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Situations, Tabloids & Death

I left early the next morning.

The funny thing was, Fiona didn't even stop me. She didn't even get up to see me off. She didn't even write a note.

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in my stepmother. But I left, all the same.

I wasn't really thinking straight (or at all really) when I packed, so I just grabbed what would fit into a backpack; my favorite, oversized sweatshirt, my favorite pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, a few shirts, hygiene stuff, my ipod touch, its charger, my phone and the few pictures I had left of dad.

Slinging the backpack over my shoulder, I kissed my room goodbye. Then I walked up the stairs and out the door without a single look back.

I was officially alone.

And to my horror, tears welled up in my eyes.

I wiped them away before they could fall.

"Get a grip, Max!" I muttered to myself. "Pull it together."

Stuffing my hands into my pockets, I walked.

And walked.

And walked.

Until I was out of the neighborhood and somewhere halfway deserted.

Finding a bench, I sat down and hugged my knees close to my chest.

"You are being pathetic," I told myself. Who cries after leaving a wretched stepfamily? Who cries after leaving a home that felt more like a jail? It made no sense yet I continued to fight tears back.

With my dark, smudged makeup, my oversized sweatshirt, my holey jeans and ratty converse, I knew I looked like a homeless person. Several people had passed by without a glance but some made a point to look at me with disgust. I even heard someone whisper "I bet she's knocked up," to her friends.

Frankly, I didn't care.

Okay, so maybe I did a little bit; I flipped her off. She didn't see it though.

I felt a few drops of rain but didn't make an effort to move. It felt cool on my face and I wanted it to pour.

I wanted a lot of things actually.

For instance: I wanted to find Nick Walker, kick his butt all the way to next week, duct tape him to a tree and make him listen to opera for the rest of his miserable, worthless life.

Then I would steal his car, move to New York, find a job, finish school and become famous.

Oh, yes.

Unfortunately, I was brought back from dreamland by several girls who were walking by. There were about five of them, all about fourteen, huddled under several umbrellas as they flipped through tabloids, laughing and talking.

Rolling my eyes, I rested my head on my knees and closed my eyes.

"I know right? I can't believe Nick Walker actually kissed her! I mean, like, seriously."

My eyes popped back open and I listened closely.

"She's sooooo lucky."

"Megan! Didn't you read the article? Sources say she walked away!"

"You're lying!"

Bolting from my seat, I ran towards them. "Where? Where is it? Let me see!"

The girl handed it to me, her eyes wide in surprise.

Closing it, I frantically looked at the cover.

No freaking way.

There I was. With Nick. On the cover of Us.

Looking at the caption it said: MYSTERIOUS GIRL REJECTS WALKER!

Stumbling, I backed away slowly.

"Are you okay?" The girl asked, peering at me curiously.

"Uh…I have to…go," I muttered, slinging my backpack over my shoulder and walking away quickly.

Practically hyperventilating, I dialed Ella.

She answered on the first ring. "MAX!"

"Pick me up at Center and Hennens. Now."

"What—"

"Now, Ella."

"Okay, okay—"

Hanging up, I shoved it into my pocket.

"NICK WALKER I WILL KILL YOU!" I screeched into my hands.

My phone buzzed and I quickly pulled it out. It was from Iggy.

Dude. You're all over the tabloids.

No freaking duh, Iggy!

Whoa…cool it, Maxie . We'll be there in thirty secs.

Pulling up my hoodie, I quickly walked to the curb.

Sure enough, Ella's car was pulling up.

"Heya, stranger," Iggy said, rolling down his window and giving me a cheesy grin. "Lookin' good."

"Scoot," I told him, sliding into the backseat.

Nudge handed me four magazines from the front.

Me. All over them. With Nick. Kissing.

"Oh my bob," I muttered, running my hands over my face. "Oh my word. This isn't happening."

"Hey, hey," Iggy hushed, rubbing my back. "It's okay. You don't need to freak out, we can—"

"I'm COMPLETELY allowed to freak out, Iggy!" I yelled. "I'm on the cover of practically every single freaking magazine in the entire US! Three hundred MILLION people who previously did NOT know about my existence NOW KNOW! THIS IS NOT OKAY!"

"Whoa, Maxie," Iggy said in an attempt to calm me down. "Take a chill pill and swallow it slowly. This is not the end of the world."

"We passed the sign not too long ago, Iggy," I told him drily. "It welcomed you to hell. Didn't you see it?"

Iggy rolled his eyes.

"Don't you think it's a little exciting, being on the cover of a magazine?" Nudge asked hopefully.

I gave her a look that would stop a rhino in its tracks.

Iggy stifled a laugh and I flicked him.

"It'll be alright, Max," Ella reassured me. "The story won't last forever. Maybe a week."

"In the mean time," Iggy informed me, "You can stay home and keep a low profile."

"Actually," I said slowly. "I was wondering if maybe I could bum a room for a while?" I asked, looking at Ella.

"Oh, yeah. Sure. No problem."

"Wait!" Iggy yelled. "Iggy is confuzzled!"

"Uh—"

"Why are you even HERE? Why aren't you grounded? I mean, no offense, you did nothing wrong but why aren't you at home?" His eyes widened and he gasped. "You killed them, didn't you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Iggy. I killed them. Remember? I gave you the bodies."

"Did she kick you out?" Nudge asked.

I picked at my nails. "Um…"

"No way," Ella gasped. "No freaking way. You left, didn't you? OH MY WORD YOU DID!"

I gave her an annoyed look.

"WHOO-HOO!" Iggy yelled. "Go, Max!"

I gave them a small smile then started out the window into the pouring rain.

"Yeah," I muttered. "Yay me."

Yeah…hope you liked it. Things are gonna get interesting soon so YAY! Oh yeah, quick note; I start school tomorrow. So updates may be a little irregular, especially since I'm doing a full load of PSEO (Post Secondary Education Option). I shall try though! And please check out my lovely new story "Confessions of a Juvenile Delinquent". I'd like to know everyone's opinion. PM me too, if you have any ideas. :)

Peace, Love & SEA FOAM ~

d-and-s86