Thank you to all that are supporting my writing :) I appreciate all the feedback I am getting. Big thanks to all the BETA readers I have had, you guys rock!
Sorry for the short chapter and the long wait. I am going to write a longer one next time since it will introduce their new life.
They had been driving for a couple of hours without much to do. The roads were mostly empty, so no traffic to annoy them but that also meant few to no car games. Chloe kept blasting the different music she had in the car and seemed to enjoy it. Max was fidgeting with the different photos she still had and smiled at the new ones she had taken of Chloe.
"You really look amazing in these photos, Chlo."
"Hey, without a good photographer they would be shit."
Chloe always knows how to say the right things to make me happy. Max blushed at the fact she was called a photographer.
"You know I am not a real photographer. I never won that "Everyday Heroes" contest since I never turned in a photo."
"Well, I know you would have won if you did. You are hella awesome Super-Max."
Max swallowed something, she knew she would have won if she had turned in the photo. Max shook her head to get those thoughts out of her head. She didn't want to remember those timelines. That one was amazing because she won… but she would have lost everything by doing so. Max clenched her hands, pulling at the fabric around her knees. Chloe's voice broke her trail of thoughts.
"So do you think we could get some money from your parents to stay at a hotel?"
Chloe hadn't noticed Max's little breakdown.
"Uhmm.. Good question - I can ask them, but let's not keep our hopes up too much."
Max pulled out her phone and started texting her parents. The conversation went on for a little while before Max put down her phone with a sigh.
"Bad news?"
"Actually the complete opposite. They are willing to lend me some money IF we promise not to get into trouble. They even asked if we wanted enough for a small apartment so we didn't have to stay at a crappy hotel"
Chloe punched the air in celebration. She laughed as she turned her head to Max.
"That would be fucking awesome! We could become proper roommates instead of just the sleepovers."
"Well then you would have to become better at keeping clean cause I am NOT doing everything. And don't pretend that you are clean, I saw your room rockstar."
Max pulled her phone up to text her parents about their choice. This went on once again for a little while before Max put down her phone but this time with a smile on her lips.
"Well, according to my parents the apartments in the next city are not that expensive, so it won't be a problem."
Max leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Me and Chloe living together? That sounded like a dream come true in her head. She could picture it already. Chloe would be there when she came home from either school or work, she would probably be blazing or just watching some stupid movie like she used to. Max would walk over to her and give her a hug and then Chloe would give her a ki-. What the hell are you thinking Caulfield?! Why would Chloe do that, it's not like you two are a couple or.. or.. Are we?
"Hello! Earth commander to Space-Max, do you hear me?"
Max snapped out of her thoughts.
"Sorry, what did you say Chloe? I guess I was stuck in my head for a moment."
"No shit, I've tried to get through to you for like 5 minutes. What's going on in that head of yours?"
Max blushed when she heard Chloe's question. How the hell would she answer that question without sounding weird.
"N-nothing."
Max stammered the word out not sounding very convincing. She just hoped Chloe wouldn't dig further into it.
"It doesn't look like nothing, your face is completely red Caulfield. What are you not telling me?"
"I swear it's nothing Chloe. Now what did you want to ask me about?"
"I will let it slide for now but you're gonna answer me sooner or later, even tho you don't wanna. Anyway we are arriving at a gas station in a moment. Wanna take a quick walk to stretch your legs after the driving? You must be tired of sitting all day."
Max stretched her arms and legs to get some feeling back.
"That would probably be a good idea. I'm getting exhausted from sitting all the time, no matter how ironic that sounds."
"It really isn't, when I took a road trip long ago I had to stop every now and then."
Chloe drove off the road and in towards the gas station. She pulled up next to a pump and turned the engine off and stepped out of the car. She started filling up the tank while Max stepped out. Max stretched her arms over her head, and heard her back cracking as she stretched and immediately felt a lot fresher.
"Max you go ahead, I will finish here and catch up with you."
Max nodded and headed towards the end of the gas station. She found a small path of gravel that lead in between some trees. She took a deep breath and started strolling slowly down the path.
It's beautiful here. Max looked around at the different trees to see if she could spot some animals, though she didn't expect any to be here because it was so close to a road, but you never know. She kept walking for a bit and felt at peace. She hadn't been this relaxed since she were in Chloe's room listening to music. She remembered Chloe getting happy and wanting to stage dive. It was one of the best memories she had from the last week. Max sat down under a tree and looked up through the leaves and branches. She could see the sun lazily glowing in between. Max reached for her camera only to realise she had forgotten her bag in the car. Ahh well, not all moments are to be captured I guess. Max closed her eyes and let the wind and sun relax her body. She let her mind wander, she didn't feel like she have a care in the world at this point.
This is so nice, just sitting here, enjoying the peace and quiet away from everything.
Max hadn't noticed Chloe getting closer. Chloe bent over and kissed Max on the forehead, and opened her eyes in shock of what just happened.
"You just look so cute when you are in your own world. How could I not give you a little kiss?"
Before Max could even say anything, she just blurted out what she really wanted to say.
"Maybe I can get another one?"
WHY DID YOU SAY THAT?! Max was yelling inside her own head. Chloe simply grinned and leaned down to kiss her once again.
"Oh, there you are!"
Max opened her eyes again. Chloe was walking up the the small path towards her. But if Chloe was all the way over there then what the hell just happened?
"I hope I didn't interrupt your nap."
"No, no of course not. I was just enjoying the peace and quiet."
"Sure you were tomatoface, now what did you think about this time?"
The brunette just now realised how much she was blushing. She tried to look away but it was already too late. Chloe saw her target and attacked. She grabbed Max by the wrist and pulled her hands above her head pinning them to the tree.
"Now are you going to tell me, Caulfield or do I need to force it out of you?"
Chloe's voice was playful and Max blushed even more.
"Well…"
Max voice was low when she started the sentence. The blue haired girl switched her grip on her and effectively pinned both of her hands to the tree with one of her own. The other hand now found its way down Max's sides and she started pinching her. She jittered from the pinch.
"Come on Caulfield, don't make me force you to walk the plank. You know that always ends up badly for you."
"Okay, okay i will tell you.. just stop."
Max wasn't talking but half laughing half screaming the words.
"I was dreaming.. about... you."
Chloe let her hand go for just a second before pinning her back up against the tree.
"Now that's a start. Tell me the rest, cause that is deffo not everything."
"Well, I.. Dreamt that you kissed me."
Max could barely get the words out of her mouth. Chloe put on a sly grin and looked the brunette directly into her eyes.
"What, like this?"
Chloe pressed her lips against her's. Max, surprised by this action closed her eyes, she let out a small sound before eagerly trying to kiss back. Chloe pulled away her head before she had the chance.
"So? Was it something like that, Caulfield?"
Max tried to catch her breath and nodded slightly. She couldn't believe what just happened. It must be a dream, this can't possibly happen.
"Want another?"
Before Max could answer Chloe kissed her again. This time more passionately than before. She eagerly returned the kiss herself. Max could feel Chloe smiling as they kissed. When the kiss broke Max could only say one word.
"Wow…"
"Is that really all you can say? You seem like you wanted it."
Max was at a loss for words. She tried to figure out what happened, but before she had the chance, Chloe pulled her up. She was still keeping a hold of her wrists but slowly let them go. Instead Chloe's hand found hers and she tangled their fingers together.
"Come on Caulfield, we need a little walk after the driving."
She winked at her as she started moving further into the woods. Max followed since she was being pulled by Chloe, her mind was still completely blank from the kiss. The rockstar kept pulling her forward, it felt like she had a destination in mind.
Well it was easier to get that kiss than I thought, I didn't think Max loved me so much.
Chloe had expected this outcome to be honest, she could read Max like an open book. But no reason to tell her that.
"Come on slowpoke, I have something I want to show you."
She winked at the nerd girl trying to keep up with her. Immediately Max started blushing and tried to keep up, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated.
"Where are we going, you sly fox?"
"It's a surprise, and I think you will like it."
Max couldn't read Chloe but decided to go with her nonetheless. They continued their running for one more minute. They cleared a dense part of branches, Max had to cover her eyes while going through. Before they got through she felt Chloe letting go of her hand. When she opened them again, Chloe was standing in the sunlight by a huge chasm. It looked amazing… it was like nothing like anything she had seen before.
"Chloe… This is beautiful! How did you know about this place?"
"I have been sneaking out of Arcadia for years Maxxy. I always wanted to go here with someone who is very special to me.. someone like you… Max I lov-"
As Chloe tried to finish the sentence, the ground beneath her cracked and she fell. She clasped both hands to the edge.
"MAAAAX!"
She reacted quicker than she ever had before. She ran to her and reached out for Chloe, but before she could grab her hand the ground broke underneath her fingers. The valley was several hundred meters deep and all she could see was Chloe tumbling down. NO! Not again, I promised it wouldn't happen again. She stretched out her hand and focused.. more than she ever had before. The feeling was back, she could feel time reversing around her. Chloe's shape was now flying towards her. As soon as Chloe was standing on the edge again, she lowered her hand.
"I have been sneaking out of Arcadia for ye-"
"Get away from there Chloe, get here fast!"
Chloe reacted quickly to Max words and rushed to her and just as she did, the ground crumbled again.
"Holy shitballs, Max! You saved my life… again!"
Max breathed heavily, it felt like it was so long ago she had to rewind time, her head immediately started aching. She sank to her knees and grabbed her head, Chloe immediately sank with her and hugged her.
"It's okay Max, shh… I can already guess what you did. Thank you Max!"
"I can't handle seeing you get hurt, Chloe… I never want to see that again… ever."
"You won't see it again.. I swear I will be more careful from now on, Max… I love you."
With those words Max looked up at her, folded her hands around Chloe's neck and kissed her. The kiss was eagerly returned by the punk rock girl. They sat like this for a while, embracing each other. Their lips parted slowly and they stared at each other for a while, until Max finally said something.
"I love you too Chloe… Forever."
They slowly got up, hand in hand, fingers intertwined. They took their time to walk back through the forest path, enjoying every moment together. Chloe let go of her hand for a moment, placing it around Max's shoulder instead. Max didn't know what to do with her hand, but Chloe quickly fixed that. She merely put her hand around her waist, it felt so right to both of them.
"So… What now?"
Max asked the question fully knowing the answer.
"We continue, together."
The words made Max feel weak, she never expected Chloe to be so sentimental. She liked her softer side, it made her seem more like the old Chloe, although the punk-rock chick she is now is really hot. Still, she didn't mind seeing that a small part of the old Chloe was alive deep inside. They took their time getting back to the car, enjoying every second of the almost idyllic scenery.
"So Caulfield, where to next madame?"
She let out a giggle by Chloe's attempt at a british accent.
"Well if you would escort us to the next city that would be just lovely miss Price."
They laughed most of the way to the car, walking side by side just smiling. To them it felt like nothing would ever go wrong. They walked out of the forest path and into the opening to the gas station. As they got into the car, Max stared at the blue haired punk rocker with a lovable look. She still couldn't comprehend what just happened those minutes ago. The kiss felt so right to her, it was like everything inside her calmed down during it. Chloe noticed the look and gave her a wink, the insecure girl blushed again and smiled.
"You are so cute when you blush."
"Shut up and drive Price."
Max's voice was teasing, she enjoyed Chloe's snappy answers and her teasing just made her feel appreciated. Chloe had a serene look on her face, she looked happier than she ever had before. The bluenette smiled as the truck started moving, she took off her blue beanie and the wind played with her blue hair. Max was mesmerized by the beauty next to her. The way her hair started to glow from the sun almost sparkling as the wind played with it. Her pale skin glowing as the rays reflected off her… she looked like a goddess to her. Max felt so happy sitting here next to her, feeling like she had never felt before. She had no worries, no fears, no pressure or anything, she only felt her love for the blue haired girl driving the rusty car towards their future in the next city. But she wasn't just her friend from the past, no, she was so much more. She was her past, her present and most of all… her future.
"Haven't you been told it's impolite to stare young lady?"
"Only when the other part dislikes it. And you are only a year older than me missy!"
Max finally got the chance to give her a wink back and enjoyed every moment of it. Chloe gave out a laugh Max wouldn't forget that easily. For some reason, everything Chloe did made her happy, she never wanted this feeling to fade… never ever.
As the thought reached the end she closed her eyes slowly, and drifted off into a light sleep. Chloe looked over at the sleeping girl and smiled, she is so cute when she sleeps. She put her hand on her head and caressed it for a moment.
"Sleep tight Super-Max."
She returned her focus on the road but not before switching the radio station to her classic rock station.
"HELLO! IS ANYONE HERE?!"
Max yelled out. She was somewhere she had never seen before. Oh god no, not this again! There was blood everywhere, no corpses or people. Just a lot of blood. A voice echoed from the dark.
"You did this Maxine Caulfield! You are the reason this blood has been spilled."
Max stepped backwards, her feet was sloshing through the blood on the ground. She stumbled over something on the ground and fell backwards. She placed her hand on her hip and massaged it gently, she looked down on the ground and her eyes widened.
"Chloe?.."
Max whispered with a weak voice. On the ground in front of her Chloe was lying on the ground. Her eyes were open and she was soaked in blood. Even the blue hair had become a dark red colour. Max grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
"CHLOE! WAKE UP!"
Chloe's eyes remained cold and without life. Max bent down hugging her girlfriend. She teared up and cried loudly. Chloe's body was cold and lifeless, she wasn't breathing. Max cried into Chloe's shirt, shaking her still. Suddenly Max could feel movement from the dead bluenette's body. Her arm raised slowly and grabbed Max arm.
"Max.. You did this! It's all on you!"
It wasn't Chloe's voice. The voice came from Chloe but it wasn't here. Max refused to believe that her friend told her those words.
"Max! Max wake up!"
Chloe had pulled the car over. She was shaking Max trying to wake her up.
"Max for god's sake, wake up! You are having a nightmare."
Max opened her eyes and screamed in fear. She looked around in panic and then saw Chloe's concerned face. She threw her arms around her and squeezed. The bluenette quickly returned the hug.
"Shhh, it's okay Max. I am here.. It was just a nightmare."
Chloe was whispering, trying to calm the small brunette. Max cried into Chloe's shirt and clutched her tight.
"Ther-there was so-so much bl-blood!"
Max sobbed the words out. She couldn't control herself, the tears continuously flooded her eyes.
"Chloe.. you were there.. dead on the ground in a pool of blood. You spoke to me, and told me everything was my fault."
Chloe looked shocked at the crying girl in front of her and held her tightly. She didn't want to let go, ever, no matter what.
"Max, listen. I am right here, and I am fine okay? See?"
Chloe slowly let go of Max and put her hands on Max's cheeks, forcing her to look her in the eyes.
"I am fine... "
Chloe had a sincere and soothing voice. Max looked at her and hugged her, squeezing her tightly.
"Chloe… I-I… I need you here with m-"
Max's sentence was cut off as Chloe kissed her, effectively stopping her flow of words. Max returned the kiss slowly as it calmed her frazzled mind.
For a while everything seemed to stop again, Max started to relax in her body and felt limp. When the kiss broke she looked at the smirking bluenette in front of her.
"What was that for?"
Max slightly chuckled as she asked the question.
"Well you wouldn't be quiet and were about to go in a loop. I had to shut you up and that felt like the best way."
Chloe gave her a wink and smiled lovingly at her.
"Look around Max.. The sun is shining, birds are singing… And we are about to find a place we can live in together."
Chloe's voice was happy and soothing. She couldn't handle seeing Max cry.. Not after all she had been through to save her.
Fuck that! Max's safety and happiness is my only priority. Whatever happens in the future, I will protect her no matter fucking what!
Chloe looked at Max with an intense stare, intense but loving and caring.
"Are you okay now?"
Max nodded slightly and sighed.
"Yeah… I am okay now. I have you here and that makes me feel safe."
Max smiled slightly and wiped away her tears.
"Let's find a place to stay… together."
Chloe gave her a long kiss on the forehead and sat back in the drivers seat. She turned on the car and started driving. They passed a sign saying 'Lincoln City'. Max didn't see how far away it was, she was focused on Chloe and leaned towards her.
"I love you Chloe…"
Chloe smiled brightly.
"I love you too Max… Forever."
They continued to drive into the still unknown future. All that was certain was this… They would always be together.
