A/N: Before we get started, I just want to thank you all for putting up with such a long wait, I realize how long it's been and I apologize for that! But so you guys aren't kept in the dark for too long like this again, I'm going to be putting up chapter news on my profile page, so you'll know if something is going on that would delay the story, or if you'll have to wait longer than usual for the next update.

But again, thank you all so much for all of the follows, favorites, reviews and PM's I've gotten since the story went on the unexpected hiatus. I was involved with some other things that demanded my attention more, but hearing from you guys just kept fueling me to get back as soon as I could!

Anyway, enough with the jibber-jabber! Enjoy! :D

Chapter 13: A Friend in Need

~Maxine~

BZZZD
BZZZD
BZZZD

Max groggily slaps the screen on her phone with some distaste, silencing the annoying alarm clock she had set up two nights before. She found that the longer she used the same alarm clock, the less chance it had of waking her up. So after she became late to her first class more than a few times, Max decided it best to take some precautionary measures and change her ring tone every couple of weeks or so. And with the amount of sleep she's gotten these past two nights, it was starting to seem like her worst idea yet...

Would five more minutes in bed be so bad? *sigh*

She twists underneath her bed sheets so that she was facing the ceiling rather than the inviting darkness of her pillow. She could easily fall back asleep otherwise. Kate always teases her about that, how notorious she is for sleeping in. She doesn't deny it one bit though; she enjoys the extra sleep, just not when it starts affecting her grades. But Kate usually wakes up before everyone else does. In fact, Max was surprised she managed to catch her in the cafeteria for breakfast yesterday. If it wasn't for Ethan keeping her waiting, she would have been off to class before Max even left the dorm.

He sure made up for it though. Victoria's face after he told her off was waaayyy too funny!

Suddenly a roll of drums began emitting from her stereo, making her jolt up briefly before the soft tones and vocals of the Alt-J reverberated off the small space in her room. If she wasn't awake before, she certainly was now. Max had set up her stereo to play "Something Good" as another alarm for herself, in case she went back to sleep after her cell phone's alarm, like she almost did...

That worked out better than I thought...I still don't feel like getting up, but at least I can do it listening to something good. Oh...Hey, I just made a joke!

Max pivots with her butt to pull her legs out underneath the covers and then folds the covers to the end of the bed. With a yawn, she stretches her arms outwardly allowing the muscles to wake up, until there was a satisfying crack and her body became more appreciative to be awake. Her phone's text ringtone goes off and Max eagerly picks it up off the side of her bed, where she left it charging last night. Her face brightened into a big smile.

It was from Chloe! She unlocked her phone and read the message, then replied back.

- u there mad max

- Like I said. Always for you
:) :) :) :)

- NO EMOJI!

- :(

- meet me at the diner in 40

- I'll be there!

- do not be late
or I'll know time is not on your side

- Don't go getting high with ethan like in my room

- On my way. :)

- u r EVIL
40 minutes
or else

Max chuckled to herself and then sighed as she stood up off the bed. She turns herself so that she was facing the mirror and inhaled deeply before exhaling at her reflection. Her hair was an absolute mess, with ruffled strands of hair splitting in different directions. Her muscles may have woken up slightly, but her face certainly wasn't on the same page, with dark circles painted underneath her eyes.

Woah, hello zombie-face. This is what happens when you research quantum physics for two nights in a row...Man, being a superhero sure is dirty work. I need a shower.

The brunette sauntered over to her closet and grabbed a hold of her shower supplies.

Just because some ass pranked a girl's shampoo bottle and her hair fell out, we have to safeguard our toiletries. So summer camp...

With said toiletries now in hand, Max Caulfield unlocks her room door and steps out into the hallway. This time in the morning, the dorm house was especially lively, with all of the tenants trying to complete their morning rituals whilst conversing with one another to start their day. There was always a lot of through traffic among the girls, waiting for their turns to take a shower or use the sink to brush their teeth, and as annoying as it could be, Max sort of enjoyed it that way. Or maybe she preferred the difference to growing up an only child. That doesn't help the fact that she's socially awkward every now and then. But just because she is doesn't mean she hates talking to people, she's just afraid she might say the wrong thing and make them upset.

Guess I won't have to worry about that anymore. But I won't use it carelessly, only if I mess up big time.

There is one downside to her living conditions though, and it's that her room is directly across from Victoria's. Speaking of the wicked witch, as Max closes her door behind her, she sees Victoria ordering Courtney to make sure she get's her tests and papers done by tonight. The sad thing is, Courtney just seems to follow blindly and acknowledges that she'll have it done by this afternoon, before queen bee shut the door in her face. Max found it difficult to understand why Courtney didn't mind being treated in such a way, as if she's just a loyal servant, even though they're supposed to be friends.

Shaking her head, Max continued down the hall towards the showers. Every room has a small whiteboard next to its door for any messages the tenant wants to put out, like a quote or a note saying they'll be gone for a bit. Unfortunately, the one by Kate's pulls Max towards it and she frowns at the crude image. It was a poor drawing of a butt, with a text next to it, saying: 'Will bang for God'. A second after reading it, Max wiped it off with her hand, blanking the board completely. Why didn't anyone wipe this off earlier? Max didn't think it was funny in the slightest.

The restroom door opens and Max witnesses a roll of toilet paper getting launched out the crack of the open door and hit Alyssa on the back of the head. The pink/violet haired girl grunts and rubs her head in annoyance from the surprise attack. That's when a smirk crept at the corner of Max's lips.

I can fix that...

Raising her right hand, Max focused her rewind back ten seconds, feeling the fabric of time bend to her will before dropping her hand. Now she had to move quick to warn her.

Max tapped Alyssa's shoulder, "Alyssa, could you stand over there?"

She tilted her gaze at her in a confused manner, "Uh, okay, Max. If that makes you happy..." Alyssa does as requested and right after, the toilet paper was launched yet again, but this time hitting the bulletin board rather than the poor girl, "Wow, now that was close. Thank you, Max."

Max Caulfield waved her hand in reply before Alyssa returned her thoughts to the bulletin board.

Max, you are totally awesome! I saved Alyssa again today, just like two days ago with the football outside. I think I might be getting the hang of these powers...I'm going to need a secret identity soon if this keeps up.

On that note, Max found her way into the shower room and walked inside. The temperature shifted almost instantly upon entry, with the warm steam of the hot showers contrasting to the relatively cold a/c out in the hall. The door closes behind her and Max is surprised by whom she sees standing in front of the sink.

Kate is an early bird, so it's very shocking she's still here when Max is just waking up. The way she was brushing her teeth made Max wonder if she was feeling okay. She wasn't even looking at herself in the mirror, and despite having just showered, her complexion was more flushed than anything. Did she not sleep last night?

Max moved over to her, "Hey, Kate." She greeted, softly, "How are you doing?"

"I'm here." She replies halfheartedly and with a forced smile, "Thanks for sticking up for me yesterday, with Victoria I mean. I didn't get the chance to tell you, but it meant a lot. I needed that."

Max raised both eyebrows, slightly taken aback, "Me? I didn't do much, it was Ethan who did that, remember?"

"He did." She confirmed, her smile growing just larger than Max had seen it these past few days, "It's kind of hard to forget. But you spoke first and I'm very grateful for that."

"Anytime." Max told her, "That girl has some issues."

"Doesn't everybody here?" Kate responds before leaning on the sink, gripping gently on the white porcelain with both hands, "By the way Max, do you still have my copy of 'The October Country'?"

It took Max a second but it came to her like a light switch. Kate had let her borrow it a little while back, but she hadn't gotten a chance to read it all the way through.

"Oh. Yes, of course." Max says, "It's great so far. I didn't realize Bradbury was such a poet."

Kate rubbed one hand against the other that was still holding on to the toothbrush. But the way her arms moved made it look tired and a little forced, "Can you please bring it back to my room this morning? I just need to take some notes for class." She explained.

Max answered quickly, "Absolutely. I'll bring it by later once I'm done getting ready."

Without another word, Max's tea-loving friend smiled before turning around towards the sink and continued brushing her teeth.

Max turns around as well, at long last stepping into a shower booth. She pulls the curtain for it to close, leaving a centimeter of open space at the edge where the plastic meets the gray tiles of the booth. With a squeak of the metal nob, hot water began pouring out of the shower head, hitting Max Caulfield with a wave of relaxation as the change in temperature prickled her skin with goosebumps. Max shuffled in place and tilted her neck, allowing the water to engulf the rest of her body.

The eighteen year old closed her eyes and embraced this bliss moment before her mind began to wander. She was glad that she was able to help Kate, at least a little, but Max found herself wishing she could do more for her. It sucks seeing her frowning all the time, especially when she has such a nice smile. Kate was the first person to actually communicate with her outside of class at Blackwell, to reach out to her despite her socially awkward self.

It was during lunch hour, Max remembered. She was sitting on the the grass underneath a tree that was protectively providing some shade from the beaming sun. She had been there minding her own business, slowly working on her food, when Kate had walked up to her. Even though they had already introduced themselves to each other on the first day of school, it was the first time Max was speaking to her outside of class and dorm, and Kate asked if she could sit down with her. During that time, they mainly talked about hobbies, future goals, and religious beliefs—namely Kate's. Max found it kind of adorable and yet also fascinating how firmly she believed in Christianity, especially since she wasn't sure about her own beliefs. Still isn't, if she's being honest.

After the bell had rung for the next set of classes, Kate made her promise to try and speak up more often, and then complemented her on her personality.

"Can we hug on it?" She had said. A request so out of the blue from someone she barely knew, but from Kate it didn't seem weird at all. She may not have been her first friend here at Blackwell (a title owned proudly by Sir Warren Graham), but she was certainly the first to persuade her out of her comfort zone.

I am going to help you through this, Kate. I promise.

Over the patter from the water as it hit the floor, Max heard a faint creaking from the bathroom door and opened her eyes when she heard a new voice enter.

"What's up, Kate?" Victoria said.

"...School." Kate deadpanned after a few seconds.

"That's it?" A second voice 'asked', sounding a lot like Taylor.

Max turns around and positions herself so that she can peek through the small opening at the edge.

"That video of you clubbing didn't look like homework..." Victoria says, snobbishly.

Kate had her head down when she spoke, "Victoria, everyone on social media has already seen that video...Please, stop. That wasn't me..."

"Oh my god, you're right." Taylor snickered to Victoria, "She doesn't know yet."

"Know what?" Kate glanced at Taylor, pleadingly.

Victoria scoffed, "Social Media? I'm a woman of honor, and I told you yesterday that I would make a website for you, didn't I?" The Queen bitch uncaps a stick of lipstick and proceeds to write something on the mirror before capping it again. "So there, now the whole world can see your fun little wild night."

Kate's jaw drops in panic and her right hand squeezes the seam of her pajama pants tightly.

"Don't be shy." Victoria comforts sarcastically, "I personally think it's awesome you set a tongue record on video..."

Taylor guffaws in the corner, while Kate shakes her head and muttered on the verge of tears as she made her exit, "You're going to be sorry someday."

"Oh boo hoo, I'm sorry you're a viral slut." Victoria hissed back once the door had closed, "I'm sure she had fun."

"Looks like it." Taylor agreed.

"I know Nathan hooked her up. And you know he has the good shit." Victoria commented.

"Preach it sista." Taylor chuckled, "That must have felt pretty good after what happened last morning."

Victoria looked at herself in the mirror, her face as clean and perfect as a Barbie doll. "Oh no, I still need to deal with that fucking ginger. He made me look weak in front of the entire cafeteria. He needs to know his place in our little society here."

"I know," Taylor said, crossing her arms, "That's all you've been talking about since yesterday."

"Exactly. This was just icing on the cake." She gestures to the writing in lipstick before wiping at her cheek with her thumb, where the spot of paint Ethan had pointed out was yesterday. "Of course, I wouldn't have to plan any revenge had my best friends been more observant. Or faster." She glares at Taylor.

Suddenly, Taylor's voice became significantly smaller, "I told you, we ran as fast we—"

"Give it a rest, Taylor!" Victoria cuts her off with a wave of her hand, "Now I know if I'm in an accident I won't rely on you or Courtney for help. You can hang out with Kate...Or Max." Her name was said so disdainfully it almost sounded taboo, like Voldemort in Harry Potter.

For the next few seconds everyone was quiet, with the dropping of the shower water being the only thing to fill the silence. Max chewed on her lower lip, ashamed of herself. Despite promising that she would help Kate, she didn't do a thing just now when she needed to. But she was in the shower, so technically what could she do? It was just...bad timing...At the very least, it's what she can tell herself to keep from feeling worse about this situation. Ethan might also be interested to know Victoria is plotting something for him as well.

"She's a weirdo with that dumb camera." Taylor says, snidely.

Victoria groans, "I hate that 'I'm so quirky' crap. Anyway, let's leave. The heat is starting to make me feel sticky."

Max turns off the shower and proceeds to dry herself off with the towel before putting on her clothes. Once she was sure the bathroom door closed, she walked out through the shower curtain, holding her shower supplies in one hand. As she stepped closer to the mirror, she could finally read the writing Victoria had written earlier.

She actually made a website for Kate's video? Damn, Victoria is so fucking mean. I can't let this stay here, it'll only make things worse for her.

With her free hand, Max turns on the sink and wets her hand, all the while apologizing to the person still in the shower before turning it off. Now that her hand was dripping, she wiped it across the mirror, smearing the link to an unintelligible state.

Max smiled.

Even if I can stop one person from watching it, it's worth it. *sigh* Alright, I better get dressed, then go give back Kate's book.

It didn't take very long for Max to return to her room and it took just as long to decide on her choice of apparel. Just a shirt, jeans, and her gray zip-up jacket to complete it. It was no different from what she usually wore, but she didn't mind. Einstein had the exact same suit for every day of the week, and he couldn't even rewind time! Besides, this doe shirt is too adorable not to wear.

Now...where did I put that book again? Let's see...I was sitting on my cot reading it a few days ago, then I rented all of those books Warren recommended and I put it aside.

With searching eyes, Max sauntered over to her couch and scanned for the particular book. Apparently it wasn't anywhere on the top, but neither was it underneath after shuffling the other books around to check. Bending down to her knees, Max considered that she dropped it and maybe it went below the furniture. But alas, she found nothing but dust bunnies. She made a note to herself to clean her room sometime this week. When she leaned back up again, she was eye level to a soda she was drinking last night and behind it was a book hiding underneath a sheet of paper.

Grinning at her brilliant observation skills, Max stands up and removes the paper to reveal 'The October Country' then grabs at it with her other hand. Unfortunately, Max being the klutz she is, accidentally hits the glass of soda, spilling the contents of it all over the Novel.

Of course you just spilled soda on Kate's book. I need to fix this fast. Kate needs the book and I don't want to add to her list of problems, she has more than enough already.

Raising her right hand, Max rewinded about five seconds to where the liquid retreated back to the cup before resuming time.

Be gone foul soft drink! Your tasty self is not needed right this moment! Now I can finally take this back to Kate before I'm late. As if I have to worry about being late anymore...I do have all the time in the world now.

This time she puts it more to the side, where her arm wouldn't hit it on the way. At least if it did, it would only land on her things and no one else's. Grabbing the book more efficiently this time, she shoulders her messenger bag and makes her way out of the room, locking it behind her. A few paces down the hall later and Max was facing the door to Kate's room. However, before she could knock, Max noticed something that made her frown.

The white board next to her door—the one she had erased earlier—was still carrying the same vulgar idiotic message. But how was it still there? Had somebody put it back up while she was taking a shower? That's when Max realized, as the guilt settled into the pit of her stomach, that the message was put back up because of her. When she rewinded to help Alyssa from getting hit, she rewinded back too much and wound up reverting the white board back to the way it was. Max felt disappointed for being so reckless. Coming back to her room and seeing this, after what happened with Victoria in the bathroom it couldn't have made things any easier. She wiped it off again, before it did any further damage.

The phone in her pocket pings and she brings it out to see she received a text...from an unknown number...She read the message, carefully.

- Keep your smart mouth shut about everything. Or I'm coming for your ass. I know where you sleep.

Oh shit, now I'm getting anonymous threats? It never ends...This has to be from Nathan...But it is a private number, so I guess it could be anybody...I better be doubly careful around here or I could be in serious danger. Ethan too...I wonder if he's gotten any messages like this.

Stowing the phone away in her pocket, Max knocks on the door, "Kate? You in there?"

She replies through the door, hollowly, "Yes, I'm here. Come in, Max..." She does so and closes the door after, "Just give me a minute, okay?" She requests while sitting at her desk in the back left corner of the room, her voice on the verge of breaking. Max considered leaving for a moment, to just leave the book and go meet up with Chloe at the Diner. But instead, she nodded and took this time as an opportunity to examine her room. She wasn't going to hear all the details about it verbally from her, and the more she knows, the better she'd be able to help her friend.

This was the second time Max had ever been inside Kate's room. The walls were painted with the same beige color as the others, but it looked particularly cleaner here for some reason. Kate Marsh was always the cleanly type anyway, so it makes sense that her room would be immaculate. A blue couch sat sideways along the wall closest to the door where a violin lay on its back, lightly perched on the edge of its open case. Max hadn't seen her play the violin in over a week, but she could still remember the sweet sound it made when it echoed across the hall to her room every morning. Next to the instrument was a tablet, still turned on too, so Max had to assume it had recently been used. It was left open on a rather upsetting message from Kate's mom, talking about how she's seen the video and hopes Kate didn't bring shame to herself or her family. The fact that those words came from her own mother? It made Max grimace.

Kate is all alone dealing with this video bullshit. I hope her mother doesn't disown her...

Max turns around, catching sight of the mirror that sat adjacent to the door on the wall. It was covered by a piece of cloth, which brought Max to wonder: Can she not even look at her own reflection? Moving along, the bed was neat and tidy, not a single wrinkle within the tight flat surface of the fabric. Unfortunately, that's where the niceties end, for when she reached the nightstand and dresser next to the bed, their somber essence matched with everything else she's seen so far.

The trashcan was stuffed with used up tissues. No doubt Kate has been crying a lot, probably been going through boxes of them. Max reached out and grabbed at the post card on top of the small table. It displayed a single candle that illuminates the dark background behind it. In a way, Mac could see the image is meant to symbolize hope when things are looking grim. The true message was in the back, though, with her Father's words written: 'Katie, you'll always be my brightest light against the dark.' With his signature being 'POP'.

Kate has a really doting father. This must mean a lot to her, especially after what her mother sent her.

Next to the bunny cage on top of the dresser, Max found a photo of Kate with Stella and Alyssa, and then another with both of her sisters.

I had no idea that Kate ever hung out with Alyssa and Stella...Her sisters, they look so much like each other. And I don't think I've ever seen Kate smile so big like that. They must be very close.

Max turned her attention to the bunny in it's cage.

That is the cutest bunny ever! I bet Kate is a good mommy. I don't think she'd mind if I took a quick photo...

Equipping her Polaroid camera, Max takes a step back for a good angle and takes the shot. The analogue camera whirs as it mechanically spits out a fresh photo. With a shake, she puts them both back into her camera bag.

"What was that?" Kate asked with a sniffle.

"Sorry, I-I took a photo of your bunny." Max explained, "I hope that's okay, it's hella cute."

It took Kate a moment to process her words, as if she were trying to decipher a message, before just waving her hand, "Oh, th-that's fine. She is really cute."

Now's as good a time as any to approach her.

"H-hey, I brought your book." Max said, flashing the book in her hand.

Kate looked up at her with puffy red eyes, "Max, why did you try to defend me yesterday?"

The tone in her friend's voice made it seem like she was accusing her of something; but regardless, Max Caulfield answered honestly, "I hate bullies. Victoria is as old as we are, she should know better by now."

"Yeah, she should. I don't know why she acts like that." She murmurs, "But...thanks for caring about me Max..."

"Kate, I actually do care." Max told her. There was something Max wanted to speak to Kate about, regarding that whole scene with David Madsen the other day. Ethan didn't know why he was messing with her either, "So, what's the story with you and David? Ethan told me what happened, and I mean Victoria is a bitch, but Mr. Madsen is a security guard."

Kate nods her head and sighs, "Well...He's a total paranoid ass! He thinks I'm part of the Vortex Club. Yeah, right."

Max crossed her arms, "Why does he think that?"

"Because he saw the video." She answered, raucously. Max was surprised, she had never seen Kate act this way. In fact, Max isn't sure she ever heard Kate cuss until today! This whole situation is just really beating her down. The church girl inhaled deeply before sighing, "Do you know how humiliating this is for me?"

Max gestured with her hands as she spoke, "I know this sucks, Kate, but...tell me about the video and maybe I can help."

Kate glanced at her ceiling, ponderously, "Basically, I went to one Vortex club party and ended up making out with a bunch of people...and I have no memory of it..." She finished weakly.

That sounds terrible...But a Vortex Club party would be the last thing Max would expect Kate to attend, "So, why did you go to begin with?"

"Lapse of sanity?" Kate guessed, trying to justify it herself, "I just thought I could meet some new people."

Max sighed internally, that doesn't help her much with an explanation, "You have to tell me more than that. What happened at the party? Did you drink?"

"I swear to God I had one sip of red wine. And then I drank water."

"Are you sure it was just one sip?"

Kate frowned, "I take a sip at church and I don't end up on a viral video, okay?"

"Did somebody drug you?" Max pressed, delicately to avoid making her more upset.

Kate whispered, "I remember...I remember getting sick and dizzy..."

"Go on." Max urged her, crossing her arms.

"Then Nathan Prescott said he would take me to the hospital..."

Max's eyes grew twice in size upon mention of the name, "Nathan Prescott? Oh shit!"

"He was being nice for a change when he offered to help me."

"He's the opposite of nice." Max corrected, "What next?"

Kate licked her lips, "All I recall is driving for a long time...then I woke up in a room...I-I thought it was a hospital because it was so white and bright..."

Kate paused for a moment and Max patted her shoulder, "Go on, I'm listening."

"Th-there was a voice. Somebody was talking to me in a soft voice...I thought it was a doctor...until I heard Nathan and felt a sharp sting in my neck...and...and..."

"And?" Max repeated, hoping to hear more.

Instead, Kate shook her head, "That's all I remember! I don't know what happened...I woke up outside my dorm room the next day." She touched her arms, "I didn't have any marks or bruises or anything, but I felt gross."

Max shuddered, thinking back to what Chloe told her of her own experience with Nathan Prescott, "So, who took the video of you at the party?"

"I have no idea." She sobbed, "Probably Victoria. She was there being her mean self."

That was as good as Max's guess, "Jesus Kate, I'm sorry. This is serious shit."

"How do you get a viral video taken down?" Kate wondered, "I know it's already spreading—what if my church sees that? I need to know what to do..."

Honestly, Max wanted to give her the right answers, but she just wasn't sure what the right answers would be in this situation, "Have you tried asking Ethan for any advice?"

She shook her head, "I sent him a text, but he's not responding to any of them, or my calls. I don't think he wants to deal with any of my drama..."

"Come on, you know that's not true." Max defended, "If that were the case, he wouldn't have told off Victoria yesterday, or ran a marathon to just have breakfast with you. He's probably still asleep or something."

Kate hung her head, "I guess...but I mean, how much do we really know about him? He could be fake like almost everyone else at this damn school."

This time Max shook her head, "He's not. Trust me, Ethan's a good person."

"You only met two days ago." Kate pointed out, "How can you be sure?"

In truth, Max wasn't sure why she was. She could...feel it, somehow...She just knew.

"Kate, we'll figure all of this out." Max says, getting back on topic, "I'll check back later, okay?"

"Thanks, Max..." Kate gestures to a spot on the floor, "You can put my book here, near my bag." Max did as she said and placed it on top of the cushion next to her bag. Soon after, Kate spoke up again, "So Max, can I ask you a question? And please be honest."

"Absolutely, Kate. Anything."

Max noticed Kate close her hand on the corner of her desk chair, seemingly rubbing her thumb against the fabric, "I need to find out if Nathan Prescott helped me...or hurt me after that party." She looked away briefly at the word 'hurt', "Should I go to the police?"

Max gulped hard as a strange pressure built up in her throat. Both Ethan and Chloe said it was a good idea that they didn't tell Principle Wells about Nathan waving a gun around. Back at the parking lot, Nathan also mentioned that his family owned the cops in Arcadia, and it's not like she and Kate have any outstanding evidence either, so would calling the Police really do any good in the long run besides putting Kate in the spotlight? That would only make things worse...What would Chloe or Ethan do...?

The words just rolled off her tongue, "If you do that, they won't believe you. You're on video grabbing at all those guys and they'll use that against you. Bad."

"But I know I was drugged—"

"That's what you have to prove. Not them." Max stated, "I'm just telling you how the cops and school will look at this. The video doesn't exactly back you up..."

"You make me feel so hopeless." Kate admits, sadly.

"No, no, Kate. I just don't want you to get hurt any more..."

Kate furrows her brow, "That seems impossible at this point. So that's your answer?"

Max put a hand on her hip, "I-I think we should wait. There are other things going on that might help you."

"But not right now." She says coldly, "So I can walk down the halls with people calling me a viral slut. Thanks, Max."

Those last two words pierced through Max like a dagger. They need more proof of what happened, otherwise their arguments wouldn't matter much. She understands that Kate wants an immediate solution, but why couldn't she see that she's only trying to help her?

"Call me if you need anything..." Max said quietly. She glanced back at her friend one last time, before exiting the room.

Coming back out to the cold air of the hall, Max sighed heavily from the weight that she felt got dropped on her shoulders. So much negativity this early in the morning...She had to take her mind off somehow.

Just as this thought finished, several pings emitted from her phone and so she scooped it out of her pocket, smiling at the screen.

Chloe:

- max
- food
- two whales
- c u there

- Don't hurt your fingers texting
- Yay breakfast! (^_^)

- NO EMOJI

Max laughed to herself and put away her phone. This whole thing with Kate really sucks, but as long as she helps her out, everything will work out okay. Heck, maybe this whole video thing will blow over by the end of the week and Kate can go back to normal. After hearing about her experience though...That might just be wishful thinking.

As Max walked towards the entrance of the dorm house, she began to wonder.

I've been texting Chloe all morning but I haven't heard anything from Ethan. And Kate said he wasn't replying to any of her messages either...After that anonymous text I got, I hope he really is just sleeping...

~Ethan~

"Ethan, wake up!" Nana yelled from the hall, forcing his baggy eyes to open. "I'm going to work, don't be late for school."

"Okay..." He cried out, though it came out more throaty than intended.

He cleared his throat to ensure that doesn't happen again and tossed the covers off of him. The new mattress Nana got him was undoubtedly the softest he's ever had, which isn't actually a good thing. He preferred something a bit more stiff, but he wasn't going to complain. After almost two days of no sleep, it got the job done just fine. Placing his feet down on the warm carpet floor, he stood up fully and spread his arms out, purring at the stretch of his muscles from the few hours of sleep he had gotten. Tonight he was going to sleep early. No question about it. His body hates him enough right now.

Actually, how much sleep did I get? I went to bed at around four-thirty, and the time right now is...

Ethan clicked the home button on his phone, but the screen remained black. A few more clicks made him come to an obvious conclusion.

Shit. I forgot to put my phone to charge when I got back last night. Dammit.

Scratching his head, he steps out into the hallway and gazes at the kitchen clock.

8:13am

Ethan sighed tiredly. Max mentioned that their morning class was cancelled because their teacher was out sick, so he saw a choice laid out before him. Which one's more important: Breakfast with friends and hanging out? Or extra sleep? His head turned slowly back to his bed, then to the door, and back to the bed again. He smiles and steps towards the bed in his room, but then stops halfway. He had given his word that he'd be there...

"*sigh* Goddammit." He groans, "Guess I'd better get ready..."

A/N: As a present for all of you who have been patient, next chapter comes out tomorrow! Updates after that, just might be weekly or twice a week depending on how much time I have :)

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed!