"Too Late Now"

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade. Swear on it. Can I stop now?

Lawyer 1 – Yes! Then we win!

Me – I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Me – Fire in eyes

Kawamura Takashi From Prince Of Tennis - Takes his racket out of my hands.

Me – Hey! Give that back!

Kawamura – I'M THE CHANGER, BABY! BURNING!

Me – Whatever you say.

Fuji Shusuke from Prince Of Tennis – Takes racket.

Kuwamura – Oh…I'm sorry…

Me – Stick tongue out childishly.

Me – Last time I EVER have sugar before 7 AM.

Chapter 6 – Pleasant Surprises

"Maxie!" I opened the door to be crushed by mom's killer hug. She started to cry into me as I maneuvered about so I could shut the door behind me. "I'm so glad you're home! I wasn't allowed to visit you, baby!"

I escaped her hug and sat down in a chair. "Mom?" I murmured, hearing a relieved sigh come out of my mom's lips. "What happened since I got trapped in the hospital?" I only got to talk to her the first day I woke up. "And…what happened to Rick? Is he alright?" I was worried about my friend's life. Those 2 boys I fought were tough and I can beat Rick!

My mom sighed sadly. "Rick never made it…I'm sorry…" She looked up at my shocked face. "Only you and a girl made it out…"

"A girl…?" I muttered, tears stinging my eyes. "Jady?" I cried, hoping she was all right. My mom told me I was right. "Is she ok?" Rick and Jady were the only people I could trust!

Judy smiled. "Ask her yourself…I've taken her in. I know that you have to get through this together."

"Max?" a quiet voice said. I spun on my heel, already standing. I ran over and hugged her tightly. Jady smiled and hugged me back. "I was so worried about you. Rick helped me…" Her pale green eyes filled with tears as she thought about our friend who gave his life to save her. "I miss him…" she sobbed.

All I was able to do was hug her more tightly as a wave of sorrow washed over me, threatening to pull me under into deep depression. "It's gonna be ok, Jady. We're both still here…we got each other…" She rested her head on my shoulder. My arms around her enabled me to feel her wracking sobs.

My mom told me that she had made it possible that Jady could stay at our house. She also said that I was to look out for her. I had no problem with that.

A few days later, the doorbell rang. Only Jady and me were home, so I stood up and walked to the door. When I opened the door, I emitted a small gasp of shock. There stood Eddy, Emily and Michael. (Michael – Last the best! OH YEAH!)

Emily walked over and hugged me tightly, waiting for my reaction. When I did nothing, she finally spoke up. "We heard the story, Max…we forgive you…" She looked up into my eyes, her brown ones soft and understanding.

"It's been so long since I wanted that to happen…" I mused slightly. "I'm glad I feel like that now…I'm sorry…" M kind words left my mouth before I even thought them through. "Honest…"

I heard movement behind me. Turning, I caught sight of Jady's puzzled face. "Who are they?" She questioned lightly. She stood, looking over my shoulder.

"Umm…this is Emily, Eddy and Michael. They are me older friends. I was friends with them before I met Rick." I turned to the trio. "This is Jady. She is the only other survivor of our gang. My mom has her staying here," I explained.

Emily smiled and held out her hand. While Jady reached around me and shook it gently, Michael grinned and waved. Eddy simply offered a quiet, "Glad to meet you…"

Jady smiled at the warm greetings. "Hi!" she grinned, stepping out from behind me.

"Why don't you come in?" I offered.

Michael frowned slightly. "Sorry…can't. Eddy got a basketball match at the SC in ten minutes. We gotta go," he explained. Later, Maxie!" He followed Eddy and Emily down the street.

Jady smirked as she shut the door. "Maxie?" she asked in disbelief. I inwardly cringed. This was the first time she heard my nickname. "Where did that come from…'Maxie'?" she taunted.

I frowned and turned away, flipping her the bird. "Oh shove it!" I retorted.

Ok! Done!

Fuji – Now you can continue your Prince Of Tennis story.

Eiji – No…I can wait!

Kuwamura – Come on! Don't be chicken, baby!

Kuwamura – Holding racket

Eiji – But I'm going to die!

Me – If you are curious, read my Prince of Tennis story, Seeing, REALLY Seeing.

Max – Get lost! This is MY Story!

Me – Greedy-greedy grabby bones!