What You Do To Me

Chapter 8: Maxwell's POV

Max's apartment ^

My mother's parents were very rich. Very, VERY rich.

Unfortunately, they were also abusive. But they did do one good thing.

When they died, they named my mother the sole benefactor of everything they had. She was 18.

So being the amazing person my mother was she put 95% of it into a charity and helping people around the world. I still see her in my sisters, Brooke has her bright green eyes and Iris has her blonde hair, but it's the little things.

Like at dinner that night, Iris tipped the waiter her whole monthly allowance, nearly $40. Or when someone's being bullied, Brooke is always there to help.

I can't tell you how many times I've been in the principal's office because of Brooke. She always had to get involved, help the little guy. She never threw a punch, she always used words. She would cut the bully down and build the bullied up expertly, like my mother used to do.

They both could throw a punch, I taught them how when they turned 12, but the only time in came in handy was when Iris turned 13. Some creep tried to touch her, and she'd punched him in the throat. She'd been suspended and grounded, but I told her I wasn't mad that she had defended herself.

I used to hate my mother.

She died in a building fire because she was trying to help somebody and got caught. But she left me all the money she had to me. ME! It was like she knew that dad would go off the deep end when she died.

My inheritance was enough to get us cell phones, not the newest kind but still, groceries before I got a job, the apartment, a car when I was old enough, and then put some of it away for Iris and Brooke to go to college. With the car, it took many days to decide before I realized it was essential.

When I was old enough to get a job, I put the rest away for their college.

My first job I worked as a lifeguard, then an assistant coach, and now a barista. I was still an assistant coach in the summers but... the Barista job payed much better.

"Iris? Here." I said as soon as we got home. I grabbed my wallet and pulled out $40.

"No Max. It's ok." She said, stepping away from me.

"Iris!"

"No Max! It's my money! And I gave it to the nice waiter!" She insisted and took another step backward.

I followed, taking another step forward, before I launched myself at her. I tackled her, gently bringing her down, and attacked her rib cage. Instantly she starts giggling and snorting.

"Next time I give you money, accept it!" I said, laughing and tickling her.

I only relented when Brooke came out and demanded I get off of her sister. "C'mon Max! She's learned!" Brooke said, struggling to look fierce through her laughter.

I stood, leaving Iris gasping for air and laughing, and turned to her. "I have to go into work early tomorrow so I'm off to bed. Y'all can stay up but go to bed before midnight?" I asked.

They both nodded.

"Good night!" I called over my shoulder. "Good night!" They called back.

I went to my room and shut the door before blasting music from my phone. Just simple piano music, nothing fancy.

The simple music allowed my mind to wander as I got ready for bed.

But of course, my mind landed on Casey.