The Past

((Warning: Mention of Child and Verbal Abuse.))

Max

The two seven-year-old girls walked the familiar path home. It wasn't unusual that they were left at school and had to get home on their own. In the first part of the walk, they would walk with Dwayne. He was three years older and lived a block away from them. They had known the young boy their whole lives. Their parents used to be best friends. The kids were unsure why, but they knew their parents never spent time together now.

Finally making it home, they crept inside. The house lights were off, and the blinds were closed. After searching the house, they realized they were home alone. With a sigh of relief, Max pulled out a book she had gotten from the school library. She loved to read; it was a perfect escape from the troubles she faced at home.

Max had grown up being abused in ways she didn’t talk about. She despised her parents but learned to keep quiet. Only Ruby and Dwayne knew about it. From a young age, Max learned not to fight back, and the house became peaceful until it wasn't.

When the twins were five, Ruby got sick. Doctors decided to test Max's blood to see if she was a match to help, but they found something different about her genetics. Max didn't fully understand what the doctors were telling her; she would later find out that she wasn’t the biological daughter of Tyson. At the time, she just knew that suddenly things were different and not in a good way.

In an instant, her parent’s idea of the perfect family vanished. They weren't happy to find out it wasn't as perfect as they once believed. The changes came quickly. The beatings started again if she did something wrong or because they were upset. Max took the brunt of everything alone, too scared to speak up. Max didn't understand what was different about her, but she did understand that her life was becoming miserable, and her parents never touched Ruby.

She dealt with it, and it was fine until the day her father took it too far.

…

Max heard the beeping of a machine but kept her eyes closed. She wasn’t sure where she was but could feel pain throughout her body. She recognized voices but couldn't make out who they belonged to.

“She is just a child.”

“She is a disgrace.”

“I won't allow this to continue; the children will stay with Chris and I.”

“You will not take my children from me!”

“I will, and I am.” Max recognized that voice and the firmness in it. Melissa was here, but where was here?

“Take Max, but you're not keeping Ruby away from me.” Max's breathing sped up as she thought about being separated from Ruby. She heard the beeping speed up but couldn't calm down. She wouldn't mind going with Melissa and Chris, but she didn't want to go without her sister.

“Chris is filing paper now for temporary custody. What makes you think you will be able to keep either child after what you allowed?” She felt a hand rub her back. “Breath Max; I am here. Nobody can hurt you.” Max felt her body relaxing into the touch. Melissa always knew how to calm her when she began to get worked up.

“You wouldn't take my little girl from me.” The statement was quiet, but her mother sounded desperate.

“I'm taking both of your little girls from you. Leave NOW!” Melissa’s raised voice caused Max's eyes to open wide in fear. She turned in time to see her mother’s back as she walked away.

“You're safe now, baby girl,” Melissa cooed as tears she didn't know were there fell from her eyes. “We won't let anyone hurt you ever again.” It was the first time in a while that Max finally felt safe. She would worry about everything later; for now, she just wanted to stay safe in Melissa’s arms that had been carefully wrapped around her.

…

In the next year, Melissa and Chris were granted full custody of the twins. When they were finally able to adopt the girls after having them for two years, the twins were given a choice to change their last names. Max was on board right away, but Ruby wasn't sure if she wanted to be a Watson.

“I don't want to be a Watson but still call you Melissa and Chris,” Ruby said. Max flourished since moving but knew Ruby struggled. Both girls loved being in the new home and the serenity it brought, but she knew her sister missed her parents. This was the first time Max heard just how much Ruby was still struggling. For the first time, she understood, it wasn't just missing her parents but feeling like she didn't fit in.

“What do you want to call us?” Chris was always careful not to be too forceful with them, and Max was grateful. She watched as a blush crept on Ruby's face.

“Mom and dad work for me. They will be your parents as of tomorrow, and then we will be the kicka** Watson siblings.” Max laughed as Melissa scolded Dwayne for his language. She liked that Dwayne considered himself their big brother. She said nothing as she watched her sister thinking over the suggestion.

“That's entirely up to you, you have been our daughters since the day we found out what was happening.” Max flinched at Melissa’s words as she thought back to her last hospital stay. She rarely thought back to the incident while awake, but it still played out in her dreams.

“I guess we're going to be apart of the Watson clan, Max.” Ruby got up to hug their parents as Max leaned back with a smile. She allowed her body to relax as she felt Dwayne wrap his arms around her fully.

Looking up, she saw Melissa’s mouth as she silently moved her lips, “I love you, baby girl.” Max finally felt peace as she enjoyed being with her family.

…

Max was finally 12, which meant seventh grade and starting over at a new school. School started in two weeks, but today was orientation.

Racing down the stairs, she ran into Dwayne, who effortlessly swooped her into his arms. “What’s got you so excited?” Max looked at him, unamused at his question. Dwayne chuckled, setting her down, “Happy Birthday, squid.” Max frowned as he ruffled her hair. She couldn't stay irritated for long as he put a plate of pancakes in front of her.

“Thank you, Dwayne. Where's Ruby?” Max dug into the stack of pancakes as she reached greedily for bacon with her other hand.

“She already ate, she's getting dressed.” Dwayne joined her, setting down his breakfast. “Mom and Dad couldn't get the morning off work. Do you want me to walk with you guys to orientation? We can take the bus after and go to the Grove.” Max beamed at his words in excitement. Over time, they remained close, but Dwayne was usually busy with football and his friends. She was looking forward to the three of them going shopping together.

Max ate silently, waiting for Ruby to come downstairs. She and Ruby talked as they cleaned up breakfast, and Dwayne put on his shoes. Walking out the door, Max noticed a package on the ground. Before she could look closer, Ruby set it in the house, and they continued towards their middle school.

The walk was filled with anticipation for the afternoon activities. Walking into school, she was thankful Dwayne was with them and could show them around. The school was overwhelming in size compared to the elementary school. As they continued on their journey, Max turned a corner running into another body.

Looking up, she saw eyes the shade of the ocean. “I'm so sorry,” she rushed out awkwardly. She watched as the smile crossed over the girls face. “I'm Max,” She really wanted to know this girl’s name. She had friends, but this girl felt different.

“Drew, I'm new to the city.” Drew. The name twirled around her head as she felt a blush rise in her cheeks. She watched as Drew introduced herself to Ruby and Dwayne. When she heard Drew agree to Dwayne’s offer to show the girl around the campus too, she felt her heart speed up.

As the tour continued, they talked about Drew. Max found herself mesmerized by the other girl as they continued. She hated it when she found herself at the front of the school again with their schedules put away in their backpacks. A blonde woman approached them from the gate as they continued talking.

“Hi,” the woman spoke to all of them. “Are you ready, Drew?”

Max watched as Drew removed a piece of paper and pen from her backpack.

“This is my number; maybe we can hang out before school starts.” Drew offered the paper to Max. “It was good to meet you, all of you.” Drew smiled as Max took the paper.

“It's our birthday today, Ruby and mine, we’re going to the Grove, but maybe you can come to dinner tonight.” Max almost scoffed at the word vomit that fell from her mouth. She elbowed Ruby when she heard the soft giggle fall from her mouth.

“Happy birthday, call me, and I'll ask. Happy birthday to you too, Ruby.” Drew smiled one last time before walking away. Max stood, staring for a moment at the other girl.

Not allowing herself to think more about what happened, Max and her siblings continued on their day. After lunch at the farmers market and an afternoon of shopping, the trio called for a ride home. While Melissa drove home, Max found herself thinking about Drew again.

“We made a friend today. Can she come to dinner?” Max yelled out when they pulled in the driveway.

“Sure, baby girl,” Melissa smiled at her.

“Ruby,” Chris called out. “A package came for you.”

Max looked confused as Ruby walked to the kitchen table. “Thanks,” Ruby mumbled. Everyone stood around the table as Ruby opened the box.

Max watched Ruby's eyes light up as she pulled out a black dress with matching pumps. Max's eyes shifted to the card as Ruby began to open it.

“Happy Birthday to our only child. We miss and love you more than words.” Ruby continued as Max's heart sank. “Here's our contact information if you want us to take you to dinner. Love Always, Mom, and Dad.”

Max sat down as the words rang through her head. A sudden growl released from Melissa’s throat as tears stung Max’s cheek. They hadn't heard from their biological parents in four and a half years, and suddenly they were sending gifts to their only child. Max's mind raced as Ruby put everything away and moved towards her.

“I won't contact them, sis, they aren't coming back.” Max choked back a sob as Ruby wrapped her arms around her. At that moment, she felt that she would never truly be safe from the people who hurt her and walked away without a fight.

…

“Mmmm, babe, we need to get my parent’s house,” Drew stated as her body responded to Max's kisses. Max continued her course as she slid her lips from Drew’s mouth down her jaw. A low groan erupted from Drew’s chest as she finally gathered the strength to remove herself from Max. “I promise after dinner, and you can continue.”

Max grinned as she placed one last kiss on Drew’s lips. “I'll meet you there.” Max walked away after Drew drove off. She stopped to look up at the school before she drove away one last time.

She couldn't believe how far she had come. Her core group of friends finally graduated from top tier schools. They were at happy places in their lives, and Max finally had Drew. It took years to figure things out, but four years ago, they finally decided to be together.

Max would miss school but was looking forward to her future. Turning back towards her car, Max’s eyes landed on the familiar green. Looking over the woman in front of her, she felt anger surge through her.

“Aren't you going to say hello to your mother?” The mocking voice sent rage into her veins. Straightening to her full body length, Max continued to stare in silence. “I see you've decided to continue living this filthy lifestyle.”

“What do you want, Karen?” Max's voice was emotionless despite the anxiety building in her core. “Why are you here?”

“I came to see my daughter graduate.” Karen took a step closer as she raised her hand. Threading her fingers into Max's hair, she pulled down forcefully. Max kept her teeth clenched, firmly refusing to show her discomfort. Max was dying to get back to Drew and away from the woman who left her 15 years ago.

“I'm surprised Ruby didn't tell you I was coming. She gave me the dates when she came to your father’s funeral last month.” Fury blazed through her body at Karen's words as she untangled herself from the woman's grip.

Shifting her body closer to the smaller woman, Max's strong voice was laced with venom, “I'm glad he's dead, if only you died with—” the hand struck her across the face before she finished her sentence.

Tasting blood, she barely heard the other woman's angry words, “you will not talk about your father that way or to your mother in that tone of voice!”

As the woman raised her hand again, Max caught her by the wrist-twisting it back down uncomfortably. “He is NOT my father! YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER! Do NOT come near me again.” Max forcefully pushed the other woman to the side and maneuvered herself to continue to her car.

A hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around. “You think you're better than everyone else. Are you so much better than us that you deny that we are your parents?”

“Giving birth doesn't make you a parent.” Max needed to get out of here before she lost control of all the pent up emotions; she wouldn't cry in front of this woman. “My parents are the people who loved and cared for me. The two people who raised me fed me, clothed me, put me through school, and never once asked for me to be anyone other than myself!”

“They never loved you, and they pitied you.” Max stared into dull green, waiting in silence. She tried to remind herself that it wasn't true that they loved her. “Every year we sent Ruby a birthday gift, for the first four years they were returned. Finally, on your twelfth birthday, she called us. Not even your twin cared about you; she told us everything when we talked. She kept calling; we wrote letters to each other; she refused to let go of us because of you. The only reason she wasn't with us was because of the trouble you caused. You think people love you, and you think you're special, Maxine, you're nothing!”

Max stood stunned, staring at Karen. She watched as the smile grew on her face. “I'm the only one that cares, come home with me.”

Max scoffed at the woman's words. “Not after all that you have done.”

“Not this again, Max, when will you grow out of this childish phase?” Karen interrupted her with impatience oozing from every syllable.

“I won't go with you; I’m happier without you in my life.” The hand gripped tighter on her shoulder.

“Do you really think that blonde loves you? She will grow sick of you, just like the rest of us. Even Ruby is tired of you; she was more than willing to ask for a position in the company. She was willing to leave behind her little sister and stop worrying about how emotional she may become over how she lives her life. That girl will be done with you, and soon enough, you'll be left alone. Nobody will ever love you, and the sooner you accept that the better your life will be!”

Shrugging off the hand on her shoulder, she spoke one last sentence to the woman. “Karen, never come near me again.” Unable to control her temper, she punched a nearby wall as she walked away.

“You are your father’s daughter, temper, and all.” The words stopped her dead in her tracks. She needed to keep moving. Being here would only make things worse for her. “Ruby starts next week unless you change your mind. I’ll be waiting for your call.” Max watched as a hand, slipped a piece of paper into her hand. With a shake of her head, she continued to her car.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, Max felt the tears streaming down her face. She sat back for what seemed like hours staring at the school in confusion. Hearing a beep, she looked at her phone.

Babe, are you okay? Everyone is waiting for you. -Drew.

With a heavy sigh, Max stared in front of her contemplating her reply. She wouldn't worry Drew with this, not tonight. All of her friends were enjoying themselves. Ruby could be dealt with another day.

I'm fine, just got distracted. I'm leaving campus now. -Max.

After reapplying her makeup, Max pulled out of the parking space and headed to the Jackson house.

“Hey, Wiri, text Dwayne.”

“What do you want to say to Dwayne?”

“Sneak out without anyone noticing and call me ASAP exclamation mark.”

“Your message is: Sneak out without anyone noticing and call me ASAP! Ready to send it?”

“Yes.”

“Ok, I'll send it.”

At a red light, Max remembered to reconnect her Bluetooth. Navigating quickly through the streets as she waited for her brother’s phone call. After five minutes of driving, her phone rang.

“Hey, Dwayne.”

“What's wrong?”

“What makes you think something is wrong?”

“You sound like shit, and you're late to your graduation party.” She could hear the smirk in his voice.

“Karen showed up, Tyson is dead.”

“Oh.”

“Yep. Ruby knew.” Hearing a gasp from the other end of the phone, she told the shortest version of the conversation.

“That's…that's a lot.” Max chuckled at him. “What do you need from me?”

“A hug when I pull up in a minute before I see anyone and not to tell anyone else.”

“I can do better than just that; I don't work tomorrow. Beach day, you and me.” Max smiled as she pulled up to the house, watching as Dwayne hung up and walked towards her car.

Stepping out of the car, she barely had time to get her balance before she was wrapped into a bear hug and lifted from the ground. These hugs were her favorite from him. For the first few months, when she first moved in with the Watson family, he would wrap her tightly (without hurting her) in his arms if she even thought about frowning. He always seemed to know when she needed him.

“Dwayne, stop hogging, Max. It’s time to eat,” Drew’s voice rang from the front door.

“Let’s go; your girl’s impatient.” Dwayne chuckled as he guided her to the house.

Max plastered on a smile as everyone greeted her. Drew snuck her away to kiss her deeply. As they pulled apart, Drew gazed deeply into her eyes. She will grow sick of you just like the rest of us. Max shook off the words as she pressed her forehead against Drew’s.

“Want to talk about it?” Drew was always so sweet, so patient, she wouldn't leave, would she?

“No, I just want to be here with you.” Max snaked her hands up Drew’s arms.

“When you're ready, I'm here, and I’ll always be here to listen. I’m still your best friend; I love you” Max's eyes scanned Drew’s eyes as Drew took a deep breath. She didn't want to break right now, so she closed her eyes. “I will always be you're best friend.” Max took a steadying breath and kissed Drew one last time. Linking hands, the two girls returned to the party.

…

“Last night was perfect. It was everything I've ever wanted and more.” Max was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling.

“So why are you in bed with me? That's great, right?” After a few moments of silence, Dwayne turned his head to look at Max.

“Why did Ruby tell me she hadn’t heard from Karen since the birthday gift when we were 12?” Max had asked Ruby during a family dinner if she knew how to contact their biological parents, claiming she needed medical information for her annual checkup. She watched Ruby's face strain as she denied having any contact with Karen and not mentioning the death of their biological father. Max was only able to control herself because Dwayne had moved her hand into his when he noticed her tense.

“Maybe because you asked in front of everyone,” Dwayne chuckled.

“She hasn't told anyone where she's working, has she? Just that she has a job?” Max could feel herself spiraling. Her mind hadn't stopped racing in the last two months, constantly replaying the words Karen spoke.

“No.”

“I can't do this anymore,” Max jumped from the bed. “She's right; everything she said was right.”

“No, she wasn't Max. Look, maybe you need more help than just me. You know I'm always here, and I love you.” Those words again,I love you . “Maybe you need therapy or to talk to Ruby or to talk to our parents or to talk to Drew! You can't run away, Max, we love you, we do.”

She will grow sick of you just like the rest of us. Even Ruby is tired of you. The words were a never-ending loop in her head. Max walked out of the door without glancing back. Everyone would move on just fine if she weren't here.

“MAX, DON’T DO THIS!” Dwayne yelled as she started her car and drove away.

Her mind was racing. She couldn't get hurt again. She couldn't bear to have someone she loved walk away from her. It would be easier to leave and be alone for the rest of her life with memories of good times.

She called Ruby.

“What?”

“Hey, can you talk?”

“Can it wait?”

“I just want to talk to you; it’s about our biological parents.”

“I already told you, Max, I don’t know anything.”

“Ya but—”

“But nothing Max, get over it. There’s nothing to talk about.” The call was disconnected, Ruby had hung up on her.

Even Ruby is tired of you. The mantra screamed at her.

Tears pooled in her eyes, and she refused to let them fall. With a sudden burst of anger, Max threw her phone out of the car window.

You are your father’s daughter, temper and all. Suddenly getting on the freeway, Max's decision was made. This was best for her, and this was best for everyone; this was best for Drew. Drew deserved much more than she could ever give.

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