Hola, Rory here~ This is my first chapter. Of my first story.

OHMYGOODNESS, WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT? ISN'T THAT JUST PLAIN AMAZING? Actually, don't do anything about what I just said. It's actually not amazing, it's pathetic. :P

Anyway, first chapter, first story, blah blah blah. I'm just excited to post something after creepily browsing FanFiction for 2 years anonymously, and to make a real account! WHAZAM.

Disclaimer: I am not an aging man named James. In fact, I believe my name is Rory... So, CLEARLY, I don't own Maximum Ride. Yeah.

We used to be friends, but that doesn't matter.

I still miss him.

That doesn't matter either.

Or, rather, it never will.

It's been ages since the last time we talked, and ages more that we acknowledged each other. Of course, we see each other at school in the halls or in the same class, but never once do we talk. We don't even act like the other is there.

We need to act, though. For some reason, there's a grudge that he - Fang - has been holding for two years, and he can't get over it. But there's a reason that I can't accept it and believe that we won't ever talk again: I don't even know what I did to cause everything to shatter.

Given the fact that this is the most dramatic story a fifteen year old girl could possibly possess, it's even more excruciating to learn bits and pieces behind my back, where people talk about me. The whispers are of contempt and irritation, and the little shoves and kicks directed at me are also a sign.

It's as if I committed a crime so despicable that a scarlet A would be the perfect thing to put onto my shirt. A for what, though, I don't know. There's not much thought going around lately.

I sigh, running a hand through my unkept hair. Usually I would have kept it cleaner, but recently, it feels like nothing is right anymore. The girls at school are bullying me because of the mystery thing I've done to Fang, my mother is sick with a cold, and I can barely think correctly without feeling as if I'm suffocating.

The lack of breath completely drains when I see him. My feet stop moving, and I stare at him, all of his features. His eyes, the color of brewed coffee; his skin, olive toned with the scars that I know are on his stomach, on his wrists... I need to memorize all of this, because it feels like it will be forever when I am able to see it all again.

Fang walks past me, still talking to his friend, and after he passes I turn to look at him again. The current of the school hallways are pushing me forward, but my feet don't move, and I can only see his shoulders shaking in silent laughter at a joke that his friend makes.

He didn't stop, didn't look at me. For him, he doesn't need to act like I don't exist.

To him, I'm already gone. I might as well act like it, but it seems like I'm holding on to that last strand of hope. I need to be strong and become the real me again, the real Max.

I turn, walk down the hall to my next class, and sit at my desk with a new confidence.

But if that's the case, then why does my heart hurt so much?

Okay. Okay. That's it, for now. I'm planning on making this story ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS (Please read that in a valley girl accent)!

Also, question for you people who will or will not review...OTL. "What is your favorite Fanfic?" It doesn't have to be for Maximum Ride, it can be ANYTHING.

Mine is "Harry's New Home" by kbinnz. FREAKING READ IT. I've read it like four times. XD.

-The overly ecstatic Rory