Sitting in a messy but still organized groups of photographs, laid hastily in 5 groups. 5 days, 1 week, everything changed. Chloe insisted that I had changed it, with my own powers, my own strength I had changed Arcadia Bay, I warped time to my own liking, I had manipulated the very essence of what drives the universe. That's why, I'm sitting here, a daily ritual to remind myself that I'm just Max Caufield. The hipster that has an inferiority complex. Nothing more, nothing less. But I can't help but have the images flash through my head, recalling what went down. It's still very much fresh in my head.

Mark Jefferson was busted on day 4, at the End of The World party. It definitely wasn't Chloe or myself who tipped the local police, we, I hadn't even known about it yet. No one did. Victoria was never kidnapped, Nathan was found alive, but I don't think anyone could save him from his own mind. The police had eventually found Rachel, I had no chance of saving her. It was destined. I've tried to jump in big leaps, so much guilt about that, but I had to. It was impossible, like a great brick wall slamming me metaphysically. But the photos around me now threaten to blur and suck me into those times, if I stared a little too hard at one. The universe is such a funny thing.

I still jump slightly, thinking about the Dark Room. My physical self has never been through what happened in the dark room, but they are very real memories. Proof of it are these photos. A lot that supposed to happen but didn't were trapped in these photos, it's kinda scary, but I keep them in a box in case. Yeah I know, a box isn't the best method of safe-keeping.

The weird thing is, when I was at the lighthouse on the 5th day, I was so damn relieved cuz there was no storm…except I felt the same dreaded guilt when I stared at the town. All well and alive. I don't know, it's deep in my guts stirring that something is wrong. Like I said, even though everything hasn't gone to shit, I can feel there's something off. It's not just my powers that had everyone spared from death. It's an innate thing that's gnawing at me since that week, and still haunts me. I wouldn't know what the hell I would do if it boiled down to picking whose going to live, or not. So for now, I'll live my grateful life and keep these photos locked away until the universe decides to act again. I think all would reveal soon. Gut feeling.

"GIVE IT BACK YOU LOSER!"

And an early morning alarm to break my solemn ritual, it's definitely Victoria and I'm sure the brave soul who stepped on her tail is none other than, Chloe. I let my hands rub my eyes before I braced myself for the fury to come. Go ape they say, it'll be fun they say.

"Oh c'mon Vicky! There's no way I'll NOT snoop around if you hadn't left the door open, it's like an invitation no one can resist."

I could see that imaginary smug expression across her face. Gosh, I wonder is it really okay if opposites attract. And I don't mean Victoria and Chloe.

"FUCK YOU!"

"I'm sure you wouldn't."

I opened my door, just slightly to peep through. My hands clinging to the handle like it was a shield in a riot, I'm not sure how on earth I could stop the fight. Rewind? God, perhaps I should to wait for it to blow over. Sometimes it's good not to be nosy y'know.

"That necklace is one of kind, unlike you!"

"Stop!"

Already shut in my room, but hearing a third party made me a tad bit curious. I decide to give into my curiosity and open the door again. Maybe a little too wide. Because all eyes are on me now. Poop.

"Chloe?"

Nice, as if you couldn't hear her through these 'thick' walls Max.

"Finally exited your lair to save me?"

"Yes, the twee hipster can now finally tame her girlfriend!"

"S-she's not—Oh just…Chloe give it back please!"

And there they proceed to continue the cycle of insult tossing, dog. This is more futile than what I previously thought, they are relentless!

"ENOUGH."

All of us stop to look to the left, her ethereal platinum hair catching the morning light, giving her an instant glow. A glow of frustration. Her amber eyes flicking between Victoria and Chloe, then to me, I gulped. This is bad…

"Chill Max, I just want this morning headache to stop."

Did she just mind-read me? Or I probably looked like a deer caught in a headlight, that's the only logical expression I could put on with the fiery presence that is Elle.

"You should give back what's not yours."

She tilted her head sideways, side eying Victoria.

"And you should stop adding fuel to the fire."

And there the familiar tension that we all fondly call – Predator vs Prey.

"…Alright, was just foolin' around, that's all."

Chloe was wearing her best poker face, but even then I can tell she's afraid of Elle. Her body tensing, flushing her knuckles white. Not even Nathan's psychotic history wavered her, but up against someone who had such an overwhelming presence, I'd understand if she finally backed down from a fight. The necklace gently flopping it onto Victoria's already outstretched hands, officially ending the morning madness.

"And don't go stalking my room again, trash punk!"

I'm not sure if Victoria was fleeing the scene or just asserting her prowess again. I really can't tell. But what's more confusing is the look of relief on Elle's face. Like as if she was the one pale scared with a ticking time bomb, after asserting herself like a king, or queen? Ah. Everyone in Blackwell gets me curious anyway. But Elle, she's not like anyone I've met. A whole new being, a class of her own. Yet there she is, amongst us.

Very curious indeed.

"Sorry 'bout that, just couldn't stand on the sidelines and wait for the shit to hit the fan. Heh."

An equally pale arm as her hair makes a comical scratch on her head, a goofy grin spreads uncharacteristically on her face. Oh, reveals a small imprint of inks on her upper arm. My photographer instincts urge me to take a shot. I think I should restrain…

"It's okay man- OW!"

I gave Chloe a hard smack on her shoulder, letting her know that remorse is one emotion she should learn to show too. Her right arm now protective over her left, shooting me death glares that carried shock, yes Chloe I just did that.

"…I mean, I was the dumb one to pick a fight. But c'mon, who wouldn't wanna get even with the Chase?"

My mouth wanted to spill a string of curses that was probably too mild for Chloe, just for heaven's sake for once to keep her mouth shut.

"Well, you never really know who they truly are…best not to meddle too much with their, uh, 'bidness'?"

"Aha, amen to that!"

Bidness? BIDness? I've heard that before…

Elle waved us goodbye as she made her way back to her room, probably to start her day finally. Chloe's just standing there spacing out. Again. She's been like this for a while now, and it kind of worries me.

"C'mon Chloe, we're supposed to have our breakfast."

"…R-right, yeah! Wait. Max you're still in your PJs?"

Argh dog!

"Oh dog!"

Oh hey y'all, so, if you were following the previous 'Spilled Milk: Where the Light Won't Find Us / Through An Old, Hipster Lens', I've compiled them all under 1 series named... Spilled Milk. My naming sense is 10/10 yeap thanks. So if you wanna, you can following this story instead to get all those delicious, spilled...milk :P Thanks for reading my precious work(s), hope to update soon ! \(^A^ )

MOAR OC AND MOAR MYSTERY AND MOAR LOVE HAHAHAHA !