Hidden Motives

Questions

I felt safe with Max but it wasn't right. It felt like the silence before the storm. Or should I say the "Tsunami". We both knew our lives were going to completely change in the next few months. My father somehow got to the U.K. Max knew some of my secrets. Maddox was in the hospital and Dave was fighting for his life. Max and I were also getting closer. If you told me this a week ago I would've said "That's horrible! I would never let that happen! I would never fall for Max!" but given my current circumstances, he was all I had.

I couldn't help but ask myself "Would my mom still be alive if I didn't come to the UK? Would Maddox be living a normal life? Would Dave be fine? Would Max have opened up? Would Adyline have broken up with Max?" These questions kept me awake at night. Every single night.

After that day at the hospital, Max took me home. I couldn't go inside though. I needed company and support. Adyline was with her mom comforting her during Dave's procedures. Adyline called to ask how I was and I had to be strong. I couldn't tell her that I had hit rock bottom. Her father was fighting for his life and I was partly to blame. Maddox's disappearance was my fault. Everything that involved Adyline or her parents was my fault. They were a family. A real family. Despite this, they accepted me into their arms and risked their lives for me. Time and time again. Max noticed my sadness and said "Nevermind you're coming with me. There's no way I'm leaving you alone like this" 

We went to his house once more and I walked straight to the guest bedroom. I laid there and closed my eyes. This was where Max and I fought. This house. Everywhere I had ever been there had been an issue. The theater, the bar, the Walsh house, the coffee shop, school, and even here. I was nothing, but a bundle of problems. A sad puzzle of problems. Every time I had said something rude about Max I never realized that it applied to me as well. We were much the same. Far from perfect.  

Not an ounce of motivation was left in me. I came here for college, not the FBI. I came here to escape my father, not to have him chase me. Now all he was going to do was make the life of those I learned to care about miserable. I couldn't help but think of the harm he had already caused. He was going to hurt me by hurting those around me. I felt like this for days and days. Max left me alone. He understood that I needed space. It wouldn't be good for him to talk to me right now. We were both too explosive and things were finally good between us. That was until a week later. 

"Zara you can't keep doing this" Max said when he walked into the room. "I can't keep covering for you at school. Just because Kailyn is your friend doesn't mean that her dad will keep letting you off. I'm sure he would if he knew what has been happening, but he can't. You have to go back".

I sighed and said "I know. I was actually just thinking about that. I'm weeks behind and this is so unacceptable. I'm going to be buried in makeup work for weeks. And guess what. It's my fucking fault". Then I buried my head into my pillow. 

Max noticed that I was frustrated and sat on the edge of the bed. "You know I hate seeing you like this." he sighed. "You've been like this for a week."

"I know I know!" I responded. "I feel terrible. I'll go back to school tomorrow. I just really don't want to see Scarlett. Aren't you guys still dating in her mind?"

Max sighed again "Technically I broke up with her and she didn't get the message so it's her fault. And I don't even believe that we were dating. But, if what I need for you to give me a chance is to formally breakup with Scarlett. I'll do it in a heartbeat. Anything for you my Tsunami".

"I would like that" I whispered as Max got closer. He then planted a soft kiss on my cheek. It made me blush. He noticed this and smiled.

"How about we go out tonight. Maybe not a 'formal' date just yet. But we could invite Rene and Kailyn and go to the pub. Don't drink too much of course. You're going to school tomorrow no matter what. Then tomorrow once you get your makeup work we can work on that all day. Before dinner, we can go check on Maddox and possibly even Dave if they let us in. How does that sound?"

"Perfect" I whispered smiling. "Absolutely great" This was the first time I had been happy all week and it was all thanks to Max. 

"Be ready by 7:30 pm sharp Tsunami. I'm going to let Rene and Kailyn know of the plans" Max informed while walking out the door and closing it softly.