"Hello?"
"Oh, hello, Max. I guess your phone does work."
"You know what, Victoria? I think one of the best things about having you back is being able to make fun of your natural passive aggressive helicopter mom-ness without feeling guilty about it."
"Spoken like a true teenager. How's Houston so far?"
"It's alright. Not as many astronauts as I hoped there'd be. A lot of steakhouses, though."
"Sounds about right. Is Chloe settling in okay?"
"Okay-ish. I'm not sure how comfortable she is here."
"Well, I'm so sorry the rent-free luxury loft isn't to her liking."
"That's just it, Victoria. This is the nicest place either of us have ever lived. Between this and the ridiculously nice treatment room you got for her, I think she feels a little guilty. I don't blame her. I didn't know hospitals had private rooms that nice."
"Tell her not to worry about it. I'd much rather see her in there than some fat seventy-year-old oil tycoon recovering from his second heart bypass. How about you? All moved in?"
"Mhm. I let Chloe take the bigger bedroom, but I think mine has the nicer view."
"Separate bedrooms, huh?"
"We're taking things slowly."
"Fair enough."
"Seriously, though. Please thank your dad again for letting us stay here while we're in Houston. It's really cool of him."
"It's a corporate property, Max. It pretty much exists to be loaned out to VIPs."
"Your dad thinks I'm a VIP?"
"Are you kidding? You kept him and Mom from dying in the storm, saved me from Jefferson, and - even if it was unintentional - brought him my knowledge of all the major stock market trends over the next two years."
"Is that a yes?"
"Max, if Jesus Christ himself appeared in Houston right now looking for a place to crash, Dad would tell him to go stay at the Four Seasons."
Chloe: hey
Mom: Hello, sweetheart! I've so glad to hear from you!
Mom: I hope you noticed how I've been respecting your decision and not pestering you.
Chloe: lol
Chloe: i did
Chloe: thanks
Mom: Still, it's been over two weeks. I was getting a little worried.
Chloe: sorry
Mom: Where are you two?
Chloe: houston
Mom: You two went all the way to Houston? Why?
Chloe: long story
Chloe: u busy?
Mom: I'm doing some job hunting, but we could talk on the phone this evening if you like?
Chloe: me and max are dating and im in Houston getting my lung cancer treated
Chloe: u busy now?
[Incoming Call: Mom]
Max: You've known Victoria since middle school, right?
Taylor: That's right.
Max: Can I ask you something about her?
Taylor: I guess?
Max: Has she always been a huge nerd?
Taylor: LOL!
Taylor: Oh my god! She is SUCH a nerd!
Taylor: But she gets so salty when you call her on it!
Max: I noticed. I called her the Queen of the Nerds once and she threatened to turn me inside out.
Taylor: Yeah, that sounds about right.
Kristen: Okay, I'm a little confused.
Max: ya thats normal at ur age
Max: just do what feels natural
Max: and remember to use a safeword
Kristen: ...and now I'm even more confused.
Max: That wasn't me! I was out of the room and Chloe figured out my password again. I have no idea how she keeps doing that!
Kristen: Okay. And Chloe would be...?
Max: My girlfriend.
Kristen: Confusion intensifies.
Kristen: Wait. Is she that blue haired chick who's suddenly all over your Facebook page?
Max: That's her. I've known her since we were little.
Kristen: The same Facebook page that has a picture of you with tattoos? And a bunch of you wearing a long wig for some reason?
Max: Yup.
Kristen: And says you live in Houston now.
Max: That's right.
Kristen: The town you left Seattle for gets wiped out by a tornado, and somehow you ended up in Houston.
Max: At least it wasn't Kansas.
Kristen: :(
Max: Sorry. It's a long story.
Kristen: Well, then I hope you're not busy.
[Incoming Call: Kristen Jacobs]
"So, I am, as you're both aware, bisexual. That's part of what I'd like to discuss today, and why I wanted Dad to Skype in from Bethesda."
"This sort of feels like the opening to a thesis defense."
"Don't interrupt her, Stephen. This is clearly important to Taylor, and she doesn't need you being a smartass."
"I realize that, Helen. I was only teasing. You don't need to take everything so seriously."
"No, you were being rude and-"
"Hey!"
"Sorry. Go ahead, sweetheart."
"As I was saying, I'm bi. Which, as you know, means I like boys and girls, and...uh...so..."
"It's okay. Whenever you're ready."
"She doesn't need your permission."
"I know tha-"
"Stop it, both of you! Just...just...gah!"
"Taylor, it's okay."
"Slow, deep breaths. In and out."
"I'm fine!"
"We know. You're safe. Your mother and I are right here with you."
"I said I'm fine! This isn't an anxiety attack! This is me being pissed off! Can't the two of you just be civil for five fucking minutes?!"
"...we're sorry, Taylor. This isn't about us."
"Your father's right. We're here to listen."
"Good. Now please, no talking until I'm done."
"I..."
"No talking!"
"Tha-"
"Either of you!"
"..."
"..."
"Thank you. Alright...so, here's the thing. You know I like girls, but this is more about how I like...um...a girl. A specific girl, I mean. One girl in particular...who's my...ahem...girlfriend."
"..."
"..."
"So...yeah. I have a girlfriend now."
"..."
"..."
"Who I love. A lot."
"..."
"..."
"And I'd really appreciate it if you guys could just be quietly happy for me and not turn this into a thing."
"..."
"..."
"You're going to turn this into a thing, aren't you?"
"..."
"..."
"You can talk now."
"That's fantastic, sweetheart!"
"We're so happy for you!"
"When did this happen?"
"Who is it? Anyone we know?"
"Is it Kate? It is, isn't it! Oooh, I had a feeling about you two!"
"Who's Kate? Is that the dark-haired girl she and Victoria are always with?"
"No, that's Courtney. Michael and Kelly Wagner's daughter."
"Which one is Kate, then?"
"Kate was at the hospital during the storm. She's just the sweetest, most mature young woman."
"Of course she is. Our girl knows how to pick 'em!"
"Oh, Taylor! We should have Kate and her family over for dinn-"
"It's not Kate! She's straight, remember?"
"Oh. Well, I jus-"
"It's Victoria."
"..."
"..."
"You guys are still allowed to talk."
"Victoria...is your...girlfriend?"
"Yes, Mom. She is."
"Victoria Chase?"
"Is there another one?"
"Right. Sorry, it's just...Victoria?"
"We didn't realize that she was...well..."
"It's really weird that you assumed Kate was gay, but you're having trouble with the idea that Victoria actually is."
"How...how long have you two..."
"That's kind of complicated."
"Try us."
"Well, I've liked her for a long time. Like, a couple of years."
"Oh, honey."
"I know, I know. But I didn't say anything because I thought she was straight, too. And even though she's felt the same way about me for about ten months, she didn't say anything because she thought I was straight."
"Ouch."
"Hang on. Ten months? That would be last Chr-"
"I know."
"But the two of y-"
"Can we not? It's bad enough that she and I spent almost a year pining for each other. I really don't want to rehash it with my parents."
"Alright. Maybe another time."
"So, then..."
"I guess we've officially been together since a couple of days after Arcadia Bay?"
"Officially?"
"We kinda...connected...the night before the storm."
"..."
"..."
"Oh my god, not like that! We just talked! She kissed me on the cheek!"
"Oh thank goodness!"
"To be fair, Stephen, it's not as though she could've gotten pregnant."
"Oh my god, Mom!"
"I know, but STIs are still a concern."
"Dad!"
"That's true. You're being safe, aren't you, honey?"
"Nope! Leaving now!"
"But..."
"Not happening good talk love you guys seeya later!"
"..."
"..."
"You think she's coming back?"
"I doubt it."
"I almost feel like we should have seen this coming."
"Looking back, I think you're probably right."
"How are you two holding up?"
"We're managing. We finally settled with the insurance company, so we'll be able to find a proper apartment. Taylor's been dropping some pretty heavy hints about moving to Seattle. I suppose now I know why."
"I guess so. Anyway, I think I should go before we start arguing again."
"I understand. I'll email you if anything important comes up. Goodbye, Stephen."
"Goodbye, Helen."
Max: Everyone at school thinks I'm weird! :(
Mom: I love you to death, Max, but even I think you're a little weird.
Max: I am not!
Mom: You're a tattooed, time-travelling, secretly 21-year-old lesbian high school student who's come to Texas from a recently destroyed Oregon town to live in a million-dollar loft apartment with her girlfriend.
Mom: Your life sounds like a young adult novel.
Max: STOP SAYING THINGS THAT ARE TRUE AND BE MY MOM!
Mom: I don't know why anyone would think you're weird, sweetheart. You're a wonderful, normal girl who they'd be lucky to have as a friend.
Max: I know, right?!
Taylor: Hello, Katelyn.
Kate: Hi, Taylor! Kate is actually short for Katherine.
Taylor: Neat.
Taylor: So, I was standing in line at the grocery store today and do you know what I saw?
Kate: Groceries?
Taylor: I saw a picture of myself.
Taylor: On the cover of Time magazine.
Kate: Really?!
Taylor: Kate, why am I on the cover of Time magazine?
Kate: It's the picture of you standing by the shuttle bus, isn't it? I submitted it to them online!
Taylor: Yeah, I thought that might be what happened.
Taylor: Since I knew you were the one who took that picture.
Taylor: AND NOW IT'S ON THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE!
Kate: This is so amazing! Have you told your mom yet?
Taylor: I told you to delete it!
Kate: You know she'll want to show off to all her friends.
Taylor: I look like someone found me in a ditch!
Kate: She's so proud of you. We all are! :)
Taylor: Cut it out Kate! I'm trying to be mad at you!
Kate: I'm sorry. You're right. I should have asked permission first.
Taylor: Yes you should have!
Kate: I just thought you looked really heroic.
Taylor: Why are you like this?! :(
Chloe: did otherchloe seriously call her chemo infusions semi-lethal injections?
Max: She sure did.
Chloe: lol thats awesome
Max: Have you seen any of my hair ties? I swear I bought a new pack of them last week.
Chloe: i have them
Max: Haha! Why?
Max: It's not like you need them. :P
Chloe: holy fuck max
Chloe: thanks for the reminder
Chloe: i almost forgot i look like the six flags guy
Max: Crap! I'm sorry! That was so insensitive! :(((((
Chloe: and she apologizes with emoji
Max: I'm so so so sorry!
Chloe: lol j/k
Max: Chloe! I felt so bad!
Chloe: i needed them to shoot at this 11 y/o jerk
Max: What?! You can't do that!
Chloe: he started it!
Chloe: and he has real elastic bands!
Chloe: he shoots them at me whenever the nurses arent looking!
Chloe: max?
Max: I'll be there in 15 minutes. I have to get some elastic bands at the drug store first.
Max: Don't worry, babe! Reinforcements are on the way!
Dad: So the Seahawks are looking pretty good this season.
Max: No, Dad.
Dad: Not even a hint?
Max: Sorry, but this is what you get for letting me watch Back to the Future II.
Dad: Should've known that'd come back to bite me.
Chloe: feeling pretty rough
Chloe: chemo rly took it out of me today
Chloe: hoping i could score a hit?
Chloe: just to get me thru?
Kate: Of course!
Kate: I believe in you, Chloe!
Kate: You're gonna kick cancer's butt!
Kate: You're funny and wonderful and compassionate and brave!
Kate: You're an amazing friend and we're all so lucky to know you!
Chloe: oh ya
Chloe: thats the good stuff
Chloe: u!
Chloe: time traveller!
Chloe: i require knowledge from the future!
Victoria: Okay?
Chloe: i want to make max dinner
Chloe: but i just realized i dont know her favorite food anymore
Chloe: it used to be mac and cheese but that was when she was 13
Chloe: what is it now?
Chloe: and dont say waffles
Chloe: thats different
Chloe: thats a lifestyle choice
Max: Would your dad mind if we set up an office-type thing in the loft? We want a place where we can do schoolwork that doesn't involve taking up the entire kitchen table.
Victoria: I'm sure he wouldn't, but I didn't think the Houston loft had a third room?
Max: We were going to use the smaller bedroom.
Victoria: I see.
Victoria: Not going to be sleeping in that bedroom anymore, are you?
Max: :)))))))
Kate: The oddest thing just happened.
Victoria: Oh?
Kate: Remember that reporter I told you about? The one from the Portland Tribune who wouldn't leave me alone?
Victoria: What about him?
Kate: I just got a call from the Tribune's lawyers. They apologized on behalf of the newspaper and told me that he'd been fired.
Kate: They also said that they'd filed for a restraining order on my behalf.
Victoria: That was considerate of them.
Kate: Almost suspiciously so...
Victoria: I don't know what you're implying.
Victoria: I'd imagine they simply realized that his behavior was placing them in an extremely vulnerable legal position, and that their best course of action would be to kick his ass to the curb before some Seattle-based multinational corporation took them out behind the woodshed.
Kate: That's a very specific guess.
Victoria: I'm good at guessing. You should see me play charades.
Chloe: hows the new crib looking?
Mom: The renovations are almost finished. The hot tub just got installed yesterday.
Chloe: dope
Chloe: u think about my idea?
Mom: You mean the helipad?
Chloe: ya
Mom: Well, I spoke to the contractors and they were fairly certain that we'd need a helicopter to go with it.
Chloe: so...
Mom: Sweetheart, there's rich and then there's helicopter rich. And while our stock portfolio is doing very well, David and I are not even close to helicopter rich.
Taylor: How's life in the Marshlands?
Kate: I wish you hadn't said that in front of my dad.
Kate: He wants to get a sign made to hang over the front door!
Taylor: I'm alright with that.
Taylor: Did Christmas dinner go okay?
Kate: It was actually really good.
Kate: My Aunt tried to bring up the video again and my mother said that if she couldn't be a respectful guest at our table, the Denny's up the road was still open.
Taylor: Ha! Savage!
Kate: I know!
Kate: Coming to terms with what happened to me has been really challenging for both of us and there's still some tension, but it means so much to me to know that she's on my side.
Chloe: happy new year from the future!
Taylor: You're not in the future. You're in Texas.
Chloe: ya well my clock here says midnight
Chloe: and ur seattle clock doesnt
Chloe: so...
Kate: It's still 2013 in Portland, too. :(
Victoria: Don't encourage her.
Chloe: no emoji kate
Chloe: weve evolved beyond such things in the future
Max: NO WE HAVEN'T! ( ∩ˇωˇ∩)
Chloe: ignore her shes crazy
Kate: Well, if the future has forgotten emoji, I'll just have to help bring them back.
Chloe: no kate! i trusted u!
Victoria: HA!
Kate: I'll be like a missionary, only I'll be preaching to the emoji-less!
Taylor: Plus no smallpox blankets!
Kate: Also that! :D
Chloe: its january 17!
Chloe: happy traumaversary!
Mrs. C: What?
Chloe: lol ask max she can tell u all about it
Mrs. C: Sweetheart, can I ask you about something?
Max: Sure, of course.
Mrs. C: Why does Chloe think January 17th is our 'Traumaversary'?
Max: I have no idea.
Max: That clearly doesn't mean anything.
Max: She's just being Chloe.
Max: That's not even a real word!
Max: LOL! Crazy old Chloe!
Date: 19 February, 2014
From: m_chase[ ]chasecorp
To: victoriachase[ ]webmail
Subj: Re: Post-Secondary Education
Hello Victoria,
I was surprised that you'd use an email to express your unconventional choice for post-secondary education. And that you would wait until the two of us were on the other side of the planet to send it. Although I agreed to let you attend Blackwell Academy, I did so with the assumption that you would go on to attend Princeton like myself and your father.
Of course I understand your enthusiasm. How could I not? We raised you to appreciate the arts since you were just a girl. Even so, you and I have never seen eye to eye on your ambitions. The Chase Space represents only a small part of our family's assets, and it was never my intention to have you pursue the arts as a career. I've always believed you'd be better served relegating it to a hobby, in the interest of focusing on something more practical.
That said, I admit that I still struggle to see things from your unique point of view. Living through and then losing two years of one's life is an experience only you and Maxine will ever truly understand, and I imagine it's granted you a measure of perspective that I can never match.
That's why, having given the matter a great deal of thought, I've reached the conclusion that when it comes to the matter of your future, you may simply know better than I do. Let me assure you, that isn't an easy thing for any parent to acknowledge.
Your father, on the other hand, needed no such soul searching. He'd barely read as far as 'USC School of Cinematic Arts' before he had his checkbook out. I hope you realize he's going to be insufferable about this. It's been less than a day and he's already referred to you as 'his daughter, the aspiring filmmaker' three times. One of those was to the Prime Minister of Korea.
Regardless, I hope you know that I'll always be proud of you, no matter what path you choose. If this is what you're passionate about, then you should embrace it. I know you'll be amazing, and I'm certain that Hollywood won't know what hit them.
On an unrelated note, you might want to give your godmother a phone call. She was brokering a deal on our behalf with a Saudi industrialist when the man expressed 'reservations' about doing business with people who have an openly gay daughter. To hear our lawyers tell it, Jess tore into him so viciously that the man quite literally fled the room.
Needless to say, we took the deal off the table.
We'll be back in a week, and we'd love to talk more about your plans over dinner. Taylor is welcome as well, though I'll warn you that your father intends to put on the overprotective parent act again. I'd be grateful if Taylor could keep pretending to be intimidated by it.
Love,
Mom
P.S. – Your father wants to know whether your interest lies in narrative or documentary filmmaking. For the sake of my sanity, I beg you not to answer him until we get home.
Chloe: just be chill and remind urself why u love her
Victoria: I'm trying but this is a lot.
Chloe: cmon vic
Chloe: she didnt actually say she liked it did she?
Chloe: just that it wasnt as terrible as people say?
Victoria: Yeah. But still.
Chloe: and it isnt a dealbreaker is it?
Victoria: Of course not!
Chloe: then this is ur spirits within vic
Chloe: u gotta rise above
Chloe: sometimes loving someone means u gotta see past the bad stuff
Victoria: I know. And I do love Taylor. With all my heart.
Victoria: But The Last Airbender movie?
Victoria: Really?!
"Ugh...I'm so sorry."
"It's fine, babe. You don't need to apologize."
"But I had plans, Max. Hella romantic plans with dinner and flowers and shit. Not this piping hot...urk...bullshit sandwich."
"It's really alright. Chemotherapy is like this sometimes. I'm just happy we're together."
"This is our first Valentine's Day! It...it was...hurgghh!"
"That's it. You're okay."
"I...bleh...I wanted tonight to be special!"
"It is special, Chloe."
"Watching me puke my guts out is not special."
"Maybe not. But knowing that you trust me is. And that you're not afraid to be vulnerable around me. And that even when you're feeling your worst, you're still thinking about how much you love me. That stuff is really special to me."
"How the hell can you be so romantic kneeling on the bathroom floor?"
"I guess you bring out that side of me. Are you feeling any better?"
"Little bit."
"Think you're up for some soda crackers and ginger ale by candlelight?"
"Okay, seriously. What the fuck did I do to deserve you?"
"You were yourself. That was more than enough."
"I love you, Max."
"I love you, too, Chloe."
"Even when I'm a hot mess?"
"Even then."
Date: 23 February, 2014
From: d_madsen[ ]webmail
To: chloe_price[ ]webmail
Subj: Apology
Hello Chloe,
I can't imagine you're overly excited to get an email from me, so I'll try to keep it brief.
I owe you a tremendous apology for the way things were between us in Arcadia Bay. I was struggling with some serious issues that I wasn't ready to acknowledge at the time. I still am, if I'm being honest, but I've finally sought out the help I needed then, and I feel that I've made some very positive changes to my outlook on life.
I want you to know that I'm truly sorry for hurting you, for failing to respect your boundaries, for my disparaging and belittling remarks, and for ultimately throwing away whatever chance we could have had for a positive relationship. I'm especially sorry for how long it's taken me to tell you as much.
I'm not asking for your forgiveness. I feel like that would be a little selfish at this point. Until recently I was just too proud to reach out and apologize to the people I hurt, and I'm not doing it now simply to make myself feel better.
For what it's worth, I do care about you. It's great to hear you're doing well.
I'm very happy for you.
Regards,
David Madsen
Taylor: You hate emojis, right?
Chloe: yes
Taylor: Even though you text like a dyslexic preteen?
Chloe: yes
Taylor: How come?
Chloe: because theyre dumb
Taylor: Do you hate this emoji?
Taylor: Throwing a table (╯`□`)╯︵ ┻━┻
Taylor: Or this one?
Taylor: Flipping someone off 凸(ಠ_ಠ)凸
Taylor: Chloe?
Chloe: damn u taylor
Chloe: damn u to hell
Happy birthday, beautiful!
I woke up early, but I didn't want to wake you up, too, so I just stared at you creepily until I had to go to school. (Just kidding (or am I?))
I got an email from Victoria about those people who yelled at you in the elevator about your loud music. She said that since Chase Intl. owns the building, they 'can either shut the fuck up about it or find somewhere else to live'. With that in mind, I left a CD on the kitchen table that I know you'll like. It's a punk band from Seattle called Bloody Bootstraps.
Remind me to tell you about the time OtherChloe accidentally punched me in the face at one of their shows. Good times.
Send me a text when you wake up to let me know what kind of cake to pick up on the way home. Just so you know, if I don't hear from you, I'll just have to buy a bunch of different slices and hope for the best (hint, hint).
Love you,
Max
Victoria: You're spending your 20th birthday in a hospital, hooked up to an IV line. I wonder how many people saw that one coming?
Chloe: keep it up and ur gonna find out what it feels like
Victoria: Don't listen to what anyone says. Chemotherapy hasn't made you any less pleasant to talk to.
Chloe: shouldnt u be day drinking somewhere?
Victoria: You know, I was at the drug store the other day and saw a great hair color you should try.
Victoria: Oh, wait...
Chloe: u know its not like i wish u were dead
Chloe: i just think id be happier if u were
Victoria: That attitude is going to take you places. Do us all a favor and never come back.
Chloe: is ur flat ass jealous of all the shit that comes out of ur mouth?
Victoria: You have such a lovely voice. Especially when you're not using it.
Chloe: i hope ur next period happens in a shark tank
Victoria: So many people have never met you, and I'm jealous of every single one of them.
Chloe: id tell u to eat shit but that would be cannibalism
Victoria: Still holding on to that spot right at the top of the bell curve, I see.
Chloe: weak
Victoria: Yeah, that sucked.
Victoria: You're proof that God exists, Chloe. Who else could make such a huge mistake?
Chloe: lol brutal
Chloe: i bet ur birth certificate is an apology letter from a condom factory
Victoria: Remember that whatever doesn't kill you, only disappoints me.
Chloe: ur like a brand new penny vic
Chloe: real pretty but fucking worthless
Victoria: Oh shit. Good one.
Chloe: send me $100
Taylor: What?
Taylor: No.
Chloe: but ive got lung cancer
Taylor: Why the fuck does that make me want to send you money?
Chloe: ikr?
Chloe: i think i just found a real life cheat code
Taylor: That's messed up, Clo.
Chloe: u cant judge me
Chloe: i have lung cancer
Taylor: Cut it out!
"Hello?"
"Confusion intensifies!"
"Good morning, Kris."
"I know it was you! You're always involved when things like this happen!"
"Could you please be a little more specific?"
"More specific? Okay. You know how I really, really wanted to study at USC, but my application got rejected?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Well today I got an email from their Dean of Admissions. Not the Office of Admissions, Max. The fucking Dean of Admissions! Who somehow ended up with copies of the short films I made last summer and said they showed that I had real potential! Who personally offered me admission to the program of my choice!"
"And that's bad...how, exactly?"
"Don't you sass me, missy!"
"Could you please stop yelling?"
"How about the full-ride scholarship I got, even though I never applied for it?! How about that?!"
"What scholarship?"
"The Arcadia Bay Memorial Foundation Grant for Aspiring Young Artists. Which, by the way, didn't exist until this year! I mean, Arcadia Bay, Max? Really?"
"Ah. Okay, in my defense, this is almost certainly Victoria's doing."
"...Victoria? As in, your friend, Victoria Chase?"
"That's right."
"The menacingly confident blonde with the cool poise of a marble sculpture and the encyclopedic knowledge of twentieth-century cinematic icons?"
"Yes?"
"Oh. Never mind, Max. We're good."
"Um...okay."
"So, I...uh...don't suppose you could give me her phone number? To thank her?"
"No."
"Ma-"
"But I can give her yours."
Max: [info/Kristen]
Victoria: Well, that didn't take long.
Max: Be nice.
Victoria: I'm always nice.
Max: (-_-)
Chloe: this is bullshit
Chloe: im rich
Chloe: what do i need an education for?
Victoria: Trust me, you're not that rich.
Chloe: ha ha
Victoria: Homework getting you down?
Chloe: its ged prep
Chloe: its all homework
Victoria: What are you working on?
Chloe: ap chem
Chloe: its actually really cool
Chloe: theres just so much of it
Victoria: Nerd.
Chloe: no u
Chloe: so im sitting here trying to study
Chloe: but i just looked out the window
Chloe: and i saw this smokin hottie doing yoga out on her balcony
Chloe: srsly i have such a killer view
Chloe: but she cant see me watchin
Chloe: i dont know how im supposed to focus now
Chloe: i wonder what her name is?
Chloe: oh wait...
Chloe: thats u!
Max: I love you, too, you creep. ;)
Taylor: You're a barista!
Max: Former barista.
Taylor: Explain this witchcraft!
Taylor: [latte_art]
Max: That's not so tough to do.
Taylor: Then teach me your ways!
Max: lol I'll show you how when you guys come visit. :)
Taylor: I want to make one that looks like a turtle!
Max: Maybe we'll just start with a leaf.
"So, your mom says you're being an idiot."
"No, I'm not. I'm fine. She's overreacting."
"She also says your ankle is swollen up like a grapefruit."
"No, it isn't."
"Send me a picture of it then."
"I don't need to send you a picture, Chloe. It's fine."
"You know I love you, right?"
"Of course I do."
"Good, because I'm lovingly telling you to quit being a dumbass and go to the damn hospital!"
"I don't want to."
"Max..."
"I don't want to go there, Chloe."
"It's just a building. I get how it might feel a little weird, but..."
"Weird? Weird?!"
"C'mon, Max. It's not that bad."
"Don't you get it?! You died in that hospital!"
"...no, Max. I didn't."
"I was there, Chloe! I saw you..."
"No, you didn't. I'm in Houston. The Chloe you're talking about was someone else."
"I...shit. I know. You're right. I'm sorry."
"I understand, babe. I know that project of yours is stirring up some old memories."
"More than a few. I'm sorry. I'll go to the hospital."
"Atta girl."
"I love you, Chloe."
"I love you, too, Max."
"Even when I'm being dumb?"
"Even then."
Victoria: Houston Community College? Are you fucking kidding me?
Max: They're summer classes.
Max: Why does it matter?
Victoria: You're graduating with straight A's and you're going to Houston Community College?
Max: I'm just going to knock out some electives while Chloe's still in treatment.
Victoria: Remember when I said 'the best schools in the country'? Houston Community College is not one of the best schools in the country.
Victoria: Or Texas, for that matter.
Victoria: For fuck's sake, it's not even the best school in Houston.
Max: Whatever. I'm lucky I was even able to sign up so long after the application deadline.
Max: Victoria?
Max: The silent treatment? Really?
Max: You realize you're being childish, right?
Victoria: I don't do the silent treatment and I'm not childish. I need to check some things.
Victoria: In the meantime, you and I need to have a serious talk about your standards.
Date: 17 May, 2014
From: chloe_price[ ]webmail
To: d_madsen[ ]webmail
Subj: Re: Apology
David,
My therapist says I can thank you for your apology and actually mean it without having to forgive you.
So thank you for your apology.
I appreciate it.
-Chloe
"Check it out. I passed my GED exam."
"..."
"What?"
"Holy shit, Chloe! You did amazing!"
"It's not a big deal. I'm pretty sure a monkey could pass that test if they had six months to do nothing but study."
"Babe, you didn't just pass. You absolutely destroyed it. You almost got a perfect score in the science section! I'm so proud of you!"
"Heh...thanks."
"Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just...I dunno. I worked my ass off for this dumb piece of paper, but...I dunno. Now that I've got it, what am I supposed to do now?"