Chapter TWELVE: Found

The night was still cold and very much foggy when the man called Brody Holloway brought his laptop to the nearby bench. Thankfully the bench was illuminated by a road light so the three could see what they were doing. It was still plenty cold out so they all put coats on and went to sit on the bench. Max admired the beauty of a simple bench as it was seemingly made out of, or made to look like, a large log of a fallen tree. The artist in Max instantly came up with several awesome metaphors for how something that had fallen and died still supported life in some way. She made a mental note to try and snap a photo of it later after their talk with Brody. The juxtaposition between the brightness of the streetlight and the pitch black night sky was enough to excite the young photographer.

Brody fired up his laptop and Max could see him smiling behind it. Max could tell a few things about this guy in the short amount of time she and Chloe had spent with him already. He was clearly a kind man, he exuded warmth and comfort. Max could also tell he was running from something, then again weren't they all at the end of the day. He had told them that he travelled for a living and wrote a fairly popular blog online but he had also briefly talked about his family. He didn't say much but the way he said it told Max that he didn't like to think about them, much less talk about them. It was if he was trying to prove something to himself, that he was different from the people who raised him somehow.

"So let me begin by clarifying some things" began Brody, after taking a seat opposite the two women,

"I come from a family with allot of money but no soul. Amongst many things, not much of it good sadly, they are cynical in the extreme. When I set out I promised myself to never be like them, never get cynical or I'll become like my ex-brother, a man who is alive but never lives" he continued.

Chloe couldn't help but smile a little. This fella talked as if he were in a romance novel. He reminded her of Max in allot of ways and in a few cases, of herself to. She and Max were still new to this travelling thing but this guy did it for life. Chloe thought back to a time well before the storm when all she could think about was leaving Arcadia Bay in the dust and just travelling to who knows where. She wanted to be Brody for so many years, it was only recently she decided she liked being Chloe Price just fine. She let Brody continue,

"Anyway, I've been travelling for so long now. I always find the positives no matter what I do, no matter what kind of dudes I come across. This time however...it didn't go so straight. I've been having a very rough time of it lately and seen things, sad things that nearly stopped me in my tracks. To be truthful, if I hadn't come across you two, I'd probably have ended up breaking my main rule and even in a small way, I never want to do that. So to answer your totally wise question as to how you guys saved me, it's because you reminded me of myself when I started and what I can still become. You helped me out of a bad spot. Now...enough about me, what about you? Tell me about why you decided to go on this little adventure?" he asked, preparing to type some notes on his laptop.

Chloe and Max shared a glance. It occurred to them that they never really thought about shit in that way. They never thought about how long they would actually be driving for. They never really thought about how it would end and where. What would they even do when they got back and where would they live? Max was an artist but Arcadia Bay was still in the very early stages of rebuilding, so much so it still looked like an utter abandoned wreck for a distance. Max supplied amazing and beautiful shots to a website and Chloe designed tattoos but could they still do that when situated in one place. Sure they could travel again but they still had to make money. Chloe could see what Brody meant, if you let the questions of life get in the way then it would stop you dead in your tracks. Chloe knew why he kept that rule sacred. She admired him for that.

Max was still going through everything in her head. How long had this guy been travelling for? What happened between him and his family? Did they save this guy by just...being here? So many damn questions. Brody wanted them to him more about themselves and Max was a little unsure about what to exactly say. He was going to post this on a blog and who knew how many people would read it. Maybe other people from Arcadia Bay would see this and she didn't want it to seem like she was using the tragedy for attention or some shit like that. She decided to tell the basics, at first at least;

"Well we went through some...crazy shit in the last few years. I think it's safe to say that time really wasn't on our side. Me and Chloe have always been best friends but I had to move away and we only got back in touch a few years back. Then some bad stuff happened and I guess...it sounds super cheesy but...then we kinda figured out we loved eachother. After what we went through, neither of us were in the best of headspace so it took us a while after to get our shit together. Chloe proposed and nothing in the world would have stopped me from saying yes. Chloe always dreamed of going places and I wanted to see the world. I'm a photographer so the chance to capture the world in my camera as well as spend all that time with Chloe was too good to pass up. And here we are now" explained Max.

Brody listened to all this without interrupting and she was done, he began to pop down some notes. With every passing detail, his smile began to grow. Max got the feeling this was exactly what he wanted to hear, a reminder of how incredible life can be, even after a great tragedy like what happened to Arcadia Bay. This made Max wonder how he would feel if he knew about them being from Arcadia Bay and being among the only survivors. She wondered if instead of thinking she was seeking attention, the people on Brody's blog might take a different message from it. Max glanced over to her wife who was looking down and thinking intensively. In fact, she was thinking the exact same thing as Max was. She decided to ask Brody more about his blog,

"Hey Brody, I was wondering who actually reads your blog anyway?" she asked.

"Well, all types of people I guess. People who want to travel or read about the news I post or the art. I kinda write about all sorts of stuff. I once had this little dude comment saying my articles helped him through this real bad period in his life. It's the stuff like that stops me from becoming like my family. Helping people is a feeling like no other, I can tell you that!" he exclaimed, before returning to his note taking.

Max decided there and then to tell him about her experiences. Obviously not about her power, she thought even this guy would never believe her. What were the chances of this guy running into someone with superpowers? But she wanted to tell him about Arcadia, not only because she actually liked this guy and trusted he wouldn't judge or make light of it but if there was a small chance what she had gone through could help others then she had to do it. She looked over at Chloe who nodded at her, clearly seeing the indecision on her face and knowing exactly what she was thinking. Max took a deep breath and started talking;

"When I said me and Chloe went through some bad shit, I mean we went through some real bad shit. Something that changed us for the rest of our lives. We...are from a small town in Oregon called Arcadia Bay"

Brody just stared at them for a second. Several emotions coursed through his face and the colour drained from his face for just a moment. What happened to Arcadia Bay was common knowledge at this point and there weren't all that many survivors to tell their tales. Those who did just wanted to live a normal life like Kate, Victoria, Warren and all the others Max knew. Of course, people like Miss Grant who set up charities and support groups that helped thousands. Brody still remained silent for a few more minutes before deciding to speak,

"Wow. Forgive my language but holy shit. I don't know everything about what went on over there but it was big. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like in the middle of that but I bet it was allot harder dealing with the aftermath. Forgive me for being dramatic but to me, you two ladies are heroes. I know I couldn't go through something like that and come out not only to find love but live on afterwards. You two have my mad respect in ever way" with that, Brody held out his fist, beckoning the two women for fist bump him. The two complied and fist bumped him with Chloe doing a more energetic fancy one as usual.

"To carry on after something like that..." repeated Brody, smiling once again.

Chloe watched the exchange without saying a word at first but after seeing Brody's reaction, it sparked something in her. Never had she thought of herself as some kind of hero but Brody seemed totally genuine. Maybe what they had to say could actually help people out there. They seemed to have helped this dude just by being there so maybe they could by saying what they had to say. Who the fuck knew?

"It was really hard" begun Chloe, "I lost my dad when I was young and he was my hero. I lost Max when she moved to Seattle and lost someone else I cared about when she was murdered by two people she thought cared for her. Then I lost my home and nearly lost my life. Sometimes when it gets really bad, I think to myself that maybe loosing only my life would have been easier, for everyone. After marrying Max and getting a job and repairing a whole shit load of bad relationships I had with people, I don't think that anymore. I don't say crap like this much but it has to be said, no matter what kind of shit you go through and no matter how bad others can be and the crap they pull on you, you can still make it through and come out a better person afterwards. That's what I did. I was full of anger and hate and depression for so long even before the storm but now I'm here with Max and seeing the world. So many people died in that horrible fucked up storm and yet I survived so I'm not going to waste that. Not anymore. Brody, you said that your golden rule is to never get cynical and that you were scared you would end up breaking that. Me and Max can tell you're a solid man and we like you so don't give me that crap. Keep being yourself and helping people like us who aren't quite as fortunate. However and whenever you can. Do that and everything we went through counted for something. If you're scared of breaking that rule then here's a hint...don't fucking break it"

Even Max looked taken aback. It was so amazing that Chloe finally felt comfortable with people and with her to share something so personal and intense. She had to wipe a tear from her eye. Brody just starred in silence for a second once again. He then took of his glasses and wiped tears from both his eyes and put them back on and a warm smile came onto his face once more.

"Well...I guess that's me told then. Thank you Chloe. Thank you Max. From the bottom of my heart...thank you. I think that will make for a great blog and an even better life lesson. That reminds me..." Brody got up and went to his car, leaving Max and Chloe to talk for a second.

"Wowsers Chloe that was really sweet. I really do love you, always. You know what right? I will always be by your side" said Max, giving her wife and hug and a loving kiss.

"Ahh super Max, I know. I know! Like I said a long time ago now, we will last forever. Or at least until the Ghost Punk hunts you down" laughed Chloe, kissing Max back.

Brody came over with a small bag and set it down in front of the two women.

"In that bag is a little candy and some food as well as a few tools I have. It might make attaching a new battery a little easier. I've also left my phone number and a link to my blog so you can check out the story about the two of you. I'm always travelling so call that number if either of you ever need anything okay. You were right, both of you. I won't break my rule because I know that some people go through allot worse than me and come out on top afterwards. You both helped me out of a real rough spot and I'll never forget that" he smiled and once again fist bumped the two.

The bag was a lovely gift and contained some amazing supplies that Max, Chloe and Frank would make great use out of. Body stayed with the two and Pompidou for around twenty more minutes and even played with Pompidou a little, the little dog had taken a huge liking to him. Max and Chloe both found a friend in Brody Holloway, the two really enjoying their time with the man and found him truly great company.

When they saw the telltale headlights of Frank's RV, Brody decided it would be the best time to leave.

"Well I think it was safe to say this has been an experience I will never forget. You two saved me and I'll never forget your inspiring story and neither will any of my readers. You've more than likely saved other lives you know. Like I said, I'm always a call away. I'll miss you two, have a good one" he said, getting into his car.

"Hey Brody!" Max called out, "If you're ever in the area, visit Arcadia Bay. It still looks like a wreck but it might be a good reminder if you ever need to convince yourself or someone else about keeping your main rule. It was so good to meet you by the way." said Max, waving him off.

"I'll keep that in mind Max. Safe travels to all of you"

"Nice to meet you dude. See you sometime" said Chloe, waving as well.

Brody Holloway got into his car and drove away, beeping a further goodbye as he left. Frank parked his RV up and hopped out a second later. Pompidou darted over to him and acted as if he hadn't seen him in ages.

"Hey there boy. Did you keep the wonder twins safe?" asked Frank.

Chloe flipped him the bird and walked over to him,

"Who the fuck was that guy anyway" asked Frank, gesturing to the stranger driving away.

"That was some guy called Brody. He interviewed us for his blog" explained Max.

"So some guy comes up to you in the middle of literal fucking nowhere and asks you to do an interview for some kind of blog thing? This is a strange world" mused Frank.

"He was actually a super cool guy Frank but do you know what would be even cooler...a new battery" Chloe elongated the last few words in a mock sense of awe.

"I got you your battery my Queen. I also got you a dress made of diamonds and a blanket made of pure weed"

"You serious dude? Don't play with my feelings like that man" joked Chloe. Max couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. It seems Brody's positivity was contagious.

"Let's get this heap fixed on carry on driving...wherever the hell it is we're actually going. At least then maybe we can charge our phones and not have me drive into fucking Narnia to track down a new one"

It took the three a little while to get the old battery out and the new one in. The old one was wedged pretty tight and Chloe had to jiggle a few things round to get it in properly. Frank made several jokes about him needing to head back out again to find an archaeologist or EMS to bring the truck back to life. Chloe replied with her usual middle finger as well as several commands to just 'fuck off'. Max made sure to take a few photos before they left as well. Meeting Brody Holloway had helped them just as much as it had helped him. They had both reminded eachother what could happen if life got them down. Brody had been a super awesome guy and Max and Chloe knew they were one day going to bump into him again down the road.

With a great deal more effort, the new battery was installed and after Chloe did a quick test, they were all off and running. Per Max's request, Frank let Pompidou ride in Chloe's truck for a little while as they left the little rest stop. That day that had started so bad had actually turned into a pretty good one and only solidified Max and Chloe's intention to travel. Even if none of them knew where the hell they were even going. But all of them agreed...it was better that way!