A/N: I have writer's block for my other fic, so I wrote this to get the creative juices flowing. Will update soon. Please enjoy.
-beanie
Maxine Caulfield couldn't stand confrontation. They always resulted in her anxiety skyrocketing, which only amplified her surface insecurities. Due to her own introverted tendencies, she already had a hard time socializing when it was demanded of her throughout the week. The only select few that the brunette did care to socialize with was her best friend, Warren, and her recently new friend, Kate. It wasn't as bad, though. With minimal effort, she could exchange pleasantries with both classmates and teachers so long as they kept the conversation simple. Since she was a child, though, her parents always prioritized her education. Sure she had a social life, but it was limited to her childhood best friend, Chloe. They did everything together, up until Chole's father died and she had to leave Arcadia Bay for Seattle. As heartbreaking as it was, she never reached out and neither did Chloe. Plus, her advanced classes consumed all of her attention and energy, while everything else faded into the background. She did think of Chloe often, but became filled with anxiety and guilt whenever she thought about the amount of time that has passed and ultimately never reached out. The same psychology was used when it came to shopping for new clothes, contemplating a new haircut, or even deciding on a genre of film. The fear of time lost and abrupt change ruled her life. It wasn't until the summer of transferring to Blackwell for her sophomore year did she decide on something new for herself—Max, never Maxine. A simple change to help segway to her new lifestyle. The brunette always preferred to be called Max anyway, but seldomly vocalized it whenever people addressed her.
However, regardless of how optimistic Max was about being at Blackwell, all of that changed when she met Victoria Chase. For reasons beyond her knowledge, the lithe blonde has had it out for her since their first class together. The photography program offered at Blackwell is one of the best in the country, it's even spearheaded by the famous Mark Jefferson, which happens to be the very reason Max decided to return to Arcadia Bay. After class had begun, rather than introducing each other by name, Jefferson had students bring in one of their photos to explain to the class. Going in alphabetical order, one-by-one students went to the front of the class to explain their work. No one had anything mind-blowing, but Jefferson pointed out the unique differences each student had and gave them positive feedback. When her turn finally came around, Max brought up a photo she took of an older couple overlooking the Grand Canyon. Although they weren't the main focus of the picture, the eye was instantly drawn to them. The brunette introduced herself and explained that while she was on vacation with her family to the historic destination, she spotted the couple and just wanted to capture their happiness. Of course after asking for their permission, she snapped the photo with her Polaroid and continued on with her vacation. To her surprise, Jefferson seemed to be way more impressed by the young photographer's work and gave her praises instead of constructive feedback. The entire interaction embarrassed Max to the point that by the time she had taken her seat, the tips of her ears and entire face were completely flushed. She heard a scoff to her right, and looked up in time to meet the burning gaze of a classmate. The girl went up next and introduced herself as Victoria Chase. Max couldn't put her finger on it, but the way she carried herself made her feel uneasy, and the occasional condescending glances from the blonde didn't help her any. After presenting her photograph, which was a beautiful shot of a murder of crows swarming an old carcass, Jefferson gave her high praises as well. He even slipped in a joke about how their talent is on par despite their opposing themes, and they should compete. The class chuckled, but Victoria's mouth twitched into smile. After class had ended, Victoria bumped into the brunette on her way out and spat 'eye's up Lamefield,' before breezing past. Max couldn't hear the scattered laughs over her own internal cries. Her first day at a new school kicked off with her being bullied. All she could do was hope it was a one time thing.
As unfortunate as it was, the bullying continued at the behest of Victoria Chase and her minions. Today it was gossiping about Max's poorly coordinated ensemble she decided to wear to class. I can't help that I don't care about whether or not my socks match, the brunette thought to herself as she desperately tried to focus her attention on Jefferson's lecture on the importance of composition. But, she she already knew about composition, exposure, and all of the basics. Max decided she might give more of her attention to lectures when Jefferson finally discussed material she hasn't studied, yet. As endless as it felt, photography class finally ended marking the first month of classes complete. Thank God it's finally Friday, Max hummed to herself as she headed to her locker. The brunette awkwardly shifted her books into her arms and used a free hand to put in the combination. She lifted the latch to pull open the door, and felt it instantly slam shut locking itself back in place.
"What the hell?"
Max looked up more shocked than outraged, in time to see Victoria standing over her with a cruel smirk on her painted lips. The brunette's eyes hovered over mouth for moment, before meeting the tall blonde's gaze.
"Shit," she mused, "I didn't know you had such a dirty fucking mouth, Lamefield."
Max felt her face heat up, as she caught the amused stares from Courtney and Taylor. She opened her mouth to speak, but her words failed her, leaving her standing in front of Victoria with her mouth hanging open like an idiot. Well played, Caufield, she chastised herself.
"Why is she just standing there with her mouth open?" Taylor asked with a muffled laugh.
"Y-yeah, she looks just like a seal," Courtney added with a giggle.
"A seal, huh?" Victoria's eyes roamed over the brunette's small frame, before setting her jade irises on Max's, "So, what's it going to be, Shitfield? Are you gonna bark for us if I throw some fish into your mouth?" Her smile broadened to reveal a set of perfect teeth.
Max felt her confidence retreating into it self as the warmth in her face spread throughout her body. "I-I…" she stuttered. God, why can't I say anything? It's no wonder Victoria treats me like shit!
"M-Max? Is everything a-alright here?"
The brunette spun around to see her friend Kate Marsh, standing awkwardly with her backpack straps clenched tightly in her small hands. Despite her timid appearance, Kate's hazel eyes flickered with apprehensive confidence. All Max could do was nod idly. Her mouth was still open.
Victoria let out crude chuckle as she walked past, leaving the subtle hint of gardenias trailing in her midst. "Wouldn't you like to know, Jesus Freak? Don't worry, I was just dropping this off," with that Victoria flicked a photograph and her hoodie. "We have more important shit to do anyways, than be seen with you losers. Let's go girls."
And as quickly as it has begun, Victoria and her crew were already down the hall. Max was stunned by the events, but was brought out of trance by Kate putting the photograph in her hands.
"Why is she so cruel all of the time? I don't get it," the dirty blonde sighed with a slight shake of her head.
Max looked at the photo, and realized it was one she took a few weeks back. It wasn't a selfie like most of her others, but it was a landscape photo that capture people dancing under sky lanterns. She flipped the photo over with furrowed brows. My name isn't on here anywhere, Max thought, so how did she know it was mine? As sad as Max is to admit it, she isn't the only student at Blackwell to use analog cameras. There are plenty of art students there that use them, as well. But, how did she know? Max almost drifted off into another day dream, until Kate suggested they eat lunch together.
The rest of the day carried on without a hitch, and by the time Max decided to head back to her room the sun was already going down. She lightly stretched her back and rubbed her shoulders in deep thought about the hot shower her aching muscles desperately needed. All of the stress from her advanced classes and sideline bullying, courtesy of the Vortex Club, was really doing a number on the brunette's nervous system. Because, I'm so nervous all of the time, get it? She chuckled to herself. Max Caufield knocks 'em dead with another zinger, she released another chuckle as she walked up to the dorm entrance.
"What's so funny this time, loser?"
Max almost gave herself whiplash in the way she snapped her attention up to meet the mischievous gaze of her classmate. As if they're getting paid for it, Courtney and Taylor respond with unnecessary laughter. She nervously gripped the strap of her messenger bag.
"N-nothing, Victoria," she responded, barely above a whisper. Way to stick it to the man, Max. The brunette inwardly groaned.
"So she can speak," Victoria said coolly. In a controlled motion, she shifted her weight on the concrete and smoothed the lines on her mini skirt. Her heels began idly tapping the ground. "So, if you can answer this question you can go past. That sounds fair, right?"
Max avoided her gaze by looking at the bushes to her left. She felt her heart rate accelerate. "Yeah," she answered simply. Nothing about this shit is fair, and you know it.
A smile appeared on the blonde's lips, "Excellent," she said. After tapping her chin momentarily to express deep thought, she spoke up. Why am I such a 'hipster loser?' Why do I fall asleep in class? Why am I so pathetic and plain? The possibilities flooded the photographer's mind until Victoria asked, "Why do always wear a hoodie?"
Max and the henchmen looked to Victoria with the same look of surprise on their faces.
"What? Are you going to answer the fucking question? Jesus, that hoodie's disgusting and you wear it too much." Victoria gave challenging glares to her companions who refocused their attention on the mousy teen standing before them.
"Um," Max opened.
Why do you even care?
"I-I get cold pretty easily, so I always make sure t-to bring one."
Why ask if you don't care?
When Max finally met Victoria's gaze, she could tell that she was actually listening and took in what she had said. What? This doesn't make any sense. Max could feel her palms begin to sweat, as her anxiety steadily increased.
"I guess that's good enough," the blonde mused, "go ahead before I change my mind, fucking hipster." With that she stood up and slightly stepped to the side. Max didn't say anything. She couldn't bring herself to make any noise as she walked past Victoria's towering slender form. Gardenias, the brunette thought as she pushed past the double doors. I never realized how much I've loved the smell of gardenias…
Aside from a few noteworthy glares and snappy commentary from Victoria highlighting Max's classroom misfortunes, several days went by without incident. The brunette was beginning to really feel comfortable with her larger workload, and has grown accustomed to studying with either Warren or Kate, depending on their free time. Even though she had been a student at Blackwell for a little over a month now, Max had yet to actually go out and have fun. She hasn't even reconnected with Chloe to apologize for all of the missed time. Only three years may have passed since they've seen each other, but from thirteen to sixteen a lot has happened to shape the brunette into the person she is today, and she was pretty sure the same thing happened to her childhood best friend. An apprehensive sigh escaped the photographer's lips as she noticed Courtney, the nicer henchman of the duo, sitting behind a table with the Vortex Club's emblem sewn into the table cloth. There was a sign-up sheet carefully placed in the center of the table with ball-point pens stacked in a neat row following the edge the paper.
"Go away," the dark haired teen huffed. She addressed Max without glancing up from her phone once.
Millennials, she tittered inwardly.
"Hey, Courtney, is there a party coming up?"
She finally glanced up from her phone and placed it in her lap.
"Why do you care? Vortex Club members don't like you so…" Courtney trailed off giving the brunette an expectant look.
"Well, Victoria doesn't like me, but I"m actually on good terms with some of the other members—"
"I actually have other things to do besides talking to you all day, Ma—Lamefield, so why don't you get to the point?" Courtney's words may have been cruel, but they didn't harbor the same bite that was added whenever Victoria addressed her. For the first time in a while, Max wasn't a nervous mess.
"Yeah, I know Arcadia Bay doesn't have much going on besides the beach, and I heard that Vortex Club parties offer the best entertainment."
From that single statement, Courtney's demonor went from standoffish to welcoming. In fact the shift was so unexpected that Max felt physically taken aback by the sudden change.
"Well, whoever told you that is correct," she said with a bright smile, "Our parties are the best in town. But," manicured eyebrows furrowed as deep mahogany eyes walked the short teen's frame. Max shifted uncomfortably and clutched at her bag.
"But?"
"Well, you can't attend one of our parties dressed like that, Max," Courtney guestered at her clothes accusingly to emphasize her point.
Wait, did she just call me Max? I-Is Courtney secretly nice?
"Y-Yeah, um, do you have any tips to give me on what to wear or—?"
"I can totally give you some tips!" The dark haired teen chirped happily, "In fact, stop by my room Friday night before the party and I'll help give you a makeover!"
"Oh? Okay—yeah!" Max parroted Courtney's chipper tone. It was hard to not respond to such a bubbly personality. Bubbly? I never thought I'd use that word describing one of Victoria's henchmen. But, what about… "What about Taylor? Is she going to have a problem with me being over there?"
Courtney waved a polished hand dismissively, "Don't worry about Taylor, she probably won't be there anyway." She momentarily paused. "You know you're not as bad as I thought you were, Lamefield." Courtney joked with a smiled.
"Yeah," Max said while awkwardly reciprocating the gesture.
"Oh, wait! Before I forget," Courtney pushed the sign-up sheet up towards the brunette. The sheet was already full, but Max was able to scrawl her name in a tiny space at the bottom of the page. "Cool, I'll see you later!" They exchanged farewells and Max headed to her next class.
Only one more day until the party, Max thought. She didn't really know why, but the anticipation of the year's first Vortex party was starting to get to her. Sure she was nervous, but it was an exciting nervous. Up until now, Max hasn't been able to just hangout with her peers and cut loose. Embarrassingly enough, the brunette wagers it's been around a year since she's gone out for herself.
With lunch marking the midpoint of the day, Max puts her things in her locker and sets out to meet Warren near the entrance. Apparently he had something 'uber cool' to tell her that couldn't wait until the end of the day. What could be so pressing that it meant having to cancel on lunch with Kate? Once outside, Max scanned the grounds for Warren, but didn't see him anywhere. The only people she did see were Vortex Club jocks, Zach and Logan, tossing a football in the courtyard.
"Hey, Zach, tossing the ol' pigskin huh? So, um have you seen Warren since you've been out here?" The brunette asked trying to come off as nonchalant as possible.
"Yikes, Caulfield. And you mean War Turd?" Zach quipped.
"Good one, bro!" Logan called out after throwing an impressive spiral.
War Turd? Come on, guys. Even I can do better than that.
"Yeah, War...Turd. Look if you haven't seen him that's cool," Max said, trying to suppress the irritation in her voice.
Zach caught the football and immediately launched it back into the air with smooth toss. After his companion caught the ball with an over exaggerated grunt, Zach made a "T" with his hands signaling for Logan to pause their game. He tossed the bangs from his face and turned to face the brunette.
"Nah, I haven't seen War Turd, but I've actually been meaning to ask you something, Caufield."
"W-What exactly would that be?" Max tried to hide her look of confusion, but realized she failed when she noticed Zach put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her body stiffened
"There's no need for that concerned face, Caufield, I just wanted to know if you were going to the party tomorrow night?"
No, he can't be…
"You mean the Vortex Club party that's being hosted?" She clarified with furrowed brows.
"Yeah, I wanted to know if you wanna go together."
And there it is, folks. Proof that there is, indeed, snow in hell.
"What? Why do you want to go to the party with me? I mean seriously, like, this is the longest we've ever held a conversation."
The solid jock released a dismissive scoff, "None of that even matters. You know it's like that saying, 'better late, than never' right?"
"I guess?"
"So, does that mean you'll go with me, then?"
This is all happening too fast.
"Um, sure?"
"Awesome! Don't worry about exchanging numbers, I already have yours."
"Wait, how do you already have my num—?"
Before Max could finish her sentence, Warren finally appeared from the horizon and Zach had already resumed his game with Logan as if she was never there. Rather than stressing herself out by over complicating things, the brunette simply chalked it up to being another confusing interaction that made her day more interesting than anything. As long as she had no more run ins with her blonde nemesis, Max counted the day as a win. Small victories, Max. Just hold on to those small victories. Without really realizing it, Max had drifted off into yet another day dream and was completely caught off guard to see that she had followed Warren to the nearby park on campus.
"D-Did you hear me, Max?" Warren asked, he looked more concerned than she last remembered.
Dammit, I completely spaced. Ugh, 'eyes up, Lamefield.' Victoria's voice rang through her head. No wonder she picks on you, idiot.
"I'm sorry Warren, I didn't hear you."
He chuckled nervously and looked down, "What I said was, um if you're interested—do you, I mean, would you like to go to that party the Vortex Club is throwing? I mean, g-go together?"
She noticed that his face was uncharacteristically red. Almost too red, she thought. And why does he appear to be sweating? Seriously, what the hell is going on today?
All Max could do was vacantly stare at him, while her mind went off on another journey to figure out why the hell her day was so odd. Who's next, Victoria? She snorted inwardly. Yeah right, my luck isn't that good. Her eyes widened. Wait, what?
"Max," Warren's voice shortened her internal sabbatical once more. "I said—"
"I can't," she blurted out unintentionally, "I already agreed to go with Zach, but we can go as friends."
After Max explained to Warren how he was literally a minute too late, he decided to call their lunch meet short and offered to walk her the cafeteria. The brunette declined stating that she wanted to get a head start on the homework she had amassed from that morning. Warren gave a forced smile and they went their separate ways. Max didn't really feel like processing the interaction, since it all happened so abruptly, so she pushed it to the recesses of her mind and carried out the rest of her day in a relatively good mood.
Friday evening came sooner than expected, and before Max knew it she was standing before Courtney's door. After three reinforced knocks, Taylor opened the door and simply motioned her inside.
"Lamefield's here," she stated lacklusterly.
Courtney appeared from behind her closet and greeted Max with a friendly smile. And surprisingly enough, the experience was very enjoyable. She couldn't believe it, but without Victoria around, Taylor and Courtney didn't seem to mind Max in the slightest. In fact, they all got along pretty well. Taylor made light small talk while putting her own outfit together and Courtney, having already finished coordinating her outfit, focused solely on Max. She delivered on her offer and then some, by doing a stellar job with Max's hair and subtle touches of makeup (which only consisted of eyeliner and light blush). She also gave the brunette a cute top to wear. Apparently, it was too tight around the chest for Courtney, but it fit her perfectly. I knew these little guys would make me proud one of these days, Max thought to herself with a reassuring grin. By the time Courtney was finished with her Max felt like one of the cool kids and it felt good.
Zach had texted her the night prior asking if 7:30 PM was a decent time for them to meet up in front of the girls' dorm. So not wasting any time, Max headed outside to meet Zach so they could ride to the party together. Initially, things felt a bit stiff between the two, but Zach was surprisingly cordial to Max the entire ride that by the time they reached the party, they were conversing casually with no problem. Probably through financial influence from the Prescott family, the party was able to rent out a large convention room at a five star hotel located across town. One of the first things that Max noticed upon entering, was how crowded the party was already. It was only 8:00 PM, but a lot of people were already drunk enough to knock over drinks and start removing their clothes from overheating. Zach placed a supportive hand on the small of Max's back causing her to slightly wince.
"Sorry," she yell above the loud music, "I'm technically a noob when it comes to large crowds."
Zach took a second to register what she had said, but gave an A-OK sign with his hand to affirm that he understood.
"How about some place less crowded?" He yelled back, pointing over to the VIP section in the far back.
She wasn't sure if she would be allowed in since she only signed up for general admission to the party, but was willing to try anything at this point. Max didn't think that she would feel so overwhelmed after just arriving at the party. Maybe I should get a drink, too. For relaxing or whatever, she concluded. The quarterback led her towards the far end of the room where another table was set up in front of a wall of dark curtains. It was a bit much, but even the brunette had to admit that the Vortex Club excels in leaving an impression. Zach leaned over the table to speak the girl Max assumed was in charge of VIP access. After they exchanged a few words, he turned back noticeably upset.
"What's wrong?"
"This bitch won't let you in. Don't worry, I'll handle this," The quarterback stepped away from Max and pulled out his phone and began typing rapidly.
Max didn't know that her date was quick to anger, but concluded that if they're roles were switched she probably would have reacted the same way, too. The brunette tried giving the girl at the table a friendly smile, but was greeted with a sneer. Man, she is a bitch.
A minute later, Courtney stumbled from the dark curtains with an exaggerated frown. Is everyone here trashed? Their conversation was inaudible, but after a few accusatory fingers from Courtney and the girl desperately gesturing towards the list and putting her hands up in defense, Courtney turned to the pair and motioned them back. As they passed through, the quarterback told the girl to 'get fucked' and Max just looked at her and offered a mischievous smirk of her own.
"Sorry about that!" Courtney yelled in the brunette's ear.
Yeah, she's definitely drunk.
"Don't worry about it, Courtney! I just appreciate you getting me in," Max gave the dark haired teen an awkward handshake. Courtney just laughed.
"Dude, you're hilarious! I have no idea why Victoria hates you so much. Also, that four-eyed wannabe is just a Vortex Club candidate. She would have been fine if she wasn't such a bitch. But, anyway, enjoy yourself, Max!" Courtney shook Max's hand again with a boisterous laugh and began shimmying towards Taylor who offered her finger guns and a drunk smile.
The brunette was besides herself with amusement as she laughed at the pair's comedy routine. Those two really aren't that bad, either, Max mused in deep thought. The quarterback appeared by her side offering her a drink in a plastic chalice. Max pointed at the dark fluid with an upturned brow.
"Malibu Rum. Don't worry, it's actually pretty good after the first few bottles," Zach said with a laugh. He quickly downed the dark liquor and turned to the brunette urging her to drink hers with motioned hands.
When in Rome, do the Romans. I think that's the saying, Max thought as she shrugged and down her cup.
"Woah! Who knew Caulfield was badass?" The quarterback laughed and began patting her back. The dark liquid burned all the way to her stomach as she coughed up, but Max had to admit that it made her feel considerably more relaxed.
"I'm all loosey goosey, finally!" The brunette slurred with a crooked smile. Zach gave her a hug between laughs. Her body stiffened under the touch, but it was over before he could notice.
"I'm going to get more!" Zach yelled as he motioned over to the bar.
"I'll be sitting over here, then!" She pointed to an area of loveseats and recliners facing a wide screen plasma TV. Man, they really pulled out all the stops with this party, Max thought as plopped onto a love seat. Ooh, it's so cushy, too! She began lightly bouncing when she noticed a pair of manicured toes in laced stilettos.
"What the fuck are you even doing here, loser?"
Max followed the slender legs up to meet the piercing glare of her blonde nemesis. After all of the progress she had made with speaking up for herself, she was once again at a loss for words. Rather than attempting to speak, Max just let her eyes crawl back down Victoria's shapely form.
Why is she so fucking beautiful? Her lips parted.
Victoria wore a black mini dress with a solid white stripe going down left side. The brunettes invading blue eyes roamed over her slender hands. I never noticed how many rings she wore. Her attention trailed up to her slender neck, where a thin chained pendant dipped into her cleavage. I wish I was that necklace, Max thought as she moistened her lips. Wait, what the hell am I even thinking? Victoria's incessant snapping brought from her own thoughts.
"Woah, why the hell are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my dress?" Victoria began frantically searching her body, "I fucking told Taylor I didn't want one of her famous Boogie Brownies. Fuck," the blonde noticed a small brown smudge on the white strip of her dress and began frantically scrubbing it off.
"Here, let me help," Max offered as she languidly pulled herself up.
"Don't even think about it, hipster," Victoria huffed, but she was so engrossed with chipping away at the stain that she didn't notice when the brunette had closed the small distance between them. After a few more frustrated groans her arms dropped to her side.
"Just let me," Max didn't finish her sentence, and just licked the tip of her thumb and gently rubbed at the stain.
She noticed that Victoria's breathing sounded weird and realized that she was very close to touching her breast. If her face wasn't flushed before, it definitely was now. The shock caused her to just stand straight up from where she was causing her to lose balance. Without a moment's hesitation, Victoria's hand reached out and grasped the brunette's lower back pulling her close to prevent her from falling. Max's heart rate skyrocketed as they locked eyes. The music seemed to drone into a muffled hum as time around her seemed to all but stop. Victoria's eyes were definitely something to behold. Even though the only source of light came from neon signs hung along the walls, the brunette could almost swear that she noticed something in Victoria's eyes that she hasn't before. But, she couldn't focus on that right now. All she could focus on was capturing this up-close view of this woman's beauty.
That's right, she's a woman. She's definitely has the beauty of a woman.
Max drank in her alluring scent and slowly bit her lip. Victoria licked hers. Jade irises bounced from the brunette's eyes to her lips. Max felt herself melt as the pit of her stomach ignited. But, a sudden intrusion penetrated their timeless cocoon.
"Hey, there ya are Caulfield!" Zach stumbled over to the pair with another round in his hands. It was evident that he had a few more drinks before coming over. "I thought you might 'f you know, like, disappeared or somef'in." He placed the plastic chalice in her hand.
"Um, thanks," Max offered. Her entire body was on fire.
She looked over to Victoria who avoided eye contact with her, instead she engaged her date.
"Zach, why the fuck is she here? She's not a Vortex Club member," Victoria asked. The venom usually present in her tone gone by the wayside. She pointed an accusatory finger in Max's direction without directly making eye contact. Max could tell that after their encounter she seemed off.
"Victoria, dude, that's all on your girl Courtney. She was the one who cleared Caulfield to come in. You should go bitch at her," Zach slurred with a laugh. He dropped his weight on a nearby loveseat.
The blonde's face twisted with anger, "Since when were interested in that hipster loser, anyway? I've never heard you express any sort of attraction towards her, like, ever. You know what? Whatever."
As Max downed her second cup of rum, she caught the glare Victoria shot her before leaving. She licked her lips in satisfaction as the dark fluid burned its way down. It's not as back the second time, she thought with a muffled cough. Zach leaned forward grabbing her arm to pull her down next to him onto the love seat. The gesture caught her off guard, but her body wasn't reacting properly and she just slumped into the seat next to him.
"You know, you're pretty hot, Caulfield," Zach mumbled.
A calloused hand rubbed up her arm and he moved in closer. Max felt her body stiffen on contact. It didn't matter how inebriated she'd become, she knew she didn't want this, but her body was still unresponsive to his advances. He pulled her into his chest and lifted her thigh, so he could place a hand on her inner thigh. Max knew her body betrayed her when she was unable to keep him from prying open her legs.
"Stop," she gasped. His hand stroked along inside of her thigh, while his other arm was stretched around her torso and stroking the edges of her breast.
I don't want this.
She smelled tobacco when he placed a calloused finger on her lips to silence her. "Let's stop playing around," he whispered as he pulled an earlobe into his mouth. Max whimpered as she felt tears welling in her eyes. "I bet my boys that I'd get some action at this party, so that's what I'm going to do. If you didn't want it, too, then why agree to come here with me?"
He smiled at her shuddered reaction and started to kiss down her neck. Max didn't know if it was from sheer luck or an unknown spiritual guardian, but at that moment she had conjured enough strength to lift Zach from her body and get his attention.
"No!" She cried, "I don't want this! I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression," tears began flowing down her cheeks, "Please I just want to go home, now."
Zach stared at her with empty eyes, before responding, "Well, that's too bad. You're not going home," Max's eyes widened in horror as he leaned in and claimed her mouth for his own with a forceful kiss.
He jammed a tobacco stained tongue into her mouth while forcefully groping at her body. Max felt all of the strength drain from her body as she flailed beneath him sobbing meekly. Then, she suddenly felt his weight being removed from him in a snapped instant. The brunette's squinted open in time to see Victoria pushing Zach onto the ground and kicking him. Her face was contorted with anger as she yelled at him with each blow. Max couldn't process anything going on around her, all she could do was watch in pure shock and awe as her enemy, the person who made a point to make Max's high school life a living hell, relentlessly beat the man who just tried to rape her into the ground. There were truly no words. She gasped when she saw Zach push her away, spring to his feet, and lift the blonde's body effortlessly and slamming it into the wall behind her. Victoria's eyes clenched shut in pain upon impact and Zach held her against the wall with a sturdy grip around her neck.
"God, no," Max whimpered weakly as she dragged her body off the couch.
The moment she was on her feet, her legs gave in sending her plummeting to the hardwood floor beneath. In the moment all she was able to do was look up to see Victoria getting choked out by Zach. More tears escaped her eyes, but then she noticed another person running to pull Zach away. It was Courtney, and Taylor came not too far beyond. Max saw them yelling for the quarterback to release Victoria, but all he did was turn and push them away. In that moment, the blonde took the opportunity to kick him between the legs. Zach screamed in pain and his grip loosened to use his free hand to massage his tender groin. She finally slid to the ground and when Zach lunged at her again, she head butted him in the throat. He clasped at his throat as he fell, shattering the glass table beneath him. By that time, more people had arrived and circled around the now unconscious quarterback. Max watched from the ground, as Victoria pushed past Courtney and Taylor and rushed to her side. She knelt down and carefully helped the brunette on the loveseat. Don't look at me like that, Max thought to herself as she felt her strength break away. She fell into Victoria and began sobbing uncontrollably. Shaking palms placed themselves gently on her back and began moving in soft circular motions.
"I'm sorry," Victoria whispered.
Moments later, Courtney and Taylor had rushed over after talking to hotel security. Apparently, the Prescott's didn't want the police involved and just had Zach removed from the party. Max doesn't remember much from there, aside from the flashes of a slender figure placing her in her bed. The next morning when Max woke up, she was greeted by jarring migraine and a dry throat.
"I hope you slept well."
Max prompted herself up to see Kate Marsh sitting at her side with gentle smile.
"Hey," Max groaned, "What the hell happened to me last night?"