discontinued. The Way We Live Now ⇔ Mileven {3rd - "Wake Up, Mike" Trilogy}

Five

Max.

I love Lauren, I love Erin, I love Will. I really love Dustin. But I didn't plan to spend all night with them. I planned to spend the night with El, and discuss stuff with her. And if El was busy, I was gonna talk to Mike. They're both busy, and I'm stuck with my thoughts. The room is full, but I feel really isolated.

"I gotta get going soon." I spoke up, examining the watch on my wrist. This watch is probably the only thing I kept from my childhood. My friend gave it to me when we were young, probably around ten. She always knew what to get me.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Nancy's getting home at one, right?" Dustin asked, also checking his watch.

"Yeah, and my mom will kill me if I'm late. Can anyone drive me home? Or do I have to walk?" I asked slowly, causing Dustin to scoff lightly.

"I'll take you home, you wanna go right now?" He asked, and I nodded. But I wish someone else had offered, because he'll ask me what's wrong. I'm rarely so quiet, and it always worries him. If I haven't been a smart ass in a few minutes, chances are that something is wrong.

We gathered our small amount of stuff, then headed out to his car. We were silent; another indicator that something is wrong, and he's going to ask what. So what's my lie this time?

"Hey, Max, is everything ok? You seem down." And there it is.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking a lot about how we won't see everyone else as often once summer is up. I'll miss them." I'll miss you.

He nodded in understanding, agreeing with me and then going silent. I love that he cares so much about me, but I love that he doesn't hover. He gives me breathing room, even when he doesn't want to. He knows my limits, and my wishes, which I really appreciate. Mike likes to pry, as does El. It's refreshing.

The ride seemed to go on for hours, but was really only about five minutes. The days are crawling by, which is killing me, but I'll live. Once school is over, I can stop pretending. I can stop the constant exhaustion and just live my life.

"I'll see you tomorrow, I hope. If not, on Tuesday." He smiled over at me, and I smiled back, half of it forced. I agreed quietly, then left the car in a hurry.

The second I walked into the house, I quickly noticed how quiet it was. It's never this quiet, especially at noon. Then again, who knows what everyone is doing. They could be out on an epic family vacation without me, and I wouldn't know. Or be surprised.

"Mom? Dad? Mike?" I called out, and no one called back. I sighed, entering the kitchen and beginning to search for something to eat. I should've known they wouldn't be home, considering how bad my luck has been today. With my luck, they'll never come home.

There wasn't much to eat. Mom doesn't go to the store as often as she used to when we were little. She'd rather us just spend money eating out than cook for us, which I find dumb but funny. I can't even tell you how many times I've been sent to a fast food place to get food for Holly.

As I was rummaging around in the pantry, looking for some kind of food, any kind of food, I heard the front door open and shut. I stepped back out of the pantry and closed the door, a bag of chips in my hand. I walked out of the kitchen, seeing Mike and El sliding their shoes off.

"Oh, hey Max." Mike greeted simply, El smiling at me. I gave a halfhearted smile back, not really in the mood to force feelings today.

"Hey, where're Mom and Dad? Holly?" I mumbled, and he looked over at me when hearing my tone.

"Picking Nancy up from the airport. What's up? Why do you sound so grumpy?" He asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"Aren't I always?"