Morning came and with it the smell of fresh food. The scent of eggs and bacon wafted into Max's nose, pulling her into wakefulness. Stretching she got out of bed, noticing Chloe was already gone. Grabbing some clothes, and her toiletry kit, she went to the bathroom and prepared for the day.
"You'll never guess, what happened," Chloe said as Max entered the living room.
"You beat Dark Souls 3 using only a drum machine and castanets?" Max grabbed a coffee mug from the cupboard and went to pour a cup.
"Uh, interesting guess but no. Is that possible? Anyways, I digress. Guess whose ex-girlfriend is in town?"
"Well, that narrows the options considerably. Rachel?" Max sipped the coffee. Drat she forgot to put the sugar in!
"Yep, and she wants to meet up with Steph."
Pausing with the sugar, Max looked at Chloe. "How's Steph taking this?"
"She's all over the place. I told her to get over here after she had breakfast so we can talk."
"Now, don't be starting any trouble with Steph and Rachel," Joyce said, turning around from the stove. "Both of them are good girls and if they want to get together again, need your support."
"Mom," Chloe complained, "all we're going to do is talk. Besides, when have I done anything but support them?"
Giving her an eye, Joyce said, "A certain Halloween comes to mind."
At her words, Chloe actually blushed. "That was an accident!"
Her gaze softening, Joyce said, "I know, dear. I just want you to be mindful. Best intentions can go awry." She returned her attention to the range.
"What happened on Halloween," Max said as she took a seat at the table.
"I'd rather not talk about it," Chloe muttered.
"Max, it's breakfast time!" Joyce came out with a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and a waffle.
"Yum," Max said as the plate was set in front of her. Her eyes shot nervously to Chloe, who was leaning against the wall. What if Joyce's waffle was as good as Chloe's? How would she handle this compliment dilemma?
Deciding there was only one way to find out, Max dove into the fare. As expected, everything was good. In the middle of her meal the doorbell rang and Chloe went to answer it.
Moments later, she returned to the room with Steph right behind. Max stopped eating when she saw the girl. Her hair was a mess, her beanie clutched in her hand, and it looked like she hadn't slept much.
"Oh Steph," Max said with concern, "Do you need something to eat? Some coffee maybe?"
Steph's eyes flicked to Max, then away. "Yeah, sure. Some coffee," She mumbled. Chloe steered her toward the couch. William was there watching a football game. He moved over and lowered the volume when the girls came in.
Max joined them a few moments later, cup of coffee in hand. Steph smiled a little as she took the cup. Giving a friendly rub to her shoulder, Max returned to her meal. Chloe would be better able to handle this.
She paid the conversation little mind as she finished the meal. It was obvious Steph was stressed and wanted to talk. At the other end of the couch, William was also trying to not pay attention. The game didn't capture all his interest though and he kept glancing at his daughter.
Finishing her meal, and deciding it was very delicious, Max picked up her plate and took it to the kitchen. She set it on the counter, turned around, and leaned against it. "Thank you for the breakfast, Joyce, it was quite yummy" she said. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Joyce turned, a smile on her face. "No darlin, just go out there with your friends. If I need help I'll be sure to call you in."
Max returned the smile and left the kitchen. She stood in the entry to the living room a few moments before going in. Deciding to address a problem head on, she went and knelt by William.
"I'm…sorry about last night," she said, glancing quickly at him, then away.
William looked at her and shifted a little in his seat. "There's nothing to apologize for," he said. "You don't have to tell me what happened, I'm just glad Chloe was there to help you."
Nodding at his words, she looked at Chloe and Steph, still talking. Standing, she seated herself in one of the recliners.
"Oh," William said, "why don't you sit here with your friends!" He got up as he said that and moved to the other recliner.
Smiling in thanks, Max switched to the couch. It put her next to Steph, not Chloe. She tried to focus on the game.
"Max," Chloe said softly. She looked over at her. "Rachel wants to meet Steph for coffee at the diner. She does't want to do it alone, she wants us with her. Do you mind if we do that?"
"No, I don't mind."
Steph thanked her and they all rose to put on their warm coats and shoes. "Don't be out too late," Joyce called as Chloe opened the door. "Dinner is at five!"
"We'll be back in time," Chloe said as they headed out. They all piled into the car, this time with Chloe driving. In short order they were at the diner. Before they entered, Max took Chloe's hand in hers. Chloe flashed Max a look and they entered.
Steph went immediately to a booth near the jukebox where someone was already sitting. A person Max recognized, even from the back. The only real difference was her hair was shoulder length. Instead of sitting next to Rachel, Steph slid onto the bench opposite her.
Hesitating for a moment, Chloe decided to slide next to Rachel, leaving Max to sit next to Steph. Slowly, Max lowered herself on the bench, leaving space between her and Steph. She felt rather awkward, although probably less than if she sat next to Rachel.
Rachel glanced at her. "I don't believe we've met," she said in a low tone.
Extending her hand, Max said, "I'm Max Caulfield." Rachel took her hand gently and shook.
"I'm Rachel Amber."
"It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard so many good things about you."
Chloe's eyes widened a bit at her words.
"Like what? What have you heard about me, Max Caulfield?"
"Ur," she said, stuck. Her mind was racing with all sorts of facts about Rachel, but which were the ones from this life?
"That…you're good at acting and you want to be a model?"
After those words tumbled out, she noticed Rachel had a twinkle in her eye. The girl was just teasing her. She relaxed a little and tried to keep her focus on Chloe.
After the greetings, Rachel, Steph and Chloe began talking. They had a year or more to catchup on. A waitress came and served the three newcomers coffee. Max stared into hers while the others chatted. The only things she could contribute were things she shouldn't know, and likely weren't true in this life.
Running from a truck, heart pounding. Fear nipping at their heels.
"Chloe, slow down! Wait for me!" But Chloe didn't stop, she ran as if her life depended on it, or maybe someone else's.
"I know exactly where I'm going," Chloe called out as she ran. She didn't stop or slow, pulling steadily ahead of Max as they slipped among the stacks of junk.
"Look, this is it!" Chloe had stopped, allowing Max to finally catch up. "This is it," Chloe said as she fell to her knees and began clawing at the ground.
"Are you going to help me, Max?" The anguish in Chloe's voice pierced Max who fell next to her friend and began digging at the earth.
"Chloe, stop! Look!" They had only dug for a few seconds, but already, Max had found something.
"Please, no…" Chloe said as she sat up. She was on the verge of tears as Max began moving dirt out of the way.
A foul stench permeated the air and the girls turned aside to gag. "That smell…" Max couldn't look.
"Rachel…" Chloe's heart was breaking and she pushed forward, ignoring the smell.
"Oh, Rachel, no, no! Please, not her!" And now Chloe was crying as she stumbled away from the shallow grave. Forcing herself onward, Max went to her friend to comfort her.
"Chloe…"
Blinking away the tears and memory, Max tightened her grip on the mug. Across from her Chloe had gone extremely pale. Her eyes were blinking rapidly.
Standing suddenly, Max muttered, "I need some air," and walked away. It was all she could do to not run as that scene kept replaying in her mind. She left the diner and stood on the sidewalk, staring across into nothingness.
Someone was standing near her. Without looking she said, "You could have stayed with them."
"No, I couldn't," Chloe said. Her arm went around Max's waist. "You need me more. Besides, you know how awkward that was? They need to make amends and that is really hard with other people around."
Leaning against Chloe's shoulder, Max didn't answer. After a few minutes, her arms went around Chloe and she turned to burying her face in her.
"So that was-"
"Please don't talk about it," Max said. "I've had more than I can bear of those things right now." She lifted her head to peer up at Chloe. Their breath was misting in the cold air. "Take me somewhere, please?"
Giving her a little squeeze, Chloe looked down at her. "What would you like to see?"
After thinking a moment, she said, "You told me you had a lot of practice with spray paint as a kid. Show me some of your art."
"Ok. How about I show you my first commissioned piece."
"I'd like that."
Max let go of Chloe, wrapping herself around her arm instead as they began walking down the sidewalk. "It's just a few blocks away," Chloe said. "I'll warn you though, I was sixteen when I did this piece. It's one of my earlier ones so it's a bit rough."
"I'm sure it's beautiful." Max said. They walked through the small town to a park just a couple of blocks off the Main Street. Snow covered the equipment and ground. A wall was on the far side of the park, which Chloe was aiming for.
They stopped in front of it. In Chloe's distinctive street art fashion was a scene of children playing. They were dressed as pirates and ninjas and monsters, chasing and running through play ground equipment. "It's beautiful," Max said. The sincerity and appreciation was very noticeable in her voice.
She stepped closer to the wall. "Chloe? I thought you didn't start having dreams of me until this past summer."
"That's right. That dream of us meeting as children with pirate dolls was the first time I ever saw you."
Max's fingers were touching one of the children. "Then who is this?"
Stepping closer to see, Chloe drew in a sharp breath. The figure Max was touching was unmistakeable. It was little Max, the one from her dream. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, she wore an eyepatch, and was running after a girl with shoulder length blond hair.
"Is that you," Max asked, pointing at the blond girl.
"I don't know…I guess?"
They stood there, looking at the picture. Each was lost in her own thoughts. "What do you think it means," Chloe said after a time.
Max shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe it means I wasn't as thorough as I thought when I removed myself from your life."
Her words made Chloe press her mouth together into a tight line. "With respect Max, that fucking sucks. I can't even imagine how that must feel for you, but I see what it does to you." Stepping in a way to command Max's attention, she softened her tone. "When will you let me in?"
The response was for Max to turn her head away. "I…know it doesn't seem like it," she said after a long pause. "But I'm trying, I really am."
"You are the strongest, most selfless person I've ever met," Chloe said. Her words were a whisper just above the breeze. "You're my hero, Max. Even heroes need someone."
Max bowed her head at her words. Chloe took her into her arms, holding her close and tight. Taking off a glove, Max put her hand into her pants pocket. She pushed away from Chloe and looked up at her. Her hand came out of her pocket, tightly clenched.
She brought the hand up to her chest, clutching it with the other. "There's…something I want to give you," She said. Her voice was stressed and strangled. With great effort she extended her hands to Chloe, but her eyes and face stayed turned to the side and downcast.
Putting her hands on Max's, Chloe said, "what is it?" Max only shook her head. Taking off her gloves, Chloe rubbed her hands together and held them out. Max glanced at them, then forced her hand to open.
Something shimmering silver and blue slid into Chloe's hands. Bringing them close, she saw it was a silver necklace with a butterfly pendant. "It's beautiful," she said. "It looks like your tattoo." Max nodded, remaining silent.
"Where'd you get it?"
"She…I…it was from another life." There was so much hidden meaning in those few words. Clutching the necklace to her, Chloe laid a hand on Max's shoulder. "Thank you. Help me put it on, please?"
Again Max nodded. She turned and knelt to make it easier. Max took the necklace from her hand, looped it around her neck and fastened it. Chloe touched the butterfly, sparkling in the weak winter sun. Tucking it under her clothes, she donned her gloves and rose.
Max stood with her head turned, not looking at her. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Chloe said, "Thank you." There were questions she wanted to ask, but she felt now was not the right time. Taking Max's arm, she said, "Let me show you other things."
They spent the rest of the day wandering around town. Chloe pointed out some of her earlier art that still survived. She wove stories of getting in trouble and playing with friends through the streets. The day past quickly and they found themselves back at the diner sometime around 4 PM. Rachel and Steph were no longer there, of course, and they had taken the car with them.
It was with great relief some twenty minutes later when they entered the Price household. Joyce immediately took charge of them, sending them to wash up then return to the dining area. Once there she put them to work cleaning the table and preparing it for the meal.
Max guessed her time as a guest had already run out because Joyce worked her just as hard as her own daughter. It was so busy that no one noticed that Max knew where everything was and even knew what some table arrangements were supposed to be. Some of William's family were joining them for the meal and it was to be a larger crowd.
The family began appearing a few minutes after the last plate was placed. William's sister, her husband, and a couple of little kids came in with smiles and loud voices. The Price house ringed with laughter and kids playing. All in all it made the evening and dinner pass quickly. Max enjoyed playing with the young kids, a four and seven year old.
After the meal Joyce put Max and Chloe to work again, clearing the table and prepping the dishes for washing. Max was glad for all the distractions.
Later that night they lay in bed together, hands clasped and staring at the ceiling. "I think your mom likes me," Max said.
"Oh? What gave you that idea?"
Max snorted at the sarcasm in Chloe's response. "Because she revoked my guest card on the first day. Your little cousins are adorable."
Now it was Chloe's turn to snort. "Adorable? You're adorable. They're little terrors."
"I bet that's what people said about you at that age."
"And they'd be right, cause I'm still a terror." Chloe turned over to face Max as she spoke.
"Maybe a terror in bed," Max said with a smile. Her hand came up to trace the necklace she gave Chloe earlier.
"How would you know," Chloe said. Then slapped her head when she saw Max's face collapse. "Oh, wow, I am so sorry!"
"No…you're right." Max lay for a while, looking at Chloe. "I didn't want to let myself feel again…after the last time. I'm sure from your perspective this is the longest, most boring relationship ever-"
"No, Max. It's not…it's actually been what I needed."
Frowning, Max looked up at her. "How…?"
"Remember what I said on our first date? How I wanted something more out of my dates? You've been giving me exactly what I need. Sure sex would be fun, and with you it'd be special. But if that's all I wanted there are plenty of battery powered means to get that."
Max couldn't keep her laughter in at Chloe's frankness. Chloe soon joined in. It was hard not to laugh when Max was laughing. "It's been good," Max said once she stopped laughing, "to feel again." Her hand was still on the necklace. Her eyes flicked up to Chloe's. "To let you in."
"Tell me," Chloe whispered, "truthfully…how many times have you reset since you and I were together last?"
A little crinkle formed between Max's eyebrows as she looked at Chloe. "Hold me," she whispered. Chloe took her in her arms. Max snuggled against her chest, head resting on Chloe's arm.
"72"
A cold chill ran through Chloe at the number and hair across her arms and head raised. 72 times. She didn't know what she would do with that. Why did she even ask?
Her arms tightened on Max. She pressed her lips against her head. How was Max still sane?
Friday morning dawned crisp and clear. It found Max and Chloe outside early building a snowman. The backyard had plenty of snow and they built one so tall Chloe needed to stand on something to put the head on. They only had a few impromptu snow fights while doing it.
After completing their snowman, they tumbled inside to find hot cocoa waiting for them, with real whipped cream. Max grinned as she stirred hers. Steph and Rachel came in as Max started her second cup. Hand in hand, they came to the couch and sat down.
"Looks like things are going well for the two of you," Max said.
"We're taking it slow," Rachel said, her eyes stuck on Steph.
"Let's say we didn't roll a 20, but close enough," Steph said as she looked at the cup of cocoa in Max's hand. Before she could ask, Joyce came in with cups for both of them.
"Now don't get used to this," Joyce said, "I have second shift at the diner. You'll have to fend for yourself for supper."
"Oh, Max," Steph said excitedly, "that reminds me. Did you want to meet Kate? She'll be working at her family's tea house today."
Swallowing a delightful sip of hot cocoa Max said, "Arcadia Bay has a tea house?"
"When Pan Estates opened," Chloe said, "It brought in enough people to make a local tea and coffee shop possible. Kate's parents opened one about four years ago and it does well. She helps out whenever she's in town."
"Yes, I'd like to meet her."
"We'll go after the cocoa is done," Rachel said. She looked up after her sip to find the other girls laughing at her. "What?"
"Let me help you," Steph said. Leaning forward she licked cocoa and whipped cream off Rachel's lips and nose. "There, much better."
"Hmmm, I wonder…" Chloe said as she looked at Max. Max's eyes widened and she looked at her mug, then at the other girls. An impish grin spread across her face as she raised her mug and took a drink.
When she lowered it, Chloe was next to her. "Hmmm, needs more whipped cream next time," Chloe said as she leaned forward and licked Max's lips.
"You'll have to talk to your mom about that," Max said as she rose from her seat. "Or not…that sounded gross." She laughed as she took the mug to the kitchen, then returned to her seat to wait.
It didn't take long for the other girls to finish their cocoa and they were out the door and piled into the car. A five minute drive found them pulling into the parking lot of a new building. In fact this entire part of Arcadia Bay was new to Max.
When she stepped from the car, she stood and looked around. It was like…well it was like she was no longer in Arcadia Bay. Everything was new and fresh. And out of character with the rest of town. Not in a bad way, just…different.
"You ok?"
She turned to find Chloe next to her. The other girls had already gone inside. "It's just…weird seeing this new part of town."
"When the Prescott's spoke about investing in the town and bringing in new blood, everyone was mad," Chloe said. Her hand took Max's. "There were actually protesters trying to get it shut down. But…it's been really good for the town. Sean Prescott made some weird arrangement where long time residents, and their children are first in line for jobs." She shook her head and looked at Max.
"Ready to go in now?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The tea house was as she expected. It was rather reminiscent of the cafe she worked at, with some unique homey touches. She guessed those touches were from Kate's family.
Rachel and Steph were already seated at a low table surrounded by comfortable chairs. With them was a girl Max would recognize anywhere. She was so excited that she dragged Chloe to the table. Kate rose as they approached and held out her hand.
"You…you cut your hair," Max said as she took Kate's hand.
"What," Kate questioned. One of her eyebrows rose and she tilted her head.
Chloe leaned close to Max and whispered. "You aren't supposed to know that. I haven't shown you any pictures of her."
"Um…" Max tried to think quickly.
"Have we met before," Kate asked, smiling.
Heat rushed to Max's face as she dropped Kate's hand. "Um…no we haven't met before."
"Are you sure," Kate said as she retook her seat, "You feel really familiar."
Max took a seat next to Steph, putting Chloe between her and Kate.
We haven't met in many years. "You do look like someone I used to know, a long time ago," Max said. It was the truth, though a bit weird. "When I saw you for a moment you reminded me of her."
"Ah, that's so sweet. I hope she was a nice friend."
She was the nicest, sweetest person Max ever knew.
"Steph tells me that you've taken up with this rapscallion." Kate thumped Chloe on the shoulder lightly.
"Hey," Chloe protested, "I'll have you know I am a fine upstanding citizen."
"Yes, as long as they pay you."
Chloe grinned at her comment.
"Yes," Max said, eyeing Chloe. "She's a bit rough around the edges, but in a good way." She leaned her head against Chloe with her last words, a goofy smile on her face.
Kate squealed and said, "Oh, you two were made for each other."
More than you realize. Max slipped her hand into Chloe's.
"That's great you're here, meeting Beth's friends and seeing where she grew up. Beth, will you go to Max's for Christmas?"
Chloe and Max looked at each other. "Um, well, we haven't discussed that yet," Chloe said.
"Momma, momma," came a high pitched voice. Max's breath caught as she saw what could only be described as a miniature Kate bound across the cafe and launch herself at Kate. The girl squealed and hugged Kate. She looked around three or four years of age.
"Emma," Kate said, "say hello to momma's friends." The girl turned around on her lap and looked at them with big eyes. When she saw Chloe her eyes became impossibly huge.
"I want blue hair," she said.
"Hi Emma," Max and Steph said in unison.
"We'll discuss blue hair later, Emma. Now go find Nana." Kate set the child down and paddled her lightly on the bottom. The child took off in a flurry of pigtails and flowery dress.
"She still looks so much like you," Steph said. "Are you sure you didn't make a cloning facility at school and are just hiding it?"
Kate laughed her lovely laugh, and waved her hand at Steph.
"Steph and Chloe told me you write children's books," Max said.
"That's right. I write and illustrate them. It was something I used to do as a child and just kind of turned into something I do for work."
"That's wonderful!"
"Tell me about yourself, Max. Where are you from? How did you and Beth meet?"
Chloe squeezed Max's hand reassuringly. "Tell you what," Chloe said, "I have a feeling you two are going to hit it off. Why don't we switch places." She stood as she said that and placed a hand on the back of Max's chair.
With something churning inside her, Max scooted closer to Kate. "Would you like something to eat or drink," Kate asked as she got comfortable.
"Yes, some tea would be lovely." Kate looked at the other girls, but only Steph accepted the offer. Rising from her seat, Kate disappeared into the work area.
"She's really nice," Max said.
"Too bad her mom isn't the same," Rachel said.
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say her mom isn't a fan of Steph and I being together."
"Oh."
"And not just because those two are the worst with PDA," Chloe said.
"I can guess what you mean."
They continued with light banter until Kate returned carrying a serving tray. She placed a tall urn on the table along with some mugs, a container with various loose leaf teas, and a few baked goods. The next few minutes were spent with Kate, Max, and Steph preparing their teas.
Leaning back in her chair, hands wrapped around the warm mug, Max blew across the steam and looked at Kate. She looked the same as the first time she met her at Blackwell. The only difference was the chin length hair and maybe a little something around her eyes that hinted at something else, something she couldn't put her finger on. The way they studied and focused was a bit more intense than the innocent Kate she once knew.
Max couldn't shake the memories, good memories, of having tea with Kate in her dorm. A faint smile lit her face as she stared into her mug.
"What are you remembering?" Kate's soft words surprised her.
Looking up, a little confused, Max said, "Uh…how did you know I was remembering something?"
"I like to study people," Kate said as she slowly stirred her tea. The other girls were lost in their own conversation. It was like Kate and Max were in their own bubble. "You were looking into your tea and you smiled. That seems like a memory came to mind."
Letting her smile broaden, Max said, "You're right, I was remembering a time when I had tea with a good friend."
"But it's been a while, hasn't it."
"Yes. Too long. I had forgotten about her…with life and all it's weirdness."
"She probably still thinks about you as well."
Max turned her face at that comment, but she couldn't stop the thought. She no longer knows I exist.
"So…are your baked goods made here?"
"Yes! My mom still does the baking. She gets up early each morning to get everything ready. I've tried several times to have one of my sisters do that for her, but she doesn't like to."
Their talk strayed into more about the Cafe, with Max sharing that she worked at one. Max learned a lot more about Kate, than Kate about her. Kate got married in her first year of college. She and her husband were in the same school and graduated together. Emma came along soon after their marriage. In a show of true partnership, Kate's husband shouldered the burden of school, work, and parenting equally with Kate. This allowed both of them to graduate at the same time.
"Tell me how you met Beth," Kate asked as she finished her tea.
Looking into her now empty cup, Max placed it on the table. Picking up the tea, she began preparing another cup. "We met a few weeks ago when Steph hired me to be a photographer for a video game they are making."
"Let me guess, you showed up to go over some proofs and she was in one of the pictures?"
"No…although that would be amazing. I didn't meet her until a week later when Steph invited me over to play D&D with some friends." She poured the still hot water into her cup.
"Did you start dating right away?"
"No. It was a week later when Chloe asked me out. You are very interested in this."
Kate reached out and touched Max. "Beth means a lot to me. They both do. They helped me through some very dark times in my life. Seeing her happy seems a fitting reward for the care she showed me."
Max was at a loss for words. What Kate said was not what she expected. Her eyes were drawn to where Kate's hand still touched hers. For a brief moment she wished she could tell Kate everything, open her heart and let it all out. She could always rewind.
She had stopped doing that long ago, though. Treating a relationship like that created more problems than it helped.
"She's an amazing person," Max agreed. Kate sat back at that, a smile lighting her face.
"That, I can agree with. If you could do it over, what would you do differently?"
Her words froze Max in place, hand extended to get her tea. Probably not run that night was the first thought in Max's head. "Why-why do you ask?" She grabbed her cup, a little too hard and splashed some hot tea on her hand.
"Because you're holding something back."
Wiping her hand on a napkin, Max gulped at the accusation. The other girls hadn't noticed what was happening. Well, maybe Chloe did because she was looking at Max. Gently lifting the cup, Max sat back and took a sip. This Kate was very different. She was confident, assertive.
"What are you scared of?" Kate had leaned forward again and her words were whispered.
Destruction. Death. Suffering. Pain. She'd seen it too many times. That is what she feared.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"Like I said, I like studying people. There's something in the way you look at Beth…something in the way you carry yourself. It's like you aren't completely relaxed and yourself. That makes me wonder if you're scared of something."
"I'm scared that I'm not good enough for her," Max whispered.
Kate studied her a while after her answer. "That doesn't seem it…there's something else you fear."
Her questions were making Max feel really uncomfortable. She wanted to change the subject, quickly. Before she could catch herself, she said, "Do you still play the violin?"
Instead of answering, Kate leaned back and looked at her. Max couldn't read the expression on her face. Many long moments passed until Kate rose and tapped her on the shoulder. "Come with me please." Her voice was pleasant but there was something weaving through it that set Max on edge.
Putting down her tea, Max rose and followed Kate. They wove through the tables and comfy chairs toward the kitchen area. Taking her past the counter and into a back room they found little Emma sitting on a rug playing with some blocks and other toys.
Stepping past her daughter to a couple of chairs, Kate seated herself and waved Max to the other chair. "Emma dear," Kate said once Max was seated. "Please get your favorite book for Max to read to you."
The little girl jumped up with a little shout of happiness and ran to a little bookcase on the other side of the room. Max looked at Kate. "Why do you want me to read her a story?"
Kate ignored her, a little smile on her face. But her eyes weren't smiling. Emma ran back with a book and climbed onto Max's laptop. She held the book for Max to take.
Max took the book and Emma immediately squirmed into a little bundle on her lap, waiting. She looked at the cover and almost dropped it. "Sad Max and the Big Meanies" was the title, by Kate Beverly Marsh. Below it stood a beautiful childlike girl with big blue eyes, brown hair, and freckles. She looked at Kate, who wasn't looking at them.
"Read it," squeaked Emma. "Read it!"
With little enthusiasm, Max opened the book and read it. The story was about a girl who couldn't make friends. Every time she tried bullies would come along and ruin the friendship. Time and again, just when it seemed Sad Max would have a friend they would be snatched away from her.
That is until two girls showed up, one with blue hair, the other with dark. They helped Max to stand up to the bullies. They showed that it was the bullies who didn't have friends and were jealous of Max. They didn't want her to be happy so ruined her friendships.
The blue haired girl was clearly Chloe, and she even used that name in the story. The other girl didn't give a name. But at the end all three were friends and Sad Max was no longer sad.
"Again! Again," Emma said excitedly. Max could only look at the last page where Max and Chloe were holding hands.
"It's a beautiful story," she said. "When did you write it?"
"The idea came to me last summer. The words, the story, even the pictures, they all…came to me. Emma dear, let Max alone for a little while. She needs to talk to mommy."
Pouting, Emma slid off Max's lap, taking the book with her. She sat among the blocks, book on her lap and sounding out the words. "Why would I write a story about someone I never met, with one of my closest friends as a character?"
"What? You think the story is about me?"
"Isn't it?"
"I-" Max couldn't do it. She couldn't deny it, she couldn't lie or avoid it, not with Kate. Instead she stayed silent.
"Did Chloe, Steph, or Rachel tell you I had longer hair?"
Max shook her head.
"Did they tell you I played the violin?"
Again, she shook her head no.
"Are there other things you know about me?"
Max opened her mouth, then closed it again. She looked away, focusing on Emma reading the book. "I don't know who the third person is," Kate said, drawing Max's attention back to her. "It could be me. It could be Steph. It could be someone I don't even know.
"When you and Beth met the first time, did you call her Chloe or Beth?"
Eyes still fixed on Kate, Max softly said, "Chloe."
"And no one had told you her name before, had they?"
Max didn't answer. They sat in silence, listening to Emma read. She was really good and made her own sound effects in places.
"Why…I don't know which question I want to ask," Max said lamely. Kate didn't answer her though. She was looking again at her daughter.
"Who are the big meanies?" That was not a question Max expected. Kate returned her gaze to Max. "When the story first came to me it seemed so much like my time at Blackwell. I though the meanies were Nathan and the others of the Vortex Club. But they aren't, are they?"
"If you're applying the story to me," Max said cautiously, "I don't know who they are."
"What are you scared of?"
"Letting people in." The words came out soft and surprising. Max didn't even know she was speaking until the words were done. A hand took hers and held it. Kate looked at her with a sad smile.
"Is that why you don't let Chloe in?"
"No! I-She's…I let her in!"
"Thank you, Max for coming," Kate said with a nervous laugh while they waited for the kettle to boil.
"No, thank you for the invitation, Kate," Max said. "I've never had a tea party before."
"Well," Kate said with a twinkle in her eye, "we're not children. It's not a tea party, it's a tea social."
"Oh, a tea social. I wore the wrong clothes for that."
The two laughed and it was beautiful.
The vision faded and Max bolted from her seat. Kate still held her hand though, and clung to it tighter now. "What was that," Kate exclaimed. She turned frightened eyes on Max.
"What is it, mommy," Emma said. There was a hint of fear in her voice.
"What was that," Kate said again, quieter. Her hand clung to Max's, pulling downward.
"It's…it's ok, Emma," Max found herself saying, "I stood too quickly and surprised your mommy."
The child seemed to accept that and returned to her book. Max slowly returned to her seat. She sank her head onto her hand. Never had the memories been with someone else, only with Chloe. What did this mean?
She wanted to run, like that night weeks ago when the first memory sprang to life for Chloe. Run and hide until everyone forgot about her.
"It was…" would she really tell Kate? Would she bring her into the same damned fate as herself and Chloe, knowing that happiness for Max spelled doom for everyone else?
"…the memory of a former life." Yes, she would.
"What do you mean, memory of a former life?"
With a glance at Emma, who had her back to them, Max quietly explained. She showed Kate. She told her Chloe and Steph knew, but not Rachel. She explained that she'd never shared a memory with anyone else, only Chloe. She even told her why she reset, and what lay in their future.
Kate listened to it all quietly. Part way through the explanation her hand withdrew from Max's. She looked over at Emma and the yearning to pick up her child and hold her was so strong, so evident, Max could detect it and stopped. She touched Kate, giving her a weak smile.
Walking over to her daughter, Kate lifted her in her arms and gave her a big hug. Emma squirmed a moment, complaining about being removed from her toys. Once she understood what her mommy was doing, her little arms went around Kate's neck and held her. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, Kate set Emma down and returned to her seat.
The scene was tender and rent Max's heart.
When Max was done with the explanation, she stared into space. Emma was still playing with her toys, singing a child's song, maybe one she invented. Kate stared at her daughter.
Stirring from her contemplation, Max rose. "I'm sorry to burden you with that knowledge, Kate," she said softly.
Rising quickly beside her, Kate touched her arm. "It's not a burden, Max. It's a lot to absorb…but I don't understand what role my story plays in it."
"I don't know either. But that's the way it goes with the life I chose. Most things that happen I don't understand."
"If you…if you need to talk someone, don't hesitate to call me." Saying that, Kate fished her phone from her pocket and the two exchanged numbers. Before Max could leave, Kate threw her arms around her and squeezed her tight.
"Thank you," Kate whispered.
"For…?"
"For taking care of Beth. For sharing that with me. For trusting me."
"Next to Chloe you were my closest friend before all this began. I miss our friendship."
"And with us living far apart it would be hard to rebuild."
Giving another smile, Max stepped away from Kate and left the room. Her friends were still in the customer area. They looked rather bored, all focused on their phones.
Chloe jumped up at seeing her. "Hey, did you have a good time with Kate?"
In response Max threw her arms around Chloe and buried her face in her neck. "I told her everything."
"What?" Chloe's voice came out in a hiss. "Why?"
"The short story is we shared a memory which raised way too many questions."
Chloe said nothing as she tightened her arms around Max. "Are you ok?"
"No…but that's nothing new. Can we get out of here?"
The rest of the day was spent with Chloe taking Max around town, telling stories of her adventures as a child and teenager. Through it all Max became more and more quiet. Steph and Rachel took off after lunch to do something with Rachel's family.
The day past quickly with an uneventful dinner of turkey left overs. Max and Chloe played a board game with William, then went to bed.