Fang's P.O.V.

I lay in bed until 1:32, my thoughts ruminating in my brain. It was torture, and yet I couldn't coax myself out of bed. It was the sixth anniversary of May's death, but I couldn't get too lost in a spiral of sadness because I had to celebrate life in the very same 24 hours.

My phone rang. I glanced at it from the corner of my eye, and with a sigh, I reached to get it off my bed-side table. The caller ID read that it was from Max. I flipped my phone open and said, "Hello?"

"Hey, I know what today is, so care to get some coffee with me? I know a great place that has some cranberry orange scones that are to die for. Wait wrong wording- to live for." I sigh again and shake my head.

"Sure Max- Will the kids be coming?"

"Nah- Angel took Indie off my hands for the day, and Raven is preoccupied with anime- a new obsession of hers."

"Okay- where is it you want to meet?" She told me, then hung up, promising that if I didn't get there at 2:00 on the dot, she'd come up with cruel punishment- perhaps an ordeal from the Middle Ages. I wasn't sure if I should question if Max would do horrible things to me, so I slipped on a fresh pair of black jeans and a Ramones tee. I didn't bother with my messy hair, grabbed my keys, and walked out the door.

Max's P.O.V.

I pushed open the door, and I looked at the clock in the small café- 2:02. My gaze jumped around the room for Fang. My eyes settled on him. He was glaring at me. I waked over to him leisurely.

"You're late." He stated simply.

"Yes, yes I am," I answered matter-of-factly. He shook his head in disbelief. "So, you gonna get a scone?"

"No."

"The lemon pound cake?"

"No."

"A cinnamon roll?"

"No."

"Coffee?"

"Yes."

"Then what are you going to dip in it?! You can't have a full café experience without dipping something in your coffee!"

"Just coffee's plenty for me."

"You're such a bore."

He didn't answer. "Well, I'll get you your plain coffee." I sighed as I slowly stood.

Fang's P.O.V.

When I had my coffee in hand and Max was busy dipping a scone in her latte, attempting to get past the foam, Max asked, "So what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"I'm going to see a movie."

"By yourself?" Max asked, concern rimming her words.

"No. I'm going with the Jeffersons."

"Ah. To celebrate May's birthday?"

"Yeah. She's six now."

"Very cool. I remember the first time I took Indie to the movies. He was four. I took him to see the second Harry Potter, and he cried when the basilisk appeared. Back in the day, that thing was top-notch animation."

"I remember that one," I answered with a soft chuckle.

"What are you guys going to see?"

"Beauty and the Beast."

"Ah- that was one of Raven's favorites. She preferred The Lion King though, as Disney movies go. She's always been an animal freak. She particularly loves anything that purrs."

"Can lions purr?"

"I honestly don't care to know. I'd like to imagine they would. I mean, it would suck to be the feared top of the animal kingdom if you don't have any redeeming qualities."

"Is the ability to purr a redeeming quality?"

"I'd say so. It's important to express when your happy."

"I think it's more redeeming that lionesses are caring mothers, who take care of and feed the pride."

"While the lazy guy lounges in the sun all day. Wow. The social order of lions fits surprisingly well with that of modern-day Americans." Max zoned out for a minute, staring over my shoulder. "Oh, shit," she spat as she ducked underneath the table quickly.

"Max?" I asked. I turned around to look out the window and saw a middle aged couple walking hand and hand. "Do you know them?" At first, Max didn't reply, and then she answered meekly, "They're my parents."

"Oh." Max stayed under the table for a few more seconds and then pulled herself back into her chair. She was as pale as a ghost, and her eyes kept leaping back to the window. "You know Fang, I better go."

At first, I had no idea how to respond, then I decided to try to be helpful, "Would you like to talk about it, or would you like me to give you a ride?"

"There's nothing to talk about. And I have a head ache you know, so I'll see you later."

Just like that, she was gone. I was left all alone at the table with my thoughts, which were now not only self-pity but anger at Max's parents for causing her so much pain and stress. I had described Max as meek only moments before, a word that before this incident I would never have associated with her, and she hadn't even shot down my "giving her a ride" remark with one of her usual spunky remarks.

Raven's P.O.V.

When I heard the front door open and my mom trudging up the stairs, I paused Vampire Knight. "Mom?" I called, peeking my head out the door.

"Hey," my mom answered simply. Sweat lined her brow and her skin was so white it was nearly translucent.

"You okay? Would you like some tea? Or how about your medicine?" I asked worriedly.

"I'm fine. I just need some rest. Don't worry 'bout me Rae." With that she slipped into her room and closed her door. I stared at the wooden frame for several moments before going back to my own room.

I sat at my desk and hit the play button on my computer, but I turned down the volume, so I could at least keep my ears on high alert.

May's P.O.V.

Fang was the best uncle ever! He gave me a pretty pink teddy bear with a rainbow bow around its neck for my birthday! It was even wrapped in the prettiest sparkly silver paper! I hugged him tightly after I ripped off the paper and showered him with thanks. Daddy laughed at my happiness and said I was very en-thus-i-astic.

Fang sat in the back seat with me on the way to the movie theater. He didn't talk much; he mainly just stared out the window, but I didn't mind. I was too busy playing with Lola, my new bear. I ran a Barbie brush through her soft, rosy fur and patted her head. Then I made her dance on my lap. She really seemed to enjoy it. Then, I accidentally dropped her. I reached way down trying to get her off the floor, but my car seat straps got in the way. I pressed down as hard as I could to get them off, but when Uncle Fang heard the click, he noticed me and made sure to tighten it back up. I pouted for several minutes in order to show him my annoyance. He simply shrugged and looked back out the window. I sighed and gave up, but I couldn't help but long for Lola.

When we finally made it to the theater and Daddy un-buckled me, I jumped down from my seat and pulled Lola into my arms. I squeezed all of her fluffiness to my chest happily and rocked her back and forth with the pledge that I'd never leave her again. She seemed to appreciate that.

"Want me to carry you?" Uncle Fang asked, smiling.

"No way! I'm a big girl!" His question hurt, but I secretly longed to jump in his arms and play with his silky, black hair.

Daddy sighed, "Ohhhhh, what's daddy going to do when you really are a big girl... Bikinis, lace underwear, piercings, make-up, boys... oh no, not boys..." As daddy went on he sounded increasingly more sad, so I decided to cheer him up. There wouldn't be a single frown on my birthday!

"Don't worry Daddy! You're the only boy for me!"

"Good girl! I knew you wouldn't betray me! Keep that in mind. You can only ever kiss Daddy!" Daddy bent down to come face-to-face with me, and I happily pecked his cheek.

"What about Uncle Fang?!"

"Eh. He doesn't need love. He's self-sufficient. Daddy, on the other hand, is overly dependent and needs all your attention."

"Come on you chatter boxes, we'll be late for the movie!" Mommy said.

"Pot calling the kettle black...," Uncle Fang muttered under his breath as we walked inside.

Mrs. Bachelder

The movie was fine. I didn't feel excited by it though. I was hoping going out would give me the much needed change of pace, but it didn't. Instead, I felt more stuck in my own bland life, and I felt more regrets after seeing the success in the movie. I threw the half-empty pop corn basket into the trash can absent-mindedly as I waited for my husband to come out of the restroom.

"So. How's that patient of yours?"

"Be more specific. I have many patients." The sharp tone of the second man's voice caught my attention. I turned to find the source of the conversation. The first man who spoke was a towering blonde and the second was a slightly shorter man with black hair.

The blonde rolled his eyes, "Come off it Fang, obviously the girl you take an interest in."

"I take an interest in all of my patients."

The blonde glared, "A romantic interest. I highly doubt you have a romantic interest for the old lady who gives you hard toffee every time you take her temperature."

"I don't know, hard toffee is pretty delicious." After a hard look from the blonde, Fang sighed and gave in, "She's really sick. It hasn't come on full force, but it will soon."

"Fang, you should probably keep your distance- I mean, I don't want you getting hurt again..."

"Last time you said I should open up."

"Yeah, well, in this situation, I don't know. I've thought about it, and maybe it's better for you to let this one go and wait to try and open up to a healthy woman, who you could have a potential future with."

"It doesn't matter Ig. I can't replace May anyway. I've told you this."

"Yeah, but still."

"Max is so strong. I admire her. That's all."

A woman and a young child grasping her hand and a rosy bear walked up to the pair."Oh, are you two talking about Maximum Ride? She has such gorgeous hair. I wonder what product she uses. It's a shame that she'll lose it if she decides on chemo..."

"Mommy! Stop talking! I need ALL attention! It's my birthday after all!" Everyone laughed as the blonde picked up the girl and raised her giggling form above his head.

The small family looked happy, on such a joyous occasion for the little girl, but I, myself, was in complete and utter shock. Maximum Ride? Really sick? Chemo?

"Dear, ready?" I was pulled out of my stupor by my husband. I nodded and followed him out the door, wondering what I should do next as I climbed in the car. I pulled out my phone and stared at the contact Ella as my husband drove, pondering if I should hit the green phone or not.

Max P.O.V.

All I wanted to do was lend Fang some of my strength on what I knew was such a hard day on him. I hoped I could keep his mind preoccupied with my idle chat and the amazing smell of coffee, but it hadn't worked. Instead, I deserted him, so I could run home and selfishly try to escape my own troubles.

It was 11:58 am. I had taken on and off naps since getting home, but I couldn't rest well due to my very high stress level and my throbbing head ache. I hated what this disease was doing to me. I was losing my love for life, becoming more selfish, and I couldn't even successfully loose myself and my troubles in a full, blissful eight hours of darkness and hopeful dreams.

It was then that my phone rang. I ignored it the first time around. My phone made a noise, proclaiming that a voice mail had been left. It began to ring again. Just to ensure who ever was calling wouldn't try again, I picked up. Ella's voice accosted me.

"Max! Why didn't you pick up the first time I called?! I was so worried!"

"Do you realize what time it is? Some of us could've been sleeping."

"Oh! I'm so sorry- I wasn't even thinking."

"Obviously."

There was silence on Ella's end for a moment before she hesitantly said, "Max- Mom called. I was working and didn't get the message till now. She was checking in about you. Somehow she found out you're sick... What should I do?"

I paused. I wasn't sure how to respond. This was the last thing I expected, not only because I made Ella and Ari solemnly swear not to tell our parents anything about my life, but also because the mother who deserted me was finally showing interest in me again after over fourteen years, when she found out I was dying. Part of me had always hoped we'd reconnect and live the perfect family life together. I never would've guessed these would be the circumstances I would be in when I finally had the opportunity to rejoin my mom.

"Let me think about it El. I'll get back to you." With that, I hung up and curled under my blankets, craving the release of sleep.

A/N I must say, I'm so sorry for the long hiatus. I was re-inspired to return to my fanfiction by a review I recently received on one of my works, and by my amazing friend, who writes great fanfiction so well. I can only hope to one day be as good as her. Anyway, I'm deeply sorry to anyone who is still following this story after such a long period of time, but thank you for sticking with it. I know it's annoying when authors take a long time to update or abandon their stories, but I finally understand why one would do it. Sometimes, you just loose inspiration from your story and get preoccupied in other things. I for one got a little too caught up in anime and manga over my hiatus, granted I love it, but my obsession might have been a little too deep. Anyway, I really want to post at least one chapter a week from now on. I'd really appreciate any reviews because it really helps me continue knowing others appreciate what I write and want to read more. Anyway, thank you, and please stick on this long ride!