Todd, Brian, Karl, and Peter were sitting on the sofa.

Maxine went to the vending machine at the entrance hall. Todd insisted on going with her but she disagreed. Fifteen seconds after she left, he made Karl follow her. Karl didn’t object, since he was also thirsty.

Todd wasn't being overly protective — he wasn't usually like this with Maxine. However, they were in the enemy’s territory. Letting her alone was the last thing he wanted to do.

The only reason he wasn’t there when Dominique Harris had the chance to talk to Maxine was because Headmaster Sky was talking to him and Brian. It was rude to walk out on the Headmaster when he was having his speech. Luckily, Mr. Cortez from the Vlad Institute faculty wanted to have a discussion with the Headmaster.

Todd was certain that he wouldn't allow Dominique Harris near Maxine again. Obviously, Harris brainwashed Maxine into thinking that he was sweet.

Todd scowled and bared his white teeth. Furious wasn’t even the right word for what he was feeling for that insolent guy. He really wanted to obliterate Dominique Harris.

What else could have Harris said to Maxine?

Peter interrupted his thoughts.

“Max is rare, huh?” he said, his eyes looking far away and then resting on Todd.

“Of course, she is,” replied Todd, somewhat annoyed that Peter just realized that fact.

Peter stared at Todd but he looked like he was absorbed on something else. Todd rolled his eyes at his friend. He was used to it.

“What do you want to say, Pete?” asked Todd in a bored voice.

“Well . . .” Peter trailed off, thinking of ways on how to explain what was on his mind. “Max isn't like those others girls I’ve met. Mind you, I’ve met tons of different girls already. And surprisingly, I’ve never met someone as believed as Max.”

“Explain,” ordered Todd, not bored anymore.

“I mean, she’s not like most of the girls that always have their doubts.”

“Doubts. Doubts on what?”

Brian looked at Peter, listening.

“Doubts on how you feel for her. Dude, look at you!” Peter gestured on Todd’s appearance. He added admiringly, “You’re handsome, clever, charming, talented, athletic, muscular —”

“Ugh,” Brian piped in, looking disgusted. “Stop talking like a girl, Pete. It’s creepy.”

Peter shook his head and ignored Brian.

“My point is if I was Max, and you’re my first boyfriend ever, I wouldn’t be sure if you’re that serious about me. It’ll be too good to be true. It’s like Prince Charming asking Cinderella out. Meaning, it’s like a fairy tale that doesn’t fit in reality.” He paused for a moment, and then went on. “But that’s what surprises me. She doesn’t think that way. Maybe she really thinks that these things happen. Although, knowing Max, I’d say she thinks that this is all like a dream or something. And that just makes it all confusing. So I’m gonna stop now.”

Todd was in deep thought about everything that Peter said. It was far-fetched. But then again, this was Peter. He wouldn't be a ladies man if he didn't know anything about girls.

“What do you think?” he asked Peter.

“What do I think about what?”

Todd rubbed his face. “Do you think that she truly believes all this is a dream, that she doubts in believing that this is real?”

“Knowing Max, I really do believe that she thinks that way. But she acts as if . . .” Peter trailed off, thinking hard for a long minute. Then, he sighed as if he was waving the white flag. “I give up. I’m confusing myself.”

“Max can be unpredictable at times,” said Brian. “For all we know, she might really be having her doubts. But we have no way of confirming that.”

“That’s crazy,” argued Todd, frowning. “I’ve already told her how I felt. What more is there?”

“Simple,” answered Peter confidently, then he turned expectantly to Brian. “Brie?”

Brian chuckled at Peter. Peter only grinned.

Brian sighed and looked seriously at Todd. “Prove to her that you’re serious. Or rather, let her know that she’s not in a dream – that this is the reality, and what you feel for her is the reality.”

Todd's frown deepened. “How?”

“I don't know,” shrugged Brian. “You’ll figure something out,” he added, patting Todd’s shoulder.

“Make it romantic,” advised Peter. “Girls love that.”

“By romantic, you mean cheesy?” cleared Todd.

“I’d prefer to call it sweet,” corrected Peter. “But then, there’s no difference. So, yes,” he nodded. “Don’t worry, it’ll be worth it. You’ll see.”

Todd glared at Peter once more. In exasperation, he closed his eyes.

“You’d really do anything for Max, won’t you?” asked Brian with a soft smile on his face.

“Absolutely anything,” murmured Todd.

“She’ll probably see right through it,” mumbled Peter, more to himself.

Todd heard him and opened his eyes to look at Peter.

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it,” said Peter. “Todd Samuels, getting cheesy for some girl?”

“Maxine isn’t just ‘some girl’,” growled Todd.

“We know,” said Peter and Brian in unison.

Todd took a deep breath. “I’ll be really embarrassing myself.”

“That’s the idea,” chuckled Brian. “No matter how embarrassed you are, she'll see that you’re being the guy that you’re definitely not just for her. Then, she'll —“

“GUYS! GUYS!”

The three boys quickly spun around and watched as Maxine and Karl ran toward them, holding cans of drinks.

“What’s the matter?” asked Brian, alarmed.

Maxine and Karl stopped in front of them, panting.

Maxine was the first to sit down on the sofa beside Todd. Karl looked at the gang, and then he grinned.

“Nothing, I just wanted you to know that they will be playing next,” he informed them, nodding toward Dominique and his friends.

Todd didn't even bother to look.

“You’re right. It’s nothing,” he said nonchalantly.

When Dominique passed by them, he glanced only at Maxine and smiled. Maxine was very well aware of Todd beside her, but she didn't want to be rude. So she tried to give Dominique a smile; instead it turned out to be a grimace. Dominique found it amusing and he laughed, causing Todd to quickly look at him and glare. Dominique grinned evilly as he turned his eyes to Todd.

“Don’t fret, Samuels,” he said. “I’m not going to steal your girl from you.”

Dominique’s band mates snickered as they went through the curtain and to the front stage of the auditorium.

Peter made a disgusted sound. Brian looked serious. Karl waited for the song to start. Todd’s face was unreadable while staring at the place where Dominique and his friends left. Lastly, Maxine was watching Todd.

“The song we’re about to play was composed by Dominique Harris,” announced someone on the microphone. “We hope you like it.”

“Give it up fooooooooooooor . . . the Vladimiiiiiiiiiiirs!” exclaimed the event host.

Everybody was still and quiet in the auditorium. Then, there was the soft sound of the drums being played.

“There you are ♪

In the midst of all the confusion

Minding your own,

Through the mystification

Here is my hand for you to cling on♫

“There you are ♪

Trying to remember,

A place in your heart

When you and I are together

For whenever I close my eyes

I can be with you,

Even just for a moment . . .” ♫

The electrifying sound of the guitars entered the music. The drums went faster but still soft, and then slowly turning to rock music.

“As expected, they’re good,” commented Brian approvingly.

“But we’re better,” said Peter smugly.

“A lot better,” corrected Karl.

“I guess I better tell you now,” said Todd quietly, facing Maxine.

Maxine looked at him in confusion.

“Tell me what?” she asked, getting a bit nervous.

Brian, Peter, and Karl looked at Todd eagerly. Maxine didn't understand the sudden sensation of uneasiness inside her. What was Todd going to say?

He took a deep breath and said, “You’ll be playing the violin.”

Maxine blinked.

“What?” demanded Maxine, Brian, Peter, and Karl in shock.

“Well, you said that you wanted to be a part of the surprise,” shrugged Todd.

“I do, but —“

“But what?”

“But — but,” stammered Maxine, “but it has been a while since I last played the violin. Besides, how does playing the violin help with the twist? I don’t think that it’s a good idea for me to play.”

“Explain your plan slowly, dude,” Brian told Todd, his brows was furrowed from figuring out what exactly Todd’s idea was.

“I think I should be the one who should sing this time,” began Todd. “Brian’s still going to play the drums. Karl will still play his instrument. Peter will still play his part. And I’ll still play the lead guitar, as planned. The only thing that will change is that Maxine will be playing the violin instead of being the vocalist.”

The gang stared at him for a moment, while Maxine bit her lip.

“I’m following you,” said Brian slowly. “But there isn’t enough time for us to practice.”

“She can do it,” persisted Todd. “I know she can.” He looked straight into Brian’s eyes, telling him that it was his final decision.

“Can I have a say on this?”

They looked at Karl. He looked serious, as if he was ready to prove a point. This behavior was very unusual from him. So the gang was all ears.

“Of course,” said Brian, while Todd nodded.

“Look, even from the beginning, Max exceeded our expectations,” started Karl. “She can sing any kind of genre there is. That's why I agree with Todd on letting Maxine play the violin — even if I haven’t heard her play yet. I know that she’ll stun us again with her unpredictable style.” He faced Maxine and smiled. “Max, don’t doubt yourself. You might know yourself better than us, but you can’t see your actions as clearly as we do.”

“Very well said, man,” grinned Peter.

Todd smiled. “Agreed?”

“Agreed,” replied the other boys.

Maxine sat frozen. A lot of things entered her mind. But it all focused to the memory of when she last played the violin.

She still lived in New Jersey then, several months ago. She stood on a stage in a school auditorium. The atmosphere was so quiet that it was almost eerie. Everyone listened as she played the violin. She put her heart in that music, knowing that it would be the last night that their family was together.

“Max, are you still with us?”

Maxine blinked. She looked around and saw four boys looking at her. Their expressions were full of concern. She blinked again, realizing that it was only just a memory. It wasn't reasonable to get worried for something that happened in the past. What was important was now and tomorrow.

She smiled at her friends. She was glad that she had them, especially Todd. Yes. Todd. Whatever would have happened to her if she hadn’t met him? She'd probably still be miserable, sulking somewhere.

“What’s wrong?” Todd asked her.

“It’s nothing. I just recalled . . .” Maxine trailed off. He waited for her to continue but she didn't. Nobody spoke for a moment. Then, she smiled and said, “I agree on playing the violin. Just tell me what to do.”

Peter grinned. Karl nodded.

“Okay, then,” said Brian with a smile.

Todd looked suspiciously at Maxine. She obviously trailed off and quickly changed the subject. What was she about to say? But he decided to let it go. He’d interrogate her later.

First, there was something that he had to do.

_____________

Just one more chapter to go, dudes! Then, it's bye bye to them. :(