"Max are you alright?" Nathan's words ring throughout my ears, so sharp, piercing even. 'What a stupid question, do I look so. alright to you?' My thoughts never develop into words, I'm simply speechless. I feel my my chest tighten, my breathing is shallow. 'Why, why would I ever date that psycho? In any world, that's awful, no unbelievable. It's a joke it has to be, I look over at Victoria, who is looking at me like I have a third eye. I squirm under her gaze, "Max what's wrong?" I open my mouth trying to speak, "I can't really explain why I'm acting this way. I g-guess I'm just surprised that you came here N-Nathan." I utter out the excuse, hoping one of the two will buy it. Victoria puts her arm around my smaller frame, then gives my a playful noogie, my hair gets messed up my hair hiding my face well. "Nate, Max was asking me for advice. Concerning, well you know, lady troubles." Victoria once again my white knight coming to my rescue, but that doesn't stop my face from turning a bright red. I take a timid peek up at Nathan, 'what the hell?' I'm surprised by the red tint on Prescotts cheeks, a human emotion instead of threatening us or calling me names. This is such an awkward moment but I've fully forgotten how disgusted at his sight I was a moment ago. "I understand, s-sorry for interrupting." Nathan aproaches me, I visibly flinch yet get doesn't mind. I'm embraced by him. I only feel warm and calm, this is actually really soothing. After a while we split and he leaves the room.
I sit on Vitoria's bed, a little in shock still. "Well that was close, but seriously Max what the hell is going on with you?" I shake my head no answer is suitable, not one that I can tell her at least. I sit there a stupid look on my face, not completely registering what the hell just happened. "Fuck, Victoria I'm sorry for acting so wierd but Nathan, he's dangerous, he scares." I feel myself shake before Victoria wraps her arms around me securely. "Max I'm not sure what's wrong but it seems as if you are having an identity crisis. I'm going to be here if you need me. I promise, Max remember we are best friends and that means a lot to me." She takes my hand and I feel reassured, I suppose what she said makes sense for my situation. I don't know who I am right now, or who I'm supposed to be. Should I be the Max I am or the Max from this world? Shit dimension traveling is so complicated, especially when your powers malfunction at the wrong time. "That means a lot Victoria, I'm glad you are my friend." I say, meaning every word. Victoria could be full of it, though I doubt that. Victoria rarely pretends to like someone this long, it's like she's my groupie or something. Victoria stands up suddenly looking at me surprised, "hey I was wondering if you wanted to go to the party with me tonight?" Wow, I had totally forgot about the vortex club party. And by the way Victoria was blushing it seems she's asking me out on a date? I shrug and give Vic an uncertain grin. "Victoria I'm not sure if that's a great idea, I'm not big on parties, plus if you and I go to the party together won't people get the wrong image. Victoria lets out an amused chuckle, " Yeah Maxine that is totally not something you'd say." I let her continue after correcting her, Max never Maxine, "Anyway you are the vortex club, and you and I have went to parties hand in hand before. Nathan doesn't give a shit, and you have always eaten up the attention." I blush, I can't believe I'd act that way, sure I'm not Kate Marsh but I'm not Chloe price either. Those two names sting to think of them. "I suppose, but Victoria, you have feelings for me, right?" Victoria is startled by the question. "N-no, Max you're like a sister." Her red cheeks reveal the truth and are so cute that I can't resist. I plant a kiss on her cheek, though it makes her complexion all the more rosy.
After Victoria and I resolve to go to the party in four hours I head back to my room. It takes some digging to find a true Max selection in my Victoria-esque wardrobe. Mom and Dad can afford this? Then my mind floats back to my rich bestie and my even richer boyfriend, wow Max you are a master manipulator it would seem. I settle for a pair of black skinnies, a red too with a black belt breaking the center. I choose a pair of brown boots that go just below the knee. I try them on before setting them aside for later, I need to take a bit of a walk before going to the pool party.