"Yo, Pete! I'm taking a smoke break! Everyone's got their food." The rotund, bald man merely grunted in response, not breaking his concentration on the food working beneath him. Humming to herself, Chloe slipped through the back door and placed a cigarette between her lips. She lit it and took out her phone, scrolling through her new messages.
Let's see here...
Warren: Don't watch it, it's so bad dude and not in the good way
That was in response to her question 'is S. Darko worth a watch?'
Fair enough, not like I can watch it with Max around anyway. Not yet.
There was another text from her mother, simply a picture of a puppy that said 'have a good day.'
Don't tell me what to do, Mom.
Max: Homework's the worst. Why does it exist.
Max: I'm not even home. I'm technically at school.
Max: Muahahaha found the loophole! Ooooh yeah.
You're such a badass, Max. Doing your homework like a rebel!
She snickered to herself as she typed back.
Chloe: i cant see anything flawed with that logic!
Chloe: lemme know what you're in the mood for to eat tonight, ill grab it on my way over
Chloe: aaaaaaaaaand i love you
So weird saying that so often. Hard to believe there was a time I thought I'd never say that out loud again.
She ashed the cigarette and grabbed her skirt, analyzing it for what might have been the hundredth time today. She let go of a chuckle.
Hope Max likes this. Can't remember the last time I wore a skirt. It's kinda punk rock though...right? Right. God, if only she knew how much I want to impress her. She'd tease me, of course. That bitch. That sexy, sexy bitch. Hmm...
She did a small twirl for herself, letting the fabric spread out in the wind.
Seems to help with the tips, too.
"I like your dance!" A voice said, causing Chloe to jump. Down the alley, the old homeless woman sat by the dumpster with a warm smile on her face.
"Uh, thanks!" Chloe replied, blushing a little. "Didn't see you there, you startled me!"
"Aw, sorry about that, kiddo. Though in your defense, no one sees me here usually." Taking a drag, she decided to walk over to the woman.
"It's kind of chilly out here," said the punk.
"I'm not sure I notice the weather anymore," the woman responded with a laugh. She looked Chloe up and down. "Joyce's daughter," she said knowingly.
"That's me!" Chloe gave her a thumbs up, trying her best to avoid the red claw marks in the lady's neck. "I just started here a few weeks ago."
"Well, that's certainly a surprising turn of events." She shifted around, folding one leg under the other. "You never seemed the type to get a job." She smiled with rotten teeth. "No offense."
That's fair.
"None taken. You're right. I guess I just thought it was time to grow up a little." She pulled out her pack of cigarettes. "Cig?"
"Oh, why the hell not," the woman said, taking one. Chloe handed her the lighter and thought for a moment.
"You hungry or anything? I'm sure I can get you something." She looked at the cereal box beside her. "I do love that cereal though. Been eating it since I was a kid."
"You know, today I think I'm good. But I really appreciate the gesture." She took a drag and exhaled, watching the smoke untangle. "Bad habit, you know. You should quit, for Max's sake at least."
Elllooooo what's this then?
"You know Max?" Chloe asked, narrowing her eyes. "And that we're together?" She smiled. "Word spreads fast."
"You'd be amazed how much you see when you stay in one place all the time. I'd like to think of myself as a professional people watcher." She tapped the cigarette, letting the ashes fall right into her lap.
"That's not creepy," Chloe laughed. "Guess it can't be helped though." She turned toward the dumpster and flicked the cigarette butt, pumping her fist when it landed inside.
"Impressive." The woman grinned. "Hey," she said, her tone twisting into darkness. "I heard about everything that happened. With the Prescott kid and Rachel..."
Just when you think the condolence parade is over, another float rolls by.
"Yeah," Chloe said, trying to maintain a neutral expression. "Crazy shit, huh? The world is a fucked up place."
"It's not so bad..." She frowned. "The Earth just has a...ruthless way of keeping balance." She sighed and held the glowing ember up to her face. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, right?" She stared at the burning the cigarette, her eyes glazed over. "The Prescotts had to learn that sooner or later."
Uh...
"Yeah, well...good riddance, right? That whole family is a tumor." She lazily kicked at the concrete. "I hear they're opening investigations into Sean Prescott's illegal activities. Maybe they'll finally get what they deserve, you know?"
"That's the idea," the woman said, smiling.
"Chloe!" Pete called from the back door. "Customer!"
"Shit," Chloe spat, straightening her apron. "Gotta get back in there. Good...talk? I'll get you some food next time, okay?"
"Sounds wonderful," the woman said after taking another drag. "I love the pancakes here! And you be good to Max, you hear?" She held up a fist and smiled. "She's a good egg. And tell her I'd like to talk to her again sometime."
"You kidding? I dote on her like it's my job! I literally have two jobs!" Chloe cackled as she turned to walk back inside.
Wonder what her and Max talked about. Something about that lady...I like her.
Chloe stopped in the doorway when she saw Frank staring out the window. To her complete surprise, seeing him sitting there with a grumpy look actually brought a smile to her face. Some of it was relief – he had been MIA since Rachel's funeral and she was worried he might have done something drastic. But some part of it, maybe even most of it, was because she just sort of missed him being around. Grinning, she strode over to his booth and slammed her palm on the table, startling him.
"What the fuck was...that...for..." His anger slouched more into confusion with each syllable. "Chloe? What the hell?"
"Surprise!" She held her arms out and spun in place. "I'm a waitress now!" He opened his mouth and stared, his jaw moving slowly as if digging for words.
"I just...what the fuck?" He held his hands out in confusion. "You got a job? And here?"
"Yeah, well, figured I was here enough already, might as well get paid for it. Gaze into the abyss and all that shit." She slid into the seat across from him. "I uh, already put in an order for your beans. Is that cool?"
"That's cool," he said, his brow still working. "This is the last thing I was expecting when I got back."
"Yeah, man, where the hell have you been? I was actually worried about you!" She reached across the table and slapped his hand.
"I had to get away for a little while. Went to stay with my mom a few towns over. Just had to get away from...this, you know?" He took a swig of his beer, which he obviously brought in with him.
I hear ya, dude. If it was up to me, me and Max would be chilling in Portland or...further.
"You came back, though?" She asked curiously.
"I came back." He sighed and rubbed his neck. "I came back to say goodbye to her, but there's...something about this place. It feels like home, whatever that means. Felt it as soon as I saw the 'Welcome to' sign." He stared at her. "You were worried about me?"
"Yes, dude! I know it got kind of rough with us at the end there but we were friends at some point. Unless all the drugs have wiped your memory." She cringed as soon as she said it.
Yeah, let's remind him of his one link to killing Rachel. Way to go.
"Not really my thing anymore," he said, his voice teetering. "Aside from the green stuff, been needing that to calm down." He picked up his beer and examined it. "Wish I could cut this shit out too, but baby steps I guess."
"Baby steps are good," she agreed. She glanced to the side and bit her lip. "Did you...visit her?"
"No," he muttered. "Was going to but I got kind of wrapped up in my own head. I don't know why she would want to see me." He sniffled and dragged a forearm across his nose. "Have you gone?" She looked away, embarrassed with herself.
Nope, you haven't. And why not? It's almost been a month. Not like you haven't had the time. Why ya so scared, Chloe? Is it too real? Siiiiigh. Max even offered to go with me. I'm just a coward.
"I haven't," she admitted quietly. "That's really fucked up, isn't it? I don't even know why."
"That's why we're friends," he said. "We react to this kind of stuff the same way... We just shut down and bury our heads in the sand when it gets too hard."
Was that a present tense on the 'friends' situation?
"I'm not like that anymore," Chloe replied. "I'm trying not to be, anyway. I have...I have to be stronger these days."
"Max, right?" He asked. "How is she?"
"Way too good for me!" Chloe laughed as a small bell dinged. She got up and dashed around the counter to retrieve his food. She set the beans in front of him, giving him a sarcastic curtsy and reclaimed her seat. "But she's great, kicking ass in school," she said.
"Good." He took another sip of his beer. "Someone should be happy in this world, right?" He eyed the now empty bottle. "I'm trying to be stronger too but...oh, fuck it," he said, sighing. "I'm going to go today but...I could really use a friend there with me."
Was afraid you'd say that, you shithead. Fine. Force my hand.
"Oh, so we are friends," she said with a smile. He didn't respond, instead waiting for an answer to suggestion. Chloe rolled her eyes. "Yes, Frank. I'll go with you. I actually get off in a half hour, if you want to ride together."
"Thank you," he replied, his voice tightening in his throat. "That means a lot to me." He cracked a smile. "Can't believe I gotta tip you, you little punk."
"Yeah, dude, gimme that cash!" She cackled, then 'hmm'd.' "Uh, actually...I know I still owe you the three grand. Plus interest. Don't worry about a tip and I swear I'll pay you back, okay?"
"Christ, Chloe." He shook his head. "I can't take your money. That's not what Rachel would want. Let's just call it square."
Well, that's a surprise and a relief.
"You gonna refill my coffee or do I have to do it myself?" A trucker shouted. Chloe leaned out of the booth, narrowed her eyes and pointed at him.
"John, I swear to Christ, I will shove that mug so deep into your eye sockets all you'll be able to see is the Brazilian countryside."
"Jesus," he muttered, spinning back around in his stool. "You are Joyce's kid."
Frank threw the RV in park, causing Chloe to jerk forward. She sat with Pompidou between her legs as she pet him behind his ears.
"Give me a sec, gonna call Max," she said as she pulled out her phone.
"Take your time," Frank replied. "I'm not exactly itching to get out there."
Samesies, bro.
"Helloooo!" Max greeted emphatically. Chloe smiled at her voice. She heard another, screechier 'hello' afterward.
"Hey cutie," she said. "That Dana? Tell her I said bonjour."
"You speak French a lot," Max giggled before relaying the message.
"Ah, oui! Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?" She saw Frank give her a humorous 'what the fuck' look.
"Yes, that is the plan," she laughed. "When you comin' over?"
"Actually, that's why I was calling. Just wanted to let you know, I'm at the uh...cemetery with Frank. We're going to visit Rachel. I'll still be over, but it might be a bit later."
"Woah," Max said with a serious tone. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah...I think so," she stared at her nails, noticing the torn up cuticles. "Hey, did you decide on dinny din?"
What the fuck, she has destroyed my already horrific grammar.
"I was kinda thinking Chinese take out. Think you could swing that? Dana! Stop!" There was another giggle. "She keeps doing the tongue between the V gesture. She's like, getting really into it. Oh, gross dude, stop!" She heard a rustling, clearly Max pushing the girl away as a wild laughter echoed.
Heh, classic. Dana's cool. Good job, Trevor.
"I'm a fan of that gesture. Sure, I can grab take out. Text me your order..." She sighed, watching Pompidou nuzzle into Frank's hand. "Okay, time to get this show on the road. Love you, baby."
"I love you too," Max said. "And I'm proud of you for finally getting out there."
Thanks, Max. You don't know how much that means to me.
"Alright, dude." Chloe stood up after putting her phone away and swung her arms side to side. "You ready?"
"Not at all." He laughed desperately. "Let's do it."
Chloe walked through the graveyard in search of Rachel's resting place. Frank had hung back in the RV for a moment, explaining to Pompidou that he couldn't come with them and see Rachel. She hated to admit it, but she found it pretty adorable and kind of heartbreaking. Suddenly, she caught sight of a doe standing over a grave, nestling the grass with its nose. Fresh flowers and a wreath adorned the tombstone.
Holy shit what. This is beautiful, I gotta take a picture. Max would shit herself.
Fumbling axniously, she aimed her phone at the doe. It turned to look at her, staring at her...no, through her. Goosebumps sprouted along her skin as her stomach tightened with an unknown nervousness. She took the photo after her thumb missed the button several times. The doe stared for just a moment longer before bounding away into the woods.
That felt...weird.
"You find it?" Frank asked as he caught up to her. "Oh, that's it right there," he said, pointing to the grave the doe was at.
"Huh..." Chloe said quietly, staring at the picture. For what it was worth, it was a pretty good shot, at least she figured Max would think so. Only, the doe was nowhere to be found. It was just a scenic photo of Rachel's grave. "That...makes sense."
"Uh, you first," Frank said, taking a step back. Chloe glared at him and huffed.
"Fine," she said, taking a step forward. She surveyed the grave, looking over the flowers and small offerings people had placed. She tilted her head back and stared into the sun, gazing long enough until it started to sting, then clamped her eyes shut.
Alright, then.
Heya, Rach. Long time no see. Sorry about that. I've been busy and well...scared. You know me, right? Just a total puss when it comes to facing things that freak me out. You were kinda like that too. So's Frank, who is also here. I guess he'll chat with you when I'm done.
She sighed and chuckled.
Don't say a word about the skirt. I know it's totally unlike me, but I dunno...I think it looks kind of nice. I think Max will like it. Oh, right! Max! So, me and Max have almost been together for a month now and I've never been happier. Things are still a little rocky with the time travel stuff, but other than that, it's just been perfect. So, yeah, progress report: I haven't fucked up yet! And I won't. Promise. She's so amazing, I've never loved someone so much. She has these freckles...dude, it's way too cute. Just wanna kiss all of 'em.
Chloe furrowed her brow and burst into laughter, doubling over as she clutched her stomach.
Wow, this is just like when I used to talk about her all the time and you'd just sit there and nod. I guess some things never change. Some things don't... I guess others do. Like you being gone. It still feels really surreal. Even now, whenever I hang out with Max and her friends...my friends, I want to shoot you a text so you'll come with. It's so unfair. You didn't deserve this. I guess, for what it's worth, the Prescotts and Jefferson are getting what they deserve.
I miss you so bad, Rachel. The world's a lot more boring without you raising hell. I work at the fuckin' TWO WHALES. I'm not sure if you'd be proud or if you'd make fun of me. Probably both. Probably...
She scrunched her lips to the side.
I'm not mad at you anymore. Just thought you should know that. I know you had your reasons for keeping all your secrets. I still wish you didn't, but I understand. I wasn't very receptive to hearing things I didn't like. I'm trying to change that. Trying to change a lot about myself, honestly. We had a good thing, you know? Just being total, insane rebels plotting to take over the world...but I don't think that's how you make it through life. So, I'm trying to be better. Trying not to just start shit with everyone I meet. Dude, I'm even cool with David now! Sargeant Dickhead is actually...kind of cool once you scrub the paranoia off of him.
She glanced behind her to see Frank waiting patiently, looking over the graveyard.
Guess I should wrap this up and give Frank the mic. Go easy on him, okay? He really loved you. And he's killing himself about giving the drugs to Nathan. Look...I'm sorry I didn't come by sooner. I promise I'll be back again soon. I'll give you juicy, gossipy details about me and Max and some of the peeps at Blackwell. I know you probably miss them. Trevor is dating Dana Ward. They're pretty cute together!
She ran a finger beneath her eyes, surprised to find that they were dry.
Huh. I guess it gets easier. Take it easy, Rachel. I miss you.
"You're up, dorkus," Chloe managed with a sarcastic tone as she turned to Frank. "She seems like she's in a good mood, but you know how she can be. Flip floppin' like a bitch. I'd strike while the iron's hot." Frank snickered and nodded, stepping up and clearing his throat.
"Might be a while," he said.
"Take your time, dude." She patted him on the shoulder and took a few steps away, slumping her shoulders as she released the tension.
Well, that went okay. I didn't even cry! Score for Chloe!
She held a hand up to shield her eyes from the sun and scanned the graveyard.
This place is beautiful. I wonder if Max would want to come here and take pictures. Is that too morbid? Hmm. Might as well ask, I'm sure she'd be down to talk to Rachel again. Oh, man, wonder what I should get from the Chinese place? Gettin' kinda hangry.
She suddenly felt a strange sort of magnetism in her head. She turned to her left and stared deeper into the cemetery. Squinting, she began to walk, unsure of what it was she was looking for. Her feet dragged her forward as she looked over the various graves. People she'd never heard of, some surnames she'd heard in passing. She frowned when she saw overgrown graves, evidence they had not been visited in quite some time. Finally, she stopped moving and stared, her heart beating faster in her chest. In front of her was a sizable tombstone, one she hadn't looked upon in a very, very long time. The name William Price was stretched across the stone in gold lettering.
She blinked, pushing the building tears from her eyes. All of her 'no tears' pride crumbled as they hastened their way down her cheeks. Feeling a fracture in her heart, she dropped to her knees in front of the grave and sobbed. She carefully reached in front of her and brushed the grass with her hand, working up a somber smile as she did so.
"H-" her voice bubbled, splitting the word into nonsense. She took a deep breath. "Hi, daddy..." She slumped to the side, pulling her legs underneath her. "I'm so sorry I haven't visited you. It's been...way too long. You probably don't even recognize me now." Chloe breathed slowly, ignoring her tears. "I've missed you. So much has happened since I've been here last. I was in a pretty bad spot for a while..." She traced a finger along her temple and twirled a strand of hair around it. "Blue hair now. I think you'd like it, actually. You were always really supportive with all the shit I did." She gasped and clapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes bulging. "Sorry! I kind of have a sailor mouth."
"Well, I honestly don't know how to catch you up on everything." She wriggled from side to side, cringing in embarrassment. "Uh, I kinda got expelled. That sucked. I'm sorry, I know you always thought I'd keep being a straight A student and get a full ride to college. I really let you down on that one..." She rubbed at her eyes. "Let mom down, too. She got remarried, by the way. I know that's what you would have wanted, but I didn't handle it so well. He's an alright guy, though..." Feeling more and more drained with each word, she flopped to her side, the soft green grass carressing her cheek.
"Dad, I spent so many nights wishing I could just be with you again. Wishing I had the courage to...end it." She bit her lip hard, working the flesh between her teeth. "Never told that to anyone before. Not even..." She allowed herself a small smile. "Well, that's the good news...Max came back. And, to spare you some pretty hard to believe details, we're together. Dating. In love. Smoochin' and everything. Remember when I was thirteen and really confused that I had feelings for her? You were the only one I trusted enough to tell. And you were so...cool about it. You were so cool, dad. And a total dork." She reached out once again, tangling her fingers with the grass, imagining with all her might that the blades were his fingers.
"I'm on the up and up. Things are getting better. I'm still a little punk brat, but I'm going to try my best. I got a job at the Two Whales...someone even said I was like mom today and I didn't hate it. I have really cool friends now too. And I swear I'll get my GED and go to school. I promise. I guess, I just really want you to know that, for the first time in a really, really long time...I'm okay. I'm better than okay. And even on those days where I'm not, I have Max. I'm gonna marry her, you know? Man, I wish you could be there for that. Being your usual, goofy self." She let go of a sincere, deep laugh, the tears cooling on her cheeks. "You were such a goober!"
She stood up and brushed the back of her skirt, smirking to herself when she finally decided that it did look sexy. She rested her hand on the tombstone.
"I love you so, so much, Dad. I'll uh...bring Max next time. So you can say hi. She'd like that, I think." She breathed out and nodded. "See you around, okay?"
"You okay?" Frank asked as Chloe trudged toward the RV. His eyes were red.
"I'm fuckin' exhausted, duder."
"Yeah, who knew that this shit took so much out of you?" He opened the door and held an arm out, signaling Chloe to go first. She casually flipped a hand in his direction. "Was that your old man's spot?" He asked as he followed her in.
"Uh huh. Haven't been here in years. About...five to be exact. I think I kind of forgot this place existed." She dropped into the seat as Pompidou hurried over to her with his tail wagging. "You think they hear us?" She asked.
"Kid, I have no idea. But for right now, I'm going to pretend it's a hard yes." He took a seat and gripped the wheel. "I need to hit the liquor store on the way back to the Two Whales. You want anything while I'm in there?"
Oh Jesus god yes all of it in my fucking face hole.
"Yeah, I could hella use a drink," she said.
"Heh," Frank snorted. "You sound like Rachel when you say that." Chloe looked out the window, over the almost surreally peaceful cemetery.
"She's who I got it from," she replied, watching the doe slowly walk among the tombstones.
A/N: Surprise! Another Chloe chapter. I tried to really dig deep into her character here. Hopefully I was at least a little successful.
Thank you guys again for being SO incredibly awesome. I know I harp on this a lot, but this story has gotten so much more love than I ever expected possible. Y'all are great and I love each and every one of you!
See you next time!