*Chapter 3*

*Chloe's POV*

It's been almost three weeks since the tornado and clean up and repair is slowly making progress. We have a full list of who survived now: Kate Marsh, Warren Graham, Alyssa Anderson, Brooke Scott, Dana Ward, Daniel DaCosta, Juliet Watson, Taylor Christensen, Trevor Moore, Principal Ray Wells, David, Mom, Frank Bowers, Justin Williams, and a good handful of the random occupants of Arcadia bay. Many of those who were injured are well on their way to recovery. Mom is still healing but the doctor said the cast can come off in another three weeks. She's not very happy that she can't help but David has been helping her a lot. He may not be my dad but he does care and I see that now. Don't mean I don't give him a hard time old habits die hard. Max has been better she has nightmares now and it's been rough on her but we are getting through it together. Right now we all live in a two bedroom apartment. The apartment buildings here were abandoned a few years ago but they were in decent shape and only about a mile from Arcadia bay. Most of the remaining survivors are living in them after the national guard got there that's where we were all set up till the town is rebuilt. They are saying after the major clean up is done it won't take more than a year or two to rebuild such a small town so many of the occupants are just going to wait it out get jobs in the neighboring towns till then. Me, Max, and David have been helping with the clean up and the government is going to pay us to help so win win for us. Today though is our day off which I'm kind of glad cause Max has been sick all morning.

"Babe are you sure you're alright that's the fifth time you've puked this morning? Shouldn't we go get you checked out by a doctor?"

"I'm not running a fever or anything so I don't think it's anything serious probably just food poisoning or something."

"Max we all had the same meals together theses last three weeks you're the only one who's sick."

"The only other explanation for it is something that's completely impossible."

That's when mom walked into the living room on her crutches. "Max honey are you completely sure it's impossible."

That's when Max got this scared look on her face. "I... oh God" she ran to our bedroom from the looks of it almost in tears.

I looked at mom in both shock and horror "I... what did... Don't tell me that was what I think it was?"

"Go talk to her Chloe I'm sure she needs you right now." Mom, David, and a few of Max's friends knew we were dating not that it was hard to tell.

I quickly went after Max and found her curled up with a pillow crying. I closed the door and climbed into bed with her pulling her into my arms. "It's ok Max I'm here no matter what we said we deal with whatever happened together and I don't plan on going back on that promise."

She let's go of the pillow and puts her head on my chest crying into my shirt. "How... could have this had happened?"

"Max I hate to bring this up but... it could be Jefferson... he drugged you in that other timeline. You said that when you go back in time anything on you stays with you..."

"Shut up don't say it!"

"Max I'm so sorry... I want to kill that guy for hurting you like this but I'll have to settle with him in prison while I'm with you through all of this."

"What am I going to tell people I mean that's a different timeline in this one he never touched me... so I can't very well say I... it's his child."

"Calm down babe we'll figure it out let's just deal with one issue at a time. Let's start with the fact you're pregnant."

"Chloe... when did you become the voice of reason?" She looks up at me and slightly smiles.

"I've learned that I need to grow up these last few weeks and now I'm glad I figured that out." I smiled back and kissed her deeply.

"So am I. Not that I didn't love your spontaneous childness but I think right now I like the Chloe voice of reason."

I smile and nod "I'm glad I'm able to not screw everything up. Now first things first are you alright now."

"I... I don't know... I can't believe this is happening... I'm not ready not after what we went through... how can I bring a child..."

"Hey I know how you can do it. We'll do it together."

"But... ugh the fact that it's his child.."

"No he will not be the reason we can't have a family... neither one of us are ready for this but maybe this is a "blessing" or something whatever you want to call it." I realize I'm really trying to get Max to keep the baby. What am I thinking.

"Chloe are you... are you asking me to keep the baby?"

"Um... yes yes I am. We've already decided we'll be together forever... why not expand. I'll get my GED get a real job I'll grow up. Anything for you... I mean if you want to I don't want to force you to do anything. It's your body... your child."

She smiles leans over and kisses me. "Our child. We both have some growing up to do but I think we can do it. Together."

"Well that leaves the question on what we tell people."

"Well... We could tell the truth in a way."