Here's the 14th chappie!!

WARNING: Something BIG will be revealed. Brace yourself.

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“I am really sorry to do this,” Maxine said quietly. She took a deep breath and continued, “But I'm –”

“Nice game!” interrupted Martin. He patted Josh on the back as he passed by.

Josh nodded. Turning to Maxine, he said, “You were saying?”

There were no interruptions now.

“Josh, I –” Maxine paused, shaking her head. She looked downward for a moment before turning her eyes back to Josh. She could see his forehead creased in worry. “You're so nice and sweet to me,” she murmured. “I really appreciate everything you've done. You . . . You're determined not to give up on me . . . But it's –”

“It's not enough,” he mumbled.

“No!” she protested. “How can you say that? It's enough – It's more than enough. I mean, giving your best . . . taking things slow . . . for me? It's more than anything I could ask from someone. But it's just that . . . I'm not asking for any of those things. I don't want you to change yourself because of me. I want to be your friend, but nothing more . . . I – I'm sorry,” she added quietly, looking away.

Minutes passed. They stood in silence at the empty corridor. Josh held Maxine's chin and gently pulled it up so she could look into his eyes.

“But I liked myself much better when I've changed because of you,” he whispered softly.

Maxine felt her eyes get watery, but she held the tears back.

“Nevertheless, I respect your decision,” said Josh, putting down his hand. He tried to smile. But it ended up weak. “Let's have fun being friends, shall we?”

She couldn't return the smile. If truth be told, she liked Josh. But not in the way he wanted. She felt even guiltier seeing him very sad about it. Well, of course he was sad. He was just dumped for the millionth time – but for real this time around.

Josh rummaged his sports bag and pulled out a heart shaped chocolate box. He gave it to Maxine. She stared at it blankly.

“That's my gift for you,” he explained. “Have a nice Thanksgiving.”

With that, he walked the opposite way, leaving her all alone to think whether what she did was the right.

It was late in the afternoon on Thanksgiving day.

Maxine couldn't stop thinking about the way Todd and Josh looked at her the day before. She was not herself and without meaning to, she ate the whole box of chocolates that Josh gave her.

An hour later, she was in the living room with Alex watching Spongebob Squarepants.

“Get dressed kids,” Natalie told them, entering the living room. “We've been invited for a dinner with the Samuels.”

Maxine laughed out loud. “Are you kidding? That's greaaaaat!” She stood up and twirled around the room.

Natalie and Alex stared at Maxine.

“What is happening to you?” demanded Natalie, with a very concerned look.

“I saw her eat a bunch of chocolates, Mom,” said Alex.

“Maxine!” flushed Natalie. “You know you get high whenever you eat sweets!” She sighed and massaged her temples. “I'm going to make you a strong coffee. Go to your room and rest.”

“But I don't wanna go to my room!” cried Maxine, stomping her foot.

“Mom!” said Alex in a shaking voice, his expression was horrified. “Why is Maxine acting like me?”

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

Brian and Kim were dressed formal for the occasion. They were having dinner with their parents when Brian handed out a small box from his pocket and gave it to Kim.

“When I saw this, I remembered you,” he said, a bit nervously. “So I bought it for you. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Kim opened the box. There was a beautiful pair of Harry Winston earrings that she loved so much. She got filled with joy.

“Thank you so much!” she said, hugging Brian tightly.

Brian was startled. Slowly, he hugged Kim. And when he was hugging her, he didn't want to let her go.

☺ ♪ ☺ ♫ ☺ ♪ ☺

Natalie told Janice what had happened to Maxine when she and Alex arrived in their residence. Janice was so worried about Maxine, but Natalie told her not to worry because Maxine was resting in her room now.

Todd overheard it.

“Mom, I can spend the night with her,” he offered. “Just to make sure that she's safe,” he added quickly when his Mom looked at him suspiciously. He turned to Natalie and said, “If that's all right with you, Aunt Nat.”

“Of course,” said Natalie, smiling. “But she might still be high, though.”

Todd smiled.

“I can manage.”

Todd peered inside Maxine's bedroom. He saw her with half opened eyes. Their eyes met, so Todd opened the door widely.

“I just came to check on you,” he said. “I'll leave.” He started closing the door.

“No, no,” said Maxine with no more than a whisper.

She stood up from bed. She dizzily walked toward him and almost fell on the carpet. Fortunately, Todd caught her by the waist.

“Why did you suddenly care, Todd?” asked Maxine, grinning. “Do you like me?”

Todd blushed a little. He instantly removed his hands from Maxine's waist.

“No, I was just –”

“It's okay,” Maxine cut off, waving her hands. “I like you too, anyway. Or at least, I think I like you. I think I like you soooo veeeeryyyy much . . .”

Todd stared. He was surprised. He was shocked. What was Maxine suddenly saying? What was she trying to imply?

“What?” he stammered.

“Huh? You're shocked? Haaaa . . .” Maxine turned round and round. “Yes!” She suddenly stopped. “I've been hiding it. I kinda like it when you tease me.” She paused to laugh. “I can't stop laughing! How weird . . .”

“You're funny when you're angry,” he said quietly, a tiny hint of smile playing across his lips.

“Really? I shall be a comedian, then!” she exclaimed, raising both of her hands up. Just as quickly, she put it back down. “That's good. I can make you laugh. But . . . why are you telling me this?” she asked suspiciously. She came closer to Todd and whispered, “Do you like me, too?”

He quickly made a step back away from her. He looked away and cleared his throat. Maxine cocked an eyebrow at him.

“That's a secret,” he told her. “And I'm telling you this because I know you won't remember any of this tomorrow.”

She pouted like a kid. “Well, if you ask me, what I can't forget most is the way you look at me. It always makes my frustrations go away.” Her expression turned serious as she stared at Todd. “Your eyes . . .”

He looked up at her and stared back. Maxine blinked.

“The expression of your face . . . And sometimes,” she paused and looked away, “I can't breathe – when you're looking at me.”

They stood motionless. Todd could only stare at Maxine, overwhelmed by the things he was hearing. Then, Maxine slowly walked to her bed and laid down.

“Goo' night,” she managed to mumble.

Tod smiled at her. He let a moment pass before he went near her. He could see that she was fast asleep.

“Sweet dreams,” he carefully whispered in Maxine's ear, while he covered her body with the comforter.

He didn't know how to react at what Maxine just revealed to him. She wasn't herself. The things she said wasn't meant for Todd to hear. And yet he did.

He was certain about one thing, though. Even if he didn't want to admit it, he was happy about everything he had heard.

Everything.

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Were YOU happy at what you read? ;) Todd didn't expect that... Did you? *evil laugh*

Note: You think this is the only revelation during their Thanksgiving break? There's more of it, baby. *wink*

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