Chapter 8: Something to tell you.
Max's POV
I can feel fingers softly crossing up and down my shoulder blade causing my eyes to flutter open to the most beautiful thing ever: Rachel Amber towering over me with her toothy smile.
I felt my heart melting and I couldn't help but smile back. "Hey..."
Her smile brightens. "Hi."
Rachel and I ended up back in her room even though Dana insisted that Rachel should stay with her. After what happened last night, or early morning, it's good to see Rachel doing much better.
No words were spoken, and I feel like none were needed. Both of us kept smiling and giving these googley eye stare. I brought a hand up and gently brushed a streak of her dirty blonde hair away from her hazel eyes.
Wowser she's gorgeous...
Rachel shuffles a little and brings a hand to my head playing with my hair. I can feel the tangles being loosen from her fingers.
"We should probably get up." Rachel finally speaks. She sounded disappointed but her smile remained. "Get the day started. We can't just be lazy bones all day."
I groaned letting my head sink into the pillow. "I'd like to test that theory."
Rachel laughs not moving an inch. She was again silent for a few seconds, and her smile disappeared. She now looked scared or nervous.
I was about to ask her if she's okay, but she spoke again.
"Max," I can feel her grip on my hand underneath the sheets. "About what happened... back in the bathroom..." Rachel's eyes dart down and let out a steady breath. "That wasn't me. I'm so sorry you had to see that."
"Don't be sorry." I whispered moving my through her hair again. I wanted to say more than that. Say something that actually matters. But my stupid shriveled up brain couldn't find the words. The best I can do is physical contact.
Rachel's gaze returns to me. Her hazel eyes looking as if she wanted to tell me something. I can feel her grip on my hand loosen.
I sat up a little. "What's wrong?" I tightened the grip of our hands.
"Max.." Her eyes started getting misty. "I think you... heard rumors about me..."
"I have." I replied.
"A lot of them are true." Her voice was a soft whisper. Her gaze returns to the bottom. "So much of that stuff is true... I mean... there's just so much shit I've done that I'm not proud of." She lets out a sad chuckle and I can see a tear running down her eye.
"What brought this up, Rachel?" I asked really wanting to wipe that tear streaking down her cheek.
She sniffled but kept her voice calm and mellow. "I guess I'm just so used to being other people and not Rachel Amber... Because I get the feeling the people don't want to see the real Rachel Amber. They want... to see me for who they want to see." She looks up at me again. "I feel like an everyday actress... just pretending to be whatever people want me to be."
Hearing Rachel talk this makes my heart break. Why would people would not to know the real Rachel? I never thought she ever felt this way. During this time I felt Rachel and I have so much in common despite being in two different social groups. We both have our insecurities, our fears, and our flaws. But at the same time, hearing Rachel say this is so wonderful and I don't even know why. I know it's stupid, but I feel like I'm seeing the real Rachel Amber right now. And if not, then maybe I'm discovering her along the way.
"You're real, Rachel." Those were the exact words I whispered when she was really alive with me while I was being a wuss in the hospital bed. Only this time, it was in a different context.
I watch Rachel's expression twist into complete shock. "What?"
I nodded never feeling so confident and sure than right now. "Rachel, when I first saw you, I saw this girl who was just look like she could own all of Arcadia Bay. And the things people said about you, both good and bad, just peaked my curiosity." I frowned thinking how much of an idiot I felt back then. And how much of an idiot the other Max was around Rachel before I even met her in the flesh. "But I shouldn't have listened... or assumed anything, and these last few days were so amazing, because I felt like I got to be with the Rachel Amber." Or maybe not. "And maybe I don't know the real Rachel, but I know with absolute certainty that you're loving, caring, and so free spirited. I mean, last night was so dangerous, but... so exhilarating and exciting. I never felt like that before." I didn't acknowledge that fact that I was looking up at the ceiling just saying what I felt. "You're not perfect, but that doesn't matter because you're real. And these feelings you feel absolutely matter."
Wowser... did I just say all that?
Looking back at Rachel, I was taken aback. Tears were streaming from her eyes that were wide as saucers, and her mouth was dropped only to be covered by her hand and her body jolted with each shaky inhale.
"Oh my god, Max..." Her smile returned much brighter than before and a sob and sniffle hit her.
She's crying! I sat up at the same height with Rachel grabbing both of her arms in complete panic. " Are you okay?!"
She just laughs and sobs and pulls me to her wrapping her arms around me. We both flopped back down to the bed with Rachel laughing strongly and rocking both of us back and fourth. She felt so warm, and I can feel myself getting hotter. Through her laughing and rocking And couldn't help but bury myself in her neck.
I knew for certain, through all the rumors and flaws, that this is Rachel Amber in a nutshell: a free spirited, kind hearted girl full of ambition and love.
When Rachel finally calmed down, I was on the other side of the bed feeling Rachel's leg trapping me in place. "I feel so fucking amazing right now." She's towering over me again resting her hand on my shoulder. I caught a glimpse of her black fingernail pedicure and it's shining reflection.
We both stared back at each other and Rachel wasted no time speaking words. "I feel the universe wanted us to meet. Like we were meant to find each other."
Hearing her say that... it felt like all of the crazy fucked up shit made sense.
"I feel like I believe you." I whispered.
She grins. "Good."
We just stayed in bed for awhile being cuddled up to one another and making some idle small talk about some things that had nothing to do with school, or some other bullshit. I will say for someone who has never seen the prequels, Rachel is a serious Jango Fett diehard. And how could I forget that she loves Legolas from Lord of the Rings as much as I do?
I feel these are subtle hints that she wants to watch either of these movies sometime soon.
All and all being Rachel just feels so vibrant. Everything about her just screams amazing. Hearing her laugh, her voice, or just being around her is just... I don't know how to describe it. But today, I feel I'm just seeing another side of her and it only adds to the fact that she is hella awesome.
"You know... Photo Labs class is back on today." She told me.
My brow arched up. "Really?"
She nods. "Ms. Grant is substituting 'till a replacement shows up."
"That's pretty cool! I love Ms. Grant." I sighed looking up at the ceiling. "I'm just picturing this... old fashioned scary lady with a black dress with the bob cut and the ruler waiting to smite someones arm."
Rachel giggles and sinks back into the pillow. "Shut up!"
I laughed and rolled on my side to see Rachel laying flat on her back. I completely forgot that she was wearing a shirt!
I think Rachel notices it too with that grin she's giving me. "You think I'm hot, Max?"
I don't know if that was related to the stare, or just in general. Either way my answer is still the same. "You're... stunning!"
Rachel laughs and rolls over to face me directly with the sheets sinking lower from her chest. I instinctually turned away to avoid looking at her... chest.
My peripheral vision caught her sitting up and getting out of bed. I just kept my eyes to the ceiling and I can feel my cheek muscles tightening up.
"You can look y'know." She says in this low sultry voice.
I hesitantly darted over to Rachel thinking that she used something to cover up. But I became frozen to see that she was still naked.
So beautifully naked.
Everything about her was flawless. From her hair curves, her silky legs, her smooth skin, her long blonde hair.
She extended her arms into the air and boosts herself to where she was only standing on the balls of her feet. She let out deep yawn, vigorously ruffled her hair with her hands, then shook her head in all directions like a rockstar.
When she was done, much of her hair was covering her eyes and started laughing wildly.
This is so surreal...
She must've noticed me staring at her. "Enjoying the show, Max?" She teased flexing her hip out.
I really didn't know what to say. Rachel has me so flabbergasted, and I hate it!
She laughs wildly again throwing her head up to the ceiling before staring back at me smiling. It wasn't her usual friendly smile though, and her eyes looked... hungry.
"Oh, honey." She purs.
I finally found my words. "Shut up!" I cried, but couldn't contain my laughter. "I feel so red!"
"Good!"
Rachel strolls on over to her closet and I swear I thought I saw her flaunt her butt at me!
Rachel Amber: Professional Teaser and Tormentor of Max Caulfield.
I collapsed taking in deep breaths to steady my rapid beating heart. Right now, I'm feeling so tingly all over. In a good way, and I could feel this smile dominating my face.
When I sat back up I saw Rachel with some thin grey panties and slipping a black Hollywood t-shirt over her body. She starts gyrating her hips and skips cheerfully over to the radio turning it on hearing upbeat hip hop music very faintly, which got loud very quick.
Rachel starts dancing along with an amazing mixture of graceful and untamed movements. She howls a whoop and leaps onto the bed dancing right in front of me while I'm still under the sheets.
"C'mon, Max! I'm gonna teach you to shake that fine ass!" She fishes for my hands gripping them tight and yanks me up like it was nothing.
"I don't know how to dance!" I shouted through the loud music.
Her smile got brighter. "Yes you do! Go with the beat!"
As our hands were locked with one another, I tried moving my body along with the music like Rachel was, but seeing her eye my movements and cackling made me think I was doing this all wrong. I stopped dancing and limited my movement to just my arms.
"No! No! Keep going!" She encourages eagerly releasing my arms. "Gotta feel it! Wave those arms and shake that ass!"
I started hopping taking my moves one step at a time before bringing my arms into the air and started waving them like I just don't care!
"Yeeeaaaaahhhhh!" Rachel cheers. "Shake it out, Max! Shake it out!" She mirrored the movements she wanted me to make and I copied it in my own style. I couldn't believe how low I went before sprouting back up!
That felt so... freeing! God I love it! I can't believe it took me this long to enjoy dancing!
"Woooooo!" Rachel's whooping only encouraged me to get another shake on!
Rachel suddenly leaps down from the bed dancing over to her desk snatching my camera and aimed it at me. I laughed and just danced not even caring how ridiculous I looked! I can hear Rachel shouting and cheering me on how awesome I looked and not to stop dancing as she just kept snapping more pictures of me.
We ignored the constant knocking on the door and the yelling to turn down the music, until Rachel just shouts, "SHUT UP!"
I laughed giving my hips a little shake for Rachel and the camera. I finally hopped down taking hold of her hands this time and guide her back on top of the bed where we hopped and laugh without a care how loud and obnoxious with her.
It wouldn't take long before it was my turn to take pictures of this future Los Angeles Queen model.
(*)
Photo lab class was hard to concentrate on, because of Rachel Amber being a fun distraction. Before class began, Rachel and I were at separate tables with her being on the left side where Taylor and Victoria usually sit, but just as Ms. Grant waltzed in, she grabbed her chair letting the legs screech off of the floor and set it right next to me with us inches apart.
When class started and the lecture began, Rachel craftily rested her hand on my leg that was very close to my inner thigh and started rubbing it softly. I let out a soft breath as I fluttered my eyes and slightly dipped my head back. I felt so tingly and short of breath and I like it!
I subconsciously took hold of her hand squeezing it tightly. I can feel Rachel guiding my hand to her body and I can feel her shirt, but I quickly felt something smooth and warm with my hand tracing it in circles.
My eyes widened and I gasp finding out that my hand was on Rachel's belly! Underneath her shirt!
I turned to her and she quickly brings a finger to her lips stifling in her giggle. I complied not helping myself to smile at her.
Rachel's eyes look so sincere and loving. I know right then and there I was with the real Rachel Amber.
And for some reason, I feel she felt it too.
"So, Max!" Ms. Grant's voice alarmed me as I let out a silent gasp and brought my eyes to her. "Just to brush up on the assigned reading we all left off on, could you please tell us what was Dali's most memorable piece of work in the year of 1931?"
Oh thank god I know this one!
I sat up retrieving my hand from Rachel. "The Persistence of Memory. It was Dali's way of capturing a surrealist's perception."
Ms. Grant grins. "Good to know the correct answer woke you up, Max." She brought head to the right where Kate, Stella, and Hayden were sitting. "Salvador Dali was truly the master when it comes to surrealism. But he wasn't the only master-"
Even though she's a science teacher, Ms. Grant definitely knows her stuff! Why can't she be our new teacher?
I felt Rachel gripping my hand before pulling it back with my palm feeling a small piece of crumpled paper. I unfolded the paper to read what it had to say.
Meet me behind the the bleachers at the football field. I have to tell you something. Something I wanted to say for a long time.
XOXO
Rachel's proposal sends a shockwave throughout my body, but I looked back up at her smiling and nodded. She returned the gesture, but she looks rather... nervous.
But why?
Time went by so quick when the bell rang signaling the end of class, and everyone was already getting out of their chairs and scuttling to the door.
"Oh by the way, guys! One more thing before you go!" The students groaned and groggily turned to face Ms. Grant. "I'll be taking signatures for a petition. If you want to learn more, see me after class." Some of the students just brushed it off, while others flashed curious looks. "And another thing is that Blackwell finally got a suitable replacement photo labs, so I'm sorry for those who enjoyed my company, but if it makes you feel better, you'll still see me in the Science lab, if you're some of my lucky students!"
Rachel and I got to our feet.
"I'll meet you there in five minutes." I promised.
"Same. I gotta make a quick drop off in my cal class."
We both gave each other a strong hug and she left the classroom. But not without giving me one last smile and a wink.
Ignoring the blushing and mushyness in my tummy, I approached Ms. Grant along with Kate, Victoria, and a few other students. Ms. Grant explained the petition to reject security cameras all over Blackwell by David Madsen. Pretty familiar stuff. I think it wouldn't hurt signing my name for a second time.
Surprisingly, all the students wanted to sign it. Why it was surprising, I don't know. I just never expected a whole group to be signing it.
Once I got my signature in, I left the classroom where it was busy as usual and chattery as usual. The only thing exciting is David tearing one of the students a new one.
Let the drama of Blackwell continue. Can't believe David is still here. Thought he would get some time off... I'll have to visit Joyce soon..
Good thing I didn't have to put up it. First and only stop is the bleachers where Rachel is waiting for me.
"Oh, look who it is, Max Caulfield: Blackwell's favorite neighborhood hipster." That taunting obnoxious voice of Victoria Chase can be a pain in my ass. I turned to see Victoria along with Taylor by her side. She didn't look like she was here to make fun of me. Unlike Victoria most likely. But Victoria looks so angry. What the fuck for? "And another willing slave to Rachel Amber: The Crack Whore in disguise."
My brows furrowed and I crossed my arms, which arches Victoria's eyebrow like she wasn't expecting this.
"C'mon, Tori. Leave her alone." Taylor gently urged trying to grab her arm, but Victoria jerked it away roughly.
"Hold up, Cheri!" Victoria takes a step forward. "Y'know I really thought you were smarter than this, Max. You're drooling all over Rachel Amber like a good little puppy, and it's ridiculous! I'm so sick of you praising her like she's the fucking goddess of Blackwell! Open your eyes, Caulfield! I thought you had high standards than hanging around that mess of a-"
"Oh shut up, Victoria!"
Victoria and Taylor were taken aback by abrupt interruption.
The Queen B recovered quickly and rested her hands on her hips with this hostile glare. "Excuse me?"
I arched my back more straightening myself. I'm not going to stand here and talk all this shit about Rachel. "Shut up! You don't know a thing about Rachel! First up: I'm not her slave, I'm her friend! No one is her slave. Period. Second: she's not a goddess she's human like everyone else! And third: Like I give a shit about any of those rumors!" I was even shocked on how loud I was. I toned myself down to a more appropriate volume. "Let's not forget that you posted that video of Kate." I snarled letting my hand curl into a fist with the flashes of Kate on top of that roof. I know Victoria cares for Kate deep down, and I know she's not a total bitch, but right now I was not having any of it.
"I took it down!"
"And I'm glad you did." I told her. "And I'm glad you and Kate are getting along, but don't think this gives you a free pass to just be mean to Rachel or talk shit about her. Whether it's true or not."
She scoffs and let's out a haughty laugh. "Whatever, I was just..."
"Just what?"
This startled Victoria and she seems unsure of what to say next while Taylor just glanced at both of us with wide eyes.
"Just... watch your ass, Caulfield. You never know when she'll toss you under the bus."
My brows furrowed. "She won't."
She let's out a sigh knowing that she wasn't going to dissuade me of whatever she has planned. But underneath her annoyed expression, I can see sadness in her eyes. She let's out a breath. "Whatever, Max." She walks past me marching away shoving a few people that were in her way.
"Umm... so..." Taylor was stammering. "Like, that was tense, Max. I guess I'll, like, see you later then!" She sprints away trying to catch up with Victoria.
I sighed and made my way towards the exit, hoping that's the last piece of drama I had to deal with today.
(*)
I'm no stranger to running, I don't think anybody is to be fair, but man sprinting across the the field to get to the bleachers feels like my fumes were running on fumes. I don't even know how I'm still running but there was no way in hell I was stopping. I felt like I wasted enough time and I didn't want to take anymore of Rachel's time.
When I got inches away from the bleachers, I slowed myself down considerably, panting like a eager puppy waiting for a treat. I couldn't see Rachel on top of the bleachers though.
Maybe she's behind the bleachers.
Before I could go any further, I bent down resting my hands on my knees taking a deep breath in and out, repeating the pattern at a steady rhythm. I pushed myself to stand up straight again and went behind the bleachers where the sudden darkness of the metal platforms shielded me from the afternoon sun.
Maybe I was feeling morbid, but I felt very safe here. For some reason, the dark shadows felt like a sanctuary. Not only that, it felt very peaceful and kind of sleepy. But I was nowhere tired to pass out on the ground and sleep like a baby. Especially with Rachel on the way.
Feeling like I was early I gave Rachel a quick text telling her that I was here. I slipped my phone back into my pocket and leaned against one of the bars and started to sing something Chloe and I sang during our pirate days rampaging across Arcadia Bay.
"...yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me.
We extort and pilfer, we filch and sack... drink up.."
I stopped feeling my heart tightened thinking of those days. My shoulders slouched and I pushed myself off of the railing deciding it was best to just stay quiet.
Little did I know, I felt hands swing around my waist and felt them softly compress against my stomach.
I knew who it was before the soft murmur tickled my neck.
"It's just me, hon."
I can feel Rachel's breath on my neck. It felt so warm and made me sink back into her. This last week with Rachel has been truly wonderful. From those moment I saw her in the hospital to now behind the bleachers, Rachel has brought me so much joy and love.
I felt like... she saved me, too. In more ways than one.
I chuckled slithering around to directly meet her gaze and she looked so beautiful in the dark.
I wanted to say something. Anything to not make me not look like a complete dork, but Rachel didn't help matters in the slightest.
We just stayed silent. Both of us breathing heavily and letting our foreheads touch one another until Rachel regretfully backed away. I stood a little straighter but didn't move.
"How're you doing?" I asked feeling like it was a stupid question, but no other words came to mind.
Rachel has this sincere serious look on her. "Max..." Her voice was gentle and quiet. "I'm so sorry, but I have to do this. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time now." She darted her eyes down. "Something I should've done a long time ago."
Rachel looks almost scared. She bit the bottom of her lip and looked back up at me sheepishly.
"You can tell me anything, Rachel." I assured. "I'm here for you."
She laughs silently. "It's also something I wanna do."
I felt time freeze. Everything froze. Blackwell, Arcadia Bay, The state of Oregon, the whole universe froze when Rachel Amber cupped my cheeks with her hands, cradling me like something very dear, and leaned in brushing her lips on mine. My eyes shot up and I felt an adrenaline rush racing through my whole body. Sparks flashed throughout my whole body. But seeing Rachel with her eyes closed, and looking so serene and happy drained the rush and melted into this strong tingly feeling that made me so happy. My eyes flutter and I eagerly returned the favor snaking my hands around her neck pulling her in.
Her lips were so soft and warm and I felt a low moan escape into my throat making me copy the sweet sound she made.
This feeling felt new and alien to me, but at the same time, it was loving and inviting. Feeling safe, loved, accepted with Rachel felt like the greatest feeling in the world. All these feelings were in one giant yang of emotions.
Wowser...
I felt Rachel pushed against me sent me staggering back, but I caught my footing and pressed even harder against her lips, and she did the same.
The need for air grew strong, but I didn't want to let go. We didn't want to let go.
Rachel whimpered pressing even harder against my lips and I can feel her tongue slithering into my mouth dancing against mine. I moaned louder letting our tongues collide, and I brought my hands down lower to her waist.
How long have we been kissing is uncertain, but one thing I felt very sure about is that if felt literally like eternal bliss. This was something truly magical. This kiss had the ability to freeze the universe, and make me feel love in a way I can't describe.
I knew in that instant that I was in love with Rachel Amber. I can't believe it took this long to connect the dots.
We both pulled away to avoid potential suffocation and we panted profusely into each other's faces with our foreheads once again connecting.
"That was..." I caught a breath. "That was real..."
"This is real..." Rachel murmured.
We both remained there even after the universe was released from the kiss we performed.
So... It's a official! Amberfield has arrived! Now does this mean the end of the story? Heck no! With Nathan out there, RAC's mysterious text, and other stuff coming this way, no even in the slightest!
References from Love Is Strange
Next chapter is going to be a nice surprised!
Thanks guys! Cya! :D
