Chapter Eleven: Breaking Down the Gates
"Hey, what's the occasion?" Alec opened the question to anyone in the massive hubbub to answer. Spotting Max and Zack in the middle of the crowd, he squeezed his way through the packed room to them so he could repeat his question.
"Birthday Party." Zack acted as if that was the only explanation necessary.
"For?"
"Everyone." Alec looked surprised, confused and disappointed.
"What? Why wasn't I invited?"
"Well, everyone's just picking out birthdays and Dix is putting them in the computer. We – I – thought you could use some rest and choose a birthday later," Max spoke up, now feeling a bit guilty at her actions. But she threw Alec off guard with what she said next. "I'm glad you're here though. Everyone, especially you, needs a reason to celebrate. I feel really bad for making you do so much of my work lately."
When Alec was brought back to Earth, he replied, "No problem. I'll do your dirty work anytime, Maxie." She rolled her eyes, but the amused smile betrayed her efforts to act annoyed. How could you be annoyed at someone that hot?
"What are your birthdays?" Alec asked, becoming more serious.
"I'm June 17th and Zack's February 27th. What do you think yours should be?" Max wondered.
"How about November 29th? Sounds important, like someone important and brilliant was born then."
"Yeah, you," Max said quietly, but both men around her heard. Alec could feel his heart start to race. He saw the trust and love gleaming in her eyes, directed straight at him. No. Not love. She doesn't love me.
Does she?
"Your birthday is coming up soon. Perfect," Alec said sarcastically, glad for a change of topic. "I have to get you a present."
"No, you don't have to. Besides, I chose my birthday over a year ago. It's not like I meant for it to be coming up!"
"Sure...." Alec teased. He was already formulating plans in his head. Suddenly, he thought of something perfect for her but....
"Max! We have new arrivals! Looks like two females entering at 5th and Oak," Dix called, interrupting both Alec's thoughts and the impromptu shindig.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm going already. Be back soon." She trudged over to the door, disappointed and annoyed.
After informing Dix of his selection, Alec returned to Zack's side. He still hadn't gotten a chance to finish that conversation. Neither man was sure how to bring the topic up.
"Want to..."
"Yeah," Zack answered automatically. They stepped out of HQ, scanning the area for other party escapees. Once no one was in the direct vicinity, Zack spoke.
"You must know by now."
"I can make an... educated guess."
"Should I flat out tell you?"
"Is there something stopping you?"
Zack sighed. "No." Alec picked up on his flat, hard tone of voice.
"You don't have to tell me if –"
"That's the thing. I do have to," Zack interrupted, sighing. "Have you ever been in a situation with someone you love where you sacrificed yourself to keep them safe or make them happy?" Alec could think of a few. Okay, one stood out specifically.
"Well, if you think this will lift a weight from your shoulders, go ahead." Zack sighed, knowing this was one of his few decisions he might regret.
"I can read Max's emotions like an open book. Her eyes are beautifully expressive and her nose crinkles when she hates your idea or thinks you're nuts." Zack smiled, staring off into the distance and reminiscing. But suddenly his glowing expression turned off and he became his serious self again.
"I saw pure joy in her eyes as she looked at me for the first time in a year. I had forgotten to be extra cautious in every big decision; being on a farm surrounded by manure can change your view of things. I misjudged that look in her eye for another form of what I wanted. I could tell, can tell, that she loves me by the look she gives. I thought I would tell her how I felt about her later that night. But then she told us about her memory loss. She said she remembered almost everything. Everything except for you. After saying your name, just your name, she paused, deep in thought with a smile on her face. Her eyes lit up in a way I had never seen before. They filled with love and care at the mere thought of you. I had never seen anyone so ecstatic to simply think of someone. There was happiness on all her features, enraptured at simply thinking of you. I was blown away. All my thoughts of speaking up flew from my head.
"At first, I labeled you as competition. But as I studied her longer, I knew there was no way I could even come close to the way she feels about you." Zack breathed deeply, feeling relived. It was over. He would no longer dread the day he had to tell him. He sighed and tried to fight the tears. Damn they fought dirty.
"Take care of her," he mumbled, leaving a stunned, frozen Alec behind. The gates weakened and a single tear slipped down his cheek. Following that was a muffled sob, then a stream of tiny drops from his stinging eyes. The sob increased and intensified. But the soldier kept walking. He walked into the horizon and away from everything. The charade was over; he had nothing to hide. He broke out into a run but once over the gate of the toxic city, he sat in the dirt and mud and broke down. He hugged his knees to his chest and buried his head in his legs, letting the sobs, tears and anger out of him freely until there was nothing left. His eyes, stung with salt water, hurt almost as much as his broken heart. Almost.
"Max, how many guys would give up their chance, just to see you smile?" Zack let the question linger in the empty air. Two. The number's truth began, slowly, to change Zack's depression and disappointment. Gradually, the tears and anger began to subside and evaporate, leaving a singular broken heart.
"Are you all right?" A tender, caring voice spoke. Zack slowly scanned over the tall, blond woman wearily looking for threat. But no matter what, he had already shown this stranger weakness. She had to be X5; he hadn't heard her approach and she looked about twenty. Seeing no one else, Zack figured, Oh, what the hell, and began his tragic story, showing the most weakness in his lifetime. More than he'd ever shown to anyone. Even Max.