Surprise

The street lights illuminating the sidewalks shined just as brightly as Max's smile. She strolled along the streets, a bounce with each step. The sky was a muddle of dark blues with hints of purple from where the sun had long since gone down. The little yellowed lights from above had lit the space around her just enough so when she looked over the VIP package in her hands—a white box with black lining, and a metallic gleam—she beamed again, unable to hide her joy.

Everything still felt like a dream. Standing there on that stage at Next Level, she couldn't believe what she had done, even after seeing that score.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and Max felt a rush of adrenaline. It was a cacophony of roaring in her ears, quickly blurred out by the voice in her head chanting at her over and over.

You did it, Max. You actually won the damn thing… You won… Holy shit… Is this really happening?

It hadn't felt real, hearing her name called. For a moment she even forgot what it was that she was there to win until the announcer's voice broke through the white noise in her ears.

Hot Rod stepped forward, grinning from ear to ear. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!" he announced, holding up Max's hand. "Congratulations, Mad Max. You played an amazing game. And as promised, I have something for you."

He leaned forward, revealing a pair of tickets to the Metallica concert. Max's eyes widened as she saw the metallic gleam.

"Of course, that's not all…"

Another worker standing idle stepped forward, presenting a white box. Hot Rod opened the flap lid. Two t-shirts and a folded poster sat idly atop some crinkle-cut paper. He placed the tickets gently inside.

"Two VIP tickets, backstage passes, a lovely Metallica poster, and your very own fashionable Next Level and Metallica t-shirts."

The gripping joy that had begun to work its way through Max's body kept her legs locked into place so she didn't fall to the ground. The tingling in her hands made her wonder if they would be strong enough to grab the box as it was handed to her. It felt like she sprouted wings, taking flight through the sky. Time seemed to stand still as she savored the moment–the sounds of the machines and music, and the murmuring of voices as they all tried to dissect how she managed to beat them all blurred into a slow hum in her head. Her eyes were locked onto the tickets that were soon to be Billy's.

This is really happening. She smiled, basking in the overwhelming surge of happiness that Billy would be able to see the concert after all.

"And there's one more thing. Well, two…" Hot Rod reached behind him and placed two items within the box. "Your very own Next Level tournament champ medal and certificate."

Max trembled with joy as she looked at all the well-deserved prizes. She looked at the gold medal featuring a gaming machine, the shine of it reflecting the lights above. The certificate was on thick paper pressed in gold highlighting "Mad Max" with her cumulative score standing proudly at the bottom. She fought to blink back her tears.

"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, taking the prizes from the announcer.

Hot Rod patted her on the back before stepping forward, "And let's not forget our runner-up, Steelshot! We'd like to present to you $100 in gaming credits and your very own Metallica t-shirt. Everyone give her a round of applause for her valiant effort!"

The pout never left Steelshot's face as they handed her the second-place prize. For a moment Max felt a little bad, but then that steel-like gaze turned to her. Max held back her flinch, and met her glare with an impassive look, determined not to let anyone sour her feeling of victory. She looked away as Hot Rod stepped forward again.

"Thanks to everyone who came and participated today. Keep an eye out for our next tournament where some tickets for the Def Leppard will be up for grabs."

All at once, the murmuring of voices grew with people shouting questions and asking for dates, but Hot Rod shook his head. "Look for the yellow flyers dudes and gals, but for now, get out. It's way past closing time."

As Max made her way down the stage steps, following Hot Rod's order, she never took her eyes off the box, too caught up in excitement. She couldn't wait to tell Billy about the tickets and see the look on his face when he realized that he was going to the Metallica concert. And with VIP tickets!

The crowd buzzed with excitement as she walked through, and a sudden onslaught of voices and words was thrown at her from all sides as she tried to hold her box protectively to her chest.

"Hey, congrats. You played amazingly!"

"Hey, who are you taking with you to the concert? Need another person?"

"What's a youngblood like you know about Metallica? What are you, ten?"

"Can I see the tickets, please? I just wanna look at them!"

She mumbled her thanks with the smile still firmly in place, but she moved faster to put some much-needed distance between her and those who still lurked behind her, begging for a look at the merchandise or tickets. The last thing she needed was someone with sticky fingers trying to snag what she worked so hard for.

When the last few of the crowd congratulated her, she gave them a nod and set off in the opposite direction for the buses, enjoying the rush of cool, night air. It had been so stuffy with all the gaming machines and shoulder-to-shoulder bodies inside the arcade. She took a deep breath, sucking in deep lungfuls of air to savor the quiet and calm. It began to settle then, swirling around in her chest so hard that a giggle burst out of her. She had won the game–and the tickets. Those damned tickets. Lately, it hadn't been, but at that moment? Life was good.

She got so caught up in her victory, she almost forgot about her bus. Racing to the station gave her a high of adrenaline—that, on top of the rush from the tournament. She hadn't expected it to take so long. Lucky for her, she was smart enough to get the very last departure ticket to Hawkins that day for 11. With 5 minutes to spare, she hopped on board the nearly empty bus and plopped down in the back, never releasing the box from her grip. Max held that box and looked inside to make sure everything was real on the Greyhound back home. And the entire ride she couldn't help but repeat, I did it.

…

Now, Max smiled from ear to ear all the way home. Not even bothered about walking so long in the cold. Even when the occasional car zipped by, honking and jolting her from her thoughts, it wasn't enough to fizzle out her mood. She soared on cloud nine—no, higher than that. Before, she thought of the concert as a way to get Billy out of the house–out of her face. But now, after everything? She wanted to watch him leave with the same buzzing anticipations she felt right at the moment she won. She wanted to hear whatever insane stories he would come back with after experiencing VIP. She wanted to see that bridge between them become solid and unbreakable at last.

Billy can finally go… he can finally go to his concert.

Nothing could wipe the smile from her face at this point. Absolutely nothing.

He's going to be so happy!

When the bus dropped her off in Hawkins, she stood there for a moment, a little surprised at how empty the station was. It was the first moment she found herself weighing the options on her next move. The nerves from traveling to the tournament, plus actually doing it, and the high of winning had made it so she never considered what would come after. She hadn't thought this far ahead. The bench she sat on was cold, as though made of ice, and she shivered, wrapping her arms tight around her. Staying the night at the station was out—she'd never make it until morning, even with her coat tucked in around her.

Maybe I should crash at Dustin or Lucas' house… No, it's too late. And their parents might call the house if they see me.

There's that twenty-four-hour Waffle House not too far from the station… but we've dined there a few times, so that might be risky. The night staff might know mom or Neil, so that wouldn't work either.

Oh… maybe The Palace Arcade is still open… It is a weekend. But… they might only let me in if it looks like I'll play—Dammit that won't work either since it's Sunday and they close at eleven.

After thinking up a few more lousy ideas, Max decided the logical approach was to go home. For starters, she was starving–having not eaten in order to keep playing all day. And staying in the station bathroom was a sure way to catch something—it smelled like urine and the pinesol her mom used on the floors. Not to mention, it was way past midnight, and she still had at least an hour's walk home. Still, that was plenty of time to come up with scenarios.

I could sleep at home and be out of the house before Neil gets back from his night shift, Max thought. Or I can say I called Billy to pick me up early since a fight broke out or something. Yeah… that's what I'll say.

Of course, she'd have to tell Billy everything so they'd be on the same page. He might be upset at first, but Max was sure he'd be on board after seeing the tickets. No way he wouldn't be.

She smiled again, imagining how he'd react to the news. Maybe Billy would jump up and down with excitement, his eyes widening in disbelief. "No way! You got the concert tickets? That's incredible!" he'd say, his voice filled with sheer joy and gratitude. Max couldn't help but feel her heart swell at the thought of his ecstatic reaction. She imagined the way he might bear-hug her tightly, lifting her off the ground in a spontaneous burst of joy. "You're the best!" he would cheer, unable to contain his happiness.

Max shook her head, chuckling at the thought. No way, not in a million years, but the smile never left her , her anticipation grew even more, fueled by the image of Billy's over-the-top response.

I can't wait to tell him, she thought, eager to witness his genuine enthusiasm firsthand. He's gonna love it.

Hopefully he wasn't asleep yet.

Eventually, Max spotted their house down Cherry Lane. Her fingers were numb, her legs stiff from the cold, but that didn't deter her excitement. She picked up the pace until she eased into a light jog, only slowing when she reached the front yard.

Then she stopped.

A thought quickly crossed her mind. Before even thinking about going inside, she made her way to the back. She peered around the corner of the house, letting out a relieved sigh when she saw the driveway was empty.

Good, she thought.

Max wasn't dumb enough not to see if Neil's car was in the back. He had a track record of coming home early, and she was not taking any chances. But his truck wasn't anywhere in sight.

He must still be at work doing a double. This might just work perfectly, she thought. He wouldn't be back until morning.

She shivered even though most of her body was already past the point of cold and was more tingly instead. The sharp wind made her pick up the pace as she circled back to the rear of the house. She blew out a breath when she noticed Billy's light was still on, and she smiled through her clattering teeth.

He's not asleep then. I can give him everything tonight.

She wondered how she would do it. Maybe scare him a little? Tap on the window and jump out when he peered out to check on the noise? Maybe just barge into his room like she normally did and yell 'catch!' before tossing the box at him?

Nah, that wouldn't end well, she thought. He'd likely think it was Neil coming in to punish him that late at night, and he'd also be shocked to see her home so soon, so her luck would be that he'd falter and the box would smack him in the face. And Billy being pissed off wouldn't really make the satisfaction of giving the prize any better. Not this time at least, she thought with a chuckle.

Max climbed atop the wood storage under her window, tucking the white box under her arm. With the other, she tugged up, but it wouldn't budge. She tried again. Unmoved.

I don't remember locking this, she thought. She paused, sifting through the past few days. I must have locked it after Lucas stopped by. Great. Front door it is then.

Max made her way back to the front. She slowly creaked open the screen door to the screened-in porch and quietly closed it so it wouldn't slap shut. Then, she slowly took out her keys and unlocked the front door. It was dark. She didn't expect to be home so late.

She quietly entered the home and slowly closed the door with a soft click. Then, she crept through the living room, feeling her way through the dark as she headed to Billy's room.

"Where the hell have you been?"

Max sucked in a sharp gasp as her blood ran cold, matching the chill on her skin. That airy voice, one she knew well and hated to hear, had her stomach churning with dread. Before she could move another step or even twitch her head in that direction, a light flicked on causing her vision to blur. She squinted and held a hand up to shield the sudden onset, turning her face away while she blinked through the stars in her eyes. Neil sat on the couch with his hand still on the new lamp her mom bought. His eyes were fixed on her in a way that made her want to back into the far corner of the room, but she was paralyzed. Her feet were heavy, as though bolted to the ground, and his stare was the shackles that kept her in place.

She didn't know how long he'd been there or why. All she knew was that he was there, staring at her with a stormy gaze, the same one he'd given Billy the night he was late to her mother's birthday dinner.

But his truck… I didn't see it in the driveway. Unless…

He parked it in the garage, he had to... Maybe that's why she hadn't seen it. Which only meant one thing…

He was waiting for her.

Max turned finally, willing herself to move, her body squaring with his as she slowly slipped the white box deeper under her arm.

Neil leaned forward. "I asked you a question. Where the hell have you been?" His words were slow, his voice calm. Dark. Dangerous.

Max swallowed. "D-Didn't mom tell you? I was at camp."

"And yet you're here?" He paused, letting the words hang. "What are you doing back, especially at this hour?"

She paused to think, her eyes darting. "Well… things… got kind of hectic—with fights breaking out and whatnot, you know? It was getting a little too ridiculous for me, so…Thought I'd use the money mom gave me to come home."

"And you didn't bother to call anyone to let them know?"

She shrugged. "Like you said. It was late, and I… I didn't want to bother anyone."

Neil's face remained stagnant, burrowing his gaze deep, never taking them off of her. He leaned back and crossed his arms. He sat in silence for a bit, then nodded in her direction before pointing. "Who's Mad Max?"

Max scrunched her brows, her jaw dropping for a split second wondering how he knew that name. But then she remembered.

She looked down at her nametag. Shit. She forgot it was there. She fought the urge to cover it up.

"It was just a stupid nickname… something from camp we had to come up with."

"Right. Camp," he said, his voice clipped. "Why then did I receive a call then from the camp director asking where you were today?"

Her heart skipped a beat. Tightness in her throat. She blinked. "W-What—"

"In fact, they said you never even signed in. Never showed. I had to leave work to try and find you. Billy and I went all over town. Three. Times."

Billy knows? Shit… She hadn't thought about the fact that her mom had to pre-register her for the camp. Wait… does that mean… Did Billy get into trouble? Max's shoulders tensed at the dreadful thought. Oh, no... please no…

Max's heart pounded in her chest, fear coursing through her veins as Neil's calm yet piercing words struck her like daggers. The warmth drained from her face, and her palms grew clammy with anxiety. She desperately searched for a way to salvage the lie she had concocted, her mind racing to find an explanation that could withstand Neil's scrutiny. Every second felt like an eternity as she struggled to regain her composure.

Her voice quivered as she stammered, "I... I don't know what they're talking about. Maybe there was a mix-up with the registration or something. I was definitely at the camp... just... things must have gotten confused."

Neil's gaze intensified, the storm within his eyes growing even darker. Max could feel his penetrating stare dissecting her every word, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. She fought to maintain eye contact, her mind scrambling for a plausible explanation that could alleviate the mounting tension between them.

"I had Billy call your friend's parents too," he said. "They hadn't seen you either. Hadn't even heard from you. So…I'll ask you one more time. Where. The hell… have you been?"

Silence. Max shifted on her heels. Her breathing started to tighten.

Neil's expression remained inscrutable, leaving Max hanging on the edge of uncertainty. She knew that her lie had unraveled, and the fear of his reaction left her trembling. She felt as though she was on the edge of a cliff, expecting the push to happen any moment that would send her over the edge. Her stomach flipped and her adrenaline pumped freely, and she no longer knew if she was tingly from the cold or from how fast her blood pumped in her veins.

She swallowed, the box under her arm slowly inching close to her chest. An Instant, overwhelming need to protect it surged through her.

Wrong move.

Neil squinted his eyes and leaned forward. "What is that?"

Max turned away, tucking the box further in as she tightened her grip–she tried to use her shoulder to shield it from his view. "It's nothing."

"Show me."

"It's private. Just some of my personal things–pictures and keepsakes."

He scoffed. "Nothing is private in my house."

She pursed her lips tight, saying nothing.

With a huff, Neil shot to his feet, his movements unsteady and off-balance. Max instinctively took a step back, her heart drumming fiercely. As Neil stood there, she noticed a stony and clouded look in his eyes. Max was not familiar with Neil's staggered movements, but she'd seen enough signs from her mom's other failed relationships to know.

He was drunk.

Max wasn't sure what triggered him to drink. She knew he had an occasional beer here and there, yes, but this…

Why did he drink so much now?

A sudden clank clamored through the room as Neil kicked something across the floor, causing Max's eyes to dart downwards. There it was—a beer can. She hadn't noticed before, but now, it was glaringly present. The sight of it confirmed her suspicions. But it wasn't just one stray can; the room was littered with them. She counted at least six scattered on the table and floor next to the couch, forming a disheveled pile.

Max's mind flashed back to years ago when she had witnessed Neil drunk, but her mother had shielded her from the full extent of his behavior by taking her out of the house. But now, her mother wasn't home.

She was alone.

Neil took a step forward and held out his hand. "Show me."

"No." She said it quickly. Firmly. No way she'd just hand over what she worked so hard for.

He stopped mid-stride, a chilling dry chuckle escaping his lips. " Secretive…all of you… can't trust a damn thing you say." He lowered his gaze for a moment, nodding to himself. "So damn secretive…the three of you prancing around here like I don't exist…like my say doesn't matter… Secretive… keeping me out of shit." He huffed and grit his teeth, mumbling something under his breath. "...against me…"

Confusion knitted Max's brows as she tried to make sense of the words. What the hell is he talking about?

"My own wife… turning against me. Making plans without asking… deciding things for you–and Billy. Making excuses… interrupting me. A piece of work, I'll tell you that…"

Max felt a knot of unease tightening in her stomach. His words hinted at a brewing storm within him, within his mind… something she had not fully grasped or noticed. As Neil's words continued, his movements grew more unpredictable. He stepped closer, and Max instinctively took a step back.

"Now… You and Billy suddenly getting along…"

"Is that so bad?" She took a step back when he lurched forward again. It was like his legs were too slow to keep up, so he swayed there for a moment. His face grew more red the more he rambled, the angrier he got. He stalked toward her like she was prey, and he was the predator waiting for the kill strike.

"Like you all are turning against me…" His words were bitter. Mumbled, laced with a mix of anger and vulnerability. "...think you can do whatever you want without consequences."

What is he talking about?

Max's mind raced, trying to connect the dots. Suddenly, her mind flashed to Billy and what he said.

He's just been so on edge lately.

Right. Billy had mentioned something like that. Was that why he was so on edge? Max thought. He thinks we are all turning on him?

Maybe this sudden change in Neil's behavior, his drinking, was a response to his lack of order and control. Could it have been her mom asking Billy to take the car without checking with Neil first? Max giving him attitude not only during Christmas but other times at dinner? Her and Billy hanging out together and not fighting at home anymore? Did Neil consider those things to be against him? He wasn't in control… so he was losing control?

"What did you go off and do? Huh, Maxine? Who were you out with? You hiding something from me?" he barked, making her jump from the sudden raising of his voice.

"I-I told you, I was at camp at first, but the fighting started and I left early…"

"Early? Then why would you be home past midnight?" She saw a glint in his eye–-one that said he had her caught.

Shit. Why did I say that?

"What do you have to say to that? Want to lie to my face some more? Disrespect me in my own damn house some more? If you're going to lie to me Maxine, you better at least be good at it."

He had moved close enough that he was almost towering over her. She could smell the stench of booze on his breath and he stunk badly enough that her nose burned. The musk from work still clung to his clothes along with the undercurrent of the sweat he must have expressed during his search for her.

His hand shot out and grabbed her by the upper arm, but she moved quickly as she yanked back to slip her arm from the sleeve of her jacket. She swiveled and back peddled, her eyes on the front door, not watching where she walked. Her foot caught on the side table and she stumbled into the wall, knocking off a frame. Neil growled. He threw her jacket to the side and took a step after her, his heavy boot thudding on the floor. He was too close, so she darted to the side and ran into the couch almost falling backward, but Billy's box remained tightly gripped in her hand.

"Come here," he snapped, pointing in front of him as though she'd listen.

She backed away, maneuvering around the couch and back towards the hall as he continued to stalk after her.

"Listen to your father."

"You're not my dad!" she raised her voice, echoing in the silent house.

"You have been having a bad attitude around me for some time. You need to learn some respect."

Max tried to veer away, but her back hit the door. Backed herself in a corner. Nowhere to go.

"Is this how you treat people when you want them to respect you?" she said. "Back them into a corner out of fear?" She paused, trying to gain control of her trembling voice. "You don't know anything about respect."

Neil scoffed. "Tsk. You act just like her."

Her? Does he mean my mom? They didn't act that much alike. Unless… Wait… could he be saying Billy's mom?

"Nothing but a disrespectful little liar. Always sneaking around with god knows who doing whatever the hell she wanted. You're no different, are you? Just like that no good whore of a mother."

The words felt like a slap, and Max's mouth fell open in shock that Neil aimed those words at her. Her brain played them over and over. Whore of a mother… and it clicked. He wasn't talking about her mom. He really was talking about Billy's. She clamped her mouth closed and balled up her fist as the wave of anger rushed through her. She narrowed her eyes and tilted up her chin, seeing him or the horrible jackass he really was.

"Screw you." The words were bitter. For a moment, her fear was forgotten, replaced with a boiling rage. She hadn't meant for the words to fly from her mouth with such sharpness, but the slack jaw look on his face made her lapse in judgment worth it for that single moment. How's that for being just like her?

Neil straightened. He stood there taken aback by Max's sharp retort. His face contorted with a mixture of surprise and anger. The veins in his forehead and neck pulsed and he clamped his mouth shut so hard his teeth clacked. A bit of spittle sat on his lip where he huffed out heavy pants of air, as though he was gearing up for what came next. "The hell did you just say to me?" he seethed, his voice filled with venom.

He stared at her intently, his tongue rolling in his mouth as he let out a soft scoff. He nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with a sinister glint. Then, Neil began to undo his belt with one hand, the sound of it yanking from its loops making her flinch. Folding it, he gripped it tightly, a chilling expression on his face as he started to advance toward her.

Max's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the gravity of the situation. The fear she had momentarily forgotten resurfaced. It grabbed her by the throat as it choked her. Her eyes never looked away from where he gripped the belt so tightly in his hand that his knuckles turned white. He held it the same way he had before when it was Billy who would be on the other end of his swing.

He's going to hit me. He's going to hit me as hard as he hits Billy.

Just like the time in the kitchen, her feet were nailed to the floor. Paralyzed with fear, her desperate desire to back away was stifled by the cornered position she found herself in. The little bravery she had mustered earlier began to ebb away, replaced by a deep sense of helplessness. She wanted to back away, but she had nowhere to go.

Each heavy footstep Neil took echoed through the room, the creaking of the floor intensifying the menacing atmosphere. "This is long overdue," he said with an eerily calm tone, his intent clear as he closed the distance between them.

Max's heart raced, her mind frantic for any possible escape route, desperately seeking a way to protect herself from the imminent danger that was only seconds from making contact with her skin.

She knew there'd be consequences if she'd been caught. And for Billy, she'd do it. That's what she told herself. That she'd do whatever it took to ensure his happiness. But…

I don't think I can do this…

She wasn't like Billy. To just stand there and wait to be beaten? To just take it? No, she wanted to run, to call for her mom. For someone. Anyone! Help me!

Max couldn't help but wonder what thoughts raced through Billy's mind in moments like these. Did his mind spiral with the same intensity as hers did now? Did he want to run, to escape too? Did he desperately long for his mother the way she did now, or anyone who could hear his silent cries for help? Despite her trembling legs, Max stood her ground as Neil closed in, determined not to succumb to the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.

Still, she held her breath. Panic gripped her, darkness suddenly spreading through her sight like an endless abyss. Max's vision began to dim, her world darkening like she might pass out.

No, wait…

As Neil stepped forward, Max strained her eyes, watching the shadow that clouded her vision shift. The shadow, distinct from the encroaching blackness, came into focus, steadily growing larger. With a mix of astonishment, Max turned her gaze, her eyes widening in disbelief.

There, moving deliberately between her and Neil, was Billy. Slowly but determinedly, he positioned himself, his back becoming an impenetrable shield that blocked her view of Neil.

He just stood in front of her without a word, never taking his eyes off Neil. Max's eyes went wide at the large welt appearing on his eyebrow, and the raised red welts on his arms. She sucked in a gasp and her stomach lurched as she took in the fresh beating he must have already gotten because of her.

"Didn't have enough, huh?" Neil said, all movement halted. When Billy said nothing, he growled, "Move."

But Billy stood completely still. After a pause, Neil huffed and started approaching, and without looking back, Billy extended his hand behind him and grabbed hold of Max with a firm yet gentle grasp, pushing her towards the couch just to the left of them. He just pushed her behind it. Never once did he take his eyes off Neil.

"Stay there."

Neil squinted, staring at Billy as though he had grown a second head. He blinked a couple of times and his mouth opened and closed. "What is this?" he said, leaning in to scrutinize Billy. After a moment, he reared back as though it finally made sense. He paused and his voice deepened to a growl. "You knew about this, didn't you? What, did you walk her somewhere else instead of to the station? Is that it? Are you both really going to lie to my face right now?"

Billy said nothing. But Max could see the slight tremble in his clenched fists. Could see the firm set of his jaw as he stared Neil down, drawing the attention to himself instead of her.

Billy, why?

A sudden redness appeared on Neil's face when Billy didn't speak. When he disrespected him by ignoring the questions. It was most definitely a slight. His anger was palpable. He swung, his fist curving wide. When Neil hit him, she locked up–the sound of flesh hitting flesh was like an alarm sounding in her brain, but she couldn't do anything to turn it off. Billy stumbled but didn't back away. Neil wound up again, a blow so forceful it knocked him back into the door with a loud thud. He fell to the floor at Max's feet.

She gasped and covered her mouth, watching him try to regain his footing but barely making it onto his hands and knees. Max lurched forward, ready to leap to him but he looked at her. And she stopped short. Billy's eyes were directly on her, burning so fierce as if to say, Don't you dare move. He gave a slight shake of his head.

Neil kicked at Billy's legs, knocking him to the side, but when he didn't make a noise or fight back, he surged down and gave a hard yank to Billy's hair, gripping it tight in his fist to try and move him from the ground.

Maybe it was because Neil was drunk, so his strength wasn't at its normal level, but Billy hardly moved from his place on the ground. His body was a shield that blocked the path Neil would need to take to get to her. She sunk to the floor, lodged between the wall and the couch, both of her hands digging into her knees as she was forced to watch the beating take place in front of her. Neil growled, kicking and shoving at Billy's back before grabbing a nearby discarded beer can to launch at his head. His rambles came out distorted and broken as he panted and huffed, "Stupid….no good…."

Smack.

"I will… make you… understand!"

Thump.

"This is MY house, damn you!"

Neil backed away, huffing, catching his breath as he stared at Billy's back, so intently and with so much unwavering focus, like an artist entranced by the intricate details of a captivating masterpiece.

Max shook. Her bottom lip wobbled as tears streamed down her face. All she could do was stare at Billy's form on the ground in front of her. His forehead was pressed into the floor and his eyes squeezed with every punch that landed on his back, yet not a single grunt or sound escaped from his lips, like he was determined not to give Neil what he wanted. She wanted to ask him, to make him look at her and give an actual answer when she asked why.

Why don't you want me to interfere?

Why are you protecting me?

The jingle of the belt snatched her attention. With his free hand, Neil wiped the back of his mouth and pointed at Billy with the belt even though he hadn't taken his face off the floor. Neil heaved out a breath and shook his head, "You wanna step in front of her like you're tough? Then you'll take the punishment as well."

He took one step forward and swung. The heavy belt hit Billy's back with a resounding snap, echoing through the air with a cruel and merciless impact. Max cried out, covering her mouth with both hands to try and stifle the sounds belting from her throat. Tears flooded in her eyes, blurring her vision. The sound of the belt was deafening. But Billy remained still and quiet, head down like the ground was his anchor. His blunt nails dug into the hardwood like it might open and swallow him whole. Neil thrashed wildly, his swings of the belt without any aim or target other than to make contact with Billy in some way. The first landing hit his arm, echoing like a sharp whip, and Max flinched as though it was her own arm that took the blow. The next was across his back, and only Max seemed to be able to hear the wind that was knocked from Billy's lungs, forcing him to gasp for air. They began to fly in rapid succession, like Billy was a racehorse needing to be broken.

Max tried to hold in her sobs. She always wondered why her mother never did anything. Why she merely stood back and watched. But now she understood. Max was frozen and terrified. Above all, powerless.

She was right there in the same room, no door or car separating them this time. She was THERE in front watching it all.

She wanted to turn away, to act like this wasn't happening, but it was right before her eyes, and she couldn't look away.

Another hit landed on Billy's lower back, making his knees buckle for just a moment and his arms shook to hold himself up. Seeing the weak point, Neil swung again, hitting across Billy's shoulders in a way that the tip of the leather struck the back of his neck. Billy fought to cut off any sound that threatened to leave his lips as he slumped on the floor, letting out a hard exhale through his teeth. He couldn't even catch a breath before another hit of the belt came down, hitting the backs of his legs in an attempt to make him move from his position. Billy's fist clenched and his teeth were bared in a snarl as he glared at the wood as though it was the one hitting him.

No, Max thought. This isn't how it was supposed to go…

It was just supposed to be the two of them when she got home. She was supposed to give him the tickets. He was supposed to smile… supposed to be happy…

She cried freely, unable to hold in the noises as they climbed out of her throat each time Billy took another hit to the back. Her hands still covered her mouth in a desperate attempt to hold herself back from saying something–from drawing the attention back to her and making Billy's sacrifice all for nothing. The box sat in her lap, bent and misshapen, no longer looking like the perfect gift she had wanted to present to him.

Neil tried again to move Billy, pry him away from the ground, but Billy didn't budge. And as Max looked closer, she noticed him gripping the leg on the couch. He said nothing. Not one word. Not one sound.

Why? Why is Billy doing this?

Neil took another step back, a deep-seated anger rumbling within him, as he let out an exasperated huff that carried the weight of his exhaustion. Slightly hunched over, he instinctively covered his mouth with the back of his hand. His red face mixed with green; he looked nauseated. His worn-out appearance was evident, with his eyes lagging and weariness etched on his face.

In that moment, he cast a piercing gaze towards Max, a look that conveyed frustration and powerlessness, while Billy remained steadfast, refusing to budge from his place in front of the couch that enclosed her. Without uttering a word, Neil reluctantly turned and left, his presence fading away like a shadow consumed by the receding light.

Max didn't move a muscle, even when she heard a door slam down the hall. When she was sure Neil was long gone, she still didn't move for a long time. Neither did Billy. He stayed there on the floor, never raising his head.

Max trembled. Finally moving. She placed the box beside her and maneuvered onto her knees so that she could crawl out from her hiding place to move toward Billy. He was curled in on himself in his same spot on the floor, with his fist still tight around the leg of the couch. Her hands raised over him, desperate to give some form of comfort. But she wasn't sure if touching him would hurt, and when she reached for him, he shook as though feeling someone over him. Her mouth opened, but the question didn't come out–just a choked, "Billy…" She wanted to ask if he was okay, but she knew it was a stupid question. Of course he wasn't okay.

She said nothing. Instead, she rested a hand on his shoulder, the one place the belt didn't manage to hit. "Billy…" she said again a little more clearly the second time, but still just as soft. Calming.

Billy sighed, the tension in his body lessening for only a second. His arm moved to brace himself on the floor as he shifted, slowly shaking her hand away.

"Get away from me, Max." The words were soft, whispered.

It was sudden, the way the memory resurfaced of the first time she saw this happen to him. She was back in that kitchen in San Diego, watching him hunched over on the floor, yelling at her to go away.

She didn't want to listen to him now.

She sighed and reached out again, but he turned abruptly, slapping her hand away. His head raised and his eyes locked onto hers. "Get. Away. From me!" It was a rasp, an animalistic growl that matched the feral look in his wide eyes. The left side of his face had begun to swell, as was his bottom lip where Neil must have hit him during his first beating. She could only stare for a moment, wishing Billy didn't look like a caged animal backed into a corner. She wanted to help.

But she only made it worse.

With a small nod, she sniffed and stood, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands before grabbing the box from the floor. She glanced once more to see Billy's forehead back on the ground, and she turned away as her vision blurred again.

She went to her room and shut the door.

To be continued…

A/N: The original title for the chapter was "Rude Awakening," but I didn't want to give the "Surprise" away.