You Left Me Behind How Do You Feel Now?

by commander.Kath.8

Four fails and one success. Ari, Emily, Aiden and Ella were the failed experiments and Max was the only successful one to get injected with the bird DNA. When Ari was 10, he left and later so did Val, their mother. Five months later, Jeb, the psycho scientist and father of the five kids, married a devil. He let her abuse the three remaining kids while Max was tortured at the lab.

3. As the years pass…

Hello! Here is Chapter Two. Beware, it is really really long. :)

-Kath

Chapter Two: As the years pass…

After one year…

MAX POV

I was only three years old (well, just turned three) when Jeb (I don't call him dad since he turned me into a freak) took me to live at the lab during the week but I understand everything. I am overly smart for a three year old. I remember when Jeb told me that I'll be moving into the lab. Mom didn't understand but of course she wouldn't. She is too blind to realize what a freak her daughter is and what Jeb has done to all of us. I wasn't born when my older brother Ari ran away but I remember Emily saying that Mom didn't understand why he left. What Mom didn't know was that Jeb abused Ari when he was at the lab since he was the first fail. That made me wonder why he never abused Emily but I guess it was because Mom never let her out of her sight after the whole Ari thing. I wish I met Ari, I would have liked a normal older brother. But, I am not a normal girl either. I am a freak. A mutant freak with wings, hyper senses, and powers that will develop in the future. I wish I had a normal father, but it's silly to dream that. I will never have a normal father, life and family. I only see them once a month and only for two days.

I may be only three, but if you were normal and in my position, you would be ten times more mature anyway. As soon as I stepped into the lab, my life went downhill. I was pushed into a dog crate, pricked with needles, strapped to metal tables, tortured when doing different tests, and I was forced to learn how to fight against Erasers. And I am only three and will be four very soon.

Another thing I hate about my new life. I hate how my relationship with my family is slowly disappearing. I wish I got love from my mom but when I am there for only two days, it is like I am invisible. Emily pities me and I hate pity. I hate how that is how people look at me. Even the whitecoats. Even some of the Erasers. Even some of the other mutants. Aiden likes to tease me and Ella doesn't even know me since she is still so small. It makes me depressed and angry at what Jeb has done to my life by injecting me with stupid bird DNA. I won't even learn how to fly until I am six! Now that just is cruel and unfair. Boy, life is so unfair. I should know that more than anyone.

JEB POV

Maximum's performance is even better than I thought it would be. She is improving greatly but if only she would behave better. She is so stubborn, incorporative, and angry. Oh well, I'll have to mix that with more tests. If only my other worthless children were successes then I could compare test results and vitals. It would make my life so much easier.

EMILY POV

I may only be five years old but I understand enough that Max is going through torture at that secret lab of dad's. I can't believe mom doesn't notice that something might be off. She doesn't even know that Max exists. Mom is even so blind as to overlook the scars on our backs. It is really sad. I miss Max so much. I can feel the relationship she had with me slowly drifting off into nothing with all that she is missing. We only get to see her once a month and for two days! I would have said something to Mom and the cops but dad or should I say Jeb threatened to kill Max and me. I couldn't bring myself to risk Max's and my life. He is just so cruel. I hope my baby sister will live. When Ella and Aiden get older I'll have to explain everything to them. I will not let Max vanish from this family.

One year later. Emily six, Max and Aiden four, Ella two…

MAX POV

I have been at this school for two years. It has been torture. Luckily tomorrow I get to see my siblings. Last month Jeb apparently needed me for something so I couldn't go. I know this is probably a four year old shouldn't be thinking but I just want to die. I can't live through the torture anymore. But the only thing keeping me forever resting is Emily, Aiden and Ella. Emily because she is my best friend no matter how broken our relationship is. Aiden because he is my crazy and funny twin. He is the only one who can make me smile and laugh. And Ella, because I feel like a mother figure towards her even though she is two and I am . . . four. Not Mom and definitely not Jeb. Mom doesn't even know that I exist for crying out loud! And not Jeb because well for obvious reasons.

EMILY POV

Yes, Maxie is coming home tomorrow! For some reason I didn't get to see her last month so this month I am extra happy. I even made her a friendship necklace that she can easily hide from Jeb. I also think Aiden is excited. Him and Max are little partners in crime.

Yes, I love seeing Max but what makes me most happy is that I get to see Max act like a little girl. I bet at the lab, she acts so much older and has to be strong for herself. Max is only free and well, Max, while at home with us. I can just tell.

The Next Day

MAX POV

I walk through the front door only to be knocked backwards by Emily. I smile. My first real smile since the last time I saw her. I only smile for my three siblings. Then Aiden joins us on the floor closely followed by little Ella. God, she is so cute! Aiden and Emily get off of me and the four of us rush to Emily's room. Downstairs, I hear Mom greet Jeb. I grit my teeth. I hate Mom as much as Jeb. Jeb is a cold hearted whitecoat who only cares about me because I am a "success". Well, I don't feel like a success. Just an experiment which is sadly, accurate. Mom might be all warm and fuzzy towards my siblings but she doesn't know that I exist which of course doesn't make any sense since she gave birth to me! She raised me until I was three then I was sent to live at the lab.

"Max?" I snap out of my thoughts to Emily's voice and worried face. I shake my head, trying to get rid of the thoughts and join my siblings in a game of dolls and action figures. That night, the four of us fell asleep cuddled close to one another on Emily's small bed. This is pure bliss. Just me and my siblings. The only people who hold a place in my heart.

The next day before I leave

I am standing outside Emily's room. Aiden and Ella are downstairs watching some tv show. I am only standing here because Emily said she had something for me. She turns towards me, holding something in her hands. She stretches out her hands towards me and I look down. In her hand is a golden chain and at the end is a pendant that says Max with two wings on either side. I smile and put it on. I look up at Emily to see her wearing a necklace like mine but instead of wings there are two smiley faces.

"Thanks, sis." I say quietly while giving her a hug. She smiles and hugs me tightly.

"Maximum, we must be going!" yells Jeb's annoying voice from downstairs.

Way to ruin the perfect moment, Jeb! I think. I reluctantly pull out of the hug and smile sadly at Emily. She waves a little and I hurry downstairs to see Jeb with a frown on his face, standing in the doorway. All happiness from the past two days vanishes into thin air. With my legs moving towards the car on my own, I think about the past two days. The laughter. The hugs. The smiles. The games. The teasing. It was like I lived a normal life. Well, a two day normal life. Of course, and I will say this a lot, I will never have a normal life. All thanks to Jeb.

One Year later: Emily seven, Aiden and Max five and Ella three

MAX POV

Three years of torture. I haven't seen my family much this year. Jeb has kept making excuses for keeping me at the lab. My hatred for him just keeps getting worse the more he tortures me and the more he keeps me from my family. For a little five year old, I am a fierce and stubborn child. I have gotten really good at sarcasm, fighting, and keeping a blank expression. One thing you learn about living in hell is that showing no emotion not only makes you stronger but it annoys the crap out of the scientists. They want to see me in pain. They relish making me weak. But I will never in my life give them that satisfaction. The only joy I get from this place is watching the scientists getting frustrated and mad at me. It is quite funny to see them practically yank their hair out and try to calm themselves by mumbling loudly to themselves.

Over the past three years, I have gathered quite the collection of scars. I have one on my right ankle from when an Eraser bit me. After that, the Eraser was killed for hurting me. I have a scar running down my back, in between my wings from when the scientists opened me up. *shudder*. I have one running down my left arm when I was forced to fight an Eraser. That Eraser also ended up dead because he almost made me bleed to death. That was not a pleasant moment. And I have a burn scar thingy on my stomach from when they placed me in a tank and turned the water on high to the point where it could catch fire. God, that was not not not pleasant.

Anyway, one good thing still left is that Jeb hasn't found the necklace Emily gave me. It is my most prized (and, frankly, only) possession. After tests and hell, when I would sit in my cage and cry, I would hold the necklace close and think about my siblings. The only people who mattered in this world.

I don't know how much of this torture I can seriosuly handle. I dream about the day where I can live a normal life with my siblings and a mother who actually remembers me. I dream about the day where I can leave this torture chamber and fly freely. Jeb said I can leave after I learn how to fly. If only I trusted him. I knew that was a lie. He just doesn't realize that I know more than he thinks. He seriously underestimates me. Everyone in this torture chamber dooes. Even the other mutants. If only they knew that I was holding back. I have a greater ability that I keep hidden. If they found out then it would be the end of me. If they found out, it would mean more torture. If only they knew that I am so abnormal that I couldn't even be called a mutant anymore. I don't even know what to call myself. I don't even know how to describe my ability. It is too scary and unfathomable even for my high intelligence.

One year later: Emily eight, Max and Aiden six, Ella four

MAX POV

Finally. Finally, I get to learn how to fly. I have been waiting for this moment since I first got to this torture chamber. For the past week, I have been performing better, having a happier mood knowing that I get to learn how to use the wings that stay tucked against my back. And finally, today has come. Then, in a month, I get to show Emily, Aiden and Ella that I finally have learned to use the wings I was born with. Finally, I wouldn't think of my wings as a burden. Well, let's face it, they will always be a burden. But, I mean it's not like other people will be seeing them since I don't think I'll be getting out of this torture chamber anytime soon. Finally. . . oh never mind. I just noticed that I have been using finally too many times. Oops, oh well.

Anyway, when Jeb came to get me this morning, I couldn't help but smile. Jeb was definitely surprised. Usually, I would say something Maximum Rideish, fight off some Erasers then have to get handcuffed. But, not today folks! Today, I calmly got out of my cage then literally started bouncing all the way to the open arena where I will be learning.

So, that is where I am now. In the arena on a high ledge about a hundred or so feet up. Jeb wouldn't allow me to go outside. Afraid that either A) I would pick up on the flying thing quickly and fly away or B) fall to my death. So, naturally, on the ground below me is a net to catch me if I fall. Well, I plan on showing them that I can indeed learn to fly at the snap of the fingers. I need to prove to myself and not to them that I was born to fly. Well, I was born to fly but that is besides the point. The point is that whether I was gifted wings naturally or injected, that I was born to spread some wings and take to the sky. Wow, I sound like that space ranger dude from Toy Story that I found Aiden and Ella watching the last time I was at the house for a visit. What was that character's name again? Buzz Spaceyear? Buddy Year? Lightyear? Oh, Buzz Lightyear.

Anyways, Jeb and many other scientists are all surrounding the ledge to observe me. Along with many Erasers along the edge of the arena. God, those things are everywhere.

"Anytime now, Maximum. Just jump and spread your wings out. If you crash or something, the net will catch you." yells Jeb from way below me. I roll my eyes.

Ok, Max. You got this. You were literally born with wings so this should come naturally to you. Just jump.

I closed my eyes and did exactly that. I just jumped. Jumped off the ledge. I opened my eyes to see the ground and net coming closer then at the last second, I opened my wings. I let myself go upward and then I started moving my wings up and down like it is the easiest thing in the world. I notice that I am hovering about thirty feet in the air. I smile the biggest smile and start flapping and moving around the arena. I glance at the scientists and notice that Jeb has . . . pride? in his eyes. I shake my head to get rid of the thought. Jeb will not ruin this moment for me. I won't let him. Next thing I know, I am doing different maneuvers and spinning in the air. I was right, I was born to fly. It comes so naturally to me that I can close my eyes and just know what to do. I fly back up to the ledge and just jump. This is my Heaven in the torture chamber. This is my moment of pure happiness outside of my siblings. I can finally let myself be me without anyone around. The Max with my family is a goofy, happy, normal six year old. The Max in the torture chamber is sacrastic, scared, sad, angry, and broken with each new test. The Max in the air is the true me; the free, happy, sarcastic and goofy Max. No one can ruin flying for me. It is truly a part of me that no one can ever understand.

I am only going to say this one more time: I was born to fly. Born to soar through the sea up in the sky. To see the ground grow distant and small beneath me. To feel the breeze on my face and wings. To fly wear no one else can go.

One year later: Emily nine, Aiden and Max seven, Ella five

MAX POV

There is one downside to learning how to fly. The whitecoats do experiments on me while I fly. I have to learn how to perform difficult maneuvers, learn how to fight in the air, and fly in different conditions. Lets just say that flying when it is freezing makes you all stiff, flying in the heat practically burns your feathers off, and flying in the rain is no picnic.

I haven't seen my siblings in a year. Jeb wants me to stop seeing them all together but that made me even more likely to seriously hurt someone. So, finally, after about a month of nearly killing twenty Erasers and five scientists, Jeb is letting me go back to see my siblings once a month for two days. I really hope he keeps this promise. Other than flying, Emily, Aiden and Ella are the only ones keeping me sane. I don't want them to see me slowly going mad from the five years of torture. I have definitely noticed that I am definitely going crazy. And it is seriously scaring me. Hey! I am still a little girl. I mean, I have been through things and seen things that I should never have seen but that what happens when A) your father is a lunatic psychopath scientist B) a mutant bird freak C) tortured on for hours a day. I mean, I am only seven year old! Damn, I feel at least a hundred years old. It feels like I have been at this torture chamber for fifty something years. Man, my life really stinks.

One year later: Emily ten, Aiden and Max eight, Ella six.

MAX POV

Luckily, Jeb kept his promise on seeing my beloved siblings every month. Emily is turning ten in a few days and I get to go to her birthday party! It will be the first birthday I have been to in. . . years. That is really sad and pathetic. I am so excited to meet all of her friends. Last time I saw her, I got here all about fourth grade and her amazing friends. I tried so hard to be happy for her but for the first time, I was jealous of the amazing life my siblings were having. The normal life they had. I didn't have friends. I only had enemies. Then, I got to hear about second grade and his friends from Aiden and Kindergarten and her friends from Ella. I wish I had friends. Yeah, Emily, Aiden and Ella were my friends but that is not the same as having real friends outside of the family. You know what I mean? Yes? No? Maybe? Oh well… Anyway, I am so excited to meet her friends and enjoy being around people outside of half wolf mutants, psycho scientists, and half dead mutants. Living in a cage gets lonely.

EMILY POV

I am so so so excited to have Max come to my tenth birthday party. I am happy that she gets to meet my friends. Last time she was here I told her all about fourth grade and my friends and even though she was trying to hide it, I could see the jealousy and hurt in her eyes. She was trying to be happy for me but I knew better. I can read Max really easily and I mean, she is actually a really hard person to read but she is my sister. I can tell that Max wishes she had a normal life and I feel really bad for her. But, I also feel bad for us. Ella sees Max every month then she disappears only to come up a month later. Ella is only six but she is a curious and smart child. I told her that when she is a few years older, I'll explain everything. Aiden doesn't even know half of it and I feel guilty for that. I mean, Aiden is Max's twin.

Anyway, I hope Max will like my friends. Max's opinion is really important to me. I know that may seem silly since Max is two years younger and I am asking her opinion but she is my best friend. No matter how many close friends I have. Max means everything to me. She just doesn't realize that. Max doesn't realize a lot of things but that is understandable considering that she lives in a lab with no contact other than creepy Eraser thingies and crazy scientists.

MAX POV

I knock on the door of the familiar house. I turn around to see Jeb in the car. He always enters ten minutes after me. I hear a scream from inside then a flash of brown hair. I smile as Emily wraps me in a tight hug. Soon, Aiden and Ella come running to the door and we are all in a group hug. They let go of me and I enter the room. I look around at all the birthday decorations. The theme is bright colors. Pink, orange, yellow, blue, and green are everywhere. I think I might lose my sight by the end of this visit.

The four of us hurry up towards Emily's room and we all sit and catch up until Emily's friends start to show up. The party is a sleepover. This should be fun. Emily invited five of her closest friends over and they all seem nice. When we did introductions, they all seemed to take a liking towards me and that made me so happy. I know that none of them will ever be my friends but just for one night couldn't hurt.

So Emily's friends are:

Kiley: She is already ten. She has auburn hair, dark green eyes, fair skin, tall for her age but not as tall as me. She is super girly and loves pink and dresses. I could have sworn that I actually gagged. (Forgot to mention that I am super tall for my age. So I am even taller than Kiley and I am eight. All of Emily's friend's thought I was her older cousin or sister. Everyone thought it was funny except me. Not my best moment. Anywho, continuing on with the story).

Sadie: She is nine still. She has black hair, grey eyes, fair skin, and is short for her age. She isn't as girly as Kiley but still super girly. Too much for my liking really.

Samantha or Sammy: She is nine almost ten. She has whitish blonde hair, pale blue eyes, fair skin, and medium height. She is more sporty but she has nice style. She is probably my favorite out of Emily's friends.

Georgie: She is ten. She has chestnut brown hair, hazel eyes, tan skin, and is tall for her age. She is also sporty but ruder than Sammy. I don't think she really liked me that first time she saw me.

Lila: She is ten. She has dark chocolate hair, dark skin, hazel eyes, and is tall for her age. She is the most girly out of the group. She lives for gossip and dresses in designer clothes. (Her parents are rich). Luckily, she is the sweetest girl you will ever meet! I hope that doesn't change once boys come into her life.

For about an hour, Emily, Ella, Emily's friends and I all sat in the living room and talked. Then we played dolls. Finally it was time for pizza and cake. God, I was having the best time. I was laughing, smiling, teasing, and being outgoing. I liked Emily's friends and I can tell that Emily likes that I like her friends. I think Emily wants my opinion about stuff and it is important to her what I think. I think that is really sweet. I may be eight but I sure am mature.

Finally, after food, everyone settled around the tv and we stayed up late watching Disney Movies. Around midnight, Emily and I were the only ones up. We were sharing the couch, Ella was on the loveseat and everyone else was on air mattresses. Emily and I were getting comfortable so we could go to sleep. The Lion King was playing in the background.

"So, Max, what did you think of my friends?" She asked nervously. I chuckled silently. "And what did you think of your first party and sleepover?"

I thought for a second before saying, "I like your friends but I don't think Georgie likes very much." Emily laughed quietly. "I loved the party. It was the best time I have had in a while. And I wasn't disappointed with the sleepover. I mean, I am very opinionated for an eight year old but I only have good things to say." Emily smiled and so did I.

"Goodnight, Max."

"Goodnight, Emily."

I fell asleep with a smile on my face. This will be a night that I will never forget.

One year later: Emily eleven, Aiden and Max nine, Ella seven

MAX POV

Wow, I can't believe I am nine. I have been at this damn torture chamber since I just turned three. Luckily, the tests are the same as they have been and nothing really new. I got some new neighbors so finally I am not alone in my room. My new roommates are Nikki who is 3% lion, Jordan who is 3% tiger and 1% lizard of some sorts, and Neon who is 4% chameleon. They are my new friends. We share the same pain and are all the same age. They all have been friends since they were born and then they moved to this lab. They are all a lot closer but I don't care. I am just glad that I have friends with the same attitude as me, who care about me, who talk to me, and actually are my age.

Nikki is very sarcastic and opinionated like me. She is black hair with random yellow streaks in it, hazel eyes, fairish skin, and is tall for her age just like me. Out of the three, she is my best friend. She is in the cage next to me on the left.

Jordan is quieter but really funny. He has brown hair with faint orange streaks, green eyes, tan skin, and medium or average height. He had the hardest time trusting me but after I kept Erasers from taking him to his doom, he eased up a bit. He still doesn't like me very much though. He is across from me in his own cage.

Neon is very perky and loud. She doesn't take crap from no one and cares deeply about her friends. She has auburn hair, green eyes, freckles, and light skin. She is tallish for her age. She is next to me on my right.

I am so lucky to have my friends. They make life in this torture chamber a lot better.

One year later: Emily twelve, Aiden and Max ten, Ella eight

Finally, I am turning ten. This year Jeb is letting me have a joined party with Aiden since we are turning double digits. No friends are invited. It will just be a pool party with the family. And you know what, I am okay with that. I don't need a bunch of extra people there who are only Aiden's friends and Emily's. I am happy that it is just a family thing. More special bonding time with my siblings. But the party went downhill very quickly.

Jeb and I had just arrived at the door. As usual, Jeb waits in the car, I get attacked by Emily then Aiden and Ella join in to make it a group hug. The party started off great but ended up with a lot of tears and yelling. Maybe I should explain more.

Jeb and Mom were in the kitchen preparing the cake while Emily, Aiden, Ella and I were all laughing and splashing around. It was around six but the sun was still slightly over the horizon. Emily and I ganged up on Aiden and Ella which ended up with all of us laughing so hard that water went up our noses. That's when we heard the screaming coming from inside. The four of us went silent and we all hurried out of the pool to see what was going on. Through the sliding glass door, we could see Mom throwing things at Jeb while he just stood there smiling.

"That psycho," I mumbled under my breath. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my siblings nod their heads in agreement.

"YOU FLIPPING JERK! YOU HAVE BEEN CHEATING ON ME FOR THREE YEARS? HOW COULD YOU." I heard Mom scream. I froze. Jeb was cheating? Well, I couldn't say I was surprised. "I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY ASS EVER AGAIN! I AM LEAVING! I HOPE YOU HAVE A MERRY LITTLE LIFE WITH YOUR NEW GIRLFRIEND. YOU'LL HAVE THE DIVORCE PAPERS AT YOUR OFFICE NO LATER THAN TOMORROW."

And with that, Mom loudly walked out of the house, completely forgetting that it was her son's birthday. Remember, I am invisible in Mom's eyes. Like literally. I turn around to see Ella crying quietly and Emily comforting her. Then I turn back towards Jeb with a disgusted look plastered on my face. He was freaking smiling! That just makes him an even bigger psycho and jerk! Jeb sees me and my siblings and starts walking towards us. He stops in front of us and kneels down so we can look him in the eye better.

He bloody smiles. Jerk. "When the divorce papers come in, I'll make sure that I keep every single one of you little b******. In five months, I'll be marrying my girlfriend and you better be grateful you little monsters. Until then, you will be staying at the lab with Max but somewhere different from her." He smiles again and literally pushes us out the door towards his car. I get into the front seat while my siblings take the backseats.

Shoot-a-doo-doo-bear. (AN: Sorry and I do say that sometimes when I hurt myself and I am in front of my family. I am not really supposed to curse.) I can't believe for the next five months my siblings have to live at the torture chamber. And I thought my life was getting better. Stupid hope. Stupid life. Stupid Jeb who just had to ruin his marriage. Jerkpoo.

I turn around in my seat. I meet Emily's eyes and I let her know how sorry I am. Sorry for what you may ask? Well sorry that she had to be in this mess even though I did nothing wrong. I look at little innocent Ella who is asleep with her head in Emily's lap. Then at Aiden, my twin, who was staring out the window with a sad look on his face. Well, our birthday was destroyed. Jeb probably planned for the whole let-Val-find-out-about-the-cheating-thing just so he can keep ruining my life.

As I look out the window, one thought keeps circling around my head. Please don't make Emily, Aiden, and Ella live in dog crates and go through the torture I have put up with for so long. Please. Please. PLEASE.

Five months later

Luckily, Emily, Aiden and Ella were put in an actual bedroom and not a dog crate. I mean, they had to share but it was better than the cramped dog crate. Today, Emily, Aiden, Ella and I are all in a gloom and doom mood. You probably guessed it! Today is the wedding of Jeb and a woman I have never met. Seriously, we are meeting the woman and her family for the first time today. Ella is the flower girl, Aiden is the ring bearer, and Emily and I are Maids of Honor to a lady we have never known. Terrific. So, currently, the four of us are getting ready in a dressing room. Jeb and the mysterious lady are getting married at a grand and very expensive opera house. I have no idea why so don't ask. Ella is wearing a dark red dress, black flats, and white tights. She doesn't have makeup on and her hair is pulled back into a half up half down with the ends curled. She is holding a basket of dark red roses and white roses. Emily is wearing a sparkly, knee length, a little lighter red dress, black heels, and black tights. She has a little makeup on and her hair is pulled back into a fancy braided bun. She is holding a bouquet of red and white roses. Aiden is wearing a tux with a red tie. He is holding the white pillow with both rings placed on top. Maybe I could sabotage the wedding. If Jeb ever found out it was me, he would probably hurt me worse than he was ever done before. Probably should stick to being a goodie goodie for today. And I am wearing a red skirt, black sparkly top that makes me want to gag, black tights, and small black heels. My hair is pulled up into a high pony and the ends are curled. I have slight makeup on that seriously irritates me and I have my own bouquet of red and white roses.

Blah, blah, blah. Finally, it is time to walk out. We go out and stand at the front waiting for the mysterious bride to come out. I glance at Jeb to see him glaring at me. I smile sweetly and turn my attention to the doors as the music picks up a bit. Soon the bride comes out and I must say, she is beautiful. But I already get I-should-not-trust-you-vibes and I can tell my siblings agree with me by just the way they are standing. Our new stepmom had mid back length blonde hair, green eyes that are sharp and slightly cold. Never a good sign. Emily, Aiden and Ella are in for many tough years to come. I predict abuse. Let's see if I am right. She has nice California tan skin but it doesn't really look good on her. She is wearing a floor length white and red wedding dress. It is strapless and hugs her body perfectly. The red makes Evil Stepmom's eyes pop. I already hate her. She is going to hurt my family. I can already tell.

During the whole vow thing, Ella and Emily started crying. Not because they cry at weddings but because they are truly angry and sad that they are getting a new mother. Glancing over at Aiden, I can see his stiff form and the hurt in his eyes. I nod my head slightly in understanding.

During the whole after party, I wanted so badly to throw up. We had to chat to our new step family and I hated each and every one of them. They were so stuck up and kept saying how we are ungrateful when we didn't even do anything wrong. Every now and then I would glance at the now happy couple. They would smile at each other and I would have to turn away before I puked.

I can't believe that my life got a whole lot worse. I mean, I won't have to deal with Evil Stepmom but I will worry about my siblings. They are all still so young and innocent. Evil Stepmom is going to destory them and it will destory to know that I can't save them from their own torture.

Five months later: (the five, then the wedding, and five more equals uno year!) Emily thirteen, Aiden and Max eleven, and Ella nine

EMILY POV

Ever since Mom walked out on us and she didn't win custody of us during the divorce, my life has gone to hell. We had to stay in the lab for five months. I mean, yeah it was a bedroom but I knew what truly went on beyond the walls. What truly happens to Max and all the other mutants who were unfortunate enough to be given up or had the ability to turn into freaks. Aiden and Ella have no idea what Max has been through but I will tell them soon. But they need to be ready and frankly, so do I.

The day of the wedding was truly the worst day of my life. I miss Mom. Her hugs, her smile, her "I love you"'s and just everything about her. Of course, Jeb had to go and ruin it. And on Aiden and Max's birthday. God, Jeb is just terrible. From the moment, Stepmom started walking down that aisle, I knew she didn't have good intentions. So, I started crying. Crying because I was sad about what Max goes through, that we lost Mom, that we have a terrible father, that we are stuck with a new mother who is going to be cruel to us, and that Ella will have to live with cruelty for years to come.

After the wedding, Jeb and Max stayed at the house for about two months. It was nice. We got more bonding time with Max and Stepmom was engrossed with Jeb that they didn't pay any attention to us. Max got to live two months and is a normal eleven year old. God, eleven really? I remember the day Max moved to the lab. That was eight years ago. Max and I became closer, Aiden and Max were closer as well, and Aiden and Ella finally learned about the reality of Max's life. I do have to say that it scarred Ella but now was a better time than any. We got to watch Max fly and boy, was it a wonder. I am glad that Max got something happy out of her messed up life. She also told us about her three friends. I am so glad she made friends. Her social skills aren't great but that is understandable.

There is one bad thing about Jeb and Max staying with us though. We are getting a new sibling. That would make the sixth kid for Jeb. Just great. We have Ari who was the first failed experiment of Jeb's and was abused by Jeb until he ran away when Max and Aiden were born. God, he was only ten. I hardly remember him since I was so small. Then we have me! Experiment Two who failed, has scars on her back where wings were supposed to be and luckily was never abused. I mean, when I got older I think I would have been abused. Then Aiden and Max came. Aiden made the third failed experiment. Max took all the spotlight in Jeb's eyes since she grew wings. But I didn't mind that she was getting all the attention. I felt bad for her because I knew, even from a young age that she will live with torture for the rest of her life. Then came Ella. The fourth failed experiment. Now, Jeb has another kid to experiment on. Poor kid. Even just having Jeb and Stepmom as parents is bad enough.

When Jeb and Max left, we started getting abused by Stepmom. Well, verbal abuse and when she was angry, the occasional slap. Luckily, no more than that. I mean, the verbal abuse was terrible but it could be a lot worse.

One year later: Emily fourteen, Aiden and Max twelve, Ella ten, and baby just born

MAX POV

Currently, Emily, Aiden, Ella and I are all standing outside the hospital room. Evil Stepmom went into labor about two hours ago. Two days ago, I found some pretty strange news. I figured out why all my siblings are failed experiments and I am not. Ari, Emily, Aiden and Ella were all born the proper way. I was born in a tube and injected that way. That is why I succeed and explains why Mom doesn't remember me. She technically never delivered me. But, my question is: Why didn't he put any of my other siblings in a tube like me? Well, I guess I will never know.

I look at my siblings, bored. They are all stiff with nervousness and anger. We never wanted another sibling. We never will. Yeah, I know that sounds harsh and all but we just don't want another kid to go through but I go through if this is another successful experiment. We don't want the kid to be abused. Yeah, I found out that Emily, Aiden and Ella are verbally abused. Sometimes that is worse than physical. I guess my prediction was correct.

Suddenly, we heard crying coming from the room and it was a baby's cry. All four of us glance at each other. Jeb comes out and tells us to come meet our sibling. Ugh, he wouldn't tell us the gender. We walk in to see the baby in the arms of our Stepmom. She is smiling at us sweetly. At least she knows I exist. I shake my head of the absurd thought. Stupid thoughts. Emily and I walk towards the bed on the left side while Ella and Aiden are on the other side. It is a baby boy with Evil Stepmom's hair and Jeb's piercing blue eyes.

"What's his name?" asks Ella. Evil Stepmom smiled at Ella. I rolled my eyes.

"Emily, Aiden and Max, Ella, meet your half brother Matthew."

I see Jeb standing near the door so I walk over to him. I need to ask the question that I have wanted to know since I got here.

"Does he have wings?" I whisper to Jeb. He shakes his head. God, I am the only successful experiment in this large family. Honestly, that is both good and sad. I place a hand on his shoulder. What? Yeah it may have been weird but I want to be nicer to him. Ok, I am going to tell you a secret. But it has to stay between you and me. I am planning an escape in a year or two. The plan needs to be perfect for it to work. Step One: I need to get on Jeb's good side. It will probably look like I am up to something (which I am) but I am also older. About he will finally think that I need to corporate since I have been through the torture for so long. Ooof, that last part is really sad. Step Two: get access to different rooms in the lab. Maybe Jeb will let me roam around a bit after I settle my temper a bit. Step Three: make sure that Jeb and the scientists can't track me when I escape. I think this is a pretty good plan. Being nice will not be fun since the crazy's aren't but this plan will work. So it is really my only option. I really don't want to cause a scene while escaping.

Anyways, back to my half brother. Ella is holding him. She is so adorable. Luckily, the baby doesn't have wings. Maybe since Evil Stepmom has her own son she'll leave Emily, Aiden, and Ella alone. Let's only hope. I sit next to Emily on a chair and give her a look that says: "No wings. Safe." I can see Emily visibility relax. I look in the direction of Jeb and sees that he wants to speak with me. I stifled a groan and eye roll and walked over to him.

"Yes?"

He smiles. Ugh, I hate that smile. It is so damn creepy. "Good news, Max. Since you have a new sibling and I want to watch it for a while, we'll be living at the house for the next year."

I am frozen in shock. Then I smile a fake smile. "That's great." I mean, it is but Jeb was at the lab after Emily was born, after Aiden or me or Ella and probably after Ari. What made him want to stay home for this baby? What made him so special? I am the one with flipping bird DNA in my body. I really hate Jeb.

"Now, Emily and Max join your mother," Stepmom, Jeb, stepmom. "Picture time." Pictures? A divorce, wedding, and new child is changing Jeb. And I don't think I like the change.

One year later: Emily fifteen, Aiden and Max thirteen, Ella eleven, Matthew one

MAX POV

This has seriously been the best year of my life. I moved in with my family so Jeb can be with his new wife and child. He only goes back to the lab twice every month and with me of course. Jeb decided to enroll me in school which was pointless because I am already ahead of everyone even without schooling myself. Heck, I am even ahead of Emily and she skipped sixth grade. Eighth grade with Aiden as my partner in crime was a blast. The both of us are great at building bombs and I loved arguing with some of the teachers everyday. I joined Aiden's friend group and they all seemed to like me which I am grateful for. But, Nikki, Jordan and Neon will always be my best friends. Nothing can change that. Emily taught me how to ride a bike, surf, and a bunch of other stuff normal teenage girls do. She even bought me a camera because I became interested in capturing moments. That sounded cheesy but whatever. It was definitely the best year of my life and nothing will change that.

After Matthew turned one, Jeb and I headed back to the lab. The fun ended but I got to keep all my stuff in Emily's room since once a month, I'll be at the house for a week instead of two days. It'll be nice. Now that I am back at the lab, I need to start putting my plan into action. Hopefully, it won't take long for Jeb to trust me. I mean, I was a troublemaker with Aiden at school but at home I was the perfect Angel. It made me gag several times. Because of my "sweetness" I like Evil Stepmom genuinely likes me more than the others. Other than Matthew, I think I am her favorite. Which is good but also bad.

One year later: Emily sixteen, Aiden and Max fourteen, Ella twelve, Matthew two

MAX POV

The plan is in motion. The last time I was at the house, I packed up everything I will need for my escape. At the end, I ended up with two duffel bags. In duffel bag A is a pillow, blankets, sleeping bag, small backpacking tent, all my clothes and some of Emily's she let me have, a winter coat, bathing suit, and extra shoes. I also managed to stuff a journal, an old photo album of my siblings, an empty photo album and my beloved camera that I haven't used yet. In duffel bag B is a month worth of food for one bird kid (me), 5,000 dollars (I have no idea how I managed to get that), a laptop and phone that can't be tracked, and a tracking device so I know where Erasers, Jeb and my family are. It will definitely come in handy.

Oh, there is something I forgot to mention. You know, the wedding and new brother and all. Anyways, ever since I turned ten I have developed some powers. Some I can hide from Jeb and the wackjob scientists, others I cannot. I have five powers in total and two I can hide. The three that the scientists know about is the super speed (I got this one back when I was twelve. I was in the arena and all of a sudden BAM! Slamming into the metal of the arena at 300 miles per hour hurts! I ended up being unconscious for a week after that!), speaking and understanding any language (I found this one when I was eleven. That day, I was being experimented on by a bunch of Japanese speaking people. Let's just say I heard some pretty disturbing things and said some nasty words back at them), and seeing in the dark. The two powers that the scientists don't know about is my invisibility (and turning others and things invisible by the touch of my hand) and being freeze proof, waterproof so flying in the rain is not an issue any more, fire proof which will be super helpful and bullet proof. Sadly, not stab proof. So I am going to use invisibility to help in my escape. If only I knew the escape needed to be sooner than expected.

EMILY POV

Life was a merry up until Jeb and Max left. As soon as they were in their car, Stepmom went back to verbal abuse and more physical abuse. So insult, slap, punch, kick, insult was how it was everyday for about three months. Then it got worse. By the time she was done, we would be mentally wounded, have sore ribs, and bruises everywhere. Yeah, it is not as bad as some people but it still isn't right. We never did anything wrong. Especially Ella. I wish Jeb never remarried to a b****.

Five months later

EMILY POV

The most surprising thing happened yesterday when Aiden, Ella and I were getting beat up. Mom came home. Now, we are packing up all of our stuff and moving with her to Arizona where she has a nice husband. We tried to get her to go get Max but Mom keeps saying she doesn't have a daughter named Max. We tried everything but nothing worked. We don't have a choice to stay so there is nothing we can do about Max. But when she comes back, I'll have a note ready for her. Everything is already in the car.

"Emily, come down sweetie. Aiden and Ella are already in the car," yells Mom. I take one last look at my room. My empty side and Max's full side. One tear slides down my cheek then I turn and head down the stairs. At the bottom, I see Mom glaring at Stepmom and baby Matthew. I say bye to Matthew then follow Mom out the door. As I climb into the door all I can think is Super sorry Max. You deserve to come with us. Sorry all of this had to happen to you. I buckle in and as Mom starts the car I turn to see Ella crying quietly and Aiden staring out the window. I too look out the window at the house I grew up in as Mom leaves the neighborhood.

Arizona here we come.

Wow, this one chapter is sixteen pages! Sorry if it is a bit too long but I wanted the different years in one chapter. Next chapter will be more present so starting with Emily and their new life, then Max's escape then from there. Please review!

-Kath