Chapter 3:

Max

Blackwell Academy

Max Caulfield's Dorm

Max Caulfield, lay in her bed, slowly waking up to the day ahead of her. She was a gentle, sad eyed, kind faced girl with soft pale skin and shoulder length light brown hair and thick, side swept bangs. She also had amazing deep blue eyes which slowly open as she lied curled up under her thick, warm comforter. She sighed loudly, trying to will herself to get up and start the day.

Max's alarm clock then started to sound off, but she quickly swiped the snooze button quickly before the 2nd buzz sounded off. Guns N' Roses' "Knocking on Heaven's Door" began playing on the radio as Max yawned, sitting up in the cold dorm room. Had she left the window open? No, it was still locked. Weird. The main doors to the girl's dormitories must've been left open by one of her more careless neighbors. She hugged herself, trembling but trying to stay warm in the brisk morning.

As she did every morning, Max checked her phone, squinting from the brightness of the screen. She scrolled through a few new texts that she'd received overnight. She stopped at her most recent one, smiling and chuckling to herself.

Max: (Smiling) "Aww Chris, you're the sweetest!"

Max had just received a text from the kid that she would often babysit, named Chris Eriksen. He was just expressing his excitement about seeing her again this Friday, when she babysat him again. Max really liked Chris, who was just the sweetest and was very well behaved for his age. He would often wear a red cape and run around, playing as his make-believe superhero persona that he called Captain Spirit, which Max also found the cutest. She'd often play along with him, pretending to be someone he'd need to help, which he'd often deliver on. Like any older, responsible role model, Max encouraged his beliefs, knowing that if he believed in himself that he'd grow up to be a good man with good morals.

'God, he must be bored if he's happy to see me,' Max thought, chuckling to herself. Chris and his father Charles had moved to Arcadia Bay after work had dried up in Beaver Creek where they were both from. They now lived in the trailer park close to the American Rust junkyard. It wasn't ideal, but it was cheap.

Max then texted Chris back, telling him that she couldn't wait to see her little buddy again as well. As she finished texting, there was a light knocking at her door and she turned towards it. She stretched her arms and arched her back, cracking it and groaning loudly. The knocking came again, light as ever. Max sighed, pushing off her blankets and slowly climbing to her feet. She stood there in her big-eyed chick t-shirt and pajama shorts. The knocking came again and she made her way to the door.

Max: (Heading over to the door) "Yeah, who is it?"

Female Voice: (Pause) "Um, Max? It's Kate. Kate Marsh."

Max: (Smiling) "Oh Kate! Hold on a sec, I'll be right there." (Opens the door)

As she opened the door, she saw the adorable Kate Marsh, one of her fellow classmates. Kate was a beautiful and sad eyed girl, with a dirty blonde, messy bun type hairstyle with side swept bangs, sad hazel eyes and delicate features. She too was in her pajamas, her white t-shirt and her light green pajama pants. She smiled weakly at Max, but still looked exhausted, just like Max was feeling at the moment.

Max: (Smiling) "Hey Kate! What's up?"

Kate: "Hi Max. Can I come in? Sorry, I know you just woke up, but…"

Max: "Yeah, of course! Come on in."

Kate: "Thanks."

Kate walked in like she was about to fall asleep and she slumped down on Max's bed, leaning back on the palms of her hands. Max went over to the bed and sat beside her.

Max: "What's on your mind, Kate? How are you doing?"

Kate: (Shrugs) "I could be much better, Max…"

Max: (Concerned) "The nightmares again?"

Kate: (Whispering) "Yeah."

Max: (Stroking Kate's hair) "You look like you've barely been sleeping, Kate."

Kate: (Nodding) "I haven't had a good night's sleep since I started the school year. These nightmares and night terrors won't leave me alone."

Max: "Are they recurring nightmare or different ones every night."

Kate: "A little of both, sometimes with sleep paralysis, which is the worst feeling in the world… The hallucinations and the voices when it happens… it just feels evil…"

Max: "What do you see with your sleep paralysis, if you don't me asking?"

Kate: "Things… awful things… shadow people, creepy looking animals… things like that…" (Pauses) "And there's this huge creature, he looks like a giant shadow but he's got these small red, glowing eyes… and he just stands in the corner of my dorm, staring at me…"

Max: "Damn… that sounds awful…" (Pauses) "So the therapy's not working?"

Kate: "Nope, neither are the meds, the meditation or my prayers… nothing… I think I'm gonna go and see Pastor Jerome again, see if he can offer me any guidance or advice…"

Max: (Nodding) "That might be the thing to do…" (Pauses) "Well, if you ever need anything, Kate, anything at all, you know where to find me. If the nightmares get worse, or if you feel really anxious or scared, you can always crash here. I won't mind."

Kate: (Smiling at her) "Thanks, Max! You're a great friend. I'm very blessed to have you."

Max: (Smiling back at her) "Awww, thanks, Kate! You need a hug?"

Kate: "Sure, I'd love one!"

They both hugged, Max taking the shorter girl in her arms. Kate smiled with her eyes closed as they hugged. Max sighed as they did, feeling a flood of negative mixed emotions from the night terrors that she had been dealing with. They then both parted and Max went over to the window, staring at the dull gray skied morning. Kate sat on the bed, staring at her.

Max could see that bitch Victoria Chase and her right-hand Taylor Christensen, along with the rest of her friends. They were both huddled around with their other friends, talking with one another. No doubt joking about everyone else who wasn't in the Vortex Club, Max thought, shaking her head. Even though Victoria was popular and an elite member of Blackwell Academy's Vortex Club, Max could never bring herself to be like the self-entitled, spoiled rich kid or her lackey Taylor. They were just too over opinionated and cruel to everyone else who wasn't a part of their clique. And they both really didn't like Max, which was fine… Max didn't really like them either.

Max shook her head, turning to Kate and smiling. When Max saw Kate, Kate was holding her golden crucifix necklace with her eyes closed. No doubt, probably saying a brief prayer for an answer, Max thought, folding her arms and smiling at Kate. Kate opened her eyes a while later and jumped when she saw Max smiling at her. Kate immediately looked embarrassed and slowly got up.

Max: "What a horrible way to wake up this morning."

Kate: "I hear ya, Max."

Max: "I think I'm still half asleep. My schedule's been all over the place this week as well."

Kate: "I'm sorry to have woken you."

Max: (Smiling) "Don't worry about it, Kate. I'm here for you." (Shrugging) "Wanna grab some breakfast before class?"

Kate: (Smiling at her) "I'd love to. Two Whales?"

Max: "You read my mind."

A while later, they were both showered, dressed and on the bus to Two Whales Diner, which was just a short bus ride from Blackwell Academy. It was a nice, small little diner where a lot of the students would come both before and after school and that truckers passing through to their next destination would stop in at, if they had the time to spare.

Two Whales Diner

And that's where both girls went, settling into a booth and ordering their breakfast. Max smiled at the blonde-haired career waitress Joyce Price, the mother of her best friend Chloe Price. She had just handed their order back to the cook and had returned to chat.

Joyce: "Good morning, Max! How are you this lovely, depressing morning?"

Max: "I'm okay, Joyce. How are you?"

Joyce: "I'm well, Max. Thanks."

Max: "How's Chloe? I haven't seen her in a week and some!"

Joyce: "Chloe's good! She just started her new job, working for that new wealthy resident Peter Bartlett."

Max: "Oh nice! Good for her, she deserves it. What does she do?"

Joyce: "She's a landscaper for his company. Heard he pays pretty well as you can imagine."

Max: "Oh, I can imagine. Isn't there a supposed rivalry between the Bartletts and the Prescotts, something like a power struggle over Arcadia Bay?"

Joyce: (Shrugs) "That's just rich old Sean Prescott, thinkin' he owns Arcadia Bay again. But Peter Bartlett's done nothing but try and help Arcadia Bay. He just re-opened that fishing company just last week and put a bunch of people back to work."

Max: "That's great! It's about time someone did something for all the fishermen in Arcadia Bay! I'm glad for Chloe and her new job, she deserves it. I'll be sure to call her later."

Joyce: (Hearing the bell ding at the counter) "Ooh, that's me." (Smiles at them both) "I'm needed. I'll be right back with your breakfast when it's done, ladies." (Leaves)

Max: "Thanks Joyce!"

Kate: "Yes, thank you." (Takes a sip of her coffee) "I hear Mr. Bartlett's got a huge mansion by Overlook Park and Lake Casper."

Max: "I think I saw his mansion last weekend when Chloe and I were returning from that camping trip with Warren, Justin and his friends. It's a nice home in a beautiful location."

Kate: "I wish I could live in a place like that."

Max: "Ah heard that."

Joyce brought their breakfast over to them and after thanking her, they both dug in. They ate in relative silence, ignoring the chit chat from the diner's other occupants and the clatter of the juke box which was playing

"Max! Hey Max!"

Max and Kate turned to see little Chris Eriksen come bounding over to their table, having just entered the diner. He scampered up to Max and threw his arms around her neck, hugging her tightly. Max laughed and hugged him back, ruffling his short, messy blonde hair. His dad Charles Eriksen entered the diner not far behind Chris.

Chris: (Hugging her) "Hi Max!"

Max: (Hugging him) "Heyyy, little buddy! It's good to see you again!"

Chris: "You too, Max!" (Sees Kate) "Hi Kate!"

Kate: (Waving, smiling) "Hello Chris."

Chris: (To Max) "Are you excited for Friday?!"

Max: "Yes I am! And I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Chris: (Hugs her again) "That's why you're the best!"

Charles came over to their table.

Charles: "Hello Max."

Max: (Smiles) "Hey, Mr. Eriksen."

Charles: (Shrugs) "I'm sorry, I really don't mean to monopolize your time with these jobs. I know that you're probably swamped with your school work and all."

Max: "I don't mind, really! You must be busy yourself with Peter Bartlett reopening the mill."

Charles: "Yep, yep."

Max: "Plus Chris isn't a little demon like the one you hear about in those babysitter horror stories…" (Ruffles Chris' hair) "…isn't that right buddy? You're very well behaved!"

Chris: (Putting his hands on his waist like a superhero) "Captain Spirit always behaves himself and treats others the way he wants to be treated!"

Charles: "Oh, Chris…"

Max: (Chuckling) "Hang 10 for Captain Spirit!" (Both double high-five)

Chris: "Yes!"

Max: "Yes!"

Charles: "Well, we'll see you on Friday, Max. We've gotta get going, I'm actually running late." (To Chris) "Go and tell that nice lady what you'd like for breakfast, then I'll be right there."

Chris: "Okay, dad." (Hugs Max) "See you later, Max!"

Max: (Hugs him back) "See you later, pal!"

Chris and Charles hurried off and Max smiled at Kate.

Max: "Isn't he the cutest?"

Kate: "He's a little angel."

After a short while, Kate suddenly sat up, remembering something.

Kate: "So, are you going to enter a photo for the 'Every Day Heroes' contest, Max?"

Max: "I'm still on the fence about it. I mean, I would if my camera wasn't busted."

Kate: "On no, what happened to it?"

Max: "I was trying to take some pics during that camping trip I was on with the others but one of Justin's drunk friends bumped into me and I dropped it on the ground."

Kate: "Oh no…"

Max: "I mean, I do wanna become well known, like Professor Jefferson, but I don't think I can afford one in time to enter a photo."

Kate: "You can use one of the photos you already took. I saw them all over your wall, Max. They're lovely. You have a natural eye for great photography. You should choose one of them!"

Max: "You mean my selfies? Ha ha, you're so sweet! What about you, Kate?"

Kate: "Nah. I can't find that one shot that inspires me. But you already have a bunch of great photos, Max. You should just use one of them."

Max: "Use myself as my subject? Kate, you're too good to me. I wouldn't want to seem conceited or anything. No, I'm just waiting for that one great moment when that one great shot presents itself to me."

Kate: "The winner gets national exposure as well as getting to fly to San Francisco to represent Blackwell Academy at the Zeitgeist Gallery. It could very well be the start to the career of your dreams Max."

Max: (Smiling) "You sound just like Professor Jefferson, Kate." (Winks)

Kate: (Chuckling) "Well, we both see the potential in you, Max. Everyone in our class does. The deadline on October 9th is already going to be next Monday."

Max: (Chuckling with her) "You really think I should go for it?"

Kate: "Yes, you should definitely go for it, Max. If Victoria wins and becomes that famous photographer that you should've been, then you'll never forgive yourself. You'll regret it, Max."

Max: (Smiling) "Alright then, Kate, you've convinced me. I've just gotta get my hands on a new analog Polaroid camera before then."

Kate: "Well, today's Thursday. You still have the weekend to scrounge up some money. What about your babysitting job with Chris?"

Max: "It wouldn't pay nearly enough for a new camera."

Kate: "I can lend you some to help you get started."

Max: "Oh, no it's okay, Kate. I'll figure something out." (Smiles) "And thank you for telling me all of that. I work the best when I feel inspired and you've given me that inspiration."

Kate: "You're quite welcome, Max." (Holds up her coffee cup) "To the Everyday Heroes."

Max: (Knocks glasses with Kate) "To the Everyday Heroes."

Blackwell Academy

Professor Mark Jefferson's Class

A while later, Max was reading the campus newspaper's classifieds, circling the jobs that stood out to her and paid fairly. Most were only for a few hours and only paid minimum wage, which wasn't alluring. She needed something that could pay for her new Polaroid camera after one night's work, but by the look of things she'd be working multiple small jobs all throughout the weekend. Max grumbled and lowered the newspaper, watching the rest of the class who was starting to shuffle in. Professor Jefferson was still not here yet, which was very unlike him as he was usually the first one here to greet every one of his students. Not today, it seemed. Max and Kate were the first ones here before everyone else.

Victoria Chase came walking in with Taylor Christensen and narrowed her eyes at Max when they spotted each other. Max did the same, glaring back at her. Victoria scoffed, rolled her eyes and sat down at her table with Taylor. Max shook her head, staring out the window. 'Great, only a few dozen more classifieds to check through,' Max thought to herself, 'No problem. I'll get that new camera before the deadline of the Everyday Heroes Contest.'

Victoria: (Gasping and turning to Taylor) "Oh my God Taylor, Max isn't taking another one of her many, lame selfies. I think hell's gonna freeze over!"

Taylor: "Oh my God, you're right. That's a first!" (Both girls laughed)

Max: "Get bent, sluts."

Both Victoria and Taylor stopped laughing and scoffed loudly as Max picked up the newspaper and began reading through the classifieds again, finding a few more short, minimum wage jobs. She then licked her finger and turned the page with it, starting to scan through the jobs listed on it. She stopped at one that caught her eye near the top of the others. It wasn't the job itself but more along the lines of who was paying for it. It read:

Babysitter Needed

Peter Bartlett is looking for a trustworthy, responsible female to look after his daughter Haylie for Friday night. Serious inquiries only. Must be good with children. References preferred. Must be willing to provide a background check upon request. Payment negotiable.

And then it had both Peter Bartlett's mobile and home phone numbers. Max re-read the whole ad again, then circled it, getting butterflies for some reason. This was almost too perfect. But it was exactly what she needed to get her new Polaroid camera just in time to get that one perfect shot of heroism and school spirit that the contest was asking for. With that being said though, she knew that that probably meant that she'd probably mean she'd have to cancel her babysitting job with Chris. But then again, maybe not. She could probably work something out.

"Good morning class."

Max looked up and smiled at the hip, handsome and charismatic Professor Mark Jefferson came walking in, carrying his book bag and camera bag. The class had filled up with students by the time she'd found the article. Everyone greeted him back and Victoria smiled, getting up and going over to him, to help him with his bags.

Jefferson: (Turning to her) "Oh, thank you kindly, Victoria."

Victoria: (Smiling) "No problem, professor. You look like you needed a hand."

Jefferson: (Smiling at her) "I can always count on you, my dear." (Looks around as he's putting his stuff down and sees Max, and smiles at her) "Good morning Ms. Caulfield."

Max: (Smiles) "Good morning, professor!"

Jefferson smiled back at her and then started taking some books out for his bag. Victoria glared at Max, folding her arms. Max smiled at her, flipping her off and mouthing 'Fuck you.' Victoria began walking towards her, then saw Kate sitting at her table nearby, and walked by her, flicking the tip of her ear. Kate jumped and rubbed her ear.

Kate: (Looking ruefully) "Ow!"

Max shook her head in disbelief as Victoria smiled triumphantly and sat down across from Taylor. Daniel DaCosta, a chubby, kindhearted kid with glasses looked up at her as she sat down and spotted him looking at her, her smug smile melting into a look of disgust.

Daniel: "Hey, I saw that Victoria!"

Victoria: (Scoffing) "No you didn't, Free Willy. Mind your own business…"

Max shook her head in disgust and was about to defend Daniel who Max respected, but Professor Jefferson looked up at the class, clearing his throat.

Jefferson: "Good morning class, sorry for my lateness. Had some personal matters to attend to."

Victoria: "It's all good professor, you're here now."

Jefferson: (Smiles) "Thank you, Victoria." (Sighs) "These things do happen." (Gestures to the pile of photos and entry forms on his desk) "I'm very glad to see more entries in the Everyday Heroes Contest, even though I'd really love to see an entry from each of you." (Winks at Max)

Max: (Smiling) "I'm… I'm on Professor. I promise."

Jefferson: (Nodding, turning to everyone) "And that goes for all of my students. You all should submit something for the contest and share your gift with the world. Take a gamble and stay positive, you never know what the future may hold for you."

Alyssa Anderson, a plump girl with bright purple, layered hair looked up suddenly.

Alyssa: "I can't remember, did you get one from me?"

Jefferson: "actually, I think I did Ms. Anderson."

Victoria: (Texting Taylor) 'prolly her just eating a club sammich n say'n that she wuz solving wurld hunger, lol''

Taylor: (Reads the text, laughs) "Totally."

Jefferson: (Eyebrows raised) "I'm sorry, Taylor?" (Points) "Is that a cell phone?"

Taylor: (Startled) "Oh crap! Sorry professor, I'm putting it away!"

Jefferson: (Nodding his head) "Please do."

Max shook her head at Victoria and Taylor, feeling embarrassed for the both of them. Kate turned to Max and they both rolled their eyes. She then smiled as Victoria shot her a dark look, having seen what Max had just done out of her peripheral vision. Jefferson also had seen them both do this and smiled, stifling a chuckle.

Jefferson: "Anyway, what was I saying again? Oh yes, the Everyday Heroes Contest…"

As Professor Jefferson went over the Everyday Heroes Contests entry conditions and specifics, Max looked down at the circled ad in the newspaper and smiled. Sure, she had procrastinated the whole time, fearing the rejection that her entry would not be good enough, but Kate had sold her with her kind and inspiring words. She was going to take that chance, or 'take the shot' as Professor Jefferson worded it. He was such a wizard with words and pictures. And that's what Max wanted for herself.

This was her chance, and she was going to rock it.