Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine): All character credit goes to our good man, Mr. Patterson(:

~ TLM ~ Chapter 10 ~ Why do bad things happen to pretty okay people?

~Max POV~

Holy crap. This girl is my sister. I don't even know what to think about that; I had never given much thought to getting back in touch with my mom and sister. I mean, what if they hated me or thought I was a freak or wanted my dad to take me away? I just never even thought the opportunity would arise.

I looked over at Angel, who was next to me. Her clear, blue eyes were enormous and I think they were trying to tell me something, but I wasn't going to decipher her message. I needed time to think.

As soon as we got to the park, I mumbled something about the bathroom and went to hunt it down, hoping nobody followed. Of course, Angel did.

"Max!" She whisper-screamed at me when we were far enough away from the others. "She's your sister!"

"I know!"

"Then tell her!

"No!"

"Dammit, Max! Why the heck not?"

"Well what am I supposed to say?! Hey, I'm your sister! I don't know if you remember me or Daddio, but he locked me up and made me special! Anyways, we're related, so you have to be nice to me and let rejoin the world that I don't even know."

"Max, what other chance do we have? She's our only connection! As far as the government is concerned, we are all legally insane and should be locked up."

"We'll find something else to do! We can-"

Ella walked in. "Are you guys ok? It sounded like you were arguing." She sounded genuinely concerned.

"Yeah we're good! Thanks, though," Angel told her with a warm smile.

Of course, she's nice. Now Angel will find something creepy to do with my mind and make me tell Ella, because she trustworthy. Yeah, well, I've had my share of experiences with the trustworthy of the world; I mean, Ella, came from my, sorry, our dad.

Angel gave me a look and whispered, "So did you."

~XXXXXXOXXXXXX~

The park was really peaceful. Even with all the laughing kids running around, it was a good first experience. I was plopped on the swing for most our outdoor adventure and it gave me lots of time to think.

Most of the day was gone already and I still had no plan of what we were going to do or where we were going to stay. There was no way I was going to Ella's house, it didn't belong to me anymore, so I guess we could probably stay at Fang's again, but then what? What happens when his parents come home? Or when Jeb starts sending out search parties? He was definitely motivated enough if he was willing to steal his own kid.

I was making my way over to Fang to ask him about it when Angel entered my field of vision, pulling Ella behind her. They were coming in my direction so I thought all the mean things I could come up with in Angel's direction, dreading whatever conversation she was bringing to me.

"Hey, Max!" Ella called once she and Angel and I were within hearing range of each other.

"Oh, hi, Ella." I could see Fang behind Angel's shoulder laughing with Nudge at something Iggy was saying and I thought about just screaming my question at him before Ella could say anything else. I know Angel must have told her something. That little devil.

"So, Angel told me you guys need a place to sleep?"

"Oh, did she?" I'm gonna kill that girl. Angel smiled at me.

"Yeah! And so I was just thinkin', what if you guys came over to my house?"

"Oh, why that is mighty kind of you, Ella, but we really wouldn't want to burden you with anything. Besides, all of our stuff is already at Fang's house and I bet he wouldn't mind if we stayed another night with him."

"But it would be so fun! Like a girls' night out sleepover or something! Please!"

"Hear that, Max!" Angel piped in with a glint in her eye. The nerve. "Oh it's been forever since I've been to a sleepover!"

"See?" Ella pleaded, "Angel wants to, and I bet Nudge wants to too! It wouldn't be a burden at all! I just wanna help you guys out!"

Ugggh, why did she have to be so nice? I was all out of excuses and sighed, trying to think of another way to turn her down. She must have taken that for a yes because she started squealing a little and jumped up and down with Angel.

"Wait -" I tried, but they were already dancing away to Nudge. There was no stopping this now.