Chapter 3
I pulled out a few sandwiches and two cups for the soup. The soup was still warm inside the thermos I had packed. Max set out the blanket, as I poured her soup into a cup. I yawned and started to eat as Max sat next to me. She gulped her soup down and instantly asked for more.
I laughed, no matter what I always knew Max would appreciate my cooking. I re-filled her soup cup and gave her a smile. After I had finished I laid down on my back and yawned. Max lay down next to me watching the clouds roll by.
"I missed 17 years of this" she mumbled. I sat up and looked at her. She looked older now, 16?
"I know. We'll make up the time" I assured.
"Thanks Igs." I nodded.
I walked up the sand carrying Max. I was exhausted, thank god Nudge was home. "Iggy!" Nudge and Gazzy yelled from the porch. I laid Max down on the proch swing and was immediately hugged by the newlyweds.
"20 years?" Gazzy asked.
"Tomorrow, yes." I nodded.
"Good luck with that. How long you staying?" he asked with a sudden dark glint in his eyes.
"An hour, maybe less." I looked at him. He was taller now, and he looked older. He was about 29 but he stopped ageing like Max and I had at age 16.
He nodded and went back inside, Gazzy hadn't been the same since Angel disappeared. She disappeared on the flight to Florida, on purpose no doubt.
I looked down at Max her hair was everywhere, and she was breathing quiet. I shook her lightly, "Max, wake up." She opened her brown eyes, yawning and stretched. "Time to go?" she rubbed her eyes questioning me.
I shook my head, "No."
"Why'd you wake me up then?"
"This is Gazzy and Nudge's house." Almost as if on cue; Nudge and Gazzy walked out.
She stared at them; Nudge went into a flurry of words. So fast to make up for 20 years she couldn't hear them.
"Nudge, calm down honey" Gazzy told Nudge before kissing her forehead. Max's eyes went wide, Gazzy merely held up his left hand. On his ring finger was silver gold wedding band; Max smiled.
"Congrats!" she gave Nudge a hug.
"Thanks Max!" Nudge yelped out smiling.
I looked down at my watch, "Max time to go" she nodded and hugged them both one more time.
I stood up and placed a hand on Gazzy's shoulder "Stay safe little brother." I smiled at him and he nodded. As I pulled him into a huge hug I could feel his breathing quicken hitching to stop from sobs.
I let go and looked at Max, "ready?" she nodded as I took off.