After starting college, Maximus becomes an alcoholic and almost kills himself. He goes to rehab and becomes sober. After rehab, he flies to California for the holidays. He enjoys his time with his family and plans on going to Chicago for New Year's. While in Chicago, Maximus meets Rachel. He falls in love with her and they start dating. Sadly, Maximus has to go back to school. Maximus starts flying planes when he returns to school. After flying planes for a few months, Maximus takes his board exam. He aces his exam and is eligible to skip one year of school. He accepts this offer and flies home for Easter. During the flight, Maximus notices two men approaching the pilots. The two men beat the pilots and take control of the plane. Maximus takes action. He walks up to the men, knocks them both out and rescues the plane. He becomes very popular and everyone is thankful for him. Within a few months, Maximus begins seeing Rachel again, and after realizing he can not get enough of her, he asks her to marry him.