The sun is not out yet, making the very early morning feel even colder. Maximilian rubs his hands for warmth, and Kate follows his example; Warren is trying to act tough in his light jacket, but the clattering of his teeth gives him away. Chloe, meanwhile, is rubbing her chest and trembling, despite wearing at least three more layers of clothing than anyone else.

The early morning is freezing, but Max Caulfield doesn't even feel it.

"Yes, I packed that," she speaks into her phone, looking down the street with every other step.

"Good. What about that black dress?"

"I packed it too, Mom," she assures her. "I'm as ready as I can be. Besides, it's only for a few days."

"All right," she can hear the smile on the other line. "I had my doubts about sending you to Blackwell, but I'm happy you went. You've become such a different person, Maxine. You made a lot of friends, you even saved a poor girl from making a terrible mistake, and now you're in your way to making your dream come true"

"Thank you," Max tells her.

"Listen to me talking your ear off," Mom laughs. "Have a safe trip and call us when you get there!"

"I will," she ended the call.

"They wanted you to pack the entire room?" Kate asks with a smile.

"Pretty much."

"My parents are very overprotective too," the blonde's smile becomes sedated. "It's kind of a big switch, from all but disowning me to wanting to get me bodyguards."

Kate shakes her head, and her smile grows again. "Enough about me," she says. "When is he going to get here?"

"I know!" Chloe cried. "I'm freezing my ass off!"

"He's probably waiting around the corner, to make it more exciting," Maximilian comments. "I know his type.

"Now I'm worried you're gonna become like him, Max."

"Oh shut up," she stuck out her tongue.

As if on cue (just like Maximilian said, Max scratched her chin), Mr. Jefferson's car appears in the distance. Waiting for him to reach her feels almost longer than the wait she's just endured.

"Good morning, everyone," he gets out of the car. "I wasn't expecting a crowd."

"We came to say goodbye to Max, sir," Kate informs him.

"I'm glad you're here," he says, opening the trunk before taking Max's bags. "This is the first step toward her future, and it's always great to start with friends around you."

"You better take care of her, okay?" Chloe narrows her eyes while he puts the bags away. "If something happens to her I'll shoot you."

"Don't worry," he laughs, closing the trunk. "I'll be watching her at all times.

"All right, Max," he turns to her and motions to the car. "Time to get going."

Max nods, her lips suddenly dry. Her hands tremble, but she isn't sure if it's nerves or excitement. She walks to Warren first.

"Get some good movies to watch when I'm back," she tells him.

"What do you have in mind?" he asks.

"Surprise me," she grins, moving to hug Kate.

"Keep these two from killing each other while I'm gone, all right?" she tells her, pointing her chin toward her two best friends. "Drive the fear of God into them."

"God is all about love, not fear," the blonde chuckles. "But I'll try my best."

Max lets go of her, along with any worries for her emotional state. Kate is strong. Much stronger than I give her credit for.

"I don't know why you asked Kate that," Maximilian embraces her. "Chloe and I are the best of friends, right?"

"We totally are," the girl says.

"You guys keep investigating," Max lowers her voice. "Look at this barn thing, okay?"

"You don't have to ask," Chloe spreads her arms. "So where's my hug, Maximus?"

Max slams into her, embracing her tightly. When the bluenette wraps her arms around her, Max finally understands the feelings inside her, and how she sees Chloe Elizabeth Price.

"I'm leaving, Chloe," she looks her in the eyes. "I'll be back this time."

"I know you will."

Max gets in the passenger seat with a smile. When Mr. Jefferson joins her in the driver's the smile grows even bigger.

"Are you excited, Max?" he sounds excited, as if he's the one making his dream come true. Her throat is too tight, so she simply nods. "Then, on to your future."

Mr. Jefferson takes off. She watches her friends from the rear view mirror until they disappear.