Happy New Year's Everyone! Hope you all had an amazing year, but even a better one this year! :)

So I just wanted say (again) thanks for all your reviews, and comments.

And that this will be my first chapter of 2012, yay! (Sounds weird saying 2012) :P

Anywho, there will be FAX in the beginning, so hope I do it ok!

Enjoy! :)

Chapter 22 – The Track Meet

(Fang's POV)

I heard the sirens in the background, getting closer. But I didn't stop running. I couldn't stop running.

The hospital was just up ahead, I could see the lights. But I couldn't run fast enough. I looked down at my legs; they were going as fast as they possibly could.

Come on Fang, almost there. Just a little more.

I finally made it to the sliding doors and walked into the lobby. I saw no one, except for a single computer on my right. I ran to it, looking for a name. I looked down the list, there, room C15.

I looked down the hall, it was so long. But I couldn't give up, I was so close. I passed what felt like a millions rooms, none of which I was looking for. Shiz! Where was the damn room!

And then I saw a light coming from the bottom of a door. I walk up to it, C15. The light keeps getting brighter, and I open the door. I blink, blinded by the light, and I hear my name.

"Fang." So low, but I can hear it.

I see a bed and a man sitting near it. I slowly walk up to the bed, seeing her face again.

"Mom, I'm here. Everything is fine." I grab her hand, and she smiles weakly. My vision blurs and tears drop from my cheeks. "Oh, Fang. I'm so glad that you came. I am so proud of you, my beautiful boy."

Her eyes light up and I smile at her. She looks so weak, frail, just like I remember when I was younger. Then the man on the chair shifted, "2 minutes." he said.

I held my mothers hand, it was getting colder. Her breathing was getting weaker, "No mom, please don't go again. I need you so bad. Please, the twins need you, dad."

The tears were flowing, making a puddle beneath my feet. My foot slipped and I held the bars on the side of her bed. Her hand still in mine. "Mom, I love you." I whispered.

She smiled, "I love you too sweetheart, but I have to go now." I couldn't loose her again, I shook my head, "No, I'm not letting go. Stay with me."

The puddle was getting bigger; I could feel the bottom of my jeans already wet. "And Fang, Max loves you."

Her eyes closed and she let my hand go. I fell to the floor, getting wet. The man on the chair stood up, "It's time." He stated and started wheeling my mom's bed out the door.

I tried getting up, but kept slipping on the water. "No! Bring her back, you can't take her!" I yelled, and finally got up. I rushed to the door and looked out.

The hall had gotten a lot longer, and the man was almost at the end of it, I started running. "Mom!" was all I could say.

And then the lights stared to go off one by one. I couldn't see my mom anymore, but I kept going. "Mom."

And then I was surrounded by black.

I woke with a start, cold sweat beading my forehead. I was breathing heavily, my heart pumping fast.

I ran a hand through my hair, and closed my eyes, "Just a dream."

I sat up, "Fang?" Max sat up next to me, worry in her voice. I turned to her and smiled, "It's fine, nothing." She still looked at me, her hair messy. She gave a small smile and then laid back down.

And yes, best friends can sleep in the same bed people! It was Saturday morning, and Max had slept over, we watched movies last night.

I checked the clock on my nightstand, 2:27 a.m. I got out of bed and stretched. I walked into my bathroom and turned on the cold water.

I splashed some on my face, it felt really good. "Are you sure you're fine?" I spun my head and saw Max standing at the door. I turned off the water and dried my face.

"Yeah, just a bad dream." She smiled and walked over to me, wrapping her arms around me. I hugged her back; we were just standing there in the dark. She pulled back and looked into my eyes. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

I really wanted to tell her, but I couldn't, not yet. I shook my head, "No thanks, I'm fine." I gave a smile small and brushed some hair from her face.

She loves you. The words my mom had told me kept playing in head.

I looked into Max eyes, and saw everything. It was a connection we had, we could read each other. I saw worry, pain, and maybe love in them. Then I kissed her, out of nowhere.

I didn't even know what was happening until she placed her hand on my neck. Her lips were in sync with mine, and they were warm. Did I taste chocolate chip cookies?

I tilted my head and wrapped her in my arms. I never wanted to let go, I could always protect her. We pulled away and I leaned my forehead on hers.

"Well, now I know you're fine." She teased and we both laughed. I kissed her forehead, and we walked back to bed. She laid down, covering her body. I walked past her and opened the door.

"Where are you going?" she asked, half sitting. "I need some air, be right back." I saw the outline of her smile and I walked out. I went to Angel's room and opened the door. I walked in quietly and saw my baby sister, sleeping.

She was breathing lightly, her blond curls all over her face. I smiled, moved them to the side and kissed her cheek. She turned on her side, and hugged her favorite bear, Celeste. I walked back out and went down to the kitchen.

I opened the fridge, and brought out chocolate milk. I drank two cups and then went back up to my room. Max was already asleep and I laid next to her.

I thought about my dream, I missed my mom so much. My dad needed her, the twins, I needed her. I felt my eyelids grow heavy, and I couldn't fight the heaviness.

I fell asleep, thinking of my mom.

(Max's POV)

I opened my eyes to the sound of laughter. It sounded like Angel. I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Fang was not on his side of the bed. I sat there, thinking about last night.

I remember hearing Fang calling to Lori, and the kiss… I smiled at the memory; it was the best one yet. I looked at the time, almost 7:30. And then I remembered I had my first track meet today.

I groaned and fell backward on the bed; I really wasn't in the mood for running. Fang's door burst open and in came Fang, with Angel laughing hysterically on his back. "Fang put me down. Fang!" I sat up and laughed.

Fang went around the bed and dumped Angel next to me. "There, now you guys have to stay in here forever!" he yelled and then he ran out, slamming the door. "Fang!" Angel and I yelled together.

We tried opening the door, but he was on the other side, holding it closed. "Come on Angel, we can do this!" I encouraged. Her face looked so cute, scrunched together, all her might trying to open the door.

"Fang, come on. That's not fair, you're stronger than us!" she yelled, her face turning red. "Not my fault!" he responded. "You guys need to start working out. I'm only holding my pinky on the door, and you still can't open it. Weaklings!" he teased.

"We'll see who's a weakling once I break your pinky!" I yelled back, and Angel giggled.

Angel had gotten tired and was now just standing there, and I was kneeling on my knees. And then I had an idea. "Just follow my lead." I whispered to her and she nodded. I got up and walked to Fang's desk,

"Oh look Angel, Fang's laptop." I announced extra loud. Angel giggled and ran next to me, grabbing his priceless laptop. "You guys wouldn't." I heard Fang say on the other side.

We then tiptoed to his door, and I grabbed a book off his shelf. Then Angel placed the laptop on the floor. "Oh, yes we would. Angel, let's see how durable this computer really is." She evilly smiled and I lifted the book and dropped it hard on the floor. Making a loud thump.

I quickly put the book back on the shelf. "Nooo!" the door flung open and Fang's eyes were on his laptop. "Oops." I said quickly and we ran out, laughing. We ran down the stairs and into the kitchen where Jeb was a drinking his coffee and reading his newspaper.

Angel and I ran behind him and ducked down, facing the stairs. "Do I want to know?" asked Jeb lazily, looking down at us. We both shook our heads and saw Fang run down the stairs, his face red. I giggled, and he spotted us, his face furious.

"Run!" yelled Angel and we went through the back of the kitchen. When we turned the corner, something grabbed Angel and she screamed. Fang had scooped her in his arms and was spinning her. I stopped and just watched, smiling.

"Fang no, please. I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry!" she said between laughing. Fang stopped and looked at her, "You better be." He said firmly, a hard face. Was he really mad at her? Angel's face turned to horror, and I reached out, "Fang, it was my fau…"

And then he squeezed her tight. "I'm just playing Angel. I love you." She hugged him back and he put her down. We both watched as she climbed the stairs, and then he looked at me. "And as for you…" he stepped closer.

"Fang, I didn't really drop it. We were just playing." I held up my hands, but he grabbed my waist and put his lips near my ear. "If you ever touch my laptop again, you're dead."

I turned my head and looked at him, "Please you would miss me too much if I died." I finished smiling. He thought for a second, "You're right." And then he kissed my temple lightly. I laughed and we walked into the kitchen, Gazzy and Angel eating cereal.

Fang pulled out 2 boxes, "Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Cheerios?" he asked. "Cinnamon Toast Crunch." I grabbed two bowls and he filled them. I turned around him and grabbed the milk. As I poured it, he brought out the spoons.

I put the milk away and he handed my bowl. "Why thank Mr. Harding." I said sarcastically. "My pleasure Miss. Ride" and we both sat. After we finished breakfast, we were all sitting on the couch watching TV.

"So you ready for your meet today?" asked Jeb. I shrugged my shoulders, "I guess, my first race it at 12:55." Then I got up. "Which reminds me, I have to go home and get ready. The coach wants us there an hour before to warm up."

Jeb nodded, "So, we'll see you there then." I smiled and walked out to the backyard. Fang followed me, and I pushed the loose board. "I'll see you later Max." he said. I smiled and went through, stepping onto my grass. I fixed the board and opened our side door.

I stepped into the living room and found my parents and Iggy on the couch. "Well look who's back. How was it?" asked my mom. "It was really fun, just remind me not to watch any of the Paranormal Activity movies." They all laughed and I went up to room to get my duffel bag ready.

~ At the track meet~

We had just finished stretching and the coach was giving us a pep talk. "Alright people, this is our first race, so you better do a damn good job." What a pep talk. We all stared at him, and then he smiled.

"I'm just messing with you guys. I just want you to have fun, but winning is always good." We all laughed. "So today just have fun, and race till you're hearts content. Tigers on three!" we all put out fists together and did our little school spirit thing.

We broke apart and I looked up into the stands. I saw my parents and Iggy with Fang's family. I waved and they waved back, Iggy screaming, 'I love you Max!' I rolled my eyes and watched as the other high school came onto the track.

I started getting butterflies in my stomach. Stupid nerves.

"Ok, boys varsity first followed by girls varsity. Then boys JV and lastly girls JV." Steve came up to me, "Good luck Max, go kick some butt." I smiled at him, "You know I will. And good luck to you too."

He gave me a one armed hug and then went to sign in. I sat down and drank some water, my hands feeling clammy.

Calm down Max. Just pretend this is practice, everyday practice.

I watched as the first few boys got ready, each taking a track line. They had to do 3 laps, and Steve was in the second line. The bell was rung and the boys took off. There were 2 boys from our school and 2 boys from the other school. The other 2 boys had first and second, Steve was in third.

They ran by the bleachers, turning into the first bend. Come on Steve, faster. Coming into the second lap, he moved up to second, hopefully the guy in first died down.

They rounded the second lap, neck and neck coming into the last lap. Steve was moving up, but not fast enough. They were coming up to the finish line. They were so close… Damn, Steve lost.

They stopped and bent over, catching their breath. Steve straightened up and looked at me, not so happy. I smiled back and gave him two thumbs up. He smiled back but still shook his head. I felt bad for him, but he'll get over it.

There were 3 more guys' varsity races, then me. Someone from our school won in every race, so that was good. Then I was up next. "Girls Varsity, up to the front." Called the guy in charge.

I got up and walked over to the front. "Maximum Ride checking in." he looked down at his clipboard and put a check next to my name. "Next race." He told me, and I moved to the side. Some girls checked in and went to the front of the track, stretching.

I went over to the side and also started stretching. "You have to do better than me." I turned and saw Steve putting on his track jacket. I smirked, "I will, promise you that." He laughed and zipped up his zipper. "I just did that so you can have the joy of beating me, for once." I rolled my eyes,

"Stop making lame excuses, cause you will never beat me. Well maybe in your dreams." He shook his head, laughing. The girls finished the race, and the coach was calling the next two.

"Well, good luck Max. Although you don't need it." I sweetly smiled, "Hey, you said it this time, not me." He laughed once more, and I turned, jogging up to the coach. "Ok girls, I just have one thing to say to you." Me and Arianna, the other girl from my team looked at him.

"Go kick some ass!" we all laughed and the two of us walked to the beginning. "Good luck." I told her, she smiled and we got ready. I looked at our opponents, hopefully it was an easy race. Then I looked out to the bleachers at my family.

I saw my parents and Jeb waving, Iggy was on the phone, probably with Marilyn. And Fang had Angel on his shoulders, and Gazzy was flailing his arms. Don't I have amazing fans?

I looked straight ahead, remembering how to control my breathing. I heard the buzzer and we all took off. I stayed focused on just looking straight ahead, not worrying about the other girls. We turned the second bend; I could feel the muscles on my legs working.

Half way through the second lap I slightly turned my head, big mistake.

My shoe caught on something and I lurched forward. Luckily I caught myself, but my opponent moved ahead me. She was about two whole steps ahead of me, darn her!

And we were coming up to the last lap; I had to make a move. I stepped up my pace, but not like my try out. We crossed the line, last lap.

We were pretty close, every step counted, rounding the last bend…

I took longer strides, almost there. I took an extra long leap, closing my eyes. We crossed over the line and slowed down, my throat feeling dry. I looked at my coach, but he shrugged his shoulders. It was too close to call.

I bent over, and sighed. I took deep breaths, and then stood up, walking to the side. I grabbed a water and downed the whole bottle.

"The winner of the race is…" we all looked at the judge, I held my breath. "Maximum Ride!" I started screaming and jumping like a little girl.

I had won! I was so happy, so full of pride. Then I was being lifted, and I looked down at Steve.

"I knew you could do it!" I beamed at him and lifted my arms in the air. My whole family was cheering, the twins screaming the loudest. I looked at my coach who also had a smile. He gave me the thumbs up, I felt so proud of myself.

After my whole little victory ceremony, Steve had brought me down and hugged me. We had to stay and watch all the races, all of which were very close. Our coach said we did pretty well for our first meet.

We were all happy and we had a blast. I couldn't wait for our next competition! After, we all went out to eat at B.J.'s.

So to sum up my day… it was amazing! I had an interesting morning *cough* Fang *cough*

And I ended my day as a winner. Nothing better than that!

Ok, there it is! :)

It was fun writing the beginning, and the whole chapter.

Hope you enjoyed the long chapter!

And once again, Happy New Year!

Review!