In and Out of Love-Chapter 16
By MyNameIsCAL
The public deserved their answers. So we stood, patiently, listening to the questions and trying to answer. We would give them nothing but the truth.
"Are you Max's Mystery Man?" A reporter asked.
I cleared my throat. "Well, I suppose I am."
"Is it true you're one of the six that brought down Itex?"
"Yes, it is."
"So then you weren't having an affair?" That question was directed to Max.
Max shook her head. "No, it wasn't an affair. Myself, Fang, and the other six continue to see each other on a daily basis. We're like a family. It's all a matter of looking after each other."
I nodded in agreement.
"Did you agree to marry George?" Another one shouted.
"No," Max replied. "I told him no."
"And how did you feel about George?" The reporter motioned to me.
I shrugged, unsure of what to say. "I'm honestly not really sure what happened and what went wrong. Like Max said, we're just trying to look after each other. I would be happy for Max with whatever chooses."
"And why did you say no?" Another question for Max.
"Because it didn't feel right. And I knew that George wanted something from me. He was trying to make it big in news reporting. If he could convince me to do an interview about Itex with my other five friends, it would be exactly what he would need to get his big break," Max said.
There was a jumble of more questions. Max answered a few, most of them now would seem irrelevant once news of what happened in the trial were found out. When the questions about Itex started to flow, Max cut the media off.
"Well, I think it's about time we go now," Max let out a deep breath.
She started to walk away. I followed her and we got into her car, swiftly driving away. As much as we hated dealing with reporters, that had went pretty well.
It's nearly midnight now, but Iggy and I are driving to the airport to get Ella. Max was already asleep at home, tired out by the trial.
"You should ask Max," Iggy suddenly spoke, disrupting my thoughts.
"Ask Max what?" I questioned.
"To marry you."
"Now?"
Iggy turned down the radio. "Soon. She's been waiting on you for a long time."
"How would you know?"
I could almost see Iggy grin out of the corner of my eye. "Ella tells me so."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I'm not the only one who talks to Ella."
I let out a laugh. We all had someone to trust about certain things. Max talked to Ella about me and I talked to Iggy about Max. And then Iggy and Ella would conspire together. In a way, I found that amusing.
"What?" Iggy seemed confused.
"Nothing," I smiled to myself. But thoughts of asking Max to marry me danced around my head.
We waited by the baggage claim for Ella to appear coming down the escalators. A few people glance at me, trying to decide whether they recognized me or not. Max and I had been all over the news earlier. I was surprised none of them stopped and pointed at me.
"Did you check the arrivals list?" Iggy sounded anxious.
"Yes, don't worry. I did. They were on time."
He sighed.
And then there Ella was, coming down the elevator. The way her face lit up when she saw Iggy almost seemed to illuminate the entire baggage claim. She ran up to him and he embraced her. I gave them a smile.
"Hey, there," Ella squeezed Iggy.
Iggy rested his chin on top of Ella's head.
I left them in search of Ella's suitcase. Thankfully, it was one of the first to come out. Ella always put colorful ribbons on the handles of her suitcase. I checked the tag and returned back to where they were standing.
"Oh you didn't have to get that for me," Ella said, taking the suitcase. "C'mere it's been so long since I've seen you. Congrats on winning the trial."
She hugged me briefly.
"Thanks," I said.
We headed out of the airport and into the parking lot.
Ella needed to go Christmas shopping, so we found ourselves with the crowds at the mall. Iggy already had his present, and we wandered around the mall, discussing what to get Max.
"She said she didn't want anything," I told Iggy.
"Hmmm," Iggy looked deep in thought. "Well, they always say they don't want anything, but they usually do want something."
We stopped right in front of the jewelry story. I stared into the window at the rings.
"Where are we?" Iggy asked.
"In front of the jewelry store," I answered.
"Ah, you should look at rings," he grinned.
"Oh shut up, I am," I punched him in the arm playfully.
We ventured inside.
"Hey! Fang!"
Iggy and I were leaning on the railing, waiting for Ella and Max to finish.
"Fang! Iggy!"
I looked down to the first floor. Max and Ella waved at us.
"Oh, hey!" Iggy waved.
"You ready to go?" Max asked.
"Yup. I'll meet you down there!" I shouted back.
I grabbed Iggy by the arm and led him down the stairs. In the inside of my jacket pocket, a small box hit against my chest every step I took down.
Ah, I don't think this story is quite over yet. I think I'll smooth out a few things with Max and Fang. Besides, I can't leave you all hanging about Iggy and Ella. Their relationship will get a little spotlight. I want to have a nice ending between Max and Fang too. Here would NOT be the right place to end, I feel. Anyway, continue reading if you'd like. Thanks again :)