start / previous / next / what did max do to jade's car? (they did it to aj's by mistake and jade's on purpose ☝🏾)
More than most, Max knew that self-awareness did not prevent stupidity. Reeling from the disastrous nature of last night's dinner, they'd come to the salon on one of Jade’s working days as a last ditch attempt. The end of the month was fast approaching and their goal of facing the Fengs seemed near unreachable. In hindsight, it was foolish to provide such a locked timeframe. When they were together, Jade had once drunkenly revealed that her fountain of gossip occasionally dipped below the surface and Max being Max had never forgotten.
Last night had caused Max to wonder if the universe was fucking with them. San Myshuno was small but now it felt oppressive. A friendship with Lena seemed childish and ill-conceived, but with Max’s recent luck it was inevitable. They had acknowledged this in the early hours of this morning, alone in bed and unable to sleep. Thankfully, Rose had gone back to her place last night, having a family thing later today. She’d been remarkably understanding about everything, which secretly pissed Max off. If the tables were turned, Max would have started an argument in the uber home and would have continued it all the way to their front door. Not because they had particularly deep feelings for Rose, but on the principle that they simply hate to feel embarrassed.
(transcript below)
[Sounds of black hair hair salon - but in London]
(CLIENT): No way!
(JADE): Yep, half the parish babes and the deacon!
(CLIENT): So that’s why he left so suddenly! My nan swears down they’re setting him up chile but I was never sure.
(JADE): I just feel sorry for his wife and kids, man. They don’t deserve that mess at all. So I’m just gonna put you under the dryer, but let me know if it’s getting too hot okay?
(MAX): …Hi. Can I talk to you for a sec? I come in peace.
(JADE): [Kisses her teeth] I’m literally working.
(MAX): I know but I just need a few minutes. It won’t take long, I swear.
(JADE): Unless you’re here to finally pay me back the £450 it cost to fix my car, I ain’t got shit to say to you.
(MAX): Hm. Well let’s call that a cheating tax shall we?
(JADE): I told you, she was just a friend!
(MAX): You fuck all of your friends! - You know what, it doesn’t matter. I need to ask you something important.
(JADE): [Sarcastic] Oh really? ...Get the fuck out of my face Maxine.
[TEXT] (DAISY): Here’s the info. She’s in cunch and she’s got a nokia so the phone signal might be a bit shit. I set her up on gmail though, might be easier to reach her there. My gran’s got a laptop.
[FLASHBACK #1]
(CHRIS): I know it's shit but you gotta be strong Max. I’ll be out of here before you know it.
[PRESENT DAY] [EMAIL]
Hi, I’m Max, Chris’ daughter. Your niece Daisy is a friend of mine and said it would be better to email you. I’d really love to meet and I’m glad to hear that you are too|
[FLASHBACK #2]
(MAX): Did I do something wrong?
(SIMONE): Of course not Max! Your mum is just- She loves you so much. It’s killing her not being able to be with you all the time, and every time we visit it just reminds her of um. Of what she’s lost, you know?
[PRESENT DAY][EMAIL]
Hi, I’m Maxine, but I go by Max. My pronouns are They/Them Hope that’s not too confusing for you! I’m Chris’ daughter. Your niece Daisy kindly gave me your info and said it would be better to email you. I’m glad to hear that you’re up for meeting as it’d be great to hear about my mum from you. Unfortunately, before her passing I hadn’t seen her in quite a long time|
[FLASHBACK #3]
(MAX): [Sobbing loudly]
(SIMONE): [Emotional] I’m so sorry sweetheart. Let it out.
[PRESENT DAY]
[TEXT] (AISH): u free this eve? was thinkin we cld do tht movie night. srry ab last wk - had lots goin on.
(MAX): Yeah, I just got into some stupid shit with Jade. Don’t worry about it. What are you doing with your hair today then? Anything fun?
(DAISY): Nah I work here since like…two weeks ago?
(MAX): Oh swear? Congrats!
(DAISY): Thanks babe. I’m really glad I ran into you, have you got a minute? It’s important.
(MAX): Oh yeah, of course.
(DAISY): Good. Let’s talk round the corner. It’s quieter.
[They walk round the side]
(MAX): So what’s up?
(DAISY): First of all, I apologise in advance cos this is a lot and I know we're not mad close or anything but I think you need to know. I have an aunty right, who just got out of pen and I was catching up with her on the phone and she mentioned her cellmate passed away and when she was describing her I realised that she might have been actually talking about your mum?
(MAX): …What?
(DAISY): Yeah so, I looked it up with her and I was right. I know it’s not been that long and I totally get it you’re not in the mindset for it but she’d really like to meet you. It might be a way to get…like closure? I don’t really know, sorry I know I’m rambling.
(MAX): No, no you’re fine. Can I have your aunt’s number or does she have an email address?
(DAISY): Yes! I will text it to you now. If you need someone to be there with you when you- like I said I know we’re not close but still.
(MAX): Thank you Daisy, I need some time to sit with all this but if I need someone there I’ll let you know. I really appreciate it.
(DAISY): Good. [Hugs them] I really hope this goes well for you.
