Okay, I didn't really expand on just how amazed I was that I received 16 reviews in a matter of 24 hours. Is it just me, or is this a big deal?

So, my favorite, (and I mean all time favorite,) fanfiction writer, AnikaandAj has really inspired me to stop making excuses, and just to keep updating on this story. During those two months, I was contemplating whether I even wanted to continue writing in general. And, I almost deleted this story, just because I was in a rut. For chapter 21, I had no idea how I wanted to play it out. Obviously, (since the name of the chapter is 'Broken Rekindling') I wanted to focus on Max and Fang's on-again-off-again friendship, and how even though they fight literally all of the time, they still are going to support each other and be there for each other, which is really how I saw them throughout the entire series.

Anyways, getting back on topic, AnikaandAj have this amazing fanfiction called, "Liar in the Mirror." Some people will notice that I've mentioned this fanfiction about ten times. I began writing this fanfiction just a little bit before that fanfiction and the reason for that is after I read the first chapter in it, I knew for sure that writing was my passion. Not only has AnikaandAj become a role model to me, but they've also become a friend of mine. They might just think of me as some fangirl chick, but a lot of times we will get into analytical discussions about the Maximum Ride series, or other fandoms we might have in common, and it's really nice to talk to her through PMs.

So, now that I've shared that, let's get on to the actual chapter.

Broken: Chapter 23

Broken Avoidance

Fang

I had watched her drive away, her black car zooming away from the torn-up shack I lived in. I'm pretty sure that I needed to be sent to an asylum or to a school for the mentally challenged because I'm an idiot. How could I have just kissed Max? I made her cheat on her boyfriend and I completely humiliated the two of us, just so I could see what it was like in only a matter of a minute. I was a sick-minded bastard.

Max probably was pissed off at me, once again; and just when she was just beginning to forgive me. It seemed like a constant occurrence between us. It was never-ending cycle of me screwing up somehow, Max getting pissed off, and then she forgiving me. It went on day after wretched day, but I wouldn't let it continue. No, I wouldn't let her get mad at me. I would just blow it off, act like it was no big deal.

Because, in all honesty, it was no big deal. So I kissed Max. Who cares? I had kissed friends before, and it never meant a thing. Granted, those were dares, and this was off of my own personal decision, but still. I knew it didn't really mean anything. I didn't like Max. How could I? She's obnoxious and annoying and sarcastic and everything that most guys hate in a girl. No, I never liked Max. I don't now, never have, and never will. This wasn't the apocalypse because it wasn't even a major problem in the first place.

But even with my attempts to rid myself of any guilt or feelings from the kiss, it didn't work. I knew that the kiss meant something, no matter how much I wanted to deny it. I couldn't stop thinking about it: the way our mouths moved in perfect unison, gliding by each other rhythmically. It was perfect, which is exactly what made it so imperfect.

I had never thought of Max like that. She was Max: know-it-all, rich, white girl who didn't give a crap about anyone's feelings. I had hated her since day one. The way that she thought she was above everyone. The way she dismissed her wealth and intelligence as futile. The way that she flaunted around how amazing she was. The way she was super competitive. The way she would get mad off of every little thing. The way she would crinkle her nose when she was pissed off. The way she would laugh in the moments where laughing wasn't wanted, but much needed. The way she would look out for her sister and her friends so loyally. The way she would smile in the most dismal times to show any sign of hope.

I couldn't explain it. At the same time, I was completely enraged at her, but intrigued to learn more about what she had to say. I wanted to bash her face in, but lay down with her and talk to her all day long. I wanted to strangle her, and kiss her at the same time. I just couldn't explain it.

But the kiss didn't mean anything. I was just testing something out. It's not like I actually like Max. She has Dylan, and she probably really liked him. She spoke so fondly of him. She spoke of him like he was a Greek god who came down from the heavens. He was perfect, in her eyes. But, I didn't know how she'd see that. I just saw an annoying teenager who sulks around all day acting like the king of the world. He irritated me so much. Max's and my own description of Dylan would be complete polar opposites.

Suddenly, I remembered something imperative to the harsh argument taking place in the depths of my brain. It wasn't just me who should feel all guilty and conflicted, but Max as well. Max easily could've pushed me away from her. The second I even inched closer to her, she could've just pushed me away. The fault was not all in me. Max kissed me back. It wasn't some one-sided kiss. She kissed back, so I only was half to blame.

Somehow, that seemed to justify things. As long as I wasn't in the wrong, then I wouldn't have to shun myself away from the group. I would walk into school, and talk to my friends, including Max. I didn't need to feel awkward in any way shape or form. I was just going to be myself. I was going to talk to everyone, (not extensively, but still talk to everyone in the group,) and I'd be fine. Max wouldn't be able to shun me out either, because I'd just act like nothing else happened. Because nothing did happen. It was all just a addition of stress for the time being.

Nothing happened. Everything's fine. It didn't mean anything. I kept repeating to myself. Nothing happened. Everything's fine. It didn't mean anything.

But I knew all I was doing was lying through my teeth.

I walked into the lunch room and faced imminent death. Toward the middle of the cafeteria sat the regular gang: Iggy, Gazzy, Kayla, Lauren, and of course, Max. But there was one person missing: Dylan.

I made my way toward the group and the faced me with smiling faces. Max's face was looking down into her hands. "What's up, nerds?" I asked. Max looked up at me, and twisted her face in confusion.

You can do this. I commented to myself. I smirked to her, the most normal thing I could have done. More confusion appeared on her face. I ignored it and sat down.

Iggy smiled again, "Good to have you back, man. I couldn't face the overruling of girls for one more day. It was only Gazzy and I." Gazzy briefly nodded before looking back down at his lap.

I was wondering what he was doing, but I decided to drop it. Kayla didn't, however. "What the hell are you so preoccupied by?"

Gazzy looked up once again. "You have Chemistry next period," He asked her, "Well, last week I was with Iggy, and I discovered that we just happened to have a camembert cheese that had been in the refrigerator for about two months. I told Iggy that I was going to transfer the pungent smell from the cheese to Mr. Burne's Chemistry class. I plan to keep my word."

The majority of the group laughed. Iggy was fidgeting with Kayla's fingers, and Lauren was intensely listening to what Gazzy had to say. I looked across the table at Max. She glanced up at me for only a second, before diverting my eyes.

The group seemed to notice Max's erie silence; Max was always talking. I had to do something. They would all think that it was something I did. Just stick to the plan. I commented to myself. If you acknowledge what you did, then she'll be mad at you. I was tired of her being mad at me, "Hey, we're still on for tonight, right? I have that big Geometry test next week."

Nothing happened.

She glanced up once again. Her face flushed and she looked confusedly at me, "Um- yeah." She barely uttered. She was probably in hell, and I felt guilty for being the person who stuck her in there. She didn't deserve to feel awkward and uncomfortable. These were her friends, and everyone should feel at home with their friends. Stick to the plan. Continue the conversation.

Her went back to fiddling with her fingers. She wouldn't dare look up again. She might start freaking out and screaming. "Hey, Max. You okay?"

Everything's fine.

Her head shot up and she blushed intensely. "Um-yeah. I just- I'm fine." She wouldn't look at me. By this time, I wasn't the only concerned one. Kayla and Iggy stopped flirting with each other. Gazzy had stopped explaining his mechanism, and now, Lauren's attention was directed entirely on Max with a sudden interest. I stayed quiet as my question lingered in the air.

No one talked for a long time.

It didn't mean anything.

"Um- I'm just. I think I'm gonna..." Before Max could finish her sentence, she was already bolting out the door. Even some people from other tables turned toward us, as if to say, "What the hell did you do?"

I cocked my eyebrows at the rest of the group. "Um, do any of you know what's wrong with her?"

The rest of the group looked as if I was stupid for asking the question. Lauren was the one to speak, "Um. You do know that Dylan just dumped her."

Surprisingly, I hadn't known that. For a second, I even felt angry that she didn't tell me. But then, I remembered why she wouldn't tell me. Why tell the person you cheated with anything?

"She hasn't told us why yet, but we're trying get it out of her." I felt somewhat relieved, but at the same time, I knew that it was tearing Max up inside.

"I actually didn't know that. I just thought he was sick today. But, why was she so torn up about it. It seemed like she there was more than just her break up."

Iggy sighed and put his hand on my shoulder. I already knew where this was going, "Man, we're happy you're back, but you couldn't have come back at a worse time."

I looked confused, and I didn't even try to hide my confusion. "What are you talking about."

Iggy sighed again. "With Max's break-up, you're just sorta a constant reminder of how she actually liked you. Not Dylan. She's feeling all guilty." I scoffed. "I'm not lying. Max told me herself,"

I gave him a look as if to say, "What's the real truth."

"Okay, she didn't actually tell me that. But I could tell. I can sense these things."

I laughed at him full-heartedly, "Dude, are you sure your a guy. 'Cuz if you are, then you wouldn't be so ball-less."

The entire group didn't laugh or respond. "You may not realize it, but Max is head over heels about you. And you're head over heels about her too."

And that's the end of the chapter. I posted a day early because I have a volleyball tournament all tomorrow. Can you say sore?

Thanks to everyone who have actually full-out read my story, and hasn't given up on me. In the beginning, I was really bad. It wasn't even funny.

Okay, bye. I'm tired.

~Maximum Reading