A/N: ok so here is chapter 10. Sorry it took so long. But I had college and high school finals to worry about and then I just had a million things going on so I didn't really have time to write, then when I did Fanfic.net was down so I couldn't post anyways. So here's to hoping this posted ok and all is well. Oh and just so you guys know…I'm going out of town for the next two weeks, so no SM…sorry bout that you guys…but hey, ff.net will probably be down anyways. So with out further adew…chapter 10.

~ * ~ * ~ Summer Magic ~ * ~ * ~

Max took a deep breath. After arguing with Logan, Nic dragged Logan away from Max to go to dinner. After thinking things through, about how she was going to tell Rafer it was over and how it would be clear she meant forever, Max made her way down to the pool. It was almost seven. Even though she knew what had happened was true she couldn't just leave Rafer. She hated what he'd done to Nic, but she still couldn't just ditch him with out some sort of explanation.

Logan had thrown a fit when Max had announced her plan. He tried everything to convince her to just go to dinner with Nic and himself. Nic hadn't said much, she reminded Max to be careful, but knew that no matter how much she or Logan pleaded, Max would do as she pleased. She had tried to calm Logan down and to make him try to understand the same thing, but he continued to plead and argue with Max all the same. Finally, after hours of arguing between Max and himself, Logan came to realize that she was immovable on this one. Reluctantly he went with Nic to dinner in the hotel restaurant.

~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ *~

Logan looked to the swimming pool area as he and Nic passed. Seeing Max walking towards Rafer his heart rate quickened. This was all wrong, she should never have gone to see him alone. Granted there were a few people still wandering around, but she wasn't safe with him. Alone. Running his hand through his hair he let out a breath, "Oh damn." He announced.

Nic turn mid-stride, "What?"

"Uh, left my wallet upstairs, I'll run and get it, meet you there in a second ok?" Logan lied.

Nic studied him a second then nodded, "Ok, I'll see you in there."

Logan nodded and headed back to the elevators. Looking over his shoulder, Logan watched as Nic walked into the restaurant. Quickly looking around the hotel, Logan walked to the doors facing the swimming pool. He watched as Max and Rafer exchanged words. He was ready to jump out and defend her at any second, but from what he was seeing, it looked as if it would all be ok. Logan watched Max back up then walk away, Rafer stood for a second, stunned, it looked like. Logan watched Rafer for a couple more seconds before turning to meet Nic in the restaurant. Checking his pocket for his wallet then jogging over to the restaurant. Soon Max would be coming in and no one was the wiser.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Max shook the thoughts from her head as she watched Rafer approach. Her stomach churned, how could he have done such a thing? It just didn't seem possible.

She gave a weak smile as he waved, "Hey Max."

"Hey."

Rafer looked her up and down, his brow furrowed at the site of her in green plaid pajama pants and a white tank top, "We're supposed to go out tonight aren't we?"

"About that," Max began, "look Rafer, I don't think I can go out with you."

Rafer locked gazes with her, "Ok, so what about tomorrow?"

"Rafer," Max said, looking at her hands which were twining and untwining, "I can't go out with you. Period. Not tomorrow, or the next day." Max took a deep breath, "Never."

Rafer looked stunned, he ran a hand through his hair, "Why?"

Max shrugged, "I just can't Rafer. I'm sorry, but I just can't."

"But why Max? I thought we had something." He motioned between them, his eyes pleading with her.

Max swallowed as she locked gazes with him, "I'm sorry Rafer, I just can't."

Rafer folded his arms over his chest, "At least tell me what I did, tell my why all a sudden."

"No," Max shook her head, "It's me; I just…I can't do this." Max bit her lip; she had tried to figure out what to say when he asked why. 'Because you raped my best friend.' Just didn't seem to fit. Chewing on her lip she finally answered with a lie, "I'm going back home at the end of the summer, and if this continues, I don't want either of us getting hurt. So can we just go our separate ways and move on before any more feelings get involved?"

Rafer studied her for a moment, "Can't we just savor the time we have?" he asked, reaching a hand out to touch her arm.

Max jumped at the touch, as much as she didn't want to admit it, she was a little scared of what he might do. Shaking her head and stepping back she tried to find something to say, "I just…Rafer I can't…" She was at a loss, she just wanted to run, but if she did that she knew he would follow. Max looked around her, they were all alone save for a few wandering few on the beach area. The closest group of people was clear across the hotel in the restaurant. She didn't want to be here anymore. Why hadn't she just listened to Nic and Logan? Max almost smiled at the thought of Logan. He had been so different towards her lately. Looking at Rafer as she continued to back up, suddenly she wished that she had a date with Logan and not Rafer. She wished that she could be sitting with him watching a movie instead of here, getting herself out of the mess that had been created. She wished that she could wake up in his arms again. That the kiss they had almost shared would really happen.

Rafer stood, oblivious to the thoughts racing through Max's mind and confused as ever. He took a step towards her, "Max," he tried again, "Why? Tell me what I did, I'll fix it."

Max gave a slight smile, "It's not your fault Rafer." She assured him, "Really, It's not you."

"Then what is it?" he asked, closing the distance between them.

"There's someone else, Rafer." She answered.

Rafer's eyes widened, "What?"

Max nodded, "I'm sorry Rafer, but I can't keep doing this when I really want to be with him."

Rafer blinked a few times, "Some one else?"

Max nodded again, "I'm really sorry Rafer. I didn't realize until it was too late."

Rafer took a few steps back, "No, it's cool Max."

"Rafer…" Max started.

"No, Max," He cut her off, "Really, it's ok." He tried to reassure her, his voice giving away the obvious lie.

"I don't know what to say Rafer, I'm just sorry." She offered.

Rafer shook his head, "Just go Max. Just go."

Max nodded, part of her glad to be rid of him, but part of her also sad at what she'd done to him. She didn't want to hurt him, despite the pain he had caused to Nic and despite the dislike she had for him. She had just wanted it to be done with – simple and short. But then she hadn't wanted to fall for Logan either. She'd never realized how she even felt about Logan until just now.

A little confused and feeling mixed emotions, Max nodded and turned to go to her room to sort out her newfound feelings and what exactly she was going to do about them.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

"Logan Cale!" Nic hissed as Logan took his seat.

"What?" Logan asked.

Nic looked to the entrance, "Your wallet huh?"

Logan placed his wallet on the table, "Yeah, my wallet."

"Oh, so you just had to catch the swimming pool on your way up?" Nic glared.

Logan furrowed his brow then let out his breath, "Okay so, I was worried."

"She was just fine Logan. Didn't need you to do anything." Nic accused.

Logan just shook his head and looked at the menu, "What's good here?" he asked, looking to the door.

"I hear everything." Nic answered, as she observed Logan pull at his collar then run his hands through his hair numerous times.

"Logan," Nic interrupted his fidget fit, "Calm down."

"Sorry, I just…she walked away from him," Logan said, pulling at his collar two more times and looking towards the entrance way, "And she was fine. That was five minutes ago!"

"Logan," Nic berated for the ninth time that evening, "Stop."

Logan looked up from his water glass, "What?"

Nic rolled her eyes, "I swear, if you stretch your collar, or run your hands through your hair and look to that entry way one more time. She's ok Logan. Probably getting ready or something."

"I know, but Nic, I'm worried. We know what Rafer did, how do we know he won't…" Logan trailed off.

"She's a big girl Logan, she'll be ok, and he's not at a party now, he's not drunk. She'll be fine." Nic finished for him."

Logan looked up at Nic, "you're not helping."

"That's my job as your big sister, and he's not Logan. Let it go." Nic said, for the seemingly hundredth time.

"I know," Logan sighed, playing with the corner of his napkin, "I just wish I could be there." Off of Nic's disbelieving glare, Logan added, "In case he tries anything or something."

"Uh huh," Nic teased, "I don't buy that one…lover boy."

"Nic…" Logan shook his head.

"Logan…I mean really, it's pathetic. You and Max." Nic started in.

Logan looked up at his sister, "What about me and Max?"

"You do know how pathetic it is," Nic continued, "How sad it is you two 'pretending' not to like each other. I mean, you two won't even admit to being friends." Nic held up her hand to shush him when Logan opened his mouth again, "No Logan, just stop trying to deny that you might just like the girl. Maybe even as more than just the girl across the street. I see how you two look when you talk about each other. You like her and she likes you. So you grew up as neighbors. Where does it say neighbors can't be more than just neighbor or friends?"

Logan looked around the restaurant, still half listening to his sister go on about how ridiculous he and Max were being. He actually agreed with her, but right now he was too worried about Max. What if Rafer did something? Sure he wasn't drunk, but he had potential to do something. Logan gazed at a picture on the wall. It was one he'd never seen before. The mix of colors matching the hotel restaurant's style while giving it a slight clash, yet also livening up the room. The restaurant was very nice, as was the whole hotel. The entryway was a golden arch lined with white roses and baby's breath. Logan looked back to the entrance once again, hoping to see Max walking through it.

"Logan?" He heard Nic say.

"Huh? What?" Logan answered, tearing his gaze away from the entrance.

Nic rolled her eyes again, "Have you even been listening?"

Logan nodded, his eyes wandering back to the entrance, "Yeah, sure Nic. Ok, she said she'd come when she was done. Where is she? It's been over fifteen minutes."

Nic threw up her hands, "My god Logan. If you're that worried about the girl, just go check on her."

"No," Logan answered then thought for a second. Coming to the conclusion that it would really do no good he shook his head, "No, you're right. She's probably fine."

"She 'is' fine." Nic countered.

"Okay, she is fine." Logan repeated.

"Yes!" Nic smiled triumphantly, "Now can we eat, please? I'm starving."

Logan looked to the entrance once more then back at Nic, "Yeah, let's eat." He agreed, looking down at the menu. Slightly lifting it, trying to concentrate on the words, his mind still stuck on Max and if she was ok. Sighing Logan shook his head and then looked back to the menu. He could do this, it was dinner.

"Oh my goodness!" Nic interrupted his mind battle.

Logan looked to his sister, "What now?"

"Oh just go get her!" Nic retorted.

Logan's eyes shifted to the door, "Are you sure?"

"No," Nic shook her head, "But you won't sit and eat till you know she's okay."

Logan half stood then sat back down, meeting his sister's stare, "Yes I can. I'm sorry Nic. Let's just eat dinner." He confirmed, raising the menu once again to return to his mind's battleground.

"Finally." Nic mused, looking over her menu then for their waiter.

Finding no help from the menu, Logan looked to his sister, "So what's good here?"

Nic shrugged, "I don't know, supposedly everything." She supplied again, he really wasn't listening to word she said tonight.

"Everything, right." Logan scoffed.

Nic studied Logan for a second before sighing, "Oh just go."

"Nic…" Logan warned.

"Max," Nic shushed Logan, "Would you just go check on her, for yours and my own peace of mind? I mean it's so blatantly obvious, and you're driving me nuts. So just go."

Logan caught his sister's eye, "Thank you Nic."

"Uh huh," Nic shrugged, "Go play savior to the weak."

"Max isn't weak." Logan defended.

"I know that Logan." Nic agreed, "She's fine, remember?"

Logan placed his napkin on the place setting, "I know, but I really have to know for real."

Nic nodded, "Go."

"And you're right." Logan smiled.

"Course I'm right, I'm always right. What am I right about this time?" Nic asked curiously. Logan was actually admitting she was right, this had to be good

"It was bound to happen." Logan added, walking away.

Nic's eyes widened, "I knew it!"

Logan nodded, "I know it too now." Smiling again, Logan thanked his sister with a wave and jogged to find Max.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Max opened the door to her suit, walked into the living area, and flopped down on the couch. She smiled to herself, never would she have imagined. She let an unbelieving giggle, "How did?" She wondered aloud. Smiling again, Max stood and walked to the kitchen area. Filling a glass with water, she took a drink. Mid-drink Max's eyes widened. Swallowing the water in her mouth and dumping the remaining water down the sink Max ran to her room, "Logan! Nic! Dinner! Late! No! Oh god! They're probably so worried!"

Max threw her shirt off and grabbed a dark red tank top, grabbing some khaki jean shorts and running into the bathroom. Quickly pulling on the shorts while trying to brush her hair and applying a bit of eye makeup.

Taking a quick glance in the mirror Max smiled to herself and slipped on a pair of sandals, jogging to the door. Opening it, she was faced with a chest. Looking up Max gasped, "Rafer."

Max backed up. He looked mad, really mad. His jaw was clenched and his fists were clenching then unclenching.

"What…what are you doing here Rafer?" Max asked cautiously.

Rafer looked Max up and down then stepped into the suite, closing the door behind him, "You were in an awful hurry there Max. Got a date?" he accused.

Max shook her head, "No Rafer, I was meeting Nic and Logan for dinner in the restaurant."

"You seemed to be in a big hurry for just dinner." His gaze bore into her.

"Rafer, stop…you're scaring me." Max stammered.

Rafer sneered, "Another guy? Why? We were perfect."

Max shook her head, "Rafer, it was only a few weeks. What do you want me to do? Keep doing something that's not making me happy when there's someone else. I didn't want to hurt you like that."

Rafer stormed at Max, "Didn't want to hurt me?" he yelled, "You use me to get with some other guy, and that's not supposed to hurt?"

Max's back was up against the wall now, she looked to the left and right, looking for escape, "No Rafer, that's not how it was."

Rafer pressed himself up against her, "Oh really? Then how was it Max? You pretend to be with me, make him jealous till he come around?"

"No!" Max denied, "Not at all."

"Liar!" Rafer yelled, "You used me!"

"Rafer No, I didn't!" Max defended.

Rafer silenced her with a hard kiss, then pulled back, "You used me, now I'm going to use you." He spat, kissing her again, his hands coming up to grope at her breasts.

Max squirmed, trying to get away, pushing Rafer back, "Rafer no! Stop!" She cried, tears streaming down her face as the fear she'd had that whole night started to become reality.

Rafer silenced her again, forcing his tongue into her mouth, his hands knotting in her hair and pulling.

Max cried out in pain, but Rafer only kissed her harder, moving a hand down to the button on her shorts.

Max struggled against him, trying to push him away, trying to escape, but he over powered her then threw her onto the couch, "Bitch! You used me, now you pay!" he screamed at her, climbing on top of her, kissing her again. While all she could do was struggle and cry, trying to get away from him.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Logan jogged across the lobby looking for Max. He stopped at the desk, asked the woman behind the desk if she'd seen Max go by. Getting a negative answer Logan thanked he woman and ran out to where the pool was, no luck there either.

Running his hands through his hair, Logan sat on one of the chairs, would she be in her room? On the beach? Deciding to try the beach Logan walked to the water, looking up and down the water line, a few people stood in the night. It was almost dark, but not quite. Logan looked out to the water, "Max, where are you?"

Turning to try her room, Logan took not three steps before he heard a familiar squeal then felt Asha wrap herself around him, "Loogie!" she cried.

Logan looked to the hotel then down at Asha, "No, get off of me." He pleaded, trying to walk towards the hotel.

"But Loogie," she whined, "Stay with me!"

Logan shook his head and practically threw her off of him, "No!" he said, his voice rising, "Stay away from me, stay away from Max. Just go and find some other poor soul to obsess over."

Asha's lower lip stuck out and then she burst into tears, "But Loogie!"

Logan shook his head, "Get off it Asha, stop the act and leave me alone."

Asha promptly stopped her racket and then stood, storming off. Logan looked at his watch, it'd been almost a half hour now. Glancing in Asha's direction once more Logan made his way to the elevators. "Her room." He told himself, "She has to be there."

Tapping his foot against the floor Logan's patience ran thin as he waited for the damn elevator. Finally the elevator arrived and he ran in, furiously pushing the third story button repeatedly, "Come on, come on!" he pleaded with the elevator. Finally the doors closed and the elevator rose those three stories. When the doors opened Logan shot out of them and ran to her room. The door was locked. Logan banged on the doors, but heard nothing. Thinking quick, Logan ran to his room, fumbling with the key but finally getting into his room and rushing to the connecting door.

"Max!" he called, hearing muffled cries coming from he other side. Not waiting another second Logan burst into the room.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

A/N: MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA (insert more evil laughter here ____________) so now you gotta wait more! Katerpillar_03@hotmail.com or leave a review.