Life is Strange: My Unusual Journey

Chapter 9 of my Life is Strange novelization, enjoy :)

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Life is Strange or its characters.

Out of Time – Bonding

As I disembarked from the bus outside the Two Whales diner, I felt more relaxed than I had in some time. While I was still trying to process all this worrying stuff about Kate, my powers, the tornado, the snowfall, as well the confusing stuff I was feeling around Warren, I had managed to reduce it all to a manageable level.

'It's amazing what a simple soundtrack filled bus ride can do.' I thought happily before my good mood lifted higher. 'Wow, forget rewind, this is the ultimate time machine, the diner looks exactly the same.'

Grinning I removed my headphones and shut off my iPod before pulling out William's camera, I had to preserve this moment. Taking careful aim, making sure to get the famous sign in full shot, I took the photo, grinning as I placed it and the camera back in the bag.

As I did so I noted that I still thought of it as William's camera, maybe I always would, I certainly didn't feel at all comfortable thinking of it as mine. I was then reminded of the time and was worried I was late when suddenly a text came through, I checked it.

It was from Chloe and read: "Yo, running late, grab a booth in the diner, mom will feed you.'

I rolled my eyes, all that worrying and Chloe was the one going to be late.

"She better, at this rate I'll be lucky if you show before noon." I texted back jokingly before putting my phone away.

Since I had a little more time, I decided to take a look around.

I was surprised by how little things had changed, there were a few people around, but truthfully only one caught my eye. A poor homeless woman, my heart went out to her and I actually stopped to talk to her, I was amazed at how sharp minded she was, not to mention the info she was able to tell me, mostly about the Prescott family, who turned out to be worse than I thought.

Once I had satisfied my curiosity, I began to make my way inside the diner. I then checked the actual time and bit my lip, I couldn't believe I almost forgot. So, moving quickly, not really making eye contact with anyone, I hurried to the bathroom.

Luckily it was empty, I hated being seen when it was time for this. I was just glad I remembered to bring them with me. Reaching into my bag I retrieved a bottle of water and the prescription bottle of Zoloft, I opened it, removed one pill and quickly secured and put the bottle away. With a sigh I put the pill in my mouth and swallowed it with the water.

'Right, that's that, medication taken, I'm good for a few more hours I guess.' I told myself as I put the water away too.

It was then I spotted the strange writing on the bathroom mirror and smiled, another good possible shot, a chance for a mirror selfie too, I removed William's camera and carefully took the shot. Satisfied I put both back into my bag before returning to the diner and grabbing a booth. As I did so I noticed I wasn't the only Blackwell student grabbing breakfast here, Trevor and Justin were here too.

It felt so amazing being back here, like I'd actually gone back five years, I remembered sitting in this diner eating with Chloe and my parents so many times. I heard the footsteps and smiled widely as I turned my head.

Approaching me was a woman with blonde hair in a short high ponytail, brown eyes and fair skin, dressed the traditional Two Whales uniform. It was Chloe's mother Joyce Price, or was it Madsen now; I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact Joyce was married to David Madsen of all people.

Joyce smiled as she approached me with the coffee pot. "And there she is, a lovely young woman."

I smiled back as Joyce filled up the coffee mug at my table.

"How are you doing Max?"

I replied instantly, amazed at seeing Joyce again after all those years. "Hi Joyce, it's nice to see you again…You look the same."

Joyce quirked an eyebrow. "Like I'm still a waitress at Two Whales after all these years?"

I gave a short laugh as I replied. "No, like you, still look pretty."

Joyce also gave a short laugh. "Nice save, kid, you're still smart."

I was actually relieved; either the Zoloft was working quicker than I thought, or once again, just being in Joyce's presence made me calm.

There was a brief pause before Joyce sighed and said. "But I wish you'd been here to help save Chloe, she got busted yesterday smoking out…Again."

I squirmed in my seat, the guilt eating at my insides again, I still replayed that horrible moment Madsen slapped Chloe, while I stood in the closet, frozen like some coward.

I felt the need to step up and say something, so I ended up blurting out the first thing that came to mind.

"I know, Chloe told me her stepfather hit her." I remarked, before realizing that probably wasn't the wisest opening line.

Joyce however remained calm as she shook her head. "I am sorry that was your introduction to David. I hope you get to know him on your terms, not Chloe's."

I wondered if maybe I should mention I'd already done that, at Blackwell, where he was hardly any better.

Joyce however continued, defending David. "He's a good man…He just."

"Yeah, I'm sure he is since you married him." I said quickly, suddenly I wasn't so calm anymore. "But, don't be so harsh on Chloe."

Joyce nodded sagely before smiling again. "It's good you're here, I was hoping you could be a good influence in her life now."

"I will be, promise." I said, relieved that things seemed to go back to normal so quickly. Nevertheless I had to say something; I hadn't seen Joyce in five years, since her husband died. "I know things were hard for you and Chloe…I feel bad I didn't call."

I shrugged before adding. "Now my folks are in Seattle and, I'm alone at Blackwell, it's my karma."

Joyce shook her head at this.

"You did the right thing, you moved forward with your life." She told me; no blame, no anger, simply accepting. "I did after William passed on, Chloe…Chloe chose to stay angry."

I bit my lip, realizing Joyce was right, especially if her outburst at the lighthouse yesterday was anything to go by.

Joyce however remained calm and reassuring.

"Anyway I hope we see more of you, Chloe needs an old friend again."

Still I felt the need to apologize, especially since I was there the day it happened.

I shook my head sadly. "Joyce, I am so sorry about William, I have great memories of him…"

Joyce smiled at that, a far off look in her eyes. "I'm glad Max; that was his gift to us, wonderful memories. Even if Chloe doesn't understand yet."

I felt slightly awkward talking about Chloe like this, but there was a world of difference between the bright cheerful strawberry blonde girl I'd last seen and the blue haired punk rock angry girl I now knew.

"Chloe must have changed a lot during that time…"

Joyce rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh she hit all the phases…Expulsion, running away, drugs, bad boys, tattoos, piercings, blue hair…Now she's gotta rebel against her step-father."

"I see why…" I muttered before stumbling, I shouldn't have said that. "I mean…"

Unfortunately Joyce caught my words. "Why? What did Chloe tell you?"

I might as well offer some explanation so I told at least half the truth. "Well, like I said, Chloe texted me that David slapped her yesterday."

Joyce nodded and I realized, to my surprise, that she knew, perhaps more than I had let on.

"He feels awful…And he will be punished." She told me, indicating her own thoughts on the matter. "But Chloe does push David and it's not fair, he paid his dues in a war."

I couldn't deny Joyce's point of view, David must have seen a lot, being a war vet, but his reaction still seemed extreme, nevertheless I could see where Joyce was coming from.

Feeling awkward all over again I listened as Joyce continued.

"He does care about her, along with all the students at Blackwell."

I sighed, unable to deny things. "I get it Joyce; I know Chloe still likes to stir things up."

"Yeah, she does provoke people." Joyce remarked, actually smiling at the thought. "Especially David, I just want us to be a family soon. I guess it's all about time…"

I nodded, while it had its awkward moments; this talk with Joyce actually felt good and also felt like no time had passed between this and our last meeting.

"I think you're right Joyce." I said at last.

She nodded and spoke again. "So, let's get down to the nitty gritty. What do you want to eat?"

I smiled and placed my order. "The last good Belgian Waffle I had was here when I was thirteen years old, so…bring it on."

Joyce nodded. "Okay good, now, finish your coffee."

She turned and went to fill the order I picked up the coffee mug and took a sip. As I did so I noticed some graffiti scrawled on the table corner closest to where I was sitting.

'Nerd Graffiti, Warren must have been here?' I thought to myself, noting that it was his handwriting too.

There it was again, that weird fluttering feeling in my stomach, just at the very thought of Warren.

I shook my head. 'Whoa, okay, what is wrong with me, why do I…Do I really…No, wait, this isn't the right time, is it?'

All the same the question lingered in the back of my mind, did I really have the same sort of feelings for Warren as he had for me?

While stuck mulling that over, I overheard one of the customer's complaining, then however I was sparing further worries when Joyce arrived with the food.

"I can hear your stomach rumbling from here Max." She said cheerfully. "Here, you'll love this."

I grinned as she set the plate in front of me. "I'm drooling like a baby."

Joyce grinned as I picked up my knife and fork.

"Still can't believe you're a woman." She said softly. "When I look at pictures of Chloe…"

She let out a gentle sigh; just as the diner's door opened and who should walk in but Chloe herself.

"Speak of the devil." Joyce commented wryly.

Chloe grinned as she saw us and walked up, pausing to fist-bump with Trevor as she passed him.

"Yo, mom and Max, together again." She greeted us; surprisingly bubbly for someone who, just yesterday had been held at gunpoint.

Joyce shook her head; responding jokingly. "Chloe, here for another free meal, you put your entire college fund on your tab."

"Actually, I'm treating Chloe to breakfast." I said quickly; I fully intended to do so.

Joyce however held up her hand. "Oh no, this meal is my treat, as a thank you for coming back to save my daughter Max."

Chloe rolled her eyes, putting her hands behind her head. "I don't need saving Mom."

I tried to focus on my meal, sensing an impending Chloe-Joyce debate about to begin, again.

Joyce turned to Chloe in response to her statement.

"Yes, unless you burn your room down smoking out." She remarked sarcastically.

Chloe groaned. "Urgh, c'mon, you and Sergeant Pepper already read me the riot act last night."

Joyce shook her head. "You'll call him David if you don't want to be in trouble…You only get one slice of bacon today."

With that Joyce headed off to the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile.

"You guys are still the same." I remarked.

However for Chloe, this clearly wasn't a good thing, if anything she looked more annoyed.

She turned to me and muttered angrily. "Another reason to blow this town."

She also took issue with the jukebox and went to change the music, predictably picking some hardcore metal track. Just like that she was smiling again as she made her way back to the booth and took a seat.

"So, let's talk about your superpower." She said excitedly.

I squirmed, I knew this was coming but it still made me uncomfortable. "I don't have an explanation Chloe, nor do I know how it's connected to this tornado vision."

Chloe however waved her arm dismissively. "Screw that, I want proof you can actually rewind time."

I shook my head, so that was it, a demonstration.

"This isn't a toy Chloe; I do have to be careful how I use it." I told her, recalling all the stuff I read last night.

Chloe however clearly wasn't listening to reason. "Of course it's a toy, the best toy ever, you can bang someone, no strings attached, rewind and poof, it's like it never happened."

"Grow up."

"You might have made a move on me and I'd never know." She said excitedly.

I shook my head, replying sarcastically. "Yes, that's what I did."

The grin wouldn't leave Chloe's face however.

I sighed and thought for a moment.

"Alright then, let's see…How about I tell you what you have in your pockets?"

Chloe laughed. "What, that would make you psychic dude, I don't even know what's in my pockets, let me see…"

She checked her pockets, being careful to hide the items from view before turning back to me and nodding. "Okay, impress me?"

"Your car keys." I replied automatically.

"Duh, too easy." Chloe replied. "I need details, describe my keychain."

I thought for a moment before making a guess. "A…bullet, like your necklace."

Chloe laughed. "That was so…wrong Max, okay; I'll show what's in my pockets."

She emptied her pockets onto the table and leaned back with a smirk.

"Beyond epic fail Max, you actually had me wanting to believe you." She stated, shaking her head.

I wasn't feeling down or awkward however, I was instead concentrating on the objects in front of me, trying to memorize every detail. Once I was satisfied I grinned and raised my hand, beginning to rewind.

I slowly rewound right back to our conversation about the items in Chloe's pockets starting, noting to my concern, a growing headache which reached its peak and forced me to stop rewinding. Luckily I quickly recovered before anyone could notice.

"Okay." I said, trying to pretend nothing happened. "This is me telling you what's in your pockets."

"Okay Max, I'm hella ready." Chloe replied; practically bouncing in her seat.

I took a deep breath and prepared to begin.

I decided to start the same way as last time.

"Your car keys."

"Duh, too easy." Chloe replied again. "I need details, describe my keychain."

I replied confidently. "A cute robot panda keychain."

Chloe laughed. "Nice work Max…you do have that Irish luck Caulfield, something else in my pockets?"

Smiling I gave my next 'guess'. "I'm pretty sure you have cigarettes on you."

"Yeah, you know I'm a smoker, how many do I have?" Chloe replied, thinking she was posing a challenge.

"Seven."

Chloe shook her head. "Wow, a power that lets you count cigarettes; anything else?"

I nodded. "Some money."

"Yeah, I'm clearly rich as fuck, how much?"

"Eighty six cents." I replied.

Chloe nodded, joking. "Yep, living large in Arcadia Bay, anything else?"

Now for the last one. "A parking ticket."

"You know me too well, what's the exact time I got busted?" Chloe replied; setting her challenge.

I recalled the time clearly. "Ten thirty-four am."

Chloe grinned. "Booyah, Max can tell time, let's see here."

With that she fished the items out of her pockets again, spreading them on the table and started at them, eyes widening as she saw, I got each and every answer, correct.

"Amazeballs, I literally got chills all down my neck." She gasped. "This is amazing, you can reverse time."

I grinned as I finally finished my breakfast, just as Joyce arrived with Chloe's.

She shook her head. "Take that crap off the table Chloe."

"Sure mom."

Once the table was clear and Chloe's plate set down Joyce turned to me.

"How's the food Max?"

I smiled and replied. "Better than I remember."

"Very good save." Joyce joked as she headed back behind the counter.

Chloe rubbed her hands together as she prepared to begin her breakfast.

She began to tuck in, remarking as she did so.

"Man I am hungry like the wolf."

"I'll bet." I replied. "So, satisfied?"

Chloe scoffed through a mouthful of Bacon. "Like never, I want something big, something that'll convince me without a doubt."

I thought deeply and then came up with something that just might work. "I will predict the future."

Chloe looked suitably impressed and I began to watch everything around me carefully, committing to memory in order to dazzle Chloe after the rewind.

As I watched Joyce stepped out from behind the counter, waving to us as she passed, as she reached one of the truckers seated at the counter he turned, knocking over his mug onto the floor with a crash.

"Oops.

Joyce glared. "Did you break another cup? No refill for you."

Immediately after that the police officer also at the counter responded to a radio call before shaking his head.

"Man I gotta take this and now miss my breakfast…hey where's my partner?"

He got his answer when the sound of sirens filled the air and the patrol car outside sped off, leaving the officer stranded here. I grinned; this was getting better and better.

"You're a dick!" Justin suddenly yelled.

I looked up in time to see him shove Trevor who yelled back.

"Don't slap me, bitch!"

Before anything else happened, Joyce stepped in. "Take your fight club outside."

Trevor shook his head. "He started it."

"I'm finishing it." Joyce warned them.

I looked around, trying to spot something else, that's when, of all things, a cockroach crawled over the jukebox and made it go haywire, I had enough now, I raised my hand and began to rewind.

Finally rewinding far enough back and strangely getting a bigger headache for my troubles, I began to tell Chloe.

"Alright, I'm going to predict four events that will happen in the next thirty seconds or so."

Chloe grinned. "No way, this oughta be good."

I began explaining. "Okay, first the trucker drops his mug and Joyce rips him a new one."

"Sounds cool, if you're right."

"Then the officer gets a call on his radio and his partner drives away without him." I continued.

Chloe nodded. "Can't wait, this is getting good."

I then added the next part. "Justin and Trevor start fighting and Joyce breaks it up, then the jukebox goes crazy when a cockroach crawls on it."

"No way, let's see if things really do happen as you say Max." Chloe replied, incredulous.

So we settled in to watch the action unfold. As we watched Joyce stepped out from behind the counter, waving to us as she passed, as she reached one of the truckers seated at the counter he turned, knocking over his mug onto the floor with a crash.

"Oops.

Joyce glared. "Did you break another cup? No refill for you."

"Alright, way to go mom." Chloe remarked with a grin.

Immediately after that the police officer also at the counter responded to a radio call before shaking his head.

"Man I gotta take this and now miss my breakfast…hey where's my partner?"

He got his answer when the sound of sirens filled the air and the patrol car outside sped off, leaving the officer stranded here.

"You totally called it, bet he's off to bust some skaters." Chloe remarked.

I grinned, so far so good.

We turned our attention to Justin and Trevor

"You're a dick!" Justin suddenly yelled.

I looked up in time to see him shove Trevor who yelled back.

"Don't slap me, bitch!"

Before anything else happened, Joyce stepped in. "Take your fight club outside."

Trevor shook his head. "He started it."

"I'm finishing it." Joyce warned them.

Chloe laughed softly. "Justin and Trevor must be in love."

She then turned her attention to the jukebox and, sure enough, a cockroach crawled over the jukebox and made it go haywire.

"You predicted a cockroach on the jukebox, no way." Chloe gasped.

She then placed her hands on the table, bowing her head in an almost prayer like pose.

She even spoke like reciting some prayer. "I pledge allegiance to Max and the power for which she stands."

"Knock it off." I said shaking my head, actually embarrassed. "This is serious Chloe, I have to be careful."

Chloe leaned in, excited. "Max, you can reverse time; you have any idea how awesome this is?"

Before I could reply I found myself strangely light-headed and then, to my horror, I felt a warm liquid trickling from my nose, down to my upper lip, blood, my nose was bleeding.

"Whoa, check out your nose?" Chloe gasped shakily. "Too much blow?"

I rolled my eyes at that, before trying to calm things down. "Too much excitement, see what happens when we hook up again."

I reached for the nearby napkins and quickly wiped the blood away. That was weird, I knew it had to be connected to my using my rewind power somehow, there's no way it was related to the Zoloft, that wasn't one of the side-effects.

Once I recovered Chloe spoke quickly.

"Listen, let's bail, we can go to one of my secret lairs and really test your powers."

I shook my head; this was getting crazy. "I don't have time."

Even as I said it I realized and fought not to laugh at the same time as Chloe did.

"You did not just say that." She got excited again. "C'mon, let's go, my best friend is a superhero, we can do anything."

I sighed and shook my head. "Alright Girl-Wonder, show me the way to Chloe's cave."

We stood up and began to head towards the exit. Just before we reached the door however my phone rang.

"Don't answer it." Chloe said. "We have to go, c'mon…"

I bit my lip, being reminded of the problems I had 'left behind' at Blackwell when I saw the caller ID.

"It's Kate Marsh, from Blackwell."

Chloe shook her head. "Big whoop, you don't see me in five years but you're content to chat up some beeatch you see every day at school."

I bit my lip, shocked at Chloe's outburst; this certainly wasn't what I expected from her.

"Fine, I see how it is, go on, talk to Kate Marsh from Blackwell, never mind me." She snarked.

I shook my head; Chloe was being ridiculous and petulant; Kate had real problems, I answered the phone.

Turning away I spoke.

"Hey Kate, what's up?"

Chloe tried to complain, only for Joyce to get on her case. I shook my head and tuned them out, focusing on Kate.

"Max I…Sorry, I just needed to talk, you do still remember, what you said before?" She said, it sounded as if she was on the verge of tears.

I replied instantly. "Of course Kate, don't worry, we'll figure this out, I've got your back."

I heard her sigh in relief before speaking again. "I can hear other people there, is this a bad time?"

"Sorry, I am out at the moment, but we can talk, I promise, later." I told her.

"Okay." To my relief she didn't sound put out or upset by that, just accepting. "I'll just, do my homework to pass the time."

I nodded. "Okay, that sounds good, I'll get in touch with you again as soon as I can."

"Alright Max, thank you, bye."

"Bye Kate." I said as we hung up.

I turned and cringed when I saw Chloe glaring at me. "Well, done, or would you rather go and hang with Kate Marsh?"

I sighed, seriously getting fed up with the attitude. "You are being ridiculous, I'm hanging with you, okay."

"For now, let's go."

With that Chloe stalked out. I couldn't deny I felt bad Chloe and Joyce got into an argument, but Kate was dealing with serious shit and needed help, Chloe had to understand that. I followed her out to her truck and got in, Chloe drove off and once again, it was a silent, awkward, ride to our destination.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.