Return & Redemption

Part 8

"Are your parents home?"

"Not yet," Max answered before jumping out of my car.

"Maybe I should stay with you until they get back?"

"No need," she muttered, already slamming the door close and walking up the driveway.

I fumbled with my door and popped out, calling to her. "I'd actually like to, if it's okay with you."

"Oh," she turned around to face me. "Okay."

She neared the door with me in tow. I could tell the front door was already slightly ajar.

"You sure no one is home?" I questioned.

"She shrugged, pushing the door open. "Billy?"

My breath caught in my throat, finally seeing him I the light of the family room, where he sat on a couch with his body slouched over.

"Yeah?" he whispered.

"Are...Are you okay?" Max shuffled towards him, her hand hesitantly reaching outward.

"Yes, Maxine. I am okay." He took her hand gently as she made her way to him. "Max, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have left the hospital, but I really wanted to see you."

I could hear her breath catch and I saw a tear leak from her eye. "Billy, what happened?"

"Who's this?" He asked instead, nodding at me and dropping Max's hand.

Max immediately stood in front of me as Billy stood up slowly. "She, uh, she's a friend. Her name's Sanya. She drove me here."

"Sanya," Billy repeated. "It's lovely to meet you." He held out a hand for me to shake and I just looked down at it. After everything I had heard about the guy, I was scared, to be completely honest. Eventually I took it gingerly. He smiled sadly, looking at me.

"Billy, what—what happened?" Max asked again.

"Sit down, Max. I think we have a lot to talk about."