Hey people! Yes, I'm updating. Again. And I know you're all going to be pissed at me for updating this story and not my other ones, but how can you expect me not to? I literally just watched "A Cinderella Story" for the bajillionth time. OMIGODILOVEYOUCHADMICHAELMUR RAY! Ahem. Shall we get on with the chapter?

Ch. 3:

Max POV

"Bye, Jeremy!" I said as I sprinted out of Starbucks, my sacred study-hangout, with my backpack slung loosely over my shoulder.

"Bye, Max." He said, smiling at me, just as my favorite cashier would on any other day.

I jumped into my truck and sped off towards Anne's Ice Cream. Technically, it used to be my father's, but after he died Anne completely changed it. And by changed it, I mean ruined it.

Grabbing my apron as I sprinted inside, I didn't even stop for breath.

"Max." Ari, the manager of this terrible establishment, said, amused.

"Hey, Ari." I said, beginning to rinse out the soft-serve machine.

"You actually made it on time. That's new." He said, walking over to me and wrapping me in a hug from behind. Now, before you get any ideas, it isn't like that. He's like an older brother.

"You lose anything at Starbucks?" He asked, letting go and returning to his own task of trying to get the syrup to actually come out of the Hershey's bottle.

I smiled. "Nope." I answered smugly. Ari turned and his eyes trailed from me to my stuff on the floor, back to me, back to the floor.

"Where's your science binder?" He asked thoughtfully.

"Front pocket."

"Math spiral?"

"Back pocket."

"History book?"

"Shit." I swore, earning a few hard looks from the people eating their ice cream. Ari shot them apologetic glances, and since he's Ari and everyone loves him, they shrugged it off.

"I'll just go back to Starbucks after my shift." I said.

"Your shift isn't over until 8. It's only 4:30." Ari pointed out.

I sighed. "Only because of Anne."

"She sucks." Ari said bluntly. "I know, honey. She's my boss. Trust me, I know."

"She's my step-mom. Trust me, I know."

"Sorry to interrupt the pity party, you two, but I need to talk to you Max." I whipped my head toward Nudge, who was standing there in her perfect outfit with an apron covered in chocolate over it. Ah yes, Nudge worked at Anne's Ice Cream. She says she does it for the pay, but trust me, the pay sucks here. I'm pretty much positive she does it to make sure I have someone with me here to keep me sane. She just can't trust Ari with the job.

"Max!" She drawled out my name. "Your outfits are never very good, but today it's just… no. Seriously, Max? A P.E. shirt? That just screams no fashion sense! I could hook you up with a nice blouse, you know. Oh, and I have this way too cute skirt that would totally fit you! I bought it for me, but it's a 4, and you know I'm more of a 2, so you could take it off my hands. Trust me, it'd look adorable on you. It's a much better match for your skin tone than mine, actually. If you just nmsirghi…" Nudge was cut off by Ari's hand over her mouth.

"Nudge." I said slowly. "I didn't wear this P.E. shirt to school. Ella, her royal bitchy highness, 'spilled' her frappuccino on my shirt. What can you do?"

Nudge tensed at the mention of Ella and went back to her work. Nudge has always hated Ella. Nudge claims it's just because of her not-so-pleasant personality, but it's mostly because of Iggy's apparent crush on her.

Three and a half hours of grueling ice cream duty later, here I am. Driving back to Starbucks to get my textbook back.

I walked in, barely glancing at anyone before proceeding to walk up to Jeremy.

"Book, please?" I asked, holding out my hand.

"That isn't on the menu, Max." He said, jokingly.

"You're a riot." I said dryly. Jeremy just rolled his eyes and placed the book in my hands.

"Thank you!" I said in a bright tone before turning and walking towards the exit.

I felt a vibration in pocket and sighed. Probably Anne, asking why I wasn't back home yet and why her floors weren't mopped yet.

From CladInBlack: Hey, Lost?

My mood brightened slightly as I paused, hesitating to leave Starbucks just yet.

ILostIt…Again: Yeah?

From CladInBlack: How's your day been so far? Lose anything yet?

ILostIt…Again: Just my textbook.

I responded quickly, not missing a beat.

When a lack of response came, I sighed and began to walk out the door. As I did, though, I collided with something hard and… dark?

"Fang?" I asked, looking up at the guy in front of me.

"Oh… hi Max." He said rather awkwardly. I looked down at the blond kid next to him. "This is my brother Gazzy." He explained. I surveyed Gazzy, who had blond hair and vibrant blue eyes. His hair did seemed to be singed, though…

"Well, um, bye." I said after a few moments of awkward silence.

As I finally got into the car, I felt my phone buzz once more.

From CladInBlack: Sorry. I got held up. My brother tried to blow something up again. You know he's in his pyromaniac phase. This time, though, I think he burned some of his hair off. Mom is going to be so pissed.

I genuinely laughed at his message and tried to picture his brother, burnt hair and all, but I couldn't. How could I know what his brother looked like, if I didn't even know what he looked like?

ILostIt…Again: No problem. So, what's up with you?

From CladInBlack: Still being pressured by my dad to 'follow the plan', but I did come to a revelation.

ILostIt…Again: Oh yeah, and what is that?

Genuinely curious about his answer, I waited about five minutes in the truck with no response.

From CladInBlack: You and I are going to meet up. At the Halloween Dance on Friday. I already have my ticket, do you have yours?

I gaped at his message. He really wanted to meet me?

ILostIt…Again: I wasn't going to go…

I truly wasn't. Quite frankly, no one asked me and I had no intention of going.

Something deep within me was telling to decline Clad's offer. He's too perfect, It said, something isn't right.

From CladInBlack: Will you go with me?

I gulped as I typed my simple one word answer.

ILostIt…Again: Yes.

Well, I haven't got anything to say.

Peace!

~Cake.