Chapter 20: Realize (19)

Todd and Maxine didn't talk to each other the next day. As soon as they got to school, they quickly went to their separate ways. For Maxine, it felt like it was the first day of school again. Todd, on the other hand, was declared 'Mr. Irresistible of the Year' that morning – much to his annoyance.

Coward Chris was waiting for Maxine when she arrived at her locker that morning. The moment he saw her, he automatically grinned. Unfortunately, Maxine wasn't in the mood to smile. Trying to be nice, she forced herself anyway.

“G — Good morning!” he exclaimed.

“Good morning,” said Maxine glumly.

Despite her obvious glum expression, Coward Chris didn't notice anything.

Throughout the morning, they shared stories together. Sometimes, Maxine felt awkward whenever students passed by them because of their bewildered stares. It was as though they were trying to figure out what was happening just by looking intently at Maxine and her new companion.

Only their class schedule ruined their conversations. But every break that day, they were together.

In class, Maxine would feel like the seat next to her was unoccupied. Todd and her didn't speak. They didn't even look at each other. They just kept their eyes straight ahead, without glancing even the tiniest bit sidewards.

They simply ignored each other's existence.

When the bell rang, signaling for lunch,Todd went to the Sky studio – not bothering to have lunch. While Maxine didn't feel like talking to the gang because they would no doubt bombard her with questions about why Todd and her weren't speaking. And so, she decided to have lunch with Coward Chris instead.

“How come we're the only ones here?” complained Kim, looking around their usual table where only she, Brian, and Karl were sitting.

“Maybe because we're not mad at each other?” suggested Karl.

“Something's going on between those two again,” sighed Brian, thinking of Todd and Maxine. “We know Peter's with someone, somewhere. But those two . . .” he trailed off, and then he remembered something he heard. “Hey, did you hear that Maxine's spending a lot of time with Christopher Smith?”

“What?” gasped Karl, his eyes widened with horror.

“Oh, yes,” said Kim seriously. “I'm not sure if I should be happy about it. Coward Chris is too mysterious for me to know what his intentions are.”

The aura around the table turned stern. Kim and Brian were dead serious about what was going on, while Karl's mouth fell open and he turned into a statue. They ignored Karl – he was always like that when in shock.

“I wonder what's going on.” Kim bit her lip, frowning thoughtfully.

“Hopefully, it's nothing bad,” said Brian. It was strange, but he didn't feel at all relaxed about the near future.

Maxine walked down the hallway with Coward Chris a few minutes after the Dismissal bell rang. He wasn't aware that he was starting to get on Kim's nerves because Maxine was spending so much time with Coward Chris that there was nothing left with the gang.

“Maxine!”

Maxine stopped walking, making Coward Chris quiet. She tilted her head, wondering if she imagined someone calling after her name.

“Maxine!”

Before she could do anything, Peter was in front of her.

“Damn, babe,” panted Peter, his knees gave up and he fell on his butt. He didn't seem to care, though. His main focus was catching his breath. His eyes turned to Maxine, and a frown formed on his face. “Youalksowast!” he said, barely saying the words.

He reminded Maxine of Kim, when she was trying to say something to her. Only this time, it was Peter. She wondered what was so urgent. Peter was usually so laid-back. So she stared at Peter, waiting for him to breathe evenly and tell her what the matter was.

“Maxine,” said Peter, when he can speak clearly. He stood up straight and took a deep breath one last time. “There's a band meeting. Todd called for it. Let's go. Now.”

“Why?” asked Maxine, looking alarmed. “Is something wrong?”

“Dunno,” he shrugged. “We should get going. He's not in a good mood today.”

Maxine stiffened at Peter's words. Todd wasn't in a good mood? Was it because of their argument yesterday? If so, then she was the reason?

“I wonder why.” Peter paused thoughtfully, staring into space. When his eyes wandered to Maxine, his eyes widened in realization.

She gulped, a little nervous that Peter guessed it.

“Anyway, let’s bounce! They're waiting.”

She let out a tiny sigh of relief. Of course, Peter couldn't have known. Only she and Todd knew about the fight. Oh, and also Joseph the Chauffeur.

She shook her head and quickly faced Coward Chris.

“I'm sorry but I have to go,” she said, smiling apologetically.

She and Peter turned to leave.

“W — Wait!” yelled Coward Chris.

Maxine and Peter halted to a stop. They looked at Coward Chris, and saw his face turn completely red.

“I — I was wondering . . .” murmured Coward Chris. “With me . . . Um . . . To have a date . . . No, not us . . . Uh —”

“I think he's asking you out,” mumbled Peter to Maxine, out of the corner of his mouth. He muffled a laughter. “Coward,” he scoffed.

Maxine shook her head disapprovingly at Peter.

“— Not only us . . . With friends? . . . Not as friends . . . No . . . Uh . . . We can take friends . . . It's not a date . . . Well . . . Kind of . . . Sorta . . . It's only for a drink, though . . . It is a date in some way . . . Um . . .” Coward Chris stopped talking. He grimaced, confusing himself with what he said.

Peter made a facepalm, while Maxine looked down on her feet.

Coward Chris continued, “Well —”

“Look, man!” snapped Peter, “We're in a hurry – in case you haven't noticed. So freaking stop wasting our time and ask her out if that's what you're doing. Because seriously, dude! It's pissing me the hell off! Really!”

Coward Chris gawked at Peter. Maxine looked a bit surprised at Peter sudden outburst, but she was glad all the same. She didn't want to stay there all night waiting for Coward Chris to finish what he was trying to say.

“Well?” snarled Peter impatiently, glaring at Coward Chris.

“Do you want to go out with me this Saturday afternoon?” said Coward Chris automatically. He said it so fast that it took time for Maxine to let the words sink in.

When it did sink in her, she was startled. She didn't know what to answer. The last time she went out with a guy was when they were at the Empire State building. If truth be told, Todd was the only guy she went out with. It wasn't even considered a date.

Todd, thought Maxine.

She remembered him again. How did he always find a way into her mind? Why didn't she just tell him that they were friends? They were friends, weren't they?

Werethey?

She wasn't really sure if they were . . .

“Do I have to say what your answer would be?” Peter asked Maxine impatiently, making her come back to her senses. “It's either yes or no – Take your pick.” He tapped his foot to show his impatience.

Maxine wondered what Peter was talking about, faintly amused by Peter's comical actions. Then, she slowly remembered what he was talking about. Her mouth dropped open and she stared at Peter.

She didn't know what to answer. What would she say?!

“Maxine, please!” begged Peter, his impatient expression morphed into a pleading one. “Hurry up and answer. Todd’s going to murder me and torture me – No, he's most likely to torture me before he murders me! He said he'll wait ten minutes for me to find you. It's been what, fifteen or twenty minutes since he said that? So puh-lease – for the love of all tacos – for me, answer NOW!”

Maxine said the first thing that came to mind. “Fine. Pick me up on Saturday at four o'clock in the afternoon.” She didn't even get the chance to think her answer through.

With that, Maxine and Peter dashed away. They ran to the Sky studio, not missing a beat. When they got there, Peter hesitated on opening the door.

He'll eat me alive, thought Peter, imagining Todd's expression.

Maxine sighed and pushed it open before Peter wet his pants. Peter panicked and made a move to stop her, but too late.

All eyes in the room looked at the two. Peter laughed weakly.

“Sorry we're late, Todd,” he said, failing at the attempt to smile.

Todd glanced at Maxine. For a moment, their eyes met. But then Todd, with his eyes shooting daggers, looked at Peter.

“Enough excuses,” said Todd coldly.

Peter nodded and went to sit beside Karl, while Maxine stood behind them. She was slightly surprised that Kim wasn't there with them. Kim had been like a band-mate for them, anyway.

“Now that we're complete, I'll announce the news,” declared Todd. He looked at Brian and continued, “As we all know, next Friday will be the last day before Christmas and New Year break.”

“You’re not telling us that . . .” Karl trailed off, he looked as though his dreams were about to come true.

“That's right, Karl,” replied Brian gleefully. “Headmaster Sky asked me and Todd if the Sky Deviants are up to play next Friday.”

“And?” urged Peter excitedly.

“Of course, we said we're up for it,” chuckled Brian.

“Whoa,” breathed Maxine.

“The songs we'll be playing are the ones that we've been practicing lately,” announced Brian. “Todd and I have been thinking about the finale — but we can't come up with something. Any suggestions?”

Karl and Peter exchanged malicious looks. They huddled, whispering frantically at each other. Maxine, Brian, and Todd just stared at the plotting best friends.

A few minutes later, they nodded at each other and faced the three who looked nothing but puzzled.

“We've got it,” said Karl and Peter at the same time.

“Amaze me,” replied Todd, slightly amused.

Peter raised his forefinger. “We'll talk. You'll listen. No interruptions.”

Karl cleared his throat and started, “Every student here adores the idea of Todd and Maxine being a cute couple. We're not saying that you pretend to be a couple, all right?” he added to Todd and Maxine, in case they suddenly protested.

“Now,” said Peter, “what if in the finale . . . the last song will be performed by Todd and Maxine – Singing – Duet.” He smiled triumphantly, as if that was the best idea anyone could think of.

Brian grinned, while Todd made a calculating face. As for Maxine, she opened her mouth to say something but Karl saw her.

“Nah-uh-uh!” he sang to Maxine. “No interruptions, remember?” When Maxine pouted, Karl proceeded, “The song will be about love, of course. We'll make the students here at Sky fall in love before Christmas,” he added dreamily.

“It'll be more romantic if they wrote the song together,” suggested Peter.

“Remember,” Todd piped in, “it's Christmas, not Valentine's Day.”

“Exactly,” agreed Maxine instantaneously. “What's the point in singing duet?”

“It's just for entertainment,” said Brian convincingly. “Come on, guys!”

“Purely entertainment,” assured Peter. Karl nodded.

“Besides,” shrugged Brian, “Headmaster Sky will love it. You know how he likes the romantic whatever.”

When neither Todd and Maxine looked convinced, Brian made a exasperated sound and waved his hands.

“Come on, do it for the band,” he pleaded.

“Show your Christmas spirit!” added Peter, thrusting a fist as if to show how much he was passionate on the idea.

“Please?” asked Karl, giving out a puppy-dog-look.

Maxine winced. Peter looked cute when he did that look, but Karl kicked it up a notch. He was definitely the master of that look. She couldn't help it. She didn't want to be selfish. Plus, with the look Karl was giving her, he could practically ask her for anything and she'd do it.

“Fine,” sighed Maxine, pouting.

Everyone turned their heads to Todd. He rolled his eyes.

“I'll agree, but don't expect me to write that stupid song,” he said, irritated.

“Fair enough,” nodded Peter, grinning.

Karl and Brian exchanged beaming smiles.

They couldn't wait for next Friday.

The ignoring thing between Todd and Maxine got even worse by the next day.

It was strange how the serious argument they had a couple of days ago could bring extreme awkwardness with their relationship. Neither of them knew how to repair it. They didn't know how to approach each other now – that was, if they even wanted to approach each other. Too bad they had the same interests.

Their rehearsal went well, which was a surprise with the gang. Even though Todd and Maxine were in the same band, it was like they working on their own.

The gang were caught in the middle. But it wasn't like they could pick sides. They had no idea what brought to Todd and Maxine's avoidance of each other. They were afraid to ask because somehow, they wanted the two to make up on their own.

When they finished the rehearsal, they stayed at the Sky studio, minding their own business.

Maxine was halfway through finishing their song. The only things missing were the second refrain and the bridge. She couldn't understand it but there was no way she could continue. It was as if her mind halted to a stop after making the chorus.

When that week's Friday came, the gang was deciding where to practice for the weekend. Jen offered the studio that was run by her family – and in the meantime, being run by her.

“Remember, Maxine,” reminded Brian seriously, “tomorrow at five o'clock in the afternoon, at the Mantle Studio.”

Maxine nodded slowly, memorizing the time and place. It would be easier if she went with Todd, seeing as they lived in the same building . . .

She quickly shook her head.

No, she didn't need him. She could get by without his help. She would show him that she wasn't hopeless.

“Don't try to finish the song by force,” Peter told Maxine, getting her attention out of her thoughts. “It'll turn out to be horrible.”

Maxine nodded. And then, she cocked her head to the side and asked, “Mantle Studio? Does Josh's family own that place?”

“Yup,” answered Karl. “But Jen's running it for the meantime.”

“I'll be coming there, too,” said Kim. “Don't worry.”

Maxine smiled gratefully at Kim.

“Tomorrow. . . . Five o'clock. . . . Mantle Studio . . .” repeated Maxine out loud.

“Right,” said Brian, Karl, and Kim altogether.

“Tomorrow's Saturday, right?” asked Peter suddenly. When they nodded, he turned thoughtful. “Hmm.”

“Don't tell us you've got a date tomorrow, Pete,” mentioned Brian suspiciously.

“Cancel it,” said Todd quickly.

They all looked at him. This was important for Todd – and they all knew it.

“Or I'll do it for you,” finished Todd darkly.

He's so scary, all of them thought.

“Chill, dude,” said Peter, with his hands raised up. “I'm not the one with the date.” When the others' looks filled with utter confusion, he explained, “I just remembered that Maxine's going on a date with Coward Chris tomorrow at four o'clock.”

“Oh, yeah,” said Maxine, slapping her hand on her forehead.

“What?” exclaimed Brian, Kim, and Karl incredulously.

Only Todd remained calm. He looked down with a calculating face. Everyone was waiting for his reaction now.

Maxine looked at Todd guiltily. She believed that she was the one responsible for Todd's sudden change of attitude.

According to the gang, “Todd turned back to cold and scary again.” That was what they would often say in the past few days.

Before Maxine came, Todd was that cold and scary guy.

After Maxine came, he became more open. And the scary guy came less and less. The cold side seemed persistent, though.

Maxine snapped out of her thinking when Todd looked up to stare at her. Their eyes were meeting again. Something told her that she missed it so much when Todd looked at her. She missed looking at his blue eyes that made her feel like she was looking up at the sky. It made her feel like she was flying.

“Like I said,” began Todd, his voice etched sharpness and iciness. “Cancel it, or I'll do it for you.”

“But —”

“If you don't like it, then I suggest you leave the band,” interrupted Todd coldly.

There was a burst of shouts.

“Todd!” gasped Kim.

“Are you insane?” demanded Peter, with a raised eyebrow.

“What are you thinking?” said Brian, rather harshly.

“Stop kidding around,” scowled Karl.

Maxine was speechless.

How could that simple argument turn out like this? thought Maxine. Wait . . . that wasn't a simple thing. But . . . It doesn't matter! How can it lead to this?

Todd looked at them one by one.

“I'm not insane, Pete. I'm thinking about the band, Brie. And I'm not kidding around, Karl,” answered Todd, switching his eyes whenever he addressed someone. “It's been a long time since we played for the school. I'm not gonna let anyone mess it up.”

“Todd, we know how you feel,” said Brian earnestly. “But just because Maxine can't come to one rehearsal doesn't mean we're not important to her. Be reasonable. We can't find another vocalist in time.”

“I am being reasonable,” replied Todd in a sort of exasperated voice. “One week's left, Brie. One. We can't risk being irresponsible. We survived without her last year.” He turned to Maxine. “Will you cancel it or not?”

“Brian,” said Kim, “are you with Todd?”

Todd and Brian stared at each other for a long moment. It was as though they were having a conversation without using words. Finally, Brian nodded.

“He's right,” Brian told Kim.

Kim looked at Karl and Peter for support. But they shook their heads, too. Kim looked at Maxine with a pitiful expression.

“Maxine, I'm sorry,” she mumbled.

Maxine couldn't help but feel hurt by their words.

“Why did you give me the position if you can perform without me?” inquired Maxine in barely a whisper.

“We thought you were worth it,” said Brian quietly.

“I am,” Maxine deadpanned.

“Prove it,” said Todd.

Maxine raised her head higher. “Fine. I'll be there. I promise.”

“Don't make promises you can't keep,” responded Todd.

“I said, I'll be there.”

“Good.”

Maxine's only problem now was Coward Chris.

Maxine took a shower and dressed up that Saturday. She wore a simple blue button-up long-sleeves and fitted jeans. Her hair was messy-styled, and she liked it that way.

She wanted to call Coward Chris and cancel it. But she didn't know Coward Chris’s phone number. So she decided to tell him when he arrived instead.

Just then, the door bell rang. She opened the door, revealing Coward Chris. She glanced at the clock; it was exactly four o'clock in the afternoon.

He handed Maxine flowers of different kinds. She felt even more bad about what she was about to do.

“Thank you, Chris,” said Maxine quietly.

She brought the flowers inside and grabbed her coat on her way out. She and Coward Chris went to the elevator. She didn't want to stay at the hallway because Todd might be eavesdropping. One could never be too sure.

Now's the time, thought Maxine.

“Chris,” Maxine began. Coward Chris looked at her through his glasses. She didn't know how to continue. It was going to break his heart. But she had to do what she had to do. “Something — something suddenly came up,” she continued. “I need to go somewhere . . . I'm sorry.”

She tried her best to do it in the nicest way possible. She wasn't certain if she did it okay, though. She looked down, out of shame, for a few moments. When she raised her head up, she saw tears dwelling from Coward Chris' eyes. Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Why in the world was he crying?!

They got out of the elevator on the lobby, and he was still crying his eyes out. Maxine was beginning to be very uncomfortable, especially with the looks people were giving them.

“Are you –”

“I should've known you'd cancel later,” whimpered Coward Chris. “Why did I think that you'll actually be my friend?”

Her jaw dropped. He whined like a young adult baby. Many people already started stopping and watching at them. Maxine panicked.

“Um, the rehearsal's at five. We still have an hour, if that's okay?” she suggested. She felt like she was talking to a five-year-old. To think, her brother was more rational than this.

“Are — you — sure?” doubted Coward Chris through his cries.

“Of course,” she assured, smiling weakly.

Coward Chris quickly smiled. “Great! Come, then!” he exclaimed as if he wasn't crying just a moment ago. He grabbed Maxine's wrist and pulled her along with him.

Angels help me! thought Maxine.

She sent a quick text message to Kim,

I had to go with Chris S. I'll be there by 5pm. See you. Xx

-Max

It was quarter to five when Maxine told Chris that she really needed to go. Coward Chris seemed to understand and even offered to take her there. She didn't know where Mantle Studio was. That was why she trusted Coward Chris to lead the way. But they eventually got lost. She tried to call Kim but her cell phone went dead.

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

An hour later, the gang was panicking at the Mantle Studio. As usual, only Todd remained calm.

“It's past six o'clock,” said Kim, pacing around the room. “Where could she be?”

“She's with Coward Chris,” sighed Todd, his voice was a mixture of irritation and boredom.

“That is exactly why I'm worrying!” cried Kim.

A door slammed and Peter came in, clutching a phone.

“Got it!” he announced. “I've got Coward Chris' phone number.”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” said Kim impatiently. “Call that ungrateful boy.”

“Put it on speaker,” suggested Brian, so that they could all hear it aloud.

Peter dialed the phone number.

Rrrrrring . . . Krrrrrrringgggg . . .

Brian, Karl, Peter, and Kim waited, leaning toward the cell phone. Then, there was an answer.

“H — Hello?” stuttered Coward Chris' voice, shaking.

“Dude, this is Peter,” said Peter slowly. “Where's Maxine? Can we talk to her?”

Silence followed it.

Coward Chris gulped. “S — She's not here,” he stammered as he broke down into sobs. “Y — you’ve got to help her!” he spluttered nervously in a rush.

All of them stiffened. They immediately got uncomfortable and nervous.

What happened to Maxine?

Out of the blue, Todd’s phone rang. The gang didn't put too much attention to Todd, as he went to the corner to answer his phone.

“What exactly happened?” asked Peter, after a few moments of silence. He was finding it hard to be calm when all he wanted to do was kick Coward Chris's butt.

“We —” Coward Chris began. “W — We were trying to get to the M — Mantle Studio.” It was clear that he was still shaking. “Then, we g — got lost. But we still k — kept walking. Some guys went up to us and I — I got scared. I didn't know what to do . . . so I hid behind Maxine and let her do the fighting . . . After all, she's stronger than m — me. I — I ran for it.” As he spoke, he was making it sound as if he was the victim.

With that, the gang exploded with rage.

“You what?!” roared Kim angrily.

“SHE'S A GIRL, YOU PIECE OF MOLD!” snarled Peter.

“Really, what were you thinking?!” shouted Karl.

Brian hushed them.

“Where are you right now, Cow — Smith?” asked Brian calmly.

“I — I don't really know!” cried Coward Chris.

“Oh, I forgot . . .” said Peter sarcastically. “YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!” he yelled at his cell phone.

“Peter, calm down,” Brian told Peter. Then, he faced the cell phone again. “Cowa — Smith, what can you see around you?”

“B — Buildings,” answered Coward Chris.

“Of course you see buildings, we're in New York City!” snapped Kim.

“I — I'm sorry!” cried Coward Chris. “I — I'm so useless!”

“Good thing you know,” muttered Karl.

“Why don't we just track his cell phone number?” suggested Jen.

Brian stared at her, as though she just saved them all.

“Of course!” he exclaimed. He liked the idea. Peter had installed a unique cell phone tracker to his phone (his father was very influential).

“Hold on, Coward Chris,” he said as he opened the cell phone’s tracker. After a few seconds, it was located. He looked at them and said, “Brooklyn.”

“Brooklyn?” asked Peter, frowning. “How did they end up there?”

“It doesn’t matter. Let's go,” said Kim quickly.

“Wait.” Brian looked around. “Where's Todd?”

They looked at each other. Todd wasn't around. He was just there a few moments ago. When did he leave?

“He left a several minutes ago,” said Jen, answering everyone's thoughts. “Long before I thought the idea of tracking Coward Chris’ number.” She turned to Peter and said, “He took you're car, Peter.”

Peter's mouth fell open. That was his newest car given by his father. He tried very hard to keep it from being scratched.

“No,” mumbled Peter, looking like he someone just stole his lollipop.

“No time to waste,” declared Kim. “Now, let's go!”

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

Maxine was nervous and ready to run. She was planning this when Coward Chris ran for his life. She never imagined that she would meet a guy as coward as he was.

She shook her head. She regretted not listening to the others.

It was just a few minutes ago since he ran. Now, the three young men surrounding her were staring intently at her from head to toe.

“Aren't you gonna tell us your name?” grunted the biggest guy.

Maxine snorted, trying her best to look tough.

“No,” she replied. “Why would I tell you? Who are you?”

“I'm —” happily began by the youngest guy, but he got interrupted.

“Shut up!” snarled the tallest guy. “That doesn't matter. Come here!” he said, grabbing Maxine's wrist. She winced and struggled to let go, but the guy holding her was too strong.

An Audi RC8 parked around the corner. None of them noticed because they were focused on Maxine, while she was concentrating on self-defense.

“Let — go — of me — you — egghead!” she spat as she continued to struggle free, but failed to do so.

The tallest guy swore loudly at her face. He rapidly raised a fist aiming to hit Maxine on the face.

She shut her eyes closed and waited for the pain to come.

And waited . . .

And waited . . .

Why is it taking so long? thought Maxine.

Slowly, she opened her eyes . . . and saw him.

Todd Samuels.

She froze.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he said, dangerously calm. He was holding the tallest guy's fist. “Didn't your parents teach you some manners?”

Maxine's eyes gazed up at Todd's, which were blazing in rage. She wondered how could he be so calm. They fought and argued all the time yet she had never — even once — seen Todd’s eyes blaze like that.

She suddenly remembered what Kim told her about Todd on her first day of school, “But you'll know if he's dangerously angry when you could hear from his voice that he's calm yet raging inside. If ever that happens, that's your cue to leave him alone. Fortunately, it happens very, very rarely.”

Maxine looked at Todd. He looked as though he was prepared and trained to kill. The guys blinked, and then quickly recovered.

“Mind your own —“

PACK!

Todd punched him before the guy could finish his sentence. The strike was so hard that the guy fell on the ground: one hit knock out.

“I hate that phrase,” growled Todd.

The biggest guy crouched; he was prepared to attack Todd. When he ran toward Todd, Maxine was reminded of a bull.

“Oof!”

Todd made a swift upward kick on the big guy, making him fall to the ground as well. But he didn't become unconscious like his friend.

The youngest guy looked at Todd with a horrified expression. Something in Todd's stare made him back away; he quickly dragged his friends and left.

When they were out of sight, Todd faced Maxine. He got closer . . . and closer. His hand reached towards Maxine's face.

“You,” murmured Todd. He went nearer to Maxine until their faces were inches apart.

Maxine instantly got nervous. She felt like her heart was going to jump out at any moment. With their faces that close, she couldn't breathe evenly.

To her surprise, Todd pinched her nose. He smiled his most adorable smile then.

“You got dirt on your nose,” he said, trying to rub it off. “It won't come off.” He laughed, still trying to remove it.

“Stop it!” she cried, jerking from him.

He did, but he kept laughing.

She huffed. Disappointment rushed through her. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she kind of expected him to . . . kiss her. She aggressively shook her head.

What was she thinking? Seriously!

“Why do you look so disappointed?” he abruptly asked, amusement in his tone.

She felt herself blush in embarrassment. “N – Nothing.”

“Were you expecting a kiss or something?”

“No!” she said, too quickly.

His eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting her to answer like that. He was only joking. But it seemed like he hit the jackpot.

“God, you did!” he accused. Another round of laughter came from him.

If it was possible, her whole face grew redder.

Todd just kept laughing.

She couldn't deny that it was the most comforting sound she had ever heard for a long time.

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

The gang got there in time. They watched in Todd's limousine from across the street.

“Even if he refuses to admit it . . .” said Brian, grinning.

“He’s absolutely perfect for Maxine,” finished Kim, giggling.

“Yuppie!” agreed Karl.

“You know what they say, action speaks louder than words,” said Jen dreamily. “By the way, what's going on?”

Brian, Kim, and Karl looked at her in disbelief.

“I was just joking,” smiled Jen.

They looked again at Todd and Maxine. Peter, on the other hand, was hazily staring at his Audi RC8.

“My car . . .” mumbled Peter happily. “It's not scratched. It's safe!” He looked as though he was about to cry.

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

Coward Chris was suddenly behind Todd.

“That was so cool!” exclaimed Coward Chris, awestruck. “I wish I can be just like you!”

Todd stopped laughing. He looked at Coward Chris with superiority.

“Someone like you,” smirked Todd, “can never be someone like me. Dorks like you are way too stupid to understand the importance of unlimited courage when one's precious friends are in danger.” He paused and sneered. “I'm willing to bet you didn't understand a word I said.”

Todd held Maxine's hand and pulled her beside him. She felt safe right away. He lead them to the Audi parked around the corner. He let go of Maxine's hand and walked over to his side of the car.

“So,” Maxine began, “I guess I'm not part of the band anymore.”

Todd's smirk vanished and was replaced by a grin.

“That was just a ploy,” he laughed. “I know you'd get in trouble with him. That's why I wanted you to cancel it. Brian, Karl, and Peter got the point immediately,” he said. Then, he frowned slightly. “Kim didn't, though. She thinks I'm . . .” jealous, he was about to add before he stopped himself.

She waited for him to finish his sentence. When he didn't, she couldn't help but ask. “She thinks you're what?” she urged.

“Nothing,” he answered dismissively. “I think we better get going. The gang's watching from a distance.”

Maxine opened the passenger seat, but before she climbed inside, something popped into her mind.

“Are we still gonna rehearse?”

“I don't think so,” he answered, as he climbed in the driver's seat. “We'll just head up to the Pizza Palace to hang out.”

Maxine nodded and climbed in, while Todd called Brian and told him to meet up at the Pizza Palace to eat.

“Oh,” she mumbled, after Todd finished making the call. “How did you find me?”

Todd coughed — a fake one.

“What’s the point?”

“I just want to know,” she insisted.

“You want to know everything.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Maxine, you couldn’t know everything.”

While on the way, Maxine stared outside the window. She thought of what just happened and what could have happened if Todd hadn’t come to save her. It was a scary thought. But she couldn't help herself but think about it.

Todd was really nice. . . She was surprised that she only thought about it now. But no matter how cold Todd was to her, he was still there for her. Always.

Suddenly, a beautiful scent touched her nose. She looked down to a bouquet of sunflowers. She turned her head sideways to see Todd holding it out; his one hand on the wheel, while the other was holding the flowers. His eyes focused straight ahead. But even in the dark, she could see that his face was flushed.

She smiled.

“I still don’t understand why flowers can make girls happy,” he said quietly.

Maxine grabbed the bouquet and smelled it.

“You will never understand because you’re not a girl,” she replied.

“Thank God for that.”

They were silent for a moment.

“Todd?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

He didn't reply, making Maxine look at him.

He was smiling his breathtaking smile.

_________________________________________

THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH FOR FANNING ME!! I just hit 18,000 fans!! Hoorah!! :D

As a HUGE "Thank You", this was a loooooooooooooong chapter, ain't it? I think this deserves a comment! Haha! Please? I'm really interested to know that you guys think about this story. Pretty please with butterbeer? >> I just made that up. LOL.

While I was writing this, I felt all giddy. Haha! Todd is really something, huh? Especially when he saved Maxine. Ooh.. TOXINE!! Hahaha! Thanks for that, Arcadia! Haha! :D

Oh, and I got a curfew. :( It sucks because all my time became limited. Time is gold as it is. So now, I only have until midnight to do everything. And I wake up like, 11 in the morning. Not to mention the school days. I honestly feel like Cinderella. Oh, and you know the feeling when the teacher calls on you whenever you don't know the answer, but don't call on you when you DO know the answer? Major piss off. *sigh*

Note: Karl and Peter's another epic prank! ;)

Upload: I upload on weekends. ^_^ Depending on my ability to get my hands on my laptop.

Please Comment and Vote -- if you like, which I'm hoping you DO!! ^_^