A.N. As promised, chapter 2 is up! Thanks for all the reviews!

I stood at the edge of the woods, staring at the small white house in front of me. My muscles were tense but forced myself to walk forward, stopping in front of the door. I raised my hand to knock but stopped; what if they didn't want me to live with them? What if they had realized what a freak I was and never wanted to see me again? What would I do then? Ignoring the questions pressing at my brain I knocked twice. I really hoped I wouldn't regret my decisions.

I heard shuffling footsteps inside and – after what seemed like forever – the door opened. I looked up to see Dr. Martinez's shocked face and was immediately filled with emotions. In the next second she had her arms wrapped tightly around me. I felt something wet slide down my cheek and realized I was crying.

I was surprised by the tears but nothing mattered anymore, I had my mom. You never realize how much you love your mom until you don't see her for a long time. I would never take her for granted.

She muttered my name repeatedly as she stroked my hair. "Oh Max…" she started. "I missed you so much!" she paused and glanced around. "Are you alone?" she questioned, turning her attention back to me. She seemed confused.

I stared at the ground as I slowly nodded, trying to figure out how to tell her. I decided to be blunt. "I left them."

"What do you mean you left them?" She asked warily. I could tell that she was slightly confused and couldn't comprehend why I would leave my flock on my own.

"I left them and I'm not going back. They're better off without me." I stated matter-of-factly. "They are old and strong enough to protect themselves and they don't need me to boss them around anymore."

"What are you going to do? Do you have somewhere to stay?" She asked, attempting to get the facts straight. I avoided eye contact as I answered.

"That's the thing, I don't exactly have anywhere to really stay and…" Before I could finish she cut me off with a hug.

"Don't say another word! You are staying here with Ella and I whether you like it or not! Ella will be thrilled!" She pulled me into another tight embrace and I couldn't help but smile at her words.

She pulled back and kissed me on the forehead. "I love you Max." she said gently but sternly, making it clear that she was 100% serious.

"I love you too." I whispered, really close to more tears. It amazed me how I could go through so much bad stuff and not shed 1 tear, and yet when I get to see my mom again, I cry like baby.

"Now… how about we go inside and make some cookies?" I couldn't help but laugh.

Ella wasn't going to be home for another hour, she still had school. She was in her senior year of high school. I finally saw where being an adult came in handy, I didn't have to go to school!

"Max, can you go over to that cabinet and get out the flour? It should be on the right hand side, bottom shelf." I mumbled a quiet sure before opening the cabinet she had motioned to.

It wasn't hard to find the flour and I swiftly passed it to mom. It amazed me that she was able to make such delicious cookies from scratch.

I tried to help as much as I could but for the most part I just felt like I was in the way. By the time they were done about 40 minutes had passed. I followed her into the living room to sit and wait for Ella to get home.

We talked about a variety of subjects, mostly what we had missed in each other's life, until Ella got home, right on time.

"I'm home!" Ella hollered from the front room. Mom glanced at me and flashed a quick smile before turning back to the hallway.

"Hi honey! Could you come in here for a second? I've got a surprise for you." She called towards Ella.

"Ok mom, I'll be right there! I just have to set my stuff in my room." Ella shouted, a lot louder then was needed.

I listened as her footsteps trailed down the hall to her room, then back towards where mom and I were sitting in the living room.

"So, what'd you get me mo….." Ella started, before freezing abruptly when she caught sight of me.

"MAX!" She shrieked loudly before charging towards me. I stood up from the couch and braced myself as she tackled me.

I managed to somehow stay standing as she wrapped her arms around her neck and practically hung on me like a koala.

"OH MY GOSH! Where have you been? I've missed you soooo much! What made you come back? Where's the flock? How long are you saying? Do I smell cooki…" Ella's rambling was starting to remind me of Nudge so I promptly slapped my hand over her mouth.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Not so fast! Now… to answer your questions… Everywhere, I've missed you too, because I have nowhere else to stay, I don't know, I left them, as long as I'm welcome, and yes. Now, is that all?" I said in one quick breath. Ella stared back at me with a bewildered expression.

"Wait a sec, let me get this straight, you left the flock, and will be staying here with us for as long as you're welcome?"She inquired hesitantly. One nod was all she needed.

"YAY! You will be staying here a long time then because you will always be welcome! I'm so glad I finally get to spend time with you as your sister!" I smiled at her animated personality, I had really missed her.

"Ok, now that questions have been answered, let's get Max settled in before the cookies are done. Will you be alright sleeping in the guest bedroom?" Mom asked as she began to lead us out of the room.

I simply nodded because it didn't matter where I was sleeping. I wouldn't mind if they made me sleep in the garage, as long as I got to be with my mom and sister, I was home.

A.N. Ok, so I just finished editing this chapter! There was a lot of choppy parts where the story just didn't flow so I fixed it! I hope you liked it!