Chapter 11

Logan knitted his eyebrows together. "Sky are sure you've never seen them before."
Something was not adding up.

She nodded her head. He had tried every angle and she, at the same time, had managed
to remain true to the lie she knew was imperative to keep. He was frustrated, but if
she knew Logan, he wouldn't question her. There was a respect between the two, however
that was probably due to the fact that he didn't really know her...his view was prejudice,
seeing her only as a kind, unfortunate girl...but he was wrong, for everyone had secrets,
hidden shames that tortured them daily..stirring inside them, reminding them of why
they could never be truly good. At least that what's Sky believed. Her life was plagued
with regrets, memories that seemed to fade when she met Nathaniel, but now they were
becoming more intense and real...eating away at her slowly.

Max had remained silent the entire time. She looked back and forth from Logan to Sky.
Somehow whenever she looked at Logan, really looked at him she was captured. Her
heart ached for him...it had never felt that before. Men had been a temporary source of
amusement, never anything to remain committed to, but with Logan....it was just, well
different. There were times when every inch of her body cried out for him, when she
thought she was ready to just give in and kiss him harder than she had ever kissed anyone
in her life. But then there were times when she was afraid to try to step over that line.
She didn't want to lose him...she couldn't, so she sucked it in and suppressed her desires.

Sky studied her slightly. There was something about the way she looked at Logan, some mixture
of tenderness and yearning in her face. It reminded Sky of the way she looked at Nathaniel.
You never forgot that look. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth slightly for some odd reason.

"Alright. I'm going to get a start on those descriptions you gave me...maybe I can get them picked
up." He gave one last questioning look at Sky before he turned around and wheeled himself into
the computer room. The two women were left staring awkwardly at each other.

Finally Sky stood up in one quick jerky movement, picked up her coffee mug, then walked over
and placed her hand on Max's. "You done?" Max nodded. She lifted it up and walked into the kitchen
where she remained.
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"Hey Boo!" Max nodded in greeting to her outspoken friend as she joined her for a game at their
sacred foosball table. Max had beaten OC more times than she could count, but always managed to
get a kick out of scoring on her friend. She listened to Original Cindy chatter on about her day,
Normal, her latest "squeeze," and oh yes, Normal. A smile crossed her face. It felt good to get
away from the current situation at hand. Tension had been getting more intense every day for the
past week since Sky had moved in. Max found it awkward to go over to Logan's and not be alone
anymore. She missed the secret intimacy the two shared. It wasn't really gone, just being invaded.
Now, at Crash she could relax and soak in the smells of beer and peanuts. Oddly enough the combination
relaxed her.

As Max continued her game of foosball with Original Cindy. A voice floated through the room. O.C looked
up as Max scored on her again. She was apparently unamused at the huge amount of points she had
managed to give away. Max murmered"So they finally got some poor soul to sing."

Cindy nodded " One fine poor soul." Max rolled her eyes and laughed, she was about to tease O.C.
when her voice caught in her throat. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Sky?" Her voice was sharp. Indeed it was Sky, standing upon the stage, her hand gripping the
microphone tenderly...her body draped in a blue dress adorned with tiny beads. Cindy looked at Max
oddly. "You ok Boo?"

"Ya!..Never mind," Max began to walk forward, "I'll be right back." She tried to push her way
through the crowd of people dancing near the front, but found it difficult. Then stopped at the
thought...people dancing...it was an unusual occurrence at Crash. Most people just drank and hung
around, but dancing, that was fairly unheard of. Suddenly Sketchy grabbed her arm.

"Wanna dance." A strange look showed through his eyes.

Max looked at firmly. "No." He shrugged and stumbled away. Max shook her head and focused on Sky.
She had to admit Sky's voice was beautiful, warm and rich and at the same time haunting and melancholy.
As she listened to it, it drew her into some distant state. There was a passion in Sky's countenance,
a charm that was evident as she continued, and the purity of her essence caused Max to step back.
Best to let her finish.


Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it's a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe

Sky closed her eyes. She could almost feel the tender touch of Nathaniel's hand, the softness of his breath...

I'm broken in two
And I know you're on to me
That I only come home
When I'm so all alone
But I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won't give up on me
And I shall believe
And I shall believe

Almost...she was so tired of almost,but it was all that was left now...almost, but somehow there were
moments when she did believe, if only for a moment that the touch was real again.

Open the door
And show me your face tonight
I know it's true
No one heals me like you
And you hold the key
Never again
would I turn away from you
I'm so heavy tonight
But your love is alright
And I do believe
That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won't give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
And I shall believe

Sky smiled as several people clapped. She felt free and at peace. Singing did that to her. It
released every emotion she felt...let her cry without shedding any tears, let her remember,
let her laugh without actually chuckling. The lights shone bright on her forehead and she stepped
off the stage blinking from the contrast of the darkness. She wiped away the sweat produced by nerves
and stepped over to the cash register to claim compensation for her efforts.

As she counted the crisp bills the manager's rough voice shouted over the chatter,"You up for another
night?"

She nodded as she placed the money in her purse.. "You bet."

"I'll see you tomorrow...nine o'clock."

Sky began to answer but was interrupted by a voice behind her.. "Unfortunately you won't be seeing her."

Sky whirled around to see Max standing behind her with folded arms. "What are you doing here?" Sky
asked quite surprised.

"I should be asking you the same question."

"None of your business.." then Sky faced the owner.. "I'll see you tomorrow." He nodded and poured
himself a drink. Briskly she walked by Max brushing shoulders purposely. Max followed despite her
overwhelming frustration...if it weren't for Logan's request she'd let her go.

The night was crisp and the fading streetlights managed to provide a slight glimpse of the sidewalk.
Finally after a slight effort at catching up, Max managed to grab Sky's arm.

Sky turned around.. "Get your hands off me." She grabbed it tightly, the strength of the grip
surprised Max slightly.

"What do you have a death wish or something?"

Sky looked her up and down.. "I'm starting to." Max narrowed her eyes indicating that the point
was understood.

"Listen..do you want me to.." Sky's face suddenly contorted into an odd look as she ceased walking.
"What is it?" Max asked sarcastically. The look on Sky's face was intense.

Sky looked at Max, a glimpse of fear and panic in her face. She grabbed Max's arm and pulled
her into the shadows of an alley. "What are you doing?" Max protested.

"Shut up...they're here. I feel them."