PHASE FOUR: GAZE

Syl unpacked the medical supplies of TC, assuring their integrity, as Max stood at her side, making the inventory of every salvaged item.

There were many boxes to open and check, but the two sisters weren't in hurry. It was a beautiful morning and the sky was clear, even over Freak Nation.

It was pleasant being outside, having conversation about meaningless things as running a simple task in between the constant, vivacious activity of the streets of Terminal City. Maybe it was because they had spent so long time suppressing every their desire and will, but its inhabitants were always very active, although they expressed themselves everyone in his way, without resenting others for acting differently .

Syl kept talking even after she noticed that she wasn't exactly the sole Max's centre of attention; it was funny seeing her big though sister answering her and keeping her pace with the inventory, all while stealing casual glances at the small crowd of fellow transgenics animatedly talking few meters ahead: Mole, Dix, Alec, Lia and Drue.

Max had convinced herself that she never truly liked Lia. Observing her with Alec, and she had seen them a lot together, she had not detected nothing like sexual innuendo between them. Nothing of the usual Alec-y flamboyant , shameless flirting . No cow eyes or unnecessary touching from any part. But once: Alec was been asking something of one of their technicians , and Lia had raked explicitly her eyes over whole the length of body while he wasn't watching. And when Alec had turned toward her and surprised Lia checking him out, he had flashed her an knowingly charming grin.

Revolting.

Naturally Max had not forgotten her conversation with Logan two days ago. She was still slightly perturbed that he could misunderstand her like that.

Okay, maybe they weren't walking on the sunset lately but she hadn't picked on him the fact that Asha was paged in his emergency numbers.

Alec was the best friend she had, she liked admitting it or not, and if she worried herself about him, it was because the most of time he didn't seem much able to doing it by himself.

Nothing more, nothing less.

She didn't care at all about whoever he was screwing and if he didn't feel the need to share his exploding love life with her, so much better.

Suddenly, Max remembered something.

'' So, are you and Krit passing by for dinner Thursday ?''

Syl shook her head, intent on opening another box.

'' Sorry sis, but Krit 's bringing me away for some days. My heat's close '' '' when are going ? '' '' tomorrow, I think . I'm not willing risk any mess. Then there's this motel.. ''

'' Stop right there, I didn't need knowing! '' Max , waved her hands before her face, shuddering at the thought. For her it was enough knowing she wasn't risking to become an aunt for other few years.

Syl was rather amused of her discomfort and it showed. '' It's so strange? Thinking of us, you know, together as a couple '' Max crouched down beside the other woman, then smiled at her . '' It's only I don't understand how it's happened. We were all like brothers and sisters! ''

Syl pursued her lips, concentrating herself to condensate a concept so simple and so complex in few elemental sentences .

'' You see , when I look backwards, he's always been there when it mattered, and few times when it didn't. If instead I look ahead, I can't imagine a future where he isn't there.

'' All there? '' The Max's smile had became a wide grin Syl feigned an air of great importance and said:

'' Simple as that. It isn't what you feel for Loggie ? '' '' More or less ''

But the Max's gaze was locked ,in distance, on Alec- and the Lia' s hand on his harm . Syl didn't comment, but she said to herself that it could mean something.

Logan Cale was a great man. But probably not the best choice for her sister's happiness .