Nerves tightened her stomach in a knot as the Chase Manor came in to view. Why am I so anxious? It's just Victoria. The cab approached cast in the shadow of the mansion, giving it a menacing appearance. Just Victoria. Who's helped you through the past eight months. Who's been there for you. The cab pulled up to the front walkway. You can do this, Caulfield.
She quickly dealt with the taxi driver, paying for her ride with a generous tip. After shouldering her bags and double checking she had everything, Max took a deep breath and stepped out of the cab. Flowers lined the walkway to the front door in beautiful arrangements. I'd love to take photos around here at some point this week.
Anxiety sat heavy in her stomach, growing as Max approached the door. You couldn't wait to see her twenty minutes ago. It'll be fine, she's your friend. She stared at the door trying to regain her confidence, deciding with a sigh to just knock. Within seconds it swung open, Victoria standing right behind it, a grin quickly spreading across her face with recognition of the visitor. Her unusual excitement gave Max pause. She's never this excited to see me. Shrugging it off, Max smiled back at the blonde with less enthusiasm. Victoria wrapped her in a hug before pulling her into the house.
She was immediately met with a pleasant, if not exceptionally clean, smell upon entering. Lavender and that unplaceable home smell. The entranceway was remarkable; professional black-and-white photos lined the stark white walls, dark hardwood floors partially covered in lush rugs, light streaming through long windows along the high walls, giving the whole entry a vibrant appearance.
"Did you hear me Max?" Her attention was immediately brought back to the conversation she hadn't been listening to. Victoria looked at her over a shoulder, the taller girl already making her way through the house. A slightly amused smile played at the corners of her mouth. "God, you're such a space cadet. I asked how the ride over was. The traffic is usually horrible at this time. I can't believe you slept through your alarms. I had so much planned for today." Max followed her through a doorway into a large kitchen and dining area. Victoria continued to complain about Max's inability to behave like a proper adult. Max was barely listening, too busy taking in her lavish surroundings. The high ceilings seemed to continue throughout this side of the house, large skylights allowing for the natural lighting currently spilling throughout the room. After realizing Max's attention was no longer on her, the blonde sighed. "There she goes again." Victoria said endearingly. "But really, how was the ride up?"
"The drive wasn't bad." Max answered, reserved. Honestly, she had her headphones in most of the time and wasn't even sure how long of a ride it was. She turned around, taking in the splendor that was the Chase Manor, when someone wrapped their arms around her from the back, causing her to jump slightly. Knuckles rubbed on her scalp, fussing up her hair.
"Hey, hipster." Nathan sneered at her, dropping an arm heavily onto Max's shoulders. Seriously? I thought we were over that 'hipster' shit. "I can't wait to spend the week with you." The statement was meant as a joke, but had an undertone of something else. His arm was draped uncomfortably over her back as he led her towards the kitchen. Victoria was already sitting on the counter; a cigarette pressed against her lips, fingers wrapped around a lighter and striking the flint.
"Really? I thought after the past few months of school, you'd be sick of me." Her response lacked the bite she had intended, her eyes distracted by the gentle way Victoria held her cigarette, soft lips lightly pressed to the filter, though Max would rather them. . . Just my friend, Victoria. And her boyfriend, Nathan.
"How could I ever be sick of Blackwell's superhero, Max Caulfield?" His words dripped with sarcasm. "You only saved the whole school." For some reason, Nathan continued to be bitter about what transpired last October. Max wasn't sure why, but she never dwelled on it too long, for fear of bringing up other memories.
"She saved your ass, too, Nathan." Victoria's response was barely a whisper, but she saw Nathan tense up. Victoria shrunk into herself, her usual confident demeanor faltering. This is weird. They usually rag on each other, but something seems off about this.
Before Nathan could respond, Max cut in, trying to defuse the situation. "Ya, ya, whatever, I'm a hero. Let's get over it, okay?" She glanced between the two of them, hoping that would be the end of it. Nathan continued to fume, but left the room without a response. Victoria instantly relaxed, flashing Max a relieved look before returning her focus to the cigarette in hand. Max pushed herself up on to the counter next to Victoria, enjoying the comfortable silence that settled between them.
Suddenly, Victoria turned to Max, holding her gaze for a moment before blowing smoke in her face. Max had never really liked the smell, but somehow it was intoxicating coming from Victoria. Surprising herself, she readily accepted when Victoria's slim fingers offered the cigarette to Max. She pressed her lips to the filter, taking a deep drag. The sensation of Victoria's fingers so close to her mouth distracted from the burn in her lungs.
"I missed you." Victoria said it under her breath, turning to look at Max. Their eyes met and Victoria look away quickly, a blush creeping up her neck. Did she just? What was that?
Max reached up to take the cigarette, fingers lightly brushing Victoria's. The blush spread up her cheeks as she quickly withdrew her hand. I'm pretty sure we're having a moment right now. Max stared at her newfound cigarette in contemplation. This is not what I expected to be happening.
"I missed you, too." Max saw Victoria's hand pause briefly as she lifted a new cigarette from the box. She turned to Max, their eyes meeting, smiles mirrored. A warm feeling spread through Max's stomach.
Victoria leaned back against the windowsill, watching the smoke spiral up through the setting sun rays. She slowly brought a cigarette to her mouth, lost in thought. It's only been two weeks since school ended, but everything seems so different. At least I still have Max. Victoria turned to look at the brunette who was laying back on the counter, arms sprawled above her head. Something jumped in Victoria's stomach at the site of her. She looks so peaceful and… Her thoughts were interrupted by Nathan as he stumbled into the room, his clumsy movements disturbing the smoke. So beautiful, but so fleeting.
Nathan dropped his empty beer bottle into the sink, the clatter shattering the comfortable silence that had settled with the smoke. Victoria cringed unwittingly. Max looked at her with genuine concern. Victoria smiled back, her best fake smile on her face.