So, Just because I feared my A/N wasn't appearing on the previous Chapter here it is again, because it was pretty difficult to follow.
Hey guys, hope you've enjoyed reading so far, So, of all the chapters so far published, this was the most difficult to get my head around so I'm just making a note here (Huge success)
Hopefully I'm able to explain it (Remember I wrote the first 16 chapters about a year ago, 17 onward is recent. but of course we're not there yet.) Okay, so whenever max would rewind with object in hard (For example the hammer in the restroom) She would still have that object. And as there's no occasion where she does that while warping through a photo, (Which makes sense) she only carried her experiences of future details. In this scenario she attempts to do just that, bring back an 'object' apart from it's a whole person. For the sake of the story it works. Chloe remembers all the events of the week, and fortunately, having it been explained to her previously (when Max tells Chloe about how she went back to save William) Chloe knows she only had a limited time.
After finding out Chloe dies by Jefferson, she uses her journal to get back to when warren took that photo. There she convinces Chloe to speak to David and hide, thus preventing her death. At the same time, she completely zones out till they are on the beach, and Max needs Chloe to fill her in. That's basically why Chloe can't remember the first couple of days being back after telling David about the Darkroom. So... simply put. What happens when you Sacrifice Chloe... but Max...
And, if I remember right, When Max went back and saved William, she returned to the same day and time as she left. Meaning, when Max took Chloe back, when the time line sorted out, It was Friday, meaning Max had already been dead for at least 4 days (The Monday)
If it's still confusing than that's okay, it took me a while to work it out and write it. Read it again, and if that doesn't work... than Deus Ex Machina. xD It's not great for story telling but this is the case to advance the plot.
Again thank you for reading. Hope this helped.
Chapter 10: One Step Forward Two Steps Back.
Chloe's eyes opened… Laying there… unable to fully explain the crazy shit that's happening to her, she just laid there. Unsure what to do, what to think, what to say. She was just bombarded by question after question. Finally, after 10 or so minutes she took her eyes off the ceiling and her thoughts out of her head to take a look around her surroundings.
Without actually realising it, she had been on the floor this whole time. The golden rays of the sun shining through the window and thanks to the star-spangled banner covered the room in a warm reddish colour.
It took Chloe a while before realising that Joyce was actually sat up head back in her desk chair asleep. Intrigued by her presence she tried to recall what happened yesterday. Vanessa and Ryan showed up, gave her Max's things, which she already observed was all over her room. Then like a lighting bolt she recalled the crazy experience that happened yesterday… doubting herself because of the absolute absurdity of it, Chloe questioned did she really see Max, or was it just another one of her crazy dreams. And they were nothing but crazy, but least they could be explained... Sort of. But actually seeing your dead best friend, that's some sixth sense shit. In an attempt to put together all the pieces she knew that her head would explode if she tried to work it out in there. So, grabbing her not so filled Journal she began to write exactly what had happened… as best as she could remember.
So Friday 11th was meant to be the storm… but Max went back with me to Monday 7th and as a result she died… and Her funeral was held 2 days ago on the 14th and yesterday I had the freaky weird experience seeing… 'Max' and now today I wake up from the most mind-blowing surreal vivid dream I've ever had… Man… Lucid dreaming has nothing on me.
'Oh man! How did she do this!? I'm already frustrated at trying to record everything… Right Chloe… just record the important stuff for now.'
Max sacrificed herself to save me and Arcadia bay.
- Why?
- What did Max have to do with the Storm
When I went through Max's things, she suddenly appeared
- Her interaction were as though she was really there… Or was my mind playing tricks on me?
- She slowly vanished away
- She told me she has my back, and I'm never alone
I had the most fucked up dream
- I re-watch what happened at the lighthouse
- Max showed me my old memories…
- William was there.
- They filled my head with more questions, but… least I got some answers?
Questions:
- Why is all of this happening?
- Why did I see Max?
- What's with my weird ass dreams?
- What question should I be preparing myself for?
Wow… Just looking at this mess is frustrating. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON…
Chloe couldn't help but simply collapse at the mess of it all. It seems the more answers she found only opened the doorway to so many more questions.
"I'm not high enough for this shit"
Attempting to get up quietly and more importantly retrieve a joint from her stash which frank 'kindly' gave her she exited her room like a ninja and went out the back… She couldn't care less if Step- douche caught her. Speaking of which she hadn't seen him since… the Funeral.
Not letting another problem occupy her thoughts she sparked up and allowed the substance to fill her lungs, holding it in deep and exhaling was like air that really got into the tight spaces of her lungs which normal air just couldn't do. But like all good things it must come to an end. To be honest she wasn't surprised Sargent McBalls was awake this early, she didn't know whether to hide the joint or reaffirm that she wasn't going to put up with any of his bullcrap especially this week.
"Good morning Chloe"
"Good morning Step dou… David…."
She didn't fully understand why, but knowing that after everything that had happened, David did actually care. But of course, Chloe will never say that out loud.
"I don't expect you to answer me, but… How are you holding up?"
With that Chloe remained silent so his expectations weren't suddenly on cloud fucking 9. Instead she just took another drag from her joint, and it was so obvious it was. Remaining in silence it started to become uncomfortable. So, Chloe decided to brake the silence that perhaps one of her questions would be answered.
Abruptly Chloe looked at David who wasn't caught off guard but was surprised by her sudden body motion. "Why did you believe me David?"
David took a moment to think, partly to work out what she was referring to, and then give an answer which will not end up in another one of their family feuds.
"I could see it in your eyes Chloe…" David's response intriguing the girl, as though he had suddenly been able to read her like a book. "What do you mean?!" Sharper than anticipated the follow up question left Chloe's lips.
David cleared his throat "What I mean is when I was on tour, there was a look to people's eyes as though what they're about to tell you is a matter of life and death… You had that look Chloe… Along with my own hunch being confirmed what you expressed to me was a matter of life and death… and sadly it…" David cut himself off, knowing it was still a very sensitive subject rather he simply asked, "Did that answer your question?" Chloe, pondering on what he said, simply gave a little nod.
"Thanks… for believing me"
Regardless of the relationship or lack thereof between David and Chloe, any moment like this was a huge victory in David's book, one that left him in a good mood till usually a fight broke out leaving them both feeling bitter. So, before he could jeopardise the accomplishment, he simply nodded and allowed Chloe the time and space. She wouldn't admit it… but she too was glad showing a small smile. It was much better than getting shouted at so early during the day. But questions remained… Why couldn't she remember that conversation. Max had said when she went back, she remember all her experiences, like when she went back to save… dad. Yet, I don't remember anything? The last thing I remember is knowing Max's funeral was in a couple of days.
Making a mental note of yet another unanswered question, she made the effort to remember to add it to her list of questions and tried to push it to one side. Turning around to see if David was still there and being kinda relived he wasn't. She determined to ask him for more details at a later time.
By the time she had finished smoking, Joyce was in the kitchen making breakfast and getting ready for work. Remembering her mother was in her room during the night and must have stayed by her side from yesterday Chloe came in and made the effort to be grateful.
"Morning Mom, Whatcha cooking me up?" the question earned her a playful tut followed by a reply "The usual Hun, unless you want something different?" "Nah the usual is the best! … Thank you."
While Joyce wasn't used to the appreciation she sure could get used to it. In a way of showing her appreciation Joyce turned around and simply gave her a Joyce bear hug, which after some resistance was finally given into. "Aww mom, what did I do to earn this punishment?!" Joyce laughed at the reminiscence of a sassy joy filled Chloe. With no intention to ruin the moment Joyce continued preparing breakfast while Chloe sat at the table scrolling through her phone.
"Hey Mom… Do you need… any help today?"
A clear gasp escaped Joyce's mouth
'Yep… knew it was a bad idea, now she's gonna start interrogating me'
The truth was, Chloe knew she had no plans for the day… She never really had plans, and she didn't want to be stuck in her head doing nothing all day. Sure enough, even if she did do something… the thoughts will soon take over.
"That'll be wonderful Chloe" Knowing this was a perfect time to tease the girl Joyce knew this opportunity came once in a life time, she wasn't about to mess it up just for a few seconds of laughter. "What would you feel more comfortable doing?" Chloe took a moment to really think about that… "I don't know, just anything that'll keep me busy…" "Okay sweetie, finish up your breakfast and we'll head on over to the Two Whales I'm sure there's plenty you can do there."
The more Chloe thought about the idea… the more she regretted it… Her bed became more and more appealing, but before she could retaliate she was already half way to the diner. What's the worst that could happen?