The Secret (Book 1 of the Secret Series)

Chapter 26.

MAX

Max was worried when they said that Katara was out before they got her to the room, but still happy that she was alive. She was at least doing better, now that she was out of surgery. She would get better quickly, they had said and he was glad.

Now he and Samuel and Kyle were all sitting in her room, while she lay there, sleeping a better sleep than Max had seen her sleep in a while.

And he had seen her sleep a lot.

"So." Samuel said slowly. "Is she... with you... or Jonathan?" Max looked at him.

"Neither." Kyle answered for him. "But she wants to be with Max."

"Huh." Samuel said with a small smile. "Then why aren't you two together yet. I mean, I know you want her. So... Why?"

"It's a bit complicated." Max said slowly. "She and Jonathan have already had their little discussion on the subject, and they are more like family than anything else. What he does... isn't affection for her, it's more along the lines of caring for her.

"She... she says that she isn't ready for any type of relationship, and I respect that... but I know it is more. Besides, after Taylor... I don't think that she is inclined on getting into another relationship right now." Max sighed and looked at her. "I should have been there-"

"It's not your fault Max." Kyle sighed. "If anyone, it's mine. I tried to keep her away from him, but she didn't listen. I guess that's what I get for hurting her." Katara started to moan, and they quieted up quickly. They all knew that that wasn't a topic that she would be too found with. Especially now.

"Max." she moaned and he stood to move closer. He sat down by her, and took her bruised hand. The bruises on her neck and other hand were fading quickly, but this one had been worse. She breathed shakily as she opened, then closed her eyes. She coughed a few times and scowled, but stayed quiet. They had given her some stuff to keep the pain away for now. She opened her eyes again, and he saw the beautiful, almost turquoise, color that he loved. He smiled down at her.

"I told you." he said softly, and she smiled some as she closed her eyes tiredly. "Didn't I?"

"Don't rub it in." she whispered and he laced their fingers together. Her smile fell some, but she didn't pull her hand away. He almost expected her to try and turn away from him. He sighed as she settled back into the bed and pulled his hand to her lips. She kissed it softly, then let go, and placed her's over her stomach. She was so tired.

"How are you feeling?" Kyle asked her as he stepped forward. She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Any better?"

"A little numb." she nodded and smiled a little again. "Let's just put it this way... you won't be chasing me around to tickle me for a little while." he smiled at her and laughed quietly.

"Do you love me again?" he asked. He was trying to make it sound like a joke, but they all knew that he really wanted to know. "Am I worthy of thy love my dear princess?" he asked her and she laughed a little. He stepped forward and his smile faded. "Can you ever forgive me?"

"Kyle." she whispered as he stood right next to her. She reached over and took his hand. "You're my brother. You will always be my brother-"

"But that isn't the same as telling me that you forgive me Katara." he whispered as he sat down. "I love you Katara. I don't expect you to forgive me, but it would be great if you would." she closed her eyes and breathed a sigh. "I never wanted to hurt you Baby-"

"I believe you." she whispered, her eyes still closed. "And yes, I love and forgive you, I think that I always have, but I don't remember for some reason and that scares me, more than you ever could." she smiled a little and opened her eyes. "And I know for a fact that you could put the fear of God into any boy that wants me." Kyle smiled a little again, and glanced up at Max.