Max

Eris, I don't want to be alone tonight

8:00pm 10-24-13

Chloe

I'm on it.

The door to my dorm knock just minutes after sending the text. My heart jumps, but there's no way it's Chloe. She probably just starting driving here. Whoever it is, I need to get them out of here fast before Chloe tries to sneak in.

I open the door to find a blond-haired punk with blue eyes giving me a smile that's far too pleased with itself.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, completely dumbfounded.

"You asked me to come over, are you forgetting stuff already? Sorry, terrible joke, that was stupid," Chloe says, her confidence giving way to just a moment of nervousness.

"I sent that text like a minute ago. Why were you on campus?"

"In case you needed me? I don't know, just didn't want to leave you alone tonight," Chloe says with a shrug. I stare at her for a moment before grabbing the front of her shirt and dragging her into my room. She throws the door shut behind her.

"You are so fucking perfect Chloe," I say before pulling her in for a kiss. She pushes her tongue into my mouth, filling it with the intense taste of mint. I wait till Chloe pulls her tongue back in and then break the kiss.

"You've been chewing gun," I say.

"I might have been hoping the night would go a little like this," Chloe says.

"I had no clue, just suddenly felt like you needed to be here," I say. My arms around her waist, her arms on my shoulders, everything about this moment is comfortable and warm. Part of me had worried, once Chloe was my girlfriend, that I'd miss our old friendship. Miss just chilling in her room together, no expectations or obligations. I'd been so afraid of losing it I'd almost missed something far better.

"Eh, it was more wishful thinking than deep intuition," Chloe says with a smile. I pull her back into another kiss which she happily returns. Hindsight always makes us feel foolish. Experiencing this kiss now, how good it feels to have Chloe's lips on mine, how it makes my heart race but at the same time eases away all my cares, I can't even fathom why I hesitated so long. I know it's partially the hormones talking, that every teenager thinks their first love will be their last, but I can't imagine being anywhere but in Chloe's arms for the rest of my life.

"Chloe," I say, pulling away from her.

"Yeah?" She asks with a slightly irritated tone. It's obvious she'd rather get back to the kissing then stop to talk. She wears her heart on her sleeve, my Chloe.

"So I'm going to lose most of my memories tomorrow," I say.

"I'm aware," Chloe says.

"So it's kinda like this is my last night," I say.

"Dude, I hope you didn't stop the kiss fest so you could point out how depressing tonight is," Chloe says.

"No, it's just, there are some things I'd like to do, if it is my last night," I say slowly, Chloe's eyes getting larger with each word.

"Max, are you saying…"

"Yes, if that's alright with you of course," I say quickly.

"Are you kidding! Don't worry about me, but...are you sure? I mean, to forget your first time? I mean, if it is your first time, I don't mean to…"

"It is Chloe," I say, interrupting her. Her mouth hangs open for a moment and then she audibly swallows.

"Then, yeah, you don't want to forget that do you?"

"It's okay Chloe. I realized something just now, while we were kissing. The only reason I'm sad is because I'm so happy. The only reason I don't want to lose my memories is because this last month has been so perfect. I'm blessed Chloe. That's nothing to cry about. Even if I don't get to keep them forever, these experiences are so beautiful right now. So I don't care about tomorrow. I don't don't care about memories or what comes after. I want to do this because right now I'm so happy and we're awesome and it feels so good to be with you. Right here, right now, that's all that matters. So I say fuck tomorrow Chloe, and yeah, let's do this." Chloe blinks, just the tiniest blush touching her cheeks. Then she rips her shirt off.

"You don't have to ask me twice," Chloe says and before I know it she has me pinned to the bed, her lips all over mine. I don't know how long we made out, I've noticed time doesn't work right when Chloe locks lips with me, but by the time she pulls away she'd lost her bra somewhere and my eyes can't help but stare. Quickly I take my own shirt and bra off, looking down, I can't help but compare myself to Chloe

"I don't like my chest. It's all freckled and splotchy and I've got these red lines near my stomach I can never get rid of. I wish I looked more like you, your skin is so beautiful," I say, the thoughts just pouring out of my mouth. Usually I'd keep something like this in, but right now I don't see the point. If I don't tell Chloe now, I'll never have the chance to. She has to know just how beautiful she really is.

"Well, I for one am glad you don't look like me, not really interested in doing myself. Well okay, I've done myself plenty of times, but you know what I mean," Chloe says with a suggestive smirk.

"I'm serious Chloe, you're fucking gorgeous," I say.

"So am I, I love you just the way you are, wouldn't change one freckle," Chloe says with a real smile as she reaches over and traces a couple of my freckles across my collarbone and sternum, her touch sending chills through my whole body. "And I've also gone to finger town so much they built me a statue and everything. Town hero, Chloe Price."

"Gross Chloe," I say with a laugh.

"Oh don't tell me you haven't visited. I bet you've got some frequent flier miles," Chloe says. She laughs as I feel the blood rush to my cheeks. "Oh wow, your whole chest turns red. I've learned a very important thing today."

"I've done...some things," I admit with what dignity I can. I have dabbled, if that's what you'd call it, but only since I've come to Blackwell, for reasons that I'm sure are obvious. "Just a little bit. I've never finished though," I say quietly.

"Oh I'm sure it's more than…" Chloe's train of thought dies off as the full implication of what I said sinks in. "Wait, are you telling me you've never…" I shake my head no, too embarrassed to admit it out loud. Chloe's eyes go wide. "Holy Fuck, we are fixing that. Tonight."

"That's the plan," I say with a nervous smile. Chloe puts both of her hands on my shoulder as she stares into my eyes, an usually serious look in her eyes.

"I will fix this, I promise you," she says as she shakes me slightly. And then she's on top of me, pinning me to the bed as her chest rubs against mine, her breasts sliding across mine in a way that I could very much get used to.

Suddenly her hands are at my pants as she undoes buttons and zipper, her hands pulling down on my jeans. I help her out, throwing the jeans off the bed when we finish, our lips never leaving each other. Well that's it, just one more thin barrier between me and Chloe.

Not quite ready for what's coming next, I start fiddling with Chloe's jeans and we repeat the dance till both of us are just in our underwear. Chloe presses close against me, cotton on cotton, and I can feel her warmth against mine and it's like a flip is switched in my brain and a barrage of moans escapes my mouth.

"Damn Max, I don't think I can wait any longer," Chloe says, her breath hot against my lips.

"R-right," I say, nerves and hormones raging an endless war in my brain. One of her hands goes to the line of my panties and plays with the edge of it. Unconsciously my hips buck against her and we both let out a moan. She grabs hold of the edge, and I pull away, my nerves suddenly getting the better of me.

Chloe's eyes shot to mine, her face worried.

"Are you okay? We don't have to do anything if you aren't ready," Chloe says.

"No, it's not that. This is just…more embarrassing than I thought it would be," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Well, you could keep your underwear on Max, if that makes you more comfortable. I can get things done panties or no panties," Chloe says, giving me a confident smile to try to ease my nervousness. I shake my head.

"No Chloe, I'm going to do this right. I just have to…" I stand up from the bed, turn to face Chloeand, before my better judgement can get the best of me, pull down my panties and kick them aside. "Do it," I finish, putting my hands on my hips like I'm some kind of superhero. Max Caulfield, remover of panties!

I look down at Chloe and she is straight staring at my hips, no subtle glances or anything, just staring. Quickly the adrenaline fades away, replaced with sheer terror. My hands leave my hips, flying to cover myself.

"Ah, don't do that, you're blocking the view!" Chloe says with a smile that reminds me of when she caught me peeing outside during one of our hikes in the woods. "You're too perfect to cover up! I mean, I knew you'd look good, but damn if you don't blow dream Max away!"

"Chloe just, stop staring and start...doing things already," I say desperately as I dive back onto the bed, pulling the covers up to my chin.

"Doing things? God you're adorable, you know that?" Chloe says as she lays down next to me. "Lucky for you, I've done plenty of research on this topic. I'm about as close to an expert as you can be without doing the real thing. You're in good hands," Chloe says with a smirk.

I nod as Chloe moves the covers aside, exposing me once again. This time she watches my face. Her hands slide up my stomach, one cupping each of my breasts. Her hands are soft and warm are she starts squeezing lightly and teasing my nipples with her fingers. I try to focus on her face, but my mind starts to blank as waves of pleasure run through me and my eyes start to lose focus. Soft moans start forming in the base of my throat and Chloe leans in to kiss me as one hand leaves my left breast and starts making it's way down my stomach.

My hand wraps around Chloe's back and my fingers dig in hard as her hand reaches its destination. My fingers claw down her back as she parts me and I break the kiss and cry out as she goes inside.

"You're going to wake the whole dorm if you keep that up," Chloe says and I don't have to look at her to know she's smirking in satisfaction.

"Don't care, that's other Max's problem," I say as I'm barely able to think about anything other than the way her finger is moving around inside me.

"I don't know, don't think that's the most responsible…"

"Shut up Chloe, just shut up!" I say, much louder than I intended to as a jolt of pleasure runs through my whole body. Amazing, she does shut up and my whole world becomes wrapped in Chloe's hand.

I may have tried some things on my own, but if this is what it's supposed to feel like, I don't even think it qualifies. Thoughts become impossible as a pressure starts to build throughout my whole body, almost like I'm riding up the start of a rollercoaster and I know at any moment it's going to come crashing down.

Chloe's finger suddenly leaves me and for a moment a wave of anger runs through me as I feel like I was so close to something, but then her fingers start to rub against my clit and the sensations redouble and all emotions are blown. In moments I'm done, I'm over the hill and I'm falling, floating, shuddering.

"Fuck," I say quietly as my brain slowly regains the ability to form words again, my body still quivering slightly. I realize suddenly that Chloe is holding me, pressing me against her and the warmth of her body is the best thing I've ever felt.

"Don't say I don't keep my promises," Chloe says with a laugh.

"Never," I agree and we lie there for a while, just holding each other.

"I should probably return the favor," I say after a while, trying to force some confidence in my voice.

"You don't have to do that Max, this is more than enough," Chloe says.

"Oh no, no way am I not going to repay that. That was fucking incredible."

"Of course, told you I was an expert," Chloe says.

"Well, unlike you, I didn't do my research. I have no clue what I'm doing," I say, somehow even more nervous at the prospect of touching Chloe than I was of her touching me.

"It's not that complicated, just do what you normally do to yourself," Chloe says as if it's obvious.

"Remember, I never finished. Doesn't speak well for my technique," I say sadly.

"Well, just focus on the clit and I'll…" Chloe stops as I bust out laughing. "Seriously Caulfield? Did you just laugh at the word clit?"

"Sorry, I've just never heard someone say that out loud before," I say as I give her an apologetic smile.

"Fuck me Max," Chloe says, completely exasperated.

"I'm trying!" I say and it's too much, even for Chloe, and we both collapse onto the bed, giddy laughter bursting from both of us. It's like we're ten again, hyped up on ice cream and the fact that it's 3 in the morning and everything is funny. Only, we're both a lot more naked than we were back then.

"No you're not Max, that's the problem," Chloe manages to get out finally.

"Touche," I reply back. I roll over and my mouth immediately goes for her neck. I bite lightly and cause her next laugh to immediately die in her throat, turning into a moan at the sudden attack.

"Fuck Max, warn me next time," Chloe says, her voice husky and low.

"Not likely," I whisper into her ear as her whole body shudders from the sensation. I might be a novice in some areas, but I am getting the hang of some things.

I bring my hand up to her check, cupping it and drawing her into another kiss. How many times have we kissed tonight? I have no idea, but I'm definitely not had enough yet.

As we kiss I slowly bring my hand down her body, traveling down her chin and neck, over her collarbone, over the swell of her breast. I lightly trace her nipple before continuing on down her ribs and stomach. My heart starts pounding in my chest as I pass her navel. This is it, the moment of truth. Okay Max, it's sink or swim time.

My fingers find her, sleek and wet. I slowly push inside her as I roll, positioning her beneath me without breaking the kiss. I feel her groan against my lips, her hips rocking up to meet my hand. Feeling completely unimaginative, I just do my best to mimic what Chloe did to me. I move slowly, coming all the way out and up to her clit before slowly going back in as far as I dare.

"Am I doing okay?" I ask quietly, breaking the kiss.

"F-fuck Max, no talking, just keep going. You're d-doing just fine," Chloe says breathlessly as her head rolls back, her eyes squeezing shut.

I keep going as I move to start gently kissing Chloe's chest, enjoying the way her face contorts and the noises that escape her mouth. I didn't know what to expect, but being on the giving end is kind of amazing too. There's a sense of power here, a feeling of complete control over Chloe that's a little fun. And I get to watch everything. When Chloe had been working her magic I'd been on a euphoric cloud, barely conscious of anything but pleasure. Now I notice every movement and facial expression Chloe makes, more aware of her body than I've ever been before, and it's intoxicating to know that I'm the cause of it all. A fleeting thought crosses my mind as I realize Chloe must have felt the same way, been just as aware of what I was doing. For a moment it makes me feel vulnerable, but the moment passes. If it's Chloe, then I don't mind being vulnerable for her.

"A little faster, just a little more," Chloe says, practically begging me in a voice I've never heard her use before, one I'm very interested in hearing more from.

I kiss across her chest until I reach her breast, lightly biting her nipple as I increase my pace. It's not long before she suddenly pulls me tight against her chest, her legs locking suddenly as she squeezes my hand painfully against her, keeping me deep inside her.

"Fuck!" Chloe screams out as her whole body finally relaxes and she lets go of me. I really should be worried about how loud she is, but all I can do is laugh.

"Two firsts in one night, not too bad," I say as I roll into her, pulling one of her legs between mine as I press my own between hers, enjoying the feeling of wetness against it. "I mean, if it was your first, it's totally okay if it wasn't, I don't care…"

"It was Max, at least with another person that is. And that was on a whole other level compared to what I've done myself. And you were worried," Chloe says with a chuckle as she pulls my face in against her neck, resting her head on top of mine.

"Not anymore," I say, feeling perfectly comfortable and accomplished.

"I want Rachel to be there tomorrow," I say softly. I feel Chloe stiffen against me.

"Seriously, you're going to end this perfect night by talking about my not-really exgirlfriend?"

"I know, but I think she needs to be there."

"Why?" She asks. Her voice is full of emotion. There's pain there, not just from Rachel, but from me for asking.

"You know why, she's involved in this somehow," I say.

"Why can't it just be me and you. It's like our last moment, I just want it to be the two of us," she says.

"It's just for the final moment. We can spend all day together tomorrow and then invite Rachel over a little bit before eight." Chloe is silent for a while. I feel her breath even on my neck and for a moment I'm afraid she fell asleep.

"You know how I feel about Rachel Max. Tomorrow's personal you know?"

"I do Chloe, I really do. But tomorrow, there's something bigger happening that we don't understand. I knew the future Chloe, almost five years into the future. And somehow Rachel Amber is involved in it. I think she needs to be there when it all comes together. Tonight, tomorrow morning, those are about us and getting our moments together. Then tomorrow night is about business."

"I don't know Max, I'm still not sold."

"I'll skip all my classes tomorrow. You can have me every minute of tomorrow until seven. Then we bring in Rachel for just a tiny bit at the end." It's my final deal. Chloe's always trying to get me to skip classes and I always tell her no. There's no way she'll be able to turn this one down.

"All day, no classes?" Chloe asks, her voice sounding slightly excited.

"All day. Just you and me."

I don't know if you bothered to read this journal. There's a lot here and without experiencing it yourself, I'm sure most of it seems frivolous and stupid. So here's the cliffnotes. Here's what you really need to know, everything that's important.

Chloe's neck is super sensitive, use to your advantage when you want some sexy time.

I promised to be Chloe's roommate in college. Break this promise and I will hunt you down somehow.

If you haven't guessed, Chloe is your girlfriend. I worked really hard to get to that point after almost screwing it up. You're welcome.

Rachel almost dated Chloe but I kind of screwed that up and now the two of them aren't talking. If you care about the both of them, and it seems like you do, try to get them to make up. I know they could be great friends.

Last night I took both me and Chloe's first time. Sorry you don't get to remember that. I wanted something just for me though so I won't apologize for doing it. Heh, doing it. Sorry, been around Chloe too much.

That's it. Enjoy your new life, I've done a pretty good job if I do say so myself.

"Hey Rachel," I say as I walk up to her on the picnic bench.

"Max!" Rachel says as she jolts out of whatever thoughts she's busy with. "I was so worried when you missed all your morning classes. I was thinking about checking on you after class, but I was worried that...someone else would be there."

"No worries necessary, sorry. I'm totally fine, just playing hookie." Rachel arches an eyebrow.

"Max Caulfield? Playing hookie? You haven't missed a single day of class."

"Today's a bit of a special occasion," I say. My hand crosses in front of me, taking its comfortable position on my other arm.

"What's today?"

"Well, it's a little hard to explain. I'd like to though, which was why I was wondering if you could hang out with me after classes are over? Say around 7:30?"

"Oh," Rachel says, her eyes widening slightly. Then a smile bursts onto her face and she's the same old Rachel Amber who helped me move into my dorm a lifetime ago in September. "Fuck yeah Max! I'd love to hang with you. I didn't think...but yeah, I'd totally love to."

"Chloe will be there too," I say. Immediately some of the pep drains away from her face.

"And she knows you're inviting me?" Rachel asks.

"Yes," I say. Her brow wrinkles in confusion, giving her the cutest expression. How did I ever win out over this girl? Everything she does is perfect. Chloe, you're absolutely insane.

"And she's okay with me hanging out with you guys?"

"Look Rachel, I'm not saying she's thrilled about it or ready to be your friend. I'm working on it, but you know how stubborn Chloe can be. But today's important and I'd really love it if you were there. Chloe agrees, you should be with us today." The last statement might have been a white lie. I mean technically Chloe agrees the girl who's about to lose all her memories should have whatever she wants on her last day. And I want Rachel there. So, by the transitive property, so does Chloe. The math checks out, I'm not lying.

"Well now you're starting to make me nervous. And more than a little curious."

"So you'll be there? My dorm, 7:30?"

"I'll be there Max. But if this is an early Halloween prank I'm so going to get you back."

"Oh, if only it were that simple Rachel. I'll see you then."

A knock sounds at the door. Chloe's back straightens, her arms fold in front of her as she squares herself in front of the door. I hope Rachel isn't expecting a warm welcome.

"Play nice," I say as I walk over to the door. Chloe grunts, her jaw too tensed shut to even manage a response. I throw the door open and there stands Rachel Amber.

Her hand raises, stroking the blue feather in her hair, a nervous tick I've never noticed before. Her eyes dart, first to me then to Chloe, before settling on me. A small smile creeps onto her face, tentative and not at all sure of survival.

"Hello Rachel, thanks for coming," I say, trying to make my words a barrier from the glare I can feel radiating out from behind me.

"Of course, couldn't turn down a request as mysterious as this," she says. She doesn't step inside, however. She glances at Chloe for just a moment and then back down the hallway, probably thinking of the safety of her dorm she just left. Her hand doesn't leave her feather.

"Come on in," I say after a couple awkward moments. Her hand comes down as her eye's focus on Chloe. She takes a step into the room. Chloe doesn't say a word as she holds her glare, her arms staying tightly crossed in front of her.

I walk over to Chloe and bring my hand up to lightly touch the side of her face, fingertips barely stroking her cheek.

"Please Chloe," I say. Chloe's eyes move to mine and they soften, tension draining out of her face. Her hands drop to her pockets and she turns to the side, leaning on my closet wall. "Thanks," I say, smiling in gratitude. Chloe sighs and nods, the only response she seems capable of doing at the moment. I'll take it.

Rachel watches the exchange and a look crosses her face, just a flash. It's a look I know too well, one I've given Rachel plenty of times. A raw and vulnerable flash of pain. Was I this obvious? Or do I just notice because I've been there.

Rachel finally walks the rest of the way into my dorm and shuts the door behind her.

"Umm...take a seat." I suggest, motioning at my bed. I've thought about this conversation all day, running it over and over in my head whenever Chloe wasn't being too distracting. As usual, however, I didn't come up with anything. At least anything that didn't sound completely crazy.

Rachel walks over to the bed and sits down. She glances between Chloe and me and a bewildered look crosses her face.

"I feel like I'm about to get lectured by my parents," she says idly.

"What?" I ask. I look between Chloe and me and between her general pissed offness and my nerves I can easily remember a few tense conversations with my parents. "Oh sorry, it's not like that I promise!" I say quickly. "I'm just too nervous to sit. It has nothing to do with you." Chloe glances at me with a concerned look on her face, but I shake my head. As much as I'd love to spend the next half hour curled up in Chloe there are more important things I have to do.

"Okay, well what is this about?"

"Well, okay, I don't really have a better way to say this so I guess I'll just do it. In about a half hour I'm going to forget everything that happened in the last five years," I say. Rachel stares at me for a good fifteen seconds as what I say sinks in.

"What?" She asks, her face saying she couldn't have just heard what she thought she heard.

"I'm going to lose five years of memories. And they'll probably be replaced by different memories, memories some other me experienced," I say, deciding to just lay all of the technical stuff down at once.

"Uh, Max, is this some kind of joke?" Rachel asks.

"It's not a joke Rachel. It's very serious," I say. Rachel stares at me, her eyes practically peering into my soul.

"Okay, say I buy this. How do you know you're going to lose your memories?" she asks.

"Five years ago I had a blackout moment. One minute I'm sitting in my living room in Seattle, the next I'm standing in my room with an envelope and a sheet of paper, both of which were written in my handwriting. On the same day I called Chloe's house and gave her a list of directions, one of which was to be with me on this day because I would lose all the memories from then until now. I have no memory of making that call."

"Nope, still not making sense," Rachel says after a moment.

"It doesn't have to make sense, she's not making this up. Why would she?" Chloe says suddenly from behind me.

"I don't know…" Rachel says. Her eyes wrinkle as she considers for a moment. "Okay, putting aside the fact that I still don't completely believe you. Why even tell me? What's the point?"

"The sheet of paper written in my handwriting? It had instructions to deliver the envelope to the head of security at Blackwell Academy during the summer of 2013." It takes a moment for the implication to sink in, but when it does Rachel's eyes go wide.

"Wait, are you trying to say you were the anonymous tipper?" Rachel asks, her voice trembling slightly.

"I'm not trying to, I am," I say. Rachel looks at me, her face surprisingly hard.

"This isn't funny Max. I don't know what you're playing at but I don't appreciate it. If this is some prank to…"

"It's not a fucking prank!" Chloe says, springing off the wall like a cat. She moves towards Rachel, her body as tense as her words. "I was against you being here from the start, but Max insisted so I thought I'd give you a fucking chance. Well you got your chance. You don't believe Max? Fine, then get the fuck out. I'd rather it was just me and Max anyway."
"Chloe, calm down. It's a lot to take in," I say.

"No Max, we tried, end of story. I'm not spending our last half hour trying to convince her you saved her life. She should be thanking you, not treating you like some lying bitch."

Rachel glances between the two of us, the doubt in her eyes starting to fade as she watches Chloe.

"Wait, are you telling me…" Rachel starts, but Chloe doesn't let her finish.

"Too late now, I want you out of this dorm right now," Chloe says, advancing on Rachel like she might throw her out herself.

"Chloe!" I yell, causing her to freeze for a moment. "This is my dorm, you can't kick anyone out of it. And you!" I say, rounding on Rachel. "I don't have time to convince you. Either you believe me or you don't, I'm not wasting my time trying to explain things anymore. If you don't, then kindly leave, but I think you're tied up in this somehow Rachel. Somehow, some part of me saw the future and used it to save your life. I don't know why or how, but if you're the least bit curious you'll stay right where you are," I say. I give each one last glare for good measure, and then march across the room to sit down at my desk. I pull my journal over in front of me and check the last couple entries, trying not to think about the fact they kind of read like an eulogy.

"Max?" I ask as her eyes unfocus for a minute. I glance at the clock. 8:13pm. She blinks a couple times and then breathes deeply as if preparing herself for something. She looks up at me and slowly looks me over as if taking in every detail.

"Chloe…" She says softly. She gets up and crosses the room and pulls me into a tight hug. It's not her usual hug, it's more desperate. I bring my arms around her and pull her tight. Instantly her body relaxes as I hold her close.

"You're alright," she says quietly.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" I ask. Max doesn't answer. She pulls away from me, not overly far though, her knees are close enough that they bump into mine. One hand comes up and Max runs her fingers through my hair, staring at it as each strand of hair falls through. She studies it like seeing it for the first time, her eyes strangely intense. She reaches down to my right arm. Her hand hovers over it for a moment before she runs a finger over the white skin there. Her finger moves in a complex pattern, as if tracing something on my arm only she can see. I don't know how to take the scrutiny in Max's eye so I remain silent, my heart hammering in my chest.

"Wait," Max says suddenly as her eyes finally wander away me. She looks behind me, her eyes so wide I figure there must be a freaking dragon behind me. I glance behind me but only see the normal wall and futon. "This is my dorm," Max says suddenly, as if announcing that we've died and gone to heaven.

"Uh, yeah. Where else would we be?" I'm genuinely confused. I don't know what Max meant by forgetting the last five years. It doesn't seem like amnesia, she remembers me and the dorm. So our theory was right, she remembers a different five years. What does that mean?

"This is my dorm!" Max screams out suddenly, her eyes lighting up just like they did on her eighth birthday when her dad had gotten her that light bright she'd always wanted. Her hands grip my arm tight as she stares into my eyes with pure delight. "How's Arcadia Bay?" She asks.

"Arcadia Bay? Just as shitty as always," I say. She's all over the place. There's so many things I want to ask her, but I can't seem to get a moment to collect my thoughts. I can't follow her at all, which is scary because usually I'm right there with her.

"Then it's still here?"

"Fuck Max, yes it's still here. Where would it go?" This is starting to remind me of that phone call five years ago. I had no idea what was going on back then either. If I needed any further proof that call actually happened, this is it.

"Then...then I did it! Fuck Chloe, we actually did it!" Max spins around. She spins once, twice, and then she notices Rachel. She stops, or at least attempts to. Her head freezes on Rachel, but her body continues its momentum and she stumbles awkwardly to the side. She barely notices, however, as her eyes stay fixed on Rachel, her mouth gaping open. Fuck, she's giving Rachel more attention than she gave me.

"Uh, that's…" I begin, going for an introduction because I don't know what else to say.

"Rachel Amber," Max finishes before I can. The way she says it is strange, almost like she's invoking the name of a saint or some shit. It makes Rachel sound holy, which is only adding to my growing unease with the situation.

Max walks slowly over to Rachel, her hand coming up as she does, until she stops right in front of her. She brings her hand up to Rachel's face as Rachel's eyes bug out in confusion.

"Fuck Rachel, it's so good to meet you," Max says softly. I can't see Max's face from where I'm standing, but it must be intense because Rachel can't break eye contact with her.

"You're here, you're actually here. I did all of it. It all worked. Chloe, it all worked," Max says. The way she says my name, I know she's not talking to me. She's not talking to anyone in this room. It's more like a prayer.

"Max," I say, trying to break the mood. The air feels so tense all of a sudden.

"I did it Chloe, it was all worth it. I did it, I finally saved them all. Oh Chloe, you'd be so happy. So happy," Max continues, talking to herself in her soft voice. Rachel's eyes leave Max and look at me, silently pleading as Max continues to cup her face.

"Max," I say again, louder this time. I start walking toward the two of them, knowing instinctively that something isn't right.

"Chloe, I did it. I did all of it. You'd be so happy. You'd be...Chloe," Max says, her voice breaking suddenly. Her knees go and she starts to collapse. I dive down, grabbing her from behind and pulling her towards me. She turns and burrows herself against me, her face hiding in the crook of my left arm. I feel the tears there, hot and wet against my skin as Max starts to sob deeper than I've ever seen.

"I made it Chloe. We fixed it all. God Chloe, I'm here. Why is it always me. Only me. Chloe," Max says softly against my skin as she breaks down, her tiny frame convulsing with each sob. Nothing she's saying makes any sense, it sounds more like gibberish than anything. Her pain, though, that I understand.

"Max? I'm right here, Max. I'm right here," I say, but she just starts to cry harder.

A/N: And so ends Beta Max Caulfield, daughter of Ryan Caulfield, wooer of Chloe Price, master of photography, remover of panties, last of her name. May she always be remembered in the halls of Blackwell.

We're moving into the last arc my friends. Thanks for sticking with me.