Kept Left

Two

The week Max was away proved busy for me. I had scheduled senior photos that I sent out with my graduation invitations. I had a meeting with the graduation committee, I attended an informal gathering hosted by my father and I attended a party to celebrate reaching the end of senior year.

Most of my classmates congratulated me on becoming valedictorian. News spread like wildfire that Kev had gotten Lilith pregnant. She was more than 7 months which proved my hunch of them being a thing long before I walked in on them.

Everyone asked me he and I had broken up and I told them when I caught him in bed with my best friend. That only added fuel to the fire. Max has returned in time for my birthday. I hadn't planned on doing anything and my dad kept trying to get me to come home, his home. I declined. Miles told me he had planned a surprise party and was angered all his guests weren't graced with my presence.

I rolled my eyes as I figured he wanted to showboat his valedictorian's accomplishments. I put him on the block list as he kept calling.

I was lounging in the house in biker shorts and a tank top when there was a knock at the door. I stood at the door and asked who is it.

It's Max, Machen.

I opened the door and smiled big. He returned the smile. He was holding gift bags and a cake.

W-what are you doing here? I told you to enjoy your vacation.

I told you I'd be back in time for your birthday. I couldn't let you celebrate alone. Your dad phoned me yesterday to bring you to the mansion. I told him I was out of town on vacation and that Tate was your driver. He told me you didn't let him drive you anywhere.

He's not you. I didn't feel comfortable in the car with someone else. I took an Uber to the few places I did go.

You did what! Why would you do that Chloe? I arranged a driver for you. I wouldn't have put you with just anybody!

Calm down Machen you're yelling!

Chloe, I'm sorry, but I don't want you to go missing again.

You care about me

More than I should!

Hmm

Is that a bad hmm or a good hmm

For me to know and you to find out. Thank you for stopping by.

These are for you.

I opened the gifts he gave me. He gifted me a necklace and matching bracelet. Reese cups, my favorite. A tshirt that says Mini Boss. He also gave me a cake that says sweet 16. He lit the candles and sang to me. I didn't know it would bring me to tears, but it did. He stopped mid song and hugged me.

Thank you for loving me enough to come and make sure a little joy was had and it was about me. My dad threw a surprise party with his colleagues. I declined going.

I just wanted you to know how special you are to me. I shouldn't feel the way I do about you Chloe, but my heart loves you. I saw how sad you got when I told you I was taking a week off. I thought of you every night.

M-Max

I know it's inappropriate, but I hate to see you sad. I'm going to leave, but I want to put the smile back in your face first. One last gift...

He gave me a piece of pecan pie. When we first met, he had caused me to drop my pie and I threatened to make him walk to the bakery to get me another piece. It was during the dead of summer with scorching heat waves. I chuckled through tears as I recalled the event. Just two years ago, I met Max.