She's One in a Million

Nineteen

Max and the other ladies were all standing by the lobby, wearing their evening gowns and holding their red roses. All except Katy and Rose.

"Ladies, please step forward." Michael Anderson told them. He patted Ian at his back to let him begin the decision making. Ian let out a breath and looked at Rose and Katy before he took the one last rose from the round table.

Katy and Rose held hands-which was new to Max. They never have a close relationship inside the mansion and to have them holding hands together made Max thought that events like these could bring people together. But then again, it depends on what type of person you are.

Ian walk towards the two ladies, looking at them with his blue eyes and slowly, he handed one to Rose. Rose gasped and had tears in her eyes before she accepted the rose and embraced Ian. She embrace Katy, too who was trying her best not to cry although she failed.

They all watch Katy saying their best regards to one another, embracing her and wishing her good luck. Katy went away sobbing and Max could see Brittany trying to cover her laughter while Cecilia had some tears in her eyes. After all, Cecilia and Katy were the closest one in the mansion.

"Thank god, there is one less stupid left in this mansion." Brittany murmured by the time they went back to their rooms.

"Maybe you should have left then."Max said and got everyone stopped and look at her.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Brittany narrowed her eyes and slowly went to Max. Max stood firm even though she could see the huge difference between their heights. She looked at Brittany in the eyes, ready to make any counter attacks.

"You watch your mouth, hobbit. Just because Ian gave you a little treatment yesterday doesn't mean you could just do whatever you want. Your just from the Bronx."

"You know, Brittany, you may came from wealthy background and from whatever school you've been to but your manners and your mentality doesn't seem to match it." Max said before turning her heels around and went inside her room. She could hear Brittany's screaming from the hall.

"That was awesome! I wish I got balls like yours." Casey praised Max as soon as she entered the room.

"Please. That took an amount of energy to stand up to her." Max said, sitting on the bed as she removed her heels. "These are killing me."

Casey laid down on the bed, her arms spread. "Another elimination and there is only 7 of us left."

"Yeah." Max said plainly as she said massaging her aching feet.

"Where are you taking him next?"

"I'm not sure yet. Whatever's available."

Shifting her position, Casey laid down with the other side of her body, her head resting on her arm."To be honest, I always admire your calm nature. The ladies here always have things prepared already right before their date."

Max look at her. "It's not that I don't have a plan but, whatever that I feel like going or doing, I do it."

"Wow. I wish I was like you."

"What? Do you even know what you are saying."

"No. I do. I mean, I wish I was adventurous like you. Wild and free-my parents always expect me to be prim and proper. There are times that it started to strangle me."

Listening to her, Max thought that maybe having money doesn't solve anything. Sometimes, it creates problems and it makes them unhappy. "What do you want to do then?"

"I've always wanted to go to a rock concert."

"Wow. Isn't that interesting? What band then?"

"I like Maroon 5."

"Really? I like that band too! I use to go to their concerts all the time back in the day." Max looked up and remembered her 1st concert of the band. She was with her friends-well, she thought they were their friends only before things were just enjoyable. But when problems arise, they began to turn their backs at her.

"Wow. I'm so jealous."

"What else do you want to do?"

"I wanted to eat burgers and fries-things that I've been restrained to eat. I also would love to play an instrument someday. A guitar or a piano or harmonica."

"Harmonica. That's cool. I know one guy who knows how to play the harmonica."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He's my best friend: Justin. He brings it whenever we hang out and we just play instruments and sing. That one was worth remembering."

"That's so fun."

And then Max'slight bulb lit up. "I know! Why don't you bring Ian to a rock concert."

Max's suggestion made Casey sit up and a wide smile across her face. "You're right! You're absolutely right!"

Max couldn't help but laugh. It's like we're dating one guy and we're giving advice to each other. This is so weird.\

"Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing. It's just that you look so happy."

"I am. I just think it's time to loosen up a little. Do the things you wanted to do. You know the feeling, yeah?"

"Yeah. I used to. It's not bad to do the things that you love but there are limitations too, you know. I was like that too and look where it got me. I just wish-if I could just go back and redo everything that I've done, I could have finish school, got to college had a better job."

Casey embraced Max when she started to get teary. "You know, my older brother-a total rebel to the core didn't finish his Harvard studies since he wanted to do photography so much. He was being disowned from the family and he got no where else to go. But, you know what, he work his ass off. He did multiple jobs. It took him a long time to get to his dream and eventually, he went to a photography school. Right now, he has his works exhibit all over New York and sometimes outside the state." She gave a soft chuckle just remembering her brother, "I've always admired his determination."

"That's why you should never give up. Things gets harder when you try to achieve your dreams but that's were people would want it more. It's never too late, Max. You could finish school and have a better life for your family. Everything's going to get better."

The phrase made Max surprised and couldn't believe that she has forgotten her mantra. "That's right. Everything's going to get better." She said, wipes her tears and finally, smiled.