Chapter 38-Mom

A/N Okay, so I know it's been forever since I updated, but I have reasons. Thanks for the guest reviews, I've got pre-written the next few chapters, but after that I'll try to add more Max x Zack, although the idea is that as it ends Max fades out, and I'm working on a pretty cool depressing sequel. What do you think about that? It would be a lot better that this, but I'll do whatever keeps you happy. I'm back with my old laptop now, and me and my friend are working on a joint fic with Max and Zack and others (I think). Anyway, enjoy :) x

Ever wondered the unusual stresses of being a preteen tomboy? We are often over-looked, but what goes through our minds is nothing like what you see. My name is Max, and welcome to my world.

Laura-Stars

The car journey felt like forever. I was terrified, I'll admit it. What would've made it better would be if Hailee was with me, it always felt like she protected me.

Finally we arrived outside the old, dirty, house, it didn't look old or dirty. There were a few new plants in pots at the front, and all the needed repairs were done. Mom came out, a smile on her face.

"My daughter's home!" she said, excitedly running over to me. She put a comforting hand on the back of my head. "You've grown so much," then she turned to Sandra, "Where's Hailee?"

Sandra sighed, "We talked about this, remember? We don't feel you're ready to take on two kids yet, so we're trialling you with one. Maxina was the nearest,"

"You mean, you split them up?" Mom asked in disbelief. "You can't do that!"

Sandra sighed, "Hailee got into a fight with a girl she was living with, and we felt it was best to move her away."
"Fine," Mum huffed, leading me inside.

The house really did look different. All of the newspaper stacks were gone and all the empty bottles. Pretty much everything was gone.

"Wow," was all I could say.

"Don't worry," mom reassured me, "It's all in storage."

"Oh," I nodded.

"So, are you hungry?" Mom asked.

I was, but just retaliated with, "You never fed me before,"

She sighed angrily, "That was before, now things will be different,"

"Okay," I said, knowing a way to prove it, "If that's true, say my name,"

"Why?" mom asked.
"You always refused before, say it," I looked at her blank, confused, expression. "Just say it,"

Tears started to roll down her cheeks. "I just can't, okay?"

"Why?"

"Because I can't,"
"Then how do I know things will be different?"

"Fine!" Mom gave it. "Max,"

"Thank you," I said with a smile. "And yes, I am hungry,"
"Do you like pizza?" she asked hopefully.

I tried to smile, but I was still scared of this woman. "Yeah,"

"Do you want to stay in here and talk?"

"No," I said, beginning to walk towards mine and Hailee's old room.

"What's up with you today," mom asked, making me turn around. "I do everything I can, and-"

"Look at my back," I said, cutting her off.

"Why?"

I turned and held up my shirt, revealing the scars.

"That was before…" mom started.

"But sometimes it's hard to forgive," I huffed. "And dad told me about you not letting him see me," with that, I left. Our room was just how we left it. Completely un-touched. The clothes still streamed across Hailee's bed when she was deciding what to pack. My red beanie streamed across the floor when I realized I didn't have space for it. Hailee's left over make-up. My white three quarter lengths. Hailee's favourite Teddy. My outfit from GoDance USA. It was like we'd packed as much of the room up as possible, but unfortunately failed.

It brought a tear to my eye seeing our old room, the way it used to always be. I sat on my old, un-comfy mattress and thought about mom. Had she really changed? I didn't think so, but had to give her a try. I got up and looked in Hailee's mirror. I hardly recognised myself from the girl who used to live here. I felt comfortable at home, and had worn a dress.

"Sweetie," moms call interrupted my thoughts. Since when did she call me 'Sweetie'? "Dinner's ready,"

I walked out of my room and into the kitchen, taking the plate off my mom. I began walking back to my room.

"Don't they teach you manners at this foster home?" she dared ask, "Eat at the table,"

"You never taught me manners," I said, "Hailee and I used to sit on cardboard boxes and drink from a can! The plates would be on our laps,"

"When will you stop bringing up the past?" mom snapped. "Just accept that I've changed!"

"I'll accept it when you prove it,"

"I'm not having this attitude! Go to your room with no dinner,"

"Fine," I said, a big smile on my face, "But when Sandra asks, I'll tell her the truth,"

"You watch it, Missy," she said, holding up a finger.

"I will," I smiled, walking off.

Laura-Stars

The next morning, mom woke me up at 6AM.

"We're going on a bike ride at seven!" she announced.

"I'm not!" I argued.

"Yes you are,"
"No, I'm not. I'm calling Sandra,"

"You dare?"

"Oh, I dare,"

Mom grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me out of bed, leaving me on the floor. My face smacked head-first into the floor. It hurt a lot.

"Max, I'm so sorry," Mom said, sounding shocked at what she'd done.

I didn't know what to say, so I just lay there.

My name is Max, and welcome to my world. I hate my mom.

A/N Yeah… I know it's short but I wrote this back in the summer holidays, so it's a little bit worse than what I'd write now. Anyway, please review with what you think. Reviews are what keep me writing :D x

Laura xx