Author's Note: This is my first story ever, so please leave comments on how I can make my writing better.

Chapter 1 – Max's diary

Promise me Super Max

Never forget me

Promise

Max sits on the bench at the lighthouse. She starts to read her diary. She needed to know what Auto Max has been up to the past week. Since the week she remembers never happened.

Oct 07

Nathan Prescott shot a girl today. I was only a couple of feet away. I don't remember the actual shooting. Chalk it up to trauma. Principal Wells was the first one to enter the bathroom, followed by Samuel and Officer Madsen. Madsen quickly pinned Nathan to the floor while Wells was on the phone with 911. Samuel backed out of the bathroom. He seemed to be slightly unsure what he could do. After Madsen handcuffed Nathan, he looked over at the girl that was on the ground lifeless. Madsen recognized who it was, he yelled "Chloe!" At the point I actually really looked at the girl. I screamed at that point, realized that it was my best friend from 5 years ago. Madsen being startled by the scream and looked in my direction, he got up and walked over to me. Asked why I was there, I told him I was here before Nathan and Chloe had come in, to freshen up. Then that I saw a butterfly enter through the window and I went to snap a picture of it as it landed on a bucket in the corner. I heard Nathan come in and he seemed upset about something as he talked to himself and then Chloe came in and things got worse from there. I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I told him. He just wrapped his arms around me and escorted me out of the bathroom and to Principal Wells. Wells brought me to his office as the hallway was getting increasing crowded, from students and the now arriving police and medical staff. He told me to wait there and that an officer would be here to take my statement.

I couldn't help to think about Joyce, how she is going to take this news. First she loses her husband five years ago and now Chloe. Another thought came to mind, I should be there when the news is broken to her. I want her to know I'm there for her. A few more minutes and an officer came and wrote down what I said. After the report, I asked if I could go along with whoever was going to tell Joyce Price about this. The officer informed me that Madsen was married to Joyce actually. Wowzers! Good for her on moving on with her life after William. The officer left and Madsen came in, he said that it was alright if I tagged along since I had known Joyce before.

Same old house, looks like it never got a full paint job, Sad. We pull up to the garage door and I look over at David, his eyes were really starting to water. I reached over to him and patted him on the shoulder. "We can tell her together", he looked at me and nodded. He exited the car and I followed suit. As we reach the front door, it started raining. Seems fitting for what we were about to do.

The few hours after entering the Price home, were awful. Joyce was so happy to see me. Then that smile faded quick when she realized that David was there too. We sat at the dining table and went over what had happened. Joyce's face went pale and she fainted at the mention that Chloe was now dead too. David and I rushed to where she was lying. David picked her up and brought her upstairs. I started to follow but decided against it. I went back to the dining table. I waited there for a few hours. David finally came back down and sorry for just leaving me down here and I could have come up. I asked how Joyce was doing now, he said she was only a little better but she inquired if I could come up. I nodded and headed for the stairs.

Joyce cried and I hugged her. I felt so bad for her. She lost 2 members of her family. After what seemed like a good couple of hours, she realized it was getting pretty late. She asked me to get David; I got up and went in search of him, found him in the garage, looking at a car that was in there. He heard me come into the garage and turned to me. I told him that Joyce was asking for him. He nodded and went to Joyce, only to come back and tell me Joyce had asked him to give me a ride back to Blackwell. I nodded and looked at my phone for the first time today. It had gotten blown up, and I saw the time, so late. I nodded, made a quick stop upstairs and said goodbye to Joyce and that I would be back every day to check on her, then I followed David out to the car and we left. The trip back to Blackwell was very quiet. I couldn't help but hug David, just felt like the right thing to do. I exited the car and tried to make my way as quick and quiet as possible to my dorm room. I don't know if I could have handled anyone in person right now. I scanned through all the messages left on my phone, Kate, Warren, Dana, Alyssa, and to my surprise, Victoria. I was half tempted to reply to her. Instead I decide to try to sleep.

Oct 08

Woke up from a nightmare last night, it was about Nathan shooting Chloe and then noticed I was in the bathroom and turned the gun on me. As he pulled the trigger I saw a flash and woke up sweating. I looked at my phone again and read some of the texts, first person I read was Kate's.

Kate: What happened? Someone got shot in the bathroom? By Nathan?

I replied

Max: Yea. I was in the bathroom when it all went down. It was a girl her name was Chloe Price.

Just as I was about to pull up Victoria's message I got a reply

Kate: Wow! I knew Nathan was disturbed but not enough that he would bring a gun to school and kill someone. Someone says they saw you leave with David Madsen, is that true?

Max: Yea I went with him.

Kate: Why? David gives me a bad feeling.

Max: Chloe was his step-daughter.

Kate: But what does that have to do with you? Are you saying you knew her?

Max: I did, she was my best friend up til about 5 years ago when I moved away.

Kate: Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Max. I'm hear to talk tho I don't know how much I can cheer you up right now.

Max: Thanks Kate! You are an amazing person! I'm also here to talk if needed.

Kate: Actually that would be wonderful! I don't know if you know but there's a video of me kissing a ton of guys! I would never do something like that, I don't even remember that happening. Apparently Victoria was the one taking the video.

Max: Wowzers Kate! You alright? Need me to sneak over there to give you a hug?

Kate: As much as I would appreciate that. I don't want to get you in trouble. They have stepped up security with what happened today. I'm glad they did.

Max: Alright but if you need me to come over there at all. Security or not, I will!

Kate: Thanks again! But I think I'm going to try to get more sleep.

I decided to see what Victoria had said in the text.

Victoria: Max I heard you were in the bathroom when Nathan shot that girl. Is that true? I know I've been a bitch, but I do have a reason why I am. I'm planning on apologizing to Kate tomorrow. I deleted that video of her too.

That was shocking to hear from the Queen of Bitches. But if she was going to attempt an apology to Kate, she was much kinder then I thought. I decided to reply to her.

Max: Unfortunately I was in the bathroom. I don't remember the actual gun going off. Just remembering Nathan being upset about something and then the girl laying on the ground. Yes Victoria you have been a bitch but you just proved you have a heart with saying you are going to try to apologize to Kate. I just learned of that actually, definitely a bitch move to record it. But good job on deleting it. I'll come along if you want some support.

I found sleep was gaining a hold on me once again and decided to sleep again. Woke up the next morning saw Victoria had replied, decided to check it

Victoria: Sorry Max, I want to try to be nicer to people, but its hard for me to be. Not going to get mushy or give details. I would like that support, may need some words of encouragement. I was planning on going to apologize around lunchtime. Text me back if that's alright.

Max: Just woke up, and yea that sounds like a plan.

I got out of bed and decided to take a shower. Gathered up my shower supplies and headed to the shower. The hallway had an eerie feel to it. Anyone I saw was hushed voices. I paid no more attention and entered the shower. I quickly entered the shower stall. Quickly undressed and washed. I got redressed and went back to my room, changed into a different outfit. Then I heard noise coming from in the hallway, people were freaking out. Some slammed their doors. I decide to poke my head out to see what was up and saw Kate covering her mouth. I asked what was happening. She almost couldn't response, then she showed me an article.

Blackwell Under Investigation

Monday October 7th a student had brought a gun to the Academy. Police spent the day questioning the student. Police are holding names at this time; But we have learned that the student has told the police about something else that was happening on and off Academy grounds. Early this morning, Police stormed the main building and arrested Mark Jefferson. We don't know about why he was arrested. More to this story as we find out details.

I look in shock. What is happening? Mr. Jefferson was arrested? At that point I heard my phone go off. I look to see who it was. It was Victoria.

Victoria: Caulfield! Did you hear what happened? Mr. Jefferson was arrested. They brought me down to the Police Station. I'm worried.

Max: I just read the article. I'm here to talk.

I looked back at Kate. Clearly visible on her face is the worry. I just had to give her a hug. At first, she didn't return it. We went into her room and just waited to see what was going on. I mentioned that Victoria was at the police station. Not sure what the reason was at the time. Kate just gave an "ugh!" I could understand and then I mentioned that Victoria had deleted that video and was planning on apologizing to her today. Kate seemed a bit relieved with that revelation. We both had not expected Victoria to step up with that course of action. We learned that classes were cancelled so we decided to head to get some tea and talk about things. After an hour or two of enjoying our tea, in the dark moments of the past few days, I asked if Kate wanted to tag along to the Price home. Kate at first wasn't sure, but agreed. She knew it would be good for support. We took the bus to as far as the bus could and walked the rest of the way to the house. I knocked on the door, Joyce answered it. She seemed to look a bit better than yesterday. She let us in, telling us to sit at the table and asked if we were hungry. I nodded, knowing how good her food was. Kate was about to decline as a rumble came from her tummy. We both giggled at that and Joyce smiled too. I asked for waffles and bacon. Kate wasn't sure, she told me to pick for her. I gave a wink to Joyce and said bring her the "Special". A few minutes and Joyce brought us food and sat down next to me and we talked. As the conversation was headed to the inevitable, Kate offered her deepest condoles. Joyce said 'thank you.' We asked if there was any news about when Chloe's body would be released and when the funeral was. Joyce started to tear up and said they wanted to have the service this Friday. After that, she got up and went upstairs for a few minutes and return with a box. She placed the box on the table and then removed the plates from the table. She returned to the table and opened the box, removing the contents, which were William's polaroid and a bunch of pictures. She started talking about when each picture was taken. One of the pictures was Chloe and another girl, Joyce told me the other girl's name was Rachel Amber, and that she went missing in April and Chloe was looking for her ever since. Joyce told us that Chloe was always angry. Then Chloe met Rachel and that her anger subsided a little. I had to ask how she met David. She said it was 2 years after the pasting of William. David just showed up at the diner one day and kept coming back every day after that. About a week or two after that, David got up the courage to ask her out, She said yes. Apparently 6 months after that, it got pretty serious and Joyce actually asked him to marry her. Good for her! At that point, Kate looked at her phone and realized the time it was getting to be. She said we should probrably head back to Blackwell. I had to agree with it, I checked my phone and saw Victoria had text me again.

Victoria: They brought me in for questioning! Mr. Jefferson was kidnapping girls and taking them to some Dark Room, and taking photos of them and then killing them. They said there was an empty binder with my name on it! My name! I looked up to him. I'm so scared right now! As much I as I hate saying this but I need someone to talk to, preferably in person.

I relayed to Kate what Victoria had told me. Joyce had overheard it, we all were mortified at this. We decided to leave and go to Blackwell before we got in trouble. As we left, Joyce handed me a picture of me and Chloe when we were kids and William's camera, I was about to say no to the camera but Joyce gave a knowing look that also said that she wouldn't allowed that. So I thanked her and put the camera and picture in my bag and gave her a hug and told I would come back tomorrow to visit. Me and Kate left the house and walked to the bus stop. We got onto the bus and I asked her if she wanted to come with me to visit Victoria, I knew it was a bit early to. Victoria really sounded she needed people, and if she was asking me, I knew it must be bad. Kate thought about it as I texted Victoria back.

Max: I'm headed back to Blackwell. I can meet up. Trying to get Kate to tag along if that's alright.

I look at Kate and she says she would come. She also said that she was still quite upset about what Victoria did. I don't blame her. My phone buzzed again.

Victoria: Alright and yes please, meet me at my dorm room if you don't mind. And Kate can come, maybe after we talk about what happened today I can apologize to her.

Max: Alright be there in less than 10 minutes!

The rest of that bus ride was uneventful. We arrived at Blackwell and hurried to the dorms. No one was spotted in the dorm hallway. We made our way to Victoria's room. Heard some quiet sobbing, I knocked and she answered with red eyes. I went for a hug but she shrugged away. We all went in and sat down. Victoria was on her bed, I chose the computer chair, and Kate sat on the floor. We sat quietly not sure how to start the talk, but that didn't last long as Victoria started crying again. I got up again and sat next to Victoria and patted her on the back. Victoria tried to talk at that point, at first it wasn't clear through the crying. After a little bit, she calmed down enough that she was able to really talk. She said that apparently Nathan and Jefferson were working together. She didn't know that was going on. I had to believe her even if she was buddy-buddy with Nathan. We talked some more on the stuff that happened the past two days, I told Victoria I knew the girl that was killed, and that girl use to be my best friend years ago. Victoria hugged me at that point. She then made the apology she promised to Kate and Kate gave Victoria a hug after. That was surprising. After a little bit we decided that is was time for me and Kate to leave. We group hugged and exited Victoria's room. Kate went to her room and I went to mine. I turned on my music and laid on my bed, scanned through the messages of other people that texted me. I decided against replying right now, except for Warren who was asking for his flash drive back. I told I would get it to him tomorrow. I just laid there thinking, before I knew it, I was out of it.

Oct 10

I woke up in the hospital, they said I apparently didn't wake up at all yesterday. Kate apparently was the one that found me, she tried to wake me and after a few minutes of me giving no response, she called 911. The nurse said they ran tests but couldn't find any reason for me not waking up. One doctor thinks it happened because of the stuff that happened the past few days. They didn't call my parents which I'm glad for. I can hear my mom saying "you are coming back here right away." I still want to finish this year in Blackwell, not to mention I had to go to Chloe's funeral, it's the least I could do for both her and Joyce. They said a few students and Joyce were taking turns sitting with me. Kate was on duty at the time I woke up. When she said something about never doing that again, I promised. I asked when I could get out of here, hospitals were never my thing. I feel bad about doing this to everyone, especially Joyce. The nurse said I could leave in a few hours since all the tests came back normal. Apparently my stomach decided it was time to eat with a rumble that made Kate laugh. She went in search of a vending machine saying something about it being on here for yesterday's meal. 10 minutes later, Kate returned with a bag of chips, some beef jerky and a bottle of water. I chowed down on the snacks. Kate said that she would really make up for the meal yesterday with something better, but I told her that she didn't have to. Kate couldn't stay too much longer. After she left I pulled out my phone and checked my messages. There were a few people I needed to message. First I saw that my mom and dad messaged me, realizing I hadn't said anything to them about Nathan and Mr. Jefferson being arrested.

Mom: What is happening down there?!

Mom: Max?

Mom: Maxine! You better reply or I'm going to come down there!

Mom: You are worrying me!

Dad: You are freaking your mother out. Woke up this morning to your mother half packed. Had to talk her down on that. I know there's a reason why you aren't replying so I won't push it. Message us when you're able.

Max: (to both) Sorry mom and dad, been super busy. Everyone here is a bit freaked out, how much do you know of what happened?

Mom: Just what the news is reporting, a student shooting an ex-student and Mark Jefferson being arrested on charges of kidnapping, drugging, and murder. I'm not happy about this. I want you to come back here.

Max: Mom I don't want to come back, I love you guys but I felt so lonely in Seattle. The girl that was killed, it was Chloe Price.

Mom: What? Really?! Joyce's daughter? First her husband a few years ago and now her daughter. She has it rough.

Max: Yea she has. I've been spending a few hours at her house, being supportive. She actually got remarried in the past 5 years.

Mom: Wowzers! Good for her! I really liked William. I hope she picked someone just as good.

Max: His name is David Madsen. He is a security guard at Blackwell. He actually was the first one on the scene when the student was arrested. I got to go tho mom. Love you

Mom: Love you too Max

I decided to send a message to Warren next, I felt bad about not getting his flash drive back.

Max: Hey Warren, sorry about missing and not getting your flash drive to you yesterday. Totally wasn't expecting a trip to the hospital.

I went onto Victoria's messages

Victoria: Had I known confiding with you about my problems would put you in a comatose state I wouldn't have, just kidding. Really tho I hope you are alright. I'll come by your hospital room later.

Max: Oh Victoria! Of course you would say that. :p Does this make us best friends?

I skimmed through some others, saw that Joyce, Dana, and David had texted me. I wonder if David got my number through Joyce. I decided to text Joyce next, but just as I was going to reply, my phone buzzed. Victoria had sent me a reply.

Victoria: Pfft as if. I just have to repay you for talking to me Tuesday evening. At least we don't have to be enemies. Did they find out what happened to you?

Max: Better than nothing, I'll take it. And no they ran tests but everything was normal. I actually can leave in like an hour or two.

Victoria: You better take it, I'm not offering anything better. I will offer to come pick you up and we can go to Two Whale's when you get out but you're paying. That's good.

Max: Actually that sounds like a great idea. Meet up outside the hospital in an hour or two? Will message you with a better time once I found out myself.

Victoria: Sounds good!

With that done, I went back to messaging Joyce.

Joyce: Max, what happened?

Max: I don't know. Neither do the doctors. After we left your house we went to Blackwell dorms and chatted with Victoria for a few hours. Then I went to my room and listened to music, and went to bed after that.

I was curious to see what David had to say.

David: Thanks Max. I know we haven't known each that long. Being there for me and Joyce the other day, it means a lot. I feel I let down my family. Joyce says you are like a second daughter to her, and that you came with me to tell her about what happened to Chloe. Chloe and I didn't get along really well. We seemed to clash a lot, I know she has had it rough with losing her real dad. I never wanted to replace William's spot in their hearts, I want to find my own place. I may not always do the right thing.

What David sent me was really meaningful. I had to think about what I was going to say to him. Finally see what Dana had to say.

Dana: Max! You just had to get in on the action too didn't you? Really though, hope you are alright. I know we are just beginning our friendship. I can see you are an awesome person. Text me when you get this.

Max: I'm alive Dana, thanks for caring. I'm glad you see that. When I get back to school, we will hangout or something.

I looked at the time and realized its been almost 30 mins. I got up to try to get attention of a nurse. As I reached for the handle of the door, it opened and a doctor came in. Slightly surprised I walked back to my bed, I asked him when I could leave. He told me I could actually leave now. I may have got a little too excited about that. His face had said it all, if only I could take a picture; maybe another time. He chatted a little bit more and left again. I messaged Victoria again

Max: I can leave at any time now. Will be waiting outside for you now tho.

Almost instantly getting a reply on that one.

Victoria: Finally get an answer, no concept of time. Be there in 15.

I quickly gathered my stuff and headed out front. So glad to be out of that place. I spotted a bench and decided to sit there, and put in my headphones and listened to music while I wait. I was looking around and spotted a butterfly flying around a few bushes. I got up and took out my new/old polaroid and snapped a picture of it, I shook the picture and put it away with my camera. I heard a car horn and turned around to see Victoria in her car, a red Nissan 350Z. I hurried over to the passenger door and opened it. It seemed almost as soon as I sat down, she had already taken off. I quickly buckled up. I told her that she had a pretty car. I was cursing myself a little for not knowing more about cars, but I'm a photographer not a car mechanic. I looked down to put away my headphones and it seemed by the time I looked back up, we were at Two Whale's. Apparently my face showed some sort of expression, I hear Victoria laughing. All I could say was "what?" I got no reply just the sound of a car door opening. I opened my door and exited the car. I gathered my thoughts and demanded why she was laughing to which that got the response "Damn Caulfield, don't get snippy with me." I just sighed and followed Victoria into the diner. We sat down at the furthest booth on the right. Joyce walked up and she said good to see you out of the hospital so soon. I had to get up and hug her, still feeling a little bad about not seeing her yesterday. I sat back down and she took our orders, I ordered an omelet which that got an "ew" from Victoria, she got a salad. We chatted the whole time over our food. It was a pretty good time. It lasted about an hour and half, then we got up to leave, I was about to put money down to pay for my half when Victoria stopped me and said she had it covered. I protested but she really wasn't having that, so I admitted defeat. We got back into her car, which I wasn't very thrilled to do. I had to mention to Victoria that she drove a lot faster then I liked. She just laughed and we were off. I swear we made it to Blackwell in record time. I'm pretty sure I white knuckled it the whole time. I faked falling to the ground and acted like I was kissing it. That got a reply, "So dramatic, Caulfield. It's not that bad". I picked myself up and closed her car door. We chatted as we walked to the dorms. We were getting some "what the" looks. I couldn't blame them. We decided to split up outside my door. Victoria asked if I wanted to come to the Vortex party tonight, I had to decline with my friend's funeral being tomorrow. She nodded and gave an apology and entered her room. I entered my room and set my bag down; I had to decide to figure out what I was going to wear. Something black of course, I'm glad I brought a few dresses even though I'm not always a fan of them. I know I can look pretty cute in them. I laid out my dress onto my couch and a pair of black shoes, pretty basic. With that down I decided to lay down, still pretty early to go to bed, but I was a bit tired. Hoping I don't fall into whatever happened 2 days ago. I checked my phone, saw that Warren had messaged me, apparently sometime during my ride with Victoria.

Warren: Max where are you? You escape from the hospital? Pretty hardcore, if you did. Don't worry about my flash drive, apparently Dana took it for a little bit. Are you ok? You freaked out a few people.

Max: No I didn't escape. I was let out early. I'm ok as I am going to be with everything that had happened this week.

I also had to give my reply to David.

Max: Thanks David! That means a lot. I wish I would have met up with Chloe when I was back here. I just can't help but think maybe things would be different. I was wondering also if I could get a ride to the funeral tomorrow.

Warren replied.

Warren: Alright Max, and yea this week is full on crazy. Heard the girl that was killed was an old friend of yours. I'm sorry to hear that. When is the funeral?

Max: Thanks Warren. I wish I would have tried to reconnect with her when I came back here. The funeral is tomorrow, would it be too much to ask for you to come along for support? It's going to be a really hard day for me.

Warren: Sure Max! I'm here for you. What time?

My phone buzzed again, thinking it was Warren to only see that it was David.

David: Don't be too hard on yourself. I know what happened, I also think I could have done something to keep this from happening. Sure I can, the funeral is around 5 pm tomorrow.

Max: I may have a friend that will be coming along if it's not too much trouble.

David: No as long as it's just one friend.

Max: Thanks again David.

Back to messaging Warren.

Max: Funeral is around 5 pm tomorrow. I have a ride if you need one.

Warren: No, I was actually going to offer a ride to you. But I'll be there, I got your back Max.

Max: Thanks Warren! I may actually take you up on that. I want to stop somewhere before I go to the funeral.

Warren: Ok see you tomorrow.

I had to tell David I just got something else to do before I get to the funeral. He was alright with this. I decided to sleep after that, may not write anything tomorrow.

Author's Note: I had to make some minor edits, the dates were off.