As they were leaving the house, Luke's mom stopped them, but they told her they needed to go across the street real quick and they'd be back in no time. As they left she told them, "Remember you two, you said you'd eat here tonight." They weren't sure what she meant, but they didn't care at the time.
When they reached the sidewalk, they both looked the opposite way, then crossed the street. Luke made a comment about how that was one advantage of having two heads. When they reached the house, Mark hesitated. He wasn't sure what to expect. Was this still his house? Was his family even living here? And worst of all, was Max ok? Luke could see the worry and Mark's face, so he put his hand on Mark's shoulder. "No matter what happens Mark, I'm right here."
"Well of course you are." Mark moved their body from side to side, which made he and Luke smile. Mark took a deep breath, and reached out to knock their door. The door opened a crack, then swung all the way, and there was Zack, Mark's younger brother. He turned around, leaving the door open, and started heading to the living room.
"Zack?" Mark called quietly.
"Yes?" Zack turned around and tilted his head to one side. "What? Did you forget your key again or something?" Mark and Luke glanced at each other. "I thought you were eating at Luke's house tonight." Zack waited for a response, then headed back to the living room "Well, if your coming in or not, can you close the door behind you?"
"Where's Max?" Mark blurted out, not feeling sure he should ask.
"Upstairs."
With that, Mark bounded up the stairs with Luke, then down the hall. They barged into Mark's room, and they almost fell to the floor. Mark looked around and was relived. Everything was the same as when he left. There was still two beds, his and Max's, and the one dresser they both shared. Luke and Mark looked at each other and smiled, but jumped when they heard the door close.
Max had come in, after having a shower, and was wearing nothing more than a towel. "Uh, hey guys. I thought you were having dinner at Luke's place?"
"Max!" Mark swung himself and Luke around and threw them at Max. He reached around his brother with his one arm and hugged him, while Luke and Max's faces pressed together.
"Ya, hi Mark," Max hugged him back, and did his best to keep his face away from Luke's, "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing." Mark smiled, "I just had to make sure you were ok."
"Why wouldn't I be?" Max said with a smirk, but it soon faded when he saw Mark's face. He looked at Luke, "Is he feeling ok?"
"Max..." Luke hesitated for a moment, "There's something we need to tell you."