Blue Pearl Night Part 1
Arcadia Bay's sketchy trailer home is only mere inches away from the white sands of the beach. A lone man in a scarlet sleeveless shirt with his faded jeans rolled up to his knees leaving his legs vulnerable to the icy sting of the mild ocean tides.
Frank always going to the beach was a complete waste of time and not at all fun. Of course, he never really mentioned that to Rachel whenever she would leave him to himself while she frolics across the freezing waves and sand before she returns.
She finally persuaded him to come to the beach with her and the moment was truly magical. Frank can never remember laughing and being full of happiness at the one place he would never possibly go to.
Those were happier times. Before Rachel ended what they had by leaving him, and with a blunt note saying she's moving on and never coming back.
He crushed that crumpled note harder in his grip. Frank is not an idiot. This is what he gets for being a psycho ass at Rachel. He raised his empty hand to his eye lightly tapping the faint bruise outline thinking this is his punishment for trying to keep her to himself.
Frank exhaled a shagged breath, brutally digging that note down into his pocket not having the will to reread that harsh message. No longer seeing the purpose of remaining in the cold water, and feeling his feet going dangerously numb, Frank turned away from the ocean and trudged towards dry shore where his feet reached the sand that was being glued to his feet which each step back to his home.
At least Frank wasn't alone. Man's true best friend is right there waiting obediently.
Frank grinned happy to see Pompidou being the good boy that he is. Resting on yellow dirt stained folding chair and rubbing his dirty golden coated head, Frank could feel the painful urge to collect his fix. His right arm started twitching furiously, and he crushed his hand into a ball spiting this moment. So many thoughts started coursing through his head: Rachel's laugh, spending time with her, holding her as they lay in bed, and their departing words.
Frank brutally grind his teeth hearing her echoing voice shouting before the door slammed on him.
"You knew what this was, Frank! And I can't put up with your shit anymore!
His pleas to offer him a chance to change were evaporated by Rachel's declaration.
"Leo's don't look back." She reminded him harshly, and exited his mobile residence, but not before murmuring. "Don't call me, Frank."
The second she departed, Frank lost himself in a mess of rage and sadness roaring at Rachel from his concealed trailer that she's a horoscope tool, a wannabe Leo, and that she's nothing without him.
It was all too much for Frank and he got up roaring menacingly as he hurled his chair up and aimlessly hurled it at the beach falling from too much power ignoring a trembling Pompidou. There was no time wasted in sobbing in losing the best thing, best person in his life willingly walk out on him. Collapsing on his side, Frank numbingly cast aside his dog's affection of hand licking.
Frank closed his eyes letting the heartbreak and violent shivering setting in not paying head.
What was the point of living if everything good in his life is gone?
Frank did not know how long he has been laying there staring out into the ocean, but the constant buzzing from his phone finally snapped him out of his blue trance and he pushed himself off of the ground. Sitting up with a slouch posture, Frank yanked his phone out of his pocket. The first thing that was going through his head was Rachel telling him that she wants him back and wants to go to California right now, but has quickly cast that fantasy aside. Another possibility was that punk rock blue, Chloe telling him she has some of her debt payed off. Another nice thought that is false hope courtesy of that rich bitch murdering Prescott kid. Still, Frank can't help but miss her somewhat. For a punk rock bitch, she wasn't all bad.
Pressing the button and reading the display, Frank's brows narrowed at the messenger.
RAC: You and I need to have a talk. Meet me at the junkyard. Don't do anything stupid, F.
Was this one of those Blackwell kids trying to mess with him?
Frank: Who the fuck is this? Why would I do that?
RAC: Because you're Frank Bowers: Arcadia Bay's favorite drug dealer who betted in dog fights before you saved a nasty brown dog named Pompidou. I know for a fact you and Rachel had a sexual relationship, but bailed on you after one of your episodes, and that you did business with Chloe Price, who owed you 3 grand.
Frank almost allowed his phone to slip onto the glass breaking road. If this a Blackwell groupie, they knew a great amount of information about him. They're are only a few students who knew about him personally, but no one knows it better than Rachel.
Releasing a huge flow of air from his mouth, Frank thought about one suspect, who he felt skeptical about this person's knowledge, but he wouldn't be surprise given his former status.
Frank: I swear, Prescott, if this is you trying to mess with me, you got another thing coming.
Frank felt a strange sense of relief by the response.
RAC: This isn't Nathan.
RAC: Look, get your shit together and meet me at the junkyard. I need your help down there anyways. I'm out.
Frank's blood boiled on how he was told off in such a way. The nerve of whoever this was! But if this person wasn't Nathan, and knew all this stuff about him, then Frank's attention is given.
One thing is certain though: Come prepared with bullets.
(^)
Blackwell Academy
No one's POV
Kate carried herself down the crowded corridor in a dignitary manner with her shoes clicking smoothly in a purposeful rhythm. Her movements speak of preoccupation, but her face reveal serene happiness.
This week has been a miraculous turnaround. A couple of weeks ago, Kate Marsh proclaimed the title of Blackwell's Viral Slut, because of Victoria's video. Now, she seeing a side of this pompous snob that is incredible. Victoria, Taylor, and Kate are supposed to go hang out over at the mall when after photolabs, so it's a start.
Kate just hopes Victoria and Taylor don't do anything that she doesn't want to.
Kate glances over at Warren and Stella who are standing outside her current class that starts in nine minutes. She grins at witnessing Stella laugh because of whatever Warren told her. Most likely some bad joke. But whatever it was, Warren must have succeeded in making a tight scheduled Stella loosen up, but Warren's head darts down to the floor sheepishly.
As Kate closes the distance between herself and the door, Stella says bye and rushes inside as if she has returned to her old practical self. Kate wiggles at the boy and beams a loving smile. Kate always thought that Warren is cute, but she was unsure of any actual chemistry.
"Hey, Kate!" Warren responds rather loudly as if he was taken off guard. He slouches his shoulders and sheepishly adds, "Umm... what's up?"
Kate giggles thinking he's so adorable right now. "Just getting ready for class. You?"
"I've got time for my next class, so I'm gonna get on WOW for a little bit." He chuckles nervously drawing a blank until he caught something critical. "Sorry! Uh... WOW is this sweet-"
"I know what WOW is, Warren. Don't worry." Kate laughs. "You'd be surprise how many people talk about it."
"Right..." Warren shrugs. "Sooo... you know where Max is?"
Kate shakes her head. "No." She narrows an eyebrow with her grin. "Is she supposed to come with you to that drive in?"
"I dunno." Warren confesses. "She just freaked yesterday, so I felt like I needed to give her space. I've been meaning to talk to her today before class, but no sign of her so far."
"You did the right thing, Warren." Kate gently praised. "And she's not in class right now?"
Again Warren bashfully glances down. "Nah... Stella... kinda told me that Max wasn't in before she went in."
Kate notices the frown on his face. "Is everything okay?"
Warren scratches the back of his head hesitant to form words. "Just felt like I said something stupid Stella didn't like is all."
Kate's smile did not diminish. "Talk to me about it after class, okay?"
The two bright students departed on friendly terms as Kate entered her math class. Algebra has always been a annoyance for Kate, but ever since schedule changes, she can deal with it late in afternoon with a clearer and awake head.
Upon entering, it looked more like the average high school classroom with four seats across and 5 down one line. Most of the students were present, and out of there seats all over making conversation, texting, or just fooling around.
Kate glances over at the window where the suns rays were gleaming through the glass touching down on the grim gazed face of Victoria Chase with Taylor faithfully next to her. Kate slowly approached an empty seat close to the two girls and slowly rested her books on the desk. Victoria and Taylor took notice and eyed on the quiet girl.
"Hey, Kate!" Taylor eagerly hopped off and skipped to Kate's desk kneeling down beside it. "Wassup, sista?"
"Umm..." Kate stammered. She heard this kind of slang talk before, but was never directed at her. "Raising the roof?"
Taylor laughs making Kate nervous that she was going to be teased. "It's a start! You psyched for Blue tonight?"
Good thing Kate understood what Taylor meant that time. The Blue Pearl Mall in Downtown is supposed to be a good night. At least that's what Victoria says.
She nods bashfully. "Yeah. Should be fun."
"Oh, like, totally! Victoria's got the whole thing plan out, too!"
"I'll fill you in after class, Kate." Victoria promises.
Kate looks up at Victoria who's hard look softens looking at the girl, but turns back to the window. Kate then excuses herself to go sit up with the high dressed future photographer.
"You doing okay, Victoria?" Kate gently asks.
Victoria sighs. "Not really, cheri. Just a little bit pissy after Max told me off."
Kate arched a brow. "What happened?"
"I told her to be careful with a certain friend, and just blast it back in my face."
"Who's this friend?" Kate inquired.
"Mark Jefferson died!" Luke cried out suddenly glaring down at his smartphone.
Gasps and whispers filled the room as everyone huddled around Luke to read the article on his tiny touch screen.
"The fuck?" Victoria did not even bothered getting up and pulled out her phone for a search of Mark Jefferson. "You're fucking kidding me!"
Kate scooted over to Victoria in shock to read the latest article.
Convicted Mass Killer Teacher brutally murdered in County Prison
"Kind of a cliché title." Victoria irritably mutters reading more. "And this happened last night."
"Oh wow... chills." Taylor quietly commented.
"A little unsettling..." Kate adds, though as condemning as it is, she is glad that the man is dead.
Victoria sighs concealing her phone back into her pocket. "Well... that's done." She returned her attention back to the window where her eyes shot up wide. "Are you... FUCKING. KIDDING ME!"
Kate and Taylor, curious to see what caught Victoria's disdain, rushed to the window to where a bus was outside. And much to Kate's shock, she can Max getting on it with a hyper looking Rachel.
"Is she... ditching?" Kate mouthed aloud her astonished thoughts. "W-where's she going?"
"Getting a head start for the Blue." Victoria growled underneath her teeth and hopped down off the ledge and took a seat next to where Kate was sitting cursing silently.
Kate remained at the window staring out at the bus as if she were deer in headlights. As the bus started to pull away, Kate remained at a lost for words that Max ditched class with Rachel Amber.
"Doesn't change anything." Victoria said bringing out a mere tablet with a silver case and a stylist. "We're gonna go and have fun. With or without that bitch whore, Rachel."
"You go, girl!" Taylor cheered.
Kate remained silent but rolled her eyes. Even though Victoria is showing more of her soft side, there is still some room for improvement.
(^)
Max's POV
"I can't believe you talk me into this!" I whispered sucking in air through my teeth. Coming back from school super late and now skipping class with Rachel? The influence she possesses!
Rachel laughs. "Take a breath, hon. Bus is moving, so no going back now!" She leans back against her seat with her head darted up to the center stretching her arms up to the ceiling.
I smiled seeing Rachel all excited. I have to admit as scary and bad educational wise, it's crazy and fun at the same time.
Man! Just imagine mom and dad catching wind of me ditching class!
"I never seen you so psyched before, Rachel!" I admitted grinning larger. "It's pretty awesome to see you so happy."
Rachel's toothy smile shines at me petrifying me in it's rapturous spell. "That's because I'm with the coolest girl ever!"
I laugh humbled by not well earned praise. "Rachel, I appreciate the thoughts, but I'm not the coolest girl e-" Max was rudely cute off with a poke to the stomach. "Ow!"
"Had it coming!" Rachel playfully told me looking at me with those cheerful innocent hazel eyes.
I laughed a little from her poke. "What was that for?!"
"For saying you're not the coolest girl ever." She answers cheerfully poking me again.
I laughed shielding my belly from Rachel's merciless poking.
"What's this?" Rachel's eyes narrowed and her grin curved farther. "Is Maxine Caulfield ticklish when I do that?"
Her sneaky hand delve pass my defenses and poked me where it tickled the most! "Stop it!" I giggled. "That's the worst spot!"
Rachel did the exact opposite and attacked me with both hands tickling me and making me the cackling crazy girl I am! I can feel the entire bus just staring at us right now.
Rachel soon showed mercy and withdraw her joyful torture and I finally got a chance to breathe feeling my stomach utterly spent of laughter.
"No more 'I'm not awesome' crap!" Rachel told me.
My arms formed a barrier around my chest. "For my chest, you got a deal!"
I glanced over at Rachel who's eyes were still fixated on me with a look of something crafty up her sleeve. My grip along my body increased and I just laugh on how ridiculous I was, and Rachel joined in, too.
"You did it!" She called out. "Not me!"
"Evil!" I muttered.
"The worst."
Our bus diverted from the road looking out at the beach with the light house into proper downtown Arcadia Bay with a more urban environment taking hold. I even caught a glimpse of the famous Pan Estates I've heard from time to time. I only caught a glimpse of a few houses, both completed and under construction, but that was about it. What really made the view interesting was a small group of people with anti Pan Estate signs waving them at the location and passing cars.
Well the Prescott's were never really popular around here.
I turned back to Rachel who is putting her long hair in a loose ponytail. "Soo... you gonna let me on your evil plan for the mall."
"Hmmm... weeelllll..." Rachel feigns a look of deep thought. "Since you've been behaving, I can let you in a little bit."
"Just a little bit?"
Rachel nods. "After the mall, I'm taking you someplace special."
My brow quirked up with my curiosity peaked. "Do I know this place?"
Rachel hums. "Probably." She adds in a sing song voice. "But I'm not telling you!" With that she gives me a playful push on the nose, and I couldn't help but smile.
There is still one unanswered question I feel Rachel must answer.
"Soo..." I stammered struggling to form words.
"What's up, Max?" Rachel curiously inquires.
"I mean..." Man just thinking of that kiss is making me all flustered. "Are we... dating?"
I can see Rachel's eyes roll around in a playful with her curvy grin. "I dunno. Are we?"
"I don't know I replied honestly." I replied sincerely.
Rachel's smile faded a little, and her eyes darted down. "You don't know?"
I quickly added. "What I mean is... Argh! I don't know how to say this." Okay it's official: I'm blushing. "I've... never been in a relationship, but Rachel... when I hang with you, you're just... wowser! You're kind, pretty, funny, and so mature. Sometime I have a hard time picturing you nineteen-years-old."
I can see her sly grin forming. "You do like me."
I smiled confidently. "I do. But... if you want to be... together, but if you don't... that's cool, too, but I just love han-"
I was silence with Rachel's hand gently shielding my lips. "I do, Max."
With Rachel giving me back the ability to speak, I decided to be more formal to make it official. "Rachel..." I gulped. "Will you be... mygirlfriend?" I mentally slapped myself rapidly pacing my last to words.
"Hella yeah, Max." Rachel's hand rested on mine. "Yes, yes, fuck yes. You're the one."
You're the one. Those three words must have some magic spell, because without thinking, I plunged forward claiming Rachel's lips with my hands around the back of her head on her shoulder. I moaned pressing further feeling Rachel pushing back. To have Rachel alive, to have her with me, to be kissing her, it's just so incredible.
I pulled away sooner than I hope breathing heavily.
Rachel was panting loudly. "Wow... You're definitely hardcore, Max." She adjusts her hair that became a little disheveled after my sudden attack. "Next time, I'll be sure to add some more tongue."
I blushed looking away. "Shut up!"
"What?" Rachel innocently asks. "Not my fault you're so tasty."
I let out a breath laughing nervously. "Pulling my leg as usual.."
Rachel winks and regains control of my hand to which I eagerly squeeze. Just staring at her, seeing her face, her smile, her... aura, I just wanted to say those words. Those three powerful words were threatening to burst from my mouth as I continued to gaze at Rachel.
Before I would even have the chance to produce words, the moment was ruined by one loud compressed screech and my body hurling forward from the breaks completely stopping the bus. As I regained my balance, Rachel has already seized my hand yanking me up.
"C'mon, girlfriend!" Rachel established a strong emphasis on the girlfriend part. "We gotta busy night ahead!"
"I can tell this is going to be awesome!"
As Rachel and I hopped off the bus, old memories came flooding back to me. Five years have passed and the Blue Pearl Shopping Center has not changed all that much.
We made a quick pit stop at the blue tiled fountain erected right in the middle of the plaza where bright blue lights illuminated in the trickling water. I gazed down at the tiled bottom where coins flickered their shine.
Rachel strolled over taking a seat on the edge eyeing the coins down below. She smiles letting her hand gently trails a directionless pattern.
"Thinking of making a wish?" I thoughtfully predicted copying her with running my fingers through the water.
Rachel slowly retracted her hand rested it on my leg. Her grasp is gentle. "Oh, I think I'll get my wish without spending a penny. Just watch me."
"Hey!"
Rachel and I shot our attention over to who is shouting. Turns out it was some older stocky guy with a cropped hair a brown t-shirt, and cargo pants. He looks like we've broken some major law, because he looks infuriated.
"Hands away from the water!" He warns firmly pointing away.
Rachel scoffs and sharply raises a middle finger at the guy. My eyes shot up in shock and my mouth was agape feeling a strange adrenaline rush going through my body. Remember me saying that being with Rachel can be crazy and exciting? This is one of those examples.
Obviously this guy did not take Rachel's retaliation very well and he started marching furiously towards us in a way a drill sergeant would march down to kick a private's ass. I was getting a little frightened, but Rachel remained unintimidated. She looks back at me smiling confidently giving me a look that she can handle this. I gulped, but I nodded trusting her.
The guy stopped right in front of us pursing his lips angrily. "You wanna rethink your manners, miss?" He sounded very calm but it's evident that it's threatening to burst.
Rachel retains her smile and cocks her head slightly to the right. "Given the way that you disturbed a moment with my girlfriend and I," She feigned a friendly chirpy voice. "I feel my response fits your obnoxious interruption." Just hearing Rachel calling me her girlfriend made my heart flutter.
The man dangerously closed the distance against Rachel. Fearing the worst, I stepped up right next to Rachel to support her. She glances over at me but quickly returns her attention to the man.
"And before you start," She continued. "This mall is for the public, making it public property, this fountain included."
He sucked in a breath and darted his eyes to the pavement probably unsure how to counter Rachel's argument. He returns his gaze to her finding what to say. "You think that gives you the right to... roll your hand around in the water? I've se-"
Rachel cuts him off with a short laugh. "I'm sorry, are you accusing us of attempted robbery without solid evidence? After you threaten me?" It's Rachel's turn to get up in his face. "Because..." Her eyes scanned the center. "I can press charges against you for verbal threats and false accusations."
That must have spooked him as the man's mouth dropped a little and quickly twists his head left and right and back again. I couldn't help but grin knowing Rachel is grilling this guy's ass.
"Y-you're talking bullshit..." He stuttered trying to sound tough. "You think you're so smart! Like you own the mall!"
"We don't own the mall." Rachel counters evenly. "We just take full advantage of public property. Just like everyone else."
He finally snapped roughly shoving Rachel back making her cry out in surprise. "The fuck is wrong with you, you dick?!"
My blood to boil as I marched up to the man. "Leave her alone!"
The man shot his inferno gaze at me and hurled his hand onto my face like a facehugger from the Alien movie. I struggled digging my nails into his skin, and I tried to bite much of the palm of his hand. Suddenly his pinned fingers were unhooked from my head easing the blunt pain.
Seeing Rachel seizing this man by his groin petrified me. If this guy was angry, she is being savagely brutal.
"Say the magic words, or it's bye-bye for your little friend." Her soft voice was dripping with acid venom.
He huffed in a breath. "I am sorry." He exhaled. "I... I never thought she'd be... she doesn't look like a les-" He gasped and squeaked as Rachel painfully increased the pressure.
It didn't take long for security to arrive and demanded to know what was going on here. Rachel quickly withdrew her painful judgment, and immediately the guy just starts shouting that we attacked him, and that we desecrated the fountain. Rachel calmly explained that it was in self defense after we were threatened and violently assaulted us, and that we did not damage the fountain. I know I'm just sounding pessimistic, but I never thought the security guards would eat Rachel's story up. I seriously thought they'd believe this lunatic! He was escorted from the premises, but not before roaring protests like a wild animal about us being queers, manipulators, and some other insulting shit. He got a few side looks from some shoppers while security walked him out.
Rachel sighed and returned her attention to me. "You okay?" She asked gently guiding me over to a bench away from the fountain.
I nodded assuring her with a grin. "That... was so badass."
Rachel chuckles brushing a streak of hear away from her face. "I picked up a few useful tips from law school."
I hummed in thought. "Sooo... if I get myself in a situation... could I rely on the awesome Ms. Amber to come to my defense?"
I expected some form of laughter from Rachel because I intended it to be a joke. Instead she looks over at me mischievous smirk. "For you, Ms. Caulfield? I'll expect proper payment in return."
"Oh?" I was taken aback not really thinking Rachel would take it seriously. "Well... what is proper payment?"
She leans in softly capturing my lips as we shared a small dreamy kiss. I close my eyes feeling her hand caressing my cheek and my hand rose to connect with hers.
When the kiss was broken Rachel spoke. "The full fee will be revealed later on at night." She answered with a wink.
I chuckled knowing that this is Rachel we're talking about and she has something up her sleeve.
"Now come on!" She grasps my hand guides me through the mall very eager. "The night is young! And I wanna get a few things that'll make me way hot for tonight."
Rachel and I walked across a long outside corridor side by side, our hands were intertwined. She seems to have found the store she is looking for as we darted towards the stall stylishly named EcoTouch filled with all of these organic products of lotion, shampoo, even makeup.
Stepping foot into the store I hear this echoing bell filling the atmosphere. The theme, the environment of this business feels natural and woodland like. The whole store is filled with this nature themed music that is leaving me with this enchanting feeling.
"Wowser!" I took in a whiff of the earthly smell. "That smells awesome!"
"Oh, hell yeah!" Rachel happily concurs. "Obviously a little pricey, but always money well spent."
"So you've been here before is what you're saying." Max assumes.
"How do you think I keep this awesome complexion?" Rachel gently pats her cheek with her hand as her eyes analyze the various types skin lotions.
Seeing Rachel browsing over the products, I drew my attention to the small flat screen TV showing a woman peacefully meditating behind a vivid waterfall with a small glass container of lip balm resting by her knee.
Now I tempted to buy this. Hope I don't turn into a mass consumer.
Interested, picked up one of the balms and I my nose picked up a sweet smell that has a mild burn on my nostrils.
Never thought grass scent would smell so intoxicating.
I can feel the nice surprise of smooth hands sneaking from behind me locking in my stomach. Soft lips planted on the side on my neck making me shudder. "Find something you like?" Rachel murmurs releasing me and eyeing the balm I'm holding. "Oh nice! This bad boy is a total tense muscle killers."
"Fifteen dollars though!" I whined over the price of this balm.
"Quality, Max." Rachel playfully lectures getting the same product from the shelf. "This is money well spent."
"Truer words never spoken." A low older female voice reaches my ears.
I look over at the glass stand with small ornaments on display to see a elderly Asian woman leaning on the glass with her hands locked and launching a smile that feels as if it's an invitation.
Her facial features are strong and ancient, but I notice a savage mark across her cheek that looks like she's been sprayed with acid. Her dark grey shoulder length hair is short and mess, and I feel she's taller than me, and if any Blackwell jocks piss her off, she'd probably send them to the ER.
"How's my number one customer doing?" The manager asks revealing her full set of strong teeth.
Hearing her say the part of the 'favorite customer' puzzles me a little making me think she is talking to me. I've been here a lot when I was a kid, but I don't remember her. Then again, I don't remember a lot of people here, just the shops.
"Hey, Val." Rachel warmly greets eagerly strolling over to the stand and reaches out over the stand. "Just doing some shopping with my girlfriend before going to a show."
Again, I can feel myself blushing all over just hearing her call me her girlfriend.
"Ahh girls night out." Val laughs. "Good times."
Rachel rolls her eyes. "Not that kinda 'girlfriend' Val."
"Oh really?" Val glances over at me with a gape smile and back at Rachel leaning in on her whispering something in her ear that I couldn't make out.
Rachel grins wider. "Me too, but she's mine soo..."
I walk over joining the conversation. "Hiding secrets from me?" I mused jokingly.
"Was just saying that I like you already, girl!"
Rachel giggles gleefully. "Max, this is Val, badass manager of EcoTouch Val, this is Max, coolest girl ever!"
I sheepishly brought my head down. "I dunno about that."
If there is ever a reminder of self confidence, Rachel and her ticklish poking is it.
"Hey!" I yelped.
She shamelessly smiles and turns to Val. "When ever she says crap like that, I remind her she's awesome."
Val purses her smile and nods. "Good thinking." She turns to me. "You go to Blackwell, too, right?"
"Yes, I'm planning on becoming a photographer." I explained.
"You should see her photos!" Rachel praises. "Hella awesome!"
"Well, I'd love to see your work when you print everything out." Val generously offers.
"Actually, they're polaroid." I corrected.
"Really?" Val arches a brow. "Old school, huh?"
I can feel my body sinking underneath my shoulders. "It's expensive, but reliable and feels authentic."
Val turns to Rachel pointing at me. "That girl has really good tastes."
Rachel hums approvingly. "Like I said: coolest girl ever!"
Okay, all this praise is very humbling.
In the middle of the conversation, Rachel places the organic products on the stand along with that balm I was inspecting. I hear that serene bell going off signaling Val of new customers. She gives a quick glance to the entrance and waves.
"Good to see you, Joyce." She greets genuinely, but her warm smile fizzles a little. "David."
I beam and twirl around to see Joyce waving over in our direction with David behind her. Joyce's hair is not in it's usual ponytail style, making it look a lot like mine only more neat. With her open brown leather jacket and short jeans, she looks one of those badass shopping moms.
Oh, Joyce. It's so good to see you again. You're looking so much better now.
David appeared less friendly, which is no surprise, but at least he greets Val with a nod. David still maintains his prim and proper military posture and not a trace of a wrinkle in his smooth grey vest shirt and stainless khaki pants.
Old habits do die hard. Even as a civilian, David still has his soldier mentality.
When Joyce's eyes meet mine, she beams and walk towards me with each step being faster than the last. I rushed forward with my body softly impacting into hers while her arms snake around my back.
"Oh, baby.." She whispers. I can feel her hand gently petting my hair.
Joyce hugging me feels so good. I never want to leave her arms. I reluctantly pull away and flash a tiny smile.
"It's so good to see you, Joyce." I tell her.
"And you too, honey." She says lovingly. She looks over my shoulder. "Hi, Rachel."
Rachel came from behind and offers Joyce a loving hug. "Good to see you, Joyce." Rachel flashes a wary look over at David and he copies her expression, but quickly turns back to Joyce. "How're you doing?"
Joyce sadly sighs. "I'm... doing the best I can. It's really hard."
Rachel emphatically nods resting a hand on Joyce's shoulder. "Of course it is." She murmurs. "If you need anything, anything at all, please let me know."
"We're fine thanks." David answer bluntly.
"David." Joyce growls softly. "One thing that you can do is give me a chance to know you better." She looks at me. "Since you and Max are inseparable by the looks of it."
"Best girlfriend ever." Rachel proudly admits.
"Girlfriend..? As in..." Joyce looks over at me and back at Rachel processing what she had just heard. She lets out a surprised laugh. "Max! I... I had no idea..."
I shrug bashfully. "Neither did I, Joyce. But... I'm happy we are."
"Well as long as you two play nice, that's all that matters." Hearing Joyce assurances of our relationship is great to hear. "How was school today, girls?"
"It was good." I answered. "Supposed to get our new teacher in tomorrow. So..." I pause thinking back to that sick bastard Jefferson. Just him touching me, Kate, Rachel? Makes me shudder. "I hope it's a good replacement."
"I still can't believe that Mark Jefferson did such evil things. All those poor girls... and Meghan." Joyce trailed off looking deep in thought. David tenderly rubs Joyce's arm in his attempt to comfort her.
I choose to change the subject to an important question. "So.. what time is... Chloe's service?"
"Tomorrow at 4PM. It's down at Kingston Church." David brusquely replied before muttering. "I'm gonna be outside."
"I'll be there tomorrow, Joyce." Max tells her. "Promise."
"Me, too." Rachel adds. "I may not know her, but Max does. I want to be there for both of them."
Joyce smiles graciously at the two girls. "Thank you, girls." She pulls them both in for a hug, which they eagerly accept.
Joyce clears her throat after they pulled away. "What are you two going to be up to now?"
"I can't tell." Rachel answers. "It's a surprise for Max."
"Well can I hear what surprise you have line up for her?" Joyce asked.
"Long as you promise not to tell her!" Rachel settles the terms.
"Ugh!" Max grunts being left out.
Rachel smiles back at Max. "Sorry, hon. You'll thank me, though. Promise."
Joyce chuckles. "Alright, Ms. Amber. I promise not to tell."
I feigned a frown as Rachel winks at me and leans in towards Joyce's ear whispering her plan. Already I can see a smile curving across Joyce's face.
"I can only guess what she has up her sleeve." Val tells me handing me our brown paper bags. "Promise me you'll tell me what the surprise will be."
I roll my eyes. "Sure."
"Well I will say that you are in for one amazing surprise, Max." Joyce tells me now that Rachel covertly informed her. Curse being kept in the dark!
"We should get going. The surprise is about to start soon." Rachel tells me as she embraces Joyce. "It was good to see you again, Joyce."
"You too, honey." Joyce gingerly replies.
Joyce and I brought in one tight hug before we depart. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you, Max." She whispered.
I tightened my grip. "You and me both, Joyce." I can feel the tears welling up and the last thing I want to do is let go.
We both pulled away and I did my best to get my shit together rubbing my eye with my sleeve. I said my goodbyes to both Joyce and Val as we departed the store no longer smelling that earthly essence and the regular air once again feels my nose.
Rachel and I walked on down the mall grounds as coming up on few benches and the Hawt Dog Man kiddy ride from when I was little!
I seriously thought they got rid of it. Looks a lot better than the last time I saw it.
"We got about ten minutes." Rachel tells me.
I give her a puzzled look. "What's in ten minutes?"
"Uh, uh, uh!" Rachel teases waving a finger at me.
"Oh right." How could I forget? "Surprise. So... just heading straight there?"
"Where else, you goose?" She coos.
We carried on pass the benches and the old kiddy ride, and that's when matters got more serious.
"I'll need to get some shopping in for the service tomorrow." Rachel tells me softly.
I brought my head down. "Same here."
"I'd like to hear more about Chloe." Rachel gingerly said.
I turn to her. "What?"
"Yeah. Lotta the Vortex snobs and Prickcott talk some nasty shit with her being a hell raiser and a trouble maker. Fucking hypocrites." Her eyes soften on me. "I'd like a different view from you, Max." She takes hold of my hand rubbing tenderly.
I can feel a lump clogging up my throat only to have it force back down. I know this is going to be a tough conversation, tough doesn't even describe it. But Rachel deserves to hear everything about Chloe Price: My best friend, my captain, my partner in crime. And what Chloe had with Rachel, it was everything for her.
"Yeah." I concur a little shaky. "I'll tell you everything about her at dinner. And yeah, she might be a trouble maker, but she's more than that. And amazing."
There was a brief moment of silence until Rachel spoke.
"Well good thing she's not the only hell raiser." She slyly says hooks an arm around my neck pulling me close.
"I'm still working on the rebel bit." I tell her.
She rubs my neck. "You're off to a good start, Max." Rachel looks up her eyes appearing as if they acquired their target. "Oh! There it is!" She grabs my hand pulling me along as we sprinted. "C'mon! About to start soon!"
As we slowed down, nostalgia begins to kick in. We stopped in front of what I assume is the surprise.
Is this...? No way... No fucking way! Is she for reals?! Is this the surprise?
"Surprise!" Rachel exclaims.
I never been a squealer, and I bet mom and dad would not believe me if I freaked and squeeze Rachel locking my arms around her. But I don't care. All I can think of is I'm so happy and excited I think would just wet myself!
"I love you! I love you! I love you!" I repeated over and over again. "I love you so much, Rachel Amber!"
Sorry about the long wait guys! I've been swamped with college and other things. I was planning on letting this be one chapter, but going to split it into parts. Question is: What kind of a surprise did Rachel give to Max? Part 2 will have the answer :)
And of course Rachel has a badass moment. :P
Thanks again guys! :)