Luke looked around the van and sighed. There was a gaping hole on the top as well as damage to its sides.
Rose: Is everything ok, Luke?
Luke: Yeah, yeah.... it'll just need some maintenance.
Luke looked around the van again and scratched his head.
Luke: (thinking: This'll cost a lot.)
Rose: Hey, Luke... maybe we could...
Luke: No, no... I'll be fine. Don't worry about it.
Rose: Are you sure?
Luke: Don't mention it.
Rose: Alright. Well... at least you won't have to work at Timo's today.
Luke: You kidding? National crises make a lot of people order fast food. So I'll be busy all night.
Rose: Oh my gosh! That's horrible!
Luke: It's alright. Besides, I'll make enough money to repair this thing.
Rose: But then you've gotta rest, and then you've got school...
Ken: Actually, no.
Rose, Luke and Max: Huh?
Ken: According to this text from Principal Valencia, we won't be having school for the rest of the week.
Rose: Really.
Max: Awesome!
Luke: Huh..
Max reclined in the back of the van.
Max: That means I just get to relax for the rest of the week.
He proudly smiled at himself.
Rose looked at him and smiled.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Max: After all, we did just save the city, right?
Rose: Yeah.
Tiffany sighed behind the wheel.
Max: Which reminds me? Tiff?
Tiffany: Yeah...
She replied dryly.
Max: Since I helped save the day, does that mean that I....
Several thoughts ran through her mind that moment.
It was Max's decision to keep fighting in spite of the lack of a plan that got them out of that situation. He was the one who inspired them to fight even though they were unsure of what to do next.
And although he was still reckless, hard-headed, and could have gotten them killed just as easily, she couldn't deny the fact that his method did help get them out of the situation.
And there was yet one more thing that was bothering her.
She took a deep breath as he continued.
Max: ...get to join the team?
Tiffany waited for a moment to answer as the rest of the team looked in her direction.
Tiffany: First off, it's Tiffany.
Max: Yeah... yeah...
Tiffany: Second of, ......
She waited another moment.
Tiffany: ... I'll think about it.
Max: What!?
Max got off of his reclined position.
Max: But that's not fair. After what I did today, I should at least be able to...
Tiffany knew that her team would likely side with Max.
Tiffany: Ken?
Max: Huh?
Ken: Yes, Miss numero uno.
Tiffany: Get Max's contact details.
Ken: Hmm?
Max: What!
The rest of the team and Max were genuinely shocked by her response.
Ken: Well.... alright then...
Ken's eyes begun to glow blue.
Rose: Wait, Tiff. Does that mean...
Tiffany: No.
Max: O.... k. But why....
Tiffany: Because... I've decided that you should at least be in the know about what happens with us.
Luke: Hmph. Good thinking.
Max: Huh...
Luke: That means she'll keep you in touch for when things go down.
Max: Really?
Luke: Yeah. I mean, you're not a part of the team yet.... but... you know.
Max: Huh.... ok.
Max took a moment to think about it. He wasn't a part of the team yet, but hey, progress.
Max: Alright, I think I can live with that. My number is...
Ken: Already got it.
Max: Huh?
Ken: I hacked into your phone, got your contact details, and then shared them with the rest of the group.
Rose: You di...
Max: YOU DID!
Ken: Yes. It was quite easy, I must say.
Max: But... that was my... and that... how could...?!
Rose and Luke smiled as they watched Ken and Max discuss phone security.
Tiffany: There is a catch, though, Max.
Max: Huh?
Tiffany: I'm gonna need you to talk to your mom about joining the team.
Max: What!
Max hadn't thought of her all day. He hadn't seen her since she had left his room the previous day. In fact, it had been over a day since he'd last seen her.
Max: Mom....
Tiffany: It shouldn't be so hard... considering that your mother probably watched the news.
Ken: Good point, Tiffany. After all, his mother may react erratically.
Tiffany: Hmph. Agreed.
Rose looked forlorningly at a now stunned Max.
Rose: Max....
The van drove silently for a while after that.