They easily adjusted their simple routine to include a new aspect of their life. On some nights Chloe stayed at Max's. Other nights, Max stayed at Chloe's. In that rhythm the days sped by.
Snow came and went, and came again. If Max had any other nightmares, Chloe wasn't drawn into them. More than once though she found Max hidden away in a corner or other room, trying to hide from the world. Each time Max responded to Chloe's care, but wouldn't or couldn't share the full pain coursing through her.
The day came for their trip to Arcadia Bay. The plan was to leave right after Chloe got home from work. She and Steph had spent the previous night packing. Max had shared a few concerns about the trip with Steph, mostly about her knowing things that she shouldn't.
All through the day Max worked hard to keep her mind off the trip. She feared something would happen in her hometown. What that would be, she didn't know. One thing was certain, she was resolved to share some information about that week with Chloe. The drive there, although short, would be a good time to do it.
At three o'clock, Chloe walked in unexpectedly. "Everyone got sent home early today," she said to their surprised looks. "I'm not complaining." Leaping from the futon, Max greeted her with a hug and a kiss. "And I'm never gonna tire of that greeting," she said breathlessly.
Chloe put her gear away, they grabbed their bags and headed to the car. With Steph driving, and Max and Chloe in the back seat, they left the apartment complex and headed for the highway.
For a while they drove along in silence, listening to their music. Max kept her gaze on the world passing outside, although her hand was locked with Chloe's. As Portland faded behind them, she turned to look at Chloe.
"It's beyond time I told you more about what happened," she said. "It's a dark tale and maybe explains more about why I chose the way I did." She looked down at her hand holding Chloe's. Her other reached out to stroke Chloe's wrist. "When I made the choice I never imagined…but I don't regret it."
Starting with the loss of William, Max wove a tale of friendship, loss, abandonment, and more. Even though she only touched on the highlights, each scene unfolded before her eyes in stark detail. More than once she stopped, lost in a memory only she could see. Chloe was patient, and did her best to help her through it.
As she spoke about the dark period of Kate's life, Max suddenly said, "You need to stop the car."
"Why?" Chloe and Steph asked the question at the same time.
"Because…I had to rewind an accident."
With a quick glance into the mirror, Steph pulled the car onto the side of the road and stopped.
One she was satisfied it was safe, Max took up the tale again. The tension in the car became thick as she spoke about the bullying and Kate's ascent to the roof. Horrified looks and sounds came from Steph and Chloe followed by relief when Kate stepped into Max's arms.
Max paused after that, letting the moment ease into a tentative peace. Soft sobbing came from the front seat. "I'm guessing you both know Kate," Max said, her own voice trembling from the emotions on the air.
"We do," Chloe said, her voice choked. "We met her during her senior year at Blackwell. She had a hard time then as well, though thankfully not like you just described-"
"She's so sweet and innocent," Steph broke in. "That she was an easy target for bullies. We found her one day at the diner and befriended her."
Turning to look out the side window at the forest outside, Max thought about what they said. "I used to be a better friend," she said, her voice soft and tremulous. "She was one I used to ask about every time we came together. After so many resets…after so many lives…"
She turned back to Chloe, eyes glistening. "I've forgotten what it means to be a friend. Tell me about her, please?"
"Hey," Chloe said. She unbuckled their seat belts and pulled Max into her arms. "You have not forgotten what it means to be a friend. So you've had a setback. You're asking about her now. You still care about her."
From the front seat, Steph said, "She graduated Blackwell as the Salutatorian. After that she went to an art school. She's published several children's books, including two award winning ones about bullying and acceptance."
Turning to look at Chloe and Max, Steph hooked her arm over the seat and touched Max. "She'll be home for the holiday if you want to meet her."
"I would really like that." There was a pleasant joy and peace flowing through Max at knowing Kate was doing so well.
Steph smiled and the rest of the tension vanished. Turning to put the car in gear, she stopped when Max said, "Don't start driving! There's something I should tell you right now while we're stopped."
Reaching out a hand, Max lightly laid it on Steph's shoulder. Looking alternately at the two girls, she drew a deep breath and let it out. "Two days later we found Rachel's body."
Both Steph and Chloe froze. "How did she die," Steph said, her voice strangled and hoarse.
As briefly and as kindly as she could, Max told them about the photo shoots, the Vortex Club parties, and the fateful night with Nathan. Neither girl spoke, but Max felt tremors in both of them.
"Thats…that's why I asked about Rachel the night I explained what was happening," she said, her eyes now firmly on Chloe. "She's always alive in timelines where you…have a better life."
Switching her gaze back to Steph, catching her eyes in the rearview mirror, Max said, "Her being connected to you is…different in this timeline. She's always been connected with Chloe before. I…hope and want that to mean good things for everyone."
After that she fell into silence, her thoughts focused on that last point. Chloe's arms were still around her, conveying comfort and more.
"Well," said Steph, "We better get driving again if we want to make it before dark." Max put on the center seat belt, choosing to stay next to Chloe.
Several miles elapsed before she took up the thread again. With Rachel's and Kate's roles in the story explained, the rest went rather easy. Like every other time she told the tale, Chloe became very angry over what Mark Jefferson did to Max and the other girls.
That was one of the things Max took care of when she chose differently. Mark Jefferson was in jail on multiple counts of kidnapping, assault, and a few other charges.
The story ended some miles before they reached Arcadia Bay. Max leaned against Chloe, eyes watching the dimming sky outside.
Turning slightly, Chloe kissed Max on the cheek. "Thanks for sharing all that with us, Max," she said as she nuzzled her cheek. "Do you think any of those memories will surface while we're in town?"
Sighing, Max said, "I don't know. There's so much I don't know. Why do I have these powers? Why do my memories bleed into you? What even causes them to happen? I wish I had the answers to these questions, but I don't even have guesses."
"Maybe we'll figure it out this time?"
"I sure hope so."
Chloe let her hand wander to Max's left wrist. Her fingers gently pulled back the sleeve, revealing the tattoo. "Can you tell me about this," she whispered into Max's ear.
Max watched Chloe's fingers trace the butterfly. Like the first time, a warmth infused her at the touch. "You made it," She said, her voice also low. Chloe's fingers stopped.
"I did?"
"The butterfly. It was a nickname I gave you in one of our lives…blue morpho. Remember what I said about taking a picture of a butterfly in the Blackwell restroom? The butterfly was a blue morpho.
"You were a very skilled tattoo artist…"
"Can I open my eyes yet?"
Max giggled as she drew Chloe after her. A wide band of cloth covered Chloe's eyes. Her arms were outstretched, with Max holding her hands and walking backwards.
"Just a few more steps, love," Max said. Every few seconds she checked behind her to make certain nothing was in their way. "Almost there."
Stopping, she drew Chloe to her, then turned her to face the building. With her arm around Chloe's shoulders, holding the one opposite, Max looked at her love, and the building.
Stepping in front of Chloe, she said, "Close your eyes." Reaching behind, she grabbed the knot in the cloth. With a swift motion she pulled the cover from her face.
For a few seconds Chloe blinked rapidly blinded by the sudden light. Max stood in front and to her side, hands clasped before her worrying the cloth. It was very obvious when Chloe could see. With a sharp intake of breath, she stepped backward.
Before her was a simple store front. A wide window was emblazoned with "Blue Morpho Tattoo L.L.C." arching over a beautiful Blue Morpho butterfly. Through the window could be seen various chairs and store equipment.
Her eyes dropped to Max. "This is…this is mine?"
With her shy smile, Max nodded. "Do you…like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" Before Max knew what was happening, she found herself in the air being spun around by Chloe. "This is one of the greatest things anyone's done for me, Max!"
Putting Max down, Chloe ran to the building. Her hand reached for the door handle, then stopped. "How…how did you manage to do this?" Chloe turned and looked at her.
"Don't worry about that," Max said, nervous excitement edging her voice. "Go inside!"
Chloe narrowed her eyes, then placed her hand on the door and pushed.
Max gasped and blinked. It took several seconds to register where she was. Next to her Chloe was doing the same.
"Was that…," Chloe began once their senses adjusted. "Was that what you were just telling me about?"
All Max could do was nod. There was a confusion of emotions inside that was trying to force its way from her.
Recognizing the signs, Chloe pulled Max as close as she could. She whispered words of support and love to her as a great trembling laid hold of Max. As the signs of emotional pain went from tremor to trembling, to shaking, Chloe kept her close.
"It's ok to feel," Chloe whispered. "Whatever it is you're feeling, it's ok to have those feelings."
Her words, gentle and caring, were like opening a door and Max's feelings came out in a great wail. Steph glanced quickly in the rearview mirror as the sound filled the small car.
"Everything ok," Steph asked.
Chloe shook her head, not really sure what to say.
"Do I need to pull over?"
Shrugging, Chloe said, "I don't think it will help. Just keep going."
Max fell over into Chloe's lap, whose fingers stroked her hair and cheek. The tears kept flowing, the wails not lessening in volume, and Max hid behind her hands.
Unlike other times, Max kept at it for a long time. Chloe wondered what that meant. There was something about that tattoo and that memory that suggested a hurt deeper than Max let on.
Watching her girlfriend be in such obvious pain almost brought tears to Chloe's own eyes. Frustration flooded her because there was nothing she could do to remove that pain from Max. Closing her eyes against the anger and frustration, Chloe kept stroking Max's hair.
Just outside Arcadia Bay, Max finally calmed into gentle sobs and tremors. Her tears dried but her hands stayed over her face. She focused on the touch of Chloe's fingers tracing through her hair.
"Stop at the Sav-Mart before we go to my parents," Chloe said.
Sitting up, Max looked around. "Why are we going to the Sav-Mart?"
"We need to clean you up," Chloe said, her voice gentle. "If we take you to my parents like this, they'll ask a lot of questions. I think you don't want that."
Max shook her head. "Sorry," she said.
"Don't apologize," Chloe said. "You've needed that cry for a while, haven't you."
Keeping her eyes focused on her hands, Max nodded.
Steph pulled into the parking lot and parked. Getting out, she hurried into the store. Chloe used the opportunity to undo their belts and pull Max into a close embrace. Max slipped her arms around her girlfriend and pulled tight.
"Easy there, girlfriend," Chloe said, "I don't need a broken rib."
Smiling a little, Max loosened her grip. Chloe kissed her tenderly. "You don't have to tell me," Chloe said, "but know that I'm here for you. When you are ready to share that pain, I'm here to help you carry it."
In réponse, Max snuggled against her, tucking her head against Chloe's chin. They stayed like that until Steph returned. Getting into the driver seat, she slung a plastic grocery bag of stuff into the back seat. Turning on the car, she switched on the overhead light.
Chloe grabbed the bag and opened it. After examining its contents she said, "Ok, you need to sit so I can see your face."
Max turned until she was straddling Chloe. Chloe opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again.
"What," Max said, her head tilting to look into Chloe's face.
"Ur…nothing." Pulling something from the bag, Chloe said, "Close your eyes."
Max didn't know what Chloe was doing to her. Wet and sightly rough things rubbed all over her face, including her eyes. Next was something dry. "Can I open my eyes yet," she asked when several seconds elapsed with nothing touching her face.
"Not yet," Chloe said, "I need to put on some make up."
Max's eyes flew open. "Makeup," she said. "Why?"
"To hide some of the redness around your eyes. Don't worry," Chloe's mouth was sliding into a smile, "I won't put your hipster reputation in jeopardy."
With a playful slap on Chloe's arm, Max closed her eyes. Moments later came the soft touch of the applicator. "Only a little," she said.
"Only a little," Chloe said.
Max waited in silence, letting Chloe do what she needed. It didn't take very long before Chloe tapped her knee. "All done," she said. Max opened her eyes. "Turn around and get Steph's opinion," Chloe said.
Sliding off Chloe's lap, Max turned so Steph could see her. Twisting in her seat, Steph studied her face. "Looks good," Steph said. "I think your parents won't suspect a thing."
Max sat back and put her seat belt on. "Thank you, both," she said.
"You're welcome," Steph said.
Chloe gave her a smile. "Anything for you," she said.
The car started moving and Max took up Chloe's hands in hers. Knowing she was going to see Joyce and William was filling her with excitement and nervousness both. Chloe took her hands and held them.
Minutes later they pulled into the drive way. For a moment Max had a flashback to that time she photo jumped and found a paralyzed Chloe. The house was in good repair, with well-tended blue paint. Steph parked the car and turned it off.
"Ready," Chloe said. Max looked at her. There was so much she saw in her girlfriend's eyes. At that moment she knew this moment meant a lot to Chloe. How long had it been since Chloe had brought a special someone home? Had she ever done that?
Those thoughts gave Max a sense of confidence, that which comes when you know others also believe in you. Smiling at Chloe, Max stole a kiss. "Yes," she said.
Chloe opened the door and slid out. Undoing her seat belt, Max followed. They got their bags and Chloe led them to the door, with Max between the two.
Giving Max a smile, Chloe opened the door and walked inside. "Mom, Dad," she said loudly as they entered. "We're here."
Immediately from the kitchen came an excited sound and Joyce came into the hall. Throwing her arms around Chloe, she gave her a warm welcome, asking all sorts of questions.
A nervous smile spread across Max's face. Joyce was still Joyce, Southern spunk and warm welcome. It didn't take her long to notice Max hanging back by Steph. Letting go of her daughter she came forward.
"Hello, Steph," she drawled.
"Hello, Joyce," Steph said in return and edged away from Max.
Joyce turned her full attention on Max. Her head was at a slight tilt and a faint smile was on her face. "And who do we have here?"
"Max," Chloe said as she slipped around Joyce. She took Max's hand in hers. "This is Max."
"Oh, I know who she is, girl," Joyce said with a grin, "isn't she the most adorable girl you've ever brought home?" Before Max could stammer out a greeting, Joyce folded her into her arms. "Welcome," Joyce said.
"It's great to finally meet you Mrs. Pri-"
"It's Joyce honey, none of that Mrs. Price from you."
"Who goes there," bellowed a male voice from above.
Joyce let go of Max and turned to the side. "That man," she muttered with a twinkle in her eye. Looking at Max she said, "Now don't you go letting him scare you away!" With that she returned to the kitchen.
From the top of the stairs came the sound of heavy feet. Boots appeared, hurrying down the steps. Chloe stepped in front of Max, but not completely blocking her view.
Halfway down the boots stopped and a blond man peered at them. A pirate hat was perched on his head. "Who seeks permission t' board this 'ere galleon?"
"Chloe Blue," she said and Max started.
"Chloe Blue," William said, head tilted in a question. "I know not this Chloe Blue. Have ye the Price to pay?"
Steph leaned close to Max and whispered, "they're like this every time she comes home."
Max nodded, keeping her attention on William. She was doing her hardest to keep herself calm, even though her fingers were worrying the hem of her hoodie.
"I always have the Price to pay," Chloe answered. She stepped forward as William came down the rest of the way. He swept her up into a hug and Max's heart warmed at the sight.
Putting Chloe down, he touched her cheek tenderly, then looked past her. "Steph Gingrich! So nice of you to come." Coming forward, he gave her a little fatherly hug. That left Max as the last to receive his attention.
"And this must be the girl who's stolen my daughters heart," he said.
Max's cheeks and ears warmed at his words. She was so conflicted. Seeing him here and so full of life filled her with happiness. A happiness that she had to contain so he wouldn't be confused. Giving him a shy smile, she held out her hand and said, "Hello."
"Be nice to her dad," Chloe whispered as William stepped closer.
"Do you know what we do with thieves in these parts," William growled. Reaching out, he pulled Max in his arms and lifted her in a deep hug. "We capture them!"
"Dad," Cloe whined, pulling at his arm.
Black clouds hung in the sky, angrily threatening rain. Before them the casket lay on the supports, ready for lowering into the ground. Numbly, Max reached out her hand and took Chloe's in hers.
"I'm so so sorry, Chloe," Max said and she couldn't keep her voice steady.
Next to her Chloe stood, wooden in her shock and numbness. Her eyes stared at the casket without seeing. Max's hand clasped a lifeless one devoid of warmth.
She felt like crying. She should be crying, even her voice sounded like it. But like Chloe, she could only stand there, looking. It was only a few days ago she, Chloe, and William had made breakfast together. And now…
Another wreath of flowers were laid on the casket.
On the other side of Chloe, Joyce was barely able to stand. She was sobbing enough for the three of them. She turned to put an arm around Chloe, who pulled away from her.
The memory faded into the lively voice of William holding her. Max looked at him and she tried to keep everything under control. She tried to be as wooden and lifeless like that day. But she couldn't.
With a sob, she flung her arms around William and buried her face in his chest.
Not expecting her to break into tears, William froze and looked at her. "Wha-?"
Nearby, Chloe stood, trying to process what just happened. The sadness and numbness of the memory beat at her heart and mind, leaving her frozen, much like her younger self had been at the grave site.
Seeing her friends weird behavior, Steph stepped up to William. "You didn't do anything wrong," she said. She kept her tone as gentle and warm as she could. "She's been having a rough time lately."
"Oh," William said as he put Max back on her feet. "I'm sorry, Max."
Joyce had come to the hall, a worried look on her face. "Does she need to lie down?"
William had let go of Max, but Max wouldn't let go of him.
Finally recovering from the memory, Chloe shook her head and put her hand on Max's shoulder. "Hey babe," she said, "It's gonna be ok. You can let go of dad now." She gently unwrapped Max from her dad and took her into her arms. "Let's get you upstairs, ok?"
Chloe took her upstairs to her old bedroom. They sat on the bed and Chloe held her until she was calm and the tears no longer flowed.
"That was…that was my dad's funeral when you were thirteen, wasn't it?"
Max could only nod. How she wished that memory had never surfaced!
"That was the second time today we shared a memory," Chloe said. Again, Max nodded. "And the second time it was linked to something happening."
Wiping her nose on her sleeve, Max looked at it in disgust. Snot glistened all over both cuffs. Taking her hoodie off, she threw it against the wall.
"Whoa, Max," Chloe said, "good shot, but the laundry basket isn't over there."
"I spoiled it, I spoiled your homecoming." There was a hard tone in Max's voice that Chloe had never heard.
"No, Max, you didn't spoil it." Her hand rubbed Max's shoulder, then her neck. Max was focused on her hands, trying not to look around and see what wasn't there.
"I tried…I really did," she whispered. "Meeting your parents…I know that means a lot to you and I wanted it to be special for you."
"And it was special, Max," Chloe said, "I'm sure my dad will never forget it. It's not everyday a father can make his daughter's girlfriend cry just by hugging them."
Max smiled thinly at Chloe's attempt to lighten her mood. Taking Chloe's hand in hers, she held it between her own. "Thank you," she said.
"We can stay up here as long as you like," Chloe said. Her hand had moved to Max's back, rubbing it right where she liked it.
"I think I can go down…let me just wash up."
"Ok, I'll wait for you at the top of the stairs."
Rising, they left the room. In the bathroom, Max looked at herself in the mirror. The makeup from Chloe's attempt to mask her earlier crying had smeared and run down her face. Turning on the facet, she washed her face until all the makeup and dried tears were gone.
Afterward she stared at herself in the mirror, eyes still red and puffy. How long could she do this? Could she really stay in Arcadia Bay four days without a total breakdown?
What scared her worse was the earlier memory in the car. She looked at her tattoo, finger tip tracing the blue butterfly. A pain too great to bear. And she was headed straight for another one.
She washed her face one more time, then did some breathing exercises for good measure. Closing her eyes she focused on the sense of touch and smell and hearing. Her toes wiggled in her shoes. The faint moldy smell of an old bathroom. The distance murmur of voices downstairs. These were things she chose to experience. If she wanted she could choose to not experience. She was in control.
When ready, she opened the door and joined Chloe. Arm in arm they walked downstairs and into the living room.
Steph was no longer there. She had taken the car over to her parents house. It was just the Price's and Max. Joyce was busy in the kitchen, while William was setting the table.
He greeted them with a smile, his gaze lingering just a moment longer on Max. She gave him the best smile she could, then looked away. Chloe led her to the couch where they seated themselves until dinner was ready.
Max's eyes roamed the room. Like every time, it was the same but different. There was no wine stain on the carpet. The couch and recliners were new, along with the TV. The coffee table was the same, as was the desk and bookcase.
"Looking for something," Chloe said softly.
"Just seeing what's different," Max said in a low tone.
"Girls, time to eat," William said and Max jolted as a host of memories that never happened ran through her mind. Chloe grabbed her hand and helped her to her feet.
"Are you sure you'll be ok," Chloe whispered. Max nodded. She could get through this. She had done it before, just never since-No, don't think of that!
They walked to the table and sat down, opposite each other. William offered Max a drink and she asked for water. The food was brought and set on hot mats around the table. Joyce and William sat, and then began the most awkward dinner Max had endured for ages.
The Price's, naturally, were very curious about the girl their daughter was dating. While they had received some information from Chloe, they still used the meal to pepper Max with all sorts of questions.
How long had she lived in Arcadia Bay, what was Seattle like, how long had she done photography, why she wasn't spending the holiday with her parents, and on and on. Through it all, Max kept a smile plastered to her face and answered the best she could. A few times Chloe interjected when she noticed Max needing the help.
At the end, Max pushed herself away from the table. "That was a great meal, Joyce," she said.
"Oh? You hardly ate anything, dear," Joyce said.
"Nerves, I think. I was so nervous about meeting you and William."
"Well, you had nothing to worry about. Oh honey, put that down, you're a guest."
Max had picked up her plate and one of the dishes to take to the kitchen. "It's not a problem, Joyce," she said. "I really want to help." Joyce made a clucking noise and took the items from her.
"Now, if you make things more permanent, I'll take you up on that," Joyce said. "But for now, you're our guest so you and Chloe get to skip the chores." Max looked at her, then at Chloe who was tilting back her chair with a smile.
"Hey, if I knew bringing a girl home got me out of chores, I might have done it a long time ago," Chloe said.
"I'm the only girl you're allowed to bring home," Max said as she rounded the table and sat on Chloe's lap. She wrapped her arms around Chloe's neck and kissed her nose.
"Ooo, you're being a little feisty, " Chloe murmured in her ear. "Does that mean you're doing better?"
"No," Max said, "but I'd much rather do something happy than let those things rule me."
Chloe leaned back her head and looked at her. "I'll take it," she said after a while. Max smiled and kissed her quickly on the lips.
The rest of the evening was easy and relaxing. Max and Chloe moved to the couch. William put on a movie and Joyce soon joined them. There was some discussion of plans and activities over the next few days, and general banter. An hour or two later, Max yawned and claimed sleepiness.
Rising, she bid Joyce and William good night and made her way to the stairs. Chloe rushed to join her, and they went up together. Once they were in the bedroom, Max stopped to give it a good look.
Since Chloe had been gone for a few years, her parents had changed it into a guest room. It still had some of Chloe's touches. Walking to the far corner, Max traced her finger tips over the height chart. It was missing her entries, which just seemed wrong.
Rising from the bag she'd been searching, Chloe looked at her. "Are you going to be ok?"
"Yeah…just thinking. It's amazing to me how in all the different times, all the different Chloe's, this height chart is always here."
"Huh. Sort of like a cosmic constant or something?"
"Maybe." Max turned her eyes away. The room was painted an off white. She suspected that was part of the guest room make over. "How different is this room, from when you lived here," she asked as she sat on the bed.
"Well…the biggest change is it's less colorful." Chloe started stripping to her underwear while she talked. A warmth infused Max as she watched and she made her eyes focus on Chloe's face. That was hard because Chloe was moving all over the place.
"I had a lot of my art on the walls. Some I took with me. They're in the closet in my apartment. All the furniture is new, including the bed."
Max ran her fingers over the blanket. "This isn't the bed you slept in when you lived here?"
"Nah. In my senior year of high school my dad got that job at Pan Estates. It pays him well. Once I moved out for college, they started redoing this room."
Frowning a little at her words, Max let her eyes sweep around the room.
"What were you hoping to find here," Chloe said. She sat on the bed near her.
"Your childhood bedroom usually reflects who you are. Or at least who you were as you tried to figure out your identity. I've always used it to…reconnect with teen Chloe."
"Sorry about that. This will only help you connect with my parents' decorating sense."
Slipping off the bed Max went to her bag to find her pajamas. She also dug out her toiletry kit. Her hand was on the door knob to go to the bathroom and she hesitated. She knew what held her back. She'd already come this far though. Would another step really make things worse?
Yes. Because each step carved a deeper wound in her heart. Each step drove her closer to a breaking point. But she couldn't deny how good it was to be with Chloe again. She couldn't deny that! No matter how powerful the pain which dragged at her heart, being close to Chloe brought an exquisite joy. A joy that helped blunt the edge of the pain, help soothe the wound.
Even though she knew she was fooling herself. She was soothing a wound that would be ripped open mercilessly. She was blunting an edge that would become jagged and brutal as it ripped that joy from her heart.
Her hand slipped from the door knob and she stepped away from the door. Setting the toiletry kit on the dresser, she began stripping to her underwear as Chloe did a few minutes ago.
From the corner of her eye she saw Chloe watching her. The girl was trying to be circumspect in observing her, but there was no mistaking what she was doing. Once her pajamas were on, she undid her bra and slipped it from under her shirt. Grabbing her toiletry kit, she headed to the bathroom.
Once in bed, Max lay looking at the ceiling. One day in Arcadia Bay. One day and she felt frayed and worn like nothing else. The way Chloe had looked at her while she was changing…she closed her eyes tightly and tried to think of something else. With a whispered good night, she turned onto her side.
Moments later, Chloe was pressed against her back, arm draped over hers. Max focused really hard to control herself, to not tremble. She didn't want to alarm Chloe, didn't want her to do more than she already was.
But she couldn't control her automatic response to take Chloe's hand and hold it to her heart. She couldn't control the tears that slid silently from her eyes.
