Max was walking down the hall. She kept her head up, people watched in awe. The hall tensed as AJ and Max walked passed each other. They exchanged glanced and a nod. Then walked in silence. A few students exhaled in relief.

There was a soft sniffle coming from a student in front of Max's locker. "Uh... Hey, Rich." Max's voice was soft even though she had trouble speaking quietly. She never really had a harsh voice, even when she was mad. Rich gasped and looked up. "What's wrong?" She crouched down to reach his level.

"N-nothing... I'm sorry if I was in your way..." He started scrambling to stand and move. Rich was a lot taller than Max, he was probably about six feet tall, give or take. He was also a lot stronger. He was in shape, but only because his friends forced him to be. He brown eyes were puffed red and his toffee shaded skin was stained with water. He smiled hesitantly. 

"No need to apologize, I'm in no rush," Max assured. "You can tell me if something's wrong." She pressed.

"I'm just not having the best day..." His voice trailed of and he glanced away. "Sorry... It's not important." He started to walk off. Max caught his arm, he turned.

"Have a good rest of your day, okay?" She smiled attempting her best kindness.

Rich smiled, "I'll do my best." Then he tugged away and walked off. His head turned down, the short black hair barely shifting. He disappearing into the crowd.

Max sighed softly, "That's enough human interaction for a life time..." She muttered, opening her locker. Another male student leaned on the locker besides her.

"Hey, Max." His voice was deep and strong. Max glanced at him. 

"Hey, Henry." Max replied dully. She closed her locker and faced him.

"How's it goin?" He grinned, his voice shifting to more cocky. Henry was also taller than Max probably over six foot, since he was taller than Rich as well... Six foot three, maybe? His shoulders were a lot more broad too. He was quite strong, he was in good shape too, since he had been playing sports since he was a kid. His muscles were built, not like a body builder's, but like someone who exercised fairly often. Henry was one of those people who could eat an entire buffet and never gain any weight. Henry's skin was a light olive color and worked well with his dirty blonde hair that stood on its own. His muddy brown eyes contradicted his slightly light hair. It frustrated him sometimes.

"It's going fine. Look, I gotta go." Max started passed him. Henry grabbed her arm, flinging her around. Henry is one of the cocky jock type, he flirts with everyone, mostly girls.

"Ah come on Max..." He teased, pulling her towards him. Max glared up at him. Henry flinched. "Don't you wanna hang out...? We're going to ditch school... If you wanna come..."

"I'm commuting murder, if you want to be the victim." Max retorted, pulling away. Students watched with curiosity. The first bell chimed. Max turned on her heel and started walking off. "Later, Henry." She waved and walked away. Henry blinked while watching. His friends laughed and walked over. AJ clasped his shoulder.

"Told you you had no chance, man." He chuckled into Henry's ear.

Henry huffed, "We're still going to class, aren't we?" He pouted.

"Yup." The other boy, Rich, who's eyes were slightly red from earlier chuckled. Henry groaned.

"Come on guys." AJ lead the way to his class right next to Max's. First period, Science. Today was off though. The door between the classrooms was open.

"Hello everyone." Mrs. Galar called between the two rooms. Mrs. Galar was AJ's science teacher. "Today Mr. Bank is out sick. The school couldn't find a replacement, so I'm teaching both rooms today." The classes groaned. "Possible for a while..." She said quietly to herself. The classes sighed.

"So today, were working in groups. Groups of two." Multiple students exchanged looks. "Go crazy." Mrs. Galar announced. Students were instantly shuffling around.

Rich and Henry grouped together, leaving AJ alone. "You can partner with students from other classes!" Mrs. Galar added, a little late. AJ sighed softly, everyone was probably already in a group. "Who still needs a partner?" One student out of both classes raised a hand. "Well; AJ go find your partner." Galar motioned to Max across the room.

"Dude," Henry gasped. "Trade ya!"

"Hey!" Rich whined.

"I'm not teaming with you, Henry." Max replied. She was now in front of the trio, all of her stuff with her. "Guess we're partners." Max said, looking at AJ. AJ's hair was a dark red color, it almost looked brown in some lighting. His skin was bright pale and lined with scattered freckles. He looked like an innocent most of the time, his eyes shining a funny looking pale like green. He, Rich, and Henry all had straight teeth after their parents forced them in braces for years. They were all fit as well, since Henry forced AJ and Rich to work out with him. 

They were all very handsome, though, they had their own styles. AJ was more of a skater, Rich more of a gamer, and Henry was definitely more athletic. They all showed interests in what the others found interesting, that's why they got along so well for so long. That's why they're best friends.

"Yes!" Mrs. Galar squeaked from her chair. The classes looked at her, confused. Her face went red. "Anyway..." Her voice trailed off and she explained the project. "And... Go!" The students turned to their partner.

"So..." AJ started. Max laid her head on the table.

"I hate science..." She whined, AJ chuckled.

"C'mon Max, lets just get started."

"I can make you enjoy science way more!" Henry said, trying to be smooth. Rich laughed, so did AJ. Max scoffed, sitting up. Her eyes rolled.

"You wish." She teased.

Henry smirked, "Maybe a little." Max's eyes rolled again.

"Weren't you losers gonna ditch?" She asked quietly, the boys exchanged glanced. AJ took her attention.

"So," AJ repeated. Max looked at him, "Let's do the reading part." He grinned. Max sighed.

"Warning; reading aloud skills are one." She gave him a thumbs up.

"Apparently so are your talking skills." AJ laughed. Max nodded giving a 'mmhmm'. "Great, a partner without good word skill." He rolled his eyes with a soft chuckle. Max was gazing off, her head in her hand. "Earth to Max." His hand shook on her face.

"Heh? Oh yeah, sorry. Let's get to reading." She opened the book, they began to read. Soon the bell was chiming loudly and obnoxiously. The students quickly packed and were rushing to leave. As Max stood, AJ stopped her.

"So what were you so distracted with earlier?" He smirked.

"What'd you mean?" Max blinked, she forgot about the spacing out before. Rich made a 'tsh' sound from behind AJ. "Look I gotta go..." Max started, she turned.

"Well you were just kind of spacey." Henry added. Max shrugged, her hair dropped mostly covering her eyes and she walked away. "Man!" Henry whined, "I guess Rich gets a crack at her."

"Look dude, I'm not that into her. You can keep trying." Rich defended himself. They walked towards the next class. Henry looked excited.

"I'm gonna win her over, Man." He grinned. AJ shrugged.

"Just remember she's not a push over. Or someone you can ditch after the first day or two." AJ reminded.

"Someone seems to know a lot about her." Rich grinned, peering his head over AJ's shoulder. AJ blushed faintly and rolled his eyes.

"That goes for anyone, you fool." AJ sighed.

Max sighed, "Ugh I'm bored." She muttered quietly. The bell chimed loudly. "Ahh man..."

And thus art class began, then there was math, then history. In between was lunch, then more history, then Language Arts and finally PE. Every class was simple and slow. But soon, Max was sitting in the female locker room awaiting the bell.

She had changed from her black shorts, gray t-shirt, and pulled back-dark-red hair. Into her black-and-slightly-torn skinny jeans, faded gray Tennie-shoes, white music tank top, and gray pull-on-hoodie. Her hair was also released and swayed by her neck. Alyc waltzed over.

"Hey, Max..." She grinned slyly.

"Oh, hey, Alyc." Max sat up, giving her a small smile.

"I see you were talking to Rich this morning..." Alyc's voice trailed off. Max's eyes rolled and she nodded. "Do you know if he's uh... Dating anyone?" Alyc was a red head, but she dyed her head brown to "look normal." She was a very pretty girl, with tanned skin that was carefully taken care of. Any blemish either covered or fixed. She was smaller, probably four foot nine, four foot eleven at the most. She was more developed in her chest, her body was a bit more "heavier set" as most of the school worded it. She was absolutely beautiful, though, probably one of the most captivating people you'd meet. Her eyes were purple, a strange colour, but good for her because she didn't need to shave. Her eyes were blue when she was a very little, but just progressed to purple and that's how they were now. They were violet, maybe a bit darker. Today she was wearing more of a natural makeup while most days she'd go all out, but she had PE, so she didn't want it to be ruined. 

"No idea." Max shrugged. The bell chimed and the lights went off. "Another power outage?" Max groaned. She stood, the other girls rushing out. She quickly followed. The building was loud, but outside was worse.

The wind was forcing itself around. Swaying trees harshly. Twigs, branches, pinecones, and many other random objects flew around. Children rushed to their buses, to the cars on the other side of the building and inside.

"God dammit..." Max whined, pulling up her hood. It instantly flew down. "Well, walking home will be great..." She shielded her face. The buses honked, children hurried more then they left.

"Hey, Max," Rich called over the wind. Though, he wasn't that far away. Max turned an ad waved. Rich hurried over. "Did you miss your bus too?"

"You missed your bus?" Max snickered.

"It's not funny!" Rich whined, crossing his arms. "I have to walk more than 2 miles to get home." His voice was quieter because they were facing each other. Max continued to laugh, she led the way towards the crosswalk.

"Why don't you just call someone?" She stumbled because of the wind.

"I think everyone's at work." Rich replied, also stumbling. "But I have to get home for my sister!"

"Dude..." Max dragged on the word.

"Yeah I know," Rich sighed. "We headed the same way?" He asked, gesturing to the area.

"Might as well," Max shrugged. "My dads don't get home until later."

"'Dads?'" Rich changed the subject.

"Yeah. I have two dads, so what?" Max defended. Rich tensed at her harsh tone.

"I was just asking! Calm down."

"Sorry..." Max sighed.

"How close to the school do you live anyway?" Rich asked. Max pointed to the apartment complex they walked passed. They were headed towards the elementary down the street.

"Through those apartments." Max shrugged.

"Cool." Rich smiled. Max returned the smile, barely. They walked for a while in silence. The Max pulled out her phone and started playing some music.

"Don't question me, I'm bored." She said bobbing her head to the music. They were close to Rich's house.

"Wasn't really going to." He shrugged. The wind blew harder again. Max lost her balance and fell back against Rich. "You okay?" Rich asked letting her stand.

"Yeah, sorry 'bout that." She chuckled awkwardly and continued to follow. "Man you really do live out far." She whined, they had taken a turn before the school and were headed up a huge hill. Rich rubbed his neck laughing.

"Yeah, it really sucks. But. We're almost to my house." A bus passed and pulled up to a close stop. "That's where my street is. Wait for it..."

"Big brother!" A little girl called from across the street. They hurried over to her.

"Hey, sis." Rich chuckled, picking her up. She grinned widely. Then looked confused.

"Who's that?" She pointed at Max.

"That's my friend, Max."

"Hi, Mr. Max!" Rich's little sister, Sharlet, squeaked excitedly. Rich opened his mouth to speak, he was obviously embarrassed. Sharlet was very short, she wasn't much older than eight. Her hair was black like Rich's, but hers was curly and long. She was cute, adorable actually. She was wearing a purple dress that brought out her brown eyes. Her teeth were all crooked, but that was alright, her teeth didn't matter. She was missing a few, actually, because of her being so little. Her was was squeaky, but not in an annoying way, she was sweet, that was for sure. She wouldn't tell anyone, but she had a huge crush on Max since the moment she saw her. 

"Sup, kiddo?" Max grinned at her. Sharlet dragged Rich and Max to her house. "Actually I have to go home..." Max smiled, her stomach grumbled.

"Do you want some food first? I'm sure we can find something, even with the black out." Rich offered, opening the front door. Rough wind pushed at the group. Sharlet was knocked off her feet, Max caught her.

"Might as well." She agreed, carrying Sharlet inside. Rich closed the door before anymore wind could enter. "Nice house." Max complimented, even though she couldn't see.

"Hah, thanks." Rich agreed then went to the kitchen to find something. "Okay, so we have powdered donuts, dried-"

"Donuts!" Max grinned, she took the bag from him. "Do you care if I take these home? I'll eat them while I walk." She nodded and checked her phone. "Dang, 4:36 already..."

"Yeah, sure." Rich agreed.

"Thanks." Max did an awkward toe hop.

"Do you have to go potty, mister?" Sharlet asked curiously. Max laughed sheepishly.

"Is it that obvious?" She smiled.

"Follow me!" Sharlet squeaked, starting to drag Max, who quickly dropped her stuff and followed.

When she returned she could hear more harsh wind and harsh rain. "This should be fun..." She mumbled, she took off her sweatshirt, put on her bag and then pulled her hoodie on again. "Thanks again, Rich." She waved, stepping out the door.

"Thanks, Max!" Rich called, hurrying over. "Are you sure you want to walk in this?" He gasped at the storm.

"I've seen worse." Max shrugged, the donut bag was hidden in her pocket. She grabbed one at started eating it. "Anyways, I have to go... Later!" She ran off before Rich could stop her.

"Bye, Mister Max!" Sharlet called from behind Rich. He chuckled and turned to his little sister.

Max was speed-walking home. Rain was already covering most of her body. "Man this sucks..." She whined. She had no music, her phone had died earlier and she was walking alone boredly. Though, Donuts were a plus. The walk seemed much faster than earlier, because she was almost home. Though, that might of been because her thoughts were distracting her. She wandered through the apartments.

Soon she was home and sniffling. "Ah man! I got a cold..." She sneezed loudly, then coughed. "Tomorrow is gonna suck."

~~Meanwhile~~

"Henry I'm bored." AJ groaned, dragging out the sentence.

"Oh my god, AJ I will smack you." Henry hissed. The two were in Henry's mom's car, headed towards the closest fast-food restaurant with power. "Hey, Mom?" Henry called.

"Yes?" His mom called back.

"Can Rich and his sister come along?" Henry asked, glancing towards the upcoming road.

"Ask his mom." She sighed. turning towards that street. Rich's mom said that was fine, so they picked up the siblings.

"Hey guys!" Rich grinned, shuffling into the passenger seat.

"I can't believe Rich gets passenger!" AJ whined.

"Hi, Mister AJ!" Sharlet grinned.

"Hey, Shar." AJ chuckled, patting her head.

"Hi, Misses Mommy!" Sharlet called to the front seat.

Henry's mom giggled, "hello Sharlet."

"Hi, Mister Hen-wy." Sharlet's grin widened.

"Hey, kiddo." Henry waved, leaning forward.

The car dragged on for a while until they found the closest-open-Burger King. Which was towards the next town. Faint music played in the background while the kids chanted away.

"Did you guys know that Max lives by the school?" Rich randomly blurted out.

"What are you talking about?" AJ started.

"And she has two dad's!" Rich continued, he quickly covered his mouth after surprising himself.

"Mister Max has two daddys?" Sharelt asked confused.

"Mister??" Henry asked, even more confused.

"That's what Shar called Max." Rich shrugged, "Sharlet we went over this."

"Wait how does she know Max?" AJ asked suspiciously.

"Who's Max?" Henry's mom interrupted as she parked the car.

"Max is a girl from school..." Henry answered. Rich grinned, taking the opportunity.

"And someone he really likes~!" Rich snickered, hurriedly exiting the car.

"Hey!" Henry whined. His mom laughed, the group entered burger king and ordered their meal. "So Max has two dads?" Henry asked curiously.

"That's what she said." Rich nodded.

"Well how do you know this?" AJ crossed his arms. taking a seat.

"Oh she walked home with me." Rich shrugged.

"She what?" Henry jolted up. Rich shrugged.

"She just kinda decided to walk home with me, so we walked home together."

"Order 15!"

"Coming." Henry's mom called, she took Sharlet and got the meals. The conversation quickly changed to some new video game coming out. Rich and AJ were really excited about it.

~~Meanwhile, again~~

"Hey, dad number one." Max called to the opening front-door. She had just gotten out of the shower and was waiting in the living room. Her dad, Dan, who she called dad number one, was bringing home dinner. Dad number two, Steve, was in his room changing. Dan laughed,

"Max I have told you like a million times to call me Dan!" Dan laughed. He was holding bags and a drink carrier. He was dressed in his Sergeant uniform. He was trying to knock off his hat, but was having problems. He had to set the food down before being able to take off his hat. Dan looked nothing like Max, he was taller and scrawnier. He was thinner and his skin was darker, a caramel colour. His hair was messy brown, it fell in every direction. Dan could never get a handle on it. His eyes were a hazel color, that faded to brown. They were very pretty. Dan's face was shaved, but prickly from his short hair. He was all sweaty and gross.

"Eh," Max shrugged. Ever sense she was adopted at the age of 13, she has called Dan and Steve dad one and two. "It'll never end."

"Probably not." Steve agreed, hurrying to help his husband with the bags of food. Steve was bright pale, but not in a blinding. Dan found it attractive, so that was something. Steve was shorter than Dan, about five foot five maybe, he wasn't a very tall man. His face wasn't shaved very well either. He had a beard he maintained. His hair was blonde, but his beard was more of a black color. He looked quite strange sometimes. Steve was a vey scrawny man, he had almost no muscle and worked only at a desk. Steve had a much more harsh personality than Dan, he was more aggressive and easily frustrated. Dan was usually level headed, but when he got frustrated or upset it was pretty scary. They were an interesting duo.

"So, Max." Dan started, he sounded serious.

"Yes?" She asked, pulling out her burger and fries and getting her Oreo-shake.

"These group of boys were talking about you." Dan's eyes narrowed. Max raised a brow.

"Okay...?" She sat at the table.

"You walked one of them home?"

"Oh yeah, that was Rich. He missed his- ah-choo!" She sneezed, covering her face quickly. "-Bus."

"You got a cold?!" Steve groaned.

"Whoops." Max shrugged, eating her food. Her parents sighed in unison.

"What are we gonna do with you?" Steve chuckled, taking a place and eating. Dan joined them and did the same.

"Get me a portable charger?" Max winked, snapping.

"About that..." Steve said, digging a hand into his pocket. "Here." He handed Max the portable charger.

"Awesome!" Max squealed, plugging her phone in. It started to charge.

"See asking for things for weeks works." Dan sighed and looked at Steve. "I thought we were waiting to give her that?"

"Her phone died." Steve shrugged, Dan softly chuckled and nodded in agreement. The family ate silently with big smiles.

Time slowly passed after dinner. They played a few card games and board games, but they were all still bored.

"I guess I'm gonna go to bed." Max shrugged, it was only about eight forty-five, but the power outage made her even more tired.

"Okay, sweety..." Steve agreed, kissing her forehand. Max planted a kiss on her second-father's cheek and one on her first-father's cheek.

"Night. I love you!" She smiled and disappeared into her room. She plugged her phone into the wall, hoping it would charge. Thankfully, her power returned that night and it did charge.

Meanwhile... (For the last time in this chapter)...
Sharlet was bouncing in her car seat, Rich picked her up. "Thank you." He laughed quietly. "Goodnight!" He then disappeared into his house.

"Night..." AJ called quietly. Henry's mom drove towards AJ's house. The boys started talking about football. Soon, AJ was climbing out of the car. "Thanks for the ride, and food." AJ waved. He hurried to his door. The storm had slightly picked up again.

"Night!" He faintly heard Henry call, then he was inside.

"Hey." His older brother muttered then disappeared in his room. AJ sighed softly and went to his room, after greeting his mom and dad and saying goodnight to them.

"I still can't be live she has two dads..." He muttered to himself and laid on his bed. "I still can't believe I care." He shrugged. He tossed and turned until he found a comfortable position and slowly let his mind take over him, he fell to sleep.