I didn't want to just wait to post this, too. So I'm posting it now. :)

EPILOGUE

Max POV

The Flock and I rested for the night in some trees somewhere in Kansas. Fang and I sat on the highest, largest branch of our tree, staring up at the stars. His arm was wrapped around my waist, causing my heart to beat faster than usual. Not to mention the flips my stomach was experiencing.

"Max?" a sweet voice asked from below us.

"Yea, Angel?" I replied, looking down to her.

"What do we do now?" she asked. "I mean, now that you saved the world and all."

"Now that WE saved the world," I corrected her. "I'm not really sure. First, we have to go back to Virginia to get my mom and Ella. Then, we'll probably stay with them for a while. Or maybe you can make Jeb buy us our own house in a secluded place."

She smiled widely and said, "Yea! It could be near the beach."

"Whatever you want, sweetheart," I laughed.

"Thanks, Max," she said, still smiling. "Goodnight."

She hopped back down to the branch she was sharing with Nudge and curled up next to her.

"So, how does it feel?" Fang asked randomly.

"How does what feel?" I questioned.

"Fulfilling you 'destiny,'" he said, pulling his arm away to make air quotes.

He put his arm back to its previous position around my waist and gave me a smirk.

"Amazing," I answered with a contented sigh. "Free."

He chuckled softly and placed a gentle kiss on top of my head.

"I love you, too," he whispered in my ear, replying to when I said that to him from the cliff.

I turned my head to look in his eyes, a blush resting on my cheeks. He was full-out smiling. And leaning closer to me. His lips pressed against mine softly. We continued for a while until oxygen became absolutely necessary. I mean, breathing through your nose helps during times like this, but it doesn't always get the job done.

He leaned back against the tree, keeping me against his side. I laid my head on his chest, and we soon fell asleep.

The next afternoon, we arrived at the Lerner's School. The receptionist was ecstatic to see us. She picked up the phone and began talking quickly to the person on the other end.

When she hung up, she ran to us and started talking quickly again.

"What happened? I saw the news! The place blew up and we weren't sure if you all made it out or not!"

She hugged each of us, when I heard more people running from the hall ahead.

Mom, Ella, Jeb, and Anne came into sight, all with various expressions of relief, joy, and excitement.

"Max!" my mom cried. "Honey, I'm so glad you're okay!"

Just like the receptionist, she began hugging all of us, followed by Ella, Anne, and even Jeb.

"Come," Anne praised. "Let's get all of you cleaned up and all the food you can eat!"

An hour later, we were all clean and stuffing our faces. We told the others of what happened at the School, including everything Marian Janssen told me.

"She always caused trouble when we were kids," Mom explained. "Dad tried everything to help her, but she kept pushing him away."

Everyone sat silently, soaking in all of the information that had been spilled over lunch.

"What are you all going to do, now?" Anne asked me curiously.

"Well," I said, looking at my mom. "We were hoping to stay with my mom for a while. Until we can figure out where to go."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan," Mom smiled and winked at me.

"You're always welcome here," Anne offered.

"Thanks, but no thanks," I replied with total sincerity. "I really appreciate the offer, but this isn't really a place for us."

She smiled and said, "I understand."

…

The next day, Fang and I were packing the few things we all had, preparing for the trip to my mom's place in Arizona. The others were outside, flying around, probably playing a game or something.

Jeb came into the room and said, "I'm very proud of you, Max. And you, too, Fang. All of you. You did an excellent job."

"Thanks," I said and Fang nodded.

He smiled and left the room, leaving me with more thinking to do about him.

"He may really be on our side, now," Fang said.

"Maybe," I said. "I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"Have you talked to him about getting us a house?" he asked.

I laughed and answered, "Not yet. We'll save that for another day."

He nodded and gave me quick, sweet kiss on the lips before we went to find the others. Once everyone was gathered together again, we said "goodbye" to Anne and Jeb, then, made our journey back to my mom's.

It was finally our chance to truly be free.

Yea, I kind of feel like this was a let down, too. :(

Oh, well. It was good practice.

Hope you all enjoyed it anyway!

THANK YOU to my awesome reviewers!!! =D

I'm still working on another story for MR. I won't start posting it until it's finished, though. So there's no telling how long it will take. :(

As I've said before, school, work, and an attempt at keeping a social life doesn't leave you a lot of free time.

But yea, keep an eye out for my next story. :)