Still the 15th

Not coming in till dinner, Max and Logan were greeted by a table outfitted for two. Candles and all. Finding Tinga, Jondy, and Bling in the kitchen, Max asked "What's all this?" as she gestured towards the table.

"A romantic dinner for two" Tinga replied

Raising an eyebrow, Max said no more.

"We already ate." Jondy told her

"I see....and why are you doing this exactly?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Jondy rolled her eyes

"Like, wake up and smell the coffee Max, he totally digs you" Tinga added

"Ya think?" Max asked, trying to hide a smile

Nodding in agreement, both said "Definitely"

"A huh, well how did you come to this conclusion?" Max asked leaning on the counter and crossing her arms.

"For one, you two stare at each other constantly" Tinga began

"...and every time anyone mentions you and him, you blush like crazy" Jondy said, smirking as a slight red came to Max's face.

"Point taken." Max replied, trying to drop the subject

"Oh, and then that whole Zack thing...and the kiss....and how we could hear you two laughing this morning all the way down here...." Tinga laughed as a full fledged blush crept across Max's face at the mention of this morning.

"I reserve tomorrow night for a slumber party. We won't let you go till we get all the details!" Jondy supplied, shooing Max out of the kitchen. "Now get!"

Turning around in a mock salute, Max said "Yes ma'am" and marched out the door, joining Logan for dinner.

{Cabin} March 16th

Waking up the next morning, Max sighed happily, if still a bit tired from her bout with the Manticore designed flu. Dinner last night had seemed perfect. She couldn't remember ever feeling happier then she did right now. All of a sudden she felt at ease, peaceful. All was right with the world. Snuggling closer to Logan, Max placed a hand on his back. Feeling him tense up, she withdrew quickly. Propping herself up on an elbow, she looked down at his face, which was contorted in pain.

"What is it?" she asked concerned

"My backs sore is all." he stated, then smiled boyishly as he continued, "Must be all the extra workout it's been getting lately"

"Ha Ha." Max laughed, rolling her eyes, and then pouncing on his lips, she got out of bed and dressed quickly, saying "I'm going for a walk. Later" then, winking at him, she left.

"Bye" somewhat dazed at her quick departure, Logan attempted to lower himself into the chair, only to be wracked by pain. Grunting he managed to settle down, then, calling to Bling to help him down the stairs, he thought back over dinner last night

*flash*

"...so, about Zack..." he started

"What about him?" Max snapped

"He liked you more then a brother Max."

"So, what. That's all he is to me." she said, turning her head away

Knowing he was pushing it, Logan asked "Is that all he is to you? Really?"

"Yes!" she spat, stuffing a fork full of food in her mouth, ending the conversation. Logan knew he had upset her, but he needed to be know if she and Zack really were over. ((maybe I'm taking things too fast...))

*end flash*

Max took a long walk around the lake to clear her head ((things are going too fast....)) ((but I'm ok with fast)) she smiled to herself ((I just hope I'm doing the right thing...with Logan and all...I can't run this time....Too bad Manticore didn't have a course on emotions)) Going back to the cabin, Max went inside searching for Logan. Finding him deep in a conversation on the phone, she leaned back against the wall, crossing her arms, waiting for him to finish. When he did get off, he was the first to speak.

"How would you feel about going out tomorrow night?" he asked

"Sounds fine to me. Where are we going?"

"You'll see....you'll need to get a dress."

Smiling, Max said "No problem" ((never pass up the opportunity to sharpen my skills...))

"It's formal." Logan warned

"Don't worry, I got you covered"

"Here." he said, handing her a wad a bills. "Jondy already agreed to go with you." ((thank goodness))

Raising her eyebrows questioningly "Oh really? Why are you going through all this trouble just for a date? Are you that nervous?" Max asked, grinning at him.

Raking his hand through his hair, Logan replied "No reason..." ((can't let her find out...))

"Whatever" Max said, shrugging her shoulders. Starting towards the door she added "I better go find Jondy and head out, by the time we even make it to a town that has decent stores they will be closing." ((let's see...what should I get...something to make his jaw drop, that's for sure))

"I made arrangements for you to stay at a hotel in a town about 30 miles from here." Logan told her, shifting nervously in his seat. ((don't let her know you're nervous...calm...))

"Why's that?" Max asked, getting curious. ((he wants to get rid of me that badly?))

"Just because there are some good stores...and knowing you..." he said, his eyes twinkling, "...you'll take all day picking out the perfect dress."

Holding out her hand and smiling slyly, Max stated "In that case, I will need some more spending money dad."

"Sure thing" he said, handing her another wad of bills that he had ready, knowing she would ask. "Use it wisely. And may the force be with you" he added, deepening his voice. At Max's questioning gaze, he waved it off saying, "Never mind....you're too young to remember." "I'll see you tomorrow then" he said, looking up at her, etching her face into his mind.

"Where?"

"Jondy will take you there." was his mysterious reply.

Now Max, more curious then ever, went off to find Jondy....((maybe she will let me in on whatever seems to be going on....))

{Hotel} March 16th

--Max dropped wearily into the bed, glad the day was over. Jondy hadn't told her anything. She just dragged Max around to what seemed like hundreds of stores, looking for the perfect dress. They finally both decided on a black one, strapless, with a back crisscrossed by straps that you had to lace up, one hole at a time. Then came the shoes. Max never thought there could be so many! After that they had started for the hotel, but halfway there Jondy realized they hadn't gotten any new makeup for her....Max breathed a deep sigh as she sank farther down into the soft bed, only to have Jondy knock softly on the door, interrupting her thoughts.

"So, are you going to tell me what's really going on?" Max asked

"My lips are sealed" Jondy replied, pretending to zip them shut, as she put Max's dress away for her. Then, shrugging apologetically, she left the room.

((what's so important about tomorrow that everyone but me seems to know? Hmmm...I smell something fishy...or more likely, something Logany...))