My random note of the day:

(I don't mind if you just skip this and read the story. It doesn't pertain to the story whatsoever. ;) )

I don't know how many of you watch Glee, but if you don't, you should! I'm in love with it!
The point of me mentioning this is that I downloaded one of the new covers from tomorrow's episode off of iTunes. "Sweet Caroline." Amazing!
I love that they cover a lot of oldies and stuff. It's fantastic. :)
And the first cover they did (of "Don't Stop Believin'") was genius!
And, also from tomorrow's episode, they covered "Thong Song." I haven't heard that since, like, elemetary school!

Sorry! Ranting over. ^_^

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 12

Max POV

I was exhausted when I woke up the next morning. Sleeping seemed to be a little difficult after Fang's kiss last night.

At breakfast, I sat across from Fang at the table. I sort of withdrew myself from all of the conversations taking place. Instead, I concentrated on breathing evenly and keeping my face from turning red.

Occasionally, I would peek at the others, just to acknowledge that I wasn't totally spaced out.

It was fine until my eyes met Fang's. The moment only lasted a few seconds, though, because I instantly felt my cheeks heat and my breath caught in my chest.

I swear he smirked just before I looked away, but I wasn't about to try and find out. Once I looked away, Angel began giggling. I wondered whose mind she read this time.

Fang POV

Although my sleep was limited, it was peaceful. Last night's rooftop incident was the cause of my peace of mind, of course. I mean, Max didn't run away like she had in the past.

When Max came down for breakfast, the dark circles under her eyes told me that she didn't get all of the sleep she really needed.

Everyone was talking and enjoying breakfast. Iggy was talking to Ella, and by the looks on their faces, I was guessing that things were going well. The others had random conversations where the topic switched every five minutes. I chose to not even try to keep up.

Then, I realized Max wasn't involved in any of the commotion either. She looked like she was concentrating on something. I could almost see, and could definitely feel, her determination. I just didn't know what it was about.

"I think she's embarrassed by something," Angel thought to me. "She's trying to not blush."

Max's gaze finally met mine. Her determination and concentration grew quickly. I was pretty sure she was holding her breath, too.

I smiled, but thought, "Angel, how many times have I told you?"

She giggled and gave me an innocent look. It's really no wonder how this little girl could get away with the things she has.

I tried sorting out the possibilities for Max's behavior, given this new information. One thing I was sure of, it had something to do with me.

"Alright," Max stated after we finished eating. "We need to get our things together and move out!"

Max POV

An hour later, we had everything together and were standing in the front yard, ready for take off.

"Max, honey," Mom said with a small smile. "Take these with you."

"Thanks, Mom," I smiled back as I took the small bag of things she prepared for us. "What's in here?"

Her smile grew wider and she said, "Cookies, some bottles of water, and an iPod."

"An iPod?" I asked surprised. I thought those things were expensive. And she got us one?

"I know how much you kids are on the run, so I thought you could use it while you travel," she replied.

Her face told me not to argue, so I hugged her tightly and whispered, "Thank you so much, Mom! For everything!"

"I love you, honey," she whispered back.

Everyone began exchanging hugs with Mom and Ella. Iggy and Ella hugged for a while, and we had to force Iggy's attention back so we could leave.

Fang took off running first, followed by Nudge, Angel, Gazzy, and Iggy. Each snapped their wings out and ascended into the air. I took my running start, and, looking over my shoulder, called, "Bye! See you soon!"

And so, our next adventure began. We were on our way to San Francisco to see what the voice wanted us to do there.

"Max, you need to be prepared for what's ahead," the voice said.

I rolled my eyes and thought back, "Care to elaborate?"

"Please, be prepared." That was not elaborating!

Why must things always be so difficult? I wish things would change for us!

"Be careful what you wish for, Maximum," the voice replied before going silent.

Ok. I would just like to remind everyone, in case you forgot, I wrote this story BEFORE Max came out. You'll see why I'm saying this in later chapters. Like, near the end of the story. But it's there.