Evening darkness stretched over the Bay, leaving Chloe little light to navigate the crowded parking lot of the Two Whales diner. They found themselves exhausted from a mentally and emotionally taxing day. The revelation of Max's "day zero" and their short, but poignant argument left them both desiring nothing more than food and bed.
Time to cross that first item off the list, Max thought. They almost didn't find a space: only one remained open, far in the back of the lot.
"You okay, mad Max?" Chloe still had a bit of apprehension to her voice. Chloe was quick to explode, Max noted, but became quite reflective of her actions in the time afterward. No doubt she was cursing herself for pushing Max away, just over an hour ago.
"I will be once I'm staring at a plate of waffles."
Chloe wrinkled her nose as they made steps towards the restaurant. She threw an arm over Max's shoulder, pulling her in. "I still think it's weird you get breakfast for diner."
"I'm not bound by your mere mortal rules of time, remember?" She jibed back. "Well, for now. At least."
Chloe chuckled, lightening the mood between them. "Ah, pray forgiveness. Your humble minion forgets herself."
"Don't think I won't remember this insubordination during your next annual review," Max mocked, struggling out from Chloe's grip. She skipped a few steps in front, twirling around to face direct Chloe directly, walking backwards to keep pace.
"Hate to point out the obvious here Max, but we'll be metaphorical coworkers by then."
"True," Max frowned. "Though, who knows? Maybe on zero day, I'll gain more power than you could ever hope to imagine."
"Okay, Obi Wan. Just be careful-oh, fuck. Check out the window," Chloe motioned with her head. When Max stopped back-stepping, confused by Chloe's sudden change in tone. Chloe turned her around by the shoulders, aiming her back towards the diner.
As the full parking lot implied, the building was packed. Almost every window had heads in it. The diner presented a happy, vibrant oasis-a stark contrast against the poorly-lit gloom of its surroundings. They were close enough now that Max could make out the soft hum of a song playing on the juke box, interspersed by the sounds of kitchenware clanging against itself. Then the smell it. Breakfast, dinner, all the above. Max felt her mouth begin to water.
Impatient, Chloe grabbed Max's head, pointing her attention at the second window from the entrance. Seated at the booth was Victoria and Nathan, looking their usual ornery selves. Nathan appeared distracted, not making much eye contact. Victoria, on the other hand, seemed intently focused on the boy across from her. It looked like she was relating a story, and Nathan appeared bored, his eyes wandering over to the window, then back down at the table.
"Crap," Max found herself saying.
"We could just go somewhere else, if you'd rather, Max."
"Screw that, " Max decided, shaking her head. "We're not getting bullied off our home turf."
"Damn straight. Come on, let's see what's up?"
As Chloe pulled open the door to the diner, the couple seated next to Nathan rose to leave. It was the only free table, so Chloe motioned at it, grabbing Max's hand as they brisked down the isle. Max didn't bother to lift her head as they passed Nathan and Victoria's booth. Today had been stressful enough, and she didn't want to add to her list of concerns. Or deal with Victoria and her increasingly desperate attempts at belittlement.
But she could feel the pointed stare Victoria gave drill into her back. Once seated, both Max and Chloe leaned back to allow a waitress to clean their table. To their surprise, it was Joyce.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. You two had me worried, earlier. What on earth was going on?"
"Mom," Chloe asked, ignoring Joyce's question. "I thought you had the day off?"
"I did. Then Abby called in sick, so here I am."
"You're not indentured to the Two Whales, mom. What is this, the seventh day you've worked in a row?"
Joyce sighed as she brought the cloth back to her side. She pointed her eyes at Max. "I'd ask what your order is, but is there really a point?"
Max grinned. "It's good to be known."
"One of these days you're going to realize we do in fact serve other dishes, Max. But I can see today is not that day."
Max gave another sheepish grin, feeling better after the homely interaction. Nathan and Victoria's presence faded from the forefront of her mind, and in the moment, it was just her and Chloe, in their favorite restaurant, taking and giving sass as they always did.
"The usual for me too, mom," Chloe replied when Joyce gave her an expectant look. Joyce closed her eyes, shaking her head with a slight grin as she collected the menus. Before leaving she gave each girl a fresh set of silverware and napkins.
"... don't worry, Vic. That smug bitch will get what's coming."
Nathan's words cut through Max's reverie. Nathan, seated just behind to her, spoke his words loudly enough to be heard.
Is it narcissistic to assume he's talking about me? In any other world, I'd say yes, but knowing what I know...
Chloe, being seated on the opposite side of the table, missed the dialog. The diner was full of noise and bustle, which easily drowned out most conversation. But she noticed the change in Max's expression, and became worried in response.
"What's up?"
"N-nothing, Chloe," Max replied, keeping her voice low enough so that only Chloe could hear. She leaned in on the table, creating a space for them to talk privately. Chloe leaned forward to match.
"Just, Nathan wanted me to overhear something. Trying to rattle me, I think."
Chloe's eyes narrowed. "You want me to put him in his place? I will, right now," Chloe made motions of getting up, which Max halted by grabbing her arm.
"No! Chloe, it's fine. Fucker's just blowing hot air."
Chloe relaxed, sliding back into place. She unraveled the napkin around her table set, and began spinning the fork in circles atop the table. Max smiled, taking a picture of the moment with her mind's eye.
Sometimes, even now, I can't believe all this is... real. Chloe has died, right in front of me. Twice! I'd like to think all that's behind us, but am I being too naive? I would not have thought any of last year possible, but it happened all the same. And now, barring some serious deus ex machina, my powers are going to evaporate, sooner rather than later. What happens if life doesn't settle down? If Eric finds another sick, protégé-turned-hitman to clean up his mess?
Honestly, everything was going, well, perfectly. Until I started Blackwell. I mean, it's still a good school. And it's awesome to spend time with Kate, Warren, and all the others. But life was simpler before the start of this semester. It was just me and Chloe, and her family. I swear, months would go by without me even thinking the name "Landhauser." Now, not a day passes without those ugly memories.
Max gulped, the idea of not being able to undo a Chloe-death sinking in.
I... I don't know what I'd do, if Chloe dies again, and I can't save her. I've been playing life with cheat codes for over a year now. And what have I done with it? Pranked people? Magic tricks? Maybe, if I wasn't so wanton with them, my powers would've lasted longer? I don't think I could handle it, if I actually need my rewind, and I don't have it. All because I had to swipe Drunken Berry's liquor bottle on a lark?
These powers. Have I been using them responsibly? My ability to jump into a photo... I could go back. Way back. I could stop Dad from dying. I could stop William from dying. But... that's so much time. When I jumped before, it was just a matter of hours. And that was terrifying enough. Who would I return as, if I jumped back years? Even if I got Dad back. William back. Would it be worth it? Would Chloe and I be friends, or enemies? Would we even be alive?
"Max." Chloe snapped a finger in front of Max's face. "Dude, you in there? I know when you're giving yourself shit. So stop, already. I told you, I was being a moron earlier."
Max smiled, grabbing Chloe's hand from the air, encircling it with hers. "Sorry, just... I can't stop thinking about what'll happen when my powers run out."
Chloe's expression softened, letting out a breath. "We'll be fine, dude. Believe it or not, millions of couples survive each and every day without the aid of space-time warping magic."
The comment earned a nervous laugh from Max, who had begun to feel better. She was, and always had been, a sucker for Chloe's enthusiastic encouragement. Through the jumble of ambient noise, Max heard the jingle of a person entering, or leaving the diner. A wave of darkness swept over Chloe, who was seated faced towards the door.
"And annoying our duo becomes a shit-sandwhich," Chloe opined, leaning back in her chair, arms sprawling to either side. Her gaze remained focused on someone behind Max. Even though she was seated in the opposite direction, Max could make a guess at who had just entered.
"Jacob!" Max heard Nathan's voice cut through the air once more. She felt the shifting of their combined seat as Nathan slid over to allow his friend a seat beside him. Looking up, Max could see Chloe was staring daggers at Jacob, who had to be be standing directly behind her.
"Didn't know we had company," Jacob remarked, remaining standing.
"Psh, don't mind those two dykes," Nathan replied, patting the top of the table beside him. "Come on, take a seat, man. The grub here is pretty shit, but it's still the best in town."
"Now that, I'll believe," Jacob sighed, taking the spot offered by Nathan. Max felt the weight of the additional body shift their seat once more. Despite herself, she felt her pulse increase. It took a few moments for her to realize she was clenching her first.
"Dude," Chloe whispered. "You have to let me fuck with him."
Max's eyes widened. "Like, right now? Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously! Come on, please, Max. Having a little fun while your powers are still online isn't going to change anything. And who knows? Maybe we'll learn something." When Max retained an incredulous expression, Chloe gave her best puppy face. Within seconds Max found herself succumbing to Chloe's will, closing her eyes in resignation.
"Alright, wonder-woman. You're in a dead timeline now."
"Hella yes!" Chloe sparkled, a visible tremor of excitement rushing over her person. A moment later and she was out of her seat, brushing past Max with a squeeze on the shoulder. With a smile, Max shook her head and reached out with a soft touch, verifying that her power was still at the ready.
"Hey, dipshits." Max heard Chloe say from behind her. Max turned in her seat to get a better look. Chloe was standing just before Jacob and Nathan's seat, one hand on her side, and another on their table, leaning forward with an accusatory glare.
Victoria gave an involuntary gasp at Chloe's bold gesture, earning another grin from Max.
"Do not get in my space, girl," Jacob threatened, his voice cold.
"Your space? Sorry dude, but Max and I put our flag here years ago. Here. Let me welcome your ass to our domain."
Chloe lifted Jacob's water glass off the table, and poured its contents over his head. The cascade of liquid drenched his hair, shirt, and jeans. Max gasped, surprised by the the audacity of Chloe's action. She knew Chloe had a tendency to become a little reckless when in a defunct timeline, but this was a new new level of boldness.
"You... bitch," Jacob cried, remaining seated in bewilderment.
"Are you insane?" Victoria shouted. "What the hell is wrong with you!?"
Chloe just smiled, backing off a bit to let Jacob, now soaked head to toe, move. But he remained in his seat, calmly reaching for a napkin, wiping off his face in smooth, controlled motions.
"You are dead, whore," Nathan barked. From her vantage point, Max could tell the young Prescott was bristling with the desire to leap into action, but he remained locked in place by Jacob. She let loose an involuntarily giggle.
"Something funny, bitch?" Nathan turned to face Max, their faces inches apart. His murderous expression sent an immediate chill down Max's spine. But both their attentions were stolen by Jacob, who flashed up from his seat, giving Chloe a harsh shove backwards. By this point, the scuffle had caught more than just the attention of their two tables. Many patrons had paused their meals to focus on the drama playing out before them. Even Joyce, behind the counter, had stopped working, and was intensely observing the interaction.
Wiping a hand through his wet hair, Jacob addressed a startled Chloe. "Listen closely. You two fuck heads are going to get exactly what's coming to you. Do you understand? Do you fucking get it? Your days have been numbered ever since that goddamn barbecue, a year ago. I don't know when, or how, but we will get justice."
"That's my line, dickhole," Chloe spat back. "Your family murdered Rachel. You fucking killed her!"
It was Jacob's turn to show a face of surprise.
Interesting. So Jacob doesn't know. Makes sense... no reason for his father expose all their dirty laundry. Okay. Time to be super-max. Sorry Chloe.
A careful few seconds of rewind was all it took to reset things. "Wait, Chloe," Max ordered, stopping Chloe before she got up. "You've already had your fun."
Chloe pouted, but remained seated. "Sometimes I hate how this time-warrior shit works. I never get to be the crazy-Chloe."
"But you do get to be final-Chloe," Max offered. "So that's something, right?"
"So? What shenanigans did awesome-me get up to?"
"Well, you gave Jacob quick bath with his water glass. And... I think there's something else coming, Chloe. Jacob didn't mention any specifics, but... I don't know. It was enough to make me worried."
Chloe nodded, giving Max's hand a squeeze. But Chloe's face quickly fell into one of concern.
"Dude, your nose."
"Shit," Max swore, wiping away the trickle of blood oozing from her nose with a napkin. "Guess... it's getting easier to reach my limit."
"Alright you two," Joyce interrupted, her arms full with plates. "Time to chow down."