Life is Strange: My Unusual Journey

Chapter 11 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 – Wonders and Thoughts

The silence between Chloe and me was strange, it felt slightly awkward yet also slightly comfortable. We continued to walk along the railroad tracks, trying to balance on the rails. Chloe shook her head.

"Still can't believe you let Frank take the gun off you." She remarked. "Way to make a stand Max."

I groaned. "You gonna stop that, I'm sorry, I hate guns okay."

She rolled her eyes before noticing my struggle to continue balancing, she reached out and grabbed my hand.

"Don't fall now."

I nodded and regained my balance, we continued our walk.

Chloe sighed and spoke in a softer voice. "I'll be honest, I'm glad you were here, even if you didn't fire the gun, you still got him to back off."

"Me too." I replied; before finally asking what was bugging me. "Chloe, why the hell are you hanging around with scary losers like Frank? It's weird."

Chloe stopped and hopped off the rail. "Let's take a break and I'll talk.

I nodded in agreement and did the same and we both lay down, across the tracks, facing opposite directions.

"Feels like a different world huh?" Chloe remarked. "I wish we could stay forever."

We both lay back, relaxing, even though I was still wary of the obvious danger, Chloe seemed to not care.

I sighed; feeling nostalgic. "Can we build another pirate fort and keep the world out?"

Chloe smiled lightly at that. "We'd need a new secret hangout, one where Frank wouldn't find us."

We fell into silence again.

Finally, Chloe noticed my preoccupation and bit her lip before asking.

"Are you okay, Max?"

I sighed and shared my worries. "Seriously Chloe, I'm worried, scared, what if Frank tracks us down?"

Chloe nodded slowly. "I'm sorry. But Frank isn't as hardcore as he fronts. All he cares about is his cash, stash and mangy dog."

"Chloe, did you miss what just happened?" I asked exasperated. "He's now got a gun, he could come after you with it."

She nodded and sighed. "I know Max, I know...Sorry, crazy shit is the new normal for me. That's why I planned to leave Arcadia Bay without paying Frank off."

I shook my head and thought for a moment. "Okay, now, tell me exactly what's going on between you and Frank...Does he have a last name?"

"Frank Bowers, obviously don't get my pot from you, remember." She replied casually.

I almost wanted to groan, it seemed I had come back to Arcadia Bay only to see just how much Chloe's life had changed and how drastically it had become something I had never imagined.

"Anyway, Frank and I kinda hung out."

"Hung out?" I asked, confused and feeling uneasy. "You don't mean you..."

Chloe made a disgusted noise. "No we didn't have sex. Gross man. He never even tried."

After a short pause she explained. "I just made the mistake of borrowing money so Rachel and I could bail outta here."

"That's it?" I asked suspiciously.

"No, I want to know how Frank got Rachel's bracelet..." She snarled. "What do you think?"

I bit my lip, already concerned.

I could hardly think straight, so much was happening in such a short space of time and not just here in the junkyard, with Chloe. My mind was whirling and made my headache worse.

"I don't know, my brain is fried; I can't think straight." I admitted sadly.

Chloe let out a soft laugh. "It's so weird talking to you about this insane crap. We haven't hung out this much since we were tweens...and it's like no time has passed. I wish Rachel was here to meet you."

I couldn't deny, I wasn't sure what to make about that; my usual insecurities played up right away and I shifted a little, uncomfortable.

"Do you think that, Rachel and I would have been friends?" I asked worriedly.

"You're not that different." Chloe remarked; surprising me. "She had – has a great eye for images and for art. Plus, she's a smartass like you."

Chloe grinned at that and I smiled despite myself.

Chloe sighed and said softly. "We would all be hella 'best friends forever'."

"I know she must be as cool as you are, I have no doubt we'll meet soon." I said cheerfully, actually glad Chloe felt Rachel and I would be good friends.

We lapsed back into silence, calmer than before, but still a little uncomfortable.

I couldn't deny, despite the danger of being on railroad tracks, it felt good to lie back and relax. Chloe seemed to notice it too and smiled.

"Railroad tracks always make me feel better...I have no idea why."

I shook my head and explained my own theory. "Kerouac knew, it's the romance of travel and movement...The sound of the train whistle at night."

Chloe laughed and playfully shoved my leg. "Look at the beat poet here."

I sighed and began to stand up. "I'd rather be a good photographer."

I then began to step off the tracks towards a nearby hill. On the hill was a small maintenance cabin and I noted we had actually stopped near a points control.

"You are. You just have to stop being afraid." Chloe told me.

I wish it were that simple, but still, I knew she was right, Mr. Jefferson said the same thing too. I couldn't help but note my surroundings, from one angle, I could see the perfect blend of abandoned industry, being reclaimed by nature.

I pulled out William's camera and looked through the viewfinder, attempting to find a perfect angle for the shot. Suddenly my head exploded with pain again and I cried out; thankfully managing to avoid dropping and damaging the camera.

My sight was assaulted with more visions of the tornado again.

When I finally recovered I straightened up, stashing the camera again. It was then I heard Chloe, she was shouting my name and sounded desperate.

"Max, Max, help, get me outta here!"

I turned and hurried back down to the tacks and gasped in horror when I saw her. She was sitting upright on the tracks, but her foot had become trapped between the rails which had switched.

"Chloe!"

I tried to pull her up, no luck, she was stuck fast.

"C'mon, help me out!" She cried.

I was about to reply when suddenly we both heard the most dreaded sound we could hear in this situation, a train whistle.

"Oh fuck..."

Chloe was now justifiably panicked. "Max hurry!"

I looked around desperately; there had to be something I could do, I needed to switch the points to free Chloe's foot. But when I ran over to the lever and tried to move it, it wouldn't budge.

'Fuck no, what do I, what do I do…?'

In a blind panic I rushed up the small hill towards the shed when I saw a large wooden object, it was the perfect shape to roll, it was destructive but I was in too much of a rush to really care about that.

I tried to shove it but it wouldn't budge, this was growing worse and it was only then I spotted the wedges holding it in place.

I was running out of time, so I took the only option available, I broke out my rewind to buy myself more time and soon saw something I could use; a crowbar, I swiftly picked it up and rushed back to force the wedges out of the way and shoved the wooden drum with all my might.

To my relief everything worked, just in time. The drum forced the points lever but broke it, the points switched and Chloe was able to get up and escape from the train, just narrowly avoiding being hit.

I slowly walked down the hill and over to where Chloe stood, neither of us said anything, but it was clear we were both absolutely freaked out, I knew my heart was hammering in my chest.

Finally she grinned. "Max, that...You saved me again, that was awesome."

I nodded, letting out a slow uneasy breath. "Chloe, I, I thought..."

We both laughed nervously and slowly managed to recover our composure. Finally, after a long time, Chloe spoke.

"We better get going, you don't want to be late for school." She remarked. "After that awesome job saving, the least I can do is drive you."

I laughed and nodded. "Sure, let's go; this was hella fun."

Chloe actually laughed again at that. "Did you just say hella? I'm a good bad influence on you."

Shaking my head I followed Chloe back as we made our way back to the junkyard and to Chloe's truck, we got into the truck and Chloe started up the engine and I smiled lightly, this hadn't gone as badly as I feared, all things considered.


When we finally pulled up outside Blackwell, the skies had grown cloudy and the rain was beginning.

"You know Max..." Chloe said at last. "Despite those few...arguments, I suppose, I actually enjoyed myself today, it was great having you back."

I grinned. "It was great for me too Chloe...Just wish we could have figured out some answers regarding my powers."

Chloe shrugged, clearly uncertain about things herself. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but, maybe you're right about being careful, have you heard of Chaos Theory?"

I almost laughed that it was Chloe saying this, of all people. "What do you know about Chaos Theory, Miss I Hate Maths."

"People change Max, anyway, it's just something to bear in mind." She replied, uncharacteristically serious.

I nodded and then, noting the time, I said goodbye and got out of the truck, Chloe waved and drive off while I turned and made my way inside. I was glad to get in when I did, the rain seemed to be getting heavier; therefore I luckily just avoided being drenched.

Once back inside I was smiling, things seemed lighter, although I was sure things still weren't quite right here. Just then my phone beeped again and I pulled it out, feeling once again that fluttering in my stomach as I saw it was from Warren.

'Okay, this is getting stranger, why do I feel like this?' I thought.

I then read Warren's text, admiring his artwork of the Schrodinger cat meme and noted he was in the science lab.

I bit my lip, I had some time before class, I could go and see Warren. Perhaps that would calm me down. I pocketed my phone and made my way through the school towards the science classroom.

Before I did however I spotted someone, it was Courtney, like Taylor earlier she was on her own. It looked like she was arranging something for the upcoming Vortex Club party. I thought for a moment.

'Usually I'd say the last thing I want to do is get involved with the Vortex Club.' I noted. 'But, I'm still trying to find answers...Rachel was last seen at a Vortex Club party and whatever happened to Kate, happened at one too.'

I knew that, crazy as it sounded, I'd need to get to this party, maybe it would provide some clues, if I could stand the crowd and noise.

So I made my way over to the table. "Hey Courtney."

She looked up and nodded; again, like Taylor, she seemed less snarky without Victoria. "Ciao Max, no photos please, I have to finish fixing up this guest list for the upcoming Vortex Club party."

"Oh, really..." I replied; putting just enough curiosity in my voice to catch attention.

"Like you care." Courtney replied with a laugh. "Max, the Vortex Club has a strict dress code. Do you even own a dress, nice try, now excuse me."

With that she returned to work, but I smiled, I had my way in.

I quickly rewound to the beginning of our conversation, greeted her again and waited until she finished mentioning fixing up the Guest List.

I tried to sound hesitant and uncertain as I spoke. "I guess the Vortex Club has some kind of dress code. As you can see I'd need your advice on what to wear."

Courtney looked surprised by this but smiled. "I'm flattered, I didn't think you noticed high fashion...Tell you what, I'll put you on the guest list, you come by my room before the party and I'll fix you up."

I smiled, thanked her and finally finished turned and continued on my way. I now had my way into the Vortex Club party, should I need to take my hunt for clues there. When I entered I saw Ms. Grant sitting at her desk, working away, the petition clipboard was on her desk.

I then spotted Warren seated at one of the desks, with several pieces of chemistry equipment set out in front of him, I also spotted Brooke leaning against one of the back desks, on her phone. Smiling I approached Warren; unfortunately the feelings from before grew, which made me feel even more awkward, I prayed the heat in my face wasn't a blush.

'Okay, am I seriously thinking this, God, Warren, I...I can't do this right now, just focus on what he's needing for now.' I thought carefully.

So I approached the table and spoke. "Hey Warren."

"Maxwell-Silver Hammer, just in time." He remarked playfully. "I need help with this chemistry experiment."

I quirked an eyebrow at that. "You're asking me for help, that means, you're screwed."

Warren laughed. "Really, it's fine, anyway, I need to add either sodium or potassium to this mixture, what do you think?"

I bit my lip, surprised that Warren was asking me of all people for help. I really had no idea so I had to just make a guess.

"I've got a feeling, go...dium."

Warren snorted a laugh. "Go-dium, that's the worst pun I've heard, but Dr. Caulfield has spoken."

With that he got to work.

Unfortunately that didn't work as it turned wrong and Warren sighed. I bit my lip guiltily, I couldn't leave things like this. I needed to make sure Warren didn't pay for my mistake, so I decided to see if I could fix this. So I walked up to Ms. Grant; doing my best to relax.

"Hi Ms. Grant."

Ms. Grant looked up and smiled. "Funny, I was just thinking about you Max; I wanted to thank you again for signing the petition, every signature counts and I'm already getting several more now."

I was surprised by that but grinned. "That's great; cool...Say, Ms. Grant, could I ask a possibly dumb science question?"

"You know my stock teacher answer, there are no dumb questions." Ms. Grant replied jovially. "So, what do you want to know?"

"Would someone add sodium or potassium to today's chemical experiment?" I queried, doing my utmost to sound innocent and curious.

Ms. Grant shook her head. "Neither, unless you want a faceful of powder, I would add Chlorine."

I smiled and thanked her before returning to Warren's desk and pulled a quick rewind.

I spoke at once. "Hey Warren."

"Maxwell-Silver Hammer, just in time." He remarked playfully. "I need help with this chemistry experiment."

I quirked an eyebrow at that; playing along. "You're asking me for help, that means, you're screwed."

Warren laughed. "Really, it's fine, anyway, I need to add either sodium or potassium to this mixture, what do you think?"

"Neither, you should add Chlorine." I replied confidently.

Warren's eyes widened at that. "Why didn't I think of that, okay, Chlorine it is."

He got to work again, biting the corner of his lip, the way he tended to do when concentrating. I couldn't deny I thought it was cute.

'Focus Max, focus.' I told myself sharply.

This time, the experiment worked right.

Warren grinned and laughed, I smiled; feeling embarrassed as he thanked me. I then pulled out William's camera.

"Hey Warren, I want to get a shot of this." I told him.

He grinned and nodded, holding up the beaker and flashing the peace sign. I took the shot and nodded, thanking him. Leaving Warren to finish up, I made my way out of the science class and headed for Photography class.

I was surprised as I approached to see Kate and Mr. Jefferson talking intently, before Kate turned and walked away, crying.

I suddenly felt very anxious. 'What happened, Kate, is she...What were they talking about?'

As I approached, Mr. Jefferson called out to me. "Excuse me Max, come here a minute."

I walked over to him and he spoke quickly. "Are you alright, you look worried?"

"What's wrong with Kate?" I asked at once.

He looked uncomfortable as I said that. "You saw that, she seems distressed, she came to me asking for help but...But I'm not sure of what I can do."

"Kate is all alone dealing with this video..." I said sadly.

"Not alone, from what I hear, she has you." He replied. "I heard you had an altercation with out security chief yesterday, regarding Kate?"

I sighed but admitted. "It's true, David Madsen was harassing Kate, I stepped in, I couldn't just let him, bully her like that."

Mr. Jefferson nodded. "An admirable attitude Max; Mr. Madsen isn't the most gentle soul...Still..."

He was cut off by his phone ringing so I had to leave the conversation there and enter the classroom while he answered the call.

The class was full of people, all those meant to be in the class were here, along with a few extras. Dana was here, posing as a model for Taylor and Hayden who were taking pictures with their cameras.

I smiled as I watched this briefly, Dana certainly was a natural. It was then I froze when I saw my desk was blocked. Sitting on the edge of the desk, blocking the chair, was Victoria and Nathan.

"Ah, if it isn't Max Caulfield." Nathan snarked with a grin.

Victoria smirked. "Well, well, retro selfie master herself finally shows huh."

I glared. "Yeah, so what?"

"Hah and you thought we'd be friends just because you were soft about the paint." She remarked haughtily.

I shook my head. "Maybe I should've taken a picture."

Victoria flinched at that, either the statement or the venom in my voice.

Nathan laughed. "Oh, claws out, I love watching girls fight."

"Whatever, can I sit down now."

They both laughed but stalked away, allowing me to sit down.

I did so and sighed; shaking my head at their antics. It was then I spotted something creepy, Kate was walking blindly across the campus, with David watching and taking pictures of her.

As I sat at my desk, waiting for class to start, I was surprised to see Warren walking in, he looked worried as he sat on the edge of my desk.

"Hey Max." He said, biting his lip. "I just...I just saw Kate running out, her eyes were puffy from crying. Is, is she…?"

I bit my lip. "Kate's going through a lot, I'm trying to help her but..."

We were cut off by the bell ringing and Mr. Jefferson entered.

"Alright, I know you all love me but if you're not in my class, get going." He called out jokingly.

Everybody else left and those in the class took their seats.

Mr. Jefferson then began his lecture.

"Okay, now I see all the usual suspects here, some of you have not yet handed in a picture for the contest; like Max Caulfield for instance." I flinched at being single out; but he then paused. "Now...Has anyone seen Kate?"

"I think everyone has seen Kate by now." Victoria remarked laughing.

Taylor also laughed while I glared darkly, I wasn't the only one, Alyssa too glared before snarling.

"Kate hasn't been feeling well."

That was putting it mildly; nevertheless it was clear Mr. Jefferson was taking this serious as he spoke, his expression dark.

"Sounds like you're talking about a video that's gone viral." His tone made it clear he wasn't impressed with Victoria's comments. "Perhaps it involves a fellow student or friend, I wonder how you would feel if it happened to you."

There was an uncomfortable silence after that and Mr. Jefferson nodded.

"Now, the lecture, as I'm sure you've read the syllabus like it was Harry Potter book." He explained. "So you'll know today we're studying chiaroscuro, that wonderful contrast between light and dark..."

He began to explain in detail about the subject. Suddenly however, at that moment, the door burst open and Zach leaned in.

"Hey, something crazy is going on down by the girl's dorm, check it!"

With that he rushed out as Jefferson yelled after him. "Zachary, don't ever burst into my class like that again!"

But Zach's words had their effect and everybody, myself included, were out of their seats, hurrying to leave, ignoring Mr. Jefferson calling after us to sit back down. I had a nasty feeling in my gut about what was going on, I just prayed that I was wrong.


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