"Her heart was wild, but I didn't want to catch it. I wanted to run with it, to set mine free."

***********

One week later...

Max's POV

"Dear Valerie,

You still didn't send me our tutoring schedule for today, which got me worried, are you alive and breathing? Or did you forget about me?

Since I am hardly forgettable, I am guessing it is the former ;)

Waiting to hear back from you, gingy.

Best regards,
Max."

I stared at my phone's screen, rereading the email I sent her this morning, a one holding the same mocking professional tone she always emails me with. She didn't reply back, which was just so like her. No surprises there. Sighing, I locked the phone and tossed it away. I would drop by the coffee shop anyway before class and get my answer face to face.

I tilted my head, curiously looking outside of my window, I was sitting in my car for the past ten minutes, waiting for Cole outside of a house that is not his, picking him up from one of his fling's places for sure. Just as I was about to get down and drag him out myself, I saw his tall figure tumbling outside of the door, one sleeve inside his sweater while struggling to put the other one too, hurrying toward me, while sneaking a couple of looks back to where he was running away from.

A few seconds later and he joined me in the car, immediately shutting the door. His hair all messed up, and still wearing last day's clothes, "It was so hard to get out without waking her up, jeez," He mumbled, panting a little but delighted at his successful attempt.

My eyebrow raised, "Where did you leave your car?" I questioned as I pulled us into the street and headed for campus.

"Got too much drunk last night, left it at the club," He said, his lips curling up into a small smile as he probably recalled the memories of the night before.

I rolled my eyes at him and kept my attention on the road. That was me just a couple of months ago. The whole partying, drinking, and sleeping around - the college life's holy trinity. It was fun as long as it lasted but...not anymore. After everything that happened in my life, the way it turned upside down in a matter of seconds, I could no longer find joy in these simple activities anymore.

All of a sudden, it all lost its taste. It all felt so meaningless, weighing nothing against the real fucked up shit going around us.

Cole was saying something but I couldn't focus all of my attention on him, my gaze kept drifting to my phone's screen, waiting for it to light up any moment now. A low sigh pushed off my nose and my fingers tightened over the steering wheel, I am getting way too desperate way too soon.

I felt his hand push at my arm. Confused, I turned to him to see his eyebrow raised, "Dude, where is your brain lost at?"

I shook my head, "Nothing. You were saying?"

"I said why didn't you come along last night?" he repeated, "The party was fun," He added, smirking, "Too many girls, I might add."

"Just didn't feel like it," I simply answered.

He gave me a confused look, eyes narrowing at me, "Did you make a girlfriend for yourself behind my back," He questioned, suspicious of my recent behavior, "What the hell happened to you?"

I gave him a bored look, "It's nothing, Cole," I mumbled as I parked the car, turned off the engine, grabbed my things, and went down, hoping he won't read too much into it. I never felt comfortable speaking of what was going on in my life.

We headed out of the parking lot and thankfully, he didn't pry more. I started heading toward the coffee shop's direction when Cole's hand came to my shoulder, stopping me, "Class is that way," he said, pointing in the opposite direction, looking at me as I grew another head, dissatisfied with my recent actions for some reason.

I nodded, "I need to grab a cup of coffee first," I used that excuse and he nodded, instantly agreeing, "Oh yeah, me too," He joined me right away, slightly giddy as a smirk pulled the corner of his lip up, "The cashier in there is so into me," He added.

My eyebrow raised, "Isn't she older than you?"

His smile widened and he threw me a wink, "That's the point."

Ignoring him, I pushed the glass door open, my gaze immediately going behind the counter, ready to meet a mess of ginger hair, moving around and preparing orders, throwing fake smiles at customers but much to my disappointment, in her place there was another girl.

Lines etched my forehead and my gaze flickered all around the place, hoping to pinpoint her out from the heavy crowd but weirdly she was nowhere to be seen.

We paused by the counter, standing across from Cole's crush, "Aub-" he started to call for her name, pulling on the smug look when I immediately cut him off.

"Where is Valerie?" I asked, and Cole's confused eyes flickered to me, staring at me in total bafflement.

Aubrey's eyes went from Cole and to me, her flirtatious smile fading away and her eyebrows pulled closer, "Uh, she said she is not coming today."

"Why?" I asked.

She shrugged, "Some kind of emergency, I don't know."

"What emergency?" I added, and a flare of worry tightened my chest. Is she okay?

She gave me a weirded-out look, her eyebrow raising, not satisfied with my curiosity and indirectly asking me to drop it. She turned her attention to Cole and I huffed out, backing away as I pulled my phone and typed out again;

"Aubrey said you are not coming today, are you okay?" I pressed send and hoped she would at least reply to this one or else the worry will eat me up all this day long. It's not like her to just skip classes and cancel her shifts here. She always gave both too much importance. Her responsibility level was high when it came to this, so this feels out of character from her side to just bail out today.

She did look tired over the past few days. Maybe she is sick...maybe more-

Damn it, my brain won't rest till she gives me an answer herself, which is near impossible considering I have no phone number or no clue how to contact her other than her email. I contemplated whether to ask Aubrey for her number but she looked way overprotective of her to do that.

Cole came to my side a few seconds later, a cup of coffee in his hand, "Who is Valerie?" He questioned, curious by my interest in her as he took his first sip, humming in satisfaction.

I shook my head, "It's just the girl I am tutoring," I mumbled, looking at my phone's screen still, hoping my stare will conjure up a reply from her but with no use.

"Why exactly are you tutoring this girl?" He added, being too nosy about my life today for some reason, "Dude if you need money, I can lend you some."

I turned to him, my eyebrow raising at his nonsense, "Says the guy whose dad cut off his funds last week."

He shot me a glare, "Hey! He was just angry that I slept with his assistant," He mumbled, pouting at the memory, "He forgave me now."

"What's it with you and older women," I mumbled and his smug smile widened as he threw an arm around my shoulder, "Oh you won't know till you try it," He said, tapping his hand over my shoulder, "Believe me."

I ignored him for the time being, having no time or patience in me to tolerate his nonesenese. We made our way out of the coffee shop, heading for our class before it gets too late, "You didn't get coffee-" Cole commented, nodding his head toward my empty hands, his eyes narrowing suspiciously, given the fact that I was the one to suggest the idea in the first place.

I gave my phone another look, refreshing it and hoping for a reply. Nothing new came up so I pushed the stupid thing into my pocket, annoyed and slightly angry if possible, "I lost my appetite," I grumbled out, dismissing him for now.

The rest of the day passed in pure torture, time stood still for way too long, the classes never ending and when noon hit, I passed by the coffee shop again, a silly hope that she might be there. My gaze made sure to scan through everywhere I walked, hoping to find her, knowing how easily she stood out from a crowd.

Full of disappointment, and with shoulders slumped down, I returned back to resume this dull day.

Cole was on my case all day long, sensing I was all out of sorts for some reason. When classes finished, I bailed on him and his plans to hang out with the rest of our friend's group. I busied my mind with the soccer practice, exhausting my body so my brain cells would give up on overthinking for now. I needed a release and I let it out in the field, practicing and running till my legs could no longer take me anymore.

My body collapsed over the seat inside the locker room, and the rest of the guys scattered around, some heading for a shower and others chit-chatting. I ignored them all and pulled my phone out of the gym bag, reading through my recent notifications but none was the one I was waiting for. I rushed my hand through my hair, pushing it away from my sweaty forehead. My nerves tightened with unease and I rubbed at the back of my neck before I decided to send off another message.

"I am really worried. Here is my number below, if you get the time, can you please call me?" I typed down my number before I sent the email to her. Although I doubt she would call me and risk me having her number, but still- I am running out of options here. I know so little about her, not her number, nor her address, for god's sake, not even her full name. She really pulled on me the whole mysterious girl and she succeeded.

The more unobtainable she felt to me, the more I wanted to know her, to unravel all that she is hiding, push and make myself a constant in her life.

Shaking my head at the silly hopeless thoughts, I grabbed a towel and headed into the gym's shower, turning the water on and letting it rinse off today's exhaustion and negative energy away.

I tirelessly rubbed at my neck, my hand moving over my chest and going down, reaching the side of my abdomen. I clearly felt the scar against my fingertips, the bumpy ruined skin and I pried my eyes open, the water washing over my hair and body as I tilted my head down, gazing at the mess there. The scar left by the surgery wasn't small, it was big and clear, still red and fresh, not fading away still, always there to mock me and remind me of everything.

It wasn't alone; beside it, more scars took place, ones left by the knife he used...

My jaw ticked and I pressed my eyes shut. I moved my hand away, running it through my hair, grabbing at the wet strands, a bit harsh as I tried to block thoughts and emotions I am so damn tired of dealing with. Today is just not my day I guess, I woke up like this, feeling all out of sorts, disoriented, my head foggy, and my chest tight. To add to that, Valerie is not here, she is not replying to me still, worrying me, and adding salt to my wound.

Those few hours I spent with her each day, I think I got used to them more than I anticipated. Her defensive self, her constant annoyed state, her enthusiasm when she solves a question I had given her, and just her, they were enough to take my mind off everything. To steal some of the bad thoughts and replace them with something good.

I tried to clear my head for the time being. Finishing up and bidding the guys goodbye, I left the building and went into my car. The sun had already gone down by the time I was done with practice. Pulling the car out of the campus, I couldn't help but notice how this was longer than it should. Almost neverending. I passed by the bus stop on my way out, the one she stubbornly waits in every night, even when it's late and dark, just not to let me drop her off.

She really is weird. Cute at times, but mostly infuriating with her stubbornness and distrust in everything I do or say.

I turned on some music, trying to relax my tensed muscles. I pulled the windows down, letting the early fall breeze tangle with my hair, and wash over my face as I headed back home. Cole kept texting me, inviting me to some other party, and even though I denied his request the first time, he kept insisting, one message coming after the other.

Focusing only on the road, I paid him no attention. He thinks there is something off about me, that I am hiding things since this semester started, and he is not entirely wrong. All he knows is that I had an accident, got the surgery and that's all.

The truth behind it all, I kept it to myself, sharing bits and pieces only with the stranger on the hospital rooftop that day.

Reaching home, I parked my car beside dads. Grabbing my phone and bag, I went down. I shrugged the gym bag over my shoulder just as my phone started ringing. Without looking at the screen, I guessed it was Cole, calling to convince me some more. I pressed the phone to my ear, "I am not going there, leave me the fuck alone," I grumbled into the phone first thing as I unlocked the house's door and walked inside.

"Uh, you asked me to call you, doofus," The soft defensive sound from the other line definitely didn't belong to Cole. I paused in my steps, startled and I pulled the phone away, looking at the screen to see an unsaved number flash there.

Immediately, I pressed it back to my ear, "Valerie?" I questioned even though I knew it was her.

"You recognized my voice at least, good for you," She added, a hint of playfulness in her voice and involuntarily, I found myself smiling, "Hey," I whispered.

"Hey," She replied back.

I definitely didn't expect her to actually call me. Woah, I must be growing on her. I knew I had it in me.

"Are you okay?" I asked, my eyebrows pulling closer, a bit worried still even though her voice seemed to be alright.

"Yup," She said, "I am fine."

"It's just when you didn't show up without any explanation, I got worried," I said, making my way up the stairs.

"Worried at who?" Dad's voice interrupted my call as he was going down the stairs, his eyes narrowing at me and at the phone in my hand.

My eyebrow raised, asking him to keep silent and just keep walking. Instead, he inched his face closer, trying to hear who was on the other line just as Valerie said, "Well, I owe you no explanation," Her words had dad chuckle and he moved away, slapping my back as he mocked, "Oh, you have a long way ahead my boy," He mumbled, giddy at my miserable state as he resumed going down.

I sighed and walked up to my room, before someone else ruins my privacy, "I meant that-" I tried to explain but found no answer. True, she owed me no explanation. Damn it, when did I start to be so damn clingy and so curious about a girl's whereabouts.

I heard her low chuckle, "I am kidding, I didn't hold the phone all day, that's why I didn't reply to you."

"Is everything okay?"

"Just a family emergency I had to take care of," She answered, her tone neutral.

"Anything I can help with?"

"No, thank you," She whispered, her voice a bit distant now, "All is good now."

I threw my bag over the chair and sat down, "So, you're coming back tomorrow?"

"Yup, sure," She said, "I already skipped today's classes, I can't skip more or it will be hard to catch up with."

"Don't worry, you've got me as your tutor," I said, laying down over the bed, resting my other arm behind my head, "My smart genes will help you catch up."

"You're so full of yourself," She scoffed.

"You know that I am right," I added and she hummed in response.

"Okay, so I called like you asked me to and you are not worried anymore, can we end this call so you can delete my number and we can both pretend that this never happened," She said.

"Oh, not even close, I will use your number to find your full name, and from that, I will get your address and so on...you know the rest," I went on with her silly theories.

"I always knew you were a creepy stalker," She replied, fake gasping, her tone lighter and more playful now.

"What can you do, you need this creepy stalker."

She grunted, "You know how to use that to your advantage, don't you."

"Definitely."

"Well, we'll see what you'll do when the semester is over and I don't need you anymore," She challenged.

"Oh, don't worry, till then I would've already won your heart," I stated, my mood flipping a hundred eighty from grumpy and annoyed to giddy and relaxed after this small call, "There would be no need to use tutoring as an excuse anymore."

She scoffed, "Is this how you usually charm girls into your bed, kidney boy."

"I never needed to charm a girl before, they willingly come without any effort, but you are a special case, gingy."

"Oh, so now you are pulling on me the you are not like other girls line, are you," She sounded so bored.

"Yeah, of course, you are nothing like them," I explained, "They're better, at least they don't shout at me all the time," I added, my tone playful, I felt like I could talk with her for hours about everything and nothing, not once getting bored, "Not to mention that they tell me their names right away."

She chuckled, amused, "Well then, I hope one of them will settle for you in the end."

"Won't you be too devastated and heartbroken when that happens?"

She laughed again, "Yeah very, but I will manage, don't worry about me."

"As you say," I said, unable to wipe off my smile, "So, after she settles for me as you said, can I name my future daughter from her after you?" I added and she chuckled, "And why is that?"

"So, when we meet again, there will be that big emotional impactful moment, you know," I explained, "We'd be at the market or something and I am calling for my little girl and you hear your name, then there is the whole gazes meeting and slow motion, with a heartbreaking song playing in the background," I added and she burst out laughing, her laugh so beautiful it had my chest warm-up, it erased some of this day's stress and I reveled in every bit of it.

"You're insane," She said, enjoying this silly conversation just like I was.

"I don't see you complaining," I said.

"I am not," She whispered back.

A low sigh came from her side, "I gotta get going, uh, do you...do you have time tomorrow?" She asked, a bit of nervousness wove between her words, "I have a quiz the day after and I am not sure I have it all figured out."

"Of course," I said, "I always have time for you, gingy."

There was a short pause from her side, "Thanks," She mumbled, "See you tomorrow, then?"

"See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Max," She said, it felt almost like she didn't want to hang up either.

"Bye, Valerie," I whispered back, still loving the way her name rolled off my tongue.

When we hung up, I saved her number as Gingy and opened a new message, I searched for the girl emoji with the orange hair and send it to her. One or two seconds later came her reply;

Max: 👩🏻‍🦰

Gingy: Delete this number!

Max: ☕️

Gingy: Okay *sigh* you will get one tomorrow, just leave me alone.

Max: 😚

Gingy: Creep! I am calling 911! 🚨

Max: Sorry, thought this was my future daughter's number.

Gingy: Doofus.

Max: I thought you were gonna call me daddy after that one but s'okay...

Gingy: *blocked*

Deciding not to mess more with her before she actually blocks me for real. I closed my phone and tossed it aside. The stupid thing is, I was still smiling like a fool.

********************

Valerie's POV

I hugged the books tightly to my chest as I pushed the coffee shop's door open. I had classes since early morning, all after each other with no breaks in between. Aubrey was kind enough to let me skip today's shift as well. She was so understanding when it came to this, part of why I wouldn't do a thing to jeopardize losing this part-time job, it wasn't much money, but it was flexible enough. Adding to the other side jobs I do from time to time and on weekends, I was in the safe zone for now.

My gaze flickered around, expecting Max to be already here like we agreed but I couldn't find him inside. My eyes spotted Aubrey behind the counter and I jogged forward, "Hey," I said, grabbing her attention away from her phone.

She turned around, smiling warmly at me, "Hey V," She said, "Everything alright?" She asked, a hint of worry creasing between her eyebrows, "How is Renèe?"

I nodded, "She is much better, thank you."

"She says thanks a lot for the flowers," I added, smiling at the memory of her enthusiastic face when she saw them, "Tulips are her favorites."

Aubrey nodded, smiling, "Aww, I am gonna try and drop by your house soon, I miss that little girl," She added, her hand reaching forward and gently rubbing it over my arm, indirectly giving me all of her support.

My smile wavered for a second and she switched the subject right away, "Waiting for that handsome kid, huh?"

"We're supposed to study together, but -"

As I was speaking, Aubrey's eyes flickered behind me just when I felt a warm presence there, "Valerie," Max's smooth voice interrupted the next of my words and I twirled around, my eyes falling into his green ones.

I smiled, "Hey," I said, almost bumping into his chest when I turned from how close he was standing. His taller figure hovered a few feet above me. His scent enveloped me instantly, something like fresh soap and an aromatic cologne that I haven't smelled on anyone else before. The fragrance was so unique and attractive, it had me sucking into a deep breath only to store more of it in my lungs.

His lips tilted up into a small smile as he gazed at me, a bit longer than he should. His hair was a hot mess above his head, a mess I think he does on purpose, I mean he got the whole bed hair thing going on. He was wearing a brown sweatshirt, the color for some reason bringing out the best shade of his eyes, the green more vivid and deep. Entangled with an earthy brown, adding a few golden rays into the mix.

God, his eyes were so beautiful. I'd be a fool to deny that.

"Hey," He said back, snapping me out of my hazy state, where I was just eyeing every little detail about him.

"Uhm, shall we start," I said, pushing myself away from him, needing more personal space than that to be able to breathe as I pointed at one of the empty tables.

"Actually," He started to say, his hand going to the back of his neck, rubbing at it, "I have a bit of bad news."

"Oh," I said. He probably has some other plans.

"I forgot something that I need back at home, so-"

Before he could carry on, I shook my head, "It's okay, it's okay," I said in a hurry, he was already doing me a huge favor, taking from his time and giving it to me, I can't force him to stick to my own schedule and tutor me whenever I pleased, "It's no problem, we can do it another time, tomorrow, or after, I don't know, whatever suits you-" Why in hell was I rambling like a fool?

"That's not what I meant," He interrupted my nonsense words, "I forgot my medicines back at home, and I need to take them at the same time every day," My eyes grew a bit wide at the realization, "Yeah, of course, you should, how did you forget them?" I said, half worried, half scolding. Those medicines were no game, immunosuppressants must be taken at the same time every day or else...

"I think my mind was rather occupied by something else," He answered my question, gazing at me in a way that proved...I was that something else.

I gulped down and hugged the books tighter to my chest, "Anyway, instead of going to grab them, coming back, and wasting all that time on the road, I was thinking if you would accept to come along with me."

The fuck is he saying. My eyes widened, "Huh? You want me to go back with you to your house?" I could feel myself already taking a couple of steps backward.

His eyebrow raised, "Actually, it's my parent's house-"

I swallowed hard. I didn't want nor like this.

"You know what," I started to say, pulling on the cool act, "I don't need to study today, I think I have it all figured out," I let out a low nervous laugh, "I will ace it tomorrow, I am sure," I started to walk past him, "So bye bye, see you later-"

His hand curled over my arm, pausing my lame escape and pulling me back. He faced me, his eyebrow raising, dissatisfied at my behavior, "Like I previously said, it's my parent's house, what do you think I am gonna do to you there?"

I shrugged, still hesitant.

"Valerie," He stressed out, I think he likes my name or something. Since I informed him about it, he never missed a chance to use it, "You have your exam tomorrow, all I am saying is let me not waste time on the road and come along with me, we can study at my place and I can drop you off later," When he saw the horror in my eyes, he added, "Or drop you off at the nearest bus stop, whatever suits you, so what do you say?"

I hesitated still but damn it, I needed to prepare for tomorrow's quiz. The stupid professor decided to make a one each week, giving it a high percentage from our final grade. I gulped down and nodded my head. It's his parent's house, what is the worst thing that can happen?

He sensed my dissatisfied state and a low sigh parted his lips, "Would you feel more comfortable if I told Aubrey that you're coming along," He suggested, "You know to have a witness so you'd be sure I ain't gonna do anything," He seemed to be so done with my distrustful state but still managed to find a common ground for us both to stand on.

I nodded my head and he looked behind us, waving a hand at Aubrey, "She is going to my place to study," He informed and Aubery looked so confused, "You can check on her at night to make sure she is still in one piece," He added, a bit of mockery in his tone and Aubrey's eyes narrowed at him, a bit protectively.

She looked at me, "Are you going against your will?" She asked, going along with us and I nodded my head, "Yes, he said he is gonna cut me to pieces and eat me alive," I answered with a fake horrified tone.

"I usually do the eating without the need for cutting but okay-" Max beside me started to say and I elbowed him in the stomach when I understood the other meaning behind his words. He gave me a sheepish smile in return and winked.

He waved bye to Aubrey and focused his attention on me. He snatched the heavy books from my arms, "Give me that," He said as he pulled my heavy bag from over my shoulder, shrugging it over his.

I smiled, looking at him being all gentle-like, "Pink suits you," I commented, addressing my pink bag.

He gave me an unfazed look, "Shut up," He said, resting his free hand over my lower back and pulling me along him toward the car.

He placed my things in the backseat and we both got inside, "Promise you're not going to cut and eat me," I mumbled, joking but a part of me, a one no matter how hard I fought, is always scared of everything and everyone, unable to trust even this boy, who has been nothing but nice and gentle toward me.

"I promise," He said, smiling at my silliness.

He took off and I kept nervously shifting in my seat, "Are your parents home?" I asked, trying to ease my nerves.

"My mother is there I guess, because she keeps shouting at me to come and take my pills," He answered, giving his phone a look, eyebrows pulling closer at whatever messages were there. He tucked it away, "My father is at work now, he would come later on."

"Do you have any siblings?"

He nodded, "A sister."

"Younger?" I asked, suddenly feeling a bit curious about his life. I do know bits and pieces from what he previously told me, but I don't know it all.

"Older," he answered, smiling, "Although she does act like the younger one sometimes."

I smiled at his soft tone, he must love her, I'd know that.

"What about you?" He asked, "Any siblings?"

Usually, I would hold back any information about myself, but the conversation we were having placed me at ease and I found myself truthfully answering him.

I nodded my head, "A sister as well."

"Older?" He asked and I shook my head, "Younger," I smiled, "Although she does act like the older one sometimes."

A hundred different questions roamed my head, a bit curious about what happened with his situation, the whole biological father bit. I recalled our moment on the rooftop and I still remember just how badly affected he looked by the whole news. Did anything new happen?

I decided against pushing my nose into his private life and against opening up wounds he might not want to be opened. I kept my mouth shut, my gaze drifting to the window on my side, letting time pass till we reached his house.

We entered a new road, where many fancy houses were positioned here and there. I don't need to be a genius to figure it out, based on his car and clothes alone, I can already predict his financial status. So, one of these enormous mansions belonged to him for sure. Just as the thought crossed my mind, he turned right, going through a narrow road that had trees and flowers on each side, the entrance to the house I guessed, because each one of the houses on the road had a similar narrow entrance leading in.

We pulled inside where a much wider space awaited us, Max picked a position and parked his car, turning the engine off. He said something but my eyes were rather focused on the house presenting itself with full pride ahead. Among all the ones we passed, this by far seems to be the biggest and the more luxurious.

I opened my door just as Max was about to reach my side and open it himself. I tried not to gape at the beauty my eyes were witnessing, I didn't want to look so astonished as if I have never seen something like this before. Truth is, I haven't. I mean, my financial state hasn't always been like this, back in the day, we were good, even better than good financially, I never felt the need to juggle between three part time jobs to catch up.

But still, even back then, we belonged to the middle-class standard. But this...this was some real loaded rich people's standards.

I swallowed hard, feeling way out of place, not belonging anywhere here. Damn, why did I agree to this? Max ushered me to come along and I followed by his side toward the main door. I stopped my eyes from wandering around any longer. He unlocked the door and walked inside while I stood frozen in my place. Max turned his head, eyebrows furrowing at my immobile state, "Come in," He stressed out and I stepped inside, scared my shoe will dirty up the clean shiny floor.

"Max, is that you?" A soft voice came from our right. My head whipped in that direction, my eyes falling on a woman, who was walking closer to where we were standing.

"Yes, mom," Max said, dropping my bag and books over the near counter, "Please don't start, I will take them right away."

Mom? Woah- you want to convince that this woman has a son in college, scratch that, he has an older sister even. Wow, she is just so flawless. She paused to a stop close to us, her eyes flickering to me and an immediate welcoming smile spread over her lips, "Hey," She said, extending her hand forward.

Gulping down, I pushed my hand into hers, shaking it, my palm probably all sweaty from the nervousness, "Uh, hey," Shit, I forgot how they speak even- What should I say now?

"Mom, this is Valerie," Max said on my behalf, rescuing me as he stepped closer to his mother, placing and tapping his hand over her shoulder, "This is Cara," He said, introducing her to me, and his mother narrowed her eyes at him, he smiled and added, "My mother."

A beautiful smile pulled at her lips, staring back at him with pure adoration before she inched her face and pecked his cheek, "Now, quick, go take your pills," She playfully slapped his back, ushering him to go, "Quickly before I throw a tantrum."

Max's eyes flickered to me, "I will be back in a sec," He said, walking away and my eyes widened, internally screaming; Don't leave me alone!

His mother's attention went back to me, her smile so warm as she extended her hand toward the living room, "Come in sweetie, don't keep standing there," She ushered me inside and I followed.

God, you'd think someone as rich and beautiful would be mean, but this woman seemed to tick all the boxes.

I sat down at the couch's edge, my fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. I briefly looked down at myself, feeling so underdressed yet again. His mother on the other hand was wearing cream-colored leggings, accompanied by a darker top, one that reached above her belly button, just showing how well her physique is. It's a good thing I already work out, I aspire to have this when I am that age, hopefully. Above her top, she wore a cream wool cardigan that suited her outfit so well.

Her hair was chestnut brown, reaching a bit below her shoulders, flawless just like her. She is really beautiful. I mean, she made him after all, and he is not that bad to look at anyway.

"So Valerie, you are Max's..." She said, waiting for me to complete that sentence.

"Uh, friend, his friend," I said the first thing on my mind. I guess he is my friend now, who knew that?

"Oh," She said, "It's the first time I meet one of Max's...friends," She stressed over the friend word, a bit teasingly, almost like she didn't believe it and I felt my face turn into a hundred different shades of red, "They usually leave early in the morning before I get the chance to meet them," She added, a bit of annoyance in her tone.

"Mom, I can hear you," Max said as he entered the room, sitting down beside me.

She narrowed her eyes at him before she turned to me, smiling, "I swear that I raised him well, I did my best, it wasn't easy but I did," She said and Max facepalmed, sinking into the cushions, "If he is the way he is, it's because of his father, I swear it is not my fault."

I couldn't help my smile at her words and tone, she waved her hand in the air, "You will understand when you see his father-"

"Mom," Max said, grumbling out in annoyance.

She chuckled lowly and got up to her feet, "Okay, okay, I will leave you two to do whatever you want," She said, looking at me and winking. Holy hell, does she think me his girlfriend, please someone tell her that I am not!

Max turned to me, nodding his head upstairs, "Let's go to my room," He suggested and my eyes grew wide and I shook my head, "No, we will stay here."

His eyebrows pulled closer, "It will be more comfortable there, they will not leave us alone here, I tell you," He added and I shook my head, "No, here," I added, hissing, so his mother won't hear me.

He rolled his eyes, "God, what do you think I am gonna do to you with my mother just here," He tried to defend his motives and I shook my head.

"Max, leave the girl alone, she doesn't want to go up to your room," His mother interfered, probably had heard our conversation all along, "Let her do whatever she wants," She stressed out again and I flashed her an appreciative smile in return.

"Okay whatever," Max said, his eyes on her standing by the door, he huffed out, "Do you plan on staying here?"

She shot him a glare, "I am going," She said, turning to me, "If he does something wrong, just call out my name," She said and I nodded. She gave me a wink and walked away. I love her, I swear.

Max looked even more annoyed, he sighed as he unzipped his bag and pulled the laptop out, "Look, my family is a little insa...actually a lot insane, so I am just giving you pre-heads up, be careful," He mumbled, being a whiney kid.

"Shut up, your mother is great," I said as I pulled out my notes.

"Well yeah, she is the best, but still-"

"She is so beautiful also," I couldn't help but comment, "God, I feel so out of place in here," I don't even know why I said that. Just voicing inner thoughts out loud.

His eyebrows pulled closer as he turned to me, "What?" He asked confused, "Why?"

I pointed at where his mother went into, "Your mother is at home and yet she looks so flawless," I mumbled, looking down at myself, "I look like a total mess," I pushed my hand through my hair, "God, I didn't even fix my hair, does it look so bad?"

Max stared back at me in bafflement, as if I was speaking some foreign language, "Do you think she always looks like that?" He said, "You should see the days where she wears different colors of socks and unmatching PJs, with her hair flying everywhere."

I chuckled at the image, because it felt impossible for that woman I just met to have a bad day as we all do. But true, we all are imperfect in our own ways.

Still, that doesn't change the fact that this candle over the table is probably more expensive than everything I am wearing combined. Usually, I would care less about these little significant superficial details but sometimes your insecurities take the best of you; I don't know why but that seems to happen a lot when I am around him.

Max's eyes were still on me, intently observing my face, "Also, you don't look like a mess," He said, his gaze speaking that before his lips did. He inched his hand closer to my hair, tucking the crazy strand that fell off my half-bun behind my ear.

I nodded, "I am a mess," I was no longer speaking about my clothes and hair. I was one hell of a mess, both inside out. A one he can't handle or carry the burden of it along. He has no clue.

His eyebrow raised at my insistence, and his hand that was beside my ear, rested over the side of my face, his thumb gently brushing the top of my cheek, his feather-like touch had me sucking down into a deep breath, my eyes fluttering down for a fast second, "Valerie, we all are a mess," His whispered words had me meet his eyes as he shook his head, "No one is just perfect or flawless, at the end of the day, we all are a big mess, just in our own different ways."

He was right though. I was just looking at the surface, getting deceived by the cover. Despite the big house and how beautiful that woman looked and how flawless her life seemed to be, I don't know a damn thing about what she went through before. There is the whole Max's biological father not being the same man I am going to meet in a bit. I have no clue how that story played out and what impact it had on them all.

My life is a mess, but apparently so is everyones.

"The important thing is not letting that inner mess come out and control everything else in your life," He added, pulling his hand away, "It's what I keep trying to do, it's what I advise you to do as well."

I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. My gaze flickered down to my lap, lost in my thoughts and wishing that day to arrive soon, the one where my inner mess no longer controls me.

I saw how his hand rested over mine, gently squeezing at it, grabbing my eyes back to his mesmerizing ones, "And if you still think you're a mess," He said, "Then I want you to know that you are the most beautiful mess I've ever seen."

I would usually play it off and roll my eyes at him, calling off his bullshit, but maybe it was his genuine tone, or that longing look in his eyes, or maybe he just caught me on a sensitive day where I really needed to hear all of that. Whatever the reason was, it worked, his words, they worked in easing the tightness from over my chest and I held back the traitor tears that kept pushing up behind my eyes.

The corner of my lips pulled up slightly as I recalled bits of our conversation from last night, "Is this how you plan to charm me into your bed?"

The same smile played over his lips, "If that was all it took, then I would be disappointed."

I shook my head, "Don't worry, I will never let you succeed in it."

He smiled, liking my challenging tone, "Now, that's my girl."

My eyebrow raised as I opened up my notebook, searching for the latest chapter. I paused in my movement and looked up at him, "Thank you."

"For what?"

I shrugged, "Everything."

He has been the nicest person to me since we met, even when I didn't make it easy at all. I gotta admit, this boy is growing on me, and a part of me doesn't like that at all.

*******************

We studied for more than two hours, maybe three even, this genius devil pushing the information into my brain and getting me to understand things I never thought I will. Damn him. Does he have to excel in everything he does?

As we were about to solve another question, I heard the main door get opened and voices came from that side. Max turned his head, noticing them as well, "That's my father," He explained when I heard a man's voice followed by a girl's voice, "And that's my sister."

Before he could say more, the girl's voice got closer and I heard her say, "Where is Max? I missed that little dev-" Her words paused when she came to a stop by the entrance, her eyes falling on us, "Found him!"

She hurried inside, her eyes fell on me first and her grin was already wide, and she waved a hand, "Hey," She said, a bit too enthusiastic before she settled beside Max, sitting on the armrest, giving her the upper hand over him as she wrapped her arms around his neck from the back, "Ah, I missed you!" She said, tightening her hold and resting her cheek over the top of his head.

He only grunted in response and tried to push her away, "Why don't you ever visit me?" She asked.

He tilted his head backward, looking at her, "Because I was so happy you finally moved out," He answered, his tone teasing and she narrowed her eyes at him before she leaned down and pecked his cheek, "Still, I missed you."

She turned her attention from him and to me, "Who is this pretty girl and what is she doing with someone like you?"

Max's mouth opened in shock at her words and before he could defend or say anything back, his sister extended her hand forward to me, "I'm Lilly," She said, "This little dude's sister."

I placed my hand in hers, smiling as I said, "Valerie, this little dude's friend."

"Hey!" Max said, not liking the little dude's comment then he pointed a finger at me, "Also, we are not friends."

I nodded, "True, he is my tutor."

"That's not what I meant," Max shot out.

Lilly chuckled, "I like her," She said, "I think she could teach you a lesson or two on how to behave," She added, tapping her hand over his shoulder as she settled down between us as she resumed talking with both Max and me.

Looking closely at her, I couldn't help but notice how she was the younger version of her mother, she looked so much like her it was crazy. I look nothing like my mom, and even though Renèe took more of mom's features, she still didn't resemble her to this extent.

Her hair, the tone of her skin, and most of her features, minus the eyes I guess, they were the spitting image of her own mother, and just as flawless. She was really beautiful too, I am really starting to get jealous of this family's genetic superiority.

She was wearing white shorts and a cream-colored top tucked inside, with a white blazer that reached her shorts, her classy outfit accompanied with white heels. Something about her clothes signaled that she was also coming back from work. I let out a dreamy sigh, I can't wait to reach that stage in my life. Working one good job, not juggling between three and four as I try to catch up with school work.

Living in my own apartment, making my own rules; god, it feels so far away from where I am standing, but still, it is attainable. I can reach there one day.

His mother popped her head inside, "Come on guys, dinner is ready," She announced and Lilly jumped off at first, already heading there. Max got up and I felt that same nervousness again, not wanting to pry on their family time any longer, I started to gather my notes and pens, "Uh, we finished most of it, I should head back home," I said.

"Nonsense, you will stay for dinner at least," His mother interrupted, her hand coming to my arm, pausing me as I was trying to pack up, "Come on, I am a good host, I am not sending you off to your family starving."

"Seriously, there is no need-" I tried to protest but I don't think I am going to win this one.

Max's hand rested over my back, "Come on, you won't regret it, her food is to die for," He added, pushing me along, all of them leaving me no space to say no.

I walked alongside them, still feeling all out of sorts. They are really nice, warm and very welcoming, it is just I am not used to this, especially in a house I am visiting for the first time. We reached what I suppose is the dining room, and the delicious smell of the food there proved Max's comment right, it was to die for.

"Alex, what are you doing?" His mother said, moving forward, toward the man who was standing eating a spoon from the main pot dish, "I am hungry," He mumbled, defending his motives as he chewed on his food.

He turned around to look at his wife, his eyes falling on me as well. For the love of God, what kind of milk do they give these people as kids to make them grow up like this. Holy cow, I mean the man looked nothing like Max but he had his own charisma. I don't know how old this man is, so I don't want to call him hot, but I gotta say he must've aged like fine wine.

When he recognized the foreign presence in his dining room, his eyebrows pulled closer, he looked around and pointed a finger at Lilly, "One," He said, then pointed at Max, "Two," Then he pointed at me, "Three."

His eyes widened and he looked at his wife, "Cupcakes, I only have two kids, why are there three of them here?" He said, a bit horrified, "She is not my secret daughter, is she?" He whispered and she rolled her eyes at him, playfully slapping his arm, "That's Valerie, Max's friend."

"Ohhhh," He said, "Oh," He added, a bit giddy this time and a smile pulled at his lips as he inched closer, resting his hands over his son's shoulders, "Hey Valerie, I am the one you should thank for the way this young man turned out to be."

I couldn't help my smile and his wife behind him facepalmed, giving me the I told you so look, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Dolan."

He waved his hand in the air, dismissing that, "It's Alex."

"Come on, everyone take a seat, food will get cold," Cara announced, ushering us closer. I moved, ready to take a seat when I heard Max's father ask him, "Is that her?"

Max nodded his head and his father's grin widened, he raised his hand up and Max high-fived him back. I narrowed my eyes at Max, trying to understand what he meant by...her. He only gave me a wink in return.

"Alex, come on!" Cara whined.

"Okay, okay, don't use that tone on me," He said, joining us on the table and Max took the chair by my side.

We all filled our plates with the various types of food presented over the table, the taste of them was just as delicious as their smell. We started eating and I no longer felt nervous or awkward, they all chatted along, making me feel more welcomed than I do in my own house.

They asked a few questions about me, learning that I attend the same university as Max and the same major as his, "Oh great, your parents must be so proud," Cara commented on that fact, apparently very proud herself of her own son.

My fingers tightened over the fork in my hand and something scratched at the base of my throat. I swallowed past it and nodded my head, faking a small smile, "Yeah, definitely."

"Do you live around here?" His father was the one to ask this time, just curious and making up a conversation. I shook my head, finishing chewing up my food before I said, "Not this town, a little bit to the south."

He nodded and resumed eating before he decided to ask again, "What do your parents do?"

"Alex, stop investigating with the poor girl," His wife said, scolding him. His eyes widened, "What did I do, I am just trying to make a conversation," He said, defending his innocent motives.

I smiled, shaking my head and signaling that it was no problem, "My mother is a flight attendant," I answered and it felt like he was waiting for me to say what my father did. The scratching at my throat only intensified as I said, "My father used to work in an insurance company."

He paused in his eating, his eyebrows pulling closer, "Used to?"

My fingers dug into my thigh under the table, trying to contain myself and not burst out crying. I nodded, my throat heavily bobbing, "He passed away around a year ago," I said and immediately felt Max's eyes fall on me.

"Oh, I am so sorry," Alex said, his voice compassionate, his eyes dimming down slightly, almost as if he could read the struggle reflecting off my eyes. My lips pressed into a thin line and I nodded my head, unable to speak more, because I know how my voice will waver and crack.

My fingers dug further into my thigh and I suddenly felt something warm over my hand, my gaze fell down, watching as Max's hand unfisted my own, how he wrapped his over mine, giving it a gentle squeeze, his thumb rubbing soothing circled over the inside of my palm.

Shocked by his gesture, I looked up, turning to him and meeting his eyes. He said nothing, he just held my hand, giving me a steady ground to stand on when I felt like I was wavering and teetering right over the edge.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat and kept my hand resting inside his as I resumed eating with my other free one, even though my appetite was long gone.

To ease some of the tension that wrapped around us because of me, I turned to Lilly, changing the subject, "Did you attend the same college as us?" I asked and she shook her head, "No, I took it a bit too far."

"Way too far," Her father said, his tone dissatisfied.

"I studied abroad," She answered, "Cambridge."

My eyes widened in astonishment, "Oh wow, that must've been great," The study-aborad was my plan A, but it didn't work out as I anticipated.

Lilly smiled, "It's not as glorious as it sounds, believe me," She said and her father involuntarily scoffed. Her eyes flickered to him and her mood seemed to immediately go down. Her throat bobbed heavily and she rested her fork down, losing her appetite as well.

There was a leering tension around, I thought I was the one responsible for it, but I guess not. Just like Max said, it might look perfect and shiny on the outside, but I think they are all dealing with something really messy on the inside.

My gaze went to Cara and she offered me a warm smile, trying to mend whatever was going on, she pointed her hand forward, "I adore your hair color," She said ever so dreamily, "I wanted to dye mine like that once, but Alex didn't let me."

His eyebrow raised, "It's her natural color, it suits her," He explained his point of view, "It would've looked so weird on you."

She shot him a glare, "Weren't you the same one who used to tell me that everything suits me?"

He shrugged, "That was when you were young, now-" His eyes widened when he realized his mistake, and his head shot up to her, "I meant you are young, you are, so uhh...of course, of course, everything suits you," She gaped at him in pure shock, "I just meant you are so beautiful the way you are, cupcakes, that's all, you don't need to change anything," He added with a sheepish smile but that didn't earn him an out from what he previously said.

He looked down at his plate, "Damn it, I am so sleeping on the couch tonight," He grumbled out under his breath but I heard him nevertheless.

She shot him a hard glare before she turned to me, "I am ignoring him for now," She mumbled, "Anyway, did you get it from your dad or mother?" She asked and I shook my head, smiling, "Neither actually."

"Oh wow, you were the unique one then," She said and I nodded, my smile still there, "I guess so." I looked at Lilly, "I mean, Lilly looks so much like you," I said and she nodded, "Yeah, she is a mini-me," She said, wholeheartedly.

That brought a smile to Lilly's face and she nodded, "Proudly so," She said.

"Yeah, and I am the unique one over here," Max beside me spoke, his hand still tangled up with mine, like it was the most natural thing ever, "The black sheep of the family."

His words, though playful, they had me tighten my hand over his, indirectly asking him to never say them again, because he might've not noticed it, but I saw the way his father's expression fell down when he heard them, reading behind those words and between the lines. He placed his fork down, his plate still half full but he looked like he had enough.

Max turned his head to me, "What?" He whispered, questioning why I suffocated his hand with my tight grip.

I shot him a knowing glare, my jaw slightly tightening. His father got up, going behind his wife, his hand resting over her shoulder, "Food was great, thank you cupcakes," He mumbled, leaning down to leave a light kiss on her cheek. She sensed his mood drop and rested her hand over his, "You didn't finish your plate," She said, pouting and he nodded, "I am full."

His gaze flickered up, meeting mine, "It was nice meeting you, Valerie," He said, a small smile played over his lips and I nodded, politely smiling as well, "Likewise."

With that, he left the room. My eyes went to Max, who was already staring at his father's retreating back, understanding why I got angry at him just now. His eyes met mine but he spoke nothing. Why is it that all the male species are so stupid?

Everyone seemed to be done after. Lilly and I helped her mother with the dishes, emptying and placing them into the dishwasher. When everything was taken care of, I excused myself, "It's getting really late, I should head back home, thank you for the dinner and just everything," I said.

Cara's head tilted to the side, warmly smiling at me, "Oh, it was nothing sweetie, you should come again, I will be waiting for you," She said, insisting and I nodded, "Yeah, sure."

"Tell me when you do, please, so I can come as well, I want to tease Max some more," Lilly interjected and I chuckled at her words, nodding my head before I headed for the living room to get my things.

"Max," His mother called for him, "Come and drop Valerie at her place."

Right then, he came into view. I looked at his mother and shook my head, "There is no need, I will just take a taxi-"

"Nonsense, it's late," His mother said, shaking her head, "I raised a gentleman, he will take you home, right?"

Max nodded, looking at me, a hint of tease over his lips as he shrugged, "What can you do," He said, all smug, knowing how he was winning the argument this time because his parents are here and I won't make a scene in front of them, "I am a gentleman."

I shot him a glare, taking a mental note to punch him later. I gathered my things and waved them bye, "Goodnight," I said as I left the house with Max.

We got in and he took off into the road, "Your family is really nice," I couldn't help but comment. I came in very nervous and they cleared all that out with their hospitality and warmness.

"They're the best," Max said, his eyes on the road and not on me as he spoke.

"You're lucky, you should know that," My words had him face me this time, "They really love you."

The look in his eyes was a bit somber and he nodded his head, "I know."

"No more snarky comments?" I said and he sighed, "I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did," He mumbled, already regretful.

I nodded, understanding that as well, "You should explain that to your father."

He sighed, nodding, "I will."

A short moment of silence passed between us, "So, are you gonna tell me where I am supposed to go, or should I guess it on my own?" He questioned, asking for my address.

"Keep driving, I will give you directions," I said, dismissing him.

I gave him directions till we reached the beginning of the street where my house is, "Okay, I can go down here," I said, making him stop the car. Before he could say anything I went down and opened the backseat, taking the rest of my stuff.

"Which one is your house?" He asked, noticing we weren't parked beside anything specific.

"One of these," I mumbled.

"Seriously?" He commented with a huff.

I nodded, "Yup," I said as I closed the door and faced him.

"It's dark, let me drop you beside your house," He stressed out again and I rolled my eyes, "It's a safe neighborhood, nothing will happen."

"You're so infuriating," He grunted.

I nodded, smiling, "Thanks."

His eyebrow raised and I waved my hand with a bye, ready to turn around and walk away but I stopped myself. I turned around and walked a couple of steps closer to him, stopping when I was so close.

He looked confused at first, and I tiptoed, pressing my lips over his cheek, "Goodnight," I mumbled, backing away to look at his shocked face, "You're not a black sheep, never say that again."

"And if you are, well then you are the most handsome black sheep I've ever seen," I added, imitating his words from before.

My words pushed a smile to his lips. I gave him a wink before I turned around and hurried away, feeling the bit of redness creep up my face due to what I did and said.

When I reached home, I unlocked the door, trying to make little to no noise, knowing for sure that Renèe would be fast asleep by now.

I dropped my bag and slumped over the couch, opening my phone and typing a new message;

"I now owe you eighteen hours, thirty two minutes and three seconds," I pressed send, imitating his previous messages.

Then I typed again, "Oh, and I no longer owe you a goodbye kiss."

I saw him typing before his reply came back, "That's not what I meant by a goodbye kiss."

My eyebrow raised and I typed down, "This is the only type of kisses you'll be getting from me :)."

He was typing then he stopped, then he started typing again before his message arrived, "Is it crazy that I want to knock on each door now to find out which house is yours so I can clearly teach you what a real kiss is."

His words had me straighten up in my seat, biting down at my lip because a part of me, as small as it is, it was dying to just tell him which house, have him come in and teach me all that he wants.

I felt warmness crawl under my skin, I felt hot and bothered in places that shouldn't feel so, just at the thought of him, here, beside me, in the dark, his lips on mine...

Damn it, Valerie!

My jaw ticked, angry at my own self and thoughts. I pressed my eyes shut and shook my head. No. Just no.

I typed down, "Yes, it's crazy." I pressed send and wrote one more, putting an end to the conversation there, "Goodnight, my handsome black sheep."

Not long after came his reply;

"Goodnight, my beautiful mess."

It was stupid, but when I slept that night, I went down into dreamland with a big foolish smile on my face.

**************************

What do you think?

Valerie meeting our crazy family xD
She still has many members yet to meet lol, that would be exciting to witness as well.

Anyway, loving these two so far?
I already love my maxie boo, i feel like he's my baby, i have this protective mother instincts toward him that I am scared I will be partial for him while writing this story xD
But also Valerie is starting to grow on me as well. So let's see :)

See ya soon :)