"If this is destiny, I hope we can find Rachel. I miss her, Max."
"This shit-pit has taken away everyone I've ever loved…"
"I'd like to drop a bomb on Arcadia Bay and turn it to fucking glass…"
That's Chloe's voice.
Chloe where are you.
I'm back… In the storm.
It's that girl again.
She's still confused. I have to help her.
Wait… she's… she's looking at me! She can see me!
C'mon follow me, I can show you where to go.
Yes, she's coming this way… She's almost- No! The rock! Watch out!
"Rachel, c'mon we have to go."
"Oh shit, it's spreading so fast. We have to go."
"RACHEL!"
That's Chloe's voice.
A hand grabbed my arm and I was pulled away from the light and warmth. Back into the cold and dark.
The ground started to change underneath me. Dirt and then grass… and then more dirt. It was all a blurring together.
I wasn't crying anymore, I wasn't sad, I wasn't angry, I was just… done.
Done with everything and everyone.
Except Chloe.
Chloe pulled me back to the tracks. Her arm wrapped around me. We wordlessly made it all the way back to the switch station and eventually the road. We paused for a moment. I looked back to see the light and smoke reaching up into the sky from the fire. I turned away and looked at Chloe. She had concern and fear in her eyes. I wrapped my arms around by body and tried to gather myself. I didn't know what to do.
"I can walk you home if you need?" Chloe asked, breaking the long silence.
I looked at Chloe again. Words and thoughts eluded me. It was all just a nightmare. My dad and that woman. The fire that I started. Reality was starting to creep in and I didn't want any part of it. And Chloe helped to keep me out of my reality.
"I'd like that." I responded.
She gave a smile and we started walking down the road. Every now and then, out of the corner of my eye, I could see Chloe turn around and look behind us for a few seconds. I battled to keep my mind as blank as possible as we walked, and though I could sense her worry, Chloe didn't say anything. As we got closer to my street I started hearing the roar of sirens of different emergency vehicles echoing out all over Arcadia Bay. I guess I couldn't push off reality any longer.
"This is my street," I told Chloe, "I'll be fine from here, you should get home before your mom starts to worry."
"Yea," Chloe responded with a scratch of the back of her head, "Knowing my luck she'd send David to track me down. I'd rather she called the cops."
She stood there still. We both did. Each of us wanting to hold onto time. Keep things from moving forward and inevitable getting worse. Time has this funny way of always pushing forward, never yielding for anyone or anything. Least of all a couple of girls in Arcadia Bay.
"See you tomorrow then?" It sounded innocent enough, But I really didn't want to be stuck without her.
"If we're not forced to evacuate," she joked but immediately backtracked, "I mean, shit… Yeah, you can text me."
I grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze before turning away and heading home. It wasn't long before I was walking up the driveway and standing on the porch. I found the door unlocked and swung it open.
My mom called out as soon as she heard me open the door.
"Rachel!?" she called, her head twisting toward the door. She was in the kitchen standing near the phone. "Oh Rachel, thank God." she walked quickly over to me at the door and wrapped me in a hug. "Are you okay?" she asked pulling back enough to cradle my face in her hands.
The image of my dad under the tree hit me again as I looked into my mom's eyes. A few more tears fell down my cheeks. "Yea, I'm fine." I softly let out.
"Your father is at Blackwell right now. You weren't answering your phone. He's had officers looking for you all day, but then a forest fire started and…" She trailed off from her timeline of events and just gave a tearful smile, " Here, let's get you upstairs and you can clean off. I'll give your father a call to let him know you're safe and home."
I gave a nod as she wrapped her arms around me and guided me upstairs toward the bathroom. She opened the door and turned on the light before giving me a gentle push inside.
"I'll just be downstairs. If you need anything just call." she said. I noticed now a few tracks of water lining down her cheeks.
"I will mom." I said giving her another hug. She then turned her back to me and brought up a hand likely to wipe away the moisture gathering on her face. I closed the door as she started walking away.
I turned on the shower, stripped down, and let the warm water wash me. I let it wash the fire and smoke off of me. I stood in the water until it went cold and then finally shut it off and wrapped myself in a towel.
Opening the door I could hear my dad's voice from downstairs.
"But she left school grounds." My dad said.
"I'm aware, but she's a teenager James. She has a show coming up that she's been stressing about." My mom defended me.
"She left school with a girl named Chloe Price who, after talking with Principal Wells, I don't think is the type of person our daughter should be hanging out with." my dad said.
"I understand, but with the fire and her being gone all day. We don't know why she did it and I don't think tonight is the night to attack her about it."
"Fine," my dad said, "Wells is going to have a meeting with us and this Chloe and her mother tomorrow to discuss what happened and what the punishment will be."
"Do you think it'll be severe?" my mom asked.
I walked into my room and closed the door. I didn't want to hear about what is going to happen tomorrow. It didn't matter.
I put on my pajamas, turned off all the lights but my starry night light.
I have to get out of here, out of Arcadia Bay. I could head back to L.A. and get work there. I could start my own life. I just need a little help.
I need Chloe.
Would she leave with me? She doesn't seem to be happy here either. We could handle it together. Just leave and never look back.
I pulled out my phone to text her. I started typing in how I was greeted by my mom, but then paused. Thinking it over I didn't want to worry Chloe. We have enough shit to deal with without me dragging my parents even more so into her life. Best to play it cool for now. I deleted what I had typed and wrote in a new message.
Made it into my house without seeing either of my parents! -Me Today 1:08 am
Chloe responded immediately, likely she was waiting and hoping I'd text her.
Sweet! -Chloe
U were born to be a spy -Chloe
Jumping out of trains and shit - Chloe Today 1:09 am
Oh man. We'd make such a great team. - Me
No enemy viewfinder would ever be safe from you again. - Me Today 1:10 am
I actually still can't believe she managed to steal the coin back from the broken viewfinder.
Haha, meanwhile you're deep undercover as a passed out person - Chloe
LOL. Today was unforgettable - Me Today 1:11 am
Some of it sucked. - Me
yeah - Chloe
So much happened. Bringing Chloe into the Drama classroom and then asking her to ditch school and come with me. Jumping onto a train and riding it with her to the park. Her special skills helping us to use a viewfinder… Seeing my dad, and then stealing the wine. Walking the train tracks and then finding the junkyard. Where Chloe tried to cheer me up and I just got mad at her. And even after yelling at her, after she opened up to me and I just left her there at the junkyard alone… Still… Chloe came back for me.
You know what doesn't suck? - Me Today 1:15 am
What? - Chloe
You. - Me Today 1:16 am
I couldn't imagine how any of today would have gone without her. I was looking for someone to help me cause trouble, break the rules, be angry with. Turns out Chloe is all that, but so much more.
You also don't suck - Chloe Today 1:19 am
I gave out an audible chuckle.
I know -Me
we should probably sleep. got wells tomorrow morning - Chloe Today 1:20 am
Yeah. My fault - Me
worth it - Chloe
Guess she didn't escape her mom either getting home. I've never been in trouble at school like this. It honestly had me a little worried, but Chloe didn't seem to be. And if anyone would know what being in trouble at school entails it would be her. I wonder what the punishment for ditching is, detention?
I tried to push my worries out of my head. Principle Wells, my dad, the fire, just let it all drift out into the distance like far away stars. Millions and Billions of miles away from me, and away from Chloe.
My breathing slowed and my eyes started to feel heavy. I imagined Chloe riding shotgun with me driving along the California coast. Windows down and the warm sea breeze blowing through our hair. That is what I want to do.
I rolled over onto my side and held onto a pillow and slowly allowed myself to fall asleep.
Being in Principal Wells office wasn't new for me. I was his administrative assistant and would often be in here helping to plan his schedule or organize fundraisers. But today I wasn't in here to plan an art sale, or organize a PTO meeting. Wells had called in both Chloe and I and our parents in to talk about our ditching school yesterday. Wells was sitting quietly at his desk. My parents were talking in whispers behind me. And I was sitting slumped in one of the chairs in front of Wells' desk.
The door to the office behind me opened.
"Mrs. Price," Principal Wells greeted somberly, "How good of you to join us."
Chloe walked over and sat down in the chair next to me as her mom explained the tardiness.
"I'm so sorry we're late. My - my shift ran late at the diner and then... just, sorry."
Mrs. Price worked at the Two Whales Diner and was quite popular with the customers. Many of the recipes used are actually from Mrs. Price. I'm a particular fan of her pancakes as most people are.
I watched Chloe sit down. She seemed more annoyed than anything. She looked at me and I started to feel more at ease. She wasn't phased at all by this. Maybe we could get through it.
"Let us proceed." Principal Wells began, "One of you is new to the Blackwell disciplinary process…" he turned his head right to Chloe, " And the other is all too familiar with it. Blackwell's code of conduct is built upon a foundation of mutual respect meant to foster an environment conducive to education and enrichment." Wells now stood up from his desk and began pacing around, "When that respect is violated the environment falters. When that respect is repeatedly discarded it means that consequential response is applied…" Wells now paused looking out his window. I could see Chloe looking at me out of the corner of my eye. I kept my head forward as Wells turned around. "Are you paying attention to me, Chloe?"
"Um, what?" Chloe asked turning now back to Wells.
"Ms. Price, the last time we met, an agreement was brokered. Do you recall what that was?" Wells said sternly.
"Are you asking? Or is that rhetorical?" Chloe questioned with a slight smirk.
"Disrespectfulness." Wells noted. "We agreed that you would rededicate yourself to becoming an exemplary Blackwell citizen."
Chloe gave a small roll of her head, "We did?"
Wells went to sit down at his desk again as he spoke, "In the even that you were unable or unwilling to do so, we also agreed that it would become pertinent to reassess your future status at the academy."
Wait!? Is Chloe going to get kicked out for leaving school.
Wells continued, "Despite all this, you engaged in the following actions yesterday: Insubordinate language, Disregarding posted signs about trespassing on the stage. Implications of possible drug-related activities."
"What does that mean?" Chloe's mom asked.
"Yes, what does that mean?" Chloe repeated.
"It means Ms. Price has developed a reputation as a user of marijuana, and I would strongly recommend taking a look through her room at home... Shall I continue."
I looked at Chloe and for the first time here she seemed slightly defeated.
But Wells still wasn't done, "Witnesses saying you were involved in bullying Nathan Prescott."
"The hell I was! I stood up for that little weirdo" Chloe snapped, defending herself.
"I suppose that's one interpretation of events." principle Wells returned.
Wow, Wells really seems to be heavy on Chloe. I guess she has too many strikes against her, and now the one I caused is going to be the one to put things over the edge.
Chloe's mom spoke up now, "Say what you will about my daughter, but she is not a bully."
"Maybe you should be talking to Drew instead of me." Chloe told Wells, "You know, the guy who actually did what you're accusing me of."
"Mr. North's situation requires… sensitivity. It will be handled separately." Wells explained.
"And Chloe's situation is less sensitive?" questioned her mom.
"I do not discuss other students' situations. We are here to discuss your daughter and her actions." Wells affirmed.
"Convenient." noted Chloe's mom.
Chloe turned up at her mom, "Mom, you know this is all bullshit, right?"
"I'm beginning to suspect that myself." her mom agreed.
"I'm sorry you feel that way. But your daughter's misbehavior is real and serious." Wells told her, "And yet, even with your prodigious disciplinary record, Ms. Price, we needn't discuss any of it."
"We 'needn't'?" Chloe retorted.
"No, because you severed your relationship with Blackwell the minute you left school grounds without permission."
Severed her relationship with Blackwell. Shit, he is going to kick her out. I… I can't let her take that hit. It was my fault she left school. Chloe was just helping me when no one else was there to. I have to step in to help her out.
"What does that mean?" Chloe asked.
"It means," Wells paused and when he spoke again it was less stern, and more disappointment, "You've forced my hand. This is a consequence of your actions, Chloe. I have no choice but to-"
"I made her do it."
There was a split second of panic in me after the words escaped my lips, but I knew it had to be done. Chloe didn't deserve this. And hopefully Wells will go lighter on me. And a hopefully a little bit of a sob story would help save me.
There was a pause before one by one everyone in the room eventually came to the same response to what I had said.
"What?"
"Yesterday was all me," I explained, "My idea. I… I was having a bad day. I needed to blow off some steam and I took it too far." I started to express heavy regret in my tone and mannerisms as I continued looking at Chloe now, "Chloe tried to talk me out of it. 'I've been down that road,' she told me. 'You're better than this.' But I wouldn't listen." I turned back to Wells, "See, Chloe was afraid I'd get in trouble or hurt, so she came with me. But only to keep me safe." I turned back to Chloe, now pleading with her, "I'm just sorry you got caught up in it, Chloe. That you allowed me to drag you down to my level. Can you forgive me?"
"Yea, sure, we're cool." Chloe replied casually. She was not giving the same performance I was. I only hope I'm enough to distract everyone else from it.
"Thank you." I told her, " I'll make it up to you, I promise."
Chloe's mom stepped up to look down at Chloe, "Chloe, Is this true?"
"It's true." I answered for her.
There was a pause. I could feel my heart start to speed up.
"Ms. Price?" Wells now questioned.
"Fine, yes. It was her idea, but it's not like she kidnapped me. We were in it together." Chloe said, looking at me.
"Ms. Amber, based on what you've just told me, I have grounds to punish you. Are you sure what you've told me is the truth?" Wells asked me now.
"Yes."
My dad's voice then came out from behind me, "This can't be the full story Rachel?"
Him questioning me like that… burned my insides. It's not even close to the full story, asshole.
"Ray?" he then said to Wells looking for support.
"Just to be clear, Ms. Amber, you're sure Chloe Price didn't coerce your or-"
"Coerce her?" Chloe's mom butted it.
"I'm just trying to get to the bottom of why someone like Rachel-" Wells once again got cut off by Chloe's mom.
"Oh, I think we're clear, Principal Wells. Someone like Rachel. But not my daughter?"
"Excuse me?" Wells asked against the implication.
"Do you have a list of students you assume the worst about?" Chloe's mom now started to get more animated, "You have no right to treat Chloe this way. This is because she's on financial aid, isn't it?"
Wells stood from his desk now as he was attacked by Chloe's mom, "Let's all just calm down."
But Chloe's mom continued, "After everything we've-she's-been through in the last two years… You should be ashamed of yourself."
"Ms. Price." Wells said in a tone of warning.
"Mrs. Price." she corrected with a spark of fire in her eyes.
"Mrs. Price," Wells now said, "I appreciate your position, but I assure you it is only your daughter's past behavior that has led us here today."
"I understand, Mr. Wells. There is no doubt that Chloe's behavior must improve. But given what we've just learned about the negative influence she was under, I hope you will allow her just one more chance." Chloe's mom pleaded.
Wells turned to me now, "Ms. Amber, I am as surprised as I am disappointed in you."
"I understand."
"This being your first infraction in now way reduces its severity. Still, we will not be suspending you at this time." Wells said, "But you have squandered out trust. You will no longer be my administrative assistant first period."
No more helping out in the office. I could live with that.
But Wells wasn't finished, "And you will no longer be involved in Blackwell's performance of The Tempest."
What… The play…
"No." I let out.
I fell back in my chair. I never thought he would take the play away from me. I'd rather he suspend me then take the stage away from me.
"But the performance is tonight!" Chloe said with an edge.
"For someone so aware of our school calendar, Ms. Price, I would expect fewer absences on your record." Wells said shooting Chloe down.
"Ray," My dad spoke up again. He tried to put a hand on my shoulder but I leaned away from it, "She loves that show. Since this is her first infraction, don't you think-"
But Principal Wells cut him off, "Mr. Amber. I don't tell you how to run the District Attorney's office. Please don't tell me how to run my school."
I can't believe I'm out of the show. All those months of practice. The work I've done with my castmates and Mr. Keaton.
"There's a reason we have understudies, for all circumstances, accidental and deliberate. I'm sure your understudy…"
"Victoria Chase." I filled in. And knowing she was going to take my spot just made the wound deeper.
"Yes, I'm sure Victoria Chase will do fine." Wells finished.
Chloe started crossing her arms." That is such…"
"What was that, Ms. Price?" Wells questioned.
But Chloe's mom covered, "Chloe is upset for her friend. But we are both grateful that she is not going to be unduly blamed for what happened."
"There is plenty of blame to go around." Wells responded, "Chloe's future at Blackwell will be discussed next. Unless you had something to add first Ms. Price?"
There was a pause. Chloe turned to me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet her eyes. There was nothing left to do. I was expecting detention or getting stuck tutoring during free periods for the rest of the year, but Wells hit me where it hurt the most. I didn't mean for things to get so out of-
Chloe jumped up out of her chair and slammed her hands down onto Wells' desk, "Get your head out of your ass Wells!"
Wait, what? Chloe what are you doing?
"Chloe!?" he mom said in shock."
But Chloe kept going, "You seriously think yesterday was Little Miss Sunshine's idea" she said giving a rough gesture toward me."
"Ms. Amber has accepted her responsibility." Wells said sitting down again.
"Don't you have the slightest idea how this works? You don't wake up one morning and decide to be an outlaw. You need priors. You need training."
"Rachel confessed. Are you calling her a liar?" Wells asked sitting back in his chair.
"I confess to thinking she can act like a motherfucker. You just bought her crap hook, line and sinker"
She's putting the blame back onto herself. She's blowing up my covering for her. Chloe please, It's not worth it. I held my head with my hand. Trying to hold back the emotion from what Chloe was doing for me.
"You don't have to do this," I tried to tell her confidently, but my voice came out weak. "It's okay. Really."
"Don't tell me what to do," She snapped at me, "I'm not one of your sycophants. I'm a lone wolf, and you're Little Red Riding hood. Welcome to grandmother's house, bitch."
Chloe was setting her own fire here. But this was a fire to try to save me.
"Chloe!" Chloe's mom cried in shock, "This can't be you. Apologize this instant!"
"Fine," Chloe said turning back to Wells, "Mr. Wells, I'm sorry for exposing the flaws in your campus security. This must be very embarrassing for you."
"I've heard enough!" Wells finally let out, "Rachel you were clearly trying to cover for your classmate. I appreciate the motive, but I appreciate the honesty more. Is that understood?"
Chloe… What did you just do.
"Yes… sir" I replied.
"You will not be removed from the play." Wells said.
No way. Chloe, how do you keep saving me like this. The relief though left just as quickly as it came. But what is going to happen to Chloe now?
"Was that so hard?" Chloe asked in a mild taunt.
"Thank you." There's was nothing more I could say. No matter what words I chose they would not be enough.
"And Ms. Price. I came into today's meeting planning to suspend you for the rest of the school year," Wells began explaining, "with a chance for reinstatement in the fall."
Chloe sighed, "And now?"
"You are expelled."
No.
"What!? No." Chloe's mom let out clutching her face.
"I will have Skip Matthews escort you to clean out your locker. You may wait outside my office until he arrives." Wells explained before standing up again, "That is all. Good day, Mrs. Price. Mr. and Mrs. Amber."
"Ray." my dad said in acknowledgement as my mom touched my shoulder before they started walking out.
I looked at Chloe. She tried her best to act like what happened was no big deal. But I could see the sadness in her eyes. She may have hated Blackwell, but she didn't want to get kicked out. I felt a pain of guilt in my heart. I wished I could tell her that things were going to be okay. I would make them okay. I'll find a way for the both of us to get out of Arcadia Bay.
A/N Just wanted to thank everyone again for reading, sharing, commenting, and reviewing. I have a big change in my life coming up, but I'm hoping to put out one more chapter before it does. Just wanted to give a heads up if an update takes awhile. I promise I didn't abandon the story, life just got in the way. I fully plan to continue the story all the way up to the events of the original Life is Strange. See you guys next chapter!