If heart ache was a physical pain, I could face it.

Part Twelve

Jay’s POV

I walk over to Max quietly and give him a manly hug. It’s great to have him back, but I can’t show my excitement until he’s in the car and we are on our way home, else he will wonder why I’m happy, freak out when he knows the truth and probably go off on one again.

We walk silently to the car, with me worrying about how to tell him that all his worry has been for no reason. Well not for no reason, he’s home now and in time that’s going to be better for him, he just needs to let us make him happy again.

“Mate, I’m so sorry.” I say as I start the engine.

“Why are you sorry, you weren’t driving the car were you?”

“No but...”

“Then you have nothing to be sorry about. Just get me to the hospital.”

“Max.” I sigh. “We’re not going to the hospital.”

“Jay, I need to see Charly.” He says sternly.

“Charly’s at home.”

“But Nathan said...”

“Never mind what Nathan said. We needed to get you home, we want to help you. There’s nothing wrong with Charly.”

Max’s POV

I stare at Jay with my mouth hanging open. Not sure what to say; not sure what to think. Relief. That’s my main emotion right now. Charly’s okay, and that means the world to me. But anger comes second. Do they not realise how worried I was? That I thought I was going to lose her too. I never realised that Nathan could be such a good liar. I guess I know now way Jay never said anything about it until we were in the car, he wouldn't be able to lie to my face.

“That’s sick.”

“We’re sorry Max. We just had to get you home.”

“I didn’t want to be home! I would have come home if I wanted too.”

“They don’t live there anymore Max, you can move on with you life now, with all your friends and be happy again.”

“You just don’t get it. None of you do, and I hope you never have to either. Who’s Idea was this?”

“Siva’s.” That surprises me, Siva’s normally so thoughtful and thinks about how everything is going to effect everyone. I guess that’s why it was his idea. He knew I’d come home.

Charly’s POV

Seeing Max step out off Jay’s car I find myself running towards him, I can’t help it; I’ve missed him so much. And to my delight as soon as he sees me he starts running towards me too. He picks me up and spins me around, holding me tight as I hold him back, and it’s amazing to see him again.

“I’ve missed you so much.” I cry into his neck as he places me on the ground again.

“Don’t cry, and I’ve missed you too, I’m just so glad you’re okay. I was so worried about you.” Guilt momentarily floods through me, but it’s quickly replaced once more by elation. I still can’t quite believe he’s back.

“Please don’t go off like that again. We’ve all been so worried about you.”

“I wont don’t worry. I’m not exactly happy about what you all did to get me back. But it did make me realise just how much you all mean to me, and that life’s too short, you never know what’s going to happen.”

“So you’re not angry?” I ask in a small voice.

“I was, but now I'm just happy to see you safe.”

Roxie’s POV

Max comes over to the rest of us now and hugs us all once, it’s great to have him back, and he already looks slightly happier than he sounded on the phone, which I’m glad about.

“You.” He suddenly laughs while pointing at Siva. "If I had to put money on who’s idea it was, you would be at the bottom of the list!”

“Sorry Mate. We just wanted you back.”

“I’m glad be back.” He smiles.

“Oh and Sophie, you need to watch him.” Max continues while pointing at Nathan. “He’s an amazing liar.” He finishes, making us all laugh. I love the atmosphere right now, but you can still see the pain in Max’s eyes. And I wonder how long it will be until he's happy all of the time again.