'I close my eyes,
And I can see,
the day we met
just one moment and I knew
you're my best friend
Do anything for you.'

Logan went down the ally, looking for any sign of Max. Of course he knew she wouldn't let him see her.
It was nine o clock in the morning. Original Cindy had not said what time Max wanted to meet him, so after having McKenzie fed and dropping her off at Bling's for the day, Logan went to the safe house. He brought his laptop along for company because he knew she would probably let him sweat it out until lunchtime.
Inside he sat and waited. Trying to work, but accomplishing nothing. His thoughts kept turning to Max. What would she be like after six years? Would she have any of her 'siblings' with her? Logan even almost felt scared that she would try to take McKenzie away from him. He heard something outside the door, and watched as the doorknob turned.
"Max." he whispered.
"Good morning, Logan." She said, as if they had last seen each other yesterday.
"Max. Sit." Logan offered the chair that was opposite from where he was sitting. She took the offer, looking him up and down. That was the only sign of concern for his welfare.
"It's been to long, Max." She looked a little more mature, but she hadn't seemed to age.
"Yes, it has. How have you been?"
"Good."
"That's good."
"Let's forget the civilities, Max, and go strait to why we're here. Why, Max?"
"Why? Why? Why what? Why I left? Why I dropped McKenzie on your doorstep? Or why I'm back?"
"All of it. Tell me. It's been six years, no word from you but a small slip of paper saying 'I'm sorry'. You had nothing to be sorry about."
"Yes I did." Max got up and started pacing. "I'll tell you everything. Just don't interrupt."
"Alright."
"When I found out I was pregnant, I was scared. I had never been so scared in my life, and never since. You don't know this, but Zack had come back about a week before I found out. Trying to convince me to leave Seattle again. Of course, I told him to shove it, and he left. When I found out I was pregnant, I thought about what he said. I never even thought about what you would think, I just packed up and left. I went to LA, and then traveled further south once I contacted Jace. I was with her and baby Max when McKenzie was born. I gave her the name Jace took as a last name. And Alexandria was a name I picked up in LA. As good as life was back there, I knew I couldn't stay. The neighbors didn't like me. So I left again. I traveled back up here, planning on telling you about McKenzie and staying put. I had the note delivered, and I was going to come to your door, but I guess I chickened out. I thought 'What am I doing with a baby?' and just left her there. I've been living in Portland ever since, visiting every year, but never letting you see me. Finally I came to my senses, quit my job and moved back here about a week ago. I hooked up with Original Cindy. She told me she hadn't seen or talked to you since I left McKenzie, but Cindy knew she was mine. From her eyes, she said."
"It's true. McKenzie does have your eyes."
"I became scared when McKenzie saw me two days ago, in the ally, and almost left again. But I knew I had to see you and McKenzie. Try to make up for what I did."
"I just told her about you about a week ago. When we were up at the cabin. I found her on the roof, of all places. She really wishes she could meet you, but I never told her I was coming to meet you today."
"Where is she now?" Max asked, sitting down again.
"With Bling. Today was her park day; we go a couple days a week, to play with a bunch of other children. He sometimes takes her when I'm busy."
"I saw you there one day, about a year ago. Zane's children are a part of the group."
"I knew they were Manticore children, but I didn't know whose. McKenzie has become close to Michael."
"Can we go see her?"
"You want her to know you're here?"
"Yes. It's time McKenzie met her mommy."
"Alright, let's go."
Logan led Max to where he had parked his car, and they drove to the playground in silence. They immediately saw McKenzie playing in the sandbox with Michael. Bling was sitting on a bench with the mothers, talking. As they approached, he excused himself and got up to join them.
"Max. It's been a long time. It's nice to see you again."
"You too, Bling." She gave him a hug as Logan left them to talk. He approached McKenzie in the sandbox.
"McKenzie, baby, can you come here for a minute?"
"Daddy!" She got up and ran to Logan, giving him a huge hug. "I missed you!"
"I was only gone for a few hours!"
"I still missed you!"
"You always say that. I want you to meet someone, come with me."
"OK." She followed Logan towards where Max and Bling sat on a bench, suddenly stopping when they were about halfway there. "Daddy?"
"What is it, McKenzie?"
"Is that my mommy with Bling?"
"Yes, baby, it is." McKenzie took off running. The opposite way.
"McKenzie!" Logan shouted, turning to go after her, but she had already disappeared into the surrounding trees.

To Be Continued...