love. Its what max felt

The butterflies in her stomach whenever Henry was near. It had started back last year. Up until then he was her best friend. And only that. But as they got older, her feelings changed for him. And it wasn't till October of 6th grade that it hit her. She had a crush on him. Like a legit crush on her best friend. they always said that a best friend can be the best partner. Thats what happened to max. She wanted to date Henry. Her best friend. But at the same time she didn't want to risk ruining their friendship, if it was still there.

plus Clarissa would probably just make fun of me till I die if I did. But max wanted to be with Henry. So badly it made her chest hurt. As much as Clarissa had pinned him against her. He was the one she had so many firsts with. The one who was by her side through everything. So in her head it didn't seem as crazy to want him as her first real relationship.

She could seem them going far, though the rest of middle school and in high school still be going strong.

but just like that, in her thoughts again the doorbell rang. But it wasn't who she thought

" Listen mayfield , I don't know what you did to Henry but he won't listen to me or anything anymore. Stay away from him or else, ill have to tell everyone about how Mr Gray died and how YOU knew. We wouldn't want that would we?" She said.

Instantly max looked down.

" No, we wouldn't. So listen to me now clarissa. Ill stay away from Henry, as long as YOU never speak to me again and Keep your side of the promise," max say sas she closed the door.

And then she cries. Its over. Being close to Henry is not possible anymore. She can't have clarissa tell about mr gray. Or she would be in HUGE trouble. She would probably go to prison.

* next day*

Max walks into school , eyes showing how sleep deprived she is. But smiling and acting as happy and normal as she can. She can't let. Henry suspect anything. Though she didn't get far as Henry saw her right away and speed walked up to her locker. " Max, so listen I have to tell you some-"

" I can't." Was all max says whilele grabbing her books and rushing to class. Tears filling up in her eyes, and her forced to wipe them away. Sitting down in math. She just wanted to cry right there. But she couldn't. She had to act. Pretend she was okay. When that was the farthest thing from the truth. She felt like she was dying. That Henry was her air and being away from him was making her weak.

Henry though rushed in and ran over to max's desk.

" Max whats going on, tell me now. Do you need me to buy you a muffin? Or a water. Or do we need to go ditch a period to talk, what do you need. Tell me" he says

And thats when clarissa walks in.

" I thought I told you not to talk to him mayfield." She says

" He was talking to me, I swear. I wasn't. : but by this point max couldn't pretend anymore. She broke down on her knees.

" Oh max, you have just made a bad decision, I guess now I'll have to you know tell your " secret" she says.

" No no YOU CANT CLARISSA PLEASE. I SWEAR"

But that is when Henry steps in.

" WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO MAX? BECAUSE WHATEVER IT IS, SHE ISN'T DOING IT. YOU MADE HER AVIOD ME AND TOLD HER ALL THOSE HORRIBLE THINGS? WHO THE HELL ARE YOU." He says.

in all the years, max has rarely seen Henry mad. But he is furious right now. As he continues yelling at clarissa.

Max can't take it anymore, she runs. Out of the classroom. Out of the school. Its like she has a minute left to breathe. But Henry is quick to follow.

" Max I'm so sorry, but why didn't you tell me she was doing all this to you, I swear me you and my mom will make her pay. Get her suspended or somthing. Max I need you to look at me, please" he says touching her chin and pushing it up to look in his eyes. Max was mesmerized. His chocolate eyes were beautiful.

" Maxine Mayfield, your the most amazing girl I've ever met. The bravest and the funniest but most importantly the prettiest. The day I met you your red hair stood out to me. The way it glowed , I couldn't stop staring. I just knew I had to be friends with you. I am so sorry I missed your birthday ill never be able to live with myself for that. But if you let me I want to make it up to you. I want to spend a weekend with you, doing anything you want. Ill even skateboard if you want even though I suck at it. I mean it, anything you want to do ill do it. If you allow me. I also am sorry for not being here for you when you needed me , I've heard all about your family life from my mom. It broke my heart evreytime. I just wanted to go over and hug you and tell you it would be okay. I missed a whole grade with you being my best friend. I hated it. A lot of people wanted to try and help and be friends but I only wanted to be with you.

Max your the best, I seriously mean that with all my heart, and what I was trying to say earlier is that what you said yesterday about me, made me think and also cry. I went home and slowly took what you said at all the pictures of us. I just think we had our first big fight. I never want that again. Once was too much for me. And I want to say in return, your beautiful. Your red hair is the most beautiful thing. The way you plan our pranks makes me want to be more "bad' for you. The way you tease me, but just enough to make sure that I know you love and care for me. The way you allow me to hold your hand and kiss you cheek. Who knew at 3 years old I would meet the girl who still is my favorite person.

So can we please start over. Here ill start.

Max didn't know what he was doing but then he sat down at the table across from her now. And said

" Hi im Henry whats your name ?

Smiling and looking at her as he pointed to himself.

He then without hesitation made a funny face. Sticking out his tongue.

Max at first didn't reply. Instead blushed and smiled and looked down.

Henry then turned his head side to side. Waiting for a response.

Max then lifted her head and said

" Im Maxine Mayfield but I go by max for short"

She then without hesitation went over and sat next to him and grabbed his hand.

Then Henry looked at her for a good minute before saying.

" Max , will you give me the honor of being my girlfriend."

Soon the blue eyes started watering. Max who had already cried so much today, then let go of his hand and pulled him into a hug. She cried onto his shoulder. But then lifted her head and whispered in his ear. " yes, Henry it would be my honor" before she nuzzled into his shoulder taking in his scent for the first time in months. He also was taking in hers. The smell of the girl who he loved. The one who he wouldn't ever let be alone again. The one who he promised to take on MANY fun dates. The one who he would kiss whenever he got a chance to make sure the whole school knew she was his. The one who he would tell that he loved, every hour of every day. Because SHE deserved it. She deserved to be loved. To be put first. And Henry would make sure that damn happened.