CHAPTER 25 – MY WAY

"Sorry you had to witness that, ladies," Bree smiled tiredly at us. "You were all very brave. Especially you, Miss Marsh," she told Kate, eliciting a timid smile in return.

She gave us each a business card. "I have to go, but if any of you need counseling, I can put you in touch with some good people. Don't hesitate to call or email me."

We thanked Bree and bade her goodbye as she accompanied Principal Wells outside, leaving Kate, Victoria and I alone in the art room.

"That was incredible, Kate," I gushed. "You were so badass, distracting Jefferson like that."

Kate shook her head, blushing. "That wasn't my intention, but I'm glad I could help. I'm really glad I could get that off my chest." She sighed, the immense relief visible on her face. "Don't forget what you did, Max. You saved Victoria!"

"Oh god…" Victoria let out a sudden sob. "Kate… I'm so sorry for everything you've been through… I didn't know…" She pressed her lips tightly together, wrapping her arms around herself, clutching her sleeves.

With only a moment's hesitation, Kate enfolded her in a comforting embrace. I couldn't help but be amazed at Kate's seemingly immeasurable well of kindness.

It felt awkward standing next to them, but as I moved away Victoria grabbed my wrist.

"I… I've been such a bitch… to both of you," she stammered, breaking down into sobs. I squeezed her hand reassuringly.

A quick movement outside the window caught my attention, and I turned my head to look. There was nothing, but I could have sworn I saw a familiar flash of blue.

A soft knock sounded and the classroom door opened. It was David, looking both grim and concerned at the same time. "Are you girls all right? Miss Chase?"

We all nodded our assent, and he let out a relieved sigh.

"Miss Marsh, I owe you an apology… and my congratulations for assisting the police with the arrest." He turned to me. "The same goes for you, Miss Caulfield."

I nodded shyly. I never knew how to react to compliments.

David went on, "All right, I have to go now. You three need to head back to your rooms ASAP, and please keep quiet about what happened here until further notice. Especially you, Miss Chase."

Standing at the main entrance, I briefly watched Kate and Victoria walking together back to the dorms. Courtney and Taylor trailed behind. Warren and Brooke were nowhere to be seen.

There were a few students lounging on the grass, and everything seemed way too peaceful, considering Jefferson had just been arrested. They must have escorted him out the back, through the service entrance.

Bree had obviously wanted to keep this on the down low, especially from the cops on Sean Prescott's payroll. I wondered where they were taking Jefferson.

Jesus, what a fucked-up day. I sighed, feeling more tired than I'd ever been in my life.

I felt the little lump in my pocket again and realized I'd missed my chance with Bree. Shit… what do I do now?

Looking around furtively, I hurried back inside to the art room. Sighing with relief that Jefferson's computer profile was still logged on, I fished Bree's flash drive out of my pocket.

I had to work fast before the cops came back.

I decided I didn't want any copies of my audio interview with Bree floating around, so the first thing I did was delete it. I wondered if Warren had listened to it even after I'd asked him not to. Well, it doesn't matter anymore. That timeline is history.

It took nearly fifteen minutes to copy the remaining files from the bunker to Jefferson's personal folder, then another five to compress the most incriminating ones and email those to Bree and Principal Wells, all while handling the keyboard and mouse with a hankie so I wouldn't leave prints.

I was shitting bricks the whole time, worried that someone would burst in and catch me.

I'll have to burn this hankie when I'm done. It's got Jefferson germs all over it.

While waiting for the files to finish sending, I peeked inside the desk drawers. I briefly considered going through the photo contest entries and making Victoria's photo "disappear"… but I paused.

Did I really want to cheat? Given the chance, Victoria would do that to me in a heartbeat. She was ruthless… but did I want to sink to her level?

Or did I want to win properly, using my own talent and skill? In my other timeline, I'd won the contest on the strength of my own work. It was too bad I'd never gotten to see what came after the art gallery, because I hadn't stopped the storm that time. And in using my power to try to fix things, to save Chloe… I'd nearly torn the fabric of our universe apart.

So… decide.

Do it quickly, Max. Every action or inaction shapes everything that follows. Every choice has a consequence.

Grappling with my inner turmoil, I eventually shook my head and closed the drawer again.

It's time I stopped using time travel to cheat. Things didn't always follow the script in my head anyway, even with my powers.

Principal Wells' sudden voice made me jump. "I trust that you won't discuss this matter with anyone?"

With my heart in my throat, it took a second to realize that it was coming from outside the window. Cautiously I took a peek.

"Of course not, sir," Samuel was saying as he and Wells walked toward the dormitories.

"Do you like Scotch?" Wells asked him. "Come join me for a drink." He sounded stressed out and exhausted at the same time.

"Samuel doesn't touch alcohol, sir. Except to clean with."

"You're a good man, my friend." Their voices faded as they disappeared around the corner.

Principal Wells needs to get wasted tonight, because tomorrow the shit storm is gonna hit him hard.

With the flash drive reformatted and safely back in my pocket, and the "contaminated" hankie in my bag, I deleted the emails from the "Sent" folder, cleared my online tracks and quietly left the room.

My footfalls echoed softly as I walked through the deserted hallway, and I looked around carefully as I reached the foyer. Someone – probably Samuel - had put safety cones in front of the bathroom, as well as an "Out of Order" sign.

I glanced at the door to the Principal's office. I tried the handle on an impulse, and unsurprisingly it was locked.

What would you have done if it wasn't? Would you have gone in and stolen the envelope full of money in the principal's desk?

That's stupid and dangerous, Max. Even if it's most likely bribe money for keeping Nathan's record clean.

Indeed, what I'd just done in the art room – tampering with a crime scene – was even more stupid and dangerous. What if I'd been caught? I'd be in just as much trouble as Jefferson.

I didn't want to push my luck, but I still felt a twinge of disappointment about the money as I headed for the main entrance.

I pulled the handle but the door refused to budge. I'd been locked in.

Great. Now I have to go out the back. I hope nobody is around.

I made my way to the left-hand corridor, through the doors next to the school trophy case. The kitchen – and the service entrance – was just beyond the cafeteria on my right, leading to the back of the main building.

The service doors creaked, and I heard footsteps echoing through the kitchen followed by a burst of radio static. It was one of David's security guys.

Panicking, I ducked into an empty classroom to my left, silently closing the door and crouching behind a table. Harrowing memories came rushing back, of sneaking around in the dark, hiding from predatory men with flashlights, their angry, cruel words cutting into my soul.

The guard's footsteps grew louder, seeming to drown out my pounding heartbeat. His shadow darkened the frosted glass pane in the door, and for a split second I thought he was going to burst into the room.

To my relief however, he kept walking, until his footfalls gradually faded into silence. My phone suddenly beeped, and my heart thrummed as I hurriedly took it out to read the incoming message.

-Hey you. :) Parking lot.

Peering out of the classroom, I ensured the coast was clear before heading out the back. The rear of the school was empty and I walked quickly and quietly, circling around the gym.

I stopped to catch my breath, the tension ebbing away. The parking lot was deserted.

Where are you?

I quickly descended the steps, making my way to the truck, when suddenly… "BOO-YAH!"

I spun around, pulse racing, and she was right there with a huge smile on her face.

"Hey, you," I said softly, grinning back. My heart threatened to explode out of my chest.

We stood gazing at each other for a long moment, drinking each other in.

Finally I broke the silence. "Did I just see an actual emoji in your message?"

"Shut up," she chuckled, stepping closer. The expression on her face was enough to make me melt. "You saved us, Super Max."

I bit my lower lip as my brimming eyes spilled over. "You remember?"

She gently took my face in her hands, brushing my tears away with her thumbs. "I do, Max. I'm here. We're here. Together."

"Oh, Chloe…" Unable to hold back any longer, I enfolded her in my arms and our lips met once again, for the first time.

The sun began to sink lower in the sky and our shadows grew long on the ground, but we didn't notice. At that very moment, all was right with our world.

"Don't you know that I'll be around to guide you
through your weakest moments, to leave them behind you.
Returning nightmares only shadows
We'll cast some light and you'll be alright…"

I leaned back in my seat, watching the passing scenery. Chloe slowed down at the spot where we'd been forced off the road, two days from now in the old timeline. A chill rose inside me at the memory of our brush with oblivion.

I described my conversation with Rachel and Alexis in the void, and what they'd revealed about the nature of my power. Chloe asked if I still had it.

To be honest, I wasn't sure. I didn't feel any different, but I was too afraid to try it. I said as much to Chloe, and thankfully she didn't pressure me further.

I gazed at her as the breeze ruffled her hair, unable to take my eyes off her. She looked especially beautiful in the golden light.

Pulling my camera out, I quickly composed the image and clicked the shutter.

"What are you doing, Max?" she chuckled, glancing over at me. "Adding my pictures to your spank bank?"

"Maybe," I laughed, showing her the instant photo.

She was framed by the truck window, her elbow on the sill. The amber sunset created a halo behind her head. "This is going on my photo wall, right next to my pillow."

Chloe smiled at me, clearly flattered. I wanted to flirt with her some more but I had a few questions.

"So…" I began. "What happened to you? When we came back to this timeline, I mean?"

"I woke up in my truck, in the school parking lot. I texted David, then I snuck into the bathroom."

"You started the fire? I knew it!"

"Guilty as charged," she snickered. "I also know all the best hiding places in that school, so I waited till the coast was clear aaaannnd…"

"And?"

"Principal Wells really should lock his doors, especially during school emergencies. I had to lock up for him… after I took a look around, of course."

"No way. You didn't." I stared at her incredulously. She did not seriously just take the money, did she?

Chloe shrugged. "That's all I'm gonna say about that."

"What if you'd been caught?"

"But I wasn't. So who's the Blackwell Ninja now?" she smirked, winking at me.

"Chloe Elizabeth Price…"

"Come on, boo. We're investing in our future."

I smiled back reluctantly, shaking my head in disbelief. "You're crazy."

"That's why you love me."

The mouth-watering smells of grilled burgers and hot apple pie greeted us as we entered the diner. A trucker had just played an old Frank Sinatra song on the jukebox.

I craned my neck, looking behind the counter, but – disappointingly – no one was there. Chloe led me toward our usual booth, pausing briefly on the way to say hi to Dana and Trevor. I smiled at them, but I was too preoccupied to join the conversation.

Suddenly a familiar voice – a warm melodious Tennessee drawl – met our ears. "Chloe, is that who I think it is?"

We turned to see her stepping out of the kitchen, a look of pleasant surprise on her face. My heart soared.

"Look who I ran into, Mom," Chloe announced.

"Max honey!" Joyce exclaimed as she approached. "It's been too long, sweetheart."

Fighting back tears, I rushed to meet her, throwing my arms around her in a tight embrace. It was all I could do to keep from crying. She was alive, and safe. She and David were okay.

"Oh my," Joyce snickered, returning the hug. "It sure feels good to be appreciated around here." She smirked at Chloe, who rolled her eyes before stepping closer and putting her arms around us both.

"I appreciate you, Mom," she murmured. I could tell her voice was starting to crack.

"Okay, now I know you're up to something," Joyce said, releasing us from the hug. "What have you done now, Chloe?"

"Nothing!" she chuckled. "I'm just… in a good mood."

"Me too," I added. "It's so good to see you again, Joyce." I wasn't lying.

"I'm happy to see you too, Max." She smiled, giving us an appraising look. "All right, what can I get you girls?"

"Couple of cheeseburgers and some fries?" Chloe asked hopefully, producing a fifty-dollar bill from her jacket pocket, confirming my earlier suspicions. "The change can go to my tab."

Joyce raised her eyebrows. "Do I even wanna know where you got that money?"

"Relax, Mom. I sold some CDs, some clothes I don't use, other junk…"

Joyce eyed her for a moment. "All right, then," she shrugged, taking the fifty. "You girls eating here?"

Chloe glanced at me before replying. "Could we get that to go? Max and I are gonna hang out at home. We have a lot of catching up to do."

We had dinner and a long conversation in Chloe's room, eating slowly, enjoying each mouthful, savoring each other's company.

"So what else can you remember?" I asked, lying back on the bed and staring at the faded paint on the ceiling.

She stretched out next to me, kicking her boots off. "I remember how bored I was in that hospital room without you. And I remember how amazing it was, finally being with you."

I smiled, rolling over to face her. "It was amazing, wasn't it?"

"Yep," she smiled, curling up and edging closer. "It was beautiful, it was mind-blowing… and I want to do it again. Properly, this time. No stitches, no bandages, or all that other bullshit."

"Now?" I raised my eyebrows. "What if Joyce or David come back?"

"Mom won't be home for another few hours, and David's assisting the cops." She stroked my cheek with her fingertips. "We have the house to ourselves."

I bit my lower lip, blushing as I gazed into her eyes. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

She moved closer still, and I shut my eyes and let the sensations wash me away.

Friday, October 11th, 2013.

[Arcadia Bay, Oregon] Last week this picturesque seaside town was just like any other, nestled amongst the scenic forested hills for which the region is known.

Unfortunately for the locals, however, the town's dark underbelly was laid bare on Monday evening after the shocking arrest of nationally-renowned photographer and local boy Mark Jefferson.

As a photography teacher at the prestigious Blackwell Academy, Jefferson was well-liked by his students and fellow staff. However, mere hours after his dramatic arrest, the details of the case emerged when several incriminating files were leaked onto the internet by an anonymous hacker. The contents of those files painted a wildly different picture of the popular teacher.

The leak led to the discovery of a hidden underground bunker located on a property owned by Sean Prescott, the wealthy construction magnate who was also implicated in…

I folded the newspaper and put it back onto the couch where I'd found it. The story was familiar now, and I had no desire to read anything more about it. I just wanted it all to be over.

The days had passed in a blur as the world caught up to us.

Jefferson had been taken to a local safe house on Monday by Bree's FBI contact. Armed with evidence hastily gathered from the Dark Room - as well as the files from the flash drive which had "mysteriously" been leaked online, the Feds wasted no time bringing Sean Prescott and Nathan into custody.

The news broke on that same night, and by Tuesday morning it was the only thing anyone talked about, especially because of the media who'd quickly descended on our once-quiet town. By Wednesday most of the news people had followed the story to Portland, where Prescott, Nathan and Jefferson were being detained at the FBI facility there.

Nathan had turned on his father, accusing him – on the record – of being an abusive husband and father, and of being behind Jefferson's illegal photography operation. Whether that was true or not, the press ate it up regardless… and they played an important role in controlling public perception.

With this whole media circus going on, the disappearance of the money from the Principal's office on Monday had barely even registered on the radar. Which could also have meant it was indeed the Principal's secret bribe stash.

My parents had suggested that I come home and finish school in Seattle, but I'd told them I wanted to stay at Blackwell despite all the controversy.

I sighed, looking around me at the people casually strolling about. I'd been here for less than an hour and I already felt like retreating into a big hamster ball. Sure, this was exciting, but also a lot more stressful than I remembered. It was hard being "switched on" around people, having to interact without looking like an idiot.

So I sat quietly for a while, eavesdropping on people's conversations – quite a few of which were about the Jefferson case. I could also hear Principal Wells' distinctive voice as he chatted with someone over by the catering table.

My gaze wandered over the photos adorning the walls, finally stopping on mine hanging nearby, with a small group of admirers gathered in front of it. I'd already been given a couple of business cards from magazine art directors, and it took everything I had to fight off an anxiety attack afterwards.

San Francisco is an amazing place, but everything's so different from Arcadia Bay. I'm just glad I'm not here by myself…

My thoughts were interrupted by Chloe plopping down next to me on the couch. "Man, even the bathroom in this place looks all artsy-fartsy."

"I believe you. Is that what took you so long?"

"Nah. I was trying to avoid having a conversation with the principal. Lucky for us he's too busy inhaling that caviar like Tony Montana on blow." She smirked. "He can go eat a dick for all I care - I'm just here to support my adorkable girlfriend while she takes a shot at fame."

I chuckled. "I'm just glad you're here to share this with me, Chloe."

"You kidding? I wouldn't miss this for all the weed in the world."

"I don't know… all the weed in the world sounds pretty tempting."

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my Max?"

"I'm a replicant," I giggled.

"Nerd." She laughed, squeezing my hand. "Anyway, I'm proud of you, babe. This is your foot in the door. You're on your way!"

"I couldn't have done any of this without you."

"Yes you could. I had nothing to do with you winning. But I did have fun being your fashion consultant for the occasion."

I smiled. Most of what I was wearing belonged to Chloe – the tan jacket and black jeans, the boots, even the little dreamcatcher pendant.

Her outfit was almost the same as mine, except for her black jacket, beanie, and bullet necklace.

She pulled her phone out and took a sneaky selfie of us, sitting cheek to cheek, with my prize-winning photo in the background.

"You've been here before, Max. Are there any hidden nooks where we can… you know?" she winked slyly at me.

"There's cameras all over the place, Chloe."

"Not in the bathroom," she realized with a smile.

"In that case, lead the way."

Sunday, October 13th, 2013. 10:30 AM.

I flipped absentmindedly through yet another newspaper, skimming the articles until Kristine Prescott's name caught my eye.

With the Prescott reputation in tatters, it was up to her – the only level-headed member of the family – to try and run what was left of the company. The brief article said that she'd lifted her family's stranglehold on the local economy, and had been working with the mayor's office to begin negotiations with some outside investors eager to enter the market in the region.

David had mentioned yesterday that he'd been offered a job as Kristine's security chief, but he needed time to consider it.

I hoped he would accept her offer, despite her family name. She was compassionate, intelligent, street-smart, and environmentally conscious. She still had a lot to learn about her family's business, but she was headed in the right direction and I wished her nothing but success.

"What a week, huh?" Kate's voice interrupted my reverie.

"Yeah, it's been a cray ride," Chloe replied. "Right, Max?" She nudged my shoulder. "Hey. Earth to Max."

I looked at her and Kate apologetically. Besides the newspaper, I'd been distractedly observing all the people – Rachel's relatives – milling around the small living room, drinking coffee or tea, eating finger food, speaking in hushed tones. It was a sea of tasteful black dresses and suits.

Chloe was the only exception, wearing a short black pleather jacket over a crisp untucked white button-down shirt, with black jeans and boots. I thought she looked stunning, and judging by all the people – female and male – checking her out, I wasn't alone in my opinion.

"Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind," I murmured. "I feel so bad for Rachel's parents."

Chloe had introduced us to them earlier at the funeral. They seemed nice, but I couldn't even remember their names. I certainly couldn't tell them that their daughter had helped me bring her own killers to justice.

"Time to go, bunny," came a warm voice. We turned and smiled as Kate's dad walked up to us. He was tall and lanky, and his glasses were a little wide for his face, but he looked benevolent and kind. I knew he and his daughter were close.

"Dad…" Kate smiled in embarrassment, fingering the tiny golden crucifix hanging from her neck. "Don't call me that here, please."

"Sorry, Katie," he chuckled. We said our goodbyes, and Chloe and I walked with them outside, waving as their car pulled away.

We jumped into Chloe's truck for the short drive to the lighthouse.

Chloe sighed loudly as we made our way up the hill. Many tears had been shed this morning, but I knew she was glad she'd gotten to say a final farewell to Rachel.

"Oh man," she exhaled, throwing her right arm over my shoulders and kissing the side of my head as we walked. "So this is what a second chance feels like."

I knew what she meant. We'd both re-lived this week together, and in a completely different way from previously. I was somewhat used to doing it by now, but for Chloe it was an eye-opening experience.

We'd been inseparable the entire week, alternating nights between Chloe's place and my dorm room. After everything we'd been through, we refused to let each other out of our sight.

"Not many people even get a second chance. We should absolutely make the most of it," I replied.

"We have," she whispered, nuzzling my hair. "I still can't believe it's only been a couple of days since you were mingling with the art world glitterati… and now we're back here."

She sighed again. "I wish we could have stayed longer. I'd love to go exploring, see the sights, and get the full San Francisco experience."

"We could go back after I graduate," I replied, wrapping my arm around her waist for support. I was wearing the wrong shoes for this little stroll. "Save some money; and we could find a little place to call home, if you want."

"What about your parents? Don't they want you to go to college in Seattle?"

I shrugged. "I guess. Although it won't be worth doing unless we're together."

We reached the top only to see someone already there, sitting on the bench by the cliff, brown hair tied back in a ponytail. Chloe looked at me, brow furrowed, but as we drew closer we realized who it was.

"Bree?" she called out.

Quickly running a hand across her eyes, Bree smiled as she rose to her feet. She was off-duty, judging by her Two Whales t-shirt, khaki shorts and hiking boots. There was a digital SLR camera and a backpack on the bench beside her. I hadn't seen any other cars where we'd parked, so she must have hiked up the trail from the beach far below.

"Hi, Chloe," Bree greeted her before turning toward me. Her smile was warm, but she looked like she'd been crying. "Max, right? I remember you from the school. Nice work helping your classmate."

I nodded, but I was inwardly saddened that Bree had no memory of our past interactions. I'd only known her for less than a week, but I considered her a friend. I guess that's gone too.

A flash of azure movement in the background caught my attention, and I spotted a familiar blue jay sitting on a nearby fence post, eyeing us. I smiled.

"So this is how you spend your days off, huh?" Chloe commented.

Bree sighed. "Yeah, well… after this week I really needed a time-out to unwind."

"We'll leave you alone, then," I replied. "We can go somewhere else."

"No, no," she quickly stopped us. "Stay. You two look like you could use some quiet time too."

"Yeah… Rachel's funeral was this morning," Chloe said in a low voice.

"My condolences," Bree replied before giving us each a hug.

"We're so sorry to hear about your sister," I murmured.

"Thanks. At least I got to put away the fuckers who did it."

"Thank you for that," Chloe nodded sadly. "We finally got some closure."

"And I heard you're getting a promotion?" I asked Bree.

"It's not really a promotion; more like a change of title, really. Detective Connelly, at your service," she announced with a lopsided grin, graciously accepting our congratulations. "Actually, State Police and the FBI both wanted to recruit me, but that would mean moving to Salem." She shook her head. "I can do more for the community from here."

"This town needs good cops like you," Chloe replied with a small smile. "I'm glad you're staying."

"Yeah, I feel safer with you around," I chimed in.

"You're too kind," Bree chuckled wistfully, slinging her backpack over her shoulders. "I should head back down, but it was good seeing you two again." We bade goodbye as she departed the way we'd arrived.

"Seriously, Max? 'I feel safer with you around'? You totally have the crush goggles on, don't you?" Chloe teased, jabbing at me with her middle fingers.

"Eat me," I retorted with a grin. I tried to grab her hands but we ended up in each other's arms instead as we stood on the bluff, looking out over the bay.

"Careful what you wish for," Chloe replied in amusement. "Anyway, what were we talking about earlier?" she asked, stepping back.

"School."

"Oh, yeah… You know, I could talk to Joyce and David… and see if Blackwell will take me back."

My face lit up. "Really?"

"Well… with my record, I probably won't get in, but it's worth a shot," she grinned. "And if they don't take me back, I'm sure there's some other hallowed institute of higher learning around here that'll take me. Or in Seattle, or maybe even online. As long as I can get my diploma."

I smiled back. "Sounds like a plan."

The breeze picked up, whipping my dress around my legs. I quickly grabbed the hem.

Chloe eyed me up and down, biting her lower lip. "You know, I don't think I've told you yet how beautiful you look in a dress. You should wear them more often."

My face flushed. "Well… I didn't think it was appropriate to tell you during the funeral, but you look absolutely gorgeous in that outfit."

She linked her hands behind my neck and touched her forehead to mine. "I wanted to look good for you." She paused. "I hope Rachel understands."

"She understands," I whispered, briefly touching my lips to Chloe's.

Her phone suddenly rang, disrupting the mood. She blew through her pursed lips before answering.

"Hey, Mom… Yeah. Yeah, we're on our way back. No, we'll get lunch at the diner. I know. Have a nice quiet day at home, and let someone else wait on me hand and foot." She waggled her tongue at me.

I snickered, brushing my windblown hair out of my face.

"Of course I will," Chloe went on, rolling her eyes. "Oh, one more thing – Max totally saved my life."

I stared at her wide-eyed, and she winked back.

"We're okay, Mom! We're fine. Relax! No, it was nothing dangerous."

I could hear Joyce faintly on the other end. Her words were unintelligible over the sound of the breeze, but the worry in her tone was clear.

"Mom. I'm fine," Chloe replied. "I was being stupid, and I did something I probably shouldn't have, and Max saved me. My girlfriend is a hero…" She looked at me in shock, realizing what she'd just said.

"Ummm… yeah," she went on. "You heard right, Mom. I'm in love with Max." She nervously took my hand and gripped it tight.

My other hand was over my mouth and my heart was in my throat. My attention was riveted on her phone, straining to hear what Joyce was saying. I was sure she'd be cool with it, but that didn't stop me from being anxious.

"You what?" Chloe asked suddenly, staring wide-eyed at me. "What do you mean you always knew? Mom?" She listened briefly then laughed, breaking the tension.

"Whatever, Mom. All right. Bye."

A mixture of joy and relief flooded through me, and I bounced excitedly on the balls of my feet as Chloe ended the call. "How does she do that?" Chloe muttered in amused exasperation.

"A mother always knows," I grinned, mimicking Joyce's drawl.

"How did you…" Chloe paused, raising an eyebrow at me. "Max, are you doing the thing again?"

"I swear I'm not doing the thing," I laughed.

Hand in hand, we slowly headed back down the well-trod dirt path to where we'd parked. We walked in silence, savouring the feeling of togetherness, of companionship. I turned my face up to the sky and breathed deeply, filling my lungs with the scent of the world.

Chloe suddenly gasped, squeezing my hand. I quickly looked at her, then followed her gaze with my own.

A shimmering, translucent doe stood in the middle of the path ahead, watching us. I nodded at her in acknowledgement and she slowly turned away and disappeared.

I tightened my fingers around Chloe's and we glanced sideways at each other, smiling. No words were spoken, but we each knew what the other was thinking. Rachel was saying goodbye.

Sighing deeply, we continued down the hill, Chloe's arm comfortably draped over my shoulders, and my hand on her waist. I distantly wondered whether or not I still had my powers, although truthfully it didn't matter anymore. We were doing fine. We were happy.

The people I care about are okay, my career in photography is about to get a jump-start… and most importantly, I get to share it all with Chloe.

Life is… pretty fucking good.

THE END

Notes:

And that's it. I hope you enjoyed reading it, even though it's got more endings than "The Return of the King." :D
It took me longer than I'd have liked, but I finally got here in the end. Thanks for sticking around while I sorted through my many personal issues over the last several months. :)

Max and Chloe's story is not yet over, and I look forward to joining them on their further adventures through this strange thing called life. I hope you can join us too.

Thanks again! :)

P.S. The quoted song lyrics are from "Crosses" by Jose Gonzalez, but I'm pretty sure you already knew that.