The Usual... A Max Schneider Fan Fiction

Chapter Thirty-Four: Coming to Terms

~ I never pictured every minute without you in it, oh you left so fast... ~

Chapter Thirty-Four: Coming to Terms

"Here," Max whispered, sitting down beside me and handing me a small cup of fruit. I looked at it for a moment, before sighing, setting it aside.

"I'm not hungry," I told him quietly. Max just looked at me, frowning.

"Baby you need to eat," he murmured, scooting closer so our legs touched. "You're worrying me."

I didn't respond, a pang of guilt shooting through my stomach. Max gave a small sigh, leaning back and watching me. My eyes trailed over Dad's hospital room, before landing softly on my father's sleeping figure. I'd managed to convince Lucas and Sophie to stay at home tonight, and Lucas had been reluctant, but with assurance from Dr. Sage that nothing would happen until at least tomorrow morning, he left, letting himself be comforted by Soph.

"I don't mean to worry you," I spoke, though my voice didn't sound my own. Max didn't say anything for a moment, before setting his hand on my shoulder and pulling me back to curl into his side.

"Please eat," Max begged me softly, murmuring in my hair. "Please, please little dove."

I bit my lip, slowly leaning forward and grabbing the cup, slowly tucking a grape into my mouth and trying to smile at him. Max gave a breath of relief, kissing my hair and closing his eyes.

"Thank you," he spoke. "Thank you, lovely."

I nodded slightly, watching Dad stir in his sleep. "Max?" I said, slowly eating a strawberry. My boyfriend cuddled me closer upon hearing his name, kissing my hair again.

"Yes, my guardian angel?" he whispered. I frowned.

"I'm scared," I admitted quietly. Max got this soft, sad look on his face, placing his hand on my cheek and pressing his forehead to mine.

"I know, cutie," I whispered. "I know. What can I do?"

I closed my eyes. "I don't even know," I whispered brokenly. "I don't have any clue."

I could almost hear the audible crack in Max's heart as he realized there wasn't much of anything he could really do for me. Max shifted and kissed my forehead, pulling me gently into his lap and holding me tightly. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

I slid my arms around his neck, letting him lock me close. "It's okay," I spoke. "I'm just..." I felt myself tearing up again. "I don't know. How am I even supposed to react to finding out my dad is dying?"

Max stiffened. "I don't have an answer for you, my sweet Symphony. I would trade my soul to take this pain away from you, and I'm so sorry."

I sniffled. "It's okay, Max," I whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm a wreck."

My boyfriend let out a small, beautiful laugh, the kind of thing I genuinely needed to hear right then. "Oh, baby," he spoke, consoling me. "You've got every reason in the world to be a wreck," he told me, kissing my forehead. "Don't apologize."

I sniffled quietly, tears still streaming down my face. "I wish this wasn't real," I confessed quietly. "I wish I was dreaming and I would just wake up."

Max slowly nodded, and I realized he was crying too. "I know, baby," he assured. "I know."

I looked up at him. "Oh, baby," I whispered, wiping his tears. "Don't cry."

Max gave a small laugh at himself. "Sorry," he murmured, reaching up and holding his hand over mine on his face. I couldn't help but smile softly, using my thumb to wipe at his cheeks, letting out a defeated sigh.