Chapter Seven
Told by Kai
Even though I'm fuming on the inside, I keep a calm demeanor. I talk way more than I'd prefer.
"Sorry, guys." I mutter.
Everyone finally stops staring. Even Iggy, being blind, was staring, even though it was more like at my ear than my face. But I have to admit, he is pretty good.
"Kai, if you would like, you can stay here the night while we think about your offer."
I'm surprised by Max's words. Fang says something about getting back to the gang, then leaves.
I accept the offer, then I explore the house a little. I find Iggy in the kitchen, cooking dinner.
"Want some help?" I ask.
"Huh?" He turns to me, holding a dish. "You know how to cook?"
"Mostly. I've learned several ways to make something bland have a little more flavor. It happens."
*.*.*. Max.*.*.*
In the end we have a huge Italian meal with several small changes than what they usually have. We are all sitting at the table eating when I ask Kai a question:
"So… what did you, Shard, and Eden talk about?"
"Oh, I just told them to go deal with Jethro, then Eden told me they really came because she wanted to meet 'the famous flock.' She just dragged Shard along." I sigh. "I'm pretty sure she agrees with Ryder; that I shouldn't meet you."
"Who's Ryder? Is he—" Nudge couldn't get started because Gazzy slapped a hand over her mouth.
"He's just my right hand man." Kai says, but I see something flick in her eyes. And I know exactly what it is.
"Watch out, the right hand ones always betray you the most." I say. I grit my teeth, then stand and take my plates and my cup to the sink, fuming. I march up the stairs and to my room. I walk to the window, proceed to open it, and jump out. But someone stops me with a hand on my arm.
"Max." I hear Kai's voice.
"NO." I say, then try to get out.
She grabs both of my shoulders and pulls me inside. Kai sits me down on my bed and leans against the wall, arms crossed, right foot against wall.
"Max." She repeats. "I'm not going to pity you. I'm not going to say I'm sorry. I'm not going to sugar coat anything. And whether you listen or not, I don't care. But I will not let you do is get out of this. Got that?"
Figures. The one time anyone is strait with me is when I don't want to listen. Oh, irony. I glare at her and cross my arms.
"And now you act like a toddler who didn't get their way." I glare even harder upon hearing her words, but look down.
"I never have been good with words, but get over it." She's not talking about getting over her problem with words.
I look up at her, but her face is expressionless. Like someone else I know.
Apparently it shows in my eyes, because her look softened slightly. "Max," Her voice is softer as well. She walks over to me, sits down beside me. I now fear ending up bawling like a baby. "Life is never easy."
"Tell me about it." I reply, glum.
"And there is a lot that you feel you can't deal with."
And now she suddenly knows my feelings? But…. It is true.
"But you must prove them wrong. Because you are strong. No matter what someone says, no matter what you think." I look at her. "Even though you are strong, sometimes people feel the need to protect you, and you shouldn't be mad at them for it. They figure that you being safe is more important, and that you will be able to be happier later. Max, forgiveness is a very important aspect in ones life. I had to learn this lesson myself. And many more, I might add." She gives me a small, sad smile. Man, once these people get started talking, they don't stop.
"But… He would only left a stupid note. He couldn't even say goodbye to any of us… in person."
"Maybe because he knew he wouldn't be able to leave if he tried to tell you in person. And then everyone would be in danger. Besides, I'm pretty sure the entire family has some form of disorder which makes it hard to express anything through words. Being able to write it all down is a lot easier, trust me."
I feel better now, and a little less of the need to kill Fang, but still…. It's not gone entirely.