Fang
"Where the hell is she?!"
Fang sat inside the car, his fingers anxiously drumming on the dashboard. His lips formed a tight line and anxiety churned through his stomach. He peered out the window, hoping to get a glimpse of Max. But alas, the high school grounds were clear of the mutant bird-kid that he desperately needed to get in the car.
Fang glanced at his watch and almost screamed in frustration. "2:30! She's an hour late. What could be holding her up for so long?"
He began to tap his foot, which only resulted in getting himself annoyed. Fang then checked if they had all their stuff. Five minutes passed. Fang checked again.
I think I might die from boredom, he thought bitterly. I can picture the tombstone already; Fang, a great boyfriend and friend. He died from boredom because his girlfriend was taking too long to say goodbye.
Fang sat in the exact same position for around three more minutes before he could take it no longer. Springing up from his seat, he shouted, "Oh my god!"
In that moment, Fang made a split second decision. These choices were famous among the Flock for either being the best or worst thing to do in a situation. Fang was hoping his decision would be the former.
"I'm going to go look for her."
He gingerly opened the car down, inhaled the comforting smell of the outdoors, and placed his feet firmly on the pavement. He glanced left to right before walking in the direction of the school.
The track meet must have ended by now. She's probably in there. Where else would Max be?
Since Fang was so lost in thought, he didn't even process where he was going. Suddenly, Fang collided with a smaller body. Both people fell to the ground with a thump.
"Oh my gosh, I"m so sorry!" the mystery person apologized. Fang could identify the person as a girl. "I was texting and wasn't looking where I was going."
Fang rubbed his head and answered, "It's okay. I wasn't exactly paying attention either." He opened his onyx eyes and was met with a pair of green ones.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Fang nodded and stood up from the ground. He offered the girl his hand and she took it graciously, a faint smile playing on her lips. She stared at Fang.
"I don't think I've seen you around here before. Were you here for the track meet?"
"Yes," Fang lied. "I've been staying with my cousins for the week and one of them did track. We don't have a track team at school so I insisted on coming today."
"That's nice! What's your cousin's name?"
Fang decided to take a risk and answer riskily. "Her name is Max. Maximum Ride."
Recognition lit up in the girl's eyes. "Max? Oh my gosh, she's one of my best friends. She never mentioned that family was staying over. That's probably why she didn't want Evangeline and I to come over yesterday."
That's kind of true in a fashion, he thought. But it's creepy to think of Max as my cousin. It's almost as creepy as thinking of Max as my sister. Fang shuddered internally.
"Yeah, that's probably why."
The girl stuck out her hand to Fang. "What's your name?"
He took her hand and shook it firmly. "My name is Nick. And yours?"
"My name is Sage."
"Do you, by any chance, know where Max is? My aunt wanted us home around an hour ago and Max still hasn't showed up."
"The last time I saw Max was after she finished her event. She went to her coach's office and we haven't seen her since."
"We?" Fang asked timidly.
"Yeah, we, meaning my friend Evangeline and I. We wanted to go out after but Max was whisked away by Coach. You can look for her there if you want."
Fang looked at her cluelessly.
The girl laughed lightly. "Sorry, I completely forgot you don't know where that is. Just go through there," she pointed at the blue double doors, "And take a right at the first hallway. Walk down that hallway until you reach the end of it and there should be door that says 'Coach Henderson' on it."
"Thank you," Fang replied.
"Anytime!" the girl responded warmly. "When you find Max, tell her text 'Line or I so we know she's okay."
"Will do." Fang turned away from the girl and headed once again to the school. But before he reached the doors, Fang called out, "Nice meeting you Sage! I can see why Max is friends with you."
He couldn't see her face but Fang knew she was smiling. "You too Fang."
Fang grasped the door handles and the doors opened with a groan. The hallways were empty and no lights were on. The windows were the only things allowing the school to be bright, instead of being submerged in darkness.
Fang entered the dreary hallway and took an abrupt turn to the right. This hallway was lined with classrooms.
This is where Max spent the majority of her days, Fang noted. She was like a normal kid for a short period of time. She fit in with everything because Max didn't know who she really was or what her past contained.
Slowly, Fang ventured down the hallway. His thoughts seemed to prohibit his feet from moving any faster. Every step seemed to be dragged out longer than normal. Visions and memories of his life in school clouded his brain, making Fang feel very nostalgic.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Fang arrived at the door. The door was supported by a mahogany frame and the actual door itself was made out of stained glass. "Coach Henderson" was printed on the front in red, faded letters.
Should I knock, Fang pondered, or just barge in? I don't want to be seen by many more people but Max and I need to go. What if Max isn't even in there and I walk in on the coach doing god knows what? How awkward would that be?
Brushing his nerves aside, Fang crunched up his hand and knocked on the door. It was swung open by a man who looked like he was in his mid forties. He sported a pair of Nike sneakers and a broad smile.
"Hello!" he exclaimed. "And what do I owe the pleasure?"
Fang stared awkwardly down at his shoes before he answered the man. "I'm looking for my cousin Max, sir. Is she in here?"
"Yes, yes, she is inside!" He opened his door wider and gestured his hand towards the interior of the room. "Please come in! Max is just finishing up something but she should be done in a minute."
Not wanting to be rude, Fang entered the room. He looked around for Max but before he could do anything productive, the door was shut behind him.
Fang whirled around to face the coach. His energetic and happy facade was gone. His eyes swirled with mixed emotions.
He stared at Fang for a moment before smiling creepily. "I'm glad you could find us Fang. I wouldn't want you to miss out on the party."
Oh my gosh guys, I feel terrible! I can't believe I haven't updated in such a long time. I had a case of writer's block and kept writing and rewriting this chapter. I don't really like it very much but I needed to put forth something. Don't worry, it should get better soon. Thanks for the reviews! Read and review!