Chapter 1:

Winds Of Change pt1

Revelations


A cat sneaked in from the back garden, climbed up the stairs and entered through the small window that shows the hall. It looked at the owner of the house’s back with eyes of innocence and meowed.

Max, Max Whaite a 25 year old young man, living alone in his family’s house. A height of 185cm, weights 80kg, good physic, weird hair pattern, it seemed like the ends of his hair strands are white and the roots are black, so it looked like the top of his head was black and the rest was white.

Max was startled by the cat’s noise which came out of nowhere: OH! The hall again? I don’t get it why can’t you use the front door, eh, the cat meowed again, look at that dirty fur, alright come.

They both went through the hall to the kitchen. Max opens the cabinet, looking for the cans of cat food.

Max: Huh?! We’re out?

Poca(the cat): Meows!

Max: Well it isn’t my fault you left for 4 days!

Poca Meowed back in a complaining tone!

Max: Fine! Fine! Just calm down, what time is it? Looking at his wrist watch, it’s almost 9 and a half, I’ll go get some before the store closes!

Poca Meows in the same tone again!

Max: Oh stop nagging already! I won’t be late, and stay on the floor, don’t get the place dirty with your paws.

Poca Meowed back.

Now it isn’t clear if he actually understood what his cat was saying or if he just lost his mind, but he went out to get the cat his food.

Max while walking down the street: Huh? Looks like it’s going to rain, it’s the end of summer anyway, I better hurry.

Max entered the market, it wasn’t that far from his house. In the same street, there was this beautiful girl, long black hair, curly at the ends, walking in a dress that suited her so well she looked like she was going to a party, but she wasn’t she in fact is leaving from one, but this area isn’t that safe for girls to be wondering alone at night, and that night wasn’t an exception because some 3 assholes were going around looking for someone to mug, someone to harass, and to her bad luck she bumped into one of them when she was rushing to take the turn.

The girl right after the bump: I’m sorry, and she tried to walk past them, excuse me.

One of the guys: WOW! WOW: Slow down girl, as he grabbed her wrist, his friends got behind her so she can’t run, come on you can’t bump into a man like that and run away.

The girl was scared: I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to!

The same guy: Oh it’s okay, but you still have to make it up to us, so you’ll be joining us for the night!

Max in a funny tone: Hey! Hey! Heyyyyy! The four of them looked at him confused, come on my guy, she obviously isn’t interested in spending a night with you guys, he said as he got closer to them, grabbed her hand from the other guy’s grip, and pulled her away from them slowly.

Another guy grabbed Max from the back of his shirt: What do you think you’re doing punk?

Max handed the bag containing the cat food to the girl: Like I said man, she isn’t into this, but if you’re persistent, I can come with you instead! I mean women are overrated anyway!

They all looked at him confused then one of them said: You're a weird man! Let’s go!

And they left.

The girl thanked him while still looking confused by his way of talking and actions.

Max: Yea don’t mention it, let’s get you away from here. Where were you going?

The girl: To the bus stop, I need to go home.

Max: Yea I’ll take you there.

The girl: That will be great thank you, I hope I'm not bothering you or anything?

Max: You’re not, I offered to get you there, but I hope you don’t mind I get that can home before we go right? My house isn’t that far away from here.

The girl: …, yea it’s okay.

As they were heading to his house in awkward silence, it started to rain, so he invited her to stay at his house, until it stopped.

They entered the house and the cat went crazy meowing.

Max: Calm down man, just a couple of seconds and u can stuff your whiskers with it.

The girl: AWWW! He’s so cute! What’s his name?

Max: Poca! Then he thought to himself, Oh! We walked for like 6 minutes and I didn't even ask her name! Hey, uhhh?

Cara: Cara, my name is Cara!

Max: Cara! That's a new name to me, I’m Max.

Cara: New?

Max as he was filling the cat’s bowl: here you go! Uhh, yea I never met a girl named Cara!

Cara: Really I thought it was a common name to be honest.

Max: Maybe? Take a seat, get comfortable, it looks like it’ll be raining for a bit.

She sat on the sofa, then he joined her sitting in the sofa chair next to her.

Max: So where were you this late at night alone? If I may ask that is?

Cara: I was at a party held by the seniors at our college, in one of their houses.

Max: You are in Blue-Lagoon institute? I never saw you there!

Cara: Oh, I just got transferred here, I’m a second year in biology degree! Do you go there too?

Max: Yea, this is my last year, I do management there!

Cara: So why didn’t you come to the party? They said everyone was invited, I mean you’re a senior yourself right?

Max: I don’t like the seniors’ attitude, they’re the worst, but why did you leave early though? The party starts at like 9, and it’s not even 10 yet!

Cara: I got in a problem with this girl, apparently named Heather.

Max: Oof! Out of everyone there, you picked her?

Cara: I swear I didn’t do anything, her boyfriend kept hitting on me, and then she snapped at me thinking it was the other way around I guess, so I left saving myself any more embarrassment.

Max: But she isn’t dating anyone.

Cara: Yea that’s what some guy shouted from the back of the crowd which shifted her attention from me, and I escaped.

Max: Did you get a look at him, the one shouting I mean?

Cara: Yes, he was a tall guy, he said it like he was picking a fight with her though, I don’t get why anyone would do that.

Max while smiling: Of course he would, that guy is Tom he is a friend of mine. You should really meet the guy he’s always like that.

Cara: But if that guy wasn’t her boyfriend what’s up with her?

Max: She’s like that sometimes...all the time, I’ll talk to her about it tomorrow.

Cara: Thank you for earlier by the way and inviting me, but maybe I should be going now!

Max: But it’s still raining, and I think it will be long before the next bus shows up, and cabs are super expensive around here. Did you try to call your parents?

Cara: I live with my sister! And yea I tried but my phone died!

Max: Well why didn’t you say so? He put his hand out to her to get her phone to plug it into power and handed her his phone. Call her and tell her you’ll be late. By the way, I have extra rooms here and I live by myself, so you’re more than welcomed to spend the night over seriously.

Cara: Thank you, but I have class tomorrow morning!

Max: Oh don’t worry, everybody is going at 10 tomorrow, they will be up partying and teachers know that, also i can give you a ride home in the morning so you can get you clothes changed or anything, I would give you the ride now but my car’s roof is stuck down so I can’t drive in the rain.

Cara: You sure?

Max: Yea 100%! Call your sister so she doesn’t get worried!

Cara called her sister,he washed his cats’ paws, they talked even more, 2 hours had passed and the rain didn’t stop, then he showed her to her room and gave her the key!

Max: And you can lock the door if you want! Sorry I don’t have extra pijamas, but there’s enough covers for you to not get cold, my room is at the end of the hall to the left if you need anything.

Cara: No need for locking!

Max: Alright good night!

Cara: Night!

The next Morning a little before 8 am!

Max woke up to his phone’s alarm, he opened the door, and the sweet smell of a delicious breakfast getting cooked downstairs gets interrupted by a door bell. Cara opened the door thinking Max is still asleep; she couldn’t hear his door opening over her humming. She opened the door, and it was this grown man, he was in his late forties.

The man looked surprised that a pretty girl in a dress opened the door: Oh! Excuse me young lady, is Max here?

Cara: Ahh, yea I think he’s still asleep, you want me to go, and as she turned to point to his room, he answered!

Max: Yea I’m here uncle Oliver, come in!

Oliver: Oh thank god, I got here before you left!

Max: What is it?

Cara: Can I get you anything sir?

Oliver: Oh no thank you I won’t be here long! I’m here to make sure you got your invitation?

Max after a long exhale: I did!

Oliver: And you’re coming or what?

Max: You know I would love to, but everyone will be there, and I don’t want to meet any of them.

Oliver: You know Emilia sent me here, and she’s serious about it.

Max: I know! And you know how much I respect you, that I don’t want to lie to you and say yes, and then I don’t show up, please just.

Oliver: I do, and I appreciate your honesty. It’s just she won’t feel the same if you don’t show up.

Max:...

Oliver: Anyway I won't make you do anything you aren’t comfortable with, but I at least had to try and talk to you. I don’t want to waste your time any longer, have a good day, you too young lady.

Cara staring at them confused: Oh, thank you, and you too sir.

Max: That smells delicious by the way are they pancakes?

Cara notices that he’s changing the subject: Yea, it’s an appreciation token.

Max: Oh, well thank you!

They had breakfast together, then before leaving the doorbell rang again, this time it was Tom, he opened the door with his key and walked in!
Tom: Yo lazy ass…, oh you’re up already! And you’re not alone, of course or you wouldn’t be up! Hello…, and he held his hand up towards Cara as if he was waiting for her to introduce herself.

Cara: Cara, my name is Cara Price!

Max:...

Tom: Lovely name, and I’m Tom, spelled with an H after the T, but don’t sweat it! So what happened…

Max: Don’t! Nothing happened!

Tom: Well now that’s disappointing.

Cara: Oh, wait so this is the guy you told me about yesterday?

Tom: And now you’re talking to nice ladies about me too? Damn man…

Max: Let's just go, pushing him out.

He got in the garage, drove the car out, and took Cara home!

Max: Well since it’s a bit late, we’ll wait for you, go get changed and take your time.

Tom said after she got outta the car: So? What happened yesterday? Hmm?

Max: I told you, nothing man, she’s the girl Heather tried to bite her head off before coming after you!

Tom: Wait, that's her?

Max: Yea, that’s what I got from what she told me last night.

Tom: Now I see why Heather was mad, she’s a competition! And how did she end up sleeping over?

Max Explained to him what happened yesterday, Cara got back down, they went to college.

In the college hallway

Max: Well I need to take care of something, you two do your thing.

Cara: Where’s he going?

Tom: He didn’t tell you?

Cara: Tell me what?

Tom: Oh you’ll see, it’s gonna become a show anyway!

Max: Yo Heather!

Heather: Oh, Max? What can I do for you this morning?

Max: Well you can start by taking things easy on new comers!

Heather: What?

Max: Come on Heather, your friends get wasted and you go all out on the girl? And for who? Jack? Davis? We both know that wasn’t right!

Cara: I can’t hear anything from here!

Tom: Oh you won’t need to hear, just watch.

Davis: Hey, if I was you I would watch what comes outta my mouth Max!

Max: Me and the lady are talking Davis you can wait, are you even sober enough to be here?

Heather: Whatever story you heard you need to get it checked first okay?

Max: So you won’t apologize?

Heather: For what?

Davis: You better turn around and…

And before he could finish his sentence, Max grabbed him by the neck of his shirt and slammed him against the wall, everyone in the hall got quiet waiting to see where this goes next!

Max: Apologize!

Heather:...

Davis: Let go…

And again before he finished what he said Max grabs him away from the hall and slams him at it again!

Max: I’m still waiting, you know?

Jack: Wow Max, what is this about!

Max: You don’t want any of this, just keep quiet!

Heather: FINE! Just let him go!

Max: Right away! He let go of Davis who tried to stand there and look cool.

Heather looking at Cara embarrassed and frustrated: I’m sorry for what I did yesterday, I may have overreacted.

Cara while confused: Yea, it’s okay, apology accepted!

Tom: Told you he won’t let it slide!

Heather as she started walking away: Fuck you!

Tom put his hands close to his mouth and shouted: I didn’t lower my standards yet!

Cara: DUDE! Stop!

Tom: What? She said it, not me, listen we need to head to class, it was a pleasure meeting you!

Cara was still trying to process what just happened and how no one interfered or said anything: Yea! You too.

Tom: You seem confused?!

Cara: Yea, it’s like…

Tom: Save it, ask me later, okay?

Cara: Okay!

They all went to class, Tom sat next to Max like usual.

Tom: So don’t you think you went too far?

Max: Do you?

Tom: Oh no I was quoting Cara, I mean to me you handled it pretty well!

Max:...Good.

Tom: Yea! So are we hanging out later?

Max: Just call me before you stop by, to make sure I'm home.

Tom: First day of the final year, let’s get it over with.

Max: Don’t start counting now!

After class

Tom: Alright man, so you're heading home?

Max: Yea, you’re not coming?

Tom: Nah I gotta date! I’ll meet you later though!

Tom went to Cara’s class, they got out, he called a friend, a girl friend both got in her car.

Tom: So what is on your mind?

Cara: Here?

Tom: Oh yea Sally won’t pay attention to what you say when she’s driving unless you specifically tell her to listen.

Cara: Ok, earlier in the morning a grown man came to his house, he asked him about coming over somewhere and something about a girl named Emilia,...

Tom: And he told you nothing about who those are?

Cara: No, and now what he did earlier? He’s so mysterious in a weird way? Like what’s up with that!

Tom: Ok, since he let you spend the night over I'm sure he won’t mind me telling you this, but the rest is for him to say!

Cara: Tell me what?

Tom: So the man you met earlier was his aunt’s husband, Oliver. And I bet he mentioned something about an invitation, right?

Cara: Yea.

Tom: Tomorrow is his cousin’s marriage, her name is Emiley, and the reason why Max isn’t sure to go or not is because, he and the rest of his family are not on talking terms, they stopped talking to him after his parents incident, they all starting treating him like he was invisible, all of them except for Oliver, Emiley and his late grandmother, she passed away 5 years ago, she was the sweetest woman I met!

Cara: Wait, what happened to his parents?

Max: That’s for him to tell you, also we’re at your place already, oh, and get yourself ready, I’ll come pick you up a little before 3 pm, okay?

Cara: Where are we going?

Tom: Hanging around with your crush!

Cara blushing: He’s not my…

Tom: Yea, like I didn’t hear that before?

Cara: Is it that obvious?

Tom: Don’t worry he’s clueless when it comes to these types of things! Alright Cara Bye Bye!

Cara: Bye!

Salley: So my place or your place?

Tom: Well my mom is home now, and my place is still not ready, so let’s go to your place!

Salley: Sure!

At 3 and a half pm

In the graveyard attending to his grandmother’s grave, and talking to it, as if he was talking to her.

Max: So Emiley is finally getting married, it’s due tomorrow,...oh, and this girl I was telling you about, Cara, you know being around her makes me feel at ease, I don’t know how to explain it, but i barely known the girl for 2 hours and i wanted her to spend the night over, just so i can be around her for longer. It is so strange yet so captivating.

Tom: I wish you would talk to me that much!

Max: When you die, I'll visit your grave often too, is that good?

Tom: I’m going to wait for a long time then, Max smiled at his reaction, alright get your ass up, let’s go.

Max: Who told you I was here though?

Tom: I was at Salley, and I was about to call you, then I thought maybe I’ll find you here, and here we are!

Max: Salley? Isn’t she dating Derek? Did they break up?

Tom: Oh no they are happy together, but you know, you can’t keep having the same type of food day in and day out.

Max: You’re going to be in so much trouble when he finds out!

Tom: Nah, I'll manage, oh and we’re going to pick Cara.

Max: Why?

Tom: I invited her to hangout!

Max: Cool.

Tom: Cool? No “who told you to?” Or “why didn’t you ask me first?” Hey I'm not complaining, only surprised, so she spends the night over, you talk to Heather for her, ok i’m getting jealous but she’s a 9/10, so I understand!

Max: You just don’t stop don’t you?

They got in the car and went to pick her up, and then went to Max’s home. Tom went straight to the kitchen looking for snacks.

Tom: Yo Max! You ran out of snacks man?

Max: I guess?

Tom: Well let’s go then!

Max: Go Where?

Tom: To get more! The girl makes you breakfast and you’re gonna leave us without snacks?

Max: Let’s go!

Cara: Oh, I’ll come with you!

Max: No you stay, actually it’ll be better since Poca is playing with you, he’ll get grumpy if you leave now.

Tom: Wait, Poca is being friendly to her? Damn, I thought he hated strangers?

Cara: Oh yea, last night he snuck in my room and joined me in bed!

Tom looking at Max, shaking his head: Even your cat knows what’s up!

Max: You wanna go get the snacks by yourself or you’re going to shut up?

They went out, bought snacks that can last them for a month and went back home!

Max: We’re back!

They all sat down, chilling, playing video games, telling jokes, enjoying their time.

Tom: So you’re going to the wedding tomorrow?

Max: I still don’t know.

Cara: Well is it that hard to go?

Max: It isn’t that hard, but I don’t know, I’m scared they will ruin her night with gossips and their stupid looks and talks if I go.

Tom: And you’re not worried that you will ruin her night if you don’t show up?

Max: That’s what’s making this hard!

Tom: Well I’ll tell you what, if you at least go there and say hi, give her the proper support nothing will happen, and to make it easier for you, we will come with you and you can use us as an excuse to bounce, how about that Cara, are you available tomorrow evening to help out?

Cara: Oh absolutely!

Max: Still you coming with me could make it look worse!

Tom: We’ll stay in the car, and you can still use us as an excuse like that. If you don’t agree now, I'm gonna start thinking that you don’t want to go in the first place.

Max after a long exhale: Ok fine we’ll go together.

Tom: Perfect!

Tomorrow evening

Max called Tom: Hey, you’re coming or what?

Tom: No, you need to go with Cara alone.

Max: Why?

Tom: Well, she’s complexed by you and your actions, so you have a lot of explaining to do.

Max: You think so?

Tom: Yea, good luck!

Max: Thanks!
He hung up and drove over to Cara’s house and called her, she came down looking astonishing, a short black dress, and a new hairstyle mixed in with newly purple dyed stripes, she looked so elegant in that look, of course he wasn’t shy from looking good too, a royal blue pants, clear blue colored shirt, and a dark blue tie.

She got in the car, and he was still looking at her, amazed by what he’s seeing.

Max: Wow! You look amazing!

Cara turned all red: Thank you, you look great as well.

Max: To be honest it was Tom’s pick. We got it after getting you home yesterday, I'm betting he already told you that he was not coming.

Cara: Yea he did.

After some driving he parked the car, then he looked at her and said: Alright now let’s go.

Cara: Wait, we agreed we’ll stay in the car…

Max: Come on don’t be ridiculous, I can't leave you in the car with you looking like that, plus we won’t stay for long, 10 minutes in and out, let’s go.

Cara: Yea sure, I would love to meet this Emiley to be honest.

Max: Oh you’ll love her.

They entered the wedding place, Emiley was circling around going from one table to another talking to the guests, of course she was hoping he would show up, so she kept her eye on the door, looking at it every minute waiting for him to enter, and he finally did, she got up from the table she was sitting at raised her hand to him to tell him that she’s seeing him.

Max: Oh there she is!

Cara: Wow She looks so beautiful, and she looks so young

Max: I know right? She’s only one year older than me. Can you believe it!

Emiley: Maaaax! Oh my god you finally showed up, as she hugged him so tight.

Max: I’m glad I did, hugging her back, you look so good, congratulations my love!

Emiley held her hand out for Cara: Hi…

Max: Emiley this is Cara, Cara this is Emiley.

Cara: Hello, nice to meet you, and congratulations.

Emiley: Oh thank you, you’re so cute.

Cara: Thanks!

Emiley: So what are you waiting for, get a table, I’ll be right with you!

Max: Oh no, I'm here just to say hi, and see you on your big day, also I need to get her home!

Emiley: Come on, you think you can lie to me? You just don’t want to put up with their shit, don’t worry they won’t ruin my mood, besides they’re already staring at you and bubbling!

Max: They are?

Emiley: Hey Cara, can you stick around for a little longer, I would love to dance with him one more time, it would mean a lot to me?

Cara:... Yea, of course, anything for the bride!

Emiley: Thank you, I already like her.

Max: Let’s go, I’ll be there Em!

Emiley: Ok.

Oliver went to Max’s table, they talked for a bit, laughed a little, got to know Cara, tried to keep Max busy from everyone else. And then the music changed, Emiley came to the table and said:

Cara, can I borrow my cousin for a dance?

Cara: He’s all yours!

Max and Emiley went to the center where everyone else was slow dancing and as their bodies followed the music Emiley said:

So is she the same girl my dad found at your house yesterday?

Max: Yea, and he obviously didn’t refrain himself from telling you.

Emiley: Well of course he did, we really thought you’re going to stay single for life, thank god you finally had a girl over.

Max: Nothing happened between us by the way, she slept in grandma’s room, so don’t get your hopes up.

Emiley: No way nothing happened at all?

Max: It’s a long story but she couldn’t go home so I let her spend the night over.

Emiley: Too bad she looks so fine though, I would date her if I were you... So when are you asking her out?

Max: When I feel like I'm not keeping much from her anymore!

Emiley: And when do you plan to do that?

Max: Possibly later on tonight!

Emiley: I am so glad all the times I taught you to dance aren’t going to waste, he laughed, I am so glad you are here now!

Max: Well you know, Tom couldn’t shut up about it.

Emiley: I bet he is also the reason why you both look this cute together, he nodded, man you don’t deserve that guy.

Max in a sarcastic tone: That’s so uplifting thank you.

Emiley: I know, but you know what else I know?

Max: What?

Emiley grabbed his hand, and led him to the table where Cara was looking at them, then said: I know you two should dance as well before you go.

And of course they both could act like they didn't want to, but there would be no point in that, so they had a small dance before leaving. They didn’t say a thing to each other, but their feelings filled the small distance between them.

After that they left the wedding and got in the Car.

Max: So it’s early, you still wanna hang out?

Cara: Yeah I still have time.

Max: Ok you said you were new here right, so i take it you never went to the lake at night? She said she didn’t, then I'll show you how beautiful this little city is at night, then he drove away until they reached a small cliff. The end of the cliff faced the city’s famous lake, all the city light reflecting on the water’s surface, as if there were light bulbs under the water!

Max: So what do you think?

Cara: This is breathtaking.

Max: And no one comes here often, can you believe it? He got out of the car and sat on the car’s hood.

She got out and joined him, sitting right next to him and said: Your cousin is super nice, she’s like a saint.

Max: Yea, her husband hit the jackpot with her.

Cara:....

Max remembering what Tom said: Hey!

Cara: mhm, as she gazed at the lake.

Max: So what did Tom tell you? Because I know he told you something.

Cara: He only said that the rest of your family stopped talking to you ever since your parents incident, and that Oliver, Emiley, and your grandmother were the only people to actually look out for you.

Max: That’s all?

Cara: Yea, and he said that the tough act and the mean looks are all just acts, and when I see you with Emiley it will become clear.

Max smiling: Did he now?

Cara: and I think he wasn’t wrong, also he said the rest is for you to tell.

Max: Well at least he didn’t say more than that, but the rest is a lot to take in, it may even sound like it’s fiction.

Cara: I don’t think I’ll be any more ready than now.

Max: Here’s the story that almost everyone you might meet at the university knows, back when I was 9, my family and I were going out one night, I just finished changing and was getting down to the living room, and I heard them all scream, I rushed to the living room and what I saw, didn’t make any sense to me back then, there were 4 weird looking creatures that seemed like they came out of a SI-FI show, they were demons.

Cara: Demons? How did you? I’m sorry, please continue.

Max: Doesn’t make sense right? Anyway, they were dragging my brother and parents inside of a portal. I of course was shocked too so I started calling my mom. Maybe she would answer me, but no she was unconscious. One of them looked at me and said: Hey there’s another one! Another demon wearing a fully white armor, that you couldn’t even see his face answered him saying: Get rid of him, he’s too young to pass throgh, and right when he finished what he said, the big one got close to me and punched me in the stomach with his pointy knuckles slamming me on wall, I dropped on the ground helpless unable to move, gasping for air, bleeding and feeling cold, then as they were entering the portal, dark shadowy energy started coming out of the ground in front of me, the demon in white stopped and started looking to where I was looking to, and the grim reaper himself showed up.

Cara: The angel of Death? So that means you were dying?

Max: I was, and he isn’t, he is a death god, one of many, but when he showed up I wasn’t concerned with him, I was still looking at my family being taken away from me, and he said: Max Whaite, your time has come, not to an end but to a new start, I cut him off saying asking him for help, I honestly didn’t care if I died then and there, but I wanted them to be saved, it was horrifying the idea of my family being taken away by such monsters, he looked back at the portal and then said: Do you wish to save them, and not yourself? And I don’t know how but I got this energy back and I could talk again, now that I think about it, I believe it wasn’t energy, it was my soul entering back my body, but I said more than anything I want to save them.

Grim: Then I will give you the power to do so, your story won’t end here, but it will change forever, you will become my descendant!

The Demon in white: Lord Satan will be intrigued by this, then he entered the portal and it got shut.

Max: And then I woke up 3 days later, in the hospital, with my grandmother next to me.

Cara: Wait but what happened between that and…?

Max: The reaper, fixed things… The world is bigger than we humans think, and we’re not the center of attention like all beliefs tend to propose. In order to keep our world in balance, he altered the memories of people around me. Just to skip the complicated details, the events of that night were changed in the eyes of everyone else, and it turned to this: 2 guys tried to rob our house on that night, my dad tried to stop them so they shot everyone that night, i was the lucky one, to only get grazed by the bullet, the thieves got away, i was sent to the hospital, and my fake family were buried as if that is what really happened, of course after i woke up, i didn’t believe that, so i kept shouting at everybody in my house that my parents were abducted by monsters, they are not dead, and my story wasn’t that believable to them.

Cara: That’s why they cut you off? That doesn’t seem like…

Max interrupting Cara: No the reason is because I kept saying they are not dead, he chuckled a little at what he was about to say, it’s because I kept saying: They are not dead they were away by monsters, I totally understand why they all stopped talking to me and treating me differently, because I kept saying it over and over and over, yea it isn’t a thing you can say about people thought dead.

Cara: But…,

Max: See? You can’t say a thing about it, because I was the one at fault. Everyone left after my aunt and I fought about what I was saying, she slapped me so hard that i stood there quietly, I didn’t cry, I didn’t talk back to her, she kept yelling at me saying I should say something to her I can’t remember it to be honest I was still lost in the pain, and then my grandmother got up, and took me to my room, she tucked me to bed and stayed with me there until I fell asleep, when I woke up, they all left, and didn’t come over ever again, and from that day on, it became just me and my grandmother. Uncle Oliver didn’t stop showing up, every 2 days checking on us, then couple of months later Emiley would come visit with him, and she would spend a day or two with us, I remember Emiley telling Oliver and my aunt fought a lot because she wouldn’t like her to meet me while I was still on my mind about my parents, I even told her to stop coming over if it’s that problematic but she didn’t listen.

Cara: And that’s why no one is talking to you now?

Max: She was the only friend i had for 3 years, no one accepted what I was saying.

Cara: So the 3 of them believed you? Or?

Max: My grandmother said she doesn’t care, she only cares that I’m safe, and well, Oliver said no matter what I say I’m still a kid, when I grow up he and I would talk about it when I understood grief, and Em said she only wants to be with her cousin.

Cara: Wow, you two were so attached?

Max: Yeah, she loved me more than her brothers, but you can take a moment to process what I just said. It's okay, I know that it’s a lot to take in.

Cara: To be honest it is a lot, I never thought of such a thing. But wait what does Tom think?

Max: At first he didn’t believe me, and said he doesn’t care and I shouldn’t care about what he thinks as well, he said: The important thing now is to live your life a way that would make them proud, so when you meet them, you can at least be able to look them in the eye and say: I tried my best and hope you think it’s enough.

Cara: That’s so wise, but you said at first?

Max: Seeing is believing right? And then stuck his finger in his mouth and bit it so hard that his teeth ripped through the skin, blood started oozing from his bite mark.

Cara: What are you doing? Stop!

Max: Showing you a proof of what I said.

She: pulled his hand out of his mouth, covered his finger by holding his hand.

Cara: I don’t need you to prove anything to me, if you are still saying the same thing for over a decade it means that it is true... My sister is the only family I have, and I would rather be dead than not have her in my life. I don’t think you owe me or anyone any explanations or demonstrations. If you have gone through all these things alone and still believe in what you’re saying then there must be some truth to it.

Max was so shocked by what she said, he couldn’t think of any words to say back, because the only thing he had in mind is: Why is someone I had just met accepted me this easily, and why am I feeling like I wish I had known her for longer?

Cara: But why tell me all this if it has only caused people to cast you out for it?

Max after a long exhale: I don’t know, there’s something so captivating about you, not just your looks, but your presence it feels so relaxing being next to you, as if it was safe to let my guard down, and I wanted to tell you the truth, so you would hear it from me and not what others say, and so i can feel more relaxed when i am with you, not like I am hiding a bomb from you.

Cara blushing: Oh! That’s so… I’m really glad you feel that way, and I feel safe around you too, she was so lost for words that she kept saying things that kind of led nowhere.

Cara: Is that why you talked to Heather?

Max: You know she isn’t a bad person.

Cara: I didn’t say that!

Max: I know, I'm only telling you so you won’t listen to what other people say about her, she would have apologized to you in the long run by herself, but every senior would have tried to use you as a scapegoat until then, so I rushed the process.

Cara: Wait, how did you know she would apologize later?

Max: In the party she thought she was helping her friend by stopping you from embarrassing him, but she didn’t know he was drunk at the time, the only reason she did apologize yesterday is because it became obvious to her that he was, if she didn’t know I was right, she wouldn’t have apologized and if she did realize it at the time she wouldn’t have verbally attacked you.

They kept talking for longer, about the wedding, about Emiley, about Cara’s past previous college, until it was too late and he had to take her home, and before saying good night, she mustard up some courage and gave him a little warm kiss before leaving the car, and rushing upstairs to her apartment, and of course Max was filled by a rush of happiness, that he wished she could stayed longer, then he headed home.

Tomorrow In Class

Tom sits next to Max: So you kissed huh?

Max: She told you already?

Tom: You just did, she only said she had fun.

Max: Just don’t make a big deal out of it.

Tom smiling: I won’t...promise, I won't promise!

Tom looking at the window: What the fuck is that?

Everyone in the class stood up to look out of the windows, the sky was raining meteors, and weird fiendish creatures were running all around the ground.

A random student running away from the demons following him on campus: Oh God! Oh God! Oh God, what the fuck is going on.