AN: I'm back, and ready to update this story. For some reason, though, people don't seem to like this story very much, but I can't imagine why. I guess it's because it has Ari in it, but hey, give it a chance. And review please. ;)

Max's POV

We were lodged in someone's pool house. They weren't home so it was okay. I decided that while we had the spare time I should call my mom at let her know we'd be there for Christmas. I don't really see the point of going, but it'd be nice to let them have a chance at something normal.

It went straight to the machine after 10 rings.

"Hello thing is Valencia–and Ella, Martinez. Sorry we're not here right now, but we'll be back to answer your call as soon as possible. Live, love and save the world!" It seemed as if that last part was addressed directly at me. Live love and save the world. The voice that said that part was Ella's.

"Please leave a message after the beep," 35 seconds later, "beep."

"Um, hey. It's Max. I wanted to tell you that we were going to be able to come over for Christ mas, we'll be there sometime around the 14th, you probably shouldn't call back, just in case something happens and someone is able to track you. Bye." I was nervous and excited at the same time. But anything could happen. With us, anything will happen.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and almost when in to fighting mode, but then I saw Gazzy.

"Max, can you do me a favor?" He asked, his hair was messy and his baby blue eyes were somewhat drooping. I was afraid he would fall over on the floor and fall asleep. He yawned.

"What is it?" With Gazzy, it could be if I could help him get a hold of 50 pounds of gun powder.

"I need help figuring out what I'm gonna get everyone for Christmas." He said.

"Oh, I guess I could help you with that." I was so pleased that he wanted to do something for someone. We spent four and a half hours planning things while everyone was asleep.

Ari's POV

It's been three days since I met Dr. Martinez and Ella. Ella has made it her duty to be the perfect big sister, and Dr. Martinez has a goal to make up for my lost childhood. One of the things Dr. Martinez is doing is preparing me for school.

"...And the wind began to blow. It blew harder and harder. The tree house started to spin. Faster and faster! Jack squeezed his eyes shut. Then everything went still. Absolutely still. Except for the sound of rushing water." I read, turning to page 14 of Magic Tree House : Night of the Ninjas.

I found a bunch of Magic Tree House books in Ella's room on her book shelf, along with a bunch of others. Dr. Martinez wanted to see how well my reading was and so Ella showed me her book shelf. I was reading to Dr. Martinez while she made dinner. I sat on the granite counter my legs dangling over the edge. She was making spaghetti and homemade meatballs. I couldn't help but dip my finger in the sauce.

"Chapter 3; E-hy! Jack opened his eyes. Annie was already looking out the window. The mouse peeked out of her pouch. Jack-" I was cut off by Ella's shouting through the house as she came through the front door.

"Ari!" She called.

"I'm in the kitchen!" I shouted back. Dr. Martinez gave me a look as Ella came in with a grin so wide you could probably fit a whole turkey in her mouth.

"Hey very best brother of mine." She put her arm around me. "How would you like to come with me and two other people to the movies tomorrow?" Her expression was excitement. I looked at Dr. Martinez. Why would she be so anxious to go to the movies?

"Why are you so anxious to go to the movies, Ella? And who else is going?" She asked what I was thinking.

Ella looked away. "Um, while I was at soccer practice, Zeke, asked me if I wanted to see, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, with him and his little sister, Riley. She's 9."

"What's Pirates of the Caribbean?" That was my only question. Ella seemed to be surprised, but decided to use that.

"See mom, he's never even seen Pirates of the Caribbean. He has to go. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" She stretched out the word until her breath ran out. Dr. Martinez thought about it for a while.

"If you truly want to go, Ari, you can." that was her final decision.

"I guess I could go." I didn't know whether or not I wanted to go.

"Yay!" Ella screeched happily. "C'mon lets go to the mall and get you some new clothes and shoes and stuff." Ella has been wanting to take me to the mall for a long time. Now she has the perfect opportunity.

Within 20 minutes Dr. Martinez was parking the car in the Mesa Pavilions Power Center. We all walked in together, but Ella wanted to go shopping with me alone. Dr. Martinez was okay with this, and said that she had to get a few things anyway. She gave Ella and me $50 each. As soon as Ella had her money and I had mine, she dragged me into JC Penny's. From there to Crazy8, to The Children Store. We took a break to meet Dr. Martinez at the food court. So far Ella hasn't bought a single thing for herself, and still to come she says she wants to get me some toys, books, shoes and sunglasses.

"Mom! We're over here!" Ella called out to Dr. Martinez as we sat down with our food. I was so nervous while we were there. I kept on checking behind my shoulder and examining the room and everyone in it. I couldn't help but give four 360 's a minute.

"What's wrong, Ari?" Dr. Martinez asked me.

"Paranoia. That's all." I answered examining the room once more.

"Hmm, you remind me of..." She drifted off in her thoughts. A pained look came across her face.

"Reminds you of who?" I asked, "What's wrong Dr. Martinez?" I got out of my chair ans started to leave. It's obvious, it's me. My stupid paranoia makes them think I'm a dork and they can't handle it. Tears began to prick my eyes. I balled my fists in anger, I was on the verge of breaking the next thing I saw.

"Ari where are you going?" Dr. Martinez asked. I looked back and saw both of them looking at me with saddened faces.

"I don't know. I made you sad and angry so I'm leaving." I answered.

"Ari, you didn't make me sad or angry. I just had a memory that's all." Dr. Martinez explained.

"Ohhh," I felt my face get hot as I realized how ridiculous I had been.

Back at the Martinez home...

Ella's POV

It was 9:45pm when we got home. My mom was listening to Ari read before he went to sleep, he was pretty good at it. I checked the answering machine.

"You have 1 new message," The machine said. "' Um, hey. It's Max. I wanted to tell you that we were going to be able to come over for Christmas, we'll be there sometime around the 14th, you probably shouldn't call back, just in case something happens and someone is able to track you. Bye.'"

I started to jump up and down excitedly. Just as I was about to run into Ari's bedroom to tell them I stopped myself. What if I surprise mom instead of telling her. It'll be mine and Max's present to mom.

AN: Well, I decided to leave it at that. Hopefully I'll update soon, sorry for the shortness, I just can't wait to really get into this story, trust me there will soon be anger, fighting, betrayal and much more. Stay tuned. God bless!