We kept walking and neither of us talked. It was a comfortable silence though, it wasn't awkward. Stuff really wasn't awkward with Fang. I guess we just knew each other too well. We crossed the tracks which is the way we go back to our houses, but we turned made a sharp right instead of going straight.

"Sorry about all of this, it's kind of a long story, and I needed to tell someone anyway," he told me still walking. I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile, but I was still way confused.

"It's fine. You can tell me everything, Fang. I'm here for you," I replied honestly. If something was bothering him, it must be pretty bad. He's a pro at hiding is feelings, and he was really trying now, but he just couldn't close himself out completely. But this was good for him, he needed to let something go, and once he told me what it was…

We weren't walking on pavement anymore, but on a trail with trees and plants on both sides of us. We were on some sort of trail in a nature preserve I guessed. We must be on the border of town, because I hadn't been here before, or anywhere near here.

We continued walking down the path until Fang, who was slightly ahead of me, slowed down and made a left. He walked a few more steps and then stopped. A huge willow tree loomed in front us, it's branches swaying in the wind.

"Up here Max," Fang replied as he began to climb on the bottom branches. He pointed to a spot where all the branches met together. It looked to be a spot big enough for about 3 people to sit. It looked perfect, with a thick branch in the back to lean against, but none in the front so your legs hung off.

Once he was up there, I went up and he grabbed my hand and pulled it up. When he grabbed my hand, I felt warmth spread through my hand. I just ignored it, probably some weird reaction to the tree bark or wind or something. I noticed something in Fang's face change too, but it didn't register.

"Where'd you find this place?" I asked softly in awe looking around. It was beautiful.

Fang shrugged, "I'll start at the beginning." I nodded, and he began. "Well, I have an older sister. She's a sophomore in college at Northwestern, in Evanston. Was." He said the last word so quietly though that I couldn't hear him. It just sounded like he cleared his throat. I had no idea where this was going, but it couldn't be good.

"She was an amazing sister. She had received a full scholarship to play on their lacrosse team, and was majoring in journalism. She was doing so good and had it all going for her. She was on the starting line of their lacrosse team as low attacker, and was really good. She was doing really well in her class work, and had a good roommate and had made a ton of friends there. What could go wrong?" He took a breath, and I saw him clench his fist, and I put my hand on top of his, and he relaxed.

"Sorry," he muttered, then continued talking, "At the end of last year, she met this guy, Jake. He was a senior. He seemed great at first, but then everything went downhill. He was an amazing basketball player for the team, and was smart, we thought. But then out of nowhere, he got kicked off the team for drugs and alcohol. But he and my sister had been going out and she loved him, and didn't care as long as she was with him. Then she started to be like him. She was caught doing drugs and was suspended from lacrosse, but she didn't really seem to care, which was really weird." He breathed in again, and leaned back against the trunk.

"No one knew what was going on with her. She kept doing drugs, and was kicked off her team recently. Everyone was so confused because she had always been an over-achiever, and her goal as a kid was always to go to Northwestern. She'd had everything she'd always wanted and she just through it away for one stupid guy," he stopped to catch his breath. His expression turned stony. "The bastard. She was supposed to come home to visit in September, and leave him at college for once. But they were together at a party the night before. There were drugs and alcohol at the party, and they were coming home at 3 or so we think, and that's when it happened. He was driving, she was in the passenger seat. He ran a red light, and he was flying down the street, and they hit another car head on. She died instantly, as well as both of the passengers in the other car. He went into a coma, but eventually woke up. He's in jail now for killing both passengers in the other car, and for drug and alcohol abuse." He swallowed hard, and I could tell he was trying really hard to hold back his tears.

"Oh Fang," I sighed and leaned my head on his shoulder and we sat there. I felt wet spots trailing down my cheeks and on my shirt. Tears fell from my eyes, and I reached a hand up to wipe them off. I slid my glance up, and Fang had his eyes closed, but he wasn't crying. He looked almost angry, behind the sadness.

"You've picked up on why I'm not super emotional and talkative. That's why. It was right before I met you. The reason I talk to you is you are exactly like Kaylie, my sister. You have the same energy, and attitude, and you're just like her. It's why I was able to talk to you and connect with you so quickly. More than with the people I've been with forever. We were so close," I realized he was talking about Kaylie again. "Even though she was way older than me, we were friends. Really close, and I never got to say goodbye, or even see the old Kaylie again. Once she was changed, that was it."

"I'm so sorry. I wish I could do something more," I said sadly leaning into him. I wiped away another tear.

We sat there for about 20 minutes, and I just leaned on him, and held his hand. I didn't know what else to do, if there was anything I could do. I was so sad for him, but I knew I was the only one who could help him.

"Her funeral's on Wednesday," he said in a monotone voice.

"Do you want me to be there?" I asked as I quickly glanced at my phone to check the time.

"Would you?" he sounded so broken when he said that.

"Of course," I said nodding. I tried for a smile, but it came out as more of a grimace and I frowned.

"Thanks," he whispered. He cleared his throat again, "She found this place. That was why I brought you hear, but I can't come here alone anymore because I get too upset. It was our place. It can be our place now though."

I smiled, "Okay." I felt like he didn't want me to say anything, just sit here and be with him. So he knew I was here for him. "Do the others know?"

He nodded, "I'm not sure if Ella does. My mom told your mom too. They're really close friends now too. She's coming on Monday too. I was just waiting to tell you about it." I nodded, and squeezed his hand softly.

"Let's go home," he whispered and started moving to get into a position to get down. He jumped and landed softly in the cool dirt. I leapt down too, and he gave me a hand which I took. Normally I would refuse, I don't need help. But, I could tell he wanted to feel like I wasn't the only one doing the comforting here. It was just part of his nature.

We walked home in silence, occasionally brushing hands. We ended up walking to my house, and I didn't even realize it until we were on the front porch, ringing the door bell. My mom answered the door, and we both went in quietly. I had texted her about Fang telling me, and she knew.

"I have some dinner on the table for you guys if you want," she said warmly leading us into the kitchen. She had put out to steaming plates of spaghetti and meat sauce, and then she left to go do some laundry. We both ate, and talked a little bit. Once we were finished, we put our dishes away and went upstairs to my room.

I pulled the two beanbags I'd gotten, from what seemed a million years ago, over together and by one of my huge windows, and Fang and I each sat down. I sat there and just held his hand comforting him, reassuring him that I would come to the funeral with him. We sat there forever, at least a few hours. Before long, I felt myself drifting to sleep.

(fpov)

I watched as Max slowly fell asleep in her beanbag chair. I didn't know what was going on with me, but I felt there was something different with Max and I. I felt something that was more than friendship. I mean sure, I'd found plenty of other girls at school hot, or in magazines, but this was different. Ughh, now I really was a mental mess. Especially with Kaylie gone…Normally we would've talked and she would've told me exactly what I was feeling and why. She was my idol. And now she was dead. Somewhere I could never see or talk to her again. And all because of that stupid asshole, Jake. I put my head in hands, running them trough my hair. I made sure Max was really asleep, because I felt I was going to break down, something that had never happened to me before. I felt my eyes become damp, and I wiped them with my sleeve. I refused to cry, especially in front of Max, conscious or not. But I couldn't stop it, they ran down my cheeks and onto my lap without warning. Thankfully they fell silently, and Max was out cold. I sat there crying just thinking about everything happening. First Kaylie. Then Max came. She was so confusing. But she made me happy. I loved hanging out with her, and she made me happy. And she was the only person who understood me, and the only one I trusted with my life. Maybe I loved her…No I couldn't. She'd been here for only a few months. But I knew that I was starting to get feelings for her, more than friends. More than best friends. Where was this going? All I knew was that I couldn't tell Max. Ever. Unless I was positive she felt the same way for me, which as of now she didn't. She practically told me earlier today. Maybe, in forever, she'd like me. Oh God, she was so beautiful…

(mpov again)

I woke up with the most awful backache. It killed. I must've fallen asleep in that stupid beanbag last night with Fang. Fang? Was he still here? I opened my eyes, stood up and stretched, looking over to see my best friend out cold with his messy black hair covering his eyes. It was Monday morning. Shit. That meant I had to get ready to go to school. Thankfully it was 6:15, so I had around an hour to get ready. I guess I better wake Fang up and he can shower after me.

"Fang," I whispered, instantly he sat up and looked around.

"Oh hey Max," he muttered.

"Good morning sleepy head. But we have to go to school today, so I suggest you get your lazy butt out of bed and into the shower," I told him smirking. He rolled his eyes, but did what I said went into the bathroom locking the door. I heard the shower start running, and I went to my closet to pick out some clothes for the day.

In the end, I decided on a pair of PINK crop yoga pants, and a white V-neck with a bright blue tank underneath, and my Toms. Don't get me wrong, I'm not big on PINK (color or store) but I couldn't help it, their pants were too comfortable! I put it all on my bed and waited for Fang to get out of the shower.

A few minutes later, a relatively wet-looking Fang came out of the bathroom, dressed in a clean black shirt, and jeans. Where did he have these clothes in my house? Whatever.

After 10 minutes of standing under steaming water, and feeling clean and energized, I grabbed a towel, and changed into the clothes I brought into the bathroom with me. I toweled dried my hair, added some mousse to hold the natural waves, and put on a touch of mascara. Once I was ready, I came out of the bathroom, and Fang and I went downstairs to grab some food before we left. My wonderful mom had left a plate of just-out-of-the-oven cinnamon rolls on a plate for us to split. Delish. I made a mental note to thank her later. We devoured them, and then stopped by Fang's to get his backpack and school stuff.

As we walked to school, Fang seemed much better than yesterday. He managed to seem happier and more himself, though I could tell that he was still upset. We were telling our teachers today we weren't going be in class tomorrow. His mom had already called in for both of us, so they knew.

The chilly November air made me pull my hoodie tighter around myself. In case I have never mentioned it before, I hate cold weather. I'm more of a beach 'n sun kinda girl. I love swimming and shorts and lemonade. I mean who likes mittens, scarves snow blowing? Yeah, I didn't think so. But the breeze made me think about the dance coming up. Some Winter Dance crap that I didn't want to go to. It was already the 28th of November, and the Dance was probably around the 16th or 17th. Winter break started on the 19th, so it could be earlier. Either way I really don't want to go. But I kinda have a feeling Nudge and Ella will flip if I don't. Even though they don't go to school with me…

"Max," I was no aware that Fang had said my name like 3 times by now.

"Sorry, I was spacing out." Fang smirked and I rolled my eyes.

"Anyway, we have a gig for the band coming up. On the 7th." We crossed the street and we could see the school about half a block ahead of us. Oh fun, learning. Not.

"Sounds good. Do we have a song selection picked out?" I asked as I restrained my desperate urge to punch all of the girls who were giggling behind us. They kept saying Fang's name but he ignored them.

"Not yet. We can do that next weekend, at our next rehearsal," he decided. I was debating on whether or not I'd get in trouble for flicking off the group of girls behind me, but I figured it'd be best not too, at least not now.

"Fang!" one of the girls in the group behind us said loudly, and might I add exceedingly flirtatiously. Exceedingly obnoxious is also a fantastic way to describe them. The girl had pin straight hair (which she most likely straightened to death several straightens ago), and sparkling blue eyes coated in mascara and eye shadow. She had on at least 10 layers of foundation and a pair of dark skinny jeans, a pretty see-through shirt, a scarf (a designer scarf, not winter scarf, as amusing as that would have been), and a pair of brown boots to top off her outfit.

"What." I swear if I could shoot lightening from my eyes, I would have. I gave her my best glare and I saw several of her friends step back.

"If I wanted you, I would have said 'slut'." She said not backing away.

"And if I wanted you, there would have to be something wrong with me," I replied not dazed by her comment. Looks like someone needs to go back to English class, I mean look in a mirror. Someone needs to turn on the lights before they get dressed.

"Yeah like there's nothing wrong with you now? I mean there's a reason all your friends are guys. Well hmm, let's see…you have what? 2 friends? Iggy and Ben?" she stepped closer. I glared down at her, considering she was a good 3 inches shorter than me.

"And me," snarled Fang who was standing next to me, but hadn't intervened at this point. "Which means she has 3 more friends than you."

The girl, who turned out to Cassidy, blushed hotly. "Well, there must be something wrong with you, if you'd consider hanging out with her." I clenched my fists. It went downhill from there. And when I say downhill, I mean like fast. "Oh, by the way. I heard about your sister." Fang froze up. "I'm sorry," she said mockingly.

"How the hell did you hear about that?" he snarled, angry beyond belief.

"Well, me and my girls did a little spying," she said with a wink. "We heard some of your friends talking about it. Don't worry, it wasn't their fault."

She was going to a whole new level. Don't worry, Max can go there too. And that was when I punched her. Yeah, you heard me. Punched. Like with my fist.

"Yeah well you know what, I'm not sorry." Her nose erupted in a flow of blood.

Cassidy started shrieking. "Oh my God! She punched me! She punched me!" Damn right I did. "Help! I'm bleeding! It's everywhere!"

"Don't worry, head wounds always bleed a lot," I said sincerely, then grabbed Fang's arm and dragged him away.

He wasn't talking as I grabbed him and pulled him over by a bench under the trees.

"Fang," I began, and he looked up. His eyes were on fire, he was livid. I'd never seen him that mad before. He looked scary almost.

"I just can't believe Cassidy would do something like that. Bring up my sister."

"That bitch," I chimed in. That made his face loosen a little. He tried for a smile, but it came out as a grimace.

"You realize you could get suspended for punching her," he informed me.

"Doubt it. I didn't even hit her hard enough to break her nose. Besides, no one should ever say that. It was bull." I replied.

"Well thanks then," he said, picking up his backpack, and I nodded. I threw one of my arms around his shoulders, and we walked into the school.

About 2 hours later, during 3rd period, the intercom came on. I had been expecting it since homeroom, so it wasn't really a surprise.

"Maximum Martinez?" came a slightly mechanized voice from the speaker.

"She's here," my teacher answered.

"Please send her to the office immediately." The voice intoned, and I mentally rolled my eyes. I nodded, at the teacher and packed up my stuff. I felt eyes boring into me, but I didn't look at anyone.

I walked into the office, and was greeted by the same secretaries who were here the first day.

"Hi Max," the one on the right greeted me warmly. "You can go in."

I knocked on the big wooden door, and was greeted with a low man's voice, "Come in."

"Maximum Martinez," I said as I walked in, and shook his hand.

"Ah, yes. I need to speak to you." Well I would hope so. I didn't want to come up here for nothing, I thought. "About an incident that happened this morning before school." I liked how he said 'incident', not 'accident'. "As I have heard, you punched Cassidy Pruitt in the nose. Thankfully it's not broken, but I need to here from you what happened. I then need to provide appropriate consequences." For a second I debated coming up with an excuse, then I realized that he would know about Fang's sister. For one, he would know her as a former student, and Fang's mom called in for us.

"Okay, well Fang and I were walking to school and Cassidy came up behind us, trying to talk to Fang. He didn't want to talk to her, and I told her so, and she got mad and called me a slut. We kind of were insulting each other for a while and then she said something very personal about Fang's sister. Have you heard what happened? To Kaylie?" I took a breath waiting for an answer.

I saw his face fall, obviously aware of the situation and upset by it as well. "Yes. It's terrible. She was always one of my favorite students."

"Well, Cassidy said some things about her death to Fang because she was mad at me. And I got mad because the things she said were awful, and Fang doesn't need anymore stress or trouble right now. You heard the funeral was tomorrow?" He nodded.

"What exactly did she say?" he asked quietly, clearly troubled.

"Honestly, it's really not worth repeating," I replied. He nodded understanding.

"Well Max, thanks for being honest. And I personally agree with your move to protect Fang, but violence isn't always the answer. However, I do have to punish you, but considering your new to school, and I understand how everything happened, I am going to let it go, as long as it doesn't happen again. I approve of your loyalty to your friends."

"Thank you," I said as I got up, gathered my stuff and went on my way to 4th period.

Hey guys! Thanks for all the reviews! That's awesome! Keep 'em coming! So sorry for the super long break between updates! I was on vacation and have been doing 6 hours of volleyball a day for practices! And school's starting on Monday so I'm gonna be so busy! Please keep reading and reviewing! BTW, this chapter's kinda confusing so let me know if it doesn't make sense! Thanks guys!