"Do you think it'd be weird for me to take pictures here?" Max asked, staring in awe at the array of multicolored, spinning lights around the carnival. "It's really pretty."
There's so much going on. It's like...beautiful chaos. Like someone I know.
"No, I don't think it'd be weird," Chloe said, closing the door of the truck. She glanced down at the ground and smirked. "Probably make sure you don't get all the litter and trash on the ground, though. You know...aim up."
Okay, less like Chloe.
"Ew!" Max laughed, taking a large step away from a puddle that was very much not water. "Okay, yes, I'll have to do some extra work with the framing." She looked around her and 'hmm'd.' "Victoria said they'd be waiting by... Oh! There they are!" Taking Chloe's hand into her own, they walked over to the girls waiting by Victoria's car.
"What up, kids?" Chloe greeted, making sure she went straight for Abigail and tousled her hair, bringing a giggle out of her.
"I'm so happy you came!" she said, rocking onto her heels, then tiptoes giddily. "This is going to be so fun!"
Aw, it's cute how excited she is.
"Of course," Max replied. "How are you guys?"
"I'm good!" Kate responded, leaning her shoulder into Victoria.
"Yeah, I'm pretty good too," Victoria added. She gave a dramatic sniff of the air and puckered her lips. "It smells like junk food and I think I'm about it."
"Honestly, I've had a hankering for funnel cake since Chloe told me about this place," Max said. "I think I even had a dream about taking a bath in powdered sugar." Chloe arched an eyebrow and turned to her.
"Was I there?" she asked.
Dude, I wish.
"You were not." Max smiled with a bit of embarrassment at Abigail. "I'm sorry ahead of time for any weird stuff she says. She literally can't help it. I think the impulse is directly related to her need to blink or..." she looked Chloe up and down, "or maybe even breathe."
"That's okay," Abigail laughed, "I've had sex-ed."
"You will get pregnant. And die." Hopefully it was a little more informative than that.
"That's...good," Kate said, her eyes narrowed. "Um, anyway, do you want to get some funnel cake before we explore?" Victoria thought it over.
"Yes..." she said with a hint of hesitation, "I don't think it'll make me throw up on a ride."
Okay, note to self, don't get on that spinny UFO ride. It'll hit like ten people in the face.
"Very encouraging," Chloe said, placing her hand on Max's lower back. "Well, let's go get some nosh."
They made their way to a large tent, Abigail leading the group with an enthusiastic bounce. Again, Max found it refreshingly cute how pleased she seemed to be with her older, 'cooler' entourage. She'd admit, it was something that she would have loved when she was her age. Just as she expected most early teens would. It had that shine of innocence, which was proving to be a rapidly decreasing nonrenewable resource. As they ducked into the tent, the stifled music that could be heard outside became clearer. It was a band comprised of middle-aged men playing a cover of a Journey song.
Well, I suppose that's about as stereotypical as you can get.
"Look at these guys just absolutely shredding," Chloe said, her tone rife with sarcasm.
"They seem to be having fun, at least," Kate responded, heading toward the funnel cake booth. "That's what's important!"
They ordered two servings, the intention before for each couple to share a plate while Abigail could pick at both. They found an empty spot at the long row of picnic tables pushed together and took a seat.
"This is so good," Victoria said as she chewed, her eyes fluttering in pleasure. "I don't even care how bad it is for you."
"I know, right?" Max wiggled her hips left and right in her seat. She wiped her hands on her pants absentmindedly, scowled, then changed to using a napkin. "So, Abby, how's school going?"
"It's okay," she said, reaching across the table to get at Max and Chloe's plate, "so far I have straight A's for the semester."
Damn, that's awesome.
"No shit?" Chloe asked, impressed. "Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about." Kate grinned and patted Abigail on the shoulder.
"She's really smart," she said. "I'm so proud of her!"
"It's not a big deal..." Abigail blushed, bowing her head shyly as she slipped a bite into her mouth.
"Sure it is," Max said. "It's good to keep on top of your schoolwork like that." She chuckled. "See? That's what happens when you're not wrapped up in drama and romantic squabbles." Abigail's eyes went wide and she waved her hand, shaking off her bashfulness. She swallowed and bared her teeth in a smile.
"Cassie and Eric broke up already," she said with a mischievous giggle. "I mean, I'm not happy that she got her heart broken, but I do think it's kind of funny since we were in a big fight about it."
Ah, puppy love. You'll never know when you'll have to put it down. Er...that's morbid.
"She might think she's had her heart broken, but trust me, she'll bounce back like it's nothing," Chloe said. "You guys are too young for that shit."
"Still," Kate shrugged, "her sadness is real to her, and that's what's matters. She just doesn't have the ability to put it in perspective yet."
"Geez, guys," Max snickered, "try not to make getting older sound so horrible. You're going to scare her."
"A little bit, yeah," Abigail admitted with a look stuck somewhere between amusement and horror.
Suddenly, Max realized Victoria had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the conversation, and looked to find her shoveling funnel cake in her mouth. She nudged Chloe and nodded at her.
She's totally lost in her own little world.
"Real nice, Vic," Chloe said dryly, shaking her head. Victoria looked up and furrowed her brow.
"What?" she asked, powdered sugar covering her lips and the tip of her nose.
"Um," Kate giggled, bringing a napkin to the girl's face, "let's...clean that off."
"I think I just realized I'm scared of rides," Max said, staring up at the giant, spinning contraption that, as far as she knew, was made entirely of scrap metal and held together with duct tape.
What the hell kind of name is Zipper anyway? Yeah, it'll unzip my face.
"Are you being like, actual serious or just playing around?" Chloe asked, grabbing her by the hand and showing a bit of concern.
"No, like, I feel sick just looking at it," Max laughed. "I think...uh, I might sit this one out. We should go back on the strawberry thing."
"Okay, no sweat, babe," she said. She turned to the others and clapped her hands. "How about you guys? All ready to go?"
"I am! I can ride with you!" Abigail said, grabbing Chloe's wrist and swinging their arms in a joyous pendulum.
Better you than me, Abby.
"Alright," Chloe chuckled, "we'll conquer it together." She looked at Victoria and Kate. "Aaaand? What about you guys? Or are you gonna be pussies?" She made kissy sounds to accompany her taunt.
And what the hell does that make me!?
"No," Kate said, clenching her fists with determination. "I can do it! Right, Vic?" She seemed to think something over and nibbled her lip. "Right...baby?" Kate immediately looked at the ground in embarrassment. Victoria, who had just been staring up at the ride with a grimace, whipped her head to Kate.
"Well, I can't say no after that," she replied, smiling warmly as she took Kate's hand. "That was...disgustingly cute." She perked a curious eyebrow. "Does that officially open the door to pet names?"
"Uh huh," Kate responded quietly, nodding without making eye contact.
"Are they...always like this?" Abigail asked.
"Yes," Max said with exasperation, "literally always." She sighed and gave Chloe a peck on the cheek, then looked into Abigail's eyes. "Alright, Abby. I need you to protect my girl up there, okay?"
"Yes ma'am!" she said. It seemed like she might actually be taking the task seriously.
"Good." Max gave Chloe one more kiss, then nuzzled into her shoulder. "I'll see you guys when it's over, okay?"
"Alright," Victoria said, popping her lips as she once again assessed the ride. "Max, if I die, I want you to make sure they pick a good picture for my service." She flicked a hand out daintily. "I have this one where I'm wearing a really cute maroon blouse and this very subtle green eye shadow, make sure you-"
"Jesus fucking Christ." Chloe rolled her eyes and grabbed Victoria by the shoulder. "If you die, we'll give you a viking funeral and I'll shoot the arrows." Before Victoria could respond, she was dragged away.
Max watched as they moved in line, giving a happy wave whenever someone looked over at her. She didn't love how much it made her feel like a parent. After a few minutes, Victoria and Kate were ushered into one of the pods, followed by Chloe and Abigail taking the next. As the machine started twisting and rising into the air, she wandered a few feet away and surveyed her surroundings, patting her bag where her camera was.
It really is pretty...pretty. It's even pretty in a trashy way. The juxtaposition here really would make for some cool photos. The way the lights move so slowly on the merry-go-round, it's kind of hypnotic. And the way the...wait. Is that...?
There, standing in the middle of a busy pathway full of people walking in both directions, the ghostly doe stood. It stared at Max, still as a statue. The surrounding people didn't notice it at all. In fact, many of them walked right through it.
Well, I guess that settles any debate on whether or not it's...weird. What are you?
Rather than make a move toward it, she simply returned its gaze, trying and failing to rationalize it in her mind. She must have been looking for a while, as the sound of her name snapped her back to reality. She immediately felt silly, imagining what the strangers thought of the girl staring vacantly at them.
"Max! We did it!" Kate said, holding her hands in the air triumphantly. Victoria trailed just behind her, though her expression was much less enthused.
"Great job, guys," Max chuckled. She turned back to the doe, and was unsurprised to see that it was gone. Making a conscious effort not to dwell on it too much – after all, it was becoming quite common – she waited at the exit for Chloe and Abigail to get off.
"That was...so scary!" Abigail said with a grin. "Wow, I've never felt so...alive!" She turned to Chloe and raised her hand, ecstatic to receive a high-five back.
"It was puh-retty intense," Chloe snickered, "but really fun. How did you guys like it?"
"It was amazing!" Kate said. "I kind of want to go on ag-" She was interrupted by the clumsy, rapid footsteps of Victoria darting away. She leaned into a trash can and the guttural sound of heaving erupted from it. "Oh my gosh!" Kate hurried to her and bent down, placing a hand on Victoria's back.
Ohhh grody.
"Welp," Chloe said, watching on with her nose crinkled in revulsion, "I feel like we should have seen that coming."
"I'm definitely fine," Victoria said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm very okay. Got it all out of my system."
You sound like a drunk person trying to convince a cop you're good to drive.
"You sure did," Max chuckled, patting her on the shoulder. She looked around her as they meandered away from the collection of rides. "Let's...chill with the rides, huh? We can play some games or...really anything less traumatic on the stomach."
"That sounds like a good idea," Kate said, keeping a tight hold on Victoria's hand. "Victoria, are you sure you're okay?"
"I am so okay," she replied, wiping the clamminess from her forehead. "Honestly? I've never been better."
"No officer, I haven't had a single tonight to drink."
"Yeah," Chloe elongated the word with disbelief, "let's go play some Skee-Ball or something." She tapped a finger on her chin with a smirk. "I wonder if they have that rubber ducky game where you always win?"
"Not confident in your ability?" Max teased, poking Chloe in the side.
"Dude, I could win every game here at the same time," she argued.
"Okay then, do it," Max pressed, crossing her arms.
"I have nothing to prove to you," Chloe replied, turning up her nose with a scoff.
"I believe in you, Chloe," Kate said, still leading the zombie-like Victoria by the hand.
First, Chloe tried a game that was simply making a shot with a basketball and Max found it slightly strange to see the girl 'playing' a sport. It seemed that was the case for Chloe as well, as she missed every shot then muttered under her breath about how the rim was bent. Then, they all took turns playing a game that required you to throw darts at balloons. It was easy enough, and they all walked away with glow stick bracelets, with Kate snagging a glowing pair of glasses. Even Victoria managed to hit her target.
"Oh my god," Max said, pointing to the ceiling of one of the booths where the prizes hung. "That bear is literally the cutest thing I've ever seen."
"Alright," Chloe sighed, reaching into her back pocket to pull out some cash, "now I gotta win it for you." She drummed on the counter to get the game operator's attention, then held the money out. "Yo, I need to win that thing, okay?" She turned back to Max and frowned. "Wait, the cutest thing you've ever seen?"
Ha! Was wondering if she'd catch that.
"Yes," Max said matter-of-factly, turning on her heel to ignore Chloe's pout. She leaned against the counter and nodded at Abigail. "So, does your mom know you're here?"
"Yeah, she knows I came with my sister and Victoria," she responded, giving a quick glance and smile at the two, "but she doesn't know you guys are here." Her lips scrunched to the side. "That's pretty awful. Thank god she doesn't know about them." Again, she gestured to her sister.
"Thank god." Abigail doesn't really exude the religious thing as much as Kate does.
"That's sad," Max said, her shoulders sagging. She took a breath to renew her mindset and went back to Chloe. "So, how's it going?"
"Gonna nail it," she said, tossing the baseball up and down in her hand. "Gonna. Fucking. Nail. It!" She whipped her arm forward, hurling the ball at the stack of milk bottles. Her aim was a hair too low, and the ball hit the edge of the surface the bottles were set on. Quick as lightning, it ricocheted back into her ribcage with a solid thud. "Oh fuck," she whimpered, clutching herself as she bent over.
Oh no!
"Holy shit, Chloe!" Max took her in her arms. "Babe, are you alright!?"
"Fuuuck," Victoria laughed, cutting it off when she received a stern look from Kate.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm cool," Chloe wheezed.
"Uh, sorry about that, Miss," the man behind the booth said as he cringed.
"Come on, we don't have to win the stupid bear. Let's go so I can check to see if you have any bruises," Max said, trying to lead her away. Chloe placed her palm on Max's stomach and softly pushed her away. She stood up tall and sneered.
"Really fuckin' cute," she said, the bite in her voice much harsher than seemed appropriate. "Just...just fucking bounce off and hit me in the stomach. Awesome!" She picked up another ball, the fabric of it squeaking under her vice-like grip.
Oh...fuck. God dammit, of course. Please stay with me, Chlo. Don't let it get into your head.
With a vicious movement, she shot the ball forward, exploding the pyramid of bottles in every direction.
"Wow, that was a hell of a shot," the man said with a nervous laugh. He looked over the scattered bottles on the floor. "You know, the game is...uh, rigged. You must have really walloped them." Chloe just pointed at the bear, and he nodded, seeming the tiniest bit frightened. "Well...congratulations! Here's your prize."
"Thanks," she said dully, handing it to Max. "Can I please be the cutest?"
"Sure babe," Max said with a half-smile, "you can be the cutest."
"I can't believe you're eating cotton candy after you threw up like that," Abigail said, looking on in awe. Victoria simply rocked herself back and forth happily as she plucked a piece of the pink fluff off and popped it into her mouth.
"She's not a quitter," Chloe laughed, in a better mood after being pulled aside and soothed by Max. Max wasn't thrilled that she still needed to chase away the black cloud that would form over Chloe whenever she got caught thinking about the other timeline. She hated how quickly and badly it could yank her mood into the abyss.
My poor baby. I'm sorry, Chloe.
"So, where to now?" Max asked, resting her elbows on the same table they sat at before. The band from earlier had finished their set and now the stage was occupied by people singing karaoke. She found that the current rendition of Sweet Caroline left a lot to be desired.
"We could get up there and sing," Chloe said, nudging Max with a wiggle of her eyebrows. "Like a duet! Some Under Pressure shit."
I think I'd rather have my brains kicked around the floor.
"Yeeeah, no," she chuckled, crushing the possibility right away. "Taking any and all other suggestions."
"I think I'm a little carnival'd out," Kate admitted. "I wouldn't mind just walking around for a bit more."
"That sounds like a good plan," Max agreed. "I'll finally be able to take some photos." Victoria let out a tiny gasp.
"Oooh, that's such a good idea." She scowled at her cotton candy. "I should have brought my camera, fuck."
Rookie move. Always come prepared to take photos.
"It's okay," Kate said, consoling her with a kiss on the cheek, "you'll find good pictures in other places."
"I don't know how you use that old thing," Abigail said, watching as Max took her camera out. "I don't even...know what that's supposed to be."
"Do you know what a rotary phone is?" Chloe asked, leaning back just enough so she didn't tumble backward onto the ground.
"It's like...the one you have to spin, right?" She looked to Max for confirmation. "Yeah, that one."
"Okay, just checking," Chloe laughed. "I still have my dad's old Walkman around somewhere." Abigail angled her head curiously.
"What's a Walkman?" she asked.
According to plan, they made one final pass around the fairgrounds so Max could take photos. It was the first time she'd really been in 'artist mode' with Victoria around and she found it nice to have someone to talk with and receive advice from. Once they had completed their loop around the park, they started to leave, though they didn't want to end the night quite yet. The decision was made to get something to eat – a decision Victoria was very mixed on.
Victoria followed behind Chloe, pulling into the parking lot with the strip mall. It was just inside Arcadia Bay limits, and it was almost as if Max could feel when they crossed the line into the town. Victoria parked on the opposite end of the parking lot, and they met in the center before heading into the restaurant.
"I'm going to get some tea," Kate said in a singsong voice, practically skipping to the booth. Taking their seat, Max leaned into Chloe, resting her head on the girl's shoulder.
"I want tea too," she said. "Hey Abby, did you inherit your sister's love of tea?"
"Not really," she replied. "I like it but she's kind of a freak about it." Kate opened her mouth in insult.
"I am not a freak," she said, reaching across Victoria to playfully push Abigail.
"There's nothing wrong with being a freak," Chloe responded. "I'm sure Victoria would l-"
"Do not. Go there," Victoria narrowed her eyes dangerously, "I will kill you."
Dammit, Chloe, I can't believe how much I have to spot you.
"I know I say this a lot," Max said, flicking the antler of the stuffed moose mindlessly, "but please do not kill my girlfriend. I'd be very sad."
"Fine," Victoria sighed, slouching in her seat. "I guess I won't feed her to a wood chipper."
"Oh man, do you think they have pulled pork?" Chloe asked, planting her palms on the table with a grin. "I could so go for that."
Ugh, what a terrible association!
"You are...the worst," Victoria replied.
"That...does sound kind of good, though," Kate said, thinking it over as she scanned the menu.
After finishing their meal, they still found they had some energy left and set up shop in the bed of Chloe's truck. Victoria and Kate sat on the side while Max and Chloe were on the pulled down door. Abigail sat with her back against the cab, huddling her knees contentedly.
"So, you guys are going to the prom together or what?" Chloe asked, lying down in the bed of the truck.
"Um, we haven't really talked about it," Kate said, glancing at Victoria nervously.
"Oooh. Sorry, did I just make it awkward?" Chloe bared her teeth in an apologetic smile.
"Why wouldn't you guys?" Abigail asked. "You're a couple."
Sweet, naive Abigail.
"Uh, okay," Victoria said with a bit of irritation. "I was going to do it in a better way, but..." she turned to Kate, "will you go to prom with me?"
"Yes!" Kate wrapped her arms around her and squeezed. "I'd been hoping you'd ask!"
"Aw, yay." Max gave a thumbs up. "That's awesome. It'll be a good time..." Her expression flashed to uncertainty, "probably? I just realized that I'm still anxious about social events like that."
So many...people...
"Too late, you already asked me," Chloe said. "No backing out now. I'm gonna grind all up on that ass."
"Earmuffs." Max pointed at Abby, who jokingly covered her ears.
"So...how are you guys going to, you know, do it?" Abigail asked her sister. Kate's eyes bulged and she retracted her hands into her lap.
"Um, what? Why are you...asking that? That's...um..." Kate stammered, her face burning into pinkness. Victoria was mimicking her reaction, clearing her throat over and over as if buying time until she could think of something to say.
"Oh!" Abigail lurched forward and held out her hands. "No! No, no. That's...that's not what," she breathed out several gusts of breath, "not what I meant! I meant like, with Mom and Dad. I'm sure they're going to want pictures and everything."
Wow, I've never seen Kate get so flustered.
"Oh..." Kate didn't even take the time to show relief, instead slipping into somber contemplation. "I don't know. I guess we could...pretend that we're..." she eyed Victoria guiltily, "just friends?"
Ouch. Super no no, Kate.
"Uh, yeah," Victoria responded, seeming genuinely shocked, "we can...we can do that. Whatever works for you. I don't mind." She looked away, trying to hide her disappointment.
"I don't know," Kate repeated, "we'll figure something out. I just...don't know."
"Hey, it's alright," Max said, trying to smooth things over, "things are confusing." Kate nodded and cast her eyes downward.
"You have to be fucking kidding me," Victoria said, her words laced with venom. Kate jolted and turned to her in panic, but it was evident she wasn't talking about Kate or the current conversation at all. No, her expression was dark, strained into something wrathful. As everyone followed her gaze, they saw a man walking from the pharmacy. His eyes were aimed down into the contents of a bag, stopping him from noticing the girls right away.
He looks familiar... oh, fuck.
"Max," Chloe whispered with a tinge of fear. She reached beside her to take the girl's hand.
Don't look up. Just keep walking.
As if reacting to her thoughts, he brought his head up just as he was passing them and slowed to a stop. His glasses gleamed from the streetlight and he smiled.
"Well, well," he said, his face contorting into something dabbling in hatred. "Ms. Price! How lovely to see you again." His jaw tightened. "And Kate Marsh too." Then, he saw Victoria and showed curiosity more than anything negative. "Hello, Victoria. I'm...surprised to see you here. I always thought you and Nathan were very, very close." The cadence of his voice clearly carried an underlying meaning and Victoria growled.
"Go fuck yourself," she replied bitterly.
Make that double.
"Temper," he scolded, then looked at Max and Abigail. "I'm afraid I don't recognize either of you."
Good.
"Don't worry, I know all about you," Max said. "How's the face, by the way? I heard you accidentally ran into someone's knee." Beside her, Chloe stifled a laugh, though she remained with an uneasy expression. Abigail only looked on, distressed and confused.
"I'd watch your tongue," he said to her, his nostril flaring in anger. "Yes, I'm sure she told you all about my scuffle with Frank Bowers." He gestured to Chloe, who recoiled a bit at the movement. "Not that I expect any different from the thug who sold my son all of the drugs needed to run his little operation."
"What?" Kate asked, her face turning pale. Max's eyes grew wide and she slowly turned to the girl, gulping as her stomach did flips.
Oh, shit.
"Oh?" he laughed, "you didn't know? Chloe's friend is the one responsible for providing everything necessary to knock you out cold and drag you to that dark room. He made it all possible to take those stunning portraits."
"Kate..." Max said carefully, but the girl cut her off.
"Did you know?" she asked, her voice quiet and breaking.
"Look, Kate, we...we can explain," Chloe said, reaching for her. Kate evaded her touch.
No, we can't. We can't explain.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She was shaking, her eyes glistening like glass.
"We're leaving," Victoria said flatly, swinging herself to the side and dropping off of the side of the truck. "Come on."
Fuck. Fuck!
"Kate," Max shook her head, "I'm sorry. Please, I want to talk about this." She looked at Chloe, who was just as much at a loss for words as she was. Though she was present and attentive, she was still fidgeting with her fingers, stealing glances at the man. He just looked on smugly.
"I just... I'm going to go," Kate responded. "We can...we can talk later. Come on, Abby." She hopped off the truck bed, followed by Abigail who, for the first time, looked at Max with something other than admiration.
"Okay..." Max whispered. Victoria turned to her.
"You and I will talk later," she said. "We'll figure it out, okay?" Even after all this time, the fact that Victoria was the one trying to maintain peace felt a little shocking.
"Yeah," Max said. It was all she could say.
"And you," Victoria looked the man up and down, "I hope you fucking choke and die." She stormed off, dragging Kate by the hand to her car, Abigail following closely behind.
"Sorry," he said, a pleased smile on his face. "I didn't realize Marsh didn't know. Secrets can be so...terrible." He glared at Chloe. "Come now, Price. Where's that fire of yours?"
What is your fucking deal?
"I can call the cops," she said, struggling to maintain eye contact. "They said to call them if you got close to me."
"That won't be necessary," he said, his lip tugging up in a snarl, "I was just on my way." As if flipping a switch, he summoned a congenial smile. It was so horribly fake that it sent shivers down Max's spine. "Have a good night!"
"He creeps me the fuck out," Chloe said, watching him go with wired eyes. "There's something wrong with him."
"I kind of feel it too," Max replied, feeling as though a shadow was being dragged off of her as the distance grew between them.
Evil...
"Max, look," Chloe pointed, tugging on her sleeve with her other hand, "do you see it?"
"See what?" she asked, following the trajectory of her finger. She gasped quietly, no longer able to assess just how strange it was to see the doe. It stood at the far end of the parking lot, but...instead of staring at Max like it had always done in the past, its head was following the man's movements.
Okay, this is the first time we're both seeing it. I guess...I should find some sort of comfort in that? What's it doing here?
He continued walking, pressing the button on his key fob, the lights of his car blinking in recognition.
And then he stopped.
He turned to the doe, or...at least in its direction. A moment passed of him returning the doe's gaze until finally, his face twisted with a look of utter disgust. He turned on his heel and hurried to his car.
"Chloe..." Max looked at her, stunned, "can...can he see it too?"
A/N: Funnel cake is delicious! c: