It was a bizarre thought to Max as she sat there… Back at Blackwell everyone was so… cut off from each other.. everyone had their groups and personal net of friends...Vortex Club members were like a pack of wolves.. they never really talked to anyone that wasn't in their club.. and when they did it came off as brash and cocky... and vice versa for the students that hated their club. Then there were the inbetweeners like Max that would just observe all the drama from the outside.. that was how it used to be until what happened in the bathroom that day to Chloe.. after that.. everything changed.. it seemed to widen everyone's eyes.. brought them closer… Max would've never thought that she would find a friend in Victoria and countless others that also came to her funeral.
A guy like Nathan acting so normal around them was a rare sight, Max couldn't take her eyes off him.. It was like seeing a ghost of the past, He hadn't changed much since she last saw him, But there was something different.. his face.. it didn't look so… angry like usual. That red jacket he always used to wear stuck in her mind whenever she saw him.. seeing him without it was super weird.
The Nathan that had been silently drug affected and tortured by Jefferson whilst putting on an aggressive front in the other timeline didn't want to be that person right? … This had to be the real Nathan... She recalled how he broke down in front of her when she visited him in his first week in prison...
Something had to have changed while he was locked up.. No matter how angry Max wanted to be at him for what he had done.. all she could feel was a sense of pity… In a way.. his life was a polar opposite to Chloe.. she wished she had her father.. while Nathan wished he didn't have a father at all.. but they both didn't have the best childhood.
Yet here they were.. A shy time traveller, A Church girl, A Geek and a Former Douche all sitting at the same table.
Whilst Kate and Nathan were occupied chatting Max felt her phone buzz.. she took it out and noticed it was from Warren.. of course he would be texting her from the same table.
"So yea.. that just happened.. why did we just walk in on Nathan fucking Prescott talking to Kate? what's he doing here?" it read...
She looked up to see Warren sitting directly opposite her.. with a wide eyed freaked out look on his face.. like "get this guy away from me"
"I think I know why, I'll tell you about .. put your phone away.. he's not dumb.. he'll know we're talking about him" she replied..
And with that they both slid their phones in their pockets…
Max noticed that Nathan's left eye twitched.. he could probably see all this in his peripheral vision…he turned to them and looked like he was going to say something but was interrupted by Warren.
Warren: So.. Nathan, you're going to the graduation right?
Nathan: Yea, I'll be there with Victoria, What about you guys?
Warren made a quiet sigh in his head… of course it was Victoria...he thought
Max: I'll be going with Warren… should be fun.
Kate: "You need to be there by 6:30pm, Formal dress code" she said while smiling.
Nathan: "Formal.. got it… that means suit and tie right?"
Warren: "Yea.. that's what it means, This isn't the usual Vortex club piss up that you guys used to do" he said trying to sound funny but coming off as a little condescending… he scratched the back of his head and tried to laugh.. only to receive a slight scowl from Nathan.
If Max could facepalm right now she would.. The silence was so unnerving that Warren forced himself to talk again to break the tension.
Warren: "So.. Uh, what brought you back.. To Arcadia bay I mean"
Nathan: "What do you mean what brought me back?" he said trying to keep his cool as he glared back at Warren.
Warren: "Was just curious, We uh, didn't expect to see you so soon."
Nathan:" I grew up here remember, where else would I go? Kind of obvious isn't it?"
Nathan really was trying to be nice, but he didn't know why these obvious questions were pissing him off so much.
Warren: "I guess you're right" was all he could spit out
Warren could feel Max and Kate staring at him as if they were telepathically telling him not to piss off Nathan… "You Idiot Warren, This guy has just come out of prison and all you're managing to do is irritate him" He thought to himself.
Nathan took another sip of his drink, Max could see the frown lines in the middle of his forehead.. he wasn't enjoying this one bit.. She could see bits of the old Nathan starting to leak out but he was managing to keep his cool… Warren and Nathan had already gotten into two fights in the other timeline.. they sure didn't need a third one here.
Luckily one of the waitresses came just in time to serve Warren's belgian waffles he ordered. His eyes lit up as she placed it on the table.
Waitress: "Here ya go! Enjoy."
Warren: "Thanks"
Max thought how it was lucky that Joyce wasn't on shift today.. if she saw Nathan here… What would she do.. and Frank.. did he care enough about Chloe to want to come after him as well?
Max: "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but.. what was it like in there?"
Nathan: "Well, to sum it up.. It was a nightmare. when those cell doors closed I thought it was over.. Every day was a challenge… I met some real screwed up people in there.. worse than you could imagine...Of course me being a Prescott got out to the inmates.."
He took a second to stop before continuing.. They were all looking at him in a state of awe.. as If he was a parent telling some kids an old folk story.
Warren: "Man, I can't imagine being inside a cell for that long.. I don't know how you made it"
Max: 'That must have been tough"
Nathan: "But there were good people too.. people that helped me get through it.. they looked out for me, What was tougher was my dad stopping my family from seeing me, my sister did.. but yea.. not much contact from the outside world"
Kate: "That's horrible, why the heck would he do that?"
Nathan: "He was ashamed of me to cut a long story short, he figured I wasn't of any use to him anymore.. anyway.. me and him are done"
Max: "I'm glad to hear that, really"
Nathan: "Is David Madsen going to be there.. at the graduation, you know.. since he's security"
Max: "Yea, he will be"
Kate: "He wouldn't be able to stop you from entering if that's what you're worried about"
Nathan: "I hope not.. after what I did to- "
Kate sternly cut him off mid sentence.
Kate: "Don't Nathan.. don't do that to yourself"
Nathan: "Let's not beat around the bush here, I've been an ass to everyone sitting at this table..The damn Vortex Club was because of me.. and in the end I got what was coming to me"
Warren slightly nodded his head in agreement as he chomped down on a mouthful of waffles.. he couldn't disagree there…
Nathan: "Nothing I did to anyone was personal..I know I can't bring her back.. I get that, But I'm trying to change.."
Warren: "Well, in a shitty situation like this.. It's better to start late than never..Not trying to be offensive or anything"
Nathan: "No offense taken"
Max: "I'm glad that you're trying to turn your life around"
Kate: "So what does your dad have to say about that?"
Nathan: "Him? I haven't really spoken to him since I got out"
Max: "Do you plan to?"
Nathan: "Eventually, yea.. I'll have to visit home sooner or later"
Kate: "Don't you have a place to stay?"
Nathan: "Hayden's offered, until I can get my own place"
Max: "Better than nothing"
Nathan glanced up at the time on the wall.. it was 1pm…he had gotten so immersed in his chat that he had lost track of time.
Nathan: "Shit, I really have to go, I'm meant to be meeting Victoria in half an hour."
Max: "Where are you meeting her?"
Nathan: "Some park near the campus, she texted me the address already, I should probably get a headstart on the walk"
Kate: "That's closeby, one of you brought a car right?"
Warren: "Yea it's right outside"
Kate: "They can give you a lift"
Nathan: "You sure, I don't want to be a bother"
Kate: "Yea, isn't that right Warren?" she said whilst turning to him and raising an eyebrow.
Warren: "Alright Alright, I got the keys he-"
Max: "You mind if I take the car to drop off Nathan, I'll be back soon.. Promise.. there's a few things I wanted to talk to him about"
Warren: "Don't worry, I trust you, Just bring her back safe, no scratches" he said as he handed her the keys.
Max: "Yea, Yea, Come on Nathan"
Nathan: "Thanks you guys, It was good talking.. I uh, Enjoyed it actually"
As he got up to leave… Kate grabbed his wrist which caused him to stumble back and come to a halt, he stared down at her in confusion.
Kate: "Thanks for um, Clearing things up, I appreciate it.. really"
Nathan: "You're welcome Kate, I'm uh, glad I did" he said smiling, now realising all she was trying to do was thank him.
He gave a slight wave as followed Max outside the diner and into the car yard, Warren waited until they were out of sight.
Warren: "Ok, so when did he get here.. what did he say?.. start from the beginning"
Kate: "Listen carefully.. because you're probably not going to believe this"
Maxine Caulfield was fixated on the road, cautiously making her way slowly through the traffic, her hands were poised on the steering wheel as she stared out into the abyss. Nathan was in the front passenger, he looked over at her knowing full well she could see him staring at her.. waiting for her to talk.. he could tell her face was serious.. and that she was thinking about something. Her driving was pretty good for someone just starting out, Unlike Hayden she didn't jerk the car furiously or go fast over speed humps which usually caused him to become car sick.
Nathan: "You.. wanted to talk?" he said trying breaking the silence
Max: "When I saw you sitting at that table with Kate.. I thought I was seeing things.. but I eventually figured it out.. You were apologising weren't you.. for what happened that night"
Nathan: "I was" he said admittingly
Max: "That was big of you"
Nathan: "I made a promise to myself in prison that I was going to try and fix what I screwed up"
Max: "That took a lot of courage, Coming back to Arcadia Bay.. seeing all these old faces, I'd still be careful though"
Nathan: "I'll try.. I just hate feeling scared of the town I grew up in"
Max: "Time heals everything"
Nathan: "I guess... so do you still hate me?"
Max paused for a second, she didn't expect him to ask her so blatantly.
Max: "After It happened, I felt hopeless..It was just one of those unavoidable things.. you were angry.. but in reality you were just someone who needed a helping hand.. maybe If i had realised that sooner.. it wouldn't of happened..I still miss her everyday.. I hate what you did.. but no.. I don't hate you"
Nathan: "You couldn't of helped.. I was unapproachable.. a lost cause.. Why do I feel like you know more about me then I know about myself.. I feel like I've known you a lot longer"
As soon as he said this he noticed her expression change into a slight frown.. doing her best to hide it.
Memories of her endeavours with Chloe so long ago flooded her mind.. She had gotten a chance to see a whole other side to Nathan without him even knowing… His phone call apologising to her and warning her of Jefferson after escaping the dark room.. his silent pleas for help.. the medication he was on. All before she rewinded yet again for Chloe.. her last wish was to see this town still standing.
And Nathan.. if she had let that tornado hit the town.. he wouldn't even be here.. Jefferson would of ridded of him and he would probably be buried somewhere. How scared he must have been.. full of regrets, in tears and knowing he was about to die..
Max: "I guess I just have a gift" she finally replied.
Nathan: "You sure as hell do..shame.. could've used your skills back then to make a decision… turns out everything in my goddamn life is a lie.. my childhood, Jefferson… even that goddamn storm my dad used to go on about every day.."
Max looked over at him, seemingly startled by the statement
Max: "You're dad mentioned a storm, what do you mean?"
Nathan: "When I was a kid my dad used to go on about some storm that was apparently destined to hit the town as he would say.. and how our family would rebuilt the destruction then when they had the people's support.. take it over... it's the whole reason he built the bunker in the first place.. he even talked about renaming the town Prescott bay"
Max kept listening… It was definitely the same storm she envisioned.. And sacrificed Chloe for.
Nathan: "Now I know for sure he was a fucking nut.. because it never happened.. he even had a calendar for the date and bullshit like that"
It was so hard not to tell him that his dad would of been right.. about her powers.. but she couldn't.. she could never tell anyone.
Max: "Well look on the bright side, at least he was wrong"
Nathan chuckled, he then reached into his bag as he noticed it was getting cold outside, he pulled out a jumper and fought against the seatbelt to put it on.
Max: "What happened to red?.. or was it orange.. couldn't tell"
Nathan: "God knows where it is after they cleared out my dorm."
Max: "For what it's worth.. I like you in blue, looks more.. your style"
Nathan: "Thanks, thought it was time for a change"
Slowly the car came to a halt, He looked out the window at the park.. he saw a few kids sitting at a bench…and the first thing he noticed was Victoria's blonde hair sticking out like a sore thumb.. he saw her with Hayden and a few others. Why hadn't he got out yet.. was he actually feeling hesitation?
Max: "You're not shy are you?"
Nathan: "Of course not, It's just.. been so long, Hope it's not awkward"
Max: "You know she adores you, it won't be"
He then got out of the car and looked back at Max with his hand on the door
Nathan: "Thanks for the lift Max"
Max: "See you at the graduation Nathan"
He then nodded and smiled back, he shut the door to the car and watched as she drove off down the road and out of sight.
He then turned his attention to his old friends, they hadn't noticed him yet as he slowly walked towards them, soon enough they spotted him.. and Victoria was the first to run up and hug him.
Nathan: "Good to see you too Vic"
Victoria: "Jesus christ Nate, let me look at you"
She then let go of him and placed her hands on his shoulders as she looked into his eyes.
Victoria: "Well at least you still have that pretty face"
Hayden was the next to bro hug him, two other vortex club members, Logan and Zachary were behind him watching on.
Hayden whispered in his ear.
Hayden: "My brother take care of you?"
Nathan: "He sure did"
Hayden: "Good, I'm glad to see you're okay man"
Logan: "Nathan my man, it's good to see you"
Zachary: "Hell yea it hasn't been the same without you"
Nathan: "It's been too long" he said as he high fived them both, they all surrounded the park bench seat and sat down
Victoria: "Blue huh? I like it"
Nathan: "It's been getting good feedback so far"
Zachary: "Dude we need to throw a return party for you or something"
Logan: "Hell yea!"
Hayden: "Take it easy guys, he just got out"
Logan: "It's been like a fucking year man, the party scenes been dry without this crazy mofo there!"
Nathan: "I actually want to lay low for a bit"
Zachary: "Come on man!" he said slightly disappointed.
Victoria: "He only just got out, let him settle in first Zach.."
Logan: "There's still that graduation coming up"
Hayden: "Too true, Nathan's coming"
Zachary: "I'm going to be coming with Juliet.. and yes.. we haven't broken up yet"
Nathan: "Good to hear, Logan?"
Logan: "Well, after I screwed up with Dana.. Trevor has her all to himself.. Haven't found anyone"
Zachary: "Unlucky, she was hot.. you really did screw up"
Logan: "Shut up man" he said while shoulder nudging him
Nathan: "Wow, things definitely haven't changed have they?" he said trying not to laugh.
Zachary: "Maybe not with us, but you sure have, I can tell"
Victoria: "How so"
Zachary: "I don't know, it's that thing that you can't really pinpoint.. more of a feeling.. what's the word again?"
Logan: "I think you're talking about that thing called.. what was it.. Initution"
Nathan: "Ini what?"
Hayden tried to hold in his laugh, as did Nathan.
Victoria: "Its intuition you idiot, I can see why English was your worst subject"
Logan: "Fuck you guys" he said playfully as he pulled out a cigarette pack from his pocket.
Hayden: "So I was thinking, after we graduate… what do you guys think will happen to the Vortex club? We're all gonna be moving on from Arcadia bay.. so who should take over?"
Logan: "I'm sure Victoria will find someone just as pretty and popular as her to take over in the year below"
Zachary: "Ugh.. I hate the grades below us.. their fucking tools.. it's not going to be the same club without us"
Victoria: "Relax guys, I know a few people in the year below us that aren't complete tools… granted they aren't as popular but they can take over in time"
Nathan: "Ever thought about maybe letting it die?" he said interrupting.
Everything was silent as soon as he said that, everyone turned and just stared at him in sync.. he had done it now..
Victoria: "Let it die?"
Zachary: "The hell? We've kept it going for years"
Hayden: "After all the effort we put into it you just want to ditch it?
Logan: " You've been inside too long man just have some weed tonight or something"
Nathan: "Hang on, one at a time… Look, when we all first started at Blackwell the Vortex Club was just a stupid idea started by me.. never thought it would grow to become what it did.. but let's be honest.. it's not going to be the same after we're gone.. It started with us.. and maybe it should die with us too"
Hayden: "Courtney is going to be pissed, she manages it all"
Victoria: "He does have a point though.. he started it.. so he should get a say"
Zachary: "Still though.. doesn't mean we can't still go to them even if we don't run it anymore"
Nathan: "You really want to go to parties with school kids? Why not start something new?"
Logan: "Hold up, this is the Vortex Club we are talking about.. THE Vortex Club.. the one that's been around for almost 5 years"
Hayden: "Maybe it is the right thing to do.. after all.. we won't even be at Blackwell anymore.. maybe let the kids in the grades below us start their own thing"
Nathan: "Now that's an idea" he said in agreeance with him
Victoria: "How would we break it to everyone?"
Nathan: "Get Courtney to send out an email telling everyone that the Club is closing, we can have one more goodbye party for it.. and invite everyone.. no more lists"
Logan: "I don't know about this"
Zachary: "Shit… Lunch is over, we gotta get to class guys, we can talk about this later, see you at the graduation Nathan"
Victoria: "You guys go, we'll catch up"
Logan and Zachary quickly fist bumped Nathan as they ran off down back to Campus, Hayden and Victoria.
Nathan: "Those two are exactly how I remember them" he said with a smirk
Victoria: "So what was that back there, didn't seem like something you would say"
Hayden: "It's something else isn't it?"
They noticed his eyes dart around as he stared into space, seemingly looking for an answer.
Victoria: "You know us Nathan.. spit it out"
Nathan: "I'm going to lay it out real clear here" he said while taking a deep breath.
Hayden: "Go on"
Nathan: "The Vortex Club.. It was everything wrong with Blackwell… it's just a shitty reminder of the mistakes I made.. In a way I just feel like if it ended I would be more at peace knowing no other kids are going to make the same mistakes I did"
Victoria put a hand on his shoulder
Victoria: "If that's how you feel, then we'll do it okay?"
Nathan: "Thanks"
Victoria: "And don't forget about our dance, it's in a week"
Nathan: "I'll be there"
Victoria: "I better go, call me if you need anything"
Nathan: "Will do"
And with that, Victoria picked up her small purse and walked off back down to campus. Leaving him with Hayden.
Nathan: "I shouldn't be standing here"
Hayden: "What?" he said raising an eyebrow
Nathan: "There were so many times when I thought I was going to give up… or eventually get murdered in there, but your brother helped me.. so many times.."
Hayden: "Jesus, I feel bad for hiding him from you guys.. I shouldn't of been embarrassed.. I just didn't want to give anyone ammunition to use against me.. you know.. having a brother in prison can give you a bad reputation"
Nathan: "I get it"
Hayden: "Thank Christ you got sent to a normal prison instead of some mental asylum"
Nathan: "I'm just lucky that I had good lawyers and that the judges didn't see it that way.. I should of been in prison longer but.. good behaviour helped ease the sentence"
Hayden: "A freak accident in a bathroom doesn't make you some psychotic monster"
Nathan: "I hope you're right"
Hayden: "I know I'm right.. you might of been on some serious meds but I know you.. you're not crazy.. I'm sorry that we weren't there for you when you needed us "
Nathan: "Don't be, this isn't on you"
Nathan looked down at the ground in silence.
Hayden: "So what are you going to do now?"
Nathan: "Well, I'm in an okay mood so I'll try and avoid my dad this week at least."
Hayden: "You can crash at mine if you want"
Nathan: "Maybe later this week.. I have to settle into my apartment at Pan estates first"
Hayden: "Alright bro, keep your head up, I gotta get to class"
Nathan: "Thanks man"
They both said their goodbyes as he watched his friend vanish down the road. He then went to the side street and signalled another taxi.. he then asked to go to Pan estates. This time he was exiting the town towards the outskirts.. His sister had told him that their dad had organised the room and everything.
20 minutes later..
Nathan was dropped off by the taxi and made his way into the complex, he stood outside his new place… it was on the top floor and admittedly had a good view of the water.. there were many other rooms around him in the hallways filled with other residents he didn't know.. he then unlocked the door and entered.
It was a decent size, fairly modern furniture with a tv, bathroom and kitchen.. not to mention a deck with a view.. it was better than a cell at least. Just as he was settling in he felt his phone buzz and quickly pulled it out. It was from his father.
'Son, by now I hope that you are settled into your new place, Your mother and I are going to be at a conference for the rest of the week. We will drop by and see you next week, In the meantime I would ask that you be careful at this Blackwell Graduation as I know that you probably will be going and we don't need any more mistakes.. We need to have a long talk about your future when I get back. In the meantime try to stay hidden, we don't need anymore negative press. My vision for this town still isn't out of reach even though I had some setbacks with your imprisonment. Just remember.. If it weren't for me you would be rotting away in some psychiatric ward right now.'
Your Father
He threw his phone on the couch, he despised that man… he despised how he made him feel like he owed.. Even though all he felt was hate.
But he had to keep his cool, he couldn't revert back to his old self.. this is what he was taught at all those years of therapy in prison. He always had a choice.. It was going to be hard with the graduation in 4 days...This was going to be one tough week.. He launched himself on to the bed and let his exhaustion overcome him.
And before he had knew it..four days passed…he hadn't been out much.. mainly just sat around watching TV, he made the effort to buy a tuxedo for the occasion… It was now 6pm.
Kristine: "Come on Nate! You'll be late" his sister screamed out from the hallway.
Nathan: "Hang on!" he said while adjusting his tie in the mirror and scanning himself.
His sister had come to pick him up from his apartment, Nathan was never the one to be on time.. mainly because he left things to the last minute.
Nathan: "Alright let's go"
He quickly followed her to the car and he hopped in the passenger.. she started the ignition and they were finally off.
Kristine: "You look so handsome, I can't believe I'm taking my little brother to his last school dance"
Nathan: "Keep your eyes on the road not on me" he said smiling.
Kristine: "Alright, alright.. just enjoy the night.. but don't enjoy it too much if you know what I mean" she said while winking.
Nathan: "I told you she's just a friend"
Kristine: "This Victoria Chase girl seems pretty into you from what you've been telling me"
Nathan: "Spare me the lecture.."
Kristine: "I remember my last graduation dance"
Nathan: "How did it go for you?"
Kristine: "I went with my crush who I had known forever..they showed baby photos which was pretty embarrassing.. we danced.. everything was fine until the after party"
Nathan: "After party?"
Kristine: "Yea after it ended we went to one of the students houses to get smashed.. couldn't find my date anywhere after we got there.. found him making out with some other chick in a room.. ruined the whole night for me"
Nathan: "Seriously?"
Kristine: " Yea.. while I was crying in a corner..some other guy came to check on me, spent the night talking with him…well.. now he's my boyfriend"
Nathan: "Lost a friend.. made a new one huh?"
Kristine: "Guess you could say that, don't let my nightmare story discourage you though"
Nathan: "I think it already has.. yikes" he said widening his eyes
Kristine: "If i could punch you right now I would" she said while laughing
10 minutes passed and they were close now.. Nathan could feel the butterflies in his stomach.. he was starting to get hot flushes.
Nathan: "Kristine" he said clenching his hands
Kristine: "Yea" she said trying to keep her eyes on the road
Nathan: "I'm a fucking nervous wreck.. I'm freaking out.. I.. I can't do it"
Kristine: "Come on bro"
Nathan: "I might of been in a popular group here.. but the truth is I was everyone's voodoo doll..I was an ass and a bully and I doubt anyone here tonight will be glad to see me… only thing I was good for was supplying drugs"
Kristine: "Believe it or not you have friends there that care about you.. that made an effort to stay connected to you in those years in prison.. Hayden, Victoria.. me.. So go in there and make everything right…. don't run away from this.. because years down the line you will be looking back at this moment and you don't want to be thinking what if.."
Nathan: "Ok.. Ok.." he said trying to calm himself down
Kristine: "We're here now" she said while pulling up.
Nathan looked out the window at the grounds of his old school.. the steps.. the main building… the students… they were all there dressed up in tuxedos and dresses in a mosh pit waiting to enter the main ground.
Kristine: "She's waiting for you at the steps" she said while pointing
Nathan spotted her, looking as beautiful as ever in her white dress and earrings, he exited the car.
Nathan: "I'll call you soon okay"
Kristine: "Enjoy your night.. it's yours"
Nathan: "Thanks sis"
He then shut the door of the car and made his way to the steps,He could already hear the music echoing through the grounds and the drunken screams of people.. Victoria had spotted him and had a big grin on her face. He hugged her for what seemed to be an eternity.
Victoria: "You look so handsome"
Nathan: "Not as good as you, stunning Victoria"
Victoria: "I dress to impress, you know that"
He then heard two more squealing voices he was all too familiar with…
Taylor: "Oh my god Nathan!"
Courtney: "It's so good to see you!"
They both latched themselves on to him.. hugging him and feeling his clothes… He would of been flattered if Kate hadn't told him that they were talking shit about him to Victoria. Even though it was most likely fake, he played along with it… he couldn't blame them for thinking he was dangerous.
Nathan: "Great to see you girls too" he said trying not to sound hostile
Courtney: "You two are by far the best looking couple here"
Taylor: "We better get going, meet you inside okay?"
Victoria: "Okay girls, don't start drinking without me"
They both scurried off in their high heels.
Victoria: "You ready?"
Nathan: "Yep"
She offered him her arm, they adjoined and walked together up the stairs, people were waiting in line to enter the dance, he could see lights and music coming from the inside. The school felt like such a different place at night.. These campus grounds hadn't changed much.. it felt like yesterday that he was sitting here with all his friends enjoying lunch and just talking.
He could make out a dark figure by the door.. guarding it like a bouncer… he hoped that he would not be here.. but he was… always checking.. It was none other than David Madsen himself.
They both walked and joined the line to enter… Nathan could already hear the whispers and feel the stares on him from other students.. not everyone had noticed as about half were already inside.
"Oh my god is that Nathan Prescott" one said… "What's he doing here" said another.. it sounded like they were whispering through blow horns because that's how obvious it was… He pretended like he couldn't hear them.
Victoria: "You see him?"
Nathan: "Yea.." he said while gripping her arm tighter
He could feel his heart pounding.. David still hadn't seen him.. He saw Max and Warren dressed up similar to how he and Victoria were and were a little ahead of them in the line. She was talking to David… he waved the duo in and before he knew it Nathan was standing right next to a man's daughter he had killed.
He was getting ready to wave Victoria in until he saw Nathan.. his face dropped
David: "What the hell are you doing here Prescott?" he said with malice in his voice
Victoria: "Leave him alone Madsen, just let us in"
David: "You stay out of this, he can't be here"
Victoria: "He has the right to be here just as much as anyone else"
Nathan: "David.. I know what you're feeling.. me just storming in here after all these years.. I'm sor-"
David: "You think I give a shit about your apologies? Why don't you apologise to my wife for taking her only daughter from her.. It sickens me to think they let you out early you little shit" he said cutting him off and taking a step forward
?: "Enough Madsen" a voice came from behind
Nathan was caught off guard as he saw the Principle cut in.. causing David to ease off.
Mr Wells: " It's good to see you back, You're welcome here Mr Prescott, go on inside with Miss Chase while I have a chat with David here"
Nathan and Victoria nodded as they began to walk away….
David: "But he-"
Mr Wells: "I know.. we can talk about this later.. we can't make a scene"
David turned to Nathan as he was walking away.
David: "Just don't forget what you are"
Victoria: "Just ignore him alright"
Nathan: "Yea.. that went down how I expected it to"
As they made it to the dance floor he noticed how everything was illuminated.. there were lights, speakers a DJ.. people dancing everywhere. Just like a Vortex Club party.. except everyone was… dressed up.
Kate and another guy were the first to come up and greet them, they had to scream over the music just to talk.
Kate: "Glad you guys could make it"
Victoria: "Yea.. although we did have some trouble with Madsen outside"
Kate: "Figures… just gotta ignore him"
Nathan: "Wells stepped in.. so I don't think he'll be bothering me tonight"
Kate: "Nathan this is my friend Derrick , I don't think you guys have met" she said while putting her hand on the young man's shoulder.. he looked about the same age as her and had a classy combed over haircut.
Derick: "Hey there" he said while extending his hand.
Nathan: "Hey" he said simply returning the shake.
Victoria: "So you're the one Kate's been talking about?"
Derrick: "Yea, we go to the same Church and we've known each other a while, so when Kate asked me to come I jumped at the chance to go to a Blackwell Graduation"
Kate: "I'm not much of a moshpit dancer.. but there's a first for everything"
Derrick: "That's more like it.. see you guys in there" he said as they both ran off into the herd of dancers.
Victoria: "What do you say Nathan, should we join in too?"
Before he could reply they were swamped by a mob of people, Hayden with some girl he had never seen, Zachary with Juliet and Logan with some random blonde girl along with Courtney and Taylor with two other guys.. most of them seemed pretty tipsy.
Hayden and Logan slung their arms around Nathan basically pushing Victoria aside from him.. she stood there… a little dissatisfied.
Victoria: "You been drinking already Hayden?"
Taylor: "We've all been drinking!"
Zachary: "Hell yea we have!"
Courtney: "This is our last school dance afterall"
Juliet: "Zachary why didn't you tell me Nathan was coming"
Zachary: "Because you would've spread it.. you are a reporter here after all"
Juliet basically pushed her boyfriend aside to talk to Nathan, skipping the typical introductions she cut straight to the point.
Juliet: "That was decent of you, having one last Vortex Club party and inviting everyone this time, you mind if I write up about it for the school?"
Nathan: "Yea, go ahead" he was surprised that she already knew about that.. they must've sent out that email right after they spoke.. maybe his word meant more to them than he thought.
Hayden: "Finally, the life of the party is here, Hey photographer dude.. get us all in a group photo!"
Nathan tried to smile and pose as best as he could as some kid with a camera started ordering them around on how to stand.. the blinding flashes of light caused his eyes to flinch. They hadn't even started dancing yet and it was already this hectic.. and to make things worse.. he could see about half of the people in the room staring at him, this was going to be a long night..
Meanwhile at the other end of the party Max Caulfield was at the drinks table with Warren and a few other of her friends.
Justin: "I didn't think he would show.. Look at him standing there like he owns the place with all those Vortex asses... getting pictures taken.. pretending like nothing's happened… Chloe should be here… not him."
Trevor: "You're talking some shit but you're still going to that party he's hosting.. you wanna go say that to his face?"
Justin: "Hell no man you have any idea what he might do?"
Max: "Just leave him alone, we don't want to spoil a good night with fights.."
Dana: "Max is right, we're all adults now.. and we should act like it"
Justin: "Fine"
Warren: "Damn.. it's hard to think that we're all gonna be going our own ways after this.. I know we're all officially adults.. but it doesn't feel like it"
Suddenly the music stopped and everyone started clapping as Principle Well's went to the stage and grabbed a microphone.
Dana: "This should be good"
Principle Wells: "Thank you all, thank you" he waited until the clapping subsided until he continued.
Principle Wells: "I just wanted to say how much of an honour it is to have been at this school that started with so many talented kids and over time grew into talented young men and women who have matured so much throughout the years, It pains me to say goodbye to all of you here tonight who have graduated.. But I hope that you take a part of Blackwell Academy with you upon your departure… and remember that we consider all of you as family. It has been a privilege getting to know each and every one of you.. And I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and wherever you go, remember you always have a home in Arcadia Bay"
The students then uproared into a fit of clapping and cheering as he left the stage.
Justin: "Damn, he's good at speeches"
Trevor: "You're not crying are you Dana?" he said turning his head as he could hear some sniffling.
Dana: "I'm just going to miss this school so much.. and all of our friends" she said while hugging him.
Max: "There's no place like Arcadia bay"
Warren: "yeah.. so what do you say we all go dance like it's our last night here?" he said while deeply sighing.
Dana: "I can get behind that"
Trevor: "Hell yeah"
Max thought how great it would be right now if Chloe was here so she could say "Ready for the mosh pit Shaka bra" as they all joined in on the dance… but this is what she wanted.. for us all to live..
As she danced along with Warren and the rest, she took note of how horrible she was at busting a move.. but doing it with all her friends made her feel that much better. They danced for what she felt like was an hour.. she could feel her sweat mixing with her makeup.. and it didn't feel good at all.
Max: "Warren!" she had to scream because the music was so loud
Warren: "Yeah!"
Max: "I'm going to go and freshen up in the bathroom, I'll be right back!"
Warren: "Alright, don't leave me hanging, we still got the slow dance coming up that you promised me!"
Max: "Don't worry, I don't break promises" she said while smiling
She hastily exited the room as the music became a distant echo the further she got away from it. She always felt uncomfortable going into the ladies bathroom after what happened but she learned to live with it… there was no one else around in the hallways and from what she could see the bathroom looked empty..
"Perfect: she thought
But to her shock.. as she opened the door… she saw a very masculine looking girl staring at the mirror.. no it wasn't a girl.. It was Nathan… similar to how she saw him the first time.. expect he was in a suit and tie… he already knew she was there.
Nathan: "I tried to tell myself I wouldn't come here again.. But..I had to see it one last time"
Max: "I thought I might find you in here" she said while standing next to him adjusting her makeup.
Nathan: "This night would of been perfect If I hadn't screwed up, what am I even doing here.."
Max: "You're trying to enjoy your life, I don't blame you"
Nathan: "How do you enjoy your life when you know you've done.. this" he said pointing to the floor.
Nathan: "Sometimes I can still see her lying there.. I can see myself pulling the trigger all in slow motion.. but I can never stop it.. I came in here half expecting Chloe to walk in a few minutes later."
Max: "As hard as this is to hear you just have to learn to live with it like I have"
Nathan: "What if I can't live with it"
Max: "You know what? Just stop.. alright? You have a girl out there that spent years planning this day… went out of her way to see you.. and was looking forward to this night so much… and instead of being out there with her.. you left her standing out there alone and you're sitting in a bathroom, you need to wake up Nathan.. snap out of it. "
Nathan slightly lifted up his head.
Max: "Chloe wanted all of us to live our lives.. for us all to be happy.. I know that.. so please.. get out of here and go be with Victoria"
Nathan lifted himself up and stood upright.. adjusting his tie and wiping his tears.
Nathan: "You always know what to say at the right time, I'll give you that.. I'll go"
Max: "Thanks"
Nathan: "Thank you Max.. for uh... caring"
Max: "This is everyone's night, so everyone should be happy.. It pisses me off when I see people crying over things that happened years ago.. now get out there" she tried to sound as confident as she could.. this was hard for her.. as she was also getting a little emotional.
Without looking back Nathan left the bathroom, keen to go find Victoria.. he re entered the party to find everyone slow dancing as couples. He looked around to see Victoria looking slightly upset in the corner alone watching everyone. He ran up to her and caught her by a surprise.
Victoria: "God, there you are"
Nathan "You didn't think I was going to leave my girl hanging on a night like this"
The mood had changed in the room as everyone was more silent and the slow song overtook the room.. Nathan and Victoria joined the crowd as they adjoined hands facing each other.. swaying for side to side, they stared at each other smiling for a while.
Nathan: "I just wanted to say.. thanks.. for everything.. without you I don't know where I would be right now"
Victoria: " We've known eachother forever.. it was just the right thing to do.. besides.. after all you've been through.. you deserve this at least"
Nathan: "I'm glad I have such a good friend that I can count on, I just want you to know..I'll always be here for you… I promise"
Victoria: "Me too" she said as she rested her head on his shoulder as they danced.
Everything felt right at this moment.. Nathan looked around the room at the place he still called home.. he had come from a prison cell to celebrating a final year of school with his friends.. How life can be strange sometimes…
He thought about all he had been through.. and how low he had been in the past.. but what stood out to him the most is what he had learned.. that no matter how bad you may be.. as long as you have people that care about you.. There's always a Chance at Redemption.
Fin.
Thank you guys so much for reading.. Its finally over.
It really was a struggle to write this with so much going on but I managed to do it.. sorry it was so late..
What made me write this fan fic you ask?
Well believe it or not up until episode 3 I hated Nathan.. He started out as a carbon copy of any typical bully, but as time went on there was so much more to his character than met the eye.. episode 4 and the phone call in episode 5 sealed the deal on my suspicions that he didn't want to do the things he was doing.. and with a little help he could of been okay.. Even though he did shitty things.. overall I think he was just a misunderstood kid that wanted help/love but couldn't admit it..I thought he deserved a decent ending to his story so here he was given one.
Thanks for reading what was my last fan fic of Nathan!
Shoutout and big thanks to these guys for keeping up with the story.
SomethingSimsy- Yes I know of you and follow your theories on youtube, thanks so much
Celticank - I always updated just for you
Joshua - Thanks for your kind words
Guests that commented - appreciate your contributions to the story.
General thanks to everyone who posted a review! If there is a season 2, I hope Nathan is in it..
Bye for now.