Max's  POV:

  He stepped into her hospital room as if it was my first time there.

 In reality, it was one of his many visits. He could not tell her everything.

   As much as he wanted to, he could not bring himself to do it.

   He handed her some flowers.

  "Thanks, they are my favorites."     

   "Yes, I know."

    He heard her ask for something to eat.

 He supposed that was a good sign, as she was out of it for a long time.

    "Today, there is a nice salad, steak, and macaroni and cheese available," He heard the nurse mention.

      "Nurse, Alix here is not into steak. She is more of an all veggies type of person."

      "Oh, sorry, I did not realize," The nurse apologized.  

        A few moments passed in silence as the nurse went to find something suitable for Alix to eat.

            While the nurse was away, Alix and Max had some time alone. The two felt awkward as it had been a long time since they had last spoken to one another.

                "The food here is awful."

                "How do you know?"

              "I tried some of it."

      Max blushed as Alix laughed. He could not believe this was his reaction to her after all this time.  He thought it was bad enough he could not keep his feelings at bay. 

       "Your face is red. Perhaps it is the sun."

     " Alix, it is cloudy outside."      

      Before she could ask him about it, the nurse returned with a tray filled with salad, a jello cup, a small slice of cheese and mushroom pizza, and a glass of water."

       Alix ate the items but frowned. It was as Max warned her.

      "Agh, that food was terrible. It has to be the worst thing I have ever eaten in my entire life."

      "Tomorrow, I will try to sneak you in some real food."

      "You got some cheese in your hair."

        "I do not."  

     "Yes, you do." 

    Max reached up and gently removed a piece of mozzarella from her hair.

         Then, he tickled her.

     "Stop it."

      "You want me to stop."

    "Yes, fine I will stop if you get out of here soon."

     "Fine, deal."

      Max left the room but winked at her on his way out the door. This time it was Alix's turn to blush as Max headed toward the elevators.

          to be continued in Chapter 7

         until then, bye-bye, little owlets!

      -Summer out!