Always

Purpose

Warren:

I look at my watch again for what has to be the 11th time. It reads 5:13. Max was supposed to be here 13 minutes ago.

Don't panic Warren. Maybe she's just running late. 13 minutes late.

It was illogical. I'm supposed to be a man of science. At least, that's what I think I am. It doesn't make sense how I can feel so strongly like I do about Max. There's just something about her that's so.. Unique? I can't even describe it. We like the same things. We're both geeks, we're both nerds. She's such an amazing person with such a great laugh...

I've always been scared. I never knew if I was making the right choices. Before Monday happened, before Nathan shot Max's friend, Chloe, I was prepared to ask her out to Planet of the Apes.To be honest? I don't even know if she'd say yes. I don't even know the context of asking her to go with me. All I know is that when I'm around Max, I feel as though I can be myself. I'm used to trying to be invisible. I'm used to pretending to be something else. When I came to Blackwell, I promised myself I'd be myself. It's been hard, but with Max it's like I don't even have to try. For some reason, she makes me feel safe.

I sigh slightly. Scratch that. Sometimes, I try too hard. I can't help but want to impress Max..

"You need to stop worrying about her Warren. She doesn't like you that way. You're just wasting your time."

It still hurt when Brooke said that. Yet, she still helped me research the drive in. Although, I think she expected me to ask her to go.

Sorry, Brooke. I don't like you like that. I thought to myself. Max is different from Brooke. Brooke is too expecting and too... bitchy. Is that mean? I guess it's accurate. But she's been a great help. I owe her one.

5:20. I quickly send a text to Max. She hasn't sent me any messages and I'm starting to get worried about her. Well, more than usual. I know that Chloe was her friend, this much she told me, and I'm so devastated for her. I've tried to be there, and sometimes, I feel like I'm helping. Most of the time, she's trying to get away from us. From Kate and I. If there's one good thing that's happened is that Kate and I have gotten closer.

I just wish there was more I could do. The past 4 days have been hell for Max. It helps that we haven't had classes and I made sure Max was aware that I would always be there for her...

Although, I have helped some. At least, I think I have. She asked me to go with her to the Two Whales Tuesday. I left her alone with Joyce when she came, I felt it was better she talk to her personally. After that, the last time I saw Max was Wednesday when she asked Kate and I if we would go to the funeral with her. It was also the last time we spoke.

I don't know what to do. I've texted her several times and she hasn't answered. Which, I sigh, isn't unusual. I should lay off of Max. It's becoming obvious she doesn't like me as more than friends.

"Sooner or later, you're going to see that Max doesn't like you."

Thanks, Brooke. I think sarcastically. I resign myself to be just Max's friend today. I'm not going to try to be witty or funny. I'm just going to be her friend today. Besides, just being friends with Max isn't bad at all. She'll always be amazing. She's always going to be smart, and funny and talented..

"Warren? Warren!?"

Oh, geez. It's Kate. She's probably been trying to get my attention for a few minutes. "I'm sorry, Kate." I say looking up from my phone. "I was just trying to get a hold of her."