𝐒𝐀𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋, 𝗃𝗃 𝗆𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖺𝗇𝗄

Chapter eleven

THIS CHAPTER IS ONLY ABOUT MAX AND HER LITTLR BROTHER !!!

MAXINE PULLED UP . . . to the Perez mansion and found her little brother, Joey, eagerly waiting by the front door. "Ready to hit the road, bud?" she asked with a grin escaping free. Knowing how excited her little brother was to visit the mainland.

Joey squealed in excitement, his eyes shining with anticipation.

They hopped into one of their dad's trucks, the engine roaring to life. Maxine adjusted her sunglasses, perched stylishly on top of her head, ready to face the sunny day ahead.

Her black hair falling lose and curled down her back. The outfit she worse consisted of a black skirt paired with a purple shirt that proclaimed, "People suck." In black letters.

It was her way of expressing her frustration with the world, a rebellious statement that she wore with pride.

As they started their journey towards the mainland, the wind rushed through the open windows, creating a sense of freedom and adventure. Maxine glanced over at Joey, his face beaming with excitement, and couldn't help but strike up a conversation.

"So, Jo, any ideas on what you want to do once we get to the mainland?" Maxine asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Joey's face lit up, his imagination running wild. "I want to go to the amusement park!" he exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.

Maxine chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That sounds like a blast! We can go on all the roller coasters and eat cotton candy until we're dizzy."

Joey's eyes widened with delight. "And maybe we can go to the arcade too! I want to beat you at air hockey this time," he challenged playfully.

Maxine raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, you think you can beat me? We'll see about that, little bro."

As they continued their drive, Maxine and Joey chatted about their favorite rides, shared stories from school, and even sang along to their favorite songs on the radio. Now humming to the lyrics of the song, Prettyboy by the neighbourhood.

As their laughter filled the car.

Finally, they arrived at the mainland, the bustling cityscape stretching out before them. Maxine parked the truck and turned to Joey, excitement evident in her eyes. "Here we are, Joey! Our adventure now starts, pirate. But don't forget, we're also going shopping for the upcoming midsummers?"

Joey nodded impatiently, his face lit up with ideas for the day. "Definitely, Max! Let's go have the best day ever!"

With that, Maxine and Joey stepped out of the truck, ready to explore and create memories that would last in their mind

The stress of the Royal Merchant getting shoved to the back of her mind. As Joey grabbed his sister's hand dragging her along.

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Maxine approached the counter, her credit card ready to complete the purchase. The woman behind the counter scanned the items and smiled warmly at Maxine. As the transaction went through, Maxine looked up at her and said, "Thank you."  With a soft smile.

Joey, unable to contain his enthusiasm breathlessly chimed in, "I can't wait for air hockey!" Maxine leaned over and whispered in his ear, reminding him to thank the woman.

Joey's face lit up with a wide grin as he turned to the woman behind the counter and said, "Thank you, miss! Bye!" With a skip in his step, Joey rushed out of the store with a big smile on his face.

Maxine chuckled softly at her brother's enthusiasm before following behind him, grateful for the fun-filled day they were about to embark on.

When they were in the changing rooms , Maxine couldn't resist capturing the moment. She pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures of them together, dressed in their Midsummer's attire.

The vibrant colors of their outfits stood out in the mirror as she smiled scrolling through the pictures she took of them.

Maxine later posted one of the photos on her Instagram, with the caption named , "My little bear<3." The picture showcased their bond as siblings and the joy they shared in that moment. As they walked away from the shop, Maxine and Joey smiled at each other as he thanked her for hanging out with him.

"We're not done yet, Jo."

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Maxine and Joey made their way to the bustling arcade, filled with flashing lights and excited chatter. They found the air hockey table and eagerly grabbed the paddles. The game began, and Maxine's competitive spirit kicked in. With lightning-fast reflexes, she skillfully maneuvered the puck, sending it soaring past Joey's defenses.

Maxine couldn't help but let out a triumphant cheer as she scored yet another point. "Looks like I've still got it, little bro!" she teased, a playful smirk on her face.

Joey pouted, but there was a twinkle of admiration in his eyes. "You're too good at this, Max. One day, I'll beat you!"

Maxine chuckled and reached into her bag, pulling out a surprise. She handed Joey a big, fluffy teddy bear, its arms outstretched in a warm embrace. "Well, Joey, even though I won again, I wanted to give you something special. A little victory gift."

Joey's eyes widened in delight as he hugged the teddy bear tightly. "Thank you, Max!! It's the best gift ever!"

Maxine smiled, her heart melting at her brother's happiness. She ruffled his hair, her bones slashing with affection. "You're welcome, little buddy. Just remember, even if I win, I'll always be here to support you and make sure you have a great time."

They spent the rest of the day exploring the arcade, trying out different games, and enjoying each other's company. Maxine's victory at air hockey became a funny memory they would laugh about for years to come.

As the sun began to set, they made their way back to the truck, tired but content. Maxine glanced at Joey, his smile still wide as he clutched the teddy bear close. In that moment, she realized how lucky she was to have such an amazing little brother.

"Hey, Joey," Maxine said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "No matter what, I'll always be here for you. I know, I'm not home that much. But you can always talk to me if something is bothering you, I love you, minion."

Joey looked up at her, his blue eyes shining with softness. Her heart aches the color of his eyes it reminded her so much of her mother.

She did all of this for them.

At this point she missed her father, she just wanted her dad back. She needed him, but she couldn't talk to him.

Because he wanted to move on from her mother, and she simply couldn't.

"I know, Max. And I'm so happy to call you my big sister." Joey told her.

With that heartfelt exchange, they drove back home, their bond stronger than ever. The memory of that day, the midsummers outfits, the air hockey game, and the big teddy bear would forever remind them of the love and support they shared as siblings.

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Lani's note,

My cuties <3