Finally, she would be free. Free as a bird. Chloe didn't believe in an afterlife, but she fervently hoped she would soon be with her dad. But even if there was nothing waiting for her, oblivion would be better than the hell-on-earth she had been living in. Man it was taking sooooo long to fall. She was amazed at how much time she had to think. This wasn't her life 'flashing before her eyes'. Not at all. This was remarkably sedate and leisurely. She had all the time in the world. She could remember anything she wanted in vivid detail. It was incredible.

'My first joint. I couldn't even roll one, but Justin was happy to oblige. He even watched over me until I recovered. I suppose he'll miss me a bit, but who cares? He was a lousy lover anyway. I wish I had chosen someone else for my first time, but what does it matter now?'

''Pole-dancing' with Rachel around the tobanga at two a.m., blind drunk and stoned off our faces. We were just about to 'crank it up a notch', as it were, when Stepdouche caught us in the act. Oh he had an absolute field day with that. Mom grounded me for a week, but, hey, that's what bedroom windows are for, right? Neither of us even knew how to spell tobanga, so we settled for 'to bang her'. It's little wonder they expelled me, especially since we scrawled our new name on it for all to see. Oh god! My first time with Rachel! Why didn't I wait for her? Neither Justin nor the other boy came anywhere close. It was amazing! Rachel was amazing.' There were no more boys after that. There would have been no point. It took Chloe a little by surprise when she discovered her sexuality. But it just felt so natural. 'Of course, 'pole-up-his-ass' David went ballistic, but at least Mom supported me. She just wanted me to be happy. Bless her.'

'I'm sorry Mom. I know this will finish you. But it was the only way out. The only way left for me to be happy. I hope you understand. I love you Mom. Jeez, the rocks are still miles away. How long will this take? Pilfering Mom's wine. That was an awesome day.'

Chloe could remember every single word.

"Come on, open it chicken."

"Hold on. And I'm not chicken."

"Prove it. You drink first Max."

"No way. It was your idea Chloe."

"Whatever. Gimme that bottle."

"Well?"

"Tasty. Very tasty."

"Here. I wanna sip."

"Sorry, this is not for kids."

"Don't be greedy. Gimme some."

'Of course we spilled it all over the carpet and got caught. But we didn't get in that much trouble. Not really. My mom and dad were so cool. Why did it have to end? If there is a god, he'd better watch out. I'm on my way, douchebag, and boy am I hella PISSED!'

The day Max left for Seattle.

"Please Max, don't just go. Don't just leave me here."

"I'm sorry Chloe, I don't want to go, but my parents won't let me stay here without them." Max said with tearful eyes.

"I won't let you go! You can't!"

"I've asked them lots of times. I'm so, so sorry Chloe. I'll stay in touch. Honestly."

Max's parents came up the drive. Chloe ran towards Ryan, weeping profusely. "Please, please, please don't take her away from me!" She was on her knees now, hands grasping Ryan's thighs. "I need her. She's my only friend. You can't take her from me now. I'll die without her. Please." Chloe felt her mom's hands on her shoulders.

"It's okay Pumpkin. We'll keep in touch. It's not the end of the world. Everything will be alright."

"No! No it won't! Max will be far away! Gone. Forever. Nothing will ever be alright again!"

Chloe fell to the floor, punching it repeatedly as hard as she could. Her hands started bleeding. Then Max came to her and whispered in her ear. "Shhh Chloe. Listen, whatever happens, I want you to be strong. I will never abandon you, Chloe. I'll always have your back. Always. I'll come back to you as soon as I can. I promise you with all my heart. I love you."

'Oh no. She kept that promise. She came back for me. And I shoved her away. Max kept her promise. And I rejected her. Oh god oh god. She loves me. Now I'm going to die. After all these years, Max came back. For me. Max loves me. I'm going to die! Oh my god, what have I done? No no no! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!'

Sea spray enveloped her. The rocks were just metres away.