A/N: I decided to put in the AU the side characters/students presented in Life is Strange: Before the Storm. I know in Speak I referenced Samantha, and that event did happen. But Steph, Sam, and Mikey will be in the story. All three of them are going to be a year younger than Chloe (they're seniors. 4th year.) Drew is in the AU too, but he already graduated. Eliot is too, but he has long been expelled and he won't make an appearence in this story (although that might change. Who knows?)

Kyle

August 20th, 2014

8:53 a.m.

I was nervous.

I admit it. I've never done this "new school" thing. For the first time in my history of academics, I had no idea who to sit by. For the first time, I never knew anybody in the entire room.

Blackwell wasn't my first choice, by the way. I looked at other, more public schools. Blackwell tuition was way too high.

In a way, Martha blackmailed me. She offered to pay the tuition for the year in an attempt to make up for moving all the way to freaking Oregon.

Needless to say, I needed somewhere to sit.

I scanned the auditorium for a while. My eyes eventually fell on a boy sitting on the edges of the crowd of kids in the bleachers. It was tough to say how tall he was while sitting, but he looked to be around 5'7. He had a toned build with a slight pauch, and fair skin. Up close I could see glasses over his hazel eyes. He had a slight discoloration on his left knee.

I sat next to him. I tried to keep an appropriate distance because he didn't look very approachable.

"Hey," I said as I sat by him.

He didn't say anything. A little rude, but I can understand not wanting to talk so early in the morning.

Principal Wells came up a podium. I briefly met the guy before the school year started and he seemed okay. Seems like a guy who takes his job a little too seriously.

Standing next to him, I assume, was the school's security guard. I'd never met him, but the brochure said he was former military. (Yes, I actually read the brochure).

Wells just keeps talking. About the new year, new uniforms for the football team, new, new, new. In speaking of new, Wells made the fun decision to announce the new students.

"This morning, I'd like to announce the new students of the 2014 year. First, I'd like to announce Kyle Sherman."

Oh, boy. There was a smattering of applause for me. I waved a small little wave at the collective crowd before it disappeared.

"Next, I would like to welcome Jamie Townley."

Coincedentally, the boy next to me grimaced and sunk his head even further down. It was pretty obvious he was the other new kid.

The rest of the assembly droned on and on. I was barely listening. I turned to the kid next to me experimentally.

"Jamie, right?"

"Yeah?" he asked. He didn't seem malicious, just guarded.

I wanted him to know I wasn't trying to pull anything. I just wanted a friend. He must've been thinking the same thing, because he was giving me his full attention. "Nice to meet you. Obviously, we're new here, so you want to just stick together?"

He gave the suggestion a thought then answered with a smile. "Sounds like a plan to me."

Thankfully, the speech by Wells was almost over. He started to give an outro when David Madsen whispered in his ear.

"Mm, yes, I almost forgot. Ladies and gentlement, we will be welcoming a returning student. She isn't here today, but make sure to welcome her tomorrow. Blackwell Acadamy welcomes back Chloe Price."

There was an excited murmer throughout the crowd. A brunette girl below me muttered, "Why didn't she tell me she was coming back?"

After the brief uproar, the assembly quietly faded. The other student body filtered out through the numerous exits of the auditorium Jamie and I stood up and pulled out our class schedules. We examined them to find out we shared two of the same classes, Pre-Calculus, then P.E. in the gym. Fun. But, uh, where exactly are they?

Fortunately, two students approached us. The smaller of the two was a skinny dark skinned guy. He wore a dark blue shirt with a green alien head on the front, jeans and big brown glasses. Flanking his left was a taller girl with short cropped, blonde hair and a red turtleneck looking monstrocity. If high school experience and the Outsiders taught me anything, the guy was a "nerd" and the girl was a Soc. What they were doing together and approaching Jamie and I was anyone's guess.

"You two must be the new kids," the dark skinned boy said with a good-natured tone.

The girl crossed her arms and glared at the two of us as if she'd rather be anywhere else but here. And we were responsible for her sour mood. "Yeah, yeah, welcome to Blackwell and everything. We're from student council and we're supposed to show you to your classes."

"Anywayyy, I'm Mikey," the dark-skinned teenager said, "and this is Victoria. I'm assigned to Jamie...?"

"That would be me," Jamie said awkwardly.

Well, that means I'm stuck with the Soc. Fantastic.

Although, strangely, Victoria's demenour seemed to get softer when she realized that she was apparently supposed to guide me. "Well, you're Kyle right?"

"Yeah…" I said hesitantly.

"Good, what's your first class?"

"Pre-Calc with Ms. Williams."

"Mm, okay. Follow me," she stalked off out of a left door. I lifted my eyebrows skeptically at Jaime and he waved sadly.

Along the way, Victoria talked my ears off about some elite group called the Vortex Club and "I should really consider being a member," and "a loser like Mikey."

I was starting to see that maybe Victoria wasn't the best judge of character. Judging by the way she seemed to have a snarky side-comment with everyone we passed ("that's Veronica. She's a sophomore and she's such a trashy slut. Seriously. I hope you're not into that sort of thing").

I could barely get a word in edgewise. By the time I got to Pre-Calc, it was almost a relief. I sat next to Jamie and he gave me a gentle nod to the head.

"How was walking with Victoria?"

"Absolutely terrible. She talked the entire time and made jabs at everyone we passed. How was Mikey?"

"Wasn't bad. I told him I liked his shirt and we talked about the Alien movies the entire way here."

I was a little envious. I'd much rather talk to Mikey then Victoria. "That's cool. Victoria seems to think I'm going to want to join some lame ass elite club with her."

"Mikey said he thought she might try that. Apparently Wells let slip that you got in because you paid tuition. He thinks Victoria is trying to be your friend because of your money."

The thought made me chuckle. Partly because Mikey was right, partly because of the irony. "Hardly. My mom's bank account can barely afford Taco Bell, let alone tuition to this place. My mom's college friend paid for me to be here. I'm guessing you're here by scholarship?"

"Yep! I saw that Markus Jefferson was teaching here and I had always wanted to be a world class photographer. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship," he shot me a genuine smile, which I returned. I noticed when he got excited he talked a lot with his hands.

"Nice. Well, congrats, man. I hope you can be that photographer. I'm just hoping to survive this place."

"I hope I can too."

We chuckled at his comment. I liked Jaime. At that point, I was hoping we would be good friends.

The more pressing matter was Victoria. As nice as it was to possibly make more friends, I didn't want to live a façade where I pretended I was rich. Lying isn't something I'm about. Besides, it's not like I'm living in a sitcom.

The rest of Pre-Calc was pretty boring. Just a lecture and introductions. Ms. Williams introduced a syllabus, all first day stuff. The only thing slightly interesting was this one girl. She was gorgeous with taned skin, a toned body and dark brown hair. She wore black t-shirt with dark jeans and a red beanie.

It had been months since I had even had a fleeting interest in a girl. I had tried to ignore any feelings of attraction since.

I didn't want to be hurt again.

During the roll call, I learned the girl was named Dakota. I could swear she winked at me a couple times.

It was almost a relief to get out of there at the bell. Once it rang, Jamie and I were stuck. I didn't want to be anywhere near Victoria, but I had no idea where the gym was located.

Eventually Mikey came to collect me, and much to my dismay, Victoria followed soon after. Turns out the gym was located in an entirely different building from the one I was in. That was not something I was used to, coming from little Sparta High School.

Along the way, Victoria continued as if Jamie and I weren't even there. She continued to make snarky remarks at everyone and everything we passed. After Mikey asked her if she could please shut up, Victoria made fun of him.

"Hey, Victoria," I decided to risk. "Can you lay off? Mikey was just asking you to stop insulting everybody."

"Oh, please," Victoria scoffed. "You're really siding with this loser?"

"Mikey isn't a loser," spat Jamie hotly.

"Yeah, whatever."

"No, Jamie's right. Mikey's not a loser. You seem to be the loser here."

Victoria paused for a second. I doubt this was the outcome she was expecting. "Are you seriously telling me you're going to side with Nerdy Chris Rock and Asberger's."

I'm assuming by Asberger's, she means Jamie. Just how much do they tell the student council about us? "I'd rather side with them then a page boy from the 1760's."

I wasn't even sure if the insult was any good, I just said the first thing to come to mind. It was a good jab apparently, because momentarily Victoria was at a loss for words. Eventually she just scoffed and replied, "This isn't over."

She stalked off halfway to the gym.

"Well, I guess she won't be guiding me around the school anymore," I mutter to myself.

"Thanks for sticking up for me guys," Mikey said with a smile.

"No problem," replied Jamie. I hoped he wasn't stung by Victoria's insult.

"You're welcome. I hate people who think they can do whatever they want because they have money. She wasn't even good at insults. She might as well have said to Jamie "The Guy with a Face"."

Jamie chuckled, "Yeah, a little kid could think of a better insult."

We all laughed. "Still," Mikey broke in. "I'm surprised you said anything. It's not often rich guys stick up for me."

"I'm not rich. I mean, I'm literally wearing an Avenged Sevenfold band t-shirt, a backwards Spider-Man hat and cargo shorts. Does it look like I have money?"

Jamie shrugged, "Looks can be deceiving."

Mikey spoke up, "Someone tell that to Victoria."

"Blackwell's Little Page Boy," I outbursted.

We all laughed again. We laughed until Mikey deposited us at the gym. "I'll see you guys later. I don't have any classes with either of you, but if you guys want to hang out after classes, let me know."

After mutual agreement from us, Mikey left. It looks as if in just a few hours, I had already made a few friends.

My next few classes passed by without much incident. In my history class, I had an epiphany. I thought since this was my last year of school, especially with no one even really knowing who I was, I would just have fun.

I was always an honor student. A's and B's and all that. I never really had to try much in high school. The AP American History teacher, Mr. Tyler, was a pretty laid back guy judging from his syllabus and the jokes he told. I decided he wasn't the only one who could tell a good pun. We made the small classroom laugh and it felt good.

Thankfully, my next class was almost my last class. AP Literature. Unfortunately, I still had no distinct clue where the class was.

I'd have to ask for help. I felt a little anxious, because truth be told, I didn't want to be made fun of or something for not knowing my way around. I had to let go of the anxiety, however, if I didn't want to be late for class.

Out in the hallway, I taped a girl on the shoulder to ask for directions. Coincidentally, it was the same brunette that was sitting below me on the bleachers. She was shorter, around 5'5 with pale blue eyes and freckles. She was cute, but I wasn't thinking at all about that. Mostly.

"Hey, sorry, I'm Kyle. I'm new here and I was hoping I could get help to my last class."

I cringed internally to myself. Of course I didn't notice she was wearing earphones. I kept doing this thing where I get so lost in my thoughts, I go on autopilot and make stupid mistakes. It honestly hurts me more than helps me.

Thankfully, the gods were smiling down on me. The brunette pulled out her earphones and politely explained she couldn't hear me. Relieved, I repeated myself.

Understanding passed over the girl's face. She smiled hospitably and inquired, "Okay, I can help. What's your next class?"

"AP Literature with Mrs. Zion."

"That's a pretty cool coincidence. That's my next class. Want to walk with me? I'll show you how to get there."

"Sure," I replied. It would be easier to follow this girl. She was attractive, with her small frame and nice smile and pretty eyes.

"I'm Max, by the way."

"Well, as you may have heard, I'm Kyle."

She chuckled politely.

We walked a couple feet in silence. It was a little awkward. I don't typically like silences, so I tried to find a way to break it. I settled on the safest topic. "What were you listening to?"

"Oh, just an Imagine Dragons song. It's not really my thing."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why listen to it if it isn't your thing?"

She smiled happily. It might have been subconscious. "Well, I'm trying to learn it to surprise my boyfriend. He's away at college right now and I want to surprise him the next time I see him. Maybe play it on my guitar."

I tried not to feel deflated by her boyfriend confession. I wasn't actually looking anyway. But a boyfriend in college? Woof. How old was she?

"Your boyfriend is in college?"

"Yeah. I mean I already technically graduated and I'm taking the college courses here. Technically, I'm a fifth year student. I'm studying photography with an English minor."

That explains it. "I have a friend whose also studying photography. The other new kid, Jamie Townley."

"That reminds me! I heard from some of my friends that you and Jamie put Victoria in her place."

I chuckled good naturedly, "Yeah, I guess we did."

"You have to tell me what happened!"

I couldn't deny Max's giddiness. She seemed like she was genuinely curious to hear the story. After I told her of Jamie and I's heroics, she burst into hysterics.

"That was amazing! I'm glad you guys stook up for Mikey. He doesn't deserve that."

"Oh? Do you know him?"

"Not well," she shrugged.

"Well, I'm sure you two could be friends if you did."

"Could we? Mm," she seemed to consider my thought. Finally, she seemed to come to a conclusion. "I suppose I could talk to him. Since most of my other friends graduated and went off to college, I'll probably be a little lonely wandering the halls.."

"Well," I smiled. "You can find a friend here."

"Well, nice to meet you new friend," she joked.

"Nice to meet you too, new friend."

I'm not sure why I asked my next question. I suppose I was thinking about how in a span of a few hours, I had already made four friends and one enemy. Even on a bad day, I couldn't even make two enemies.

I know, bad joke.

Regardless, I got to thinking. Today has been a bizarre day of circumstances. Jamie and I happened to sit next to each other, Max just happened to be heading to the same class I was, Max just happened to be the girl who was sitting below me at the assembly...

I guess that's what it was. Once again, I was lost in thought. This time, my curiosity was too much to ignore.

"Can I ask you something, Max?"

"You just did," she joked.

"Haha."

"Sorry, I have a friend who does that to me often. What's your question?"

"Who is Chloe Price?"

Max seemed confused. The question seemed to catch her off guard and she tripped over herself. She landed on the floor with a thud. I reacted a little late, but I bent to help pick up her stuff.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

"Why do you ask?"

I decided that I wouldn't lie, but I would shorten the truth. "Turns out, you were sitting below me at the assembly. I heard you say, 'Why didn't she tell me she was coming back.' Who is she?"

"Oh," Max looked relieved that was all I was asking. "She's my best friend. She used to go here before. She got expelled in her sophomore year. I was just surprised that she never told me she was coming back. Then again, she hasn't talked to me much since…"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing," Max replied. She tried to smile to mask the fact she obviously wanted the conversation dropped.

"Here we are." Max and I stopped at a door marking the class.

Inside, we discovered Mikey's friend Stephanie (Steph) was also in the class. To show her gratitude to us for sticking up for Mikey, she invited Jamie and I to a game of D&D tomorrow night. On a whim, I ask her if if Max can come. Steph considers before she turns to Max.

"Can Warren come?" (I assume Warren is Max's boyfriend).

"Yeah! He's going to be here all weekend, I'm sure he'll come too."

"Cool. You're still friends with Chloe right?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Could you bring her?"

"I'll try. It would be good for her."

I couldn't help but feel a tiny fraction of excitement. Maybe I could meet this mysterious Chloe Price. I had been lucky so far to meet and brefriend an incredible amount of people, could I meet more?

I should have known my luck wouldn't last.

Chloe

August 20th, 2014

11:30 a.m.

I don't want to be here. The last thing I ever wanted to do was to sit in the stuffy office of the alcoholic himself "Principal" Raymond Wells. The fact that I'm here with only David makes it worse. Why the hell did Mom pick up that extra shift?

"It's good to see you again, Ms. Price."

Ugh, here we go again. I can see the obvious distaste in Well's face. Does this guy like anything other than booze?

Oh wait, he does. The whole reason I'm here. Sean Prescott's money.

I really want to stick it to this jerk, but I promised Mom that I would at least make the effort.

The most I'm willing to give him is an indifferent, "Wells." He seems to be satisfied by my lack of snark.

"I won't beat around the bush, Ms. Price. I stand by my past decision of expelling you from Blackwell."

"That much is obvious."

David tried to make me feel ashamed by muttering my full name under his breath, but I refused to be chastised.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean to say, sir," the word felt unnatural on my tongue, but it was worth it to see the momentary surprise on Wells' face. He didn't expect this tactic. As quickly as it showed, it disappeared. He had a good poker face, but his tell was always the twitching of his left eyebrow. That's how you knew you were under his skin. "Is that I understand why you expelled me. Despite my outward appearences, I've grown since then."

Wells made a noise somewhere between a snort of contempt and a snort of disbelief. Although I think I could catch a glimpse of respect in his eye.

I could just be high.

You're smarter than this. There's no way that I'm behaving like this, trying to get on Wells' good side, just because Mom asked me too. No way.

The actual reason is complex. Simply, I want to make a change. The more complex answer, I don't want to be the same Chloe I was. I don't want to be the same naïve Chloe that fell for Rachel. The misguided Chloe that did whatever the fuck she wanted despite all the consequences. Although, let's admit it, it was fun while it lasted. I didn't want to be that same Chloe. This was the new Chloe. The smarter (hopefully) but still badass Chloe.

Goodbye, Rachel. Goodbye, blue hair. Goodbye Teenage Angst Chloe. Goodbye.

"What I'm trying to say, Principal Wells," trying to say his name in a respectful way made bile rise in my throat, "is that I want a second chance. I know I was… immature two years ago. And now I want to make a change."

Honest to God, it was the truth. I still strongly despised the man, but it was the truth.

"I appreciate your humility and your honesty, Ms. Price," he actually sounded genuine. "I will, however, skip to the point. Sean Prescott has made heavy investments into this school. In exchange, he asked you to be re-admitted to Blackwell Acadamy for your senior year. Obviously, I scoffed at the idea, because you never even finished your sophomore year."

Of course you did, you arrogant bastard.

"Nevertheless, I can honestly say you have surprised me, Ms. Price. It is obvious that the two years spent away from Blackwell have done you an immense service in maturity and intelligence. Time will only show if it has improved your work ethic."

I suppressed the urge to snort.

"With that being said, I will agree to re-admit you to become a senior at Blackwell Acadamy."

"Thank you, sir."

"However," I knew there was a "but'' coming. "This gift won't come without a cost. You will be placed under a Zero Tolerence Policy."

"And what does that mean?" David cut in. This Policy was news to him, apparently.

"What I mean is exactly what I'm saying, Mr. Madsen."

Wells leaned forward at his desk and laced his fingers together in front of his face. His elbows rested on the desk and supported the hand gesture. This pose he reserves for when things get really serious. Basically, he's saying, "listen good kid. I'm only gonna say this once."

"This means Chloe Elizabeth Price," God he actually used my full name, "that we will not be lenient. If we catch you up to your anticts sophomore year: skipping class, graffiti, drug possession or distribution, grand larceny and others, we will not hesitate to expel you once and for all."

Immediately, David burst from his chair. "This is not what we discussed Raymond!"

"Sit down, Mr. Madsen! I am not finished yet." I had to hand it to him, he could shut David down. Which isn't easy, might I add.

"Now, as I was saying, after the maturity you have shown me today, Ms. Price, I have decided to show leniency. I will give you a Three-Strike subpolicy. Minor indiscretions, such as: tardiness, late or missing assignments, or problems with students will result in one strike. Three strikes and well… you understand the notion?"

I nodded, "Basically, anything detention worthy?"

"Precisely. Do not misunderstand me, however. Do not attempt to create problems in the school. You will keep your nose clean, or we will clean it for you."

I considered for a minute. Despite David protesting near me, it seemed reasonable. Putting myself in Wells' shoes, I was pretty terrible sophomore year. But then again, if I were in Raymond Wells' shoes, I wouldn't be as much of a douche. Go figure.

Also, that "clean your nose" thing is both cliche and gross.

"Do we have a deal?" Wells asked me after he finally quieted David.

"Deal."

He held out his hand, which I shook. A deal with the devil.