As they walked to the car, Max began to feel light headed, but fought to stay balanced, subtly using Kate as an anchor, though not pulling her with any pressure. The brunette was just realizing how weak she had become. The adrenaline from the events inside the church and the kissing afterwards carried her through until now. She told herself that she would be strong for Kate though.
Max glanced at her when they reached Betty and saw a touch of blood, smeared on and above her upper lip. The brunette quickly, but gently wiped it away with her hand, then did the same under her own nose, knowing something would be there too. Kate just stood there in a fugue state. It hurt Max to see the bright light in her diminished. She needed to embrace her again before they got in, so put her arms around the blonde, holding her firmly.
Kate slowly put her own arms around Max, slipping them around to come together at the small of the brunette's back. When the freckled girl was about to say something, Kate spoke first, saying, "I didn't even get to see them..." She silently cried with tears running down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry...but they all knew...I couldn't let you go in there."
Kate just sniffled in response, seeming to be holding herself back from crying.
As Max swiveled their closely joined bodies in a slight rocking motion, she assumed Kate meant she did not get to see her sisters. Even before she rewound, the blonde had yet to spot them, at least so Max surmised. It didn't matter now that it never happened, at least not for them, the freckled girl thought. It was weird, thinking about alternate timelines and what was real. It was still hard for the brunette to wrap her mind around it all.
Max stopped the motion and leaned back to see how Kate seemed. The blonde hung her head down, and was holding her bottom lip under her teeth while her eyes stayed shut. The brunette was about to speak when Kate moved her head up and kissed her suddenly. There was a fierceness in the way she came at the freckled girl, that felt to her like a desperation to escape. Max felt a bittersweet pleasure in giving her that comfort. Their lips pressed together, and hands held each other's bodies firmer. Max's mouth slightly parted and the blonde eagerly slipped her tongue in, instantly meeting the other's. The kissing quickly became more instense and then Kate couldn't hold it in anymore and pulled away shuttering, but there was pain behind it more than pleasure and this killed Max. She had been longing to freely kiss her, but not like this. When it happened right outside the church, their love seemed liked it could conquer any hurt, or at least get her through it. Now though...Max wasn't sure.
She pulled Kate in again for a tight embrace.
"Let's go home now, please," Kate quietly said, sounding like she could cry at any moment.
"Sure, Katie. Let's go," Max said and kissed the side of her head. She opened the door for her and watched as she stared off blankly when she sat down. The brunette almost couldn't close the door, seeing her like this, but knew she had to get them out of this place.
Once she did, Max quickly went around and got into the driver's seat. She looked over saw the blonde just sitting there spaced out in a fog while looking down. When it didn't seem like she would snap out of it, Max reached over to buckle her seatbelt for Kate. Before she returned to her seat, the brunette kissed her girlfriend on the cheek. As she pulled away though, Kate placed her hand behind Max's head and pulled her back to kiss her lips. This time it was much more sweet and tender. After their lips parted, the blonde kept her near with their noses pressing slightly together, both keeping their eyes closed. They could feel each other's slow breaths and Max had taken the blonde's hand in her own and was caressing the top of it with her thumb. She opened her eyes to look down at what she was doing. They stayed like this for a few seconds until Kate said, still with noticeable melancholy, "I love you so much, Em."
"I'm yours forever," Max said, feeling she wanted to declare more than just a return gesture of love right now. The freckled girl wanted to let her know that she would get her through this, no matter how long it took.
Kate sniffled, and the brunette wasn't sure if it came from her developing sickness or her emotions. "Do you want me to start driving?" Max delicately asked.
Kate nodded. The brunette started the car and held the other's hand. As she drove, Max glanced periodically and saw the blonde staring off, somewhere else in her mind. Thoughts of the church came back to the freckled girl and after a mixture of sadness and anger, she began to wonder how, just how did so many know? She was the pastor's daughter, but still who first told? Kate was so sure her parents wouldn't tell anyone and her father's reaction seems to support that theory. No one else in Arcadia Bay besides Vi and the band knew, and she doubted their social circles overlapped, or that she would tell others. There was also Joyce, but Max didn't think she wouldn't be careless and tell anyone either. The only other person here that even knew Max was gay was...Victoria.
Victoria...
The brunette never told her who she was interested in, but would it really be that hard to figure out if she was spotted even once with the blonde? Max wondered, but became more and more certain as they came closer to Blackwell. She would have to confront Victoria and find out. The brunette didn't want Kate to have to deal with the stress of it though. She'd have to figure out how to get away from her girlfriend, but it was the worst time for it. Only if the opportunity arose Max decided and, if so, she would tell Kate afterwards.
When they had parked and Max had helped the blonde get out, she saw that her girlfriend's emotional state had not changed. She took Kate's hand as they walked, but she barely seemed aware of it. As they reached the dorms, the freckled girl cautiously led them to Kate's room, looking out for Victoria along the way. Luckily she was not spotted but their hand holding did catch the attention of a couple other students, but it didn't matter anymore.
As they entered the room, Max received a text. She waited until she led Kate to the bed where she'd sat and then lay down. The brunette dropped their bags next to the bed and then got out her phone. It was Vi, asking, or more like telling in her sassy way for Max and Kate to pick her up from the hospital.
With her head flat on the bed, the blonde was staring at her for a second while the brunette read the text and then asked, "Who is it?"
"Oh," Max said, not knowing she was being watched and then responded, saying, "It's Vi. She needs to be picked up from the hospital, but I can tell her we can't make it right now."
"No, no. You go get her. I think I'm going to take a nap. I'm feeling...pretty drained."
"Are you sure?" Max liked the idea of Kate getting rest, but not leaving her by herself, but then remembered her mission to confront Victoria. Also, if Kate was sleeping that would be better than being alone and awake at least, she figured.
"Yeah, go get her. I'll text you when I wake up...if I can sleep."
"Well...okay...but only if you're sure..."
"I am," Kate said with little emotion. It was hard to read her now. Max wondered how much of her toneless voice was exhaustion and how much was melancholy.
"Let me help you get comfy at least."
"'Kay," the blonde said and got up to let Max get her under the covers and tucked in.
The freckled girl leaned over after and kissed Kate on the cheek first, but then on the lips. The blonde gave a contented sigh after and said, "You probably shouldn't kiss me. I'm going to get you sick."
"That's okay," Max said with a small smile.
"I might be getting a headache too. You don't want that."
"I want you more than anything, Katie. Headaches and runny noses aren't going to stop me."
"You're too romantic for your own good."
Max just smiled and kissed her again, a little longer than before, and lightly touched the blonde's cheek as she did it.
"Sleep well, heart."
"I'll try."
Max gave her girlfriend a final peck on her lips and then stood back up straight.
"Be back soon...I love you..."
"Love you, Em. Please drive safe..."
"Always," Max said as she reached the door with her bag in hand.
When she opened it, the brunette looked back once and saw Kate staring out, seeming more forlorn than she appeared moments ago when she was so responsive. Max hoped it wasn't an act to convince her to go. With a worried frown, she exited the room and closed the door.
First thing's first...
Max headed to Victoria's room and when the brunette reached the door, she paused. She collected herself, not wanting to just come in screaming. After a deep breath, she opened the door. The room was empty.
She went to The Hot Spot, but the cafe was empty. Max had run out of places to look. She'd have to try her luck asking Victoria to come to her. She got out her phone. Thinking hard on where to meet, she picked a place that was secluded enough, but still public.
Max: We need to talk. can u meet behind outside stage at skl?
She stared at her phone, hoping for a quick response. After a minute she lost hope, but then she saw the symbol showing that Victoria was typing. It went away though, as if the girl erased what she was going to type. There was nothing, but then a short reply came through.
Victoria: When?
The brunette quickly replied.
Max: Now?
After a few seconds, her response came.
Victoria: Ok. cyu in 15
Max exhaled a long breath, at least relieved she would be able to get this over with, but still worried about what would happen. She had no idea. Max shifted her mood though to one of determination, knowing what she would have to do soon and made her way to the back of the stage outside. While she walked, the brunette texted Vi to let her know her estimated time of arrival. She hoped it wouldn't take too long with Victoria, and so texted that she would be there within an hour.
When she got to the back of the stage, Max knew she had a few minutes at least of waiting, so she paced around the grass nervously. She saw a squirrel climbing a tree and wondered if it was watching her. Samuel's words still haunted her thoughts. That led her to think about the vision at the tobanga and then memories of Chloe. Her thoughts continued to bounce around in her head, only making her more anxious, until she eventually spotted Victoria come from around the corner of the stage.
She was wearing pants with a sweater, not unlike her usual style. Max thought the blonde had a blank expression, but when they made eye contact, she swore she saw nervousness.
Good...
Max waited until she was close and had stopped before speaking. The brunette said evenly, "I know it was you that told everyone." She didn't know, but wanted to see her reaction.
Victoria's eyes almost imperceptibly widened and she said nothing at first, but then spoke, saying, "She doesn't deserve you, Max. She can't handle being with you publicly. I knew she would crumble. I mean, come on, she's the epitome of a Christian, how could she-"
All the while she spoke, the brunette's anger was growing until finally Max cut her off, shouting, "Stop!" Victoria froze with fear at the sudden outburst. "Just fucking stop! What the fuck is wrong with you? Haven't you hurt her enough!? You think this would make me like you? Who does that? I can't believe you! You almost destroyed her, again!" Her anger slipped into sadness as she thought about Kate's devastation from everything she had been going through. "I hate seeing her hurt like this."
"But Max," Victoria began, trying to sound sympathetic, "If she can't handle people knowing, then she doesn't really want-"
"She loves me!" Max shouted, her fury partially returning, but then she mentally fell apart and crumpled to the ground. With her hands covering her face, Max's voice broke down as she almost cried while saying, "And I love her..."
Victoria looked shocked. "You...love her?" Her hand went to her mouth and her eyes darted around as her distressed look grew. "I'm...s-sorry...I'm so sorry...I won't..."
The blonde did not finish her sentence though. She started backing up and then turned around to then swiftly walk away.
Max took a moment to calm down. She stared at the grass, trying not to think about anything and just analyzed each green blade one by one until she realized that she should get going to pick up Vi. Max picked herself up, took a deep breath, and wiped her nose before moving.
As the brunette strode to Betty, she thought about how she wished she had threatened Victoria, warned her to leave them alone, but it seemed maybe she didn't have to say anything else. She hoped this would be the end of her dealings with the girl. Max wasn't sure what she herself might do to Victoria if anything else happened, but she knew it would be worse than what Kate's father recieved.
Once in the car, she started it up and drove straight to the hospital. A few minutes later Max had parked and texted Vi to let her know she had arrived. Vi replied right away, letting her know that she was in the front, sitting on a bench.
Max got out and could already see her across the parking lot. Vi sat with crutches leaned up against the bench. A neck brace was beside her. An uncomfortable looking woman was sitting there too, as far as she could be on the other side of the bench.
Vi waited for Max to get close and then got up, saying, "Maxie, you made it! Let's get out of here. It smells like shit." She turned around and glared at the woman who looked fearfully down. The brunette smirked, hoping that this stranger deserved her friend's scorn.
"How you feeling, Vi?"
"Sore as shit. Wait, where's our angel?"
"She um...I should tell you in the car, actually. She's okay, but not feeling great."
"Sick?"
"On top of other things," Max said frowning.
"Oh damn. That doesn't sound good."
"Yeah..." They were quiet the rest of the way until reaching the car.
"Betty's still looking fine as ever," Vi said tapping her car with the rubber end of one of her crutches.
Max gave a small smile and then opened the door for Vi, helping her in, after scooting the seat back to allow her to have her casted leg fit. The brunette put the crutches in the back seat and then went back around to enter in the driver's side.
"My baby's taking such good care of her mama."
The brunette didn't seem to hear Vi and had put her head down on the steering wheel. The older girl suddenly became serious and said softly, "Maxie...are you okay?" She put a hand on her back and bent lower to try and meet her gaze.
"I...I'm just so worried about Katie."
"I'm sure she'll be fine. She has you, right?"
"I wish I could explain what happened..."
"Girl, it couldn't hurt to try."
"That's the thing...I'd have to check with Katie before I told you..."
"That private, huh? Well...that's okay. Just let me know if you ever do want to talk about...whatever it is..."
"Sorry, Vi...I want to, but it's not just my decision..." Max said turning to her.
"Don't sweat it, Maxie," Vi said with a smile. "I understand." Vi rubbed her back a couple times.
Max nodded as she lifted her head up again. She sighed and put the keys in, then starting up the car.
As they drove out of the parking lot, Max asked, "So, how's Steph?"
Vi grinned wide and bit her lip, raising her eyebrows, letting the brunette know exactly how well things were with them without a word. She did speak though after a moment and said, "Let's just say that girl is one hell of a kisser."
"Vi!" Max said smiling as if she was scandalized. She was also glad for the happy distraction from her thoughts.
"I'm not robbing the cradle, am I?"
"She's a year older than us, so you're what, four years apart?"
"Yeah...I just never dated anyone younger before."
"So you're dating?" Max's grin grew.
"Hey, hey, let's not analyze anything here, Maxie. I think she's a pretty awesome gal and I like spending time with her, let's just leave it at that."
"So you saw her again?"
"She visited me in the morning and brought me a muffin...you have no idea about the word play we had, Maxie. The word fucking play."
"She's not just going to be a fling is she?"
Vi seemed to hesitate at Max's serious question. She appeared to be considering her answer and then said quietly, "They always are, Maxie..." She looked away though and added, "Not sure about this one though...we'll see."
Max decided not to push her more about it, but just smiled happily for her friend. Vi looked back and saw it, then gave an acknowledging return smile that was the most shy or reeeved Max had ever seen her. The brunette turned back to the road and kept driving, still grinning.
When they reached Blackwell, Max helped out Vi and kept at her slower pace as they set out to the dorms. She was on the lookout for Victoria once again, but luckily did not see her anywhere on the way. At Kate's door, Max turned back to Vi and quietly said, "She might be sleeping so..." and put her index finger to her lips. Vi made the zipping motion to seal her mouth shut.
Max opened the door and did not see Kate in the bed or anywhere in the room. She started to panic as she looked all around for signs of where she had gone. The brunette paused her franticness when she saw a note on the end of the bed and picked it up.
M, my love,
I couldn't sleep, so I left to go think. I'll be back later, I promise.
-Your Heart
Vi was watching her with concern and said, "Well? What happened? Where is she?"
"She had to go out to think..."
"Well, she should be okay then, right? You could call or text her."
Max immediately followed the suggestion and got out her phone, calling Kate a second later. The phone rang until the voicemail message came on. Max hung up and frowned.
"Shit, shit, she didn't answer," Max said with growing anxiety and then sent a text.
Max: U ok!?
She looked desperately at her phone and at first thought a reply wouldn't come, but then a text came.
Kate: Yes. bbl. Please don't worry. I love you.
Max felt much more calmer, but was still worried. She texted back.
Max: Ok, I love you. Pls come soon.
There was no reply. Vi looked at her with a question in her expression and so Max said, "She...said not to worry, that'll she'll be back later..."
"It's going to be okay then, Maxie."
"How do you know?" The brunette's concern had not left her face.
"Well, I know you and how much you worry, so I'm telling you it's not needed this time...and also, I know I need alone time to sort out my shit sometimes. Just give her space and it'll be fine."
"I didn't think she needed space..."
"Maxie, you guys have been together like 24-7 for a while now, right?"
"Well...mostly..."
"Trust me, just let her be dude. She'll be back. I know you two, she's not going anywhere."
"Yeah I know, I know she wouldn't, I..."
"What are you worried about then?"
"I...don't even know...I just know she's hurting and I hate not being able to be there for her..."
"When she's ready for you, she'll be back. I know it. Just wait with me here and she'll be back before you know it."
"Yeah...okay..."
Vi tried her best to distract Max with conversation and pass the time, but the brunette was clearly checking her phone constantly, whether to see if she missed a call or text, or maybe just to check the time.
Time passed, much more then either expected and they even had to grab food. Vi, being in her condition said she would stay and call her immediately if she came and had to guilt Max into not letting her starve to death before the brunette would leave. She quickly returned, but her girlfriend was still not back. It was starting to get dark and Max was growing more panicked that Kate would never return.
Her phone buzzed and Max got it out so fast she almost dropped it.
Kate: Come to your room
Max shot up from the bed where she sat and ran to the door. She stopped for a moment to look at Vi who had a surprised and concerned face, and, realizing this, said, "She's in my room!" Max ran out the door, not waiting for the other girl.
She sprinted down the hall and approached her room more slowly, trying to calm down before entering. Max couldn't wait though and opened the door.
Kate stood in the middle of the room, looking more different than Max had ever seen her. She was dressed in a Rainbow Bright outfit. Kate was wearing white shoes with knee high rainbow socks that led up to a blue dress with white trim that was shorter than Max would ever expect the conservative girl to wear. It fit tightly around her slender body with a large rainbow belt that also matched her rainbow sleeves. Her hands were partly covered by long fingerless blue gloves. Above, she had a yellow choker with red stars around it, her gold cross hanging just below the fabric. Her hair was done up and was topped off with a large purple bow that had a red star in the center.
Max was speechless.
Kate held Max's lumberjack outfit of her flannel and axe with a beanie and walked over to the brunette who watched her every move. Max took the items when they were handed to her, scanning her girlfriend up down, though not moving at all and then Kate said, "Ready to go to the harvest festival?"
Max could only reply, "Wha...um..."
"I take it that means you like?" Kate's smile was mischievous.
Max sucked in her lips and nodded shyly.
Vi appeared in the room and also was shocked for a moment, but then grinned wildly with surprised delight as she said, slapping a hand to her chest, "Oh my god...she's become gay incarnate!"
Max was barely aware of Vi's words and was still focused on Kate as she asked, "But...what happened?"
Kate paused in thought, as if trying to remember something, then said, "Psalm 27:1-3The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident."
Vi was still locked onto the new Kate in front of her when she leaned over to Max to say, "She is the most complicated and interesting gay baby I have ever met. Marry this girl."
Max, also unable to look away, replied quietly, "I plan to..." The brunette took her girlfriend's face into her hands as she kissed her and Kate put her own hands around Max's waist. There was pure joy and desire now, with nothing tainting their passionate kissing this time. The freckled girl felt complete relief and happiness, believing now that everything would be okay.
Vi, classy as ever, got her phone out and took a picture. The flash went off and that finally stopped them. They still held each other, with Max's hands now clasped together at the back of Kate's neck as they looked at Vi, both a little embarassed about how lost they just had just been in each other as they made out. Vi looked a little guilty for taking a picture and slipped her phone back into her pocket as if she was doing it secretly, but knowing they were watching her do it.
Max turned to whisper to her girlfriend saying, "Sorry...I couldn't help it...you look so fucking hot, I think I came just looking at you..."
Kate just giggled.
Vi spoke up, saying, "I guess no Daenerys, but queen of the realm don't have nothing on this queen, fuck." She hobbled a little closer and then asked, "Hey, so did I hear something about a festival? Is that church talk for party? Girl, you bold as fuck going there like that. I love it! So...is Mama Vi invited?"
"It wouldn't be a party without you," Kate said smiling.