Chapter 2 NOT MY HOME.

CHAPTER 2: NOT MY HOME.

MAX'S POV.

My eyes darted around, hardly able to look up at the Sovereign's official. I could see my life going down the drain already. And with the way he looked at me, I was certain that I was done for.

"Are you always this timid, Max?" the man asked.

"Uh, no. No, sir," I replied, gulping. He narrowed his eyes, looking intently at me.

"Then why do you seem jittery?" he asked further.

"I uh- I'm just a bit surprised. I've never had cause to be visited by an official of the Sovereignty, sir," I replied.

My Mom and stepdad threw nervous glances at me. I'm sure they were wondering what trouble I had gotten into this time.

The man sighed, then he reached into the inner pocket of his ash uniform, which was knee-length, designed like a trench coat, with a belt strapped around his waist. With the insignia on his shoulder, I could tell he was a high-ranking official of the Sovereignty.

He brought out an envelope and stretched his hand toward me. I furrowed my brow as I looked at what he held. It was an envelope that had the royal seal of His Sovereign.

"Here. Make sure you're not a minute late," he said.

" Um, late for what, if I may ask, sir?" I inquired, looking a bit confused.

The Sovereign's official cracked a mild smile, not answering me, and walked to the oval-shaped Air-mobile, which was suspended a few meters above the ground, and got in, along with his guards. Then they flew off.

I sighed in relief when they left. It meant they weren't there to arrest me after all. But then, what was it I was given? I wondered.

I curiously opened the envelope as my Mom shut the door, while my stepdad went back and sat on the couch.

"What is it?" my mom asked as she drew closer to see what it was. Carefully, I unsealed the envelope, bringing out a letter. Unfolding it, I saw the crest of the Founders Academy.

My eyes widened in surprise. Overtaken with curiosity, I quickly read through the letter.

"Holy shit!" I remarked without realizing when I did.

"What is it, Max?" my mom asked.

"I can't believe it. I got accepted into the Founders Academy!"

"Oh my God!" my mom gasped with her hand across her mouth. "Congratulations!"

My mom hugged me.

"But how? You didn't make the application this year. Or did you?" she inquired.

"I didn't."

"Oh, really?" Carl scoffed. I turned and looked at him. He, with his hands folded, looked at me derogatorily.

"How then did you get accepted, and I wasn't? I mean, we all know that I'm better than you. I am way more gifted than you. You can't even fully control, let alone access your gifts."

"Carl," my mom called, trying to intervene.

"What stunt did you pull to get accepted, and have that official come deliver your acceptance letter personally to you, and not have it mailed instead?" my stepdad asked.

"Come on, guys. Stop this," our mom said, disappointedly.

"No, Mom," Carl interjected, "We need to know what dear Max did to get accepted."

All three of my family looked at me, expectant of an answer. Of course, they presented a reasonable argument, but I know where it stemmed from.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I couldn't control it.

"What's funny?" Carl asked, furrowing his brow.

"You're not out for the truth. You're trying really hard to discredit the legitimacy of my acceptance into the Founders Academy. Are you that jealous?"

"Jealous?" Carl scoffed disdainfully. "Why the hell will I be jealous of you?"

He walked closer to me.

"You're beneath me. You've always been beneath me, and nothing can change that. Or do you want to put that to the test?" he threatened, speaking softly, clenching his fists as Jolts of electricity crackled around them.

"Knock it off, Carl! He's your brother for crying out loud!" Our mom said firmly.

I stared Carl dead in the eye. Of course, I was older than he by two years, but he was stronger. He had full control of all her gifts.

"Go on. Give me your best shot. Prove to us, and yourself, that you're better than me, and prove to us that you got in fair and square," Carl dared me.

"Enough! Stop this!" our mom said sternly.

I clenched my fists, fuming as I looked at him. Gosh, I truly wish I could knock him out with one punch. With clenched lips, I walked away instead, heading out the door. There was no point in doing anything to further humiliate myself.

"You see. Unworthy. Pathetic! You'll never match up to me in a thousand lifetimes. Go cry yourself to sleep," Carl laughed mockingly.

I halted when he said that. I closed my eyes and sighed. Then I continued down the front porch.

"Max? Where are you going?" my mom asked as she hastened after me, but I didn't respond.

"Honey, please stop." She caught up with me and grabbed my hand, forcing me to stop.

"Don't let what your brother said get to you. You know how foul-mouthed he is. I know deep down in his heart she loves you, so don't take it to heart. Okay, honey? Let's go home."

I chuckled softly, then I looked at my mother. My reddened and tear-filled eyes communicated the depth of my pain despite the smile I had on.

"This was never my home."

I gently pulled my hand out of my mom's grip and walked away.

"Max? Max!" she called, but I didn't respond. I hardened my heart as I walked away.

Tears began running down my cheeks, and I sobbed lightly. I resolved to never return to that house. I headed to the next place I felt I could call home.

______________

About an hour later, I arrived at the Creeks. The Creeks were a treacherous and lawless terrain, so to speak, but I felt more at home here.

Strange, huh? Yeah, well. That was the truth.

I reached the bar where I knew Zack, Chloe, and Quin would be celebrating the proceeds of our heist. But that wasn't my destination, so I walked past it, heading to Julia's residence.

Shortly after, I got there. It was already 10 pm, but it didn't matter. I went ahead to ring the doorbell, but there was no answer.

I heard music coming from within the house. But it wasn't from the living room. It would have sounded louder. I knew she wouldn't hear me even though I rang the bell a second time, so I went ahead to let myself in.

I knew the password to her door. I was the one who bought and installed the lock for her.

Stepping into the living room, I called, "Julia? I'm here." I got no response. So I proceeded to her bedroom.

As the door swung open, my jaw dropped in shock. I couldn't believe what I beheld.