Liesel woke alone and there was a dull ache in her chest. Had she really kissed Max last night? She felt her lips but they gave no sign of their history. It didn't really matter though right? It was a moment of extreme weakness and she doubt it would ever happen again. She threw her covers off of herself and trotted into the little kitchen. Both Max and Alex were drinking coffee and talking in whispers. No one had to tell Liesel that they were talking about her.
"Good morning, Sweetheart." Alex Steiner smiled at the mop of blonde hair that was Liesel.
"Morning," She mumbled back without unlocking her gaze with Max's.
Max felt a blush start to creep up his face, Liesel needed to stop looking at him like that it was inappropriate. Max's mind kept going back to their kiss and how quickly it happened. Alex noticed their locked gaze and the slight flush to Max's cheeks. He coughed in the nervous atmosphere. Max shifted his gaze to Alex, and noticed his concerned look. Liesel didn't miss the exchange. Why were they discussing things without her? She was just as important as Max, Alex didn't even know Max!
"What were you guys talking about?" Liesel crossed her arms across her chest. She knew this behavior was unacceptable but she wouldn't be left out.
"Just what we were going to do today. It's going to storm all day today so I want you stay inside."
"Ok, are you going somewhere?" Liesel asked, a little salty. Alex Steiner pushed away from the table and headed towards the door.
"I need to get a few things from a friend of mine. We're going to be feeding another mouth for a little while and I don't want to run out of food."
She nodded completely understanding. She had been eating a lot more lately and she had to turn her jeans into short because they no longer fit. But does that mean Max would be staying a long time? Is he going to stay for good? Liesel hoped with all her heart that Max would never leave her again. She didn't think she could watch him walk out the door again to maybe never come back. She refused to lose him. He meant everything to her.
"Well, I'm leaving. Be good, both of you." Alex smiled at Liesel and she ran and hugged him good bye. Alex Steiner was not her Papa but he did have a strong hold in her heart. He inhaled her scent, squeezing her breath out of her.
"Be safe, ok?"
"Yes, Ma'am." He let go and kissed her on her forehead making her grin like a small child.
"Watch over our Liesel, Max." Max looked up at Mr. Steiner.
"Sure thing, boss."
Liesel gave him one last good bye hug and she locked the door behind him. She and Max were going to be together for most the day then, it usually took Alex a good hour to decide if he wanted red or green apples. It could be like old times, Liesel thought.
Liesel turned to watch Max sitting siting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, and now reading the newspaper; having picked it up. She stared at him, still standing next to the stairwell door. He still had dark circles under his eyes, his cheeks were much too shallow, and the light streaming in caused his translucent skin to glow. Liesel could not believe that he was really here. How many nights had dreamt that he had come to find her, only to wake disappointed? Too many, she thought.
Max was very much aware that Liesel was standing in the door way gaping at him. He had read the same line on his newspaper five times, trying not to smile. This was the first morning he had been able to sit in the open, and drink a cup of coffee. He was free at last, but he was far from at ease. The only thing that had kept him going-kept him brave, was the thought of coming back for Liesel. Now that he had finally accomplished that goal he was scared. He had been talking in whispers with Alex that morning about Liesel, and his own living arrangements. Alex had agreed to allow him to stay with them if he worked in the shop downstairs and of course pulled his own weight in the family.
He had fully expected to find Liesel either at home, or abandoned in an orphanage. In Max's mind, Liesel's parents and he were the only people who cared for her. It was a shock to find her settled and happy. There was no way he would up root her when she was safe, happy, and well fed. Besides, what right did he truly have to claim her? She was the only family he had, but it was hard to accept that the situation was not mutually exclusive. Now what?
