Hello. I realize that it's been forever since I last updated, and I can't really say I'm sorry. I only got one review for the last chapter, and I was very disappointed. Nevertheless, I decided I might as well add a chapter now while I have some time off. In my defense, I've been extremely busy with cheer every weekend and school Monday through Friday.

Here's the next chapter:

…annoyingly to my side…

Max POV:

Once we were far enough away so he wouldn't hear, I asked Fang "What the hell was that about?" While removing his hand from my hip bone. "Sorry," he whispered back, "that guy really bugged me. He was too friendly with you for my liking." I rolled my eyes at his jealous demeanor, and gathered the flock together so we could start heading upstairs. When I asked the dreaded question 'who's rooming with whom?' I was bombarded by four voices at once- everyone but Fang, that is.

"Slow down!" I said over all of them, and then turned to Angel. "Who do you want to room with, sweetie?" She smiled up at me before responding "Can I be with Nudge?" "Of course, honey, here's your key." Nudge squealed in excitement, and I turned to Gazzy, all traces of softness gone from my features.

"If one smoke alarm goes off in the short time we're staying here, you will wish you were never born." I glared at Iggy, daring him to contradict me. Apparently he felt the heat of my gaze, because he stepped back almost involuntarily. "Here's your key." I finally said, once I was sure I got my point across, and they both darted up the stairs after the girls. I handed Fang his key to our room, and followed everyone else up the stairs. Once we reached the top level and everyone was trying to open their doors, I walked over between the two conjoined rooms and announced that everyone had an hour and a half to shower and get ready for bed, and then we're all to meet in my room to stack fists and go over what's happening tomorrow.

There were mumbled sounds of agreement, and I went into my room to take a shower as well. Fang followed me into the room and closed the door, as I surveyed the area for possible escape routes. There were two queen beds in the middle of the room, a 52" flat screen T.V across from both of them, and a cheap office desk in the right-hand corner. The floor-length windows opened just enough to step out into the crisp autumn air, and there was a walk-in closet adjacent to the bathroom- which had a stand up shower and a huge corner bathtub. A very nice set up for $120 per night.

"I'm taking a shower," I announced, to which Fang simply nodded his head, and I grabbed my bag of toiletries before closing the bathroom door. As I let the steam from the shower relax my muscles, all worries of the day were put on the back burner. It didn't matter what Jake was saying, because none of it was true. And if the institute comes after us again, they'll be answering to a much more important person than six teenagers. All that mattered now was that I was with my family, and we were all safe- for now. I took my time getting out of the shower, enjoying its warmth and homeliness, but was too soon forced out of the bathroom by Fang banging on the door. "Hurry up, Max. The kids will be coming soon, and I still need to shower."

I sighed and opened the door, dressed in hot pink cheer shorts and a white cami. Fang indiscreetly gave me a once-over, kissed me on the forehead, and walked around me into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. I chuckled to myself then jumped onto the closest bed, turning the T.V to news, where CNN was talking about the latest celebrity crisis- me. "…Maximum Ride, still missing. John Is in New York with her two band mates, Jade and Alex. John?" The camera switched to a New York landscape, and the John dude started talking.

"Alice, both Jade and Alex are very upset about this tragic event," he turns the microphone to Alex, who looks more furious than worried. "All I have to say is, whoever's fault this is had better fess up, and soon. And when you do, you'll have me to deal with." She glared into the camera, and I laughed at her expression. Alex is never mad like that. Then the camera focused on Jade, who looked much more worried. Of course, she had no idea what had actually happened. "I just hope that Max, wherever she is, is safe. And to whoever's responsible for her disappearance, let me just say that this is so not funny." John nodded, and motioned for the lady, Alice, to take over. "Thank you, John. The…" I lost interest in the story after Alex and Jade told Jake off. I honestly didn't care what the news people thought happened to me.

Just then Fang grabs me around the waist, and I scream playfully. "Watching your life story?" He asked, motioning at the T.V. "Oh yes, it's very interesting. They could write a whole series on my life. It'd be a best seller." (A.N: ha-ha, they did!) He smirked, still holding me tight, and I rested my head in his chest. We stayed like that for several minutes until the kids knocked on the door, at which point I got up to invite them in.

There's chapter 22! REVIEW PLEASE!!! Criticism is appreciated! I'll write more ASAP, but I'm very busy with school. And if I don't get any reviews, I don't get the inspiration that I need to continue. (: Thanks in advance!

KTHNXBYE,

-Bergatron

P.S

I have a new story up, titled I Decide. Check it out and tell me what you think!