She understands everything now: A Sydney to the Max fan fiction

Sydney came inside the front door of the house to the living room where Judy was watching TV.

"Hey, grandma," Sydney said.

"Hey, noodle," Judy said. "How has your day been?"

"Great," Sydney said. "I just got back from Olive's."

"Did you have a good time?" Judy asked.

"I sure did," Sydney said. "Olive showed me her new sand art."

"She's still doing that?" Judy asked.

"Yeah, she is," Sydney said. "We did get invited to another pool party."

"That's awesome," Judy said. "Do they want your dad to be a chaperone?"

"After last time, I doubt if he's going to do it again," Sydney said.

"I keep telling him he needs to get over it," Judy said. "He's always feared embarrassment and humiliation . . . but, that being said, have you thought about what to get him for Father's Day?"

"Is it that time of year already?" Sydney asked. "Wow, time flies."

"I know, it seems like yesterday where your dad and Leo would come in my house," Judy said.

"Yeah, I still look at those videos I helped you digitize," Sydney said. "Dad was a daredevil growing up."

"Yeah, he was," Judy said. "I'm surprised he didn't hurt Leo or himself doing some of the things he was doing."

"I hope he counts his blessings," Sydney said.

"True that," Judy said. "I most certainly have . . . but, seriously, I hope you think of something to get for your dad for Father's Day."

"I don't know how I could top last year," Sydney said. "I could get Leo back up here from San Francisco . . . but, I remember ruining his visit and having to fix things when I got him up here for Dad's birthday."

"Good thing you did," Judy said. "Did I ever tell you I considered Leo a second son?"

"Many times," Sydney said. "I just hope I come up with something . . . especially since he's always down this time of year. I wonder why, though."

"It's a long story that I don't feel like telling right now," Judy said. "Right now, my stories are about to come on the air."

"Oh, okay, well, I'm going to go take a nap in my room anyhow," Sydney said. "Olive does have a way of wearing me out."

Sydney went upstairs to her room, got on her bed and took a nap . . .

In her dream, Sydney was in 1992. She was at the school her dad and Leo went to at that time. She found Leo in the hallway.

"Hey, Leo," Sydney said.

"Hey, I remember you from the last time you visited from the future," Leo said. "Still enjoying those large computers?"

"And those large TV's," Sydney said. "I never told you about that, did I?"

"No, you didn't," Leo said. "That's actually pretty cool."

"So, where's Max?" Sydney asked.

"He didn't come to school today," Leo said. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm worried about him."

"Maybe we should go see him," Sydney said.

"Maybe we should," Leo said. "Let's go."

Sydney and Leo left the school and went to Max's house and rang the doorbell. Judy answered it.

"Hey, Leo," Judy said and then said to Sydney, "Oh, and I remember you. I made you milk full of almonds."

"Yes, you did," Sydney said.

"Max wasn't at school today," Leo said. "Is everything okay?"

"Well, not really," Judy said. "I have the feeling it might have something to do with his dad not being able to make it to spend the weekend with him."

"Can I try to talk to him?" Leo asked.

"Well, good luck," Judy said. "He won't even leave his room."

"Well, let's go, Sydney," Leo said and the two went upstairs to Max's bedroom. Leo opened the door and Sydney followed him in. Max was lying on his bed, with his blankets over his whole body.

"Max?" Leo asked. "Are you okay?"

"Go away," Max said.

"Max, it's Leo," Leo said. "You know you can tell me anything."

Max emerged from the blankets and said, "Oh, sorry, Leo . . . I thought Mom was bugging me again."

"She's concerned about you . . . and so am I," Leo said. "You weren't at school today."

"I don't want to talk about it," Max said and got back under the blankets.

"Max, please tell me what's going on," Leo said.

"Okay, fine, I'll tell you," Max said. "My dad cancelled on me again . . ."

"Max, I'm sorry," Leo said. "I know he keeps doing that to you."

"I was looking forward to this weekend," Max said. "I thought he was finally going to be a part of my life."

"I know you always hope he will be," Leo said. "I tell you what, how about you come on over to my house and we'll have some fun?"

"No, I don't want to go anywhere," Max said.

"I know you'll feel better if you do something you love to do," Leo said. "Come on, let's go to my place and let's play some video games."

"No, I'm just going to stay here," Max said.

Leo looked at Sydney and said, "Sometimes, I have to do this, so forgive me."

Leo then went to where Max's bed at, pulled back the blankets and pulled his arm saying, "Come on, Max. Let's do something fun."

"No, Leo, let go," Max said as Leo pulled him to the point where Max was half off his bed.

"Max, I know you're depressed over your dad not coming, but you can't just lie on your bed all day because your plans did not work out," Leo said.

Leo successfully pulled Max off the bed and Max was on the floor.

"Leo, I just don't want to do anything, okay?" Max asked. "So, please let go so I can get back on my bed."

"No, Max, I don't want you to lie around," Leo said. "Come on, let's do something."

"Leo, I just don't feel like it, okay?" Max asked. "Now, just let me go, please."

Leo released Max's arm and Max got up. When Max got up, he saw Sydney.

"Oh, you're back from the future," Max said. "Welcome back. Sorry you had to see that."

"So, your dad is not really in your life?" Sydney asked.

"No, he is not," Max said, getting back on his bed and under the blankets.

"I'm sorry, Max," Sydney said. "It's sad when someone important in your life isn't there."

"I know," Max said. "It's like he doesn't care that I've done so much in life."

"Well, Leo seems to care about you," Sydney said.

"I do and so does your mom," Leo said.

"Please don't shut them out of your life," Sydney said. "They want to help you."

"Just let me lie here," Max said.

"Okay, fine, we'll let you lay there," Leo said. "But, please know that we're worried about you."

Leo and Sydney left the room . . .

Back to real life . . .

"Sydney, Sydney, wake up, dinner is ready," Max said, waking up Sydney.

"Oh, hey, Dad," Sydney said. "What's for dinner?"

"Burgers and fries," Max said. "Your grandma's already eating the fries, so you better hurry on down there."

"I guess I better," Sydney said and then joined Max downstairs for dinner . . .

Later that evening, Sydney was talking with Olive on the phone before going to bed.

"Olive, remember when I told you about the dream of seeing my dad and Leo as kids?" Sydney asked.

"Yeah, I remember," Olive said. "You dragged me into that dream."

"I had another dream of seeing my dad and Leo as kids," Sydney said.

"What was it about?" Olive asked.

"I was at the school and saw Leo and when I asked for Dad, he said that he wasn't at school," Sydney said. "And then when we went to Dad's house, he was lying on his bed and was feeling depressed."

"Why was your dad depressed?" Olive asked.

"He said it was because his dad cancelled his plans," Sydney said. "Apparently, my dad and his dad were going to do something and his dad called to cancel."

"That is so sad," Olive said.

"Yeah, but that was just weird," Sydney said. "Especially since Father's Day is just around the corner."

"Yeah, I already got my dad something," Olive said. "But, I'm sure you'll get your dad something. You always hit a home run with your gifts . . . even though I wouldn't recommend you get Leo back down here."

"Good thing I resolved that," Sydney said. "That is a friendship that should last forever."

"Yes, it should," Olive said. "They seemed really close growing up when we were in that dream."

"Yeah, they were," Sydney said.

"Well, we better get some sleep," Olive said. "Sweet dreams, Sydney."

"You, too," Sydney said and the two hung up. Sydney lied down on her bed and fell asleep . . .

In her dream, Sydney again was in 1992 at the school her dad and Leo went to. She saw Leo again in the hallway.

"You're back here in the past again?" Leo asked. "Wow, I wonder what it is about the 1990's that you like so much . . . I thought you'd be content in the present with those big TV's and computers."

"Yeah and the video chatting," Sydney said.

"Wait a minute, you mean that video chatting that Marty McFly did in 2015 on Back to the Future Part 2 is actually a real thing in the future?" Leo asked. "I'll remember that if Max and I ever go our separate ways . . . which I hope will never happen."

"I, too, hope you two will never go your separate ways," Sydney said. "Max needs a friend like you . . . speaking of Max, where is he?"

Max stormed down the hall, upset and angry. He slammed his book bag down and abruptly flung open his locker to get his school books out.

"Max, are you okay?" Leo asked.

"Right now, I just don't want to talk to anyone," Max said.

"What happened?" Leo asked.

Max slammed the locker shut and said, "My dad! That's what happened!"

"Did he take another rain check?" Leo asked.

"What do you think?" Max asked.

"Max, I'm sorry he's not going to make it, but there's no need to take it out on your book bag, locker or me," Leo said. "Let's talk through this."

"What's there to talk about?" Max asked. "He doesn't want to be in my life!"

Max grabbed his book bag and flung it across the hallway. Leo listened as Max ranted on.

"He always gets my hopes up just to dash them! It's like he doesn't care about my feelings! It's like he doesn't care that I actually look forward to spend time with him! I don't know if I can take anymore betrayal from him! I feel like he hates me!"

Sydney and Leo both looked at Max, concerned. Max then went to where his book bag landed, grabbed it and stormed out of the hallway.

"Should we go after him?" Sydney asked.

"I think we should . . . if we don't calm him down somehow, he's going to act up over this news all day," Leo said.

Sydney followed Leo down the hall to a classroom, where Max was sitting down on a desk. His arms were folded on the desk, his head was on his arms and he sounded like he was crying.

"Max, can we please talk about this?" Leo asked. "I don't want you taking this out on everybody and everything today."

"I just want him to be a part of my life, okay?" Max asked, crying.

"I know you do, but you can't control him," Leo said. "Sadly, he's just going to do what he wants to do."

"I know . . ." Max said, crying. "At this point, I'm so desperate for his presence that I just want him to do something with me."

"I understand, Max . . . but, you can't shut the people out of your life all because someone that you want in your life won't be a part of your life," Leo said. "You've got people that are here for you who love you, care about you and want to be there for you."

"I know . . ." Max said again, crying. "I just feel like my life and my family isn't complete without him."

"I know . . ." Leo said. "I'm sorry you feel this way, Max. I hope you realize how blessed you are in spite of the fact that someone important to you doesn't want to be there for you."

Leo then turned to Sydney and added, "I've said all I can say . . . I don't think Max will ever be happy until his dad shows up."

"Can I try to talk to him?" Sydney asked.

"Good luck, maybe he will listen to you," Leo said.

Sydney went to where Max was.

"Max, can I tell you something?" Sydney asked.

"Are you going to try to make me feel better?" Max asked, still crying.

"I don't know if what I'm saying is going to make you feel better," Sydney said. "But, I will tell you this . . . if you ever become a father, then you don't do what your dad did. You be there for your kids. You be their shoulder to cry on. You give them wisdom and advice when they reach for it. You show them compassion and grace. You go spend time with them. You do everything you can to make them feel loved and important."

"Does your dad do that?" Max asked, crying.

"He does that and more," Sydney said. "He's a wonderful dad and I am thankful for what he does for me."

"I wish your dad was my dad," Max said, crying. "I'd love to meet him if you can work it out."

"About that . . . remember when I told you that in the future, we're close?" Sydney asked.

"Yeah," Max said, crying.

"We're close . . . because you're my dad," Sydney said.

Max sat up on his desk, still crying and said, "Really?"

"Yeah . . . and you're wonderful at being a dad," Sydney said. "You are a huge part of my life."

Max stood up, still crying and said, "So, I'm nothing like my dad?"

"Absolutely nothing like your dad," Sydney said.

"I'm glad I didn't turn out like him," Max said, crying. "I know you'd be in my position if I did."

"Yeah, I would," Sydney said.

"Thanks for telling me this," Max said, crying. "I'm glad I'm going to be a great dad."

"Me, too," Sydney said.

Max then hugged Sydney and cried on her shoulder. Sydney hugged back.

"I love you, Sydney," Max said.

"I love you, too, Dad," Sydney said and the two continued to hug . . .

Back in real life . . .

"Sydney, get up, breakfast is ready," Max said, waking up Sydney. "Hurry up before your grandma eats all the pancakes."

"Well, I better call dibs on some of them then," Sydney said and then got out of the bed and followed Max downstairs to the kitchen, where Judy was going through a stack of pancakes. Sydney and Max fixed their plates and joined Judy at the dining table.

After breakfast, Sydney said, "Thanks for fixing me breakfast, Dad" and then got up and hugged Max, whom hugged back, surprised.

"You're welcome, Sydney," Max said. "What was the hug for?"

"I'm feeling thankful at the moment," Sydney said. "I'm glad to have you as a dad."

"I'm glad to be your dad, Sydney," Max said. "But, just out of curiosity, what is making you feel thankful at the moment?"

"Remember that one time I had a dream about you and your friend as kids?" Sydney asked.

"Oh, yeah, when I was embarrassed at school and didn't want to go back just like you did," Max said.

"Well, I've had those dreams again," Sydney said.

"Oh . . . what happened?" Max asked.

"On one of them, you were so depressed that you didn't even get out of your bed and on the other dream, you were angry and upset and your friend and I had to calm you down," Sydney said.

"What was wrong with me?" Max asked.

"You were upset because your dad took a rain check on the plans you two have made," Sydney said.

"He always did that when I was growing up," Max said. "He was never really a part of my life . . . well, at least now you know why Father's Day is kind of depressing for me."

"Yeah . . . it is sad when someone important in your life is never there," Sydney said.

"Yeah, and I was determined to never be the kind of dad my dad was," Max said.

"And you're not . . . you're a huge part of my life," Sydney said.

"And you're a huge part of mine and I love every minute of it," Max said.

Max and Sydney hugged again . . .

Later that day, Sydney and Olive were in the store shopping.

"I'm glad you decided to let me tag along with you for getting your dad a Father's Day present," Olive said.

"Yeah, I figured you could help me pick out a present," Sydney said. "I really want to do something for him."

"Well, do you have an idea concerning what he needs?" Olive asked.

"I may have one or two," Sydney said. "His work shoes have been worn out as of late."

"Yeah, I've noticed that," Olive said. "How long has it been since he got new shoes?"

"It's been a little while," Sydney said. "Maybe that's what we should get him for Father's Day."

"That's an awesome idea," Olive said. "Let's go find him some."

Sydney and Olive went to the shoe section of the store and tried to look for a pair of shoes until Olive found a pair.

"Look at this pair," Olive said and then Sydney came to where Olive is.

"Wow, it's got extra comfortable shoe soles," Sydney said. "Dad did complain about how uncomfortable his shoes were getting."

"Yeah, and these are shoes that can breathe . . . at least that's how they advertise them on TV," Olive said. "We should totally get him these."

"We totally should," Sydney said. "Dad would love these."

"Yeah, he would," Olive said. "Let's get him this pair."

"Let's do it," Sydney said.

Sydney and Olive bought the pair of shoes and then left the store and started back for Sydney's house.

"I'm glad we've decided to get him a pair of shoes," Olive said. "He's going to be so excited."

"Plus, I am feeling really thankful at the moment," Sydney said.

"What do you mean?" Olive asked.

"I had another dream of my dad as a kid," Sydney said.

"What did he do this time?" Olive asked.

"Well, he was angry and upset that his dad cancelled on him again," Sydney said. "He was slamming his locker door, throwing his book bag and yelled about how much his dad hated him and hurt him. Young Leo and I found him in his classroom crying and Leo tried to comfort him and couldn't. So, I tried to comfort him. I told him that he was my dad and that he turned out to be a great dad. He ended up hugging me."

"Aw, that's so cute that your dad hugged you as a kid," Olive said. "I wish you dragged me into that dream."

"I really should have," Sydney said. "I know how much you love love."

"Indeed I do," Olive said.

The two continued towards Sydney's house . . .

That night, Sydney had another dream that she was in 1992 at the school her dad and Leo went to. She found Leo in the hallway.

"Hey, Leo," Sydney said.

"Hey, Sydney, you're back," Leo said. "I'm beginning to think you like visiting the past and seeing your dad as a kid."

"I really do," Sydney said. "Speaking of which, how is he doing?"

"Ever since you were here last and comforted him, he's actually been in really good spirits," Leo said. "I just hope his dad doesn't destroy his good spirits."

"I hope not, either," Sydney said.

Max came down the hallway, put his book bag down and got some materials out of his locker.

"Hey, Max, how are you doing?" Leo asked.

"I'm doing alright," Max said. "My dad once again made one of his famous rain checks, but I'll be okay."

"Are you sure, Max," Leo asked.

"I'm sure," Max said. "Plus, just because my dad is absent from my life doesn't mean I have to be absent from my child's life when I become a dad."

"Wow, you're taking it really well," Leo said and then turned to Sydney and added, "It seems like what you said really made an impact on Max's perspective."

"Apparently, it is," Sydney said.

When Max heard Sydney's voice, he turned to Sydney and said, "Thanks again for comforting me when I needed it."

"Of course," Sydney said.

"I tell you what want to come to my house after school?" Leo asked.

"Sure, Leo," Max said. "Sydney, you're welcome to come unless you have to get back to your time period."

"I will most definitely come," Sydney said. "In the meantime, I guess we better get to class."

"Yeah, we better," Leo said. "But, you'll love Ms. Harris. She's a great teacher."

"Yeah . . . she still teaches in my time period," Sydney said.

"Really, that's awesome that she's still going at it," Leo said. "Well, you can come in with us and hear her then."

"Sounds great," Sydney said.

The three went to Max and Leo's classroom . . .

Later that day, in Leo's bedroom . . .

"So, Sydney, what do you think of my bedroom?" Leo asked. "I'm sure future me has told you about this, but how does it feel to actually be here?"

"It's really nice and I can tell you're into technology," Sydney said.

"Yeah, I sure am," Leo said. "I'm still learning programming, though."

"Okay, cool," Sydney said.

"So, what do you guys want to do?" Leo asked.

"I for one want to rest, I'm tired," Max said.

"Well, how about you lay down on my bed and maybe we can play some video games after you rest for a little bit?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, I'll make you comfortable," Sydney said.

"Really, you would?" Max asked.

"Of course," Sydney said.

Sydney pulled the blankets back on Leo's bed. Max laid down on it. Sydney sat down at Max's feet, untied his shoes and then took his shoes and socks off and laid them on the floor. She then got up and placed the blankets over Max before sitting back down on the bed.

"Thanks, Sydney," Max said.

"Of course," Sydney said.

"Wow, not only do I have a daughter, I have a daughter that cares about me," Max said. "I guess my future is set."

"It sure is," Sydney said. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you, too, Sydney," Max said and then closed his eyes and went to sleep as Sydney watched her dad drift to sleep . . . and then watched her dad sleep.

"Hey, Sydney, you okay?" Leo asked.

"Yeah . . ." Sydney said.

"If you're worried about your dad, it's okay," Leo said. "Sometimes, I'm worried about him, too."

"Yeah, sometimes, I worry that I had opportunities like this and I just let them pass me by," Sydney said.

"You mean when you're in your time period and your dad was tired heading home from work or whatever else he's doing and you didn't just let him rest?" Leo asked.

"Well, that and other opportunities," Sydney said. "I worry that I don't give him enough attention."

"Well, you seem to be giving him enough attention now and the last couple of times that you've visited our time period," Leo said. "Maybe when you go back to your time period, what you need to do is to do what you've been doing here, talk with him when he needs someone to talk to and let him rest when he needs it."

"Maybe you're right, Leo," Sydney said. "Thanks."

"Of course," Leo said. "So, what do you want to do while your dad rests?"

"Well, what can I do here?" Sydney asked.

"Well, I got the NES set up on my TV, you can play on either my laptop or my dad's laptop and I have a desktop computer," Leo said. "It's got the latest Mac OS."

Sydney continued to watch her dad sleep . . . and felt herself begin to cry. When she started crying, her crying woke up Max.

"Do I hear crying?" Max asked and then looked Sydney's way. "Hey, Sydney, what's wrong?"

"She's worried she's not giving you much attention," Leo said.

"Well, you've given me attention every time you've come here," Max said. "Why are you worried that you're not giving me enough attention?"

"Well, in my time period, I feel like I have let opportunities to do these things for you pass me by," Sydney said.

"Well, maybe when you get back to your time period, maybe you should do what you did here, come to check on me, talk with me when I need someone to talk to and let me rest when I need some rest," Max said.

"That's what Leo said," Sydney said.

"Then Leo must be rubbing off on me," Max said. "That must have been why I said something smart when I tried to be Captain Danger."

"Well, you do have a brilliant best friend," Sydney said. "Plus, what you said convinced me to return to school because I was in your position when I visited your time period the first time."

"Glad I could help you just as much as you help me," Max said.

"And I'm glad to help you as much as you help me," Sydney said, wiping her eyes. "So, are you going to try to get some rest?"

"Yeah, I am," Max said. "You and Leo can do something while I rest if you both want to."

"Okay, great . . . you rest well, Dad," Sydney said.

"And you and Leo have fun," Max said.

Max closed his eyes and returned to sleep while Sydney watched him drift to dream land . . .

Back in real life . . .

"Sydney, Sydney, wake up," Max said. "Breakfast is ready and your grandma is at it with the pancakes again."

Waking up, Sydney said, "Well, I better get down there and get a few of them."

Sydney got up and joined Max downstairs for breakfast . . .

After breakfast and cleaning up the kitchen, Max was in the living room watching TV when Sydney came downstairs with her gift.

"I got you a Father's Day gift, Dad," Sydney said.

"Really, what did you decide to get this time?" Max asked.

"Well, you should open it and see," Sydney said and then handed Max the gift. Max then opened it and saw his new pair of shoes.

"Wow, how did you know I needed a new pair of work shoes?" Max asked.

"Olive and I noticed that your work shoes were worn out," Sydney said.

"So, basically, you both collaborated and got this for me?" Max asked. "That is awesome, Sydney, thank you. You be sure to send Olive my appreciation as well."

"I will," Sydney said.

"This is great because business has been slow as of late and I haven't had the money to buy a new pair of work shoes," Max said. "So, I really appreciate this gesture."

"Of course, Dad . . . it's just that sometimes, I feel like I don't do enough for you and that I don't give you enough attention," Sydney said.

"Nonsense, you do a lot for me," Max said. "And sometimes, you do it without me even reaching out to you. That is a good trait. Never lose it."

"I won't, Dad, thanks," Sydney said. "It's just that when I see the opportunity to do well I seize it."

"It reminds me of that movie Leo and I saw when we were kids," Max said. "In the movie, one of the main characters often coined the phrase, 'Carpe diem.' "

"Seize the day," Sydney said. "Ms. Harris told me about that. She loves that movie."

"That does sound like a movie she would love," Max said. "Thanks again, Sydney."

"Of course," Sydney said and the two shared a hug before Max got up and went upstairs with his gift. In Sydney's mind, she could hear young Max saying, "You've done well, Sydney. You've done well." Sydney looked up and in her mind, she saw young Max sitting on a chair in the living room, giving Sydney the thumbs up. Sydney returned the thumbs up before getting up to join her dad upstairs.