So we had our annual block party this weekend…

My friend and I were bored, so we went inside her house. We pored through her closet, found all of her old skirts, ponchos, shawls, etc., and dressed up as old ladies. Putting on large hats and sunglasses so we wouldn't be recognized, we hobbled outside and over to the bounce house, asking the attendant, "When is the bounce house open for ages 75 and over?"

It was epic.

Chapter 16: Stay

My Flock stared back at me, hands on their hips, with those adorable expressions that they get when they're angry on their faces.

And yeah, in case you're wondering, by my Flock, I mean my whole Flock. That's right. Fang was back.

I felt like bursting into tears and running into Fang's arms, but I was Maximum Ride. I didn't do those things.

So instead, I turned back around to face Dr. Creeptastic. "Oh, yeah? You want me to do what's best for the Flock? Well what's best for the Flock would be for you to get the hell –" I came to a screeching halt when I saw what Dr. Castillo had meant by the whole Flock. They stood together, glaring at the Castillos, but Angel was off to the side. There was a distant, faraway expression on her face, but suddenly, she snapped out of it and took a step towards her mother.

Oh god, oh god, oh god, please no, not Angel –

Dr. Castillo crouched down so she was at Angel's level. "What is it, sweetie? Do you disagree with Maximum? Your opinion counts, too."

Angels expression was soft, tears pooling in her eyes, and I was worried, so worried, that she would let herself be whisked away by these unknown parents, and that I could do nothing to stop her.

But her eyes suddenly narrowed, her expression cold.

"No freaking way, you creep."

And she slapped her mother across the face.

. . .

Dr. Castillo recoiled as if she had been slapped – no, wait. She had. By her very own daughter…

No, Max. Cut the crap. We have two wackjobs trying to kidnap us. Stay focused.

My little perky, pep-talking self smiled in satisfaction. I mentally slapped it.

I walked up to Dr. Creep (my new official name for her. Angel's insult had sealed the deal) and got right up into her face.

"Couldn't have put it better myself, you –" Iggy's hand covered my mouth, staunching the flow of curses about to erupt from my unfiltered mouth. I spat in it, and he yanked it away, muttering something that sounded awfully like, "And they think teenage guys are disgusting…"

I turned my attention back to Dr. Creep, who was staring at us in disapproval. My fists clenched. "Get. Out. Now. Before I slap you."

Her nostrils flared, and she spun on her heel. This time, her husband followed her. As she ascended the ladder up to the helicopter, her last words haunted me.

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

. . .

Just kidding. They didn't haunt me.

Actually, I burst out laughing, because the whole situation was so damn funny. An adult, actually threatening us…

More laughter joined mine, and soon we were all rolling on the floor, clutching our stomachs. Even Fang was in hysterics, which, let me tell you, was extraordinarily rare. Someone should document this day, or something…

It took us awhile to recover, but eventually our shouts of laughter subsided into small hiccups, and Gazzy gave a loud yawn. I looked at the sky, and saw that it was already dark. Avoiding Fang's gaze, I turned towards the rest of the Flock. "All right, now off to bed. All of you. It's been a long day," My order was met with some grumbling, but to my relief Gazzy curled up on the floor next to Nudge, and Iggy rested his back against the wall of the cave. Fang caught my eye, wordlessly asking if he should take first watch, but I shook my head. I needed some time to think.

Oh, lordie. Fang. What the hell was I going to do with him?

I had expected him to at least say something when he had gotten back, but so far, he'd been about as talkative as a rock. I didn't blame him, though, figuring we both needed some time to work things out.

A few minutes later, I heard a quiet shuffling, and saw a small figure making its way across the cave towards me. Angel. She crawled into my open arms, and I held her thin body to me. I could feel her shaking with silent sobs, her chest heaving. I rocked her back and forth, silently stroking her hair. When her sobs quieted, I smoothed her bangs off her forehead and looked into her eyes.

"What were you thinking, when you faced your… mom?"

"I – I don't know, Max," she whispered. "She scared me. I would never want someone as scary as her for a mother. But she is my mother, so in a way, I have to love her, you know?"

Actually, I didn't, but I nodded anyways.

"When she looked at me like that," Angel continued, "it was like she had total power over me. For a second, I thought I was going to go with her. I was so scared. I can influence people's minds, but this – this was ten times worse. Because I had a choice, and I wanted to go along with her anyways."

"What did you think of? What made you stay?"

Angel was quiet for a second. "I thought of you, Max."

RnR? I would love any suggestions as to crazy situations that the Flock could get themselves into… I have a bit of time to fill before the next big event, and want to add a little more humor… any ideas?