The very next day~~

Max was shaken awake by Dan. She looked at him lazily. He grinned widely. "Happy birthday!"

"It's not my birthday." She yawned, rolling to her side lazily. Dan laughed.

"It's October twenty-third. So yes, it is your birthday." He grinned.

"Then you let me sleep..." Max was now half asleep.

"You only have a half day today Max, come on!" Dan pulled her up. "And twenty minutes until school starts." That snapped Max awake.

"Crap crap crap!" She repeated over and over as she rushed to get her homework put away. Then she rushed to change and brush her hair. After changing she put on deodorant and a vanilla spray and out on one of her favorite hats. Then an old dolphin necklace and her shoes. She sprinted to the kitchen, then paused and went to the bathroom to pee. She did her business then washed her a hands and went back to rushing around. The grabbed a bag of pop tarts, her phone and wallet, her watch and her school bag.

"You see what you accomplish under pressure?" Dan chuckled. Max's eyes rolled as she kissed his cheek and ran out the door.
She grabbed her skate board and helmet and skated off quickly. Max is one of the skaters who chooses to wear at least some safety gear. She slid to a stop at cross walk, grabbed a flag and stopped the traffic to run across the street.
None of the other students seemed to notice her rush.
Ren, Rich, AJ, and Henry were already waiting at Max's locker. As she was walking over she unclipped the helmet and hung it on her side in her hands.

"Almost late?" AJ teased, "That's a first."

"I fell asleep on the coach." Max shrugged, opening her locker. Her helmet fit inside thankfully. She messed with a few things then closed it.

"Hey Max?" Ren mumbled awkwardly. Max looked at her curiously. "Here." She pulled a skull necklace out from her bag. "It's not much, but happy birthday." Ren smiled kindly. Max took it slowly.

"You remembered my birthday?" She smiled slightly. Ren nodded, returning the smile. Max clipped it on around her neck. "Thank you."

"It's your birthday?!" Henry gasped loudly.

"Shh shh shh!" Max whimpered, covering his mouth quickly and putting a finger above hers. "I don't want people to know."

"You know. they're going to announce it, right?" AJ asked.

"I know, but like no one pays attention to announcements." Max whispered. Rich chuckled.

"You just don't want Mrs. Galar have everyone sing happy birthday, do you?" He accused. Max nodded.

"Or for anyone to sing it." Max replied. "I don't want to be sixteen."

"Are you having a party?" AJ asked, then whispered. "For your birthday?"

"Not that I know of." Max shook her head, shrugging. The first bell rang. Everyone made their way to class. Ren sat with Mac. Max sat with AJ. Rich and Henry sat together. This was a long Science project. The regular morning announcements happened, people talked over them through most of it.

"And now with the birthdays." The principal called cheerfully. Mrs. Galar tried desperately to shush everyone so she could hear. Random name after random name. There were only three birthdays today.

"Don't use my full name... Don't use my-"

"Maximilla Crosby."

"Damn it." Her head hit the desk and she groaned.

"Max it's you birthday~?" Mrs. Galar squeaked excitedly.

"Yup." Max sighed, lifting her head. A fake smile was plastered on her face.

"You know what that means class!" Mrs. Galar called between the two classrooms. A few students sighed heavily and boredly. Max held in a groan as there were various tone-and-song-versions of Happy Birthday.

"Please no..." Max mumbled. AJ smirked across the table at her.

"Happy birthday to you~! (Cha cha cha.)
Happy birthday to you~! (Cha cha cha.)
Happy birthday dear Max!" There were also multiple people saying Maximillia.
"Happy birthday to you~!" A few grand finishes and random finishes and extra verses. Max quietly groaned.

"Happy birthday, Max." AJ winked.

"I will smack you," Max whispered back. Henry patted her back while chuckling. "I will smack you too." She glared at Henry.

"Aw c'mon Max, lighten up." Rich chimed in. "What about yesterday?" He grinned.

"Yesterday was yesterday," Max grumbled.

"Alright, alright. Enough messing around, let's get to class work." Mrs. Galar beamed, clapping her hands.

"Yay..." Max mumbled sarcastically. The class went into random chatter, some about the project and some of other things.

"So, we have to do a presentation." AJ started. "You can come over tonight. If you like?" He offered.

"I'll have to ask my parents, but I don't see why not." Max replied, sighing quietly. She snuck out her phone and texted both adults. She quickly got a reply.
Dan: YOU WANT TO GO TO A BOY'S HOUSE?!
Steven: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY! I was hoping we would be able to all be together...
Me: Well it's a class project. We have to have it done by next week. I can be home at like 6! But we haven't started the presentation part. I don't think we've really worked on it much at all. I could be back sooner, if you prefer.
Dan: Well yeah, you
"Hey! That's my phone!" Max grabbed it from Mrs. Galar.

"And you're texting in my class." She replied angrily.

"I needed to ask my parents something, so I can work on the project!" Max defended.

"Alright, but next time. Your phone; is mine." She swore, then walked off.

"Right," Max muttered.
Dan: Well yeah, you get out of school at like Noon. So yeah, you better be home sooner!
Me: Alright, alright. I'll be home at like 4. I really gtg. Bye guys. Love you.
Steve: Bye. I love you.
Dan: Love you both.
"Alright. I can go over there, but I'll have to be home by four. Though, both of my parents work until like six." Max said, stuffing her phone in her pocket.

"Okay. We can go to my house right after school. Henry's mom will probably drive us, like normal." AJ explained. Henry nodded in agreement. "Alright. So..." Then AJ went right on with explaining his presentation idea, Max intervening every few sentences. "Deal." AJ offered his hand. Max shook his hand.

"Good." Max nodded.

~~Time Skip: After school.~~

"Later, Max." Ren waved. "Oh wait!" Ren turned to face her quickly. Max turned and face her. "Phone." She extended her hand, Max placed her phone in Ren's hand. Ren entered her contact information, gave it back, and ran off to her bus.

"Alright then..." Max mumbled, stuffing her phone in her pocket. She was trying to see over the crowds of people.

"Hey, Max!" Alyc called, running over.

"Hey Alyc." Max smiled slightly. "Have yo-"

"Happy birthday. It's not very good, but I made it in a hurry." Alyc handed her a birthday card.

"Wow, you didn't have to-"

"I have to go, but I hope you don't mind. I put my phone number in there." She smiled, rubbing the back of her head.

"Nah that's-"

"Kay bye, Max!" Alyc smiled waving. She ran off.

"Bye..." Max mumbled, watching her until she couldn't see her anymore. "Oh. Later, Mac!" Max called, waving. Mac turned and waved excitedly. Max smiled slightly.

"Happy birthday, Max. I'll see you tomorrow!" Rich grinned, taking a quick stop beside her.

"Thanks, Rich. And I'll see you tomorrow." Max agreed.

"Did you see where Alyc ran off to?" He craned his neck.

"She went that way, but no. I don't know." Max shrugged, pointing her finger.

"Crap." Rich pouted.

"Sorry." Max frowned.

"No need to be." Rich chuckled rubbing his neck. The buses honked. "I'll see you later Max!" Rich called hurrying off. He dodged a few people quickly.

"Wait did you-?" Max called but he was already on his bus. "Dang it." Max sighed. The area was mostly cleared now. AJ and Henry were no where in sight. Max looked around and started walking in an awkward circle to find them. "Maybe they're in student parking...?" Max mumbled, heading that way.

"There you are, Max!" Henry chuckled, jogging over. Max laughed, rubbing the back of her neck in response.

"Sorry, guess I got a bit lost!" Max grinned.

"That's fine." Henry chuckled. "Mom's not here quite yet." He explained as they walked to where AJ was.

"What cha got in your hands there?" AJ called, pointing at Max's hand.

"Alyc made me a card." Max smiled slightly at the thought.

"Oh, cool!" AJ agreed.

"Yeah." Max nodded, now taking the chance to look at it.
The card was quiet extravagant with multiple colors, different designs, patterns. It was indescribable.
"And she said this wasn't much." She mumbled in awe. A car honk made her jump.

"Mom's here!" Henry grinned. "Hi, mom!" Henry opened the passenger seat excitedly.

"Does Max need a ride home?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Actua-" Max started.

"She's coming over to my house." AJ called, opening the back door.

"Ah." Henry's mother agreed. "It's nice to see you, Max." She called as the three entered the car.

"It's nice to see you as well." Max smiled. "Thank you, for the rides and feeding me last night."

"Of course, sweetheart." She smiled cheerfully. Max smiled back.

"Guess what mom!" Henry bounced around the front seat. She started driving out of the parking, turned left, and started towards AJ's house.

"What?"

"It's Max's-"

"Can you turn up this song?" Max asked, tuning in on the radio. AJ scoffed.

"But it's Nickelback." He groaned. Max glanced at him, turning her gaze from the window.

"I happened to like Nickelback." She grumbled.

"Me too." Henry called, though he was lying. He never really listened to their music, so he wouldn't know. Max smirked and faced the window. Henry's mom turned the song up.

"Look at this photograph. Every time I do it makes me laugh. Man, how did our eyes get so red? And what the hell is on Joey's head?" The radio sang. Max zoned out to the song.

"Max." AJ called, no response. "Max." He repeated, no response. "Max!" He was right by her ear and yelling. She jumped and smacked him in the face with the back of her hand. "Ow!" He whined, rubbing his cheek.

"Sorry..." Max faced him. He shook his head.

"It's fine." AJ shrugged. "Do you mind. Ya know, getting out of the car?" He motioned to the house they were stopped at. Max grabbed her bag and exited the car. They both thanked Henry and his mom. They left.

"Nice place..." Max was staring at the scenery. So many trees, yet so many houses. It was quit amazing and seemed to be a calm street. "It's really pretty..." She mumbled.

"Thanks." AJ agreed, walking towards his front door. He turned to talk to Max, she hadn't moved. "Hey birthday girl," Max faced him. "Ya coming?"

"Yeah." Max agreed, following him into the house.

"My brother and sister should be home in like ten minutes. Dad said he was going shopping today and mom's-"

"Oh, Shit!" Max whimpered facing the door again.

"Huh? What's wrong?" AJ asked, turning around.

"I forgot my skateboard and helmet at school!" Max groaned. "I have to go get them!"

"I live a half hour from school, you'll never make it. They'll be closed." AJ frowned.

"Crapp!" Max whined.

"You can get them tomorrow?" AJ offered. Max scoffed.

"Yeah, if they're not stolen by then." She mumbled. "So where'd you say our mom was?" She attempted to change the subject.

"Work," AJ answered he felt pretty bad. It was obvious in his expression and tone. "Are you hungry?" He pushed off his shoes and went to the kitchen.

"Yeah, a little." Max agreed, taking her shoes and socks off. She set her bag beside AJ's and followed him. AJ searched through the cabinets and found the Spaghetti O's.

"Why exactly are you sock-less?" He asked, whiled pulling out a pot.

"Cuz I can." Max shrugged, watching him.

"Logical." AJ agreed, poring the three small can's contents into the pot. He turned on the stove and grabbed a cooking spoon. "You can set up everything on the table. Dad said he is gonna get the poster board." He didn't look up from the pot.

Max carried both bags to the table and pulled out her supplies; the notes, tape, glue, colored pencils, pencils, a sharpener, and her sketch book. She then went through AJ's bag, with his permission of course, and pulled out; his notes, the science book, scissors, pencils, sharpies, highlighters, markers, pens, and crayons. They were set up by the bags so nothing got mixed up.

"What's with the sketch pad?" AJ glanced over. He turned off the stove. The Spaghetti O's were warm enough.

"Just in case we need it, or I get bored." Max shrugged. She was already drawing random lines on a blank back page.

"Okay." AJ agreed, placing her portion on the table beside her. She stopped and glanced up.

"Thank you, by the way." She sat up straight and closed the book with one hand.

"For?" AJ replied.

"I dunno. The food and birthday wishes, I guess. Also for not leaving me to do everything on the project." She motioned to the table.

"No problem." AJ agreed, then started eating. Max did too.

"Hey, little bro," Charley called, pushing open the front door. He had his backpack on, and multiple bags in his hands. "We need- oh hello," Charley said noticing Max.

"Charley move! My arms are about to fall off." Jazmin groaned.

"Good." Charley snickered, then carried the bags into the kitchen. "We need help bringing in the groceries." Charley dropped his backpack. Jazmin put the groceries in the kitchen then placed her bag by Charley's.

"Coming." AJ agreed, his accent flaring up. Max smirked slyly as the AJ and his siblings went to get more bags.

"Knew it." Max mumbled.

"A little- help... Would be nice!" AJ winced, stumbling up to the door. A bag had broken and a few more looked like they were going to do the same thing. Max rushed over and took two of the bags from him.

"Great job with that." She joked, placing them on the kitchen floor carefully. AJ did the same and stretched backward.

"Yup."

"Move it or lose it!" Jazmin called, dropping a few bags. She glanced at Max and slightly nodded. Max raised a curious brow. Charley put a few bags down. The front door closed and AJ's dad brought inn the last few bags.

"Oh, hello." His dad said to Max in surprise.

"Dad, this is Max. Max, this is my dad." AJ motioned back and forth. His father offered a hand.

"Justin." He smiled triumphantly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Max." Max accepted his hand.

"It's nice to meet you too, sir." Max agreed, then put her hand to her side.

"Military family?" AJ's dad, Justin, chuckled questioningly.

"Yeah, one of them was." Max smiled. Justin gave her a funny look.

"Hey dad, where's the poster board?" AJ asked, looking among everything.

"I left it in the car." He pointed to the door with his thumb. "Here." The keys were passed between the two. AJ went to go get the poster. Max sat down awkwardly and waited for his return. Charley, Justin, and Jazmin were putting everything away. Jazmin stopped besides the now sketching, Max.

"So you're my brother's little crush?" She smirked slyly. Max glanced up questioningly. Jazmin only laughed and went back to putting things away. AJ came back with a gray poster board.

"Found it." He grinned, placing it on the table. It fit perfectly between everything. "Awesome. Let's get to work." He clapped his hands together.

Everything was put away. Charley was on the couch and playing video games. Jazmin was beside him and listening in on Max and AJ's project.

"So this goes here..." AJ mumbled, moving things around. "Alright, now we just need to actually type up facts and get some more sources." He smirked.

"Alright. You got a computer I can borrow?" Max stretched.

"Yeah, there's one in my room." AJ nodded. Max stood and flowed him.

~~Time skip. Three forty.~~

"What time did you say it was?" Max asked, leaning the computer chair back.

"Three forty," AJ replied, not exactly paying attention.

"Ah shite! Are you serious?!" Max gasped standing. She logged off of her Gmail quickly and closed the browser. "I sent you the document on Google docs, but I really gotta get home!" She exited the room quickly and gathered up everything from the table. Something was missing... "Where'd my sketch book go?" Max looked around worriedly.

"You have very strange pieces of art." Jazmin commented, flipping through the book. Max reached for it, Jazmin pulled it away. "Nah-Ah-Ah. I'm not done." Jazmin teased. AJ grabbed it from her.

"Max has to get home," AJ growled, handing her her book.

"Thanks, AJ," Max mumbled, putting her book in her bag.

"I can drive you home?" Justin offered.

"No, that's okay. I don't live that far away..." Max chuckled, rubbing her neck.

"You live across from the school." AJ replied, dumbfounded.

"You're not supposed to tell them that..." Max mumbled.

"And you have to be home at four." AJ reminded, smirking. Max glared at him.

"Oh my, you'll never make it home on time." Justin stood.

"You're in my way." Charley, shoved Max slightly. She glanced at the TV screen and made a quick laughing noise. "What?" Charley glared.

"You're not gonna beat the boss that way." Max shrugged. Charley glanced at her, but continued his strategy and died again. "Told you." Max walked to the door. AJ followed her, as did his dad.

~~And now... A Time skip.~~

"Thank you." Max exited the car quickly. They were outside the apartments.

"Wait, Max!" AJ called. Max faced him. "Happy birthday." He smiled slightly. Max smirked and waved cockily. She faces away and continued.

"Later AJ." She replied, then disappeared into the apartment. "Ugh I'm late... I'm late. I'm late. I'm late!" Max hiss whispered as she ran quickly to her apartment. It's a good thing she lived on the bottom floor. Didn't look like her dads were home. She unlocked the door, went in, and locked it again. It was four fifteen. Crap.
Me: I made it home.
Dan: You're late.
Me: I guess I got distracted with the project... I'm sorry! But I'm home now...
Steven: Good.
She could tell the adults were mad at her. A sigh entered the atmosphere quietly and Max went to working on more homework.

A while passed until the front door was being opened. She grabbed the nearest object tensely. Dan opened the door, he was carrying a bag and a box. Another soft sigh came from Max.

"Well it's nice to see you too." Dan agreed, kicking the door closed. He carried the box to the table and kept the contents of the bag hidden.

"What's in the box?" Max asked curiously.

"Cake." Dan sighed happily. "I can't believe you're sixteen. It's like just yesterday you were thirteen." He contemplated aloud.

"Actually yesterday I was fifteen." Max winked. Dan chuckled.

"So kid, we've got presents and cake. And we're going out to dinner. Anything else you wanna do?" Dan called from his room. Max 'hmm'ed. The weekend was in two days... It is her birthday... She hasn't ever had a party... And now she has friends...

"A birthday party!" Max called, flipping over the couch excitedly.

"A birthday party?!" Dan called back, obviously surprised.

"Well, yeah. I've never had one before! Well, when in was five I did, but that was an eternity ago. It doesn't have to be grand or anything. Maybe me, you, Steve, and my friends can like play laser tag or something?" Max offered, hopeful.

"Ahh kid..." Dan started. Max's hopes dropped, she felt her hopeful dreams crushed. "We can't afford that. Laser tag is way to expensive." Dan frowned.

"Then maybe... Oooo. We could go to the bunkers!" Max called. "Remember when we went there?!" Dan sighed softly.

"I don't think we should do it this weekend kid..." He walked out with a freshly wrapped gift. He put it with the cake. "How about this; you and me make some invitations, we'll get it all set up. Make sure Steve and I have the day off, and then we can go to the bunkers next weekend?" He offered, placing a hand on Max's shoulder. Max examined his expression.

"Deal." She offered a hand, Dan accepted. They shook. "Let's start making the cards!" She bounced over to the computer and took two pieces of paper.

She folded each piece into even thirds and tore six pieces off. Dan brought over the pencils and colored pencils.
While making the cards; Max and Dan discussed what to wear or bring to wear, pickup and drop off times, which bunkers, and presents.
Max really didn't think Dan liked the idea of so many boys coming along, but he'd manage.
They also discussed what they'd be doing there. She was writing this on an third sheet of paper, while filling out the invites.

"And done." Max sighed, putting her pencil down. Steve opened the front door, he was carrying another bag. "Hi dad number two~!" Max bounced over to him.

"Hey kid." He chuckled. "What's got you so excited?"

"Well, to celebrate my birthday; next weekend we're going to the bunkers!" Max cheered. "And my friends are coming too!" Steve looked at Dan with a confused expression. Dan chuckled and winked while shrugging. Steve smiled slightly.

"Sounds like a blast." He agreed, heading to his room. He returned with a freshly wrapped gift as well. It was placed on the table. "Ready for dinner?" Max nodded excitedly. "Let's go~!"

~~ANOTHER TIME SKIP X.X~~

Dinner went smoothly, random conversations about school and stuff. Now it was time for the gifts.

"Open mine first!" Steve squeaked, pointing at his. Max grabbed it and tore of the wrapper.

"Frick yeah!" Max grinned widely. She got a new phone and phone case. Her other phone had freaked out yesterday and pretty much died. It had almost fried itself too. "I'm gonna get this set up right after..." She tore open Dan's gift. "Ooo..." It was another sketch book, but this one had colored pencils and designing pencils for it. The cover was also blank. "Awesome!" Max grinned excitedly. The adults exchange thrilled looks. "Thank you guys!" She pulled them both into a hug.

"Oh course, kiddo." Dan chuckled.

"Anytime." Steve promised. Max went to setting up her phone and freeing the sketch pad of its wrapper. This was a pretty great birthday...