Hello everyone! I do not own anything and I'm really sorry I took so long to upload this. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New years!
I woke up with a start. One dream of many that are as good as insane. I have no clue why I have so many dreams like that. It's not like I have a superhero. Because I'm the superhero in this story and the last time I checked super heroes don't have superheroes. That night I started having dreams, and if you know me well you'd know that whenever I have dreams that seem to continue for more than two nights they mean something. Whatever it is.
I decided to ignore it for now and got up and slipped on a sweatshirt, skinny jeans, and converse. Brushed out my knotted hair. Without taking a second glance in the mirror I bounded down the staircase and spotted Toni on the phone talking to someone with a weird look in his eyes. I know it's not really the right thing to do but I hid behind the banister and eavesdropped on Toni's conversation. With my supreme hearing I could hear it clearly and hear Toni's little voice in the phone.
"Yeah, there all here." I could hear a slight pause and someone talking on the other end of the phone that I wasn't able to make out and heard Toni speak again. "Brimmit Lane 101." Pause.
"3:00? I don't know if I can get them all here by then" I could hear the exasperation and clear annoyance in his voice. What on earth is he talking about? And to who? "Yes sir" Sir? I could hear the click of the phone and decided to make my appearance known. I stepped out from behind the stair case and saw Toni look over. He looked surprised, nervous and taken aback.
"Who were you talking to?" I asked nonchalantly. Maybe too nonchalantly. He quavered around with words trying to put a sentence together. Mistake number one. Right away I was suspicious of Toni. I narrowed my eyes accusingly. "Oh no one just uummmm…" mistake number two "uh my uh friend! Yeah that's right my friend" I decided to challenge him and know the truth about who he was talking to.
"So you call of your 'friends' sir?" Ha! Now I've got him. Something about this makes me suspicious when he said 'they' meaning the flock and 'sir' my thoughts went straight to the white coats. Maybe there not gone. I knew I was right. I'm never wrong with this kind of stuff. Before I could test him anymore Jeb came in nonchalantly pulling his tie around his collared shirt. My eyes went straight to him and I sent him my best glare I could manage. He flinched a little but fixated his statue and cleared his throat. That reminds me about where Jeb goes all day.
"Hey kids what's going on in here?" he asked as if this were just some game.
"Oh as if you wouldn't know. Nice tie. Where'd you get it? Have your eraser slaves make you one for your amusement" I walked towards him
"Where are you going? I'm sure nowhere important. Where do you go all day by the way?" I asked innocently. He stuttered right away I knew where he went. The school.
I lodged at his throat tightening my grasp around his neck and hurling him towards the wall. I'm gonna let him suffer and let him know this is what I went through my flock and I. Suffering and pain. Lots of pain. I heard Toni's gasp of shock and I finally realized there was a little kid in the room. Maybe I'm over reacting. I mean come on! He's just 6 years old. I deliberately loosened my grip on Jebs shirt and dropped my hand. He fell to the ground and breathed for air and was coughing dramatically. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.
"Daddy!" came Toni's voice. He raced over and wrapped his arms around Jeb and backed away from me, scared. My heart dropped to my stomach and I felt like hitting myself over and over again. I felt really bad now that I thought over what I did. But not for Jeb, for Toni. That he had to watch that. I should've been more observant, I just got in the moment, and I was furious at Jeb and had to do it then and there. I was definitely mad at Jeb and not sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for what I did then and there but if Toni wasn't there Jeb would've been unconscious. Linda and Brigit came running into the room. Great, just what I needed, more redheads.
"What the heck did you do to my dad you slut!" Brigit screamed in her nasally voice.
Linda widened her eyes in surprise and shock.
"Jeb!" she cried dramatically as if this was some kind of reality TV show. "Toni are you okay? What happened?"
I was about to run out of the room and pretend like I did nothing but came the stupid voice in my head. "Don't run away from your problems, that never helps" I was about to go anyways just to annoy it when I thought twice and I knew the voice was right. As annoying as that thing is, with the fortune cookie statements, it gave me good advice sometimes. Other times it was just plain annoying. But me being me and stubborn I replied back. "Get out of my head; I can handle my own situations. I don't need your input." I thought.
"I'm just trying to help Max; everyone needs help now and then" Said the voice
"Well not me" I said back to my voice "I can handle myself perfectly fine now GET. OUT." I said irritably.
"Whatever you say" The voice replied back in a sig-songy voice. Well that's new.
I came back to reality when Jeb coughed one last time and sat up. "It's ok" he spoke to his 'family', "Max is like this sometimes, she'll get over it" he spoke as if I were some test rat still locked up in a cage. Smoke was literally blaring out of my ears.
"Excuse me? Not this time Jeb, I knew we shouldn't have come here, I'm never going to be able to trust you again Jeb, I'm not just a silly game that whenever you mess up or lose you can just try again, thinking everything will be all right and you're going to win this time. You need to face the fact that I'm giving up on you. I'm actually sorry that you're my father."
The word 'father' doesn't feel right on my tongue. It feels wrong and just bad. I never had a true father. As much in the path that I wished Jeb had changed he never did and he kept coming back and breaking my heart all over again. I started again.
"But I guess that you're over me now, and you just want to call me you're 'messed up life' and start all over with your slutty daughter and another kid just in case you mess up on her. Well don't be late for work. I'm sure you've got some innocent kids to torture."
You could see Jeb's face drop as I spoke and I didn't regret one single word that came out of my mouth. I wanted him to know how much he hurt me when he turned his back on me. Confused faces were shared between Brigit and Linda and I decided to ruin his life. I mean he ruined mine and he doesn't seem to care.
"Oh he forgot to tell you that he tortures little children implanting different things in them for money? Well later is better than never."
"I know what you're trying to do Ride, but you're not fooling me b****. You just want my dad for yourself and get us out of the picture." I was appalled by what she said. I was right; she is missing a couple brain cells.
"Okay, um first Brigit EEWWW! And second do you really think I would want," I said as I made a motion at Jeb with my hand, "…that? He happens to and regretfully be my terrible father, so I don't know what's wrong with you. I'm sorry, that was a complete and total lie. I could name a hundred things that are wrong with you. Ooops."
It was Linda's turn to speak up. "Jeb, I don't want this child in my house anymore, she is a disgrace toward my children and a negative influence." Excuse me? No one tells me where to go.
"A negative influence? Have you looked at your daughter lately? She's a negative influence toward the school. Heck, to the world. And Toni, I don't know what kind of crazy world he's in right now, but I would keep an eye out for him. He's turning into Jeb." Now she's at a loss for words. Why not add about her cooking?
"And have you tried your cookies? They taste like elephant butt. Try a cooking class, nah; I don't even think that will help." While talking, quite harshly may I add to the family, the flock; without my knowing had filed into the room. The family was left taken aback so I swept past the flock and into the kitchen in search for keys. I spotted them off to the side of the cabinet and picked them up. I went back to the room and motioned my flock out of the house.
"Look Max, I know I've hurt you but can't we make this better? Please just at least stay till the end of this school year. I haven't seen the flock this happy in a long time. Everybody's making new friends and you wouldn't want to see them sad would you?" During this Angel had made her way back inside and heard the conversation.
"No Jeb I wouldn't but it's for the better. C'mon Angel, let's go." I started towards the door but Angel stopped me, "Pleeeeeease Max? I meet a couple of nice friends and this was the first time I ever got to be a normal girl, and having fun. Please." She said desperately. She pulled out the puppy dogs and that is my only weakness. I tried to avert my eyes away from hers but it seemed as if mine were glued to her eyes like super glue. After a couple of moments having a mental argument in my head I decided to give in.
I sighed drastically, "Fine" She gave out a little squeal of happiness, "You better not want to make me regret this Angel" I said in warning. "I promise Max! Thank you so much! I'll go get the others!" She called out that we were staying and the flock was pulled inside by Angel.
"We're really staying!" squealed Nudge to Angel, "yeah, isn't it great?" She squealed back. I flinched because of the loud squealing. Toni was in Linda's arms.
"Thank you Max, I'm sure your flock appreciates what you've done. You should get to school now it's almost six!" Jeb said.
"Don't tell me what to do" I mumbled under my breath
"Wait Max, don't we have a little explaining to do?" He asked
"I don't know what you're on; I have to go to school." I said repeating his last statement about getting to school. Before he could say another word I scrambled out of the house; my flock trailing behind me. We walked to the bus stop and was waiting their patiently; well if you call arms crossed, foot thumping loudly on the pavement impatiently, patient. Then yes; I was being real patient. When I felt my neck being brushed by a soft; cold wind making me shiver throughout my body with goose bumps all around my neck. I swiveled around making my hair smack a face.
I meet dark, obsidian eyes staring back into my chocolate ones. We just stood there quiet for a minute staring onto one another's eyes. Not an awkward silence but a comfortable one. He started to break the silence.
"Hey, I got my drivers permit and have a car. Was wondering if you want a ride." He said yet asked at the same time.
"Hey what about us?" Nudge called from behind
"I mean like I bet you have a great car. Hey that reminds me. What kind of car do you have Fang? Huh? Huh? I LOVE cars. You know why? Neither do I. But I know about cars because Kim Kardashian has like the. Best. Car. Ever! It's like pink oooh! I LOVE pink! It's like my favorite color. Like the color of the rainbow. I don't think pink is in the rainbow I wonder if it is or not. I wonder who rainbows are made. Probably out of rain you know why? Because it has the word rain in it. Rain is sooo cool! I love putting my tongue out and like when it falls on my tongue. Tongues are weird I won-mphashgd" Iggy slapped his hand over her mouth. Man how did that girl go from cars to tongues? I don't think no one will ever know.
I turned to Fang and found his mouth apagoge. (Probably spelled that wrong) He closed his mouth and went to his regular impassive façade.
"Yeah. All of you. Need a lift?"I guess he is just a regular guy. Maybe I could trust him. All the while gaining Fang's trust but losing Jeb's. But all of that can wait. Right now I just want to relax, learn and have the time of my life. Why not start with Fang? I answered proudly and confident.
"Yes. Thank you." He nodded in response. What a pooper, I'm trying to be confident here! The flock got in the back while I got in the passenger seat and Fang got in the driver's seat. We first were on our way to drop Angel off at her section of the school. All the while Fang kept glancing my way. I tried to ignore and glance out the window every now and then trying and failing to avoid his gaze on me. We then dropped off Nudge at her part of the school and said goodbye. And now it was just me, Iggy and Fang in the car. Iggy swooped out of the car which I forgot to mention was a convertible. Awesome right? I noticed Iggy going off on his own.
"Hey Iggs do you want me to go with you?" He turned back around.
"Nah, I've got this place down" He said back
"Well if you're sure than I'll see you in class" We said our goodbye's and focused back on Fang.
"Thanks for the ride." I said turning in the seat to face Fang
"No prob. Anytime." Fang said back smoothly. I got out of the car pulling on my backpack as I got out. I walked side by side by Fang into the school and since both of our lockers are by each other got our things for first period. The same idiot as yesterday tried once again to flirt with me. I saw Fang tense besides me. My body was now healed from the last time we had a fight but now I guess he just wanted to get beaten up again.
"I told you I'm not interested" I said walking off until he pulled me back roughly by my arm, making my books thud to the ground and held me by my throat. Before I even got a punch, kick, bite, heck even movement in the guy was on the floor in a split second.
"I told you once and I will not tell you again; don't touch her" Fang said twisting the guys arm with a snap. He cried out in pain. Ouch. He deserved it to. He kicked his side once more.
"Get lost" He said in a hard, dangerous tone. By then a group had crowded around us. Dang. Just as I thought about how this day could get any worse the principal decided to make an appearance. So Fang and I were dragged to the office and got 2 weeks of detention and so did the guy whom I had figured goes by the name of Sam. When we were on our way to class I said thanks to Fang. He nodded in response and we took our seats. The rest of the day went by quick by the time music came I went to the office and asked where to go since I'm not in choir anymore. I went up to the office desk to the lady I had talked to last time.
"Uh, hey where am I supposed to go for music now?" A look of remembrance crossed her face and she said back with a sorry face
"I'm sorry but we don't have enough spots for you in another class. Sorry. You've got to be kidding me. What do I do now…I could always lip synch. Yep that's what I'll do.
"I'm sorry miss" said the lady
"Its fine" with that I wandered off to choir and walked in the door. There was a room filled with people but the two that stood out the most were Brigit and Fang.
The music teacher stopped his lesson and turned to me.
"Nice of you to join us this evening Miss Ride. My name is Mr. Jackson" He said with a light smile.
His eyes scanned around the room searching for an empty seat.
"Why don't you go sit next to Fang for a while? I nodded and went over to Fang and sat down next to Fang who had a slight smirk on his face. I sat down and said, "Just to let you know I'm a terrible singer. Seriously, like a dying pig so don't expect me to be singing." Fang just shook his head and turned his attention back to the front. Apparently I really came here on a bad day. A really bad day. A solo day. He called people from their seats person by person, asking them to sing a song that they know. Of course, this would happen the day I show up. That stupid karma.
When he got to me I spoke up, "I don't sing, I cannot sing, so therefore I'll be sitting right here." He looked shocked but covered it up quickly
"It doesn't matter if you're bad, you just have to sing and try."
"I have to?" I said doubtfully
Mr. Jackson nodded his head. "Why don't you come up to the front?" I sighed nervously and searched the back of my head for a song and began to sing.
(A/N OMG PLEASE CHECK THIS SONG OUT! Amazing! Especially if you're into the hunger games and Taylor Swift :) please with sugar and pie and cookies and brownies and bacon and cake…)
"I remember those tears streaming down your face
When I said, I'll never let you go
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, Don't leave me here alone
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Don't you dare look out your window darling
Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone, gone
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound..."
I let out a breath and the room was as quiet as mouse.
I was having a mental rant inside my head; I knew I shouldn't have sung! I could've just told him off or walked out of the room but nooo I decided to go and sing!
A couple of seconds later the room erupted in applause and astonishment. Wow. Now I'm really confused, just a second ago I thought they hated it but now they like it?
"Wow Miss Ride that was amazing have you sung before?" Wait what? No I'm a terrible singer. Well that was two years ago since I've sung. I guess my voice just changed.
"Umm no, last time I did I sounded like a dying pig so I guess I changed or something" I said surprised myself
"Well you should look into singing, I think it's something you're good at" He said, smiling
I nodded in response. Nah, I don't want to waste my weekends with that but I was just being polite by nodding. I went back to my seat besides Fang. His eyes were wide.
"Wow, you were gorgeous Max." He said with a smirk. He just looks so gorgeous when he does that. Ah, bad, stop, baaad girl! I tried to fight back a blush that was forming on my face and put my head down so he wouldn't notice.
"Okay, up next is Nick Johnson" Fang got up from his seat to stand in the center of the room like everybody else previously had. The second he opened his mouth his voice was like a beautiful melody and I was suddenly addicted to the sound coming out of his mouth and I felt like I could listen to it all day.
"When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
Tears stream down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I...
Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I...
Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
and I will try to fix you"
As soon as he was done I didn't want it to be over
Just like last time the room erupted with applause. I was shocked about how could Fang could sing this well when he barely even talks. He swiftly came back and took his seat.
"Fang, that was amazing! Where did you learn to sing like that?" He just shrugged yep, shrugged. I guess he's used up his word count for today
When lunch came around at sat with Fang and Iggy with the desperate slutty girls trying to win Fang over whenever they try he would just shrug them off like a pest. I was actually kind've surprised because well why would he say no to all of those girls when he could have any? I just simply don't understand it. Anyways I was eating my disgusting pizza that I still ate. Hey what could a bird girl do? I was starving, when I felt a voice in my head.
"Hey Max I need to tell you something" came a soft fragile voice. Oh not Angel again, I told her to not do this
"Angel, how many times d-"her voice interrupted mine.
"I know Max, you're mad but Toni's acting strange and I can't get inside his head" I suddenly remembered that morning Toni talking on the phone. I knew it! Never trust anybody but yourself but I decided to let my conscious get in the way on this one. I had an epiphany, "Yeah, there all here." "Brimmit Lane 101." "3:00? I don't know if I can get them all here by then" "Yes sir" The last one echoed in my head. Sir. He's working for somebody, to get rid of us; something just had to go wrong.