Max POV

Five days later…

Finally! I was getting out of this hell hole! But I knew I would face Fang. I've gotten a hundred texts and tons of calls from him. Didn't get that I don't want to talk to him? I was walking down to the parking lot, Iggy and Sam helping me walk. Mom, JJ, Nudge, Sam, Iggy and me were going home. My friends' parents have also come to visit me.

"Shot gun!" shouted Ig, when we were in front of the car.

"Uh uh. Your sister gets shot gun," said mom, opening the door for me.

"Poop," muttered Iggy, teasing. I sat down, my rib still weak. Six weeks without school. But thank god it's before the Band competition. The girls and Sam sat in the back, and Iggy sat all the way to the back. Just then, I got a text from he-who-shall-not-be-named.

Baby, please talk to me. I miss you, and I know you hate me, but just know that I love you. I hope you're feeling better. I miss having you in my arms, your smile, your beautiful face, your brown eyes, and your delicious lips. I wish I could take everything back, my love…

I rolled my eyes and shut down my phone. I rested my head against the window, replaying every intimate touch, every "I love you," and…every kiss. I shut my eyes, to keep from crying, but a tear rolled down my cheek. My mom squeezed my hand, her eyes saying you'll be okay. I smiled and nodded. When we got home, I saw Fang sitting on the porch steps.

He locked his eyes with mine and smiled. I turned my head to the side opening the door. I got out, but failed to keep my balance. Fang ran to catch me, but Sam and Ig beat him to it and pushed him away. I rested my head against Iggy's chest.

"Hi Max," whispered Fang.

"Why are you here?" asked JJ.

"To set things right between Max and me," responded Fang.

"There is no you and me, per your instructions," I said. I tried to stand on my own, ignoring Iggy's and Sam's help.

"Yes there is Max. I'm always going to love you," he said.

"Right," I scoffed. Fang stepped closer and gripped my arm. I tried to pull free, but failed. Iggy and Sam tried to pull him off, but Fang's stronger. He crushed me to him, hurting my ribs. I cried out in pain. My breathing was speeding up in short gasps.

"Fang…you're hurting…me," I coughed out.

"I don't care! Max you're so fucking stubborn! I told you I'm sorry, what do you want me to do?!" he shouted. I've never seen Fang like this before. I clawed at his arms to let me go, until Iggy and Sam pulled him off me. I fell to my knees, trying to breathe better.

"Max!" said mom. JJ and Nudge helped me to my feet, and mom patted my back softly. I gripped my throat trying to breathe better. Fang looked at me, his eyes widened. He struggled against Iggy and Sam's grasp.

"Max I'm so sorry! I didn't know what got into me! Please," he said.

"If you get near my sister again, you're going to be the one going to the hospital," said Iggy menacingly in Fang's ear.

"Help me to my room?" I asked mom. She nodded and between the three of them, they took me to my room. I lay down, crying on my pillow. Everyone soothed me, but I focused on the window on the other side. Fang's room. I hear Iggy and Sam come in, and Fang opened his curtains. He saw me, and his expression softened. I'm sorry, he mouthed. I buried my face in my pillow. I thought he loved me. I sobbed loudly into my pillow.

"Close the curtains, sweetie," mom said to JJ.

At night, I heard my window open. I opened my eyes and found Fang sitting on my bed.

I was about to call mom, but he placed a hand over my mouth. I screamed and struggled against him, but I got hurt more. I gave up, and let tears run down my cheeks. He removed his hand and stroked my cheek. I pulled away and heard him sigh.

"Are you going to hurt me again?" I asked him.

"No. It was an accident, Max," he said softly. Then stood up and fell to his knees next to my bed. He took my hands and placed them on his cheeks. I froze. I couldn't pull away, I missed his touch. I knew I had to, but I couldn't pull away. He looked down and started to sob. I looked up at the ceiling and cried.

"Please forgive me Max. I didn't mean to cause you any of this," he sobbed. I shook my head and tried to pull my hands away, but he's stronger. I let out a sob.

"Lissa tricked me. She forced me into the date, and she just sat on my lap and kissed me. I tried to push her away, but she had me in a grip," he cried. Then, Fang moved my hands to his heart, where it beat wildly.

"Max, my heart is yours. I didn't want to cause you any of this," he said. I shook my head and pulled my hands from his.

"I want you to leave," I sobbed. Fang pulled me to him.

"Fang, leave! I don't want you here! We're done! It's obvious you don't love me," I hissed. He nodded and went towards the window.

"Just know, that I love you more than anything and I'm going to set things right between us," he said and ducked out. I laid back and tried to go to sleep. I don't love him anymore…do I?