AN: Here is the second chapter,I may have gone overboard. It's much longer than I had anticipated. Shoot me a message or drop a comment, let me know if you prefer the longer chapters, or shorter? There's quite a bit of Victoria in this chapter. I low key wanted to elaborate on how they were friends in a different timeline. I also took the liberty of making Max a little more outgoing, Without further ado~

Chapter 2:Into the Fray

The dorm buildings were larger than she had anticipated, they were certainly praiseworthy to say the least. Max loathed the idea of having to continuously run around a large campus. It would be the perfect excuse for her clumsiness to make an appearance. Luckily for her, all of her classes were in the same building. The rest of the school grounds seemed to be in fair condition. The courtyard was especially spacious with a large statue in the middle. Probaby of some founder, which was framed by an equally impressive fountain. It supplied a nice anesthetic.

She could already picture herself laying in the grass studying,or more truthfully snapping some awesome shots when it warms up. The land surrounding the academy and the town itself were massive. Opening up to groves of trees that appear to go on forever, bleeding into the horizon. An abundance of wildlife was definitely a plus, there would definitely be more when spring came back around.

Max decided to come a few days early for school, she was still reeling from the fact that she had actually got in for the spring semester. It was a surprisingly warm day in Oregon. Which was odd considering there was snow on the ground not to long ago. No rain, which was a relief. Compared to the constant misty climate of seattle.

Nothing like a wake up call from some freezing rain, guess I'll have to make due with what I have. Max glances around sheepishly, shifting her weight from foot to foot. A whole floor full of teenage angst, I mean what could go wrong…?

Max presses on through the small courtyard outside the prescott dormitory. Tugging on the collar of her coat, bringing some protection from the chilling wind. The school grounds were mostly empty except for some early arrivals, such as herself. Classes themselves were not scheduled to resume for another five or maybe six days. The brunette couldn't help wanting to arrive early though, she wanted to be completely squared in. Also she was hoping to re-familiarize herself with her childhood town. A brief image of two girls running around as pirates flashes in Max's mind, causing a small smile to spread passively. What she really wants to do before her focus is completely absorbed in Blackwells academics, was hopefully make up with her childhood friend Chloe.

Well if I was Chloe I'm almost positive a simple apology wouldn't do. I'm more likely to get socked in the face instead of an actual conversation. But I-I still have to try. Chloe's worth a good punch, even if we can't be friends again I'd like to do the right thing. Max releases a sigh, her eyebrows draw together making her face appear taught.

Brushing off the chill she grasps the handle of the dorm building, looking forward to a relief from the cold breeze. Unexpectedly the door swings open just as she's about to grab it. Suddenly she's colliding with someone in front of her. Then the sound of boxes and belongings clang on the ground around them, causing Max to jump back. Hands wrap around her wrists steading herself and anchoring the other girl.

"Maybe you should watch where the hell you're going, yeah?" A prissy sarcastic voice sounds.

Max peers up at a tall blonde with a pixie cut, her green eyes seem to look right through Max. Rooting her to the spot.

"Uh I-I'm sorry it was an accident." The brunette stutters out.

The blonde continues to scrutinize her, Max inadvertently tries to make herself smaller under her gaze.

"Right, well just watch where you going. If this coffee spilled on my cashmere sweater I'd lose it."

Rubbing the back of her neck she leans down attempting to help pick up the mess she had accidentally caused the blonde. When a figurine of a woman catches her eye. Uncertainty she wraps her hand around it too hold it up to the other girl.

"Hard to come by, have you seen the movie? It's My blueberry nights right?" Max slips into a smirk as the blonde flushes from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

Quickly the blonde reaches out and snatches the figurine from the brunettes hand. Max's reaction is deliberately over dramatic, throwing her hands up in an attempt of innocence.

"We-Well obviously. Thanks but I don't need your wannabe hipster help." She replies stuffing her things back into the box. Completely ignoring Max. Shuffling her feet while Looking down at her well worn chucks, Max sighs. Taking that as her que she escapes through the door of the dorm.

Well I'm already of to a great start, good job Max. She's acting like it was all my fault when the both of us were at the door at the same time.

The brunette glances curiously over her shoulder, at the girl kneeling over to get her things. Considering the pros and cons of turning back to help.

I don't know... she doesn't seem like the type who would appreciate my snooping persistence. Turning away again she leans against the wall contemplating with herself. She can't seem to ignore the nagging voice in her head telling her to help. Almost like a force not of her own she heads back to the blonde in the doorway. Silently she leans down and starts collecting the girls things, Max hears a sigh but not a single word of complaint. This causes Max a small smile.

They pick the various belongings up in dead air. Fidgeting a bit Max turns her attention to a photograph in the mess, it's a photo of the two wales. Suddenly she's hit with nostalgia for a sweet belgian waffle.

Swallowing her nerves she speaks up as they gather themselves awkwardly.

"I'm Max, I-I transferred in this semester to study photogr-" Max is interrupted.

"I know who you are, it's rare for Blackwell to get some surprise transfers in the middle of the year. I took the liberty to do some research… " The blonde says nonchalantly, suddenly taking an interest in her nail beds.

"Well that makes me feel special. Is that normal… you stalk all the new kids?"

The blonde continues to eye her suspiciously, taking in Max's tone the blonde lets out a small chuckle. Which seems to surprise the blonde more than Max. Almost as an afterthought her hand covers her mouth.

"Only the ones who pique my interest. Your… photography is pretty good. Maybe not on my level but still good."
"Yeah I noticed. That's an awesome shot of the Two whales, I use to go there all the time when I was a kid." Max replies sheepishly.

"Yes well that's nice but I should be heading out," the blonde looks down at her watch. "I'm Victoria you'd be wise to remember."

Then she leans down to pick up the two boxes, when Max interrupts unintentionally. Again. Offering to hold the other box.

"Well since I'm the one who technically ran into you, why don't we go get something to eat?" Max asks unsure of her suddenly bold behavior.

Victoria looks to the side and shrugs her shoulders non- coomitingly. Max shifts, moving the cardboard box to get a better hold. While somehow managing to give a hopeful smile.

"I don't know, may-" she begins but this time Max interrupts.

"I'll pay?" She states.

"Well your on Max. Your quite blunt, I like that." She retorts.

The blonds gives a half smirk. Which Max can't help but to think is infinitely better than the haughty expression she had worn previously. For most of their conversation honestly. "Let's take this stuff to my car and head out." Victoria says her voice raising in surprise.

Max shuffles alongside her carrying the somewhat heavy box. Positioning it infront of her to somehow stop the cold morning breeze. A smile is plastered on her face.

Suck on that social anxiety, I can't believe that just happened! Now here comes the hard part keeping the conversation flowing. Luckily stuffing your face is usually the best way to break the ice. Operation not to make a fool of myself… starts now.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The two whales was exactly how Max remembered it, right down to the same L shaped crack in the table. To the habitual smell of grease and waffles wafting through the air. Along with the low rumble and grumble of the jukebox. Causing Max to glance at it fleetingly, it sounds as if it may fizz out at any conceivable moment.

This was the second time Victoria and her had visited the diner together. The first day was painfully awkward, like hide in the dorm room for at least a week awkward. After figuring out how to bypass VIctoria's prissy nature, it turned out she's actually pretty cool to talk to. Nothing beat nerding out to photography together, although Max had a sneaking suspicion the blonde would call it an educational discussion.

It was nice being somewhere Max had enjoyable childhood memories, she could practically envision herself and Chloe. Her childhood best friend running amuck in the establishment. Even down to the staff, the familiar figure of Joyce behind the counter. They'd sat down at a booth for maybe five minutes, give or take. Joyce was busy having a somewhat heated conversation with a trucker. Without sparing us a glance she informed them she'd be there in a moment.

"Wait you're from seattle originally?" Max asks.

Victoria takes a long sip of water before answering. "Yeah, my parents still live there. Well mostly, that's where are house is at least." She finishes with a tone Max can't quite place. A heady mixture of disdain and maybe a hint of bitterness.

Max shifts at the change in her tone, trying to decide the best way to approach the topic. Social cues in general were not her specialty, she was especially out of practice at using them in a conversation. She decides to play the most probable card. I mean what is the problem most teenagers face besides pregnancy? Dysfunctional family drama certainly has to be high on that list.

" Is that why you came back early from break?"

The brunette asks, training her blue eyes on the menu, which she honestly knows like the back of her hand already. It's kind of relieving that some things actually stay the same over time.

The blonde looks away, running her finger along her glass.

"I don't see how it really matters. I-It's not really any of your business honestly."

Max studies her angular face for a moment, her throat suddenly feels barren like the dessert in mid-day. The only sound between them is the clink of ice against glass as Max downs her drink. Hesitantly she returns her attention to Victoria. Rolling her tongue as she formulates a response, indecisive about divulging any information about herself. Again she feels an overwhelming feeling worming it's way to the forefront of her mind, almost begging her to do so.

"My dad got remarried about three years ago now. Turns out moving to Seattle was really about being closer to his mistress." The words spit out of Max's mouth like fire.

The brunette pauses letting the information burn between them. Victoria doesn't give a reply herself, the only indication she's listening is the rise of a perfectly manicured eyebrow. As if tauntingly asking Max to continue.

"The worst part is, she's a hard person to hate. Of course she's like 15 years younger, closer to our age then my dads middle 40. The most surprising part was how my mom reacted, I expected shock. You know? But she just accepted it like she already knew."

Max pauses unsure of herself at how much information she was okay with giving away. It wasn't a big deal. Her parents were actually much more tolerable apart then they ever were together.

Surprisingly Victoria pipes in with a question of her own.

"What did your mom do after, it sounds like she knew all along." She asks in a shockingly less menacing tone.

Max shrugs her shoulders, "She buried herself in work. You've probably heard of her she's one of the best family and divorce attorneys in Seattle. I think she was more upset about having to make me split my time between them. When she turned 35 she opened her own private practice, so she has more spare time then I'm use to." Max pauses her eyes glistening with her most interesting information.

She leans over across the table somewhat curiously.

"Want to hear the juiciest tidbit?" Max asks.

Victoria actually lets out a small laugh.

"Oh, you know I do."

"I think she's been seeing someone recently. She thinks she's been hiding it super well, but she has been way happier recently." The brunette sits back in her seat weilding a smirk.

Neither of them say anything for a moment, when suddenly through some kind of miracle. Victoria seems to give Max a genuine smile and an accompanying laugh. The brunette lets out a low chuckle, the blonde turns serious for a moment. Wiping the smile off her face she raps her nails against the table, in what appears like contemplation.

"Mine aren't divorced, I think they genuinely still love each other. It's more like their...divorced from me." She utters as hesitantly as can be.

"I guess that makes Christmas dinner pretty awkward, huh?"

The blonde lets out a sardonic laugh.

"We'd have to have one to begin with."She says barley loud enough for me to hear.

Max pauses soaking in the information, she blows her bangs out of her eyes. "I always use to think they had it all figured out. You know? Well lucky for me you came back early, we may not of hit it off so well when the school year actually started." Max says non commintingly.

"You're definitely...alright Max."

The brunette isn't sure why but this feels like a huge development. No other words are exchanged, silence echoes over them at the sudden arrival of their food. Max's mouth salivates at the fluffy fruit covered belgian waffle in front of her. The brunette glances over at Victoria who seems to be giving the food a once over.

"Ah, does it meet your expectations your highness?"

Max counters glancing at the decadent looking crepe on the blondes pate.

"It's certainly going to do the job, and don't you forget it." She replies.

They continue eating, when Victoria gets a call. Her green eyes bore into her phone worriedly before shooting at Max in apology.

"Sorry I have to take this. If the confrontation over there ever dies down tell the waitress I need a box."

Max nods her head in confirmation. She'll probably need a box too, as per usual her eyes were bigger than her stomach. The brunette pulls her polaroid from her bag. Tinkering with it before deciding to take the opportunity to snag some shots. She always felt twitchy after going long periods of time of neglecting her baby. Lining up a shot, she caught the image of the trucker begrudgingly crossing his arms as joyce strides away. A half assed comment about towing his truck away passing between them.

Suddenly a melodic jingle fills the dinner, the door swings open revealing a pair of girls around Max's age. They hang off of each other casually, as if they know this is exactly where they belong. One has electric blue hair and is seriously tall, like model tall. She wears a gray hoodie, when she shifts Max catches sight of a large fiery graphic of some punk band. A blue windbreaker rest over her shoulders on top. The sleeve rolled up a to the elbow, exposing a coiling tattoo on her forearm. A half smoked cigarette clenched in the hand draped around the other girl.

The blonde girl wore a beaming smile catching Maxs attention. Her style is relatively punk as well, wearing a long crimson red british band peacoat. Max isn't sure if that's actually a thing, but it seems like the best description. She's insanely pretty, her eyes scan the establishment around her as if searching for prey. Before the brunette can think better of it she takes a shot.

Suddenly feeling super creepy Max fumbles with the camera. Wiping her suddenly damp hands on her jeans, she quickly snatches up the picture. Before stuffing the camera back in her bag. As nonchalantly as possible she glances at back at the pair. The blunette doesn't seem to notice but the blonde on the other hand, is eyeing her up dangerously. Max holds eye contact for only a few moments, but they seem to drag on for an eternity. The girls hazel eyes sparkle with something the brunette isn't sure if she wants to figure out. Unfortunately she's a creature of habit, one could say curiosity was her first nature. The blonde crosses her arms and looks away with tenacity, playing with a dangling blue feather earing. Odd Max thinks, why only one earring?

Suddenly a loud crash draws the attention of everyone in the fine establishment. Blue eyes lock on to the trucker who was causing a scene earlier. He looks ten times more pissed than earlier, Max can almost feel his anger burning her skin. Suddenly he leaps towards Joyce, something in his hand glinting against the spilt coffee on the floor.

It all happens so quickly the brunette is left speechless. The blue haired woman doesn't even hesitate to throw herself in the man's way. There's shouting from everywhere a woman screams, probably Joyce. A string of cuss words seamlessly spill from the feather eared girl. A large cop suddenly is wrenching the guy away, Max thinks she saw him go to the bathroom a few minutes ago. The blue haired girl stumbles into the counter, the blonde rushes forward catching her. The pair latch onto the counter, a joint affair it would seem. Max is unsure of what to do, but when a name reaches her ears she springs into action.

"Jesus Chloe, this is really fucked." The blonde says.

Joyce is fumbling with her phone obviously talking with a 911 operator. Max watches as the ground begins to stain red with blood.

Holy shit...holy shit….HOLY SHIT!

Without thinking Max rush's over, shrugging out of her gray hoodie. With surprising bantam the brunette bursts into their closed circle, pressing her hoodie to the gushing laceration. Max can feel the pin prick sign of tears burning her vision, her voice comes out no more than a choke.

"Chloe…"

Blurry light blue eyes, shakinly meet her own. Before widening hugely, if the situation wasn't so dire it would of been comical.

"I must be hella fucked up, seeing shit." She whispers sharply.

The blonde eyes Max up and down, turning her head curiously reminding Max of a puppy.

"I don't think you're imagining things C." She states.

Chloe looks again to Max, her hand resting over Maxs own compressing the wound tighter.

Her voice is even weaker and shakier than the brunettes was.

"Max...is that really you? Holy shit you know how to make an entrance."

Max releases a bark of laughter, sounding more like a sob. "I could say the same about you, always finding trouble."

"Yo-you know me a rebel-." She doesn't quite finish.

The blunette crashes to the floor lying in a heap. Hazel and blue eyes meet for a moment before the blonde slides to the floor next to her. Max lifts her hand to wipe her brow, when suddenly everything shifts. It felt like the world around her was twisting and turning, her mind on an endless loop spiraling out of her control. When her vision returns she's sitting at the table with Victoria. Max felt like she could lunge out of the boothe, and expel everything out her besides her memories. Sensing the sudden tension in the air Victoria raises her eyebrow curiously.

"Hey are you okay Ma-" The blonde stops when her phone suddenly starts vibrating.

The brunette continues to sit completely shell shocked, her brain feeling like goo. Her lip suddenly felt hot, with a hesitant finger Max swipes at her upper lip revealing a scarlet smear.

"Sorry I have to take this if- woah Max gross. Your gushing." Victoria says holding out a napkin to her.

Max nods taking the offered napkin.

"Don't worry must be the weather. I-I'll get you a box okay?" Max say's.

"Kay thanks, Ciao for now Caulfield." Victoria say's making her escape.

Max waits patiently for the tell tale jingle of the dinner door to open. The brunette reaches into her pocket, her fingers touching the familiar slickness of a photo. Hesitantly she pulls it out , ironically it's the photo she took when the duo originally walked in.

Impossible this...this doesn't make any sense. How could I, I mean did I actually go back in time? Max again looks down at the photo in her hand. Still disapproving even though the evidence was quite plainly, staring her in the face.

The jingle meets Max's ears causing her to jump up out of the booth, she glances at Chloe and her friend out of the corner of her eye. Choosing to instead turn her attention to the estranged truck driver, who was growing increasingly more agitated. Watching the large man jump up, Max moves at the same time as the resounding noise of a coffee mug hitting the floor. She sees the same glint in the spilt coffee, but this time she's practically on top of him. Unfortunately so is Chloe, again. Just as she's about to take the brunt of the attack, Max clashes into her throwing out her fist dangerously. She feels the pinprick of a quick slice near her ribs. Just as the Man runs into her fist full force landing right into his throat. When she opens her eyes again he's on the ground sputtering, gasping for breath. There's an unknown voice talking and suddenly the cop appears kicking the blade out of the man's hand. Placing a knee on his back while reciting his rights.

"Fuck!" Max cries out clutching her stinging hand.

Suddenly a hand lands on her shoulder, Max peers over to see the feather wearing girl grinning ear to ear.

"Just when I thought this day was going to be boring. Pow surprise right to the throat." The girl husks.

Max doesn't really give her a chance to continue, quickly looking around for Chloe. She catches her eye as she sits on the floor, at a seemingly loss of words. Odd for Chloe to say the least. But this punk girl wasn't necessarily her's anymore.

"Chloe ar-are you okay?"

Max asks avoiding her gaze while rubbing her sore knuckles.

"Holy shit it is you? Fucking supermax to the rescue!" Chloe shoots out, her tone changes now though. "What the hell are you doing here? How long have you been in town, were you even going to tell me?" She releases question after question.

Before Max can muster up an answer the blonde grabs onto Chloe then Max,

"Now's not quite the time for a somewhat heated reunion. Were going to have company soon, let's get out of here." She motions to the door.

Sirens can be heard in the close distance, realizing were going to have a rude awakening Chloe practically leaps up of the ground. The brunette turns around to most definitely run off, when the bluenette latches onto her wrist with a death grip.

"Not so fast Caulfeild, We got business to discuss." She exhales.

Max meets her gaze halfheartedly, contemplating her most recent decisions. Feeling very not herself she nods,

"Let me grab my bag Chloe?" Max states more than asks.

With obvious reluctance she releases her grip. Max makes a mad dash to the table, quickly snatching her bag out of the boothe. With Chloe and the blonde hot on her heels, almost as an after thought she throws some money on the table.

Chloe lets out a weak sigh "You know mom would never fuckin make you pay."

"That's not the point. Come on I thought we were in a rush?" Max replies.

The blonde lets out a airy laugh patting Chloe's shoulder, "Oh I definitely already like you Caulfeild."

The bluenette rolls her eyes at the blondes blatant flirty behavior. As if realising they needed to make a quick escape the blonde again latches onto the both of them. Everything's a blur as they blaze out of the dinner and into a beat up old pick up. Chloe dashes to the drivers side, while The blonde slides in through the passengers side. An odd sense of deja vu comes over her, making Max feel like she's been here a million times before. Swiftly sliding in next to the blonde. Everything's a blur as red and blue lights overcome her vision, then suddenly nothing. Just empty blackness.

EN: Things are of to a heated start. I wasn't sure If I was gonna put a lot of time stuff in this but I mean why the hell not. Next chapter should be out around next Sunday. As per usual thanks for reading have a great day.

PS-the trucker bit was a friends idea. Worked out better than I thought, never mess with a truckers baby.