Made Of Steel

Chp 12

Made Of Steel

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Terry unlocked the door, stepped in his home ignoring the pain in his side. The vid screen painted the room in blue shadows. Terry looked down onto the coach to see a small blanket pulled over a clunked out Matt. There was a yellow light down the hall way, a small click of the switch and Max' s figure emerged from the hall. Terry wasn't suspecting her to be there but his surprised expression faded into a delighted one as he softly shut the door.

Max paused momentarily, " Your mom had a date." She explained as she went over to Matt, pulled the blanket up.



Terry nodded. " Was he any trouble?" He asked watching her stroke Matty's wild black hair from his face. She shock her head no. He walked up to her, laced an arm around her waist, moved in to steal a kiss.



"Terry?" Matt's sleepy voice floated in the air. Max pulled away, walked over to kitchen table to get her bag. Terry kneeled down beside the couch " Yeah, it's me."



Matt rolled off the couch and stumbled past the coffee table, Maxine met him half way.



"You leaving now?" He asked, rubbing his eyes. Max gave Matt a hug and kissed him on the head. "Yes babe, I gotta get home."



"Go brush your teeth Matty." Terry told his little brother. Matt walked away, leaving the two in the dark. Max looked down to the floor in a awkward manner, she went to say something but changed her mind.



"What?" Terry asked looking into her eyes.



"Nothing," She lied. "I'm just tired, pizza in the oven if you're hungry." She planted a quick kiss on his lips and started for the door. Terry followed her out to the hall elevator. She pushed the button for the elevator. They both stood waiting. The door opened and Mrs. McGinnis hesitated in getting out when she saw them standing there.



"Oh, Hi." She said, as they stepped out of her way. " I wasn't to late hon, was I?" She asked Max.



"Not at all. Did you have a good time?" She asked stepping in the elevator. Terry gave his mother a hug and stepped in next to her, he blocked the door from closing.



"Oh I did, How much do I owe you?" She asked pulling purse out. Maxine held up her hand in protest. Mrs. McGinnis smiled sweetly.



" Mom I'm gonna walk her home." Terry said. His mom nodded and went to see after Matt.



Over the years, Terry wouldn't have let the silence last this long, but as uncomfortable as he could feel her getting, he turned and starred at her. Not even a second of this and Max's brow sunk in, she turned to him. Terry spoke. " If I hadn't caught you last night, would you have told me?" He asked quickly. It caught her off guard.



"Eventually" she said crossing her arms. Terry was a bit thrown back .



"Eventually!" He repeated . Max turned away.



"If Trevor and Todd learned to keep there hands to themselves, I wouldn't said anything." She told him as the doors opened. They walked out the building, the city had long since calm down for the night.



"You're serious!" Terry snorted.



Max took her jacket off, began fanning herself and answered. "Yes." Terry just starred at her. Here we go, she thought. " The big reason why I told you about the mugging is because Dana threaten to tell you first."



"What the hell?" He said amazed. " If I was there, a lot of this could have been prevented. I mean c'mon, if anyone in this city I should be able to protect the people I care about."



Max rubbed the back of her sweaty neck. " This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you." She said "as a matter of fact" like. Her attitude began to upset him. She made it sound like he better things to do than make sure she was safe.



" I don't know if you know this McGinnis," She informed him. " But your not made of steel."



Terry gently grabbed her wrist, stopping her. " What is that suppose to mean?" He asked looking at her.



Max didn't make eye contact. " You keep putting all that weight on your shoulders, your knees are going to buckle." It was a consists disagreement with her about him; her worry for him. The last heated conversation that had about this they just agreed to disagree. It made him feel good that she cared but, that was something he already knew. " What is wrong with taking responsibility?" He asked her lightly.



"You take on to much, " she blurted. " and I don't care if you're Clark Kent by day and wear a red cape, everything is not your problem, not your responsibly." She sighed a bit aggravated, hugging herself.



This really wasn't the issue, she was beating around the bush. "Where is this coming from?" He asked seriously.



"I met up with the girl at The Mod. They started talking about you and Dana breaking up and .." She side exhaling.



Terry ran his hand through his hair. " So now you're listening to gossip." he cut her off sarcastically. He knew from first hand experience that girl talk could get him in big trouble.



Max shock her head. " No." she defendant. " That's not the point. What they were saying made some since. You just got out of one hectic relationship and rebounded your way in another."



"Hold on, is that what you think happened between us?" He asked replacing her arms with his. " I was in clear frame of mind last night. I wanted you. That had nothing to do with anything else going on right now." he explained. "Ok?"



She rested her head on his chest, but answered with a nod.



"Terry, " She said looking up. " I know you think I'm stubborn but I'm not afraid to ask for help."



" I know." He answered. " The worst is over."







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