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Disclaimer: Refer to any other friggen chapter for one.

Chapter 37

I guess we could talk…I guess we could talk…I guess we could talk.

That's all that cycled through my head Sunday, a week after the alliance was finalized. Nudge. She'd left a message on my phone for me last night while I was busy with Ella and Angel. I'd been so surprised when I listened to the voicemail I'd nearly dropped my phone.

"Hey Max…Look I'm sorry and I miss my best friend….I guess we could talk…meet me at the Three Bean Coffee shop tomorrow at three. Bye."

Her message was short and to the point but my god was it amazing to hear her voice when she wasn't telling me that I couldn't be trusted. I honestly could say that if Nudge would take me back my life would be perfect. Some of Angel's friends' parents had gotten over my sordid behavior and let their children hang out with Angel. At their houses of course. Never around me, but I could live with that. JJ was talking to Ella again, nobody blamed Mom for my behavior, my gang was done fighting, and I had Fang. If I could add Nudge to that list I'd have everything I ever wanted.

I just needed today to go well.

…

I pulled up to the Three Bean Coffee shop at exactly three o'clock. I could see Nudge through the window, sipping her usual beverage: a chi latte. I slipped inside, ignoring the stairs of students from school or other people who recognized me from the news, and went and ordered a regular coffee before going to sit down across from her.

She gave me a weak smile but didn't say anything for a moment. I didn't pressure the situation with needless talk.

I noticed, with a small smirk of satisfaction, that she was wearing the shirt I'd returned to her locker the other day.

"You know, I never thought I'd be in this situation." Nudge broke the silence.

"What situation exactly?" I raised an eyebrow.

She looked at me incredulously for a second before answering. "Well, this!" she gestured to the two of us. "My best friend being a gang leader. I've seen all the movies, I've listened to the lectures, I know gangs are supposed to be bad. But…then you come along and everything goes screwy!"

I chuckled at her expression before I sombered up. This wasn't a funny situation. "I know Nudge, and I'm so sorry for everything. I wanted to tell you the truth but…I wanted to protect you from it too."

"I don't need to be protected Max. I may be a girly girl but I'm tough. I could take it, especially if it's a part of your life. You're my best friend."

I surprised myself by tearing up and getting a lump in my throat. She really is an amazing friend. I tried to clear my throat and when that failed I took a sip of coffee before speaking.

"I know, I should have told you, your right. But it's harder than you'd think. You just want someone who sees you for who you are and not what you do or who your involved with." I took in a shuddering breath. "But that's no excuse. Friends tell each other everything and if I expected the truth from you then I should have been returning the favor. I truly am sorry Nudge."

"I know you are." She reached across the table and covered my hand with her own. I gave her a sappy smile. "And I miss you," she continued. "I want to work things out. I want everything to go back to the way it was…or at least, as close to that as possible."

"Me too." I whispered. "Me too."

And then I broke. The flood gates opened and the tears I tried so hard to fight back burst forth. I'm sure it was a sight for everyone around me, to see badass Max Martinez break down because she made up with her best friend but I didn't care. Nudge abandoned her seat and slid into the booth next to me, wrapping her arms around me and whispering soothing words.

Who knows, maybe seeing me as a normal girl will show those people that I'm not dangerous.

A person can dream.

Okay guys I know this chapter is super short but I needed Max and Nudge to make up already. That is why I posted the last chapter and this one on the same day. Things are wrapping up soon so expect the next few chapters to be action packed! REVIEW!

Peace!