Okay, so as I was writing this, it started to feel like maybe this should have been the first chapter instead of my big exposition dump. I can make a few alterations to expand the beginning of this one, and make it into the first chapter pretty easily, I'm just not sure. Right now I'm going to leave it as is, but please go ahead and let me know what you guys think. I appreciate it, and thanks for reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Max ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...So I just plastered a grin on my face, and tilted my head slowly upwards to see whose attention I had gotten. She had short hair now, but I'd recognize that face anywhere. It was her, it was Chloe.
Time has been good to her, or maybe it was more like puberty had been kind to her. I remember fluttery little feelings I didn't quite understand yet, or wasn't ready to admit yet, when I was in Chloe's presence as a tween and I guess that never really went away. I realize I'm just standing down here, grinning like an idiot, and staring at her, so I raise my hand to wave at her awkwardly. Two seconds in her presence again, and I turn right back into an enormous dork. I hate myself right now.
The light of recognition ignites in her eyes, and her mouth falls open. My self-loathing disappears like smoke, and my grin turns into a smirk as I watch her. She's probably just shocked, but I'd like to think it's because I look hot. I strike a little pose, preening for her. At the very least I hope to get a laugh. She just keeps staring though, and my smirk withers into a frown.
I take a deep breath, and try to pitch my voice up so she can hear me, but keep it low enough that none of the neighbors decide to call in a noise complaint. "So... I know I'm like hella hot and all, but are you going to invite me up, or just keep staring?"
As the silence stretches, I begin to wonder if she couldn't hear me. It was that or after all this time she didn't want to see me. I mean if she wouldn't even let me try to explain, well fuck her then, but still the thought hurts. I mean I went through a whole lot of bullshit just to get here. I've got half a mind to go up and start banging on the door, yelling for someone to come open up. I can feel myself starting to frown as I we continue to stare at each other in silence. I hold my temper for now, this is still Chloe, I still want to make a good impression. I miss her, and I miss the rest of the Prices.
She finally shakes herself out of her moment of shock, and lifts a hand to indicate I should wait here. Not much else I could do except make a lot of noise, or walk away, so I wait. An easy smile takes over my face, as a small sense of relief washes through me, at least she's going to give me a chance. This is as close a thing to a home that I have left, and I don't want to fuck this up. I shove my hands into my pockets, and make my way to the front door, and continue to wait there.
I don't have to wait long before the door opens, revealing Chloe in all her glory. I assume she's dressed for the night, since all she's wearing is a light t-shirt, and a pair of shorts. I just can't help myself, and I give her a long look up and down. Mostly up. She seems to be giving me the same, though mostly has to look down. That much hasn't changed since I've been away. I perk my brow at her when our eyes meet, and put on a cocky smirk. "So.. you wanna invite me in, or do you want to just talk it out right here?"
"Max...?" She says, my name little more than a breathy sigh of a question. It sends little sparks down my spine to hear her say my name like that. I can feel my smirk slip just a little bit, as I find myself worrying about that response. I don't know what Chloe's into, how she feels about seeing me again, or if she's even into girls in general. I don't know how Joyce, or William feel for that matter, and I really don't want to alienate these people whom I have such fond memories of. My face remains carefully set in that confident smirk, even as I begin spiraling internally. I'm saved from my bout of internal screaming, by Chloe's voice again, louder this time. "Max!"
"Yeah Chloe... it's me, I'm finally back." I look down sheepishly, and examine my boots, they're really awesome boots, totally worth looking at. Her arms are around my shoulders just seconds later, and she's crying. I never thought I'd see the day. Chloe Price, crying openly. Fuck this is bad actually, her crying is getting me all worked up. I take a few breaths, I can't break down now. I gotta stay in control. I take another breath, and wrap my arms around her in return. I give her a little squeeze, and run my hand soothingly up and down her back. If I can get her to calm down, it'll be a lot easier for me to calm down, to stay in control. "Shhh... It's okay. You're okay. I'm really back, I promise."
I steer her gently back into the house, and softly kick the door shut behind us. She's still holding onto my pretty tightly, and sniffling away, so I continue to gently lead her through the hallway and out into the little combination living, and dining space. I walk her carefully over to the couch, and get her settled down on it, before I extricate myself from her arms. I search my pockets for a tissue or something, and finding none, I reach down and wipe her wet gently with my hands. I turn to head for the kitchen, when I feel a yank on my Jacket. I look back, and Chloe's got a hold of the hem, she's so fucking adorable. I reach down and gently take her hand. "I'll be right back, I'm just going to get you a tissue, or five, and a drink." I offer her a soft smile, and slowly let her hand slip out of mine as I walk away.
I head for the kitchen, making a brief stop at the little stand by the sliding glass door, to grab a few tissues. I head into the kitchen, and begin poking through the cupboards. I mostly remember where things are, so it doesn't take long for me to find us a couple of glasses. I pull my cheap bottle of bourbon out of my jacket, and pour us both a healthy dose. I place the bottle back in my jacket, and carry my cargo back to Chloe. I set my glass on the coffee table, and first handed her the tissues, and then her glass. I reacquire my glass, and settle myself down on the couch next to Chloe. I turn so I'm facing her, tucking on leg up under me. I slam back my drink, enjoying as it burns all the way down, and then I focus all my attention on my blonde companion.
Chloe cleans herself up quietly, and I watch as she lifts her glass towards her mouth. She stops as she catches a whiff of the contents, and wrinkles her nose. It's really adorable, and I can't help but let out a soft chuckle. She shoots me a glare over the rim of her glass, and takes a defiant sip. I watch pure revulsion blossom over her face, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing again.
"Not much of a drinker huh? I never would have suspected you'd go dry, after our little wine tasting." I perk my brow at her, and give her a little smirk, as I reach out towards her glass. "It's okay, I can go get you some water instead if you want..."
She shakes her head."No.. this is fine. Disgusting, but fine." I laugh softly, and reach into my coat to pull out the bottle. I pour myself another, and slam it back. "Suit yourself..." I pour a third, and bring it towards my lips when she speaks again. "Why..." She hesitates, and I slowly lower the glass, meeting her blue eyes with my own. She looks away nervously, and I just wait for her to finish. I'm not going to push, even if I'm pretty sure I know what she's trying to ask me.
Chloe takes a deep breath, but just exhales it instead of speaking. It seems like she might be losing her nerve, so I reach out, and place my hand on hers. She looks startled, and I begin to re-think touching her at all, but then she gives a me a grateful little smile, and I relax. "Why did you stop talking to me?" She finally spits out, once again looking away from me.
I let out a quiet sigh, and gulp down my drink. I pour another one, and swirl it in the glass anxiously. I really don't want to relate this story, but... if Anyone deserves to know it's Chloe. I let out another sigh, and wrap my fingers around hers. "It was... the worst day of my life. Some little fuckwad broke my phone, and then I came home to find out..." I clear my throat, and take a deep breath. I need to keep myself in control here. I can't break down, I can't show weakness even if it is just Chloe. "Mom and dad. They... They fucking died in a car accident okay... and I have no competent relatives, so I got thrown into the foster system." Shit, now I'm spitting my words angrily at her. That's so much better Caulfield. I take a deep calming breath, and bring my eyes up to meet hers.
Chloe looks devastated by my news. If she starts crying again I'm not sure I'll be able to keep myself from doing the same. She lunges at me, and it takes all of my willpower not to react violently. This is Chloe, not some stranger who's home I'm being forced to live in. Her arms are around me again, and she's crying. I've definitely got a sense of deja vu. "Shit Max.. I-I had no idea things were... so bad." I reach up and rub her back slowly, letting a bitter laugh escape.
"Yeah.. well you couldn't. I couldn't call you when it happened, and then... Well I had a lot of other shit to worry about." I give her a little squeeze, and push her gently back into place. I pour myself a fresh glass, down that, and then pour another. "I uh... I never forgot about you. All of you I mean. The Prices." Good save Max, next time try to avoid sounding like a stalker to begin with.
"Alright, enough of this depressing shit, why don't you tell me all about how you took over Arcadia Bay, and how the peasants are reacting to their new empress." I grin, pouring myself another glass of Bourbon, and offering to top off Chloe's as well. She's laughing as she declines, and I just shrug in response. I'm not going to force it on her.
"I've got some bad news for you..." she bites her lip, and looks down at her hands as they squirm in her lap nervously. "I haven't exactly taken over Arcadia Bay... No minions, no... friends either really. Not since you..." Her cheeks color mildly as she admits her solitary station, though the look of quiet resignation she's also wearing implies she simply accepts this as a given. I on the other hand do not.
"Well fuck that. Fuck the hick-holes that live here. You're fucking awesome, and these assholes have No idea what they're missing out on." I fight to keep my voice down, and level as I speak. I don't want to wake up anyone else who might be in the house. I am pissed though. How dare those stuck up, small town morons treat Chloe like that.
I can see her smile just a little in profile, her head still turned down towards her lap. " No... I never really tried, it's my own fault." she shrugs at the end of her statement, and turns her head a little to peek over at me. I throw a cocky grin back at her.
"Well that's cool then, if you don't want to hang out with those losers then fuck them." I pour myself another bourbon, and reach over to pat her thigh gently. I maybe let my hand linger a little longer than I really should, maybe. "I'm back anyhow, so your dance card is about to be too full for them." I kinda lose my steam there, and my grin kinda falters a bit. "I mean, you know, if you want to start hanging out again. I mean it's cool if you don't, it's been a long time...I do want to at least say hey to Joyce, and William, but you know then I can just fuck off outta your hair, or whatever." I stare deeply into my bourbon, and give her a little shrug. Not like it's any skin off my back. I'll just keep telling myself that till it feels true.
I have time to finish my drink, and pour another before the silence gets to me, and I look over at Chloe. She looks like she's trying her hardest to remain calm this time. I bite my lip, and reach over to take her hand. She starts, and looks over at me, like she just realized I was still here. She takes a deep breath, and gives me a desolate smile. "Sorry... I do, yes, we should start hanging out again, I just have some bad news to share...umm... like you did. Dad died of cancer." Her voice cracks at the end, and it's my turn to pull her into a hug. Fuck, William was great, he didn't deserve that. Chloe, and Joyce didn't either.
She cries into my shoulder, and I cry a little too. William deserves to be mourned, he was like a second father to me. I run my hand up and down her back gently, hoping to impart whatever small comfort that I can. "I ran away so many times, and tried to make it back here. I wish I had made it sooner...I wish I had been here." We just hold each other for a while after that, tears dying down into sniffles, until we finally part.
I pour us both a fresh glass, and hold mine up to signal a toast. Chloe does the same. "To William... He was an amazing father, and an amazing human being." Chloe murmurs her agreement, and we clink glasses. I slam mine back, and watch Chloe sputter and cough after trying to do the same. She's too cute for words. I grin and reach over to pat her on the back lightly, trying to help. "Easy there drunky, there's no need to try and match me drink for drink." She glares at me, which only makes me laugh. She keeps up the evil eye for as long as she can, but joins in the merriment soon enough.
As we calm down, she takes a few deep breaths, and turns towards me, pulling her leg up under her. She chews her lip nervously for a moment, and I make sure I don't stare by keeping busy pouring myself a new drink. "You... said you ran away a lot. Was it... was it really bad?" she still looks nervous that she even asked, but she didn't hurry to try and take it back.
I just shrug at first, and then shake my head. "No, not all bad. I mean the twins were pretty cool back at the group home..." I swirl my drink slowly in it's glass as I consider. "And there was this one family... The parents were pretty cool about most things, except they were complete religious nutbags, or some shit, maybe just bigots I don't know. They had a daughter about my age. She was really cool. Gorgeous too." I smile faintly, my glass still making slow revolutions in my hand. "Tall, blue eyes.. blon-..." I cough, looking up at Chloe for a moment. Shit, I'm blushing, and basically describing her. I shoot back my drink. "Umm.. blonde... really cool. We got along great, you know... until I had to leave."
Chloe's brow furrows, and she tilts her head curiously at me. "Why'd you have to leave." I can't seem to help the smirk that plays over my lips, as I reach out to pour myself yet another drink. I really should slow this down, since Chloe's not really a party girl. At least she's not yet, maybe I'll be able to get her to loosen up a bit.
"Are you suuure you want to know?" There's a teasing tone to my voice, and I turn my little smirk on Chloe. She responds by sticking her tongue out at me. That just causes my smirk to grow into a shit-eating grin. "Yes, I want to know... I asked didn't I?" she doesn't sound so confident in that answer, but she looks resolute.
I shrug at her, and lean back. "Alright, but I did warn you... sort of." I laugh softly. Yeah I find myself so very clever sometimes. Maybe not so much really. I take a deep breath. "Well... alright, so I had to leave because, we used to sneak into each others rooms some nights. Most nights. Well one night, she got a little... loud, and daddy dearest came barging in and caught us."
She just stares at me blankly for a few moments. Her brows begin to furrow while she thinks that over. I wait, and pour myself, and her a fresh drink, while waiting for the light bulb to go off in her head. I can see her preparing to ask, before she finally does. "Why would you have to leave because he caught you in her room?"
I hand her her drink, the poor sweet summer child that she is, and I slam back mine. I take a deep breath, and blow it out, before speaking. "Because we were fucking." I wait, as that sinks in, and her cheeks turn a lovely shade of red. She nods at me wide-eyed, and lifts the glass I gave her for just this moment, and slams it back. She coughs and sputters a bit, but she's getting better. "Dude flipped his shit, tried to beat the devil out of me, or something equally fucked up. I broke his nose, and his balls, and then fucked off out of there as fast as I could." I gesture with my thumb over my shoulder for emphasis.
"Max... that's awful..." Chloe looks shocked, appalled, incensed even. I just shrug one shoulder, and shake my head. "It's not the worst thing... besides I got tough." I shoot her a big shit-eating grin. "Remind me tomorrow, and I'll take you to the gun show." I give her a cheesy wink, and stand, flexing my arms exaggeratedly. She laughs, which is exactly the reaction I was looking for, and shakes her head. This is a much better mood for our reunion. I hope I can keep it this light from now on.
"You're completely ridiculous." she gets out between giggles. I continue to make overly exaggerated flexing motions, until her laughter begins to die down. I grin over at her, as I settle back down next to her. I've placed myself a little closer than before, but if she notices she doesn't seem bothered. I relax a bit, and lean back, letting my head fall onto the back rest. I let out a content sigh, and turn my head to look at Chloe. "So what do you do for fun around here these days? All things I can improve with my presence I hope." I laugh softly, perking a curious brow in Chloe's direction.
Chloe suddenly looks uncomfortable, shifting in her seat a bit, as she shrugs. "Not much really. I go to the usual places... like when we were kids. Now I just go to walk, and clear my head, or to draw." She shrugs again, and looks down into her lap. "I'm not very interesting or exciting. I guess there's still the beach, I can go swim sometimes... I rarely do though." she laughs at her admission, though it's a humorless one. "The tree house is still there, I like to go there sometimes too, reminisce. I'm not sure how long it will be though... Prescott Security Services is buying up a lot of land around here. They've already got some big office building up and running, or something. I hear they're going to open up some kind of training facility as soon as they have the land and the permits." she purses her lips like she just ate something sour, and shrugs.
My brows furrow a bit as I try and remember where I've heard the name Prescott before. "Oh shit! You mean like those mercenaries and shit? Like on the news for all those humanitarian... violations." Now I knew why Chloe was making such a sour face. "Man that'd probably be pretty bad-ass if they weren't such a dickbag of a company, or whatever." I pause a moment, sitting up straight. " Well... I mean it'd still suck about the tree house even if they were totally clean. You really think they'll buy up all that land and destroy our house?"
Chloe's brow perks up a bit and she looks over at me. "Our house? But, yeah maybe. I don't know how much they're planning to buy up, but a lot of the land they're buying is out in that direction." I smirk at her and shrug. " Yeah our house. Where else are we going to live when they finally legalize gay marriage here?" I watch her face turn red, before she turns away from me. It was really precious, I'm not sure if that means she's into it or not, but it was really precious. I really should be more careful though we're both different now, and I don't want to fuck this all up based on memories wrapped up in a really attractive package. We're getting along fine right now, but who knows whether we're even still compatible.
Fuck it, I can just blame it on the bourbon. "So You said you don't really have friends or whatever, but like what about a boyfriend, or girlfriend or something. Anyone in this hick town not a complete mouth breather?" I laugh at my own wittiness(yeah right) and turn my attention to Chloe, watching her reaction carefully. She shakes her head in response. "I've never really given it much thought... I've just kinda been wrapped up in my own things." I give her an understanding nod, and then a shrug. "Probably haven't missed much honestly... My experience with girls has been limited, and my experience with guys has been, really fucking gross, so..." I shrug again. "You're probably better off just waiting for someone awesome. You know.. like me for example." I waggle my eyebrows at her suggestively, and laugh. She's blushing again, but she's laughing too. She's enjoying herself, and I'm really glad to be a part of it again.
I must be giving her the goo-goo eyes because now she's giving me an odd look. A look that's a little confused, a little awkward and a little something else I can't quite identify. I quickly busy myself with pouring a fresh drink. I slam it back, and when I turn my attention on Chloe again, the look is gone. Instead she's got a worried look on her face. Fuck, I've totally freaked her out now. "Uh... Look I..."
She breaks into my awkward attempts to smooth things over though. "You've had a lot to drink tonight... are you going to be able to get to umm... where ever you're staying safely?" I let out a laugh relieved before I can stop myself. "I can just sleep in my car it's no big deal..." I wave off her question blithely. The look she gives me is extremely disapproving, I actually feel a little ashamed under her glare. "No way, you should stay here. There's no reason for you to sleep in your car." I bite my lip, shifting in my seat nervously. "You don't need to feel like you have to put me up or anything. I've lived on the street before, I can handle myself." Shit, I shouldn't have said that. I watch her face go from shock, to guilt, to determination in very short time. "No. Come on, You're coming up to stay with me. I don't care if you've gone totally Mad Max back in Seattle, I've got room in my bad, and you're going to use it." She crosses her arms defiantly. I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Damn Chloe, if I knew you wanted to get me into bed That badly, I'd have come by sooner." I watch her gape at me like a fish, her cheeks flushing a deep red. I cough, looking down into my lap, a little ashamed for making the joke at her expense when she's just trying to be nice to me. "Uh... sorry. What I meant to say was, thank you, that'd be really nice, and I appreciate it." She just nods, stands up taking our glasses, and heading towards the kitchen, probably to compose herself. "My room's in the same place... I'm sure you can find your own way."
I do know the way, so I get up, and stretch. I waver a little bit, so maybe I did over do it a little. I make my way back through the hall, and up the stairs. Her room is very much how I remember it. She's a little messy, but not over much. She's got fantasy posters all over her walls(Lot's of scantly clad women, I'm not sure if that's a statement or just part of the aesthetic.), along with a few indie bands I'm not really familiar with. What is new is the drawings she has all over the place. Mostly landscapes, some in color, some in black-and-white. They're really amazing. I take my time walking around making sure I get a good look at every last one. I recognize myself in a several of them. Me, when I was younger of course, but still me. I hear her close the door behind me, but I don't look, I just keep admiring her work. "Chloe, fuck, these are amazing. You're really good, I mean you always were good, but these... I don't even know how to describe how fucking good these are."
I can hear her shuffling a little behind me, and I turn back to look at her with a smile. Her cheeks are flushed, and she's looking mostly at the floor. I think I've embarrassed her, but it's true, her drawings are really good. "They're really not so great..." she mumbles out softly. "But thank you."
"Fuck that modesty shit." I shake my head giving her a little frown. "These are fucking amazing, and you should Totally own that shit girlfriend." I look back to the drawings, and pick out one in particular. It's a self portrait she did. I gently pull it from the wall, and turn waving it at her. "In fact.. I'm taking this one right here. It's a souvenir of our reunion, and someday it'll worth hella bank when you're famous." I carefully roll it up, and slip it into one of the interior pockets on my jacket. She just rolls her eyes at me, but she doesn't object. I slip my jacket off, and lay it carefully on her dresser. I roll up the sleeves on the button up I'm wearing over a tank top, and reach back into my jacket to procure a joint. I hold it up to her, as I head over to her window."You want in on this?" I climb up onto the desk, and open the window. I look back at her noting her silence. "Uh sorry, No thank you." she says nervously. I shrug, and climb out the window. I poke my head back in to look at Chloe. "Relax, I'll be fine out here, and you won't get into any trouble." I slip back out, and settle down to get blazed for a bit.
I slip back in to find her already in bed. I close the window, and settle on the edge of the desk to pull my boots off. I tiptoe towards the bed, trying not to wake her, but it's apparent she still awake when she pulls the blanket aside for me invitingly. I slide under the covers, and turn over onto my side facing her. She turns over and looks back. I can just barely make out her face in the dark. We just stare into each others eyes, neither one of us says a word. I can feel a warmth growing in my chest, growing so big and bright it's becoming a little painful. This can't be happening, we barely know each other anymore. It's got to be the nostalgia, that's all. These thoughts swim through my head until I finally fall asleep.
The sun coming in through the windows slowly pulls me from unconsciousness. I groan softly, as the light sets off a little bit of a headache, not the worst morning after I've ever had though. I sit up slowly, and try to get my bearings. I blink at my unfamiliar surroundings, and then at the girl next to me. Fuck, right I spent the night in Chloe's bed. I carefully slide out of bed, and go grab my phone, and a joint. I sneak back over to the bed, and take a picture of Chloe while she's sleeping. Total creep move, but she looks so adorable like that, peaceful, I just can't resist. I quietly make my way over to the window, and open it up to slip outside. Time to wake, and bake.
I slip back inside to find Chloe sitting up, and looking around worriedly. "Morning sunshine." I grin at her before I turn to close the window. " I hope I didn't wake you." She shakes her head looking rather relieved to see me. Was she worried I left, or maybe that I was never here to begin with? We just stare at each other for a while. She looks a little awed. I mean to be fair I'd been gone for a long time no word, so she's probably a little shocked still. She finally breaks our reverie. "So... I need to get ready for school. You should go ahead and use the bathroom first, then you can go on downstairs and surprise mom." she grins impishly. "I know she'll be happy to see you." I give her a mock suspicious look, but shrug. "Sure thing... You just go ahead and leave me to face Joyce alone, or is that you're leaving Joyce to face Me alone?" I laugh as I head out the door, and across the landing to the bathroom.
I shut myself in the bathroom, and take care of my business, wash my face and all that. I grab Chloe's toothbrush, and begin to brush my teeth. She always used to be cool with me using it. I hope she still doesn't mind, because it's too late now. I check my hair in the mirror, finding it acceptable I head out. Chloe's already waiting for her turn in the bathroom. I make a big production of gesturing her into the bathroom, which gets me a giggle. I grin, as I make my way downstairs, I'm in an great mood this morning.
I can hear Joyce in the kitchen as I reach the lower floor. I slow down suddenly feeling anxious. I haven't seen Joyce in forever, and I'm not exactly the same little girl she used to know. I'm startled as she calls out from the other room. "Chloe honey, what do you want for breakfast?" I take a deep breath, and step into view. Lean on the archway, picking at my clothing a bit, quietly waiting for Joyce to notice. She startles when she does notice me, her eyes widen, as she brings her hand up to her chest. I smile at her sheepishly, and lift my hand in an awkward little wave. "Hi Joyce. Um... Long time."
"Max Caulfield is that you? My goodness, I almost didn't recognize you! You're so different now." She looks me over, and if she disapproves she doesn't show it. "When did you get in? You know We've been wondering just what became of you, you know." she speaks chidingly, and I can't help but look at the floor. "Sorry Joyce... I didn't have much choice. Mom and Dad Passed, and.. I ended up.." I don't get to finish, not that I mind skipping my sob story. Joyce comes forward, and wraps me up in a hug."Oh honey, I'm terribly sorry for your loss... You know now that you're here you're welcome to stay as long as you like. I know Chloe would like that too." I wrap my arms around her in return, and just breath her in. I had no idea I missed her so much. "I.. I mean we'll see, I have somewhere I can stay so I don't need to be in your hair." and to quickly change the subject before she can insist, well I wanted to express my condolences anyway, so I do. "I um... I'm sorry about William. He was a really good man. "
Joyce releases me, and sighs. "He was, and we're all sorry he's gone now. He was one in a million. He wouldn't want us standing around missing him all day. He'd want us to move on." She takes a deep breath, and wipes at her eyes. "Now what would you like for breakfast?" I take a deep steadying breath of my own, and step back. "I'm dying for some of your famous pancakes." She laughs softly, nodding. "Alright, pancakes it is.. would you mind getting me the eggs, and milk?"
Breakfast with Joyce, and Chloe is nice. It feels so surprisingly normal, like I was never gone. Chloe needs to get get to school, and Joyce needs to get to work, so I volunteer to do the dishes for them. I'm left alone, just me the dishes and my thoughts. I've got to keep myself cool here. This is going so well so far, and I don't want to fuck it up. I know I'm not who I was, and I know I could cause Joyce, and Chloe a lot of trouble if I'm not careful. Fuck then there's also the way I'm reacting to being around Chloe again. I need to nip that in the bud until I can calm down or some shit. Once I have the dishes all put away, I look around once, and decide to have a shower, and then head out. I'm going to bum around the tree house until it's time for Chloe to come home. Maybe I'll go pick her up, that could be cool. With a fairly solid plan in mind, I head out to do whatever to fill my time.
- Chloe -
I step onto campus in a great mood. Max is back! She was gone for so long, and now she's here. She's so different, and so hardcore now. I felt like a total geek next to her, and doubly so because I was so shocked I felt like I could barely put a sentence together. Still she was there, and she stayed. Okay so now she drinks, and smokes, and all that, but it's not That bad, a lot of people our age already do that. It's not really my thing, but she's got a good excuse considering what she's been through. It's been a while since we've seen each other, but things were still so easy with her, like even though we've both changed, things were still mostly the same between us. The way she just looked at me, while we were lying in bed though, was so intense. I felt, strange, good, but strange. All these feelings make me worry a little about getting my hopes up, I mean can these feelings last? Is it just nostalgia talking? Will we be hanging out one day and realize we're too different to remain friends? These thoughts dampen my good mood somewhat, but not that much. I'm still riding high on my time with Max, and the prospect of more time later.
I'm actually smiling and waving at a few people I recognize. I mean I'm not rude, or stand offish, or anything like that. I just usually keep to myself. I react, but I very rarely ever just act when it comes to socializing. Kate seems to be absolutely delighted, if the way her face lights up is any indication, at my new found audaciousness. She's very sweet to everyone though, so I didn't really expect her reception to be a poor one. Daniel seems bemused by my display, though not unpleasantly so. We take several of the same courses, and both of us sketch. We may not really talk, but we have a healthy respect for each others talent. It's shaping up to be a really good day. I hope it's just the first of many from now on.
My good mood lasts for most of the day, though I'm a little distracted. I keep thinking back to Max, and wondering what she's doing right now. It's probably not going to be a major issue, I have excellent grades, so I'm not worried about it. I can stand to have an off day or two. Still, I should probably try to focus more. I will tomorrow, for sure. I'm just way too excited today, I'll calm down soon.
I float through my classes, head in the clouds till the bell rings for lunch. I'm heading down the hallway, when I see Victoria, and her little minions loitering, just in my way. I'd rather not have my good day ruined, so I decide to duck into the bathroom to splash a little water on my face. I hope by the time I finish they'll have moved on. As I lean over the sink, and cup my hands under the faucet, I hear the door open. I'm about to look up and see who's come in, when I'm grabbed, and slammed into the wall. An arm comes up and presses firmly into my throat, and Nathan Prescott's face presses in close to mine.
"Listen up Price." he hisses in my face, as I try to turn away from him. It's a little hard to breath with his arm pressed into my throat like this, and I'm trying hard not to panic. "You need to get the fuck out of here. Take your little dyke girlfriend, and leave Arcadia Fucking Bay." Her slams his hand into the wall next to my head, causing me to flinch. "You're gonna end up in the same place as that Rachel Amber bitch if don't." he pushes in on my throat for a moment, and then he's gone. I gasp for breath as I slide to the floor. I have no idea what I did to piss him off, he's always seemed a little unstable, but we don't generally cross paths. I can feel the tears building in my eyes, and I just need to get out of here. With out really thinking about it I feel that tug in my chest, and I'm in the tree house. Max is sitting there, calmly facing me, like she was already expecting me to just appear here like this.
"Max! I uh..." I have no idea how to finish that sentence, I just stare at her like a deer in the headlights, for a few moments before I just wilt. "I guess I should explain..." my brows furrow a bit as I consider just how to explain. "I'm honestly not sure How to explain. I can just... teleport I guess. I was in a car accident when it happened the first time. I might be dead now, if it hadn't happened." I bite my lip and shrug at her. "I know it sounds crazy, but you just... saw it. You Have to believe me, right?"
She stands up slowly, and walks towards me. She places her hands gently on my shoulders, and looks up into my eyes. "I believe you Chloe. I did just see it, but even if I didn't I will Always believe you." I can see her mentally debating something, and my head tilts curiously before I can think better of reacting. "I should tell you something too." she licks her lips, and takes a deep breath before she continues. She seems nervous about whatever it is she wants to say. "You're not the only one to have something fucking bizarre happen. I can rewind time. Some dude pulled a gun on me when I did it the first time. It was absolutely fucking cray." I stare at her blankly for a few moments, trying to wrap my head around the implications of her admission, and she begins to frown. "Dude I'm not making this shit up! Why the fuck do you think I was so cool, when you just popped in here just now? Do you think I see people teleport all the time? You scared the shit out of me the first time, and I punched you before I realized it was... you."
"What? Oh no,I was just trying to..." I pause my brows furrowing as I look down at Max. "You Punched me?" She looks at the floor, pulling her hands back down to her sides. She shuffles a little awkwardly. "I didn't realize it was you right away... I mean you just popped in out of thin air, and I freaked. I took it back. No harm no foul, no broken noses... right?" I shake my head. "I don't know... I mean what does this mean for multiverse theory? Are there two timelines now, one where you punched me, and this one where you didn't?" She frowns at that, and then shrugs. " I don't know... and why does it even matter? I didn't hit you in this one, and if there even Is another timeline based on that now, well then there's an extremely sorry Max trying her best to make it up to you right now. But I don't think it works that way." she shakes her head to emphasize her feelings. "I mean I can see everything going in reverse around me. It's not exactly like just picking a result I like and skipping right to that one."
I shake my head. "That still doesn't mean an alternate line doesn't branch off from the timeline you experience. I mean in theory any decision could cause the timeline to branch like that." Max just frowns, and shakes her head. "Shit... I don't know, I was never the best at science, and I kinda stopped giving a fuck about school after mom and dad died." She goes real still for a few moments, her face blank, then she just seems to shrugs it off. Bad memories, or maybe she's repressing? "So what? You think I shouldn't rewind anymore or something?" I shake my head slowly. "No... That's not what I'm saying. I mean I guess we don't know what the potential consequences of these powers might be, or even how long they might last. We shouldn't let ourselves come to rely on them." She smirks at me, it's pure trouble that smirk. "Or... since we don't know how long these powers will last , we use them to have our fun Now... while they last." her smirk grows into a full blown grin, her eyes widening as something occurs to her. "That's what you're doing right now isn't it? Skipping out on your classes like a bad girl?" she laughs raucously. That brings me back to why I was even here to begin with.
"Uh... no actually. I needed to go somewhere I felt safe." I look down at the floor shuffling my feet nervously. Her hand is suddenly under my chin, lifting my face with surprising gentleness. She looks so serious right now. "What happened? Why did you need to feel safe? Are you okay?" she starts looking me over carefully, probably looking for signs of injury. "No, I mean yes, I'm okay. I just..." I lick my lips, and take a deep breath trying to gather my thoughts. "So you remember I was talking about Prescott Security Services buying up land here?" she nods affirmatively. "Well the CEO has a son, and he goes to my school..." she's looking a little confused, but she doesn't interrupt, so I continue. "Well, he kinda maybe attacked me a little bit in the girl's bathroom..." Max looks pissed, like scary mad right now. Her stance has become aggressive, and her hands are balled up in fists. "And I think he threatened me, but it was weird. He said the same thing would happen to us, as Rachel Amber. No one knows what happened to her. She just stopped coming to her classes a little while back."
Max clearly holds her tongue for as long as possible, she waits for me to finish before she starts talking, or yelling. "Dude I will fuck his shit up! Take my back with you, and I'll make sure the fucker doesn't threaten you again! He'll be lucky if he can even walk away when I get done with his ass... Probably a pussy anyway... poor little rich boy, trying to sound like a bad-ass, pretending he killed some missing girl. Fuck him!" She's pacing around now, clearly working herself up into a froth, and it doesn't look like she's going to come down on her own.
"Max... Max! Seriously calm down, your kinda starting to scare me a little." I hunch in on myself, backing up a bit. My arm crosses defensively across my stomach, and I feel a bit embarrassed that I'm freaking so much, but she's really getting her rage on. She freezes, looking at me like I just slapped her across the face. Then she deflates, and starts to look guilty. "Sorry Chloe... I just.." she sighs frustrated, and shakes her head. " Okay, how about... I start taking you to school, and I'll make sure to hang around close by. Then you can call me if he gives you anymore shit, and I'll be right there to back you up." I give her a dubious look, and she holds up her hands. "No violence, I promise... well unless he gets violent first. No promises then." I purse my lips at her and sigh. "I don't want you to get in trouble, you could get arrested you know..." She gives me a shit-eating grin "I's like to see them try. With my rewind power they'd never be able to catch me." I groan, shaking my head. " You're impossible... You shouldn't rely on that to save you, and you really shouldn't be getting in trouble to begin with..." She frowns, at me, sighing exasperatedly. "Fine Mom... but still, I want to be there. I'd feel better if I was close by, just in case. For now at least. I'm sure he'll get bored when he sees he didn't scare you and I'll back off then. Deal?" Jeez her eyes are so big, even before she starts giving me the puppy-dog look. "Fine..." I acquiesce with a sigh. To be honest though, I do feel better about going back, with her being close by. She grins triumphantly at me, and nearly tackles me in a hug. "Fuck yeah! I'll be the Best bodyguard!" I'm not sure exactly what this feeling is, but it's a good one. I'm probably still just excited to have my friend back.
She steps back a bit, her hands sliding from my back to my hips. She looks up at me oddly for a what feels like a very long time. She licks her lips and finally steps back. There's an awkwardness about her for a moment, before that grin reappears on her face. "So... How about you teleport us back to that bathroom, and I'll chill there for the rest of the day? You know, just in case you need me for anything." I give her another dubious look, and shake my head. "I don't know about that... I mean I'm not sure it's a good idea in general, but I also don't even know if I can take anyone with me." She lights up, and I can feel myself already losing the argument. "Well this is the perfect time to test it out! I'm a willing subject, and that douche is giving you trouble, so I'll just hide out in the bathroom, and if you need me you can run in there. Then when you're done, you just come in, and teleport us out. It's like wins all around." I place my hands on my hips, and purse my lips. "And what if you get caught? Huh? What'll happen then?" She grins, lifting a finger, and waggling it at me. "They'll never catch me with my rewind, and even if I somehow get cornered, I'm not too old to be a student still, all I have to do it lie my ass off until I can get out. We can just meet in the parking lot if I'm not in the bathroom, right?" I sigh, and nod. " Yeah, I guess so..." I could just teleport out without even trying to take her along, but... I mean she makes a few good points, and I must admit I do kind of want her to be there too. "Fine."
"Yes!" she pumps her fist in the air. "This is going to be awesome!" I can't help by smile at her enthusiasm. "Alright, well I've never tried this before so... I don't know, take my hand maybe?" I look at her uncertainly, and half shrugs before holding out my hand. She grabs hold immediately, and grins at me. "You got this, I believe in you." My cheeks flush a little at her encouragement, and I nod trying to keep my cool. I take a deep breath, and... there's a tugging in my chest, though this time it feels like it's trying to drag my lungs out through my rib-cage. I gasp, and suddenly dizzy, fall to the floor. The cold tiled floor of the girls bathroom. Max leans down over me instantly, and worriedly begins checking me over. " Are you okay? What happened? That was seriously so cool..."
I take a few shuddering breaths, and sit up trying to orient myself. It takes a few moments but the pain, and disorientation pass. "Yeah... I think so. It just hurt. It doesn't usually hurt like that." She frowns mildly, still looking me over carefully. "I guess we better leave the taxi service for emergencies... Fuck, that means we're walking home later." I can't help but laugh, and Max joins in. "Seriously though..." she says between fits of laughter. "Get on to class, I'll be fine here. I can just shut myself in a stall if things get sketchy." I take a few breaths trying to calm myself. "Are you sure? We could still sneak you out if you want..." she waves me off, and shakes her head. " I'm fine.. just go on, and get to class nerd. I'll be here when you're done improving your mind or some shit." She smirks at me, and makes a shooing motion with her hands. I laugh softly, and shrug. " If you're sure..." I turn and start out of the bathroom, pausing in the door to look back. "Thank you Max. I mean it, I'm glad you're here. I'll... see you later." I wave and head out the door, heading for my next class. I'll be a little early, but that's not a big deal. The real problem is how am I going to concentrate on class knowing Max is right here at school with me, waiting? I don't have a good answer. I guess I'll just have to try my best to keep my mind on task.