Todd and Maxine didn't talk to each other the next day. As soon as they got to school, they quickly went to their separate ways. For Maxine, it felt like it was the first day of school again. Todd, on the other hand, was declared 'Mr. Irresistible of the Year' that morning – much to his annoyance.

Coward Chris was waiting for Maxine when she arrived at her locker that morning. The moment he saw her, he automatically grinned. Unfortunately, Maxine wasn't in the mood to smile. Trying to be nice, she forced herself anyway.

“G — Good morning!” he exclaimed.

“Good morning,” said Maxine glumly.

Despite her obvious glum expression, Coward Chris didn't notice anything.

Throughout the morning, they shared stories together. Sometimes, Maxine felt awkward whenever students passed by them because of their bewildered stares. It was as though they were trying to figure out what was happening just by looking intently at Maxine and her new companion.

Only their class schedule ruined their conversations. But every break that day, they were together.

In class, Maxine would feel like the seat next to her was unoccupied. Todd and her didn't speak. They didn't even look at each other. They just kept their eyes straight ahead, without glancing even the tiniest bit sidewards.

They simply ignored each other's existence.

When the bell rang, signaling for lunch,Todd went to the Sky studio – not bothering to have lunch. While Maxine didn't feel like talking to the gang because they would no doubt bombard her with questions about why Todd and her weren't speaking. And so, she decided to have lunch with Coward Chris instead.

“How come we're the only ones here?” complained Kim, looking around their usual table where only she, Brian, and Karl were sitting.

“Maybe because we're not mad at each other?” suggested Karl.

“Something's going on between those two again,” sighed Brian, thinking of Todd and Maxine. “We know Peter's with someone, somewhere. But those two . . .” he trailed off, and then he remembered something he heard. “Hey, did you hear that Maxine's spending a lot of time with Christopher Smith?”

“What?” gasped Karl, his eyes widened with horror.

“Oh, yes,” said Kim seriously. “I'm not sure if I should be happy about it. Coward Chris is too mysterious for me to know what his intentions are.”

The aura around the table turned stern. Kim and Brian were dead serious about what was going on, while Karl's mouth fell open and he turned into a statue. They ignored Karl – he was always like that when in shock.

“I wonder what's going on.” Kim bit her lip, frowning thoughtfully.

“Hopefully, it's nothing bad,” said Brian. It was strange, but he didn't feel at all relaxed about the near future.

Maxine walked down the hallway with Coward Chris a few minutes after the Dismissal bell rang. He wasn't aware that he was starting to get on Kim's nerves because Maxine was spending so much time with Coward Chris that there was nothing left with the gang.

“Maxine!”

Maxine stopped walking, making Coward Chris quiet. She tilted her head, wondering if she imagined someone calling after her name.

“Maxine!”

Before she could do anything, Peter was in front of her.

“Damn, babe,” panted Peter, his knees gave up and he fell on his butt. He didn't seem to care, though. His main focus was catching his breath. His eyes turned to Maxine, and a frown formed on his face. “Youalksowast!” he said, barely saying the words.

He reminded Maxine of Kim, when she was trying to say something to her. Only this time, it was Peter. She wondered what was so urgent. Peter was usually so laid-back. So she stared at Peter, waiting for him to breathe evenly and tell her what the matter was.

“Maxine,” said Peter, when he can speak clearly. He stood up straight and took a deep breath one last time. “There's a band meeting. Todd called for it. Let's go. Now.”

“Why?” asked Maxine, looking alarmed. “Is something wrong?”

“Dunno,” he shrugged. “We should get going. He's not in a good mood today.”

Maxine stiffened at Peter's words. Todd wasn't in a good mood? Was it because of their argument yesterday? If so, then she was the reason?

“I wonder why.” Peter paused thoughtfully, staring into space. When his eyes wandered to Maxine, his eyes widened in realization.

She gulped, a little nervous that Peter guessed it.

“Anyway, let’s bounce! They're waiting.”

She let out a tiny sigh of relief. Of course, Peter couldn't have known. Only she and Todd knew about the fight. Oh, and also Joseph the Chauffeur.

She shook her head and quickly faced Coward Chris.

“I'm sorry but I have to go,” she said, smiling apologetically.

She and Peter turned to leave.

“W — Wait!” yelled Coward Chris.

Maxine and Peter halted to a stop. They looked at Coward Chris, and saw his face turn completely red.

“I — I was wondering . . .” murmured Coward Chris. “With me . . . Um . . . To have a date . . . No, not us . . . Uh —”

“I think he's asking you out,” mumbled Peter to Maxine, out of the corner of his mouth. He muffled a laughter. “Coward,” he scoffed.

Maxine shook her head disapprovingly at Peter.

“— Not only us . . . With friends? . . . Not as friends . . . No . . . Uh . . . We can take friends . . . It's not a date . . . Well . . . Kind of . . . Sorta . . . It's only for a drink, though . . . It is a date in some way . . . Um . . .” Coward Chris stopped talking. He grimaced, confusing himself with what he said.

Peter made a facepalm, while Maxine looked down on her feet.

Coward Chris continued, “Well —”

“Look, man!” snapped Peter, “We're in a hurry – in case you haven't noticed. So freaking stop wasting our time and ask her out if that's what you're doing. Because seriously, dude! It's pissing me the hell off! Really!”

Coward Chris gawked at Peter. Maxine looked a bit surprised at Peter sudden outburst, but she was glad all the same. She didn't want to stay there all night waiting for Coward Chris to finish what he was trying to say.

“Well?” snarled Peter impatiently, glaring at Coward Chris.

“Do you want to go out with me this Saturday afternoon?” said Coward Chris automatically. He said it so fast that it took time for Maxine to let the words sink in.

When it did sink in her, she was startled. She didn't know what to answer. The last time she went out with a guy was when they were at the Empire State building. If truth be told, Todd was the only guy she went out with. It wasn't even considered a date.

Todd, thought Maxine.

She remembered him again. How did he always find a way into her mind? Why didn't she just tell him that they were friends? They were friends, weren't they?

Werethey?

She wasn't really sure if they were . . .

“Do I have to say what your answer would be?” Peter asked Maxine impatiently, making her come back to her senses. “It's either yes or no – Take your pick.” He tapped his foot to show his impatience.

Maxine wondered what Peter was talking about, faintly amused by Peter's comical actions. Then, she slowly remembered what he was talking about. Her mouth dropped open and she stared at Peter.

She didn't know what to answer. What would she say?!

“Maxine, please!” begged Peter, his impatient expression morphed into a pleading one. “Hurry up and answer. Todd’s going to murder me and torture me – No, he's most likely to torture me before he murders me! He said he'll wait ten minutes for me to find you. It's been what, fifteen or twenty minutes since he said that? So puh-lease – for the love of all tacos – for me, answer NOW!”

Maxine said the first thing that came to mind. “Fine. Pick me up on Saturday at four o'clock in the afternoon.” She didn't even get the chance to think her answer through.

With that, Maxine and Peter dashed away. They ran to the Sky studio, not missing a beat. When they got there, Peter hesitated on opening the door.

He'll eat me alive, thought Peter, imagining Todd's expression.

Maxine sighed and pushed it open before Peter wet his pants. Peter panicked and made a move to stop her, but too late.

All eyes in the room looked at the two. Peter laughed weakly.

“Sorry we're late, Todd,” he said, failing at the attempt to smile.

Todd glanced at Maxine. For a moment, their eyes met. But then Todd, with his eyes shooting daggers, looked at Peter.

“Enough excuses,” said Todd coldly.

Peter nodded and went to sit beside Karl, while Maxine stood behind them. She was slightly surprised that Kim wasn't there with them. Kim had been like a band-mate for them, anyway.

“Now that we're complete, I'll announce the news,” declared Todd. He looked at Brian and continued, “As we all know, next Friday will be the last day before Christmas and New Year break.”

“You’re not telling us that . . .” Karl trailed off, he looked as though his dreams were about to come true.

“That's right, Karl,” replied Brian gleefully. “Headmaster Sky asked me and Todd if the Sky Deviants are up to play next Friday.”

“And?” urged Peter excitedly.

“Of course, we said we're up for it,” chuckled Brian.

“Whoa,” breathed Maxine.

“The songs we'll be playing are the ones that we've been practicing lately,” announced Brian. “Todd and I have been thinking about the finale — but we can't come up with something. Any suggestions?”

Karl and Peter exchanged malicious looks. They huddled, whispering frantically at each other. Maxine, Brian, and Todd just stared at the plotting best friends.

A few minutes later, they nodded at each other and faced the three who looked nothing but puzzled.

“We've got it,” said Karl and Peter at the same time.

“Amaze me,” replied Todd, slightly amused.

Peter raised his forefinger. “We'll talk. You'll listen. No interruptions.”

Karl cleared his throat and started, “Every student here adores the idea of Todd and Maxine being a cute couple. We're not saying that you pretend to be a couple, all right?” he added to Todd and Maxine, in case they suddenly protested.

“Now,” said Peter, “what if in the finale . . . the last song will be performed by Todd and Maxine – Singing – Duet.” He smiled triumphantly, as if that was the best idea anyone could think of.

Brian grinned, while Todd made a calculating face. As for Maxine, she opened her mouth to say something but Karl saw her.

“Nah-uh-uh!” he sang to Maxine. “No interruptions, remember?” When Maxine pouted, Karl proceeded, “The song will be about love, of course. We'll make the students here at Sky fall in love before Christmas,” he added dreamily.

“It'll be more romantic if they wrote the song together,” suggested Peter.

“Remember,” Todd piped in, “it's Christmas, not Valentine's Day.”

“Exactly,” agreed Maxine instantaneously. “What's the point in singing duet?”

“It's just for entertainment,” said Brian convincingly. “Come on, guys!”

“Purely entertainment,” assured Peter. Karl nodded.

“Besides,” shrugged Brian, “Headmaster Sky will love it. You know how he likes the romantic whatever.”

When neither Todd and Maxine looked convinced, Brian made a exasperated sound and waved his hands.

“Come on, do it for the band,” he pleaded.

“Show your Christmas spirit!” added Peter, thrusting a fist as if to show how much he was passionate on the idea.

“Please?” asked Karl, giving out a puppy-dog-look.

Maxine winced. Peter looked cute when he did that look, but Karl kicked it up a notch. He was definitely the master of that look. She couldn't help it. She didn't want to be selfish. Plus, with the look Karl was giving her, he could practically ask her for anything and she'd do it.

“Fine,” sighed Maxine, pouting.

Everyone turned their heads to Todd. He rolled his eyes.

“I'll agree, but don't expect me to write that stupid song,” he said, irritated.

“Fair enough,” nodded Peter, grinning.

Karl and Brian exchanged beaming smiles.

They couldn't wait for next Friday.

The ignoring thing between Todd and Maxine got even worse by the next day.

It was strange how the serious argument they had a couple of days ago could bring extreme awkwardness with their relationship. Neither of them knew how to repair it. They didn't know how to approach each other now – that was, if they even wanted to approach each other. Too bad they had the same interests.

Their rehearsal went well, which was a surprise with the gang. Even though Todd and Maxine were in the same band, it was like they working on their own.

The gang were caught in the middle. But it wasn't like they could pick sides. They had no idea what brought to Todd and Maxine's avoidance of each other. They were afraid to ask because somehow, they wanted the two to make up on their own.

When they finished the rehearsal, they stayed at the Sky studio, minding their own business.

Maxine was halfway through finishing their song. The only things missing were the second refrain and the bridge. She couldn't understand it but there was no way she could continue. It was as if her mind halted to a stop after making the chorus.

When that week's Friday came, the gang was deciding where to practice for the weekend. Jen offered the studio that was run by her family – and in the meantime, being run by her.

“Remember, Maxine,” reminded Brian seriously, “tomorrow at five o'clock in the afternoon, at the Mantle Studio.”

Maxine nodded slowly, memorizing the time and place. It would be easier if she went with Todd, seeing as they lived in the same building . . .

She quickly shook her head.

No, she didn't need him. She could get by without his help. She would show him that she wasn't hopeless.

“Don't try to finish the song by force,” Peter told Maxine, getting her attention out of her thoughts. “It'll turn out to be horrible.”

Maxine nodded. And then, she cocked her head to the side and asked, “Mantle Studio? Does Josh's family own that place?”

“Yup,” answered Karl. “But Jen's running it for the meantime.”

“I'll be coming there, too,” said Kim. “Don't worry.”

Maxine smiled gratefully at Kim.

“Tomorrow. . . . Five o'clock. . . . Mantle Studio . . .” repeated Maxine out loud.

“Right,” said Brian, Karl, and Kim altogether.

“Tomorrow's Saturday, right?” asked Peter suddenly. When they nodded, he turned thoughtful. “Hmm.”

“Don't tell us you've got a date tomorrow, Pete,” mentioned Brian suspiciously.

“Cancel it,” said Todd quickly.

They all looked at him. This was important for Todd – and they all knew it.

“Or I'll do it for you,” finished Todd darkly.

He's so scary, all of them thought.

“Chill, dude,” said Peter, with his hands raised up. “I'm not the one with the date.” When the others' looks filled with utter confusion, he explained, “I just remembered that Maxine's going on a date with Coward Chris tomorrow at four o'clock.”

“Oh, yeah,” said Maxine, slapping her hand on her forehead.

“What?” exclaimed Brian, Kim, and Karl incredulously.

Only Todd remained calm. He looked down with a calculating face. Everyone was waiting for his reaction now.

Maxine looked at Todd guiltily. She believed that she was the one responsible for Todd's sudden change of attitude.

According to the gang, “Todd turned back to cold and scary again.” That was what they would often say in the past few days.

Before Maxine came, Todd was that cold and scary guy.

After Maxine came, he became more open. And the scary guy came less and less. The cold side seemed persistent, though.

Maxine snapped out of her thinking when Todd looked up to stare at her. Their eyes were meeting again. Something told her that she missed it so much when Todd looked at her. She missed looking at his blue eyes that made her feel like she was looking up at the sky. It made her feel like she was flying.

“Like I said,” began Todd, his voice etched sharpness and iciness. “Cancel it, or I'll do it for you.”

“But —”

“If you don't like it, then I suggest you leave the band,” interrupted Todd coldly.

There was a burst of shouts.

“Todd!” gasped Kim.

“Are you insane?” demanded Peter, with a raised eyebrow.

“What are you thinking?” said Brian, rather harshly.

“Stop kidding around,” scowled Karl.

Maxine was speechless.

How could that simple argument turn out like this? thought Maxine. Wait . . . that wasn't a simple thing. But . . . It doesn't matter! How can it lead to this?

Todd looked at them one by one.

“I'm not insane, Pete. I'm thinking about the band, Brie. And I'm not kidding around, Karl,” answered Todd, switching his eyes whenever he addressed someone. “It's been a long time since we played for the school. I'm not gonna let anyone mess it up.”

“Todd, we know how you feel,” said Brian earnestly. “But just because Maxine can't come to one rehearsal doesn't mean we're not important to her. Be reasonable. We can't find another vocalist in time.”

“I am being reasonable,” replied Todd in a sort of exasperated voice. “One week's left, Brie. One. We can't risk being irresponsible. We survived without her last year.” He turned to Maxine. “Will you cancel it or not?”

“Brian,” said Kim, “are you with Todd?”

Todd and Brian stared at each other for a long moment. It was as though they were having a conversation without using words. Finally, Brian nodded.

“He's right,” Brian told Kim.

Kim looked at Karl and Peter for support. But they shook their heads, too. Kim looked at Maxine with a pitiful expression.

“Maxine, I'm sorry,” she mumbled.

Maxine couldn't help but feel hurt by their words.

“Why did you give me the position if you can perform without me?” inquired Maxine in barely a whisper.

“We thought you were worth it,” said Brian quietly.

“I am,” Maxine deadpanned.

“Prove it,” said Todd.

Maxine raised her head higher. “Fine. I'll be there. I promise.”

“Don't make promises you can't keep,” responded Todd.

“I said, I'll be there.”

“Good.”

Maxine's only problem now was Coward Chris.

Maxine took a shower and dressed up that Saturday. She wore a simple blue button-up long-sleeves and fitted jeans. Her hair was messy-styled, and she liked it that way.

She wanted to call Coward Chris and cancel it. But she didn't know Coward Chris’s phone number. So she decided to tell him when he arrived instead.

Just then, the door bell rang. She opened the door, revealing Coward Chris. She glanced at the clock; it was exactly four o'clock in the afternoon.

He handed Maxine flowers of different kinds. She felt even more bad about what she was about to do.

“Thank you, Chris,” said Maxine quietly.

She brought the flowers inside and grabbed her coat on her way out. She and Coward Chris went to the elevator. She didn't want to stay at the hallway because Todd might be eavesdropping. One could never be too sure.

Now's the time, thought Maxine.