Life waits for no girl to wake

by Fractaldoll

AU There's no Jefferson. No rewind powers. Rachel is gone, but not dead, and Max was absent for very different reasons. Rated T for language.

2. Chapter 2

Well... here it is. Life waits chapter 2. It's been so long since I wrote this, I feel like maybe I didn't manage to capture the same feeling as the original. I wonder if continuing wasn't a mistake, but we'll see. I hope this is still good. If you missed the update where I changed the ending of the original one shot you might want to go back and have a look. I just tried to open it up a bit better for more chapters, so you won't miss much if you don't. I still haven't had as much time to write as I'd like, but things otherwise are going good for me, so I'm not lacking for motivation at least! As always I'd love to hear from you, so don't be shy!

I'm so tired, and so sore. I hate physical therapy. I know I need it after my extra long nap time, but still, it's so hard to do, and even harder to want to do. It's not all bad though, first it's over, and second I get to go have a lunch date with Chloe today. I had to be my most convincing to get mom to say yes, but she did, and so I'm excited. Happy, happy Max. I'm usually too tired to hurry out, but today I have motivation to do so. I'm going to go home, and clean up a bit, and then it's off to the Two Whales to be with Chloe. Going to the Two Whales also means I might get to see Joyce again. That thought is a little scary. It would be hard to face her, when I sometimes still wonder if it's my fault what happened to William. My therapist says it's survivor's guilt, but I don't know. If he hadn't needed to take me home... who knows how things might have been different.

Squinting out into the bright midday sun, I look around for any sign of my mother. She should be here by now. I make my way slowly towards the parking lot, wondering just where my mom could be. It really isn't like her to not be here on time. It is a little bit of a relief, I do love her, but she can be a bit over bearing since my accident. I do appreciate her concern, but she doesn't appreciate that I need some space, and that I need to start doing some things on my own. I try to shake off my thoughts, realizing that I'm not paying any attention to where I'm going, and that's not going to help me find my ride home.

"Yo Max!" a voice suddenly comes from behind me, along with a hand on my shoulder, startling me. I let out a little shriek, jumping a mile into the air give or take, landing awkwardly on my prosthetic, and promptly falling over. Real smooth Max. I know I'm still getting used to the thing, but it makes me feel like a total loser whenever I slip.

"Shit Max... I, fuck! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Chloe leans over me, her hand out to help me up, with a worried expression on her face. I know it's not fair, but that look in her eyes kinda pisses me off. I'm honestly not sure if I'm mad because she's worried about a little fall, or if I'm just mad because I'm embarrassed.

Sassy Max wants to sass, but I take a deep breath and push down the urge. I take Chloe's hand and let her help me up instead. "I uh...It's okay. What...What you're doing here anyway Chloe? Not that I'm not happy to see you..."

"Chill Max... I..." she reaches up to rub the back of her neck nervously. It's actually pretty endearing. "I went and talked to your mom, asked her if I could play your chauffeur for the day. She made me make all kinds of promises about keeping you safe, I mean I'm going to have to wrap you in bubble wrap before we go anywhere, but she did finally agree." she grins as she pulls a little bit of bubble wrap out of her pocket to menace me with playfully.

I give her a playful eye roll, and shake my head. "You're such a dork. Did you come up with that first, or did you find the bubble wrap and then decide to attack me with it?"

"What's life without a little mystery Max?" she flashes me a grin, and throws her arm around my shoulders. "Now come on, the Two Whales is calling our names..." she begins to pull me along with her excitedly.

"Chloe Wait!" I stumble a little, trying to keep up with sudden pace she's set for us. If she didn't have a hold of me still, I might have fallen over again.

Chloe slows down, looking a little sheepish. "Shit, sorry super Max, I got a little carried away."

"I-it's okay, I'm glad you're excited... though I had planned on going home, and changing first, since this was a date." I come to a stop, and thankfully Chloe pauses with me, as I'm hit with a sudden wave of uncertainty. "Uh... th-this is still a date... right?"

She looks away nervously, and I'm just not sure how to take that. I'm left wondering why I'm the one running after her anyway? She's the one who disappeared on me. I mean maybe I was barely conscious for most of it, but I needed her, and she was just fucking gone. She's not sure about this? Why am I not the one with reservations? Is this just pity now? Did she agree because she felt bad for me? Bad for what she did? Why do I feel like I need to prove myself, it's not fair. None of this is fair... I didn't ask for any of this to happen.

"I-if you want it to still be a date, I hella still want it to be one." her voice though soft cuts through all the storm clouds brewing inside my head. The change in my mood is so sudden I'm surprised I don't have emotional whiplash, but, she wants to date me. "And... it doesn't matter what you're wearing, all that matters is that we're together. You could even go naked if you want." she waggles her eyebrows suggestively at me, the usual Chloe bravado making a comeback.

I can't help the blush that settles across my cheeks, but I'm laughing too, so I don't mind so much. "Yeah right, you wish..."

"Ha! Yeah I do." she looks over at me for a moment, her cheeks flushing subtly. "Kidding! …mostly. And mom would never let us in if you showed up Au Naturel, so maybe you should resist the urge to strip, at least until later."

I just shake my head, rolling my eyes at her, and let her lead me towards her truck. Chloe's so obvious, but it's cute. Despite things not going according to plan so far today, I'm really glad she's here. It's just that much more time I get to spend with her. We walk in companionable silence, her arm still slung around my shoulders to where she's parked. I smile the whole way over.

Chloe pulls away from me, and opens the passenger side door for me. "Get in nerd."

I stick my tongue out at her. "I don't think that's how you're supposed to talk to your date..."

She laughs and makes a sweeping bow. "Your chariot doth await you milady." she peeks up at me with a grin, and gives me a wink. "Better?"

"Verily so." I giggle as I climb into her truck, and strap myself in.

Chloe climbs in the driver's side a moment later, and starts up the truck. I catch her peering over at me on occasion, just like yesterday. Subtle little looks when she thinks I'm not paying attention. I can't say I don't love the attention. Knowing that she's watching me, like I'm watching her, leaves me with a warm feeling inside. I just want this one thing to work out for me. Chloe was my best friend, and so badly want to be more. I'm just not sure how serious Chloe is about all of this. She did say she wants to date me, and that she couldn't stand lose me, like she did Rachel, but am I just a rebound, or a pity date? The thought causes a painful tightness in my chest, and I want to just scream no, that Chloe would never do that, but there's a nasty little voice inside that keeps whispering that, that is all this could possibly be.

"So how did your physical therapy go? What's that shit even about anyway?" Chloe's voice pulls me back to reality.

"It was... fine I guess. Hard, and frustrating, but fine." I shrug noncommittally. "I have to go because I lost muscle mass while I was... and so I can learn to balance on my prosthetic, or learn how to sit, and lay down properly..."

"Wait, you forgot how to sit and lay down?" Chloe gives me an incredulous look.

I shake my head. " No... but without my other leg, I have to sit and lay down differently, or it could cause some of my tendons to tighten up... or something like that." It was such a weird thing to say, to have to explain, and it reminded me of just how much my life wasn't the same anymore, and never would be again.

"Shit Max... I-I had no idea it was like that... I mean I know you got this, you're Super Max, but it's still kinda fucked up." I know Chloe means well, and I'm not sure if I'm just being sensitive, but I feel like there's pity in her tone, and it's grating on me a little. I manage to keep my mouth shut this time.

"Yeah... I guess it kinda is." I turn my head to look out window, watching the scenery pass by.

A few long moments later I feel her hand on my shoulder. Despite everything it still brings a smile to my lips, just having her reach out to me feels so good after so long. I slowly turn in my seat, and give her a reassuring smile to let her know that I'm okay. She gives me a little smile back, before turning her full attention back to the road. Sometimes I wonder why I'm not more concerned about that. I mean she never takes her full attention off the road, but I was in a near fatal accident. I feel like I should be freaking out or something, but not when I'm with Chloe. I guess she just still makes me feel safe, or brave, or both. It's a good feeling, and it still stings that I didn't have it for those initial six months I was awake, and aware. I could have used her support, but maybe that would've been selfish of me. Maybe it's selfish of me now, to want so much of her time. William is gone, and I'm probably a painful reminder of that.

"Enough with the guilty face Caulfield, this is supposed to be a date. Let's have some fun!" Chloe says, her hand finding mine, and pulling me out of yet another spiral. I should be dizzy by now considering how often I let myself get like this.

"Ye-yeah, you're right, this is supposed to be fun. It's... just that everything really is pretty fucked up, and sometimes I'm just not sure it'll ever get back to normal." my voice comes out small, and uncertain. It makes me feel like loser, but what else is new?

Chloe takes a deep breath, and gives my hand a squeeze. "Who cares?" she says softly. "What is normal anyway?" her voice begins to pick up as she gets going. "Fuck normal Max! Life is fucked up? Okay, so you just gotta get out there, and kick life in the fucking balls! Tear shit up! You're still Max Fucking Caulfield, maybe you have scars now, but you gotta own that shit."

I'm overwhelmed, I can feel the tears stinging at the corners of my eyes. " Chloe I... I don't..."

She interrupts me, speaking softly. "Max, you're the most amazing person I know... just don't give up, okay? Someday you're going to make the world bow."

I'm not so sure I believe that, but it feels really good to hear her say it. I give her a shy little smile, and shrug. " Maybe... but not without you with me."

"Damn right Caulfield! Somebody has to keep you on the path of fun." she gives me a shit eating grin, before she pulls the truck back out onto the road.

I roll my eyes good humoredly, laughing softly. Chloe's so cute, she puts up a hard front, but she's still the sweetest, most supportive person I've ever met. She can't make everything okay with a pep talk, but she does make it so much easier to just relax in the moment, and enjoy myself. Maybe that's all I really need, to just have a good series of moments, until eventually they outnumber the bad ones. I feel like if I stick with her that can be a reality. She was practically my whole world when we were kids, and maybe that's not the healthiest thing for me as an adult, but I can think of worse things to focus my energy on, and at least with Chloe I know she'll help support me. I'm starting to feel like I actually know what I'm doing again, and that's in large part because she's here with me. Her confidence is infectious I guess. I turn myself in my seat a little so I can watch Chloe as she drives us. If she notices she doesn't say anything, and the rest of ride to the Two Whales passes in companionable silence.

The Two Whales is almost exactly how I remember it. It's maybe a little more worn with age, but everything is still just where I left it. It fills me with sense of comfort, and belonging that I've been desperate to find again since I woke up. The only thing that's really changed is the patrons, and I'm not even sure if they've changed so much as just gotten older. Five years is kind of a long time, more so when you're not there to see it passing. I was glad to be back somewhere familiar though, as Chloe led me by the hand towards the booth we always sat in as kids. She flips off a few patrons who turn to stare as I pass by, and then helps me slide into my seat (not that I need help, but it does prolong contact with her, so I don't mind so much right now), before she settles in across from me.

"It's kind of a trip being back here... almost nothing has changed." I laugh softly, taking another slow look around the diner.

"I'm sure you'll find not much has changed around Arcadia Bay in general Max. We're way to far out in Hicksville for there to be much going on. Just more people escaping while they still can..." Chloe shrugs, a look of mild irritation on her face.

I look down at the tabletop and give her a timid little shrug. "It just feels like the world left me behind I guess... but I mean Arcadia Bay still has a few good things left in it right?"

"Yeah Max, now that you're awake it's got at least one good thing still in it." her tone is soft, and when I peek up at her, she's looking at me like she's still amazed I'm here in front of her.

"What?" I laugh nervously, heat flooding my cheeks. "Do I have something on my face or something?"

"Max I... I know I wasn't there when you, when I should have been, but I'm really glad you're back." she looks away self-consciously as she speaks.

"It's okay Chloe..." I reach across the table, and take her hand, gently stroking my thumb along the back. "I... I'm still upset sometimes, but I understand... you were worried about Rachel, and I wasn't going anywhere."

Chloe turns her hand to take hold of mine, and focuses on them as she begins to speak. "Max... I-I can see it when you, when you want to be mad. I can see you feeling conflicted, and then... just burying it. You... you have a right to be mad Max, you should just yell at me if you need to. You should get it off your chest, and I do kinda deserve it, at least a little."

I sigh softly, and shake my head. "Chloe... look at me." I wait until her eyes meet mine, before I continue. "Chloe... I woke up and was angry, and sad, and hurt, and all of that. I had six months to just stew in everything, and yes I'm still dealing with things, but I'm not just burying everything... I'm choosing to just let it go, or trying to. I just want to start making good memories again... with you."

"Fuck Max... how do you just, Say things like that?" I can see the tears welling up in her eyes before she looks away. "I think I got some sand in my eye or... something..." she reaches up her free hand to scrub aggressively at her eyes. That's the Chloe I know and love, always trying to be the strong one by trying not to show anything she thinks might be considered weakness.

I give her hand a gentle squeeze, and laugh softly. "Yeah, must have. I was just thinking they needed to do something about all the sand in here."

"I know right? It's a fucking health hazard." she begins to laugh softly in earnest as well. She's so beautiful when she laughs. She always was, but now? Amazing.

I can feel my cheeks heating up, and she gives me an odd look, but I'm saved from comment by the timely arrival of Joyce. Thank you Joyce. "Why if it isn't Max Caulfield. It's good to see you out and about again."

Chloe gives her mother a slightly annoyed look. I guess their relationship isn't so good anymore. I wonder when that happened? Still despite my concern for the state of their relationship, I'm still really glad to see her again finally. I give her a little smile, and nod my head. "It's good to finally be out again, and to see you. You look just the same."

"You mean like a waitress?" Joyce gives me a wry smile.

"I mean you still look pretty." I say back earnestly, while Chloe makes a gagging motion with her finger. I resist rolling my eyes at her, but my lips quirk into a little half smile I can't quite suppress.

Joyce reaches out to lightly smack Chloe on the shoulder, eliciting a glare that Joyce ignores in favor of continuing to talk to me. "Good save kid... you're quite the charmer now that you're all grown up. Now what don't you tell me what you want to eat, it's on the house today so don't you worry about a thing."

I stare a little flabbergasted up at Joyce, and I can see Chloe giving her much the same look. "I... Joyce I couldn't..."

She shakes her head. "Nonsense, it's a special day, and I'm going to treat you. Now you just go ahead an order anything you like."

My eyes get wide, and I look over at Chloe questioningly. "S-special? Uh... so Chloe Told you?"

Chloe shakes her head vigorously as Joyce gives me a confused look. "No, Chloe didn't tell me anything... is there something I should know about?"

I just stare nervously at Chloe, not sure what I should say, or what Joyce knows. I definitely don't want to out Chloe if she's not already. Good job Max, me and my big mouth. I reach up cradling my arm nervously, as I shift in my seat. The silence stretches on for what feels like forever, as Joyce waits for an answer of some kind. I start to open my mouth to say, something, anything at all, but Chloe beats me to it.

"It's... a date Mom. We're kinda on a date, that's why it's special." Chloe speaks up softly.

Joyce's brow perks up, and then she looks down at our joined hands, and frowns mildly turning to look at Chloe. "Chloe... I know you've had a crush on Max since you were both teeny, but do you really think it's such a good idea to drag her around after she's just started getting her life back together again?"

"Get off my crack Mom! I couldn't get a little trust here, you just immediately assume..." Chloe's winding up for a fight, so I take a deep breath and interject.

"It was m-my idea! It was... it was me. I've been in l...I've had a crush on Chloe since we were teeny too. And, and I just wanted something good, and normal and... just good, after everything that happened! It wasn't Chloe... I talked her into this. So... so if you disapprove then you should yell at me, not her." I work myself up pretty good too, actually. I mean I'm sure she means well, but I don't need her trying to baby me. I'm not incapable of making decisions on my own because I had an accident, I'm not some fragile little flower who's going to break without someone to protect me. I don't know exactly where it comes from, but I decide to just go ahead and tell her all of that as well.

Joyce looks uncomfortable, and then ashamed. "Max I... I didn't mean to..." she sighs softly. " I'm sorry Max, and I'm sorry Chloe I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. How about I just get you both your usual, and... I know it won't make up for it, but I'll bring you some extra bacon too."

I nod. "That'd be nice... thank you Joyce."

Chloe looks at me in awe, as Joyce walks away. " Holy shit Mighty Max, that was amazeballs! When did you get so... so bad ass?"

I can feel my cheeks heating up, as I give her a shrug in response. " I don't... I don't know. I've always felt more like I actually know what I'm doing when you're with me though."

She gives me a shy little smile. "Well, you make me feel like maybe I still have a reason to stick around this shit pit... at least for now."

I can't help the little bubble of anxiety that wells up inside me. Am I going to wake up one day and find she's not there anymore? I mean she wouldn't do that, would she? Not after Rachel did that to here first... That actually makes me feel better, but also like an asshole for feeling better because of what happened to her.

"Jeez Max, don't look so sad, I'm not planning on leaving you. If this works out, then I'll just wait till you're ready to come with me, and if it doesn't..." she looks away, shifting in her seat awkwardly. " I mean... we'll still be best friends right? You promised we'd stay friends no matter what..."

"Of course we will..." I give her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "We'll always be Max, and Chloe.

She smiles relieved, and shakes her head. "You're such a goop sometimes Max... but, yeah." she exhales softly. "We'll still be best friends, so we'll stay in touch, and visit all the time, or maybe we'll even still leave together." she let's out a wistful sigh. "Maybe we'll finally get to have those adventures we used to dream about, either as hella best friends, or hot as fuck girlfriends." she gives me a playful wink at the end, which causes my cheeks to heat up all over again.

She let's go of my hand, leaving me with a small sense of loss, and slides out of the booth heading for the jukebox. She plays around with it for a minute, before something heavy begins to play. She begins dancing her way back over to our booth, and stands beside me holding her hand out. She looks so sexy the way she moves it's a little intimidating. "Come on Max! Get up and shake that bony white ass!"

"You're insane..." I laugh softly, looking at her through my eyelashes.

"Yep, yep!" she grins. "Totally insane in the brain, and just what you need to get you to loosen up and have some fun!"

I laugh nervously, very badly wanting to take her hand, but also extremely nervous. I wasn't sure how well I could dance on my prosthetic yet, and well I was never much of a dancer anyway. I also was very aware that we weren't alone in the diner, and I didn't want to make an fool of myself. Still her hand is very enticing, and the way she's smiling at me, makes me feel nearly invincible. I look around the room slowly for a moment before I reach out and take her hand. Fuck it! You can do this Max. Chloe's grin grows as I take her hand, and she helps me carefully out of the booth pulling us over into the little open area by the jukebox. I kinda like how Chloe can bring out the I don't give a fuck in me, or maybe it was the accident, either way I find myself standing up slightly mortified by the other eyes on me and trying to dance with Chloe.

Dancing is a special challenge for me. I still don't walk completely unsupported, so I mostly just move my arms somewhat rhythmically, and occasionally reaching out to use Chloe to steady me when I want to move my hips, or my legs. She doesn't seem to mind though, so I take advantage of the opportunity to make contact as much as I can, without being excessive. It's a fine line to walk, but I think I pull it off okay. Chloe is in perfect form though, and I swear I could have been happy just watching her dance, rather than participating. Both do have their advantages though.

We just play around out there on the floor for a few minutes before Joyce comes back out with our food. "Alright you two, come on now, enough playing around, it's time to eat."

"Aww... and the show was just getting good!" some asshole calls out from their seat at the counter, as we shuffle back into our seats. Chloe turns around and flips him off with both hands, over the back of the bench seat.

"Chloe!" Joyce sighs disapprovingly as she settles Chloe's plate down in front of her, then my own. She turns back towards the counter placing her hands on her hips. "And you... you just mind your own plate, or you're cut off permanently. You hear?"

Joyce heads back around the counter muttering something probably frowned upon in the customer service handbook, as Chloe and I turn our attention to our lunches. Joyce brought us a couple bacon cheeseburgers, with a a whole mess of fries, and as promised extra bacon. I kinda wish I had ordered breakfast instead, I was totally craving the Belgian waffle right now, but it was a bit late now. Should have spoken up sooner Max. Though I'm not sure exactly when I could have, between panicking and yelling at Joyce, if Chloe wasn't obviously having such a good time I'd call this date a disaster. She grins at me from across the table, and picks up her burger to take an enormous bite. I think she's just trying to make me laugh, and it's working the way her cheeks puff out like a squirrels.

"Gross Chloe..." I laugh, shaking my head.

Chloe shrugs at me, and swallows her food, thank dog, before she tries defending herself. "Sorry Max, but I am hungry like the wolf."

"Yeah well, you look more like a squirrel the way you're eating." I smirk at her playfully, and pop a fry in my mouth.

"I'm way too bad ass to be a squirrel Maximus. I'm probably more like a lynx, or a tiger, or some shit." she grins over her burger at me, and I roll my eyes good humoredly.

"You at least got the ass part right..." I lean my chin on my hand, staring at her adoringly.

She snorts out a laugh. "You're such a smart ass." her voice softens a bit as she continues "I'm glad that hasn't changed."

"Why would that change?" I perk a brow at her curiously. "I'm still me...just missing a few parts." the last part comes out with a tinge of bitterness, despite my attempts to keep things upbeat.

Chloe looks hurt for a moment. " Shit Max that's not what I..."

I reach out and gently rest my hand on hers. " No... Chloe I'm sorry, that wasn't aimed at you. It's just still hard to think about what happened, and impossible not to be reminded constantly. I'm working through it in therapy, but it's hard. But, I'm... I'm not taking it out on you. I really didn't mean for it to sound like I was."

Chloe sighs softly, and looks at me. "I just meant some people don't... really recover after an accident, that's all. I think you're amazing, and I don't... want to have to walk on eggshells with you Max..."

"And you don't have to..." I reply quickly. "but you also can't take everything I'm going to say personally, because it's just not aimed at you. I'm trying not to let things get to me, and I think I'm doing pretty okay." I give her a little shrug, and a half smile.

"Fuck, yeah alright, deal." she grins at me, and turns her hand over to take mine. "I mean between the two of us, you have the most reason to be angry, and I'm kinda being an asshole about it."

"You're not being an asshole Chloe, at least... not about this." I give her a playful little grin so she knows I'm just teasing, and she laughs.

"Fuck off, I'm awesome and you know it." she fires back at me just as playfully. She gives my hand a little squeeze before letting go, and turning back to her lunch. "Come on Max, finish up we've got things to see, and people to do."

I roll my eyes at her, and turn my attention back to my lunch as well. It's really good, the Two Whales has some of the best food I've ever eaten. We make a little small talk as we eat, nothing heavy, or important, we mostly just reminisce a little. It does seem like less time has passed to me, but it's still nice to think about when things were different. I don't want to call them easier, or happier, though maybe they were, having been both younger and not weighed down by loss back then, but it just seems like that's an unfair characterization of the past. We can still make up for lost time, and I'm glad we have that opportunity. Not everyone gets a second chance... like William.

I manage to keep from fucking up again, somehow, despite the abrupt turn in my mood. Chloe helps finish off my fries, which I don't mind even if she didn't ask. I wouldn't have finished them by myself anyhow. Chloe is looking adorably excited as she slides out of the booth, and holds out her hand to help me up while she bounces gently in place. She's so cute when she's like this.

"Come on Max, I'm going to show you to my super secret lair." She grins at me as I take her and, and slide out of the booth.

I laugh lightly as she pulls me close, and wraps her arm around my shoulders. "Alright girl wonder, show me the way to the Chloe cave." I wrap my arm around her waist, and let her lead me out of the diner, and back to her truck.

I don't know what I expected when Chloe said she was taking me to her super secret lair, but a junkyard was definitely not on the list. Still as I follow her slowly through the piles of refuse, I feel like it may be pretty fitting after all. It seems to suit her, especially with her new look, and attitude. I could definitely see myself hanging out here too actually. The rusted cars, the abandoned, and broken pieces of people's lives all feel kind of soothing to me. Or maybe I just morbidly feel like I fit in here now. Chloe looks back at me, and I realize I've lagged behind.

"Come on slow poke! I've got something I want to show you." she grins at me, and gestures me forward excitedly.

I hurry it up a little, trying to catch up, as she leads me back towards some kind of old shack, or shed. She throws her arm around my shoulders just outside the doorway, and I lean into her shamelessly. This is still a date, and I'm going to take advantage of it. I think this is still a date anyhow. Shit, what if it's not? I look up at Chloe, but she's just looking forward, as she leads us both inside.

She gestures around with her free hand. "Welcome to my home away from hell."

The space is small, and a little cluttered, but set up pretty nicely. There are some empty beer bottles around, and other trash and there is of course graffiti everywhere, but it just makes it feel more like Chloe. She settles on the little two person seat, while I look around the small room slowly. I can see signs of someone else here as well, a few magazines that don't seem like Chloe's style, a make up kit, and someone seemed to have been consistently beating Chloe at darts. The biggest clue was literally written on the wall. Chloe's name was there, and underneath it was another name that had been scribbled out. I'm pretty sure that was probably Rachel's signature. I wonder if she regrets trying to remove traces of her from her life?

I'm not given much time to ruminate. Chloe steps up beside me, and gently presses her marker into my hands. "Go ahead Max... you were here too, make it official."

I twiddle the marker in my hands nervously for a few moments, before leaning in, and adding my own name to the wall. I mean why not? She's right, I was here, and now it's kinda like we're officially a duo again. Maybe a trio if she ever forgives Rachel. I'm not sure how I feel about that one, she is really pretty, and probably a thousand times more interesting than me. Still I want Chloe to be happy so if that means I've got to make do with just being her best friend...

I look over at her, and catch her looking at me, which causes a warm fuzzy feeling to bubble up from my belly. It makes me smile, which only grows when she smiles back. I can't stop looking at her lips. I keep trying to look her in the eye, but find my gaze drawn back to her mouth. I'm just considering getting up on my toes to kiss her, when she gets a nervous look on her face, and heads back over to the couch. She flops down, and begins digging around until she produces a joint. A lot disappointed I head over to join her. I'm not sure what I thought was going to happen if I kissed her, but I am sad I don't get to find out. Maybe it's too soon anyway. Hormones Max, control yourself. There's no need to rush, Chloe's here with you now. Just enjoy life at the pace it comes.

Chloe lights up her joint, and takes a long drag from it, holding onto the smoke for a few moments, before letting it out slowly, and watching it curl away from her. She holds it towards me, her brow perking questioningly. "Want to give it a Try Mad Max?"

I wrinkle my nose subconsciously, and she laughs pulling it back towards herself. "You're cute. You should try to relax and live a little Max!"

"With weed, and beer? Is this that peer pressure thing they warned us about in school? Am I going to become a junkie now, selling all my possessions just to get my hands on one marijuana?" I dissolve into a fit of giggles by the end of that, no longer being able to keep even a semi-serious tone.

Chloe snorts out a laugh, shaking her head. "I'm pretty sure your safe. Especially if you keep saying things like one marijuana."

I put on the best innocent look I can muster. "You mean you don't just go up to a drug dealer, and say: I'll take one marijuana please?"

Chloe laughs even harder. " Oh my god Max, you are ridiculous!"

"Mm... but you love it." I gently bump her with my shoulder before laying my head on hers.

"Yeah..." she sighs wistfully, and slides her arm around my shoulder, pulling me more tightly to her. "probably since before I even knew what it meant."

"Me too..." I admit softly. "Things like this were all I could think about after I began to realize how I was feeling." I take a deep breath, and prepare myself for the potential fall-out for what I'm about to ask. I know I should just keep it to myself, but I just really need to know, need to feel validated I guess? "Chloe... do you... do you think William would have approved of, you know... us?"

Chloe exhaled heavily. "Shit Max, you really don't pull your punches do you?" she pauses a moment, taking another long drag on her joint, and letting it out lazily before she continues. "Max, he... loved you to death. My dad... my dad was a really good guy, and he would have been fucking thrilled for us."

Chloe and William had always been so close, and it just makes me feel a lot more certain of myself knowing she feels he'd be happy for us. The look on her face though, after bring up William, leaves a deep sense of regret in the pit of my stomach. I shouldn't have said anything, I should have just kept it to myself. If only you weren't so fucking insecure Max. "I-I'm sorry Chloe... I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No Max... it's, it's okay." her voice comes out soft, and rough, and heart breaking. She takes a drag from her joint, and releases the smoke with a sigh. "You know what's really fucked up? Sometimes I blame him... like if he hadn't left me, everything would be great right now."

"Chloe... William didn't..." she holds up her hand interrupting me.

"I know Max... I know, and you said the same thing yesterday... but it's just how I feel sometimes. I blame my mom sometimes too. I think she even does too." I slip my arms around her, and press into her gently, holding tight.

"Do you blame me?" my voice comes out timid and small, and I might hate how I sound, if I wasn't already feeling the sharp stab of guilt. "Sometimes I blame me... If I hadn't been so set on staying the night, he wouldn't have had to take me home to get my things, and then... maybe he wouldn't have been at that intersection when... when..." a soft sob escapes my lips, and I just can't continue.

She looks at me for a few moments. Moments that pass by painfully slowly, until she finally shakes her head. "No Max... I don't blame you." she says softly. "I don't even think I blamed you back then either... I blamed dad, and mom, but not you... that's kinda fucked up too isn't it?"

I don't have the answers. All I know is that Chloe's hurting, and that it hurts me too. I lean up and kiss her cheek gently, trying to find something to say to comfort her. "I don't believe you're fucked up Chloe... you're just hurting."

"It's been five years Max... shouldn't I be over this crap by now?" I can see the stubborn set to her Jaw, and suddenly feel very self conscious. Is this what I look like to my therapist when I keep insisting It's my fault William died?

"People grieve at their own pace..." I just shrug, and give her cheek another little kiss, before settling back against her. She frowns at me looking annoyed for a few moments, but she doesn't say anything, or move away so it's probably less that she's annoyed with me, and more that the situation still irks her.

She finally sighs, and nudges me with her elbow. "You're being awfully forward for a first date Ms. Caulfield. Two kisses on the cheek? I'd say you were bordering on being fresh." she mocks clutching at her pearls, and begins laughing. I laugh too. I guess Chloe wants to move on to something less serious for now, and I don't blame her.

"Says the innuendo queen." I roll my eyes at her playfully, and stick out my tongue.

"You know it sista!" she waggles her eyebrows at me suggestively.

I can't help the blush that spreads over my cheeks, which just gets worse when Chloe notices. An impish little grin spreads across her face. "You did that wrong by the way..."

There's mischief in her voice, but I just can't help the question that slips out of my mouth. "Did what wrong?"

"The way you stuck your tongue out was all wrong Maxaroni." the way she's still grinning just screams trouble. "If you want to do it like the cool kids these days..." did she seriously just say that? "you gotta make a vee with your fingers and stick your tongue out between them."

Confusion causes me to frown. I have no idea what she's trying to get me to do, just that it's probably embarrassing for me, but still, I bring my hand up and make a vee with my fingers, trying to imitate what she described. "Like that?"

She begins to crack up immediately. "Wow Max, that's definitely inappropriate for a first date."

Well now I know at least, she got me to make a lewd hand gesture. I still have no idea what I just did, and it must show on my face, because Chloe's laughter slowly turns into incredulity. "Dude are you serious right now? I thought you were just playing along..."

I just shrug at her awkwardly. "I uh... I don't remember you ever teaching me that particular hand gesture when we were little."

"Well you remember what this means right?" she asks, as she flips me the bird.

"Yes, I remember." I say flatly, as I roll my eyes, and reach over to swat at her lightly.

She just laughs. "Alright, alright... careful with that right jab Max Tyson. Do you want to know what it means?"

I bite my lip uncertain. On one hand, I'd know, and Chloe couldn't tease me about it, on the other I have a feeling I'm going to be embarrassed to find out, and she'll probably tease me about that. I take a breath, and finally nod. "Okay, sure..."

She grins and leans in close to me. My heart rate picks up just from her proximity, and I swallow nervously. "It means..." she drops her voice, so it comes out soft and husky, sending a shiver down my spine. "Cunnilingus. You know... eating pussy." she waggles her eyes brows at me, and I'm surprised my head doesn't burst into flames considering how hot my face feels.

"I... uh... Oh." I manage to sputter out intelligently.

Chloe laughs, and wraps her arm around my shoulders to pull me closer. "Don't worry about it Max... this is only the first date, no pressure. Though if we keep seeing each other like this, it will come up eventually, again no pressure, we can go at your pace." she gives me a reassuring smile, and kisses the top on my head.

While I am comforted by her reassurances, it does bring to mind certain mental images of Chloe, and I in more intimate situations. I know I'm blushing even harder at the thought, but it does send a giddy thrill through me, and puts a burning need in my lower belly. I think Chloe can read my mind, because she starts to blush a little as well, and looks away clearing her throat softly. If there was ever a doubt in my mind, it's gone now. I'm so into girls, or at least so into Chloe. I reach up to the hand draped over my shoulder slowly, and lace my fingers with hers. She looks back at me with soft eyes, and smiles.

Our moment doesn't last long though, when a gruff male voice breaks into our private little world. "Price! I know you're here somewhere I saw your truck! Get out here!"

"Fuck! Shit, shit... we gotta bounce." Chloe hissed quietly, as she jumped to her feet. With my support suddenly gone, I fall sideways into the space Chloe had just occupied.

"Chloe... what's going on?" I whisper to her wide eyed, as she reaches down to help me up.

"That's my dealer, and I owe him a shit ton of money so we need to get out of her quick." Chloe says quickly before she sticks her head out the door to look around.

My heart begins to pound, and I can hear the blood rushing through my ears. Chloe is in trouble with her dealer? I mean I knew she had to have one, since she smoked, but I guess I never really gave it much thought beyond that. This was scary, I mean would he hurt Chloe over whatever she owes him? She grips my hand tightly, pulling me back to reality just in time for her to drag me through the door, and around the back of the little shack. She let go long enough to move from one edge to the other peeking around the corner. Apparently satisfied, she takes my hand again, and leads us over to the train tracks. With one last look back, she pulls me along down the tracks, heading quickly away from the junkyard.

It's a rough trip down the tracks for me. I'm not in great shape anymore, and Chloe is keeping me at a fairly quick jog. Just as I start to think my lungs might explode, she slows down, and while we keep moving for now, I finally get the chance to start catching my breath. "Ch-Chloe... what that hell Chloe?"

Chloe looks back, and I guess she decides we've gone far enough because she stops, and let's go of my hand. I lean forward bracing my hands on my knees, as I continue to gasp softly trying to catch my breath. Chloe shuffles her feet guiltily, and sighs. "Look Max, I'm sorry...I just, I mean Franks not really a bad guy, but I do owe him a lot of money I don't have right now."

I frown mildly, despite her assurances this still sounds sketchy, or hella sketchy? "Chloe..."

She shakes her head, and cuts me off before I can say anything else. "No Max. I know what you're going to say, but I promise you, it's not that big of a deal, his bark is way worse than his bite, I just didn't want him to bring down the mood is all. Alright?"

I sigh softly, and nod. "Alright... but, how did this happen?"

It was Chloe's turn to sigh. She brought us to a stop, and settled down on the tracks, gesturing for me to join her. She takes a deep breath as I settle down next to her. "I told you about how Rachel and I were going to make a break for it, before she pulled her little disappearing act, well my truck needed a lot of work if we were going to make it out of Oregon. So I borrowed the money from the only person I knew with enough bank to pay for all my repairs, Frank. He actually used to be a pretty okay guy, so it seemed like a good idea at the time."

I perk my brow at her skeptically, and Chloe just shrugs. "It's true... I mean he did have kind of a creepy thing for Rachel... though she did used to tease him a lot. Got a lot of freebies from him for it too, but otherwise... Okay guy."

"Okay, so what changed?" I title my head at her curiously, while reaching out to gently entwine our fingers.

"I don't know... I guess I just didn't pay up fast enough? I mean I guess I was kind of an asshole to him about it too... but he was being extra pissy for some reason, and Rachel had just disappeared, so I wasn't exactly in a good place..." she gives me a one shouldered shrug. "We butted heads a bit, and it just kinda went downhill from there. It's no big deal."

I frown mildly, and shake my head. "Chloe you owe a Drug dealer a lot of money... that sounds like a big deal to me."

She sighs exasperatedly. "Max, seriously this is Arcadia fucking Bay, not Seattle, or L.A. He's small time, no big deal. I'll figure it out soon, and it'll be fine. Stop worrying so much, I've got this." she punctuates her assertion by squeezing my hand.

I don't really feel much better about any of this, but I don't want to push it. If I push to hard Chloe will just dig her heels in even harder, and all I'll do is piss her off. She's so stubborn sometimes. I don't manage to stop the soft sigh that slips out, but I nod. "Okay Chloe I'll try, but... if you need anything, you know I've got your back right?"

She grins at me. "Of course I do Mad Max, we're back in action. You and me against the world."

I laugh softly, maybe a little bitterly. "I'm not sure how much help I'd be against the whole world, but I'll do my best."

Chloe groans, and shoots me an annoyed glance. "Max... Stop being so down on yourself. I said it once already, and I meant it. You're the most amazing person I know, and if you just get out of your own way? You'll make the world bow. I know it."

"Yeah right..." I start to shake my head, but pause, peeking over at Chloe. She has this serious look on her face, and I can't help but feel like maybe she really means that, that she isn't just being supportive. "You... really think so?"

She rolls her eyes at me. "I know it. Now stop fishing for compliments Caulfield." she sticks her tongue out at me.

"Hey! We're on a date, aren't you Supposed to compliment me?" I stick my tongue out at her right back.

A mischievous grin spreads across her face. "You are absolutely correct Caulfield. Okay, so how about this... The stench of your sweat after your little work out today is surprisingly not terrible."

I pull my hand away from hers, and wack her on the leg. "Rude!"

She laughs pulling away from me a little. "Hey! Well that's the last time I compliment you! Here I am trying to be nice about how much you stick, and you go and Hit me!"

I reach out and give her another good wack, which only serves to make her laugh harder. I cross my arms, and look away from her like I'm pouting. Really, I'm glad she's having fun, and I know she's just teasing, but that doesn't stop me from trying to get back at her a little. I do my best to sell it, and not looking at her helps keep me from losing it. I know I have her, as her laughing begins to subside.

"Max?" Chloe calls my name softly. "Hey Max..." she starts to sound a little worried as I continue to ignore her. "C'mon Max I was just kidding." she leans in closer to me, and I know I've got her now.

I turn towards her suddenly, and dig my fingers into her sides tickling gently. "Who stinks now huh Price?"

Chloe squirms, giggling uncontrollably under my assault. " S-St-Still y-you Max." she forces out between fits.

Unfortunately our fun is interrupted when the tracks begin to vibrate. I pull my hands away from Chloe and she makes an annoyed face. "C'mon Max... Trains coming." she gets up and reaches down to help me up. She leads us off the tracks just as the train blasts it's horn in the near distance.

We begin walking together slowly back to the junkyard. Chloe wraps an arm around my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her waist. We don't talk, but we don't need to, and the train passing by beside us would obscure anything we had to say for now anyhow. We just enjoy each other's company as we make our way back to Chloe's truck. Luckily Frank isn't there anymore to hassle us, and we make it there without issue. We both climb in slowly, and Chloe starts up the engine, letting it idle there for a few moments.

"Do you... want me to take you home now?" Chloe asks me nervously, her eyes fixed out of the front windshield even though we aren't moving yet.

I reach over gently placing my hand on her thigh, and shake my head. "No... No I don't want to go home yet." my voice comes out soft, and equally nervous.

She let's out a breath, and grins over at me. "Can't get enough of me, Huh Caulfield?"

I just roll my eyes at her, and shake my head.

"So where do you want to go next?" she asks, still grinning happily.

I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know... anywhere with you."

I hear her exhale sharply, and look over in time to see her cheeks flush brightly. I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. She's so cute. Chloe looks back over at me, and clears her throat a few times before taking the truck out of park, and driving us away from the junkyard. She just concentrates on driving for a while, slowly regaining her composure, while I sit quietly, just enjoying that we're together. It's really nice just to be near her, so much has changed but this still feels just the same. Well, except now Chloe's driving us instead of... one of our parents.

"So... how about the lighthouse again? I know we were just there yesterday, and I'd suggest the beach instead but... sometimes Frank parks his RV down there." she shrugs, looking over briefly to give me an apologetic look.

I shrug one shoulder. "That's fine, I like the lighthouse. The view is great, and it's still kinda early so we'll probably be alone." I also like the idea of continued alone time with Chloe.

Chloe takes one hand off the wheel, and reaches over to take my hand. She doesn't look away from the road, but I can see her smiling as our fingers lace together like they were made to be that way. Silence returns to the cab of truck, except for the steady rumble of the engine. It's really peaceful actually, and I'm beginning to feel a little drowsy despite the face that it's only the afternoon. Everything just seems to melt away, leaving me and Chloe in our own little world, and I kinda wish this drive would last forever. It doesn't of course, and before I know it, we're pulling into a parking space near the trail that leads up to the lighthouse.

Chloe reluctantly separates out hands, and climbs out. I can already feel a small sense of loss caused by the absence of her hand in mine. She comes around to my side and opens the door offering me a hand down. I grin, and take her hand, as I slide out of the truck. "My aren't me chivalrous."

Chloe grins back at me, and offers me a little bow. " After you milady."

I begin to slowly make my way up the path. Chloe is quick to come to my side, and takes my hand. She keeps pace with me, without prompting this time, as we walk hand in hand up to the summit. The lighting isn't as dramatic as it was yesterday, but the view of the bay is still lovely. The sun sparkles on the water below, and the wind gently rustles through the trees around us. We are, luckily alone for now. Chloe leads us over to the bench and lets go of my hand so she can plop down on it carelessly. I take my time settling down, making sure I'm sitting correctly now that I'm missing a leg.

"So... uh, this view huh?" Chloe says, sounding a little awkward.

I laugh softly, and slide over to lay my head on her shoulder. "It Is nice... but we don't have to talk if you don't feel like it."

Chloe responds by wrapping her arm around my shoulders, and laughs nervously. "Yeah... but I just wanted to tell you how..." she pauses, and I angle my head to look up at her curiously. "This day has been fucking amazing Max, and you made that happen. I just wanted you to know how much this means to me."

"Chloe..." my voice comes out thick with emotion. "I... no, you're the one who made this day special Chloe. Today has been awesome, and I'm really glad you decided to say yes."

"So... does that mean there's another date in our future?" Chloe asks softly, the general veneer of self assurance she wears slipping once again.

"Um Yeah, are you cereal? Of course there is!" I grin up at her.

She turns her head to look down at me, and I'm suddenly aware of how close are faces are. Her nose is nearly touching mine. I feel my heart rate pick up as we just stare into each other's eyes. Is she going to kiss me? I lick my lips, my eye flitting down to her lips subconsciously. Chloe moves in just a hair's breadth closer, and I can feel her breath on my face. I think she's really going to kiss me. I hope I don't suck at this. My heart begins to pound harder as I panic a little. I want this so much. She tilts her head a little, and I close my eyes in anticipation. The sound of my phone going off causes us both to jump, pulling away slightly.

"Fuck!" I growl annoyed as I search my pockets to see who ruined our moment.

Chloe begins laughing, and my annoyance melts away, at least until I get my phone out. It's Mom calling. I sigh softly, and answer. "Hey Mom... Wh-what's up?"

"It's almost dinner time Maxine, I was getting worried." Mom says in her most reasonable tone of voice.

I try very hard not to roll my eyes. "I'm still out with Chloe Mom, I'm fine."

"Are you coming home soon? You don't want to be late for dinner tonight do you? Your Dad is going to be coming home tonight, and I know he'd like to see you." Mom was laying it on a little thick, but she wasn't exactly wrong either. After the accident Dad had to give up his job at the paper, and look for something with a higher salary. He got a job as a media consultant, or something, and has to travel a lot. Mom stayed in Arcadia bay, and kept her job so we would still have insurance while I was in the hospital.

I feel like shit for the sigh that escapes my lips. I do want to see my dad, and I do appreciate what he's doing for us, but I also want my time with Chloe, and some more independence. "Yeah... we were just about to leave anyway. I'll be home soon okay? I won't be late for Dad." I can see Chloe's mood falling out of the corner of my eye, and mine dips with it.

"Alright, I know your dad would appreciate that. I'll see you soon. I love you Maxine, and remember to thank Chloe for driving you around." mom says like I'm still a fucking child.

I groan softly. " Moom... I'm not a kid anymore..."

"You'll always be my baby." mom responds quickly. "Now hurry home, so you're not late for your dad. I'll see you soon." and she hangs up before I can say anything else.

I grunt, annoyed, and shove my phone back into my pocket. " I guess... I have to go home now. Dad's coming home tonight, and Mom doesn't want me to be late."

"Yeah... I got that." Chloe sighs out softly, as she begins to stand.

"Um... you still want to do this again?" my voice comes out timid, and small, and I hate how desperate I must sound. She probably thinks I'm just trying to manipulate her.

Chloe's eyes soften as she looks down at me, she offers out her hand to help me up. "Duh I do. You're stuck with me now Caulfield."

I smile as I take her hand, and she pulls me gently to my feet. "I... I'll probably be busy for the weekend since Dad's home, but...anytime after that we can go out again, or something..."

Chloe shrugs. "That's cool, we'll figure it out. I'll just text you, and we can figure it out this weekend, okay?"

I nod slowly. "Yeah, okay. We'll chat, and figure it out this weekend."

"C'mon Mad Max, it's time to get you home." She doesn't let go of my hand as we head back down the path towards her truck. I'm disappointed we didn't kiss, but it's been a really good day so far, so I'm happy. I hold on to that feeling as I let her take me home, and I have an inkling it's going to last me for the rest of the night.