Chapter 2

Max

I'm sat alone in my dorm room looking through some photos I've taken recently. I was in a bitchy mood because I just got a call from my mom about the credit card and I shouldn't have been mad but it was the easiest way to avoid a big conversation. Sitting around and looking at my photos calms me down, even though I don't like a lot of the photos I've taken. When did I get so nitpicky?

There are two photos that I really like - The first is of a man with two boys slung over his shoulders. I took it from behind, with both kids looking at me smiling and laughing. Maybe I could use it for the Everyday Heroes contest? Is a father heroic? The second photo I like is of an overgrown trail. Thick, green bushes arching almost perfectly over a narrow dirt path, the sun still shining through them and illuminating the path. It's a boring nature shot and not something I'd show off to anyone, but the bush arches so perfectly over the pathway it feels a little artificial. Almost … magical? I don't know. It's some fantasy shit and I like it.

Someone knocks on my door, which takes me by surprise since it had been silent and I panic because I owe money all around the dorms. I hesitate to answer, but the knocking starts again.

"It's Nathan."

Nathan's the richest guy at Blackwell I guess, and I'm around him a lot, but oddly I don't owe him money. I open the door.

"Max! How you doin' babe?" He's started calling me babe lately. I guess a part of me likes it. He always ends up forgetting the charm though and starts calling me 'man' instead "You know where Victoria is?"

"Out with Taylor and Courtney," I reply "I'm studying, I guess."

"Well, shit," He says. I wonder if he's on something "Listen, can I come in?"

I step out the way and he's quickly into the room, his eyes darting around. It makes me uncomfortable and I regret letting him inside with no complaints. Nathan is cool I guess, but even after maxing out my Mom's credit card my dorm probably looks pretty cheap to him. I'm sure this is something Nathan and Victoria have spoken about. Behind my back.

"Hey, these new photos? Can I take a look?"

I feel a little flattered, although it's hard not to notice the photos laying all around my bed and maybe even Nathan would find it impolite to ignore a photography student's work. But then he does have a genuine interest in photography. I've seen his stuff and it's grim, but impressive. I asked him once why he wasn't in Jefferson's class with me and he said it was something to do with his Dad.

"Sure. No big expectations though."

"I like your stuff."

He sits on my bed and begins flicking through them, and I'm satisfied with the pauses he takes to study each one in turn. Maybe he does like my stuff? I know he doesn't like Polaroids, but it's not a dealbreaker. He focuses on a photo I took at nighttime of a car parked under a streetlamp, some weird guy sitting motionless inside it. It was noir.

"This one," Nathan says "I love it. It's dark. I mean who is this guy? It's like he was creeping on you or something. It's like they'd find this photo on your body."

"Not cool," Nathan laughs at me "I was freaked out taking that photo."

"Nah it's cool man. It's like something out of an old movie." He starts flicking through the photos again. "You should keep that one."

I sit down next to him, my eyes on the photos.

"You're good. Jefferson'd like you more if you showed him this stuff." Nathan says

"You don't think Jefferson likes me?" Again, Nathan's not in my class with Jefferson "How'd you know Jefferson?"

"I don't know Jefferson … he just tried talking me into his class a few times." he says "And I don't mean he doesn't like you, you just said you're failing his class, right?"

I probably mentioned failing Photography while I was high or drunk at some point. I get humble when I'm blasted.

"Anyway …" he says "The reason I was here for Victoria was I gotta take a trip out. You wanna come instead?"

"Trip out to where? You're not asking me out on a date or something?" I'm joking but for a moment I panic. What if he's planning something like that? Nathan's too random.

"This is your lucky day babe," he punches me playfully "But nah, maybe some other time. For now I gotta see my dealer and you should meet him."

"Why should I meet your dealer?"

"Because Max. You can't get through Blackwell on just weed. It's the same with Victoria. I know you don't want heavier stuff but Frank, he can find you something, you know … in the middle."

"Weed is doing me just fine" I say. This all suddenly seemed so sleazy. I had a dealer in Seattle who wasn't bad, but he still hung around with some sketchy guys. Guys who'd try and get you alone and push hard stuff on you. I'd always heard the stories about what they expected off girls in exchange, and it wasn't money.

"It's on me, babe. You want to try something you can try it. If not, that's cool. We'll be there five minutes, and I'll get you something to eat. Deal?"

"I'm not going to want anything. But five minutes and then free food, I guess I'm in." I say, instantly regretting 'free food'. I sound poor.

Frank

Outside the Two Whales waiting for Nathan who's late again and some asshole has gotten Pompidou all excited. He walks up to us and starts asking about the dog like we're bonding or something and I want to just tell the guy to fuck off but it's busy around and Violet has already warned me about 'upsetting the customers'. And Pompidou's taken a shine to this guy for some reason and he's all over him so I've gotta get up and walk over anyway.

The guy's from out of town passing through and he has three dogs back home. I guess he still smells like dogs and that's why Pompidou's all excited. He kind of knows his shit I guess because he figures Pompidou's a fighting breed and although I don't want to give the guy my life story I tell him he's a rescue and there used to be a dog fighting circuit in town but not anymore. Just when I think it's gonna be a whole thing the guy says he's gotta get going and he walks off to a fancy looking car and I've gotta grab Pompidou to stop him running off with the guy. I lock him in the bedroom because I gotta lock him up anyway because he hates Nathan.

I've gotta hang around for another 15 minutes before Nathan shows up with some broad. She's this small preppy type who's quiet and nervous and she doesn't even want to look at me which makes me a little nervous because she seems like a girl who could freak out and rat or end up dead if she hit some Tylenol too hard. Nathan's vouching for her saying she's a Blackwell girl and she's only done weed and she doesn't want anything heavy but maybe I can think of something.

I ask for her name and Nathan tells me it's Max and she gets annoyed and mutters to him not to give me her name like I give a shit. I think I'll call her Chihuahua but then I think I've already used that one and I can't think of anything else so I'll look up a different name for her later. I get them into the RV and I ask her what she thinks she wants and she's like I don't know so Nathan says to just hook him up with some prescription pills so they can sample. I go and put together some stuff and while I'm in the bedroom I hear Nathan telling her to be cool and that she doesn't have to do this shit if she don't want to and I guess he's kind of sweet on her because he has some gentleman gimmick going on. I grab about $100 worth of stuff and charge him $200 then I give him the party supplies he'd already set up and get the money for that too. Nathan mentioned she's a pothead so I give the girl a little weed too for free to sweeten her up. She could be loaded and even if she isn't Nathan's loaded and he'll probably keep spending on her at least until she puts out. She doesn't look like she puts out.

Max

The whole drug deal was gross. Nathan tells this dealer my name and I guess I'm officially a client now. So if this guy gets busted and starts talking - goodbye Blackwell scholarship. At one point he slips me some weed for free with a creepy smile on his face and I feel like crying, although I don't mind free weed.

I have bigger problems though. We're in the parking lot of the Two Whales (Who deals drugs in the parking lot of the Two Whales?) and if Joyce takes one glance out the window she'll know I'm here. She probably already knows I'm here. I've been sure to be in a hostile 'get me the fuck out of here' mood around Nathan ever since we pulled up to the Two Whales but it's not working and now he wants to grab something to eat.

He starts walking to his truck and I quickly walk after him, wondering I can say without having to explain my entire past with Joyce and Chloe. He tells me to go and get a table and that he's paying and he'll be a couple of minutes. I take a deep breath.

"I really don't feel like eating at the Two Whales. We can just go back to Blackwell and you know … try some of these drugs?"

"We're already here though," he says "You said you were hungry."

I thought for sure Nathan would choose drugs over breakfast. I get that sinking feeling as if it's inevitable and I start wondering - what if Joyce doesn't hate me? She could just be confused. She'd understand if I was just honest with her. But then, if I meet Joyce no doubt she'd guilt me into meeting Chloe, and how could I face Chloe? Chloe for sure will hate me and I'd deserve it. And I don't think I could even handle seeing her in a wheelchair. Paralyzed.

Since I've arrived at Blackwell I've tried telling myself I'm paranoid. Chloe would be the same and so would Joyce and William. Chloe would throw some snarky jokes at me and we'd laugh and then we'd be back to normal. Joyce would get me breakfast and tell me to eat up and it'd be back to normal. William would be around cracking lame jokes that I'd laugh at anyway and Chloe would get annoyed about me encouraging him. I loved them all. I'd just created this ugly, twisted image of them in my mind. Something to sit there and remind me of what I'd done. Or hadn't done.

Nathan is stood there watching me in silence, curious.

"Are you having some kind of thing? You're crazy distracted. I get that sometimes," he says "There'll be something in the bag for that."

He holds up the bag of drugs and shakes it and I hear the pills rattling. I wonder if they could help. I couldn't ignore Joyce or Chloe forever. The longer I wait, the worse it'd be. Maybe these drugs would give me a kick? Energize me so I could blast through any conversation with Joyce? Fuck up my sense of time and place so I wouldn't even realize I'm talking. But then what would I be saying? Probably just making things worse. Although I guess I'd just be operating on pure animal instinct with no tact, so all my inner emotions would come spewing out. That wouldn't be so bad because I'm pretty sure I'd be crying on her shoulder what with all the guilt.

"Come on," Nathan says. He starts walking back to his truck and he starts rummaging through the bag once we're hidden behind it (Although we're still in full view of several people on our sidewalk). I hope I don't cry around Joyce. What would Nathan think then? What would he tell Victoria? I remind myself I haven't been here too long and I've already seen Nathan crying twice, and if I did it maybe it'd be a nice moment between us. Something we could bond over. We'd laugh about it.

We're at Nathan's truck and he ends up showing me a blue pill in his hand. My first instinct is the grab it and clench in tightly in my fist. I'm paranoid about everyone around us. Everyone watching us.

"Just take it. It'll help if you're freaking out but you know, it's basically nothing. Doctors use this stuff. You're not gonna drop dead. It's just gonna calm you down."

"I'm going to trust you." I say. I look him in the eyes and he doesn't look away, although he's a little confused. I must look like a mess. I swallow the pill. It sounds like it'll just get me acting normal. I can handle that.

Nathan and I walk into the Two Whales and take a seat. At first I avoid looking at anyone but once we're seated, and I haven't heard Joyce's voice once. I look around to find … she's not here. There's a different waitress I've never seen before. I breathe a sigh of relief, although I remind myself I'll still have serious, unresolved baggage.

"Heya Nathan," says the new waitress "Why don't you introduce me to your friend here?"

"This is Max. I told you about her once. She's one of the Vortex Club girls."

"Ah, Max. My name's Violet. I'll be your waitress today. Can I get you both something to drink?"

I order a coffee and Nathan asks for a coke. I tell her I'll take a Bacon Omelette as well and Nathan orders the same.

"No problem kids. I'll be right back."

"You told her about me?"

"Yeah. She just talks and talks sometimes, and she was asking about my friends."

"How long has she worked here?"

"A couple of months. Why?"

"I was expecting someone else to be working here. That's all."

"You haven't been here in a while, huh? Who were you expecting?"

"My old friend's mom used to work here. Joyce."

"I remember Joyce. She was cool I guess. Not sure what happened to her. One day she was just gone."

Violet shows up and gives us our drinks. Leaves.

"I used to come here all the time," I say. Nathan seems like he's in a normal enough mood to be my rock, if I need it "I've been avoiding it since I came back because I treated Chloe, Joyce's daughter and my best friend, like a piece of shit. I moved to Seattle and kind of started ignoring her. The worst part is, Chloe's paralyzed now. She had a major accident. I still didn't do much to stay in touch."

"Shit. I guess you were freaking out over Joyce, huh? What happened with Joyce's kid? Why'd you stop talking to her?"

"I'm just no good with the long-distance thing."

"Well, you're a photographer, right? You gotta see the subject in front of you, right? Otherwise what the fuck can you do?"

I suppose Nathan has a point. Face to face I could always read Chloe, and she had an even easier time reading me. In Seattle I was flying blind. Especially after she had her accident. I had no idea where her head was. If I could've just seen her face in front in me everything would've been better. If only I was stood there in front of her so she could see how pathetic and sad and sorry I was it'd explain everything to her without me having to say a word. Nathan continued.

"We could go visit her. Joyce's kid. You know where they live?"

"Probably where they always lived, but it's something I have to do on my own. Once I grow a pair, I mean. Thanks, though."

"Hey man, it's good to talk about this shit. I wish I could do it sometimes."

"Well, you know, I've seen you open up. About Rachel Amber …"

Like I said I'd seen Nathan cry a couple of times, and both times came while he was remembering Rachel. He wasn't bawling his eyes out or anything, but he was struggling to maintain and there were definite tears. I don't want to get him worked up here, just remind him that we're sort of buddies. This can be like our thing – therapy.

"Yeah I don't like to talk about it, even when I'm wasted."

"Well I owe you if you ever want to talk about stuff, you know?"

"Yeah, thanks."

We both get quiet and pull out our phones to occupy ourselves. I have some texts from Taylor asking where I was and if I wanted to hang out with her, Victoria and Courtney later. Taylor's a sweet girl. Victoria treats her like shit and I do too sometimes I guess but I do feel bad about it. Same with Courtney. Treating them like slaves is one thing Victoria and I bond over though.

I also have an older text from Hayden asking me to stop by his dorm sometime. Pretty vague. Can't imagine why he'd want to see me. He must be high. Hayden was a cool guy. Hayden was a total heartbreaker and a lot of girls stayed on their toes around him. But he'd never shown any interest in me. I'd stop by his dorm sometime. I wanted to hang out with Hayden more. We clicked whenever we talked. We had a similar sense of humour. Plus he always had weed.

I tell Taylor I'm at the Two Whales with Nathan (Better to be honest or bad/worse rumours start) and that we can meet up later.

I look at Nathan. I wasn't too happy about having to meet his dealer, and I thought he was an asshole for bringing me to the Two Whales, but overall he's been pretty cool today. I feel like we've grown as a duo. I wonder if the pill is just clouding my judgement. Or if pills are making Nathan act normal.

"Are you on something?" I ask him.

"I'm on something every day. You know that."

"It's just you've been really, I don't know, nice? I like it. Whatever it is you're on you should stick to it."

"I can't even remember what I took this morning. I can find out and hook you up though. How are you feeling right now by the way?"

"I don't know. I don't think it's doing anything?"

"Sometimes it takes time. That shit has to build in your system. It must be low dose."

Violet arrives back at the table with two plates.

"Two Bacon Omelettes. Enjoy!"

She leaves. The food smells good and I finally get that wave of nostalgia. I hadn't really been paying attention to my surroundings until now but I look around and get all kinds of familiar feelings. Memories. It's sad that Joyce isn't here anymore. I wonder where she is now? Could it be that she left Arcadia Bay? With Chloe? I would panic but I'm sure they would have at least texted me if they were moving.

Nathan and I are both eating.

"You're coming to the party right?" Nathan suddenly asks.

"I'll be there." I say.

"Between you and me, Victoria's hooked you up with Trevor."

"What?" I'm surprised but I don't want to sound eager "I … don't think I need help getting a boyfriend."

Nathan starts giggling.

"You haven't had one since you arrived here. Everyone knows you like Trevor, man." He says.

I'm pretty sure I'm blushing now. What if Trevor doesn't like me? Is Victoria going to force him onto me? She probably has her ways. Is this why Justin knew about my crush on Trevor? I guess Trevor must have known as well then, but he didn't really do anything when we were together. Except hold my hand. Was that a thing?

"I really wasn't expecting this. Has she told him anything?"

"I dunno she emailed me saying you're getting a 'Trevor-sized surprise'. That was top level classified by the way – don't tell her I told you."

"I have to talk to her about this. I don't even want to think about what she's told him about me. He likes Dana. Why would he take me out unless she told him something really disgusting?"

"Believe it or not but Victoria won't even tell me your dirty secrets, Max," he says, laughing "Maybe Trevor really does like you? You're not bad."

"Sweet, Nathan."

"I'm just kidding. You're a babe. You are Victoria are both babes."

"I forgive you, I guess."

"Victoria likes you," says Nathan "You're probably paranoid after that shit between you but she likes you. She's just trying to help you out because you're useless with guys."

Maybe Victoria really does want to be friends? Paranoia over our past feud aside, we make for a good team. I like being around her, most of the time. Perhaps she isn't looking to backstab me? She's close with Nathan, and Nathan and I are all buddy-buddy right now so I don't feel like he's playing me. I do want to argue with his comment about me being useless with guys but no counter comes to mind.

"Well, I can't guarantee she won't find out that you told me." I say with a smile that Nathan returns.

"She'll cut me off from that juicy Max gossip then," he says "Which cuts you off."

"Good point. I'll see about keeping this a secret."

We finish up our meals and Nathan pays the bill. We say bye to Violet who seems like a nice girl. Nathan asks again if I'm feeling anything from the pill and I tell him no, but his dealers RV has disappeared from the parking lot before Nathan can complain about bad shit.

Jefferson

It's 2:11 am and, strangely, I've just woken up from a nightmare involving a girl I met back in Portland years ago. Joanne. A girl who could've been a subject but I knew her so briefly there was no chance to arrange anything. Perhaps the reason for the nightmare? Regret? There've been so many missed opportunities, why does she stick out? After the nightmare I quickly get out of bed sweaty and with a hard-on and take in a glass of ice water. Make a mental note to search for photos of Joanne because I'm sure I have a couple, somewhere. Check my phone. Nathan has texted me several times, obviously wasted, and the only relevant information is that he thinks Kate will be attending the Vortex Club party this weekend.

I can't even imagine Kate at a Vortex Club party, and the thought of her attending one makes me panic for a second. It taints this beautiful image I have of her. It was the same with Rachel and her lifestyle. Worse with Rachel. But Rachel was an exception to a lot of the rules. She was still spectacular.

I had mixed feelings about Kate at the Vortex Club. No doubt Victoria, Max and Taylor had their twisted plans for her. Perhaps that'd help. They could burn some horrific memories into Kate's mind that would overshadow any potential memories of the dark room. Of Nathan. Of me.

But there'd be so many witnesses to a remarkable sight at a Vortex Club party. Kate would be under scrutiny. But in that chaos I suppose Nathan could operate in plain sight, and everyone would know to stay out of his business. An unconscious girl at a party shouldn't raise any eyebrows. Especially if Nathan kept the crowd in a similar state with booze and drugs.

Although I hated the thought, I had to trust Nathan. I had to show faith in him. Nathan is quite attached to me but if I reject his help, if I don't let him into the process, he could easily rob me of all these fabulous resources I have. Possibly break down and expose the entire Rachel Amber incident to the world and implicate me in the process. I would speak to him before the party with another reminder of the objective. I had to keep him focused on the plan. I'd told him time and time again how important Kate was to me.

Max

I'm sat in the cafeteria with Victoria, Taylor and Courtney.

"So the biggest news of the day is … I got Kate to come to the Vortex Club party!" Victoria says proudly.

"Are you serious?" I ask. Genuine surprise.

Courtney and Taylor are both equally stunned. Victoria has a triumphant smile on her face.

"I'm totally serious. I had to do a little sweet talking, but now she's completely interested in what us kids get up to at these shindigs."

"You've got something planned for her, right?"

"I'm not some monster, Courtney …" Victoria says, pausing a few moments to keep us in suspense "Just thinking it'd be fun to see Kate loosen up a little. What do you think, Max?"

"I'd be surprised if she actually showed up."

"I made her give me her word, and a sweet girl like Kate wouldn't lie to me."

"I think it's like, against her religion to drink alcohol, right?" Taylor asks.

"So … whatever she does drink we need to make sure it counts." Victoria says.

"You're gonna spike her drink?" I whisper, a little excitement in my voice. I can't avoid the fact I'm curious to see Kate get buzzed. Who knows? It could help Kate. Endear her to some people. You ruin someone's spotless image they can reinvent themselves into someone way different. Someone way more likeable. It pretty much happened to me in Seattle.

"I don't know," Victoria starts whispering as well "That's Nathan's department. I told him something harmless. Kate could probably OD on toothpaste. He's not sure what he can get right now."

"I went with him to his dealer yesterday for party supplies so he probably has something ready."

"We were wondering what you were doing with Nathan yesterday! He hasn't turned you into a fiend has he?!" Victoria is excited, fishing for some gossip.

"Hardly. I'm sticking to the peace pipe. That dealer is sketchy as fuck."

"Yeah you really shouldn't take anything Nathan gives you." Taylor says .

"What's that supposed to mean?" Victoria asks, irritated. I'm curious too.

"I don't know. Nothing happened to me but there are rumours." Taylor says meekly. She's playing with fire by talking Nathan around Victoria. I decide to run interference.

"I took one pill that he gave me. It didn't seem to do anything though. Made me sleepy after a while, maybe."

"See, Taylor? Max is fine after her brush with Nathan. You can't believe every rumour you hear. Only the rumours I give you."

"Nathan's a good guy," says Courtney, looking to score some points "I never had a problem with his stuff."

I want to complain about this "Trevor-sized surprise". I don't even want to imagine what Victoria told Trevor about me to get him to take me to the party. If he's even taking me. Maybe he's just popping out of a cake or something. He's never shown me anything to say he likes me. No doubt Victoria had made up some terrible stories to get him thinking about me.

But I don't want to discuss it in front of Courtney and Taylor because Victoria always plays to an audience. I wouldn't get any honest answers out of her.

I don't want to point any fingers at Nathan either, and she'd figure it was Nathan who told me knowing that we'd been hanging out recently. He could be a valuable source of whatever Max-related plans Victoria had lined up. I figure I let it sit for a little bit, then I'll say I pieced it together that someone was setting me up with Trevor because Justin was teasing me about it, and Victoria has seemed pretty eager to get me laid in the past.

It bugs me more and more that Nathan doesn't have any romantic interest in any girls (or boys). He calls me babe, but also man and he's never come close to making a move on me. Taylor and Courtney he seems kind of oblivious to. Dana he probably crushes on but who doesn't? She's only into jocks, and although I heard Nathan was in the Bigfoots once he obviously crashed out. Julia, maybe? Guess he just pines for Rachel Amber. He must have screwed her or something. Nathan doesn't strike me as a guy who gets laid much so if Rachel Amber tossed him a bone it wouldn't surprise me if he got crazy obsessed over her.

Kate

I got invited to a Vortex Club party! I shouldn't be so thrilled but this could be an opportunity to finally make friends. Blackwell so far has been difficult, and if it wasn't for the support of Mr. Jefferson I'd feel completely alone. I probably haven't helped myself, and I'm overcome by shyness around my classmates, but attending this party is a gesture that I'd like to fit in. Victoria, who has been so hostile ever since I arrived, seemed genuine when she apologized and explained that it was a kind of cry for attention. She assured me that Max, Taylor and Courtney had similar feelings but can only express themselves by acting out. Something they all want to work on.

She was also honest in saying a Vortex Club party wouldn't necessarily be something I'd enjoy. It does sound like it will be a test of my restraint. But I realize how difficult it must have been for Victoria to open up to me like she did and I felt I needed to return the gesture. I must approach this with caution, but hopefully afterwards I won't be alone at Blackwell.

Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can endure it."

Max

I can't get Victoria alone to discuss this Trevor surprise. I finish up my classes and wander around campus for a while, hoping to bump into Trevor again. Hopefully I can corner him so I can find out what he thinks. Trevor's a good guy. If this was all some trap set by Victoria to humiliate me I'm sure he'd break down and tell me. But then he isn't the smartest guy either and if he is part of some scheme he probably wouldn't even realize it. Nathan thinks Victoria's completely innocent in doing this so there's that.

I should explain my relationship with Victoria a little more. When I first arrived at Blackwell Victoria was quick to light a fire under my ass. I was a scholarship student. Well dressed (I'd say), but not expensively dressed. Cheap polaroid gimmick in class. She had material to work with, making fun of me like I was fresh out of the sewer or something.

But I was confrontational whenever she'd give me shit. When I was in Seattle girls like Victoria were a dime a dozen and I knew my way around them. It's nothing new, saying to stand up to bullies, but Victoria really can't handle return fire. Even lame, petty insults will get under her skin. Especially if said in front of a big enough audience. I always tried to keep our verbal battles public. As big a crowd as possible. Outside of the Vortex Club there are plenty of people who wanted to see her knocked down a peg.

Eventually she approached me by herself and offered a ceasefire. Gave me a big speech about how we were both badass bitches, how I'd be perfect for the Vortex Club and how we should team up and rule over Blackwell.

So, we became best friends and started hanging out. I got into the Vortex Club and I'd found a clique. I've never been convinced she's over all the drama that exploded between us. Maybe it's time for me to move on? Maybe not?

I give up on Trevor and I'm walking through town heading towards the woods because I want some more nature photos. Victoria and I had been discussing this recently (I do love talking photography with her). She thought nature photos were overdone at Blackwell and kind of cheap, and I had to agree, but there's still something therapeutic about nature and I needed to detox from the high school drama. I want to build myself up to meeting Chloe too. The scare at the Two Whales has put that back in my head and I'm thinking about it constantly.

Warren and Brooke walk past me. Warren says hi. I hear Brooke's irritated voice afterwards as they trail off and I suppose he's in trouble. Brooke doesn't like me but that's understandable I guess. She doesn't like any of the Vortex Club girls. Not since Victoria made a comment, loudly, in front of the whole cafeteria, about her having some drug habit and we all laughed like good cronies (I don't know if Brooke has a drug habit). Brooke called her a stuck up slut, again, in front of the whole cafeteria, and ever since Victoria has treated her with caution. Like I said before, it's easy to land big hits on Victoria so long as the crowd is big enough. Brooke was a dorky girl, the kind of dorky girl a dorky guy like Warren would fawn over, but she knew to stand up for herself. I wouldn't poke at her. Not that I really poke at anybody.

I'm approaching a coffee shop called Decarli's when I see Jefferson. He doesn't notice me. He's talking to some woman and her adorable little girl. I wonder how he knows them. He squats down to talk to the little girl and I have to take a picture because they're placed perfectly in the center of two flower boxes hanging off some black, wrought iron fencing and the girl's mother is looking down at him with a beaming smile. She's good looking. In the background is a red brick building. There are a few people wandering around in the shot. It's a busy, but not cluttered shot. I take my picture and then quickly take another for some reason (It's basically the same exact shot).

Would it be tacky to submit a photo of my teacher to the Everyday Heroes contest? He's making a little girl and her mother smile. Is that really heroic? I think back to my photo of the guy carrying his two kids over his shoulders. I guess I have a thing for fatherly moments. I love the photos I've taken. So much colour and contrast. I know which of the two I'll put up on my wall (One of them is kinda ruined by some guys arm in the shot).

As I'm studying the photos I glance up and notice Jefferson walking straight towards me. I don't think he's noticed me because he's looking down at his phone.

Jefferson

I leave Decarli's and I notice Max stood around looking at one of her Polaroids and for a moment I wonder if she's taking photos of me, but then I consider that I'm walking straight towards her and I'd rather avoid a conversation. I quickly take out my phone and pretend to be texting someone. Hopefully she'll flake out. Without her goons I have Max pegged as basically afraid with little self-esteem.

Max

Submitting one of these photos for Everyday Heroes would be tacky, but that doesn't mean I can't just show them to Jefferson. There's nothing creepy about seeing Jefferson in a public place like this and taking photos that had to be taken. Jefferson is a photographer, a great photographer, but he'd probably still feel flattered being the subject for a change. This is a chance to make a good impression.

"Mr. Jefferson?"

Jefferson

I hear her say my name and I should pretend not the hear but she's close and it seems unavoidable.

"Max! What a pleasant surprise! Enjoying the sunshine?"

I take a hurried sip of my coffee hoping it tells her something.

"Yeah, I'm heading to the woods. Great day for photography, huh?"

"It sure is. Sadly I don't have my camera, only coffee. Can I get you something?"

I stupidly offer to buy her coffee on pure reflex. Too polite for my own good.

"No, I'll be fine. I just … you know you just gave me the perfect photo op."

I glance down at the two Polaroids in her hand.

"Ah, Max. You're not spying on me are you?"

She laughs at my lame joke a little. I wonder briefly if she's just polite or if she's in love with me.

"No, I just saw you with the little girl over there."

She holds out the photos. I slip my phone into my pocket and take them.

"Always delighted to see the work of a student."

I had to admit I was impressed. Very colourful. She couldn't have been better positioned for this shot. It all fell into place beautifully but my one criticism - Mark Jefferson. My suit, although impeccable, is too dark and doesn't fit the bright setting. I feel guilty. I should've been wearing something more casual. I try picturing myself in a Hawaiian shirt and jeans instead but it doesn't come to me. I really only have one style and I suppose that should depress me.

"Max, this is very good work. I'm impressed."

I switch to the second photo and it's pretty much the same. There's a hairy, disembodied arm in the shot which spoils it worse than I do.

"My only complaint, and this isn't your fault, is that I seem so out of place in this suit. I should really start taking fashion tips from the locals."

She laughs again.

"You look great. I think you work in the shot. If you were dressed like a fisherman it'd look like a postcard. Too staged. You … stand out." she says.

She had a point. I give her a smile and hold it for a few seconds. I want her to think I'm proud. Really I wouldn't go that far but I feel like a cloud has lifted and I'm seeing her in a new light. Max is glowing. She's quite pleased with herself. I find her face, her eyes quite beautiful in this moment. I've cut through the ugly façade of the Vortex Club slut and found this charming little thing instead. Suddenly I feel like a new opportunity has presented itself. I ask Max if she's sure doesn't want a coffee, this time with a twinkle in my eye.

"I dunno. It kinda seemed like you were busy."

"Max, I love the shot. You deserve a little something."

Max

Jefferson likes my photos. I feel like I'm blushing and I wonder what I must look like to Jefferson now. Probably like some pathetic groupie? Someone like Victoria? I tell myself to get a grip. He likes my photos, big deal. He hands me back my photos and then he wants to buy me a coffee again and I can't refuse this time when he looks at me the way he does.

Jefferson

Max and I sit down in Decarli's and Abbi, the waitress, who flirts shamelessly with me every time I visit this place (Admittedly she's one big reason I keep coming back) approaches and jokes about being happy to see me again so soon. Her eyes fall on Max, and I explain to Abbi that she's my star pupil. Max blushes a little. Abbi asks Max what she wants. Max asks for a plain coffee.

"Max, please. I wouldn't be your pretentious art school teacher if I didn't suggest something more hipster. Try a Piccolo Latte. I'm paying, remember."

Max laughs a little, and I expect her to accept my offer.

"Victoria's tried getting me into hipster coffee so I'm a little scared it'll kill a part of my soul or something."

I laugh, and a little part of it is genuine. Hopefully she isn't too fond of Victoria. We could bond over that.

"Victoria has great taste, and not just in coffee." I can't help but smile a little. I wonder how she feels about Victoria fawning over me. Any friction there? Hopefully Max gets what I'm asking.

Abbi interrupts.

"Our Piccolo Latte is really good, honey," she says to Max, then she looks at me "Mark can be a bad boy, but a Piccolo Latte would be his good deed for the day. And I wouldn't even call it hipster."

"If you vouch for him I'll take one."

Max

Sitting down with Mr. Jefferson in this coffee shop has put me at ease. I hung around in coffee shops all the time in Seattle. Something about them made me feel like a fish in water. I still prefer basic coffee (I prefer everything low tech – like with my polaroids). Mr. Jefferson makes fun of me for this and I play along until he sets me up with a Piccolo Latte.

For one odd moment he suggests Victoria has great taste for wanting to fuck him. Or at least I think that's what he's suggesting. Is he flirting with me? I wouldn't mind that, I guess. The waitress, who knows Jefferson and obviously wants him, interrupts before I can joke about Victoria's taste.

I feel at ease sat alone with Jefferson, which is unexpected. Could I flirt with him a little? It does feel like it's just the two of us. Far away from Blackwell. No familiar faces around. It feels like a secret date. Jefferson is a calming presence as well. He's very relaxed and polite and he wants to be here with me. For a second I remember it wasn't long ago I was joking with him about fucking me, Victoria and Taylor at the same time and it dawns on me how trashy that was. I get a sinking feeling in my stomach but tell myself I can be classier on my own and salvage our whole relationship.

Jefferson

As curious as I am about Max and Victoria, I don't press the issue after Abbi's interruption in case it seems I'm prying. Maybe I'll wind back around to it. I'd like to think Max and Victoria weren't joined at the hip as it seemed in my classes. That relationship only cheapened Max. I've always thought she had the aesthetic. She has nice blue eyes and freckles. She doesn't make that much effort with her appearance which gives her natural appeal. It's a shame she acts up around her friends otherwise she'd have the authenticity and honesty that I love. I never thought she had the personality. The soul. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

"So, I heard there's a big party coming up? Are you going?" I ask.

"Sure. You could come too. You shot a lot of parties back in the 90's. A lot of your photos are kind of wild. People kinda think you live this double life where you're an art school teacher by day, coked out party monster by night."

"Between you and me, Max," I had to throw her a bone "Coke doesn't improve your photography."

She smiles very wickedly, enjoying this tidbit about my (former) drug habits. I wonder if there really are rumours about me being a coked out party monster at Blackwell, or if Max is about to start them. But Max's Vortex Club persona has always been very aloof and passive. She seems above the petty gossip, or at least the squealing excitement of petty gossip. I wouldn't care if she did tell people I was on coke because I've been drug-free for years. I suppose this could pass for a small test to see how trustworthy she was.

"I honestly wouldn't know. That's another thing Victoria tried talking me into."

My inner-teacher panics momentarily. Victoria doesn't seem like a cokehead or a dealer so I wonder where that came from. I ignore that comment and continue the conversation.

"Besides, the young me would love to shoot a Vortex Club party, but the old me knows all my photos would end up in an evidence locker. I've heard … scandalous rumours about what goes on at these Vortex Club gatherings."

Going off what Nathan has told me they're ordinary. Nothing special. Nothing like the old parties I used to shoot back in the day. Arcadia Bay couldn't compete with the big cities when it came to hedonism. But then that's one thing that brought me to Arcadia Bay. Nowadays I wanted subjects who'd had minimal exposure to that lifestyle.

"This weekend is only my second. The first one everyone just got drunk and just got sad talking about that Rachel Amber girl. It was pretty boring. Like a wake." Says Max

I panic, knowing Nathan would be just the type to get drunk and sob over what he did to Rachel.

"Yes, Rachel Amber … I suppose you never knew her?"

"I never knew her," she says "But a lot of people still think about her."

Abbi interrupts yet again and lays Max's Piccolo Latte on the table. I wonder what Abbi is thinking. Is she threatened by Max? Do I come off as a guy who'd fool around with his students? The thought makes me uncomfortable, but it's not an unfair characterization I suppose.

"Sorry for the wait, hon. Mind if I hang around and see if you like it?"

Max takes a sip.

"That's really good. I'm surprised."

"Like I said Mark can behave," she winks at me and I play it coy "Anyway duty calls."

Max and I are alone again.

"It's good," She says "I guess that's like 1000 hipster experience."

"Just don't let Victoria know I pulled you over to the dark side," I replied with a smile "You could still milk her for another free latte."

"If she knew I had a coffee date with Mr. Jefferson today I'd probably get a free latte thrown in my face."

I think about correcting her 'coffee date' comment but decide to let it sit. Let her think this was a date. Perhaps it was.

Although rumour control had to be on my mind. Nathan told me once during a manic episode that it's common knowledge around Blackwell that Rachel Amber and I were in a sexual relationship. Which is funny because Nathan was pretty much the only person who could've started those rumours, unless Rachel herself did so before her death.

I wondered what Max would say about this meeting? I didn't care if she spread cocaine rumours, but there's a strong possibility she'd boast of this this 'date' to Victoria and Taylor. Now if Max was to be a subject, an idea I could see myself coming around to, I wouldn't want there to be rumours of secret dates prior to her waking up somewhere with possible memories of the dark room.

"We'll keep this a secret between us then," I say with a smile "But you're on your own if you ever have to explain your Piccolo Latte addiction to her. I'll deny everything. Anyway, Max, this has been fun but I really must get going. I'll see you in class."

I pull out my wallet and leave money on the table, with a generous tip for Abbi. Max sits there looking at me, an awkward smile on her face. She says bye.

Max

It seems like Jefferson leaves a little abruptly. Was it something I said? '1000 hipster experience.' – ugh. I probably would've walked out after that too. Usually I'm not that bad with the words. Perhaps he did have somewhere else to be? He was busy before I interrupted him with my Polaroids.

I sit around and drink my latte. I was pretty lame, but overall I do think I made a good impression on Jefferson. He loved my photo, and there was definitely a moment between us after that. I'm pretty sure it was a moment. And even if I did say something stupid, at least I didn't end up talking about foursomes again. I think about the look he gave me when I said that, daring me to go further with it. He wasn't angry or offended, just … frustrated? He knew that I wasn't that girl. He knew I couldn't follow it up. Today when he looked at me it was much better. Warmer. More inviting. Genuinely interested in me. I'm probably reading too much into it, as usual.