Thanks for the nice reviews guys! Yes, I have considered allowing for annonymus reviews, but I unfortunately don't have the time to read them all, so this is my way of keeping them to a managable level! Sorry for all you AR's out there... and sorry for taking so long to update! I'll have the next chapter up by the end of this week... if you review! hint hint! Love you all, and keep up the great work on your own stories! Trust me, I've read many of them!
X5-237
Max had been glad to have Cindy there on her left to keep her from going insane, and she was grateful to her friend who was always strong for her, but she knew that she wouldn't have made it through the day without Alec's support.
Through the entire funeral service, Max had gripped Alec's hand like a lifeline, and when she'd nearly broke down at the cemetery it was Alec who wrapped an arm around her and let her cry into his shoulder so that no one would notice. He was like an anchor; strong, confidant, and assured.
Original Cindy, exhausted from the emotional strain of supporting Max throughout the day, had promptly fallen asleep on the couch; after, of course, Max had assured her that she was okay, and didn't need anything.
It wasn't true, though – about Max not needing anything. She wandered slowly around her bedroom, her mind blank except for one thought: Alec.
She wanted Alec's company, wanted to return to his strong hug that seemed to keep the world far away... wanted to hear his voice saying that she wasn't to blame.
Max slipped into her jacket and quietly picked up the keys to her Ninja. Creeping silently past the sleeping Cindy, she hurried out of the apartment complex and into the chilly night air. It was late in May, and the rain was still cold as it came down, the drops beating a steady rhythm on her face as she steered the bike out into the silent streets and headed for Alec's.