Ch 10

A few months had passed, and Max was getting into the swing of college. She loves it, and she loves learning. It wasn't the only reason she had a smile on her face as she headed towards the student center. She was enjoying her time with Terry when he came over, but she still hadn't been able to get rid of the butterflies every time she saw him. It annoyed her, but she wouldn't trade the feeling for the world.

Once she was inside the student center, she spotted a comfortable chair near the TV calling her name. As she sat down, she got comfortable as she took one of her school books and started to read. Lost in the words on the page, she was surprised when a hand landed on her shoulder. When she turned her head, she was surprised to see a familiar face. "Bruce."

"Hello Max, mind if I join you?"

"Um no of course not," she said as Bruce took a seat beside her. "So, what brings you out here? Is Terry—

"He's fine. I just came from visiting him actually."

"S—so he's told you about me and him?"

"No," Bruce smiled, "you just did."

Max smiled. "You're too clever for your own good Wayne, so Terry didn't get the chance to tell you."

"he told me and then duty called."

"Oh."

"He seems happier and so do you—

"But," Max said.

"No buts Max but you both need to be more careful. He's more vulnerable now that he has one more person to fight for."

"I know, but I can protect myself. He doesn't have to worry."

"You try telling him that," Bruce smiled.

"It's like talking to a brick wall, but I know it's because he cares too much."

"You're worried?"

"I love him. I don't want him to get killed. i know that's always a possibility in his line of work, but I can't help but be more worried now since our relationship has changed."

"It's understandable Max."

"I want you to know that I would never stop him from being the bat. He's done a lot of good for Gotham. This city needs him, and I'm here to help him, always," she said as she felt Bruce's hand on her shoulder once again.

Max had walked Bruce to his car and watched it leave campus. Making her way to her dorm room, she entered the lobby with some tables, chairs, and a TV. Before she could walk away, she heard the words breaking news from the TV and she didn't know why she turned her attention to the TV.

"George Gibson has escaped jail. Police are trying to find him but so far no luck. He is a dangerous man so if civilians see him, don't confront him, you must call the authorities. We'll keep you up to date when we get more information," said the news anchor.

Max turned away and walked to her dorm. She could feel her body start to shake with not only fear but rage. She wasn't safe, and it caught up to her as she rushed to her room, used the key card to open the door, and closed it behind her. Leaning against the door, she sighed in relief. Her relief was short lived, knowing he was coming for her. She jumped as her cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Max! I saw the news, and I'm on my way over right now."

"You don't have to do that Alyssa. I'm—

"Don't lie to me Maxine. I'm coming over whether you like it or not. Besides I'm sure Terry's on his way to and—a knock on the door interrupted Alyssa. She smiled. "See I'm sure that's him now," she said.

"You're delusional," said Max as she opened the door to stare into two blue pools of worry, "I take that back. I'll see you later sis," Max said as she hung up. "Terry, are you ok?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he said as she closed the door behind him.

"How did that lunatic escape prison?" asked Max as she sat down at her desk.

"We think it's someone on the inside," said Terry. "There's no way he could have escaped otherwise."

"It makes sense I guess. He knows a lot of people. He won't leave until he's got me."

"Well I'm not going to let that happen Max. We know he's coming here and when he does, we'll get him and he's going back to jail where he belongs. I'll personally make sure he never escapes again."

Max smiled. "Don't you mean Batman."

"Same thing," he smiled as he took her hands in his, pulling her up to him, and wrapping his arms around her body.

"God I love you McGinnis," she said, holding him tight.

"I love you to Max," he said as he kissed her forehead.

They held each other in the middle of her dorm room for a while before their lips met in many kisses. Max felt safe once again, but she would never admit that to anyone. It was nice to have someone she could always count on. Terry wouldn't abandon her, and she would never abandon him. She needed him. She wanted him, and she was scared about how strong those feeling were. She was always so independent, but she felt her walls falling down for Terry.

A knock interrupted their romantic moment as Terry let her go to answer the door. Opening the door Terry and Max were relieved to see Alyssa walk in. Terry closed the door and stayed by it.

"Well I guess I was right about McGinnis showing up," Alyssa smirked.

"I'm so glad you find the time to tease at a time like this," said Max as she sat on her bed.

"I'm sorry sis," said Alyssa as she sat down beside her sister. "Are you ok?"

"I will be when they put him back behind bars."

"Well you let me know if there's anything you need Maxine," said Alyssa. "Mom and dad are trying to help the police find him. That's why they haven't been here. It's just the thing is that I don't understand why he's after you Max. Yeah you did see him commit a horrible crime but would it really be worth it for him to stay and risk going back to jail?"

"Maybe it's revenge for putting him in jail," said Max, who felt nervous all of a sudden.

"There's something else you're not telling Max, what is it?"

"No, there's nothing really. I'm just nervous because he's god know's where."

"Max," said Alyssa. "You know I love you, and I can see that you're really scared. I'm not here to judge you. I just want to help."

Max looked into her sister's eyes to see how sincere and worried she was, and she looked away from her. "I—I don't know."

"Does Terry know?"

"Alyssa! Can't you just let it go? I don't want to talk about it."

Alyssa looked to Terry, and she could tell. "You do know, don't you McGinnis?"

"Alyssa I can't," said Terry.

"Well I think I need to know if my sister is in some real danger Terry. If that's the case, I need to know if Max is going to be around to be an auntie to my unborn child."

"You're pregnant?" said Max.

"Yeah," she smiled. "I was actually on my way to tell you the good news when I heard the news about uncle George."

"I guess congratulations are in order," said Terry.

"Yeah, I'm really happy for you sis. You're having the family you always wanted."

"Derek and I are really happy about this. I haven't told mom and dad yet because I wanted to tell you first."

Max hugged her sister. "I really appreciate that Alyssa, but I just—

"It's all right. I won't push you anymore. I'm just glad you have someone to share it with."