad….Nudge…Ella….Becca…Mrs. Martinez…her whole family….and…
Fang.
…..
I wake up. My vision is blurry.
Ah, I see it now. I am looking at a sideways tree.
I shake my head and rub my eyes with my hands as I lift them up. I realize it now. I slowly lift myself off the ground and look at the tree.
"Much better" I mutter, smiling as I notice the tree not so 'sideways' anymore but in it's normal vertical position. I was just laying on the ground, that's why.
I open my eyes wider, and look to all sides of me.
Suddenly, I feel my mouth is dry. I lick my lip, and it's salty. I frown and my brows furrow as I lift my hand up to my lip, blood.
Mixed with…tears?
…
Reality strikes me. I suddenly turn my whole body around and look behind me, gasping.
I remember that…man…being here…right here.
"H-Hello?" I ask. Knowing it would be him who's here, watching me, I don't bother to ask who's there.
And then I hear some tires.
A nearby car.
I notice a pathway to drive through is located just across from me, so I start waking towards it. I lift one arm up and point my thumb at them, asking for a ride. I know, I know…first I'm a hobo, and now a hitchhiker.
The car stops.
A door opens. I'm hesitant, I take a small cautious step backward. Maybe asking a stranger for a ride wasn't such a good idea.
No one comes out of the car.
"Um, never mind!" I shout so they can hear me, I start taking more steps back.
Suddenly, a foot is shown stepping out of the car.
My heart starts beating at the sight, anxious to know who it is.
…
Then an old lady pops out of the car.
Suddenly my whole heart unclenches itself and my breathing goes back to normal.
I sigh a sigh of relief. "Phew" I say slightly chuckling. I approach the smiling old lady. She greets me, "Why hello there, young miss" She says to me.
I awkwardly wave and then drop my hand back down to my side.
"Do you need a ride…home?" She asks me, curiously as she eyes my appearance worriedly
My heart suddenly beats faster at the sound of home.
But then I disregard it and nod my head while grinning slightly. "Yes, I would like that…please" I say still relieved that it's not some creeper picking me up.
She smiles at me and gives me a hand gesture to step in the car with her. "Well come on then" She says smiling at me. I nod and start taking steps forward. I take in her appearance. She's an elderly lady. She had a red cloak on and under that some black vintage dress. Her shoes are Mary-Janes with the slightest of heels. She wears long black panty hose.
As she smiles, I can't help but to notice some of her gold teeth.
I look down at her hands, innocent gestures. Nothing creepy about that.
I take my last step and the door to the passenger seat is open. I gently lift myself up and sit on the passenger's seat right next to her. "Close the door, please deary" She says, starting the engine. I nod and close it very gently.
She pushes the key in and starts the engine, I eye her foot as it steps on the pedal. Her old, wrinkly hands grip tightly around the wheel and she starts driving the car.
"So, can you tell me where you live?" The old lady asks me, earning my attention as I was gazing off out the window.
"Huh?-Oh! Yeah…um...just near the coffee place…Andrew's Diner" I say quickly to her. For a second, she raises an eyebrow at me. Crap. She' doesn't believe me. "Okay, well I'm just hungry, so if you don't mind…could you please drop me off there?" I ask.
"Oh, well honey if you were hungry, you could've just asked, I would've invited you over to eat" She says looking at me and back out the road. I smile at her, "Thank you" I say, blushing slightly as I hear my stomach rumbling.
And something else…
I suddenly wince at a small pain in my abdomen. The woman notices and stops the car. I notice she's old, maybe in her sixties. "Are you okay deary?" She asks.
I nod and hold my stomach. I wrap both arms around it, tightening the grip.
I nod, once again.
"You sure?" She asks and keep driving.
"Just…stomach ache" I say in between winces. She eyes my stomach and stops once against the car. I notice and look up to her. She looks at me seriously, "You sure…it's…nothing, else?' She asks me with a face of worry.
My eyebrows raise slightly at her inquiry. Nothing else like what?
"Nah, just a stomach ache, maybe a cramp" I say to her.
"Hmm" She says.
"You know, I have a daughter. Her name's Diana…beautiful girl…she just turned 20 this year, actually. She's the you know, party type girl. She loves to be with her friends, and her boyfriend. Basically, a college student, you know what I mean" She says slightly chuckling.
She continues, "Several times…she's gotten herself quite in a bit of trouble…if you know what I mean…but thank God they wee all just false alarms. We have everything you'll need back at the house, she is, of course a young adolescent girl…like you" She says glancing at me and then back at the road. I look up, to the view. We are finally leaving the vegetation area and are heading off into the city.
Though still, I can't help but to raise an eyebrow at the lady. She's got me…confused.
"Mrs.-" I trail off, waiting for her name. "Gerald" She says casually.
"Mrs. Gerald…" I clear my throat and turn my body to her, legging go of my stomach as I rest an elbow on the arm rest of the seat.
"I-I don't exactly know where you are going with…this…" I say, confused.
She gives out a small laugh. "Dear me, I'm so sorry to confuse you…what I'm trying to say or well…ask…is that you haven't you know…been…there…have you?" She asks me, curiously while glancing over at me several times. We come to a stop sigh and she stops the car.
"Wh-" I say, confused more than ever. Words stop at my tongue. I give out hand gestures, signaling for her to get to the point, to tell me what it is. Maybe she doesn't remember.
"Huh?" I asks, my eyebrows furrow in great and deep confusion. "Well…you haven't done that…right?" She asks me, turning to face me since we're still at the stop sign and other cars pass by at the intersection.
"Um...uh…what?" I ask as her sentences keep bewildering me. The cars stop passing and she continues driving.
I motion to her with my hands to continue, "What exactly are you saying Mrs. Gerald?"
Suddenly, a small chuckle escapes her lips and I am dazed at the sigh. I raise an eyebrow. She shakes her head very slowly the way your parents would do if they found out you stole something or cheated on a test. Except she wasn't disappointed, she seemed more amused.
She stops laughing and then gives out a sigh. "You haven't had sex with a boy recently?" She asks, raising her both eyebrows at me.
My mouth drops open as my jaw lets it. I gasp and am suddenly embarrassed at he thought. "God no!" I say, covering my face with my hands.
I lay my head back on the seat and close my eyes.
She gives me a small chuckle and continues driving. "Well, I was just curious sweetie. It probably is just a cramp then" She says, keeping her blue eyes on the road. Her eyelashes are short and stick straight out, they are not curled.
I feel my face hot red. A burning sensation overflows them and I couldn't help but to bring Fang into my mind when she said that word. Ugh. Great. Stupid hormones. It must that time of the month again.
…
25 minutes later
Location: Mrs. Gerald's house
"Miss? Wake up, we're here…we've arrived at my house" She says.
Her voice interrupts my dream.
Slowly, I open up my eyelids. An enormously huge house is revealed right before my eyes. "Holy…" I say, eyeing the big house. Probably the biggest house I've ever seen in my life
I nod and get off the passenger's seat.
"First, we have to get that nasty cut cleaned up" She says, taking my hand. She shuts the car door and we begin walking up the driveway to the front door.
I hear the car door lock and she opens the font door of her home. "Step inside. She says, warmly.
I take a big step on one of the small steps that lead to the front door and am greeted by pain. I wince at the ever so longing pain in my thigh. Where I had cut my thigh pretty badly back at the roof of that ld warehouse.
I step inside the home. And am greeted by a really gentle and happy atmosphere.
So, what is your name deary?" She asks as she smiles at me. "Max" I say, still dazed at the huge house and all the fancy looking things inside that huge house.
"Beautiful name...well, Max…come in here, the bathroom is this way, let's get you washed up" She says, motioning for me to come.
I star walking forwards, towards the bathroom she is showing me.
"Alright, first roll up your jeans…we need to check out that thigh of yours…it could be infected" She says, concerned. I nod and slowly begin to roll up the pants.
"Alright" She says, putting on some reading glasses and then going over to the counter and opening up the bathroom mirror to grab the bottle. "Here it is, the peroxide, it might sting a little" She says, I nod. "I'm ready" I say, biting inside my cheek and suddenly feel a hot sizzling sting inside my thigh.
"Ow" I mutter.
"Alright…all done…now go wash up, here is a towel" She says, handing me an aqua colored towel. She sets the bottle of peroxide down onto the counter and closes it with the cap. She tuffs in away back in the shelf, behind the mirror.
"Thanks" I say and she smiles. "I'll go make some food…what would you like?" She asks me.
"Oh! Uhh…anything really…" I say and she smiles, "Okay Max…well I'll go leave a change of clothes right here on the counter and you can change into them" She says, leaving the room. I smile slightly and then start unfolding my rolled up pant leg down again. I unbutton them and Mrs. Gerald is back with a set of new clean clothes. "This is great. Thanks so much" I say, meaningly. She smiles, "You're welcome" and leaves the door closing the door.
I resume unbuttoning my jeans and then the zipper. I yanked them off and toss them aside, to the floor. Next, my shirt and then my bra and underwear.
I can't help to but look at myself clad in my birthday suit, into the mirror. I turn sideways, and eye my flat belly. Involuntarily, I lift up an arm and place a hand on top of my stomach. "Definitely, not done that before" I mutter, my cheeks flaming up again. I step into the shower and turn on the cold water.
My whole body relaxes as I feel the tiny droplets of cold, refreshing, luscious water hit my bare skin.
I stand, on my tiptoes to change he setting to 'massage' and then lean forward and hunch my back slightly over as I rest both my palms flatly, onto the shower wall in front of me.
A nice, relaxing back massage. I sigh, happily.
…
I step out of the bathroom. I'm already changed in the clean clothes the lady gave me.
I reach a semi long hallway and walk down through it.
"Hello Max! Here's your food. If you need anything else just tell me" She says, smiling warmly.
I smile, "Thank you" I say, grabbing a chair and pulling it out form under the table. I sit in it and start practically shoving the food down my throat.
"So…do you have any family? That is…if you don't mind e asking.
Family?
I nod and give a slight smile as I shove some macaroni down my mouth.
"Would you like to call them, so they can know where you are?" She asks me, going up to the kitchen shelf to grab a plate. She washes it a bit and then dries it as she heads to the stove and open the pan where the fried rice is. She puts two cups of it onto her plate and then comes back to sit and talk with me.
I suddenly drop my fork on the floor. Her face turns form calm to worried. "Are you okay?" She pats my back, "I am so sorry, here let me clean tat up for you!" I blurt out nervously as I head to the counter and grab a paper towel, I yank it out of the roll and head to the sink to damp It up. I notice Mrs. Gerald eyeing me.
She knows you're avoiding the subject
Great! What more could possibly go wrong?
Stupid Voice!
…
"It's okay deary…I won't force you to talk about that if you don't want to…now, you still hungry? Would you like some dessert?" She asks, poking her head inside the fridge, looking for something to eat.
I sigh once again and grip both hands around a small white coffee mug. Except, it had orange juice, not coffee.
I nod, "Um yeah...tha-"
My heart stops. I gasp heavily and the lady notices, she looks back and gently closes the fridge and turns to look at me.
My eyes widen, I ungrip the mug and cover my mouth with my hand.
"Max?" She asks me.
My whole head suddenly feels constricted; an intense pressure Is felt in the back of my head. I scurry, out of the chair and stand up. The chair falls back.
"Max?" She asks with a very concerned expression.
She looks at me like I'm crazy, while setting down a platter of cherry pie onto the glass table.
I finally muster up the courage to take action. My arm lifts up and I point to a picture on the fridge. She takes a moment to still read me with the skin in between her eyebrows creased. She looks back and glances at the fridge, taking in mind the picture. She turns her body around and walks over to the fridge to take the picture off of the fridge door. She sets the magnet aside and then walks over to me with the picture in her hand.
"This…" She asks, motioning the picture to me. I stare at it with bloodshot eyes.
I don't take the picture. "Take it…" She says in her warm, gentle voice. But suddenly, he voice turns menacing.
I take a step back. "Take it!" She yells alarmingly at me. I reach out my arm and warily take the picture with my hand.
I stare at it and begin analyzing the person in the far left.
I nod my head very slightly. "…That's him" I say under a whisper of breath.
I tear my gaze away form the photo and set it down onto the table. I look back up, with a state of confusion in my face.
She looks at me apathetically…then looks away…
I stare intently at her still, waiting for an answer.
This photograph…how does she have this?
"…my son…" She finally states, as if with difficulty.
I feel like my heart is about to pour out of my mouth. What I'm hearing is…
"Why" I ask her, whispering as each breath feels very shallow and without meaning.
"I-I don't know" She says, looking back at me and keep her eyes on me. My body is still frozen, "You must know...he's…he's…sick" I whisper to her as I still cannot take deep normal breaths.
I spot a small tear creeping it's way down to her face, all the way to her jaw.
"The doctors…when he was bo-" She is cut off by a massive blurt out of emotions, tears start making their way down her face. Soon that one tiny drop that fell down her face is accompanied by a new set of others.
I nod, not knowing what to say…what to do…
Should I pat her back? Feel sympathy for her?
I just stand there, across from her in the other side of the table.
She stops and puts her hand inside her pocket and gets out a tissue; she blows her nose in it and then glances at me.
"I'm…sorry" I say, suddenly feeling a strong sense of remorse in me.
I shouldn't have reminded her…
I shouldn't have…
This is what happens when I stick my nose in other people's businesses.
I remember those words Fang had told me, long ago…
"Stop following me…I don't want you to…go home" (This is what Fang said in chap 11)
…
If I'd just listen to him.
If I'd just listen to him…none of this would've happened.
None of it.
…
"I can leave…n-" I started saying but cut off by Mrs. Gerald as she continued to speak.
"The doctors…" She said wiping her tears away with the tissue. Her face was now tinted red but pale from the outburst of her weeping.
"They told me…there was something wrong with him…with… Richard…" She stopped once again, wiping away a new set of tears as they welled up in her eyes, making small glints from afar.
"Richard?" I repeated. That was this man's….name.
Richard.
"They told me…he had only a few days to live…and-" Mrs. Gerald once again, begin wailing. Her uncontrollable gasps filled the once silent room.
"So…they took him…" …"-And never brought him back"
"Till this very day…I have not seen him…" She said blowing her nose into the tissue and clearing her throat.
"But…the picture" I say to her in a concerned and curious manner, "He's like maybe 10 or 11 there…how do you have this picture if you haven't seen him since the minute he was born?" I ask.
"…His adoptive family" Mrs. Gerald says as she walks over to the trash bin and throws the tissue away.
…."I found this picture in the newspaper a couple years back when I was cleaning out my attic. Now, he must be a full, grown man" She said. A sudden smiles lightens up her once pale face. My eyes widen. "Why…are you smiling?" I ask curiously and my brows creasing. But underneath that demeanor, I was truly disgusted.
This lady doesn't know what her son has become to be…
"My beautiful son…he…he lived….my precious creation…I wonder how he's doing right now…you know, the second the nurse handed him to me, I looked deep into his eyes…he was definitely a special boy…my son…my son. Back then, I was only 18…and now I'm 62..haha…oh dear me…so many years have passed"
"…"
Beautiful son?
Beautiful?
This man is a monster!
And the worst part about it, is that…she didn't know.
Did…he know?
Well, I certainly wasn't gonna ruin anyone else's life. I'm not going to tell her.
"Excuse me Max?" Mrs. Geralds suddenly asks me, placing her hand gently on my arm.
I look up at her, as my thought are interrupted.
"Yes?" I ask, hesitantly. What was she gonna ask?
"Why did, why did you have a sudden well…panic when you saw him?" She asks me.
A sudden shock hit me. With her being old and all, I didn't think she'd remember my small panic attack.
"You…know him?" She asks me.
I take some time to think about it. A minute later, I finally respond.
I shake my head, "No" I finally say to her.
She is taken aback by surprise, wondering why I had a sudden episode when I saw the picture.
"Please…" She says tightening her grip on my arm, "If you know anything…anything…about my dear Richard…please tell me…"
Should I tell her? …No.
Would I tell her? …Yes, if she wasn't acting so miserable and sad right now, ugh.
I'm not gonna tell her.
But, Max…she has the right to know. By not telling her, you're only making things worse…is that what you want?
Shut up Voice!
"Um, Mrs. Geralds?" I ask, calmly.
She shield her eyes away form her hands and looks up aat me from across the table. "Yes?" She asks, her eyes still puffy and red form her crying.
"Um, I think I have to go home now" I say to her, with no expression on my face. "Well…why…are you sure you're not still hungry or would like some new clothes or anything?" She asks me.
I shake my head slowly, "No…but thank you…you've been to kind…really, but I must go now…I have to…" I say to her, adding extra emphasis on the I have too.
She furrows her eyebrows at me in confusion, "Well…is it an emergency matter, I can always drive you." She states to me, both her hands are placed on the back of the chair as it sustains her body.
"Really…I'm fine…it's not an emergency, I just…" I let out a deep sigh and she notices it's getting on my nerves, "I'm gonna leave" I say, putting my plate in the sink and then giving her a final glance and slightly smiling at her. I start walking out of the kitchen and then arrive to her living room. There I leave though the door as I open it and close it back shut.
"C'mon sweetie, we have to go home now" I hear a distant voice. I turn my head around and see
A mother and her child.
"Haha...okay mommy…pick me up!" She says. I sigh.
I remember those days..
Everything would be so much easier with her around.
That's too bad…
I begin humming a sudden tune from a lullaby that comes to my head.
I can't help but smile. It's what my mom used to sing to my when I was a little baby.
…
I continue walking down the sidewalk and look behind me, to see how far I've gone since I left that old lady's house. A good 40 feet.
I take a step forward and then another as my legs keep walking. I stare intently at the sidewalk, looking at all the chalk drawings kids did.
I continue humming the tune while looking at the drawings. I know I should probably keep my eyes on the road, or in this case sidewalk, but there are no bicyclists coming by.
Hush, little baby, don't say a word, If that mockingbird don't sing, If that diamond ring turns to brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
Mama's go-
Now here's something interesting. I gaze over at something someone wrote. It's kinda scribbled, so it's hard to understand.
I bend my knees and kneel down. I tilt my head to the side to read it better…"Stay away…Witch is here…" I mutter, reading it.
I purse my lips slightly, thinking for a moment. "Eh, whatever" I say chuckling at what was written.
Mama's gonna buy you a looking gla-
I gasp a sudden object that comes near me. I feel my heart beat pounding. I open my eyes more clearly and start laughing like a maniac. Yup. "Hahaa…just a basketball" I say while still cluelessly laughing at myself.
I bent back down to pick it up. I turned around to hand it to the kid who was playing with it, "Hey here's your baske-" I stop, lifting an eyebrow. No one is there.
I turn back around and scan the whole place. "Hello?" I ask. After a few seconds of thinking and standing still, I shrug my shoulders and toss the basketball aside to some random lawn I see right across the street form me. I continue walking, "…Max…" A sudden voice calls out my name in sheer whisper. "Huh?" I say, turning around.
"What the he-" I get cut off "…Max!..." It whispers again, but louder this time, making me stop in my tracks.
"W-who is it?" I say, as I keep circling, looking at every direction. I shake my head, "It's you stupid Voice, isn't it? Stop trying to freak me out." I say, while continuing to walk.
Though I admit, something in this place just seems so uncanny.
I look up at some trees whistling lightly into the air. Their leaves are blowing with the wind to every direction. The wind keep whistling and howling.
Yes, that's it. It's just the trees, nothing else.
Max, get out of there.
The Voice begins…again.
If it were possible to look at myself like I'm crazy without the use of a mirror, I would.
What are you talking about?
Max, leave!
Uhm, what does it look like I'm doing, lollygagging?
If I had eyes, I'd be rolling them right now. Oh and, walk faster…
You're really creeping me out, stop it. It's just a neighborhood.
No it's not Max.
I roll me eyes and continue walking, "Then what is it?" I whisper to the Voice.
No questions asked! Just walk, take the nearest train if you have to.
I stop walking as if my body is paralyzed and my legs are frozen.
"What? Train? Why!" I shout
Max, this place isn't safe…just listen to me…take the nearest train, now listen carefully, when you arrive there take the town that's second on the list of destinations from Washington. It will be bulletin BB you must pay attention to. Do you understand?
"No…quite frankly, I don't understand. I'm at a loss here! What is this, ghost town? Just tell me, and I'm not taking the train! I have no money, do you want me to sneak on it or something, 'cause I won't!" I say to the Voice, raising my arms in the air.
…
What is this Voice keeping from me?
"You know...Voice" I say, adding emphasis on 'voice' as I still can't believe I'm talking to a voice in my head!
"It seems like you have all the answers…so tell me, what are you hiding?" I ask it. I want answers. And if I don't get them well, I'll beat the living crap out of Mr. Goody Two Shoes here.
You do realize I can hear what your thinking, right?
Ugh. Whatever Voice…just don't speak, you make me go crazy.
…
"Oh, so that's your response?...Silence?...Ugh.
Fine Max. So...you still gonna take that train?
I clench my teeth together and scream out in a fist of anger, "Urghhh!" I say, looking up to the sky.
"Just…stop…okay? Stop!" I shout at the Voice.
A gush of an unearthly presence hits me all of a sudden.
"Ugh" I grumble out loud. What was that?
It totally knocked me off my feet!
I'm positioned on all fours now and I turn my head to look everywhere. I stand back up and dust off my hands on my jeans.
Again, I start walking.
I think, this neighborhood is creepy.
"…"
I told you to leave, didn't I!
"Alright, alright!" I shout back, starting to run as fast as I can.
"…"
"…"
"…"
I move my head to face a different direction. Yet, I keep running.
If you keep doing that, one of these days you'll slam right into a pole.
Suddenly, it gets colder. I feel it.
The cold air passes in between the hairs on my arm.
A sudden spine-tingling shiver comes up my spine.
I keep running, away from this neighborhood.
"…Maaaax" The same eerie whisper calls my name.
I shake my head, don't listen to it Max. Just keep running. It's just sleep…yes, that's it. Sleep. I haven't slept in a while. Or well, I haven't had a good 10 hour sleep in a looong while.
"…Maaaaax" The dispiriting voice says once more.
"…I see you…" It repeats. My eyes widen, I make a sudden turn. Without expecting it, my body moves and I look everywhere. I start off above me. I look up, at the sky. "Mom?" I ask.
"Haha, silly Maxi…I'm not your mommy!"
My heart beats faster than normal, "Who are you, then?" I mutter, but sure it can hear me.
I stand there, panting from my long run. I take in the atmosphere.
I look down and notice I'm still in the same sidewalk. What! How long is this sidewalk!
I shout to myself, more than ask.
I cut my gaze off below me and stare off into the distance. My mouth drops open. Even at the smallest squint of eye, all I can see is the…sidewalk.
Where am I?
Trees...though are full of life. They are luscious with their ever-growing green amount of lush.
They still produce that same noise when the wind blows onto them. Each leaf touches each other as wind passes through them and they make this scratchy noise.
"Ugh, I've had enough of this!"
Max, behind you.
I hear a police car alarm coming near me. I stop walking because I have a feeling the cop wants to ask me something.
"Huh?" I ask, confused. The car slows down as the cop parks it near the sidewalk. The door opens and the red flaring alarm stops sounding. He pops out of his car, "Miss?" He asks. I look up at him, taking in his appearance. "Yes?" I ask, warily. "May I please ask what you're doing here?" He says, looking around everywhere. I raise an eyebrow at his sudden action, "Uhm…walking?" I say as if he were stupid. The cop chuckles a bit and it suddenly sounds familiar to that voice. I'm pretty sure you know who I'm referring to.
He looks up at me, from his cop hat. I see his face. I take a deep breath of relief. It's not him. That's good.
"Well…" He says, placing both hands on his hips, "You see, this is an abandoned street…actually this whole neighborhood is…I'm just passing by here, doing my job, you know…making sure no one comes nearby" He states to me while glancing away a few times t check the place. "Well, why Is it abandoned?' I ask. "I'm sorry Ma'am, I'm afraid I can't share that with you, confidential stuff…you know" He says.
"Oh, "I mutter to myself but he hears me.
"So tell me, where are you headed? Home? I can give you a ride if you'd like. …or you can just call your parents to come pick you u-"
I cut him off, "Oh! So that's why there is no street sign or anything? Hmm" I begin thinking. "Ma'am, do you have a phone with y-" I cut him off again, "Wait…but there was a lady…an old ooold lady actually. She lives here…like 30 minutes away" I say. He raises an eyebrow at me, "Miss…I can assure you that no one lives here, this town...well, like I said, it's been abandoned for quite some time now. Now, please call y-"
"But I also saw woman and her child!" I shout, just now realizing how I raised my voice at the cop.
Eh, he looks kinda dumb anyways, maybe in his early twenties.
"Ma'am, please I'd appreciate it if you didn't keep interrupting me off." He says, hands still placed on his hips.
I let out a small sigh, "Okay…sorry" I mutter the 'sorry' out to him. As you can see, I'm not a person who like apologizing much.
"Can you please call your parents?" He asks me.
"Uh, nope…their busy" I say. "Then, will you let me drive you?" He asks.
I shrug my shoulders, "Okay" I say.
He gives the slightest smile and heads over to his car. He opens up the driver's door and I open the passenger's seat.
For a moment, this is what I think to do:
I open the passenger's door and then shout, "Nya!" Just like Marge Simpson would and then start running away. But that's totally impossible. He'd obviously catch up to me in his car. "Miss? Are you okay?" He asks.
I look his way and nod.
"Tell me where you live…please" He says.
I think for a sec, then answer him, "Just East of Boulevard 5 near Adnington's Road" I state. It's not exactly or precisely, for that matter where I live, but I had to say something right away to not look suspicious.
He nods, "Thank you" He says in a calm voice, looking into the road.
I nod and take a deep sigh. I slouch my back down and sink inside the seat.
He starts the car and grips both hands on the steering wheel, before starting.
"Aren't you gonna use your red beepy thingy?" I ask him, curiously.
He glances over at me, "You mean the sirens? Well…not necessarily." He says and begins driving faster.
Then his phone rings. It plays a random tune in Michael Jackson's thriller. He glances at it, and I raise an eyebrow. He then glances at me, "Heh, my mom" He says, waving the phone. He stops the car a bit and begins driving very slowly. "He flips the phone open, "Hello? Mom?" He asks.
"….." Aw man. I can't hear anything the person on the other line is saying.
"No, mom…I'll…I'll do it later, okay?" He asks in a calm voice.
"…."
"Mom! Gosh no!" He says.
"…"
"Ugh, mom…stop it! Mom, I'm working right now! Stop treating me like a little kid, I'm 22 for Pete's sake!"
"…"
"Alright…okay…I love you too mom" He finishes and hangs up.
I give him a small glimpse and notice his face is slightly red.
I clear my throat. "…I'll save you some slack and act as if that wasn't awkward just now" I say, facing forward and not looking at him.
He nods, "Thank you" He says, almost inaudibly. I roll my eyes.
…
Time: 9: 35 PM
Location: Boulevard 5, Adnington Road
"Miss?" I hear a sudden voice wake me.
"…Miss? We've arrived…miss?" He says, lightly shaking my shoulder.
I wake up and am oscitant. I feel my eyes watering up from the yawning. I stretch my arms out.
"Hmm?" I say all drowsy.
Then I realize that the car is stopped. I look up and sit myself up. "Is that your home miss?" He asks, pointing a finger to a house right in front of us.
I look at it. Definitely, not my house. But I pretend it is.
I begin nodding my head, "Mhmm…yup it i-" I stop from speaking as an old man opens the front door and takes out a bag of trash.
"Is he your father?" He asks me. "Uhh…uh, what?" I ask, obviously stalling. But this cop is sill a noob, he won't notice. "Is he your father?" He repeats. "Oh! No...he's uh..-" Think fast, Max! The Voice says, "My...My Uncle…Foot!" I say, just now realizing how stupidly of me that was. I sink down onto the seat. I know I'm in trouble this time. He obviously won't believe me. "Uncle Foot?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. "Yes! Yes!" I shout like a miracle just happened, starring up at the sky…well if this car roof weren't in the way. I unlock the car door and begin running to the elderly man. "Uncle Foot!" I shout, giving this strange man a huge hug. I look back at the cop and sees he's slightly smiling at the sight of us. "Huh? Aghh...strange girl..who are you..lemme go...get away" He says, poking my leg with his cane. "Ow...uh hahaha…he's…he's just…heh, he needs his medicine…he's always like this! Sometimes, he even thinks he's Spiderman! Haha, he's so delusional! Haha,…okay bye!" I say shoving the old man into the house as I go in as well. I look out the window and see the cop starting the car. I see him taking one last glance at the house where I entered and then he leaves. His car drives off into the distance. I let go of the curtain and turn around, to see a confused elderly man, "Uh...heh...I'm gonna leave now, you will forget all this...remember, you're gonna forget…just…uh, go back to sleep! Bye!" I say opening the front door and running away as fast as I can.
I stop and hear the noise of tires stop all of a sudden. I squint my eyes to see far away and notice the police's car stopped, "Crap!" I stop, dead in my tracks. "Crap, crap, crap!" I jump around in circles like some little excited girl whose parents just brought her to the circus. Except, I'm in no way 'excited' . Anxious is what you may call it.
I run back to the house and grab the front door. It's the same house where I went inside, pretending the old man was my Uncle Foot. I gasp, "Nooo!" I whine out.
It appears that Mr. Foot has locked the door. He probably thinks I'm crazy. I'd go up his window and flip him off if I weren't in such a hurry. Then, I notice something. A small pathway leading to the back of the house. I turn my head around and squint once more to see if the car is coming back, and it is! I put on a stricken face and quickly scurry to the back of the house. I watch behind me as I run, which I probably shouldn't do. Voice was right, if I keep this up, one of these days I'm gonna slam right into a po-
"Agh!" I shout a sudden blurt as I run face first onto a wooden fence. I fall. "Ow" I mutter, sitting on my butt; I place a hand over my forehead and wince. "That's definitely gonna be purple the next day" I say while getting myself up.
I feel a sudden presence approach. The car. I sneak into a small dented corner near the back of the house and peak my head out. I see half of the car, it's rear end. The door opens, a shadow comes by and then stays still.
"Hmm" I hear him mutter and then his shadow fades away as I hear the sound of the engine, he drives away.
"Phew" I sigh, feeling my heart relaxing.
…
Still though, ghost town?
What is this, the Sci-Fi channel?
Ugh.
It's really late and I've been walking for about an hour.
I stop at a familiar atmosphere…home.
I can see all the lights of the house are off. My dad must be sleeping. Though, all the streetlamps are on.
A sudden flicker sounds. I look up to the street post that just shuts off. I sigh, "never mind" I mutter.
Not sure if whether I should knock on the door or sleep in the backyard, I take a quick impulse and just prop myself down onto the grass. I feel my hands through it. A familiar scent fills the air. I inhale and smile at the sudden remembrance which stirs my head. The strong scent of Alyssum flowers, my mom loved those, I remember…
So here I am, lying on the front patio of my house, facing the front door. But second by second I feel a small warmth cover all my body. Second by second, I drift to sleep…
…
A small tingle falls on my head all of a sudden. It wakes me up and I smell a foul odor nearby. I look up, WTH?
I look up and am now under the tree near my garage. How did that happen?
Last night I know I fell asleep near my mailbox in the front patio.
Wow, I really move when I sleep.
My vision is a little blurry form just waking up. I yawn and stretch my arms out. An arm if lifted as I touch what fell on my head and start to grimace while looking up at the tree above me. I see a pigeon. "Oh, you…that Is just sick!" I say angrily. This bird totally pooped on my head!
…
Time: 10: 45 AM.
Location: Publix
I get out of the bathroom and wash my hands with lots of soap, not to mention my hair!
A lady comes in, lifting an eyebrow but trying to mind her own business. "Heh" I smile nervously. I know she's wondering what's with all the bubbles!
I finally finish up and open the door with my foot. Yeah, I don't like touching the handles of the public bathrooms, they have germs everywhere. Can you believe some people don't even wash their hands? Can you say gross!
I step out and begin walking down the aisles. I casually start humming the same tune to that lullaby my mom used to sing to me.
I stop at a box of cookies I pass nearby. I look up and watch them mischievously. I can already hear them saying, "Eat me! Eat me!" I dig my hands in my pockets, hoping to find some money, even though I'm assuming I have nothing. I spent it all. But wait! I feel something, perhaps a dollar bill?
I yank it out of my jean pocket and take a good look at it, A five dollar bill? "Yes!" I exclaim, randomly fist pumping in the air. I clear my throat and grab the box of cookies from the shelf. I make my way to the cashier to pay. "Hello hun…" The 30 year old woman says. I smile, handing her the box. "Alright, your total is $2.49. Cash or credit?" "Cash" I say handing her the 5 dollar bill. "Alright, here's your change, have a nice day, thanks for shopping. Next!" She says.
I grab the bag and zoom my way out of Publix.
I run to a corner behind the store and savagely dig open the box like some wild animal who hasn't eaten in days.
Max
I suddenly stop digging my hand through the box to get another cookie out as I keep munching on the other chocolate chip one.
I roll my eyes, it's that Voice again. Perfect, I obviously mean sarcastically.
"Whatdya want, can't you see I'm trying to enjoy my food here?" I speak with my mouth full of food and cookie crumbs falling all over my clothes.
Max, what are your plans for today?
I stop eating and set the box down. "I dunno" picking up box back up again.
You must find Fang.
"I know...but I don't have to"
Well…do you want to?
I clear my throat, "Yeah, but only because he left so…so…rudely…he's still a jackass in my list" I say popping another cookie into my mouth. Yep, I have a big mouth.
That's only because your rejected him. Anyways, enough about these lovey dovey feelings talk…the sole purpose why you must go there is because I think he's in danger…no one else can stop him but…you, Max.
"So…tell me Voice-" I say, putting the box back down and wiping my hands on my jeans, "-why do you care so much? Is it because you actually want this to be a happy ending?" I say, rolling my eyes and getting back up on my feet.
I walk over to a dumpster and throw the box somewhere near it. You see, I'm too lazy to open the thing up, I figure hey that's why they pay these garbage people right? To pick up trash and throw it in some landfill thingy.
Max, you have to go over there. Don't you want to save Fang, or at least see him?
The Voice questions me, "Well, I mean yeah. But, ahh…I dunno!" I shout flopping my arms down to my sides walking down the street and looking for shelter. Yup, it's official, I maximum Ride, am a hobo.
I take a deep inhale and exhale, "Alright Voice…I'll go 'save' Fang or whatever. But lemme tell ya one thing…I'm no hero…just a girl who needs a home" I say, sadly. I feel tears stinging in my eyes.
"Wait a sec, I told you I have no money for a train ticket. I just had five bucks and I spend them on those yummy cookies"
Enough about your dammed cookies!
My mouth hangs open, "Hmph!" I say walking away from- Oh…yeah, that's right, I forgot that the supposed Voice isn't actually a person.
Sorry Max, I just lost my temper.
I roll my eyes, "Ya think? Can you say rude much?" I say.
Max, borrow money, get it from someone.
"Are you kidding me? Who in the world would I borrow money from!"
Your friends?
"Look, I am not talking to them. After I made Nudge cry like that I feel so guilty! I make up with them some other time. But you got to help me if you wanna me to go find Fang so badly.
Max, I'm just doing this for your own good. Find a job.
"A job? But, they won't accept and pay me my check on the spot!" I say, thinking.
Well…there's lots of fast paying jobs. Or wait, what about the pawn shop?
"What about it?" I ask, rubbing my temples.
Don't you have some jewelry or something?
"Not at the moment...back home, probably but there is no way I'm going over there" I say.
Hmm, well Max…I hate to tell you this, but there's this one job…over there…to your right just across the street.
I stand up from where I was sitting on a bench and look up. My eyes widen, "Oh no! There is no way in hell! Never!" I shout at the Voice. The fluorescent letters sign on the door reads
~Club Incognito~
NOW HIRING NEW DANCERS!
I take one last look at the sign. "Still…there is no way I'm going in there" I grimace as I spot a drunkenly moving man approach the doors and walk right in.
I gag at the disgusting scent of too much beer and liquor.
Yeah, well you've got no other choice…except, you can always smuggle yourself into the train.
My mouth once again hangs open, "Are you kidding me? They could find out! I'm not doing that either."
Well, if you wanna see your precious Fang…you're gonna have to do one or the other.
…
…
…
I think this chap was kinda boring (?) :[ Poor Max…but aww what'll Fang think when he finds out she did one of those, just for him? Heheheheheh. Anyways, FAX next chapter! I promise! Please don't be angry! T^T
This chapter would've been SUPER long if I'd add all the events leading up to when Fang and Max meet once again. I'm talking like 40 something pages long! :O Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
PLEASE REVIEW, If you give me at least 12-15 reviews I'll update ASAP! -.- I see all the story alerts +'s I get in my email from your guys, don't think I don't hmm… ^^ -.- This chap is 25 pages long and I really wanna know what YOU think about it! :] Heck I'll add extra Fax fluff if you review quicker :] Or it can just be a small 'update soon' with the smiley faces. Evertyimes I see an UPDATE SOON with a smiley face, it makes me laugh (in a good way ^^), don't ask why, I just find it funny. Smiley faces are kinda creepy I guess that's why ^^ But I still like them ^^ :] Anyways, REVIEW! Please :] I wanna know how many people actually are interested in this story :] Okay byebye.
P.S. : Just remember, FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX FAX! FAAAAAAAAAXXXXXXXX! ^_^ Okay bye now. And no, I'm not trying to bribe you :] Okay byebye ^^
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! :] Please.
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