Disclaimer: I do not claim any right to the Maximum Ride universe.

Three years.

Yes, Maximum. Three years. Are you ready for this?

God, I have no idea, I thought. My stomach was in knots and unconsciousness seemed imminent with my vision all hazy and spinning. For the first time in three years, I was going to see my flock. What if they don't want me back? I hated hearing the panic in my thoughts.

They will.

Though I'm sure the Voice tried, it didn't make me feel any better. There was no guarantee that they would be happy to see me after I had abandoned them to save them.

They know why you left. They understand.

It doesn't matter. They might still hate me. I was sure that I was going to hit the ground soon. I have never fainted in my life, but the monumental stress and anxiety was starting to get to me. Even when we were running from the whitecoats all those years ago, my apprehension had never been so acute. Instead, I walked to the door of the lovely country Victorian that was supposed to be the stable home of the only family I had ever known.

Five minutes passed. Then ten. I lifted my hand to knock at least twenty times, chickening out each time. I had to make a decision soon.

Just knock, Max.

But… I began.

Knock!

Almost automatically my fist rapped against the heavy wood. I heard shuffling and someone call out. For a few brief seconds I was ready to run. I was ready to take a flying leap off the porch and forget about ever being back with my flock. The instant I took a step to do just that, the lock clicked and the tumblers released allowing the door to swing open. I froze. Too late.

I was afraid to turn around, but the sound of a voice that I had heard every night in my sleep for the last three years forced me to do just that.

"Can I help you?" The deep masculine voice was smooth and even, having settled beautifully in the years I was gone. He was seventeen now, just like me.

I screwed up my courage, reminding myself that I was Maximum Ride, the ultimate, the best. I felt like nothing now. Pivoting slowly on my heel, I kept my eyes down and focused on his shoes. I heard his indrawn breath and lifted my head cautiously to meet his gaze.

My lips twitched up in a nervous smile as I saw for the first time real and true shock on his perfect features. I shrugged. "Hey, Fang."