August 2019
"Chloe, I swear...as smart and as capable as you clearly are, you can be so naive sometimes."
Groaning softly as she looked over the stack of printouts on her desk, Chloe leaned heavily towards the side, hiding half her face with an outstretched palm. A couple of weeks ago, her soon-to-be father-in-law placed placed a notice in the Seattle Times officially announcing the upcoming wedding of his daughter. Somehow, a few people put two and two together, and out of nowhere, the media were overly curious about her upcoming nuptials.
"I still don't get it Maggie. Why are all these people making a big fucking deal about it? Gay marriage's been legal in Oregon for five years! This shouldn't be news! Big deal, the mayor of some little town is marrying her girlfriend. Hell, Jenny Abernathy and Kitty Johnson got married in this town last week, but they didn't have TMZ and Portland News 7 wanting a piece of the action!"
Sighing softly, and smiling with infinite patience, her personal assistant answered, "Ahhhh...the overflowing preciousness of post-Millennial youth." Maggie pulled up a chair, and sat herself down on the other side of the desk. "I can't believe I have to go over this again with you: punk, disaffected teenager rises to the challenge after her small town in Oregon is wiped out in one of the most powerful tornadoes in a century, is drafted as an Alderman, and then elected as its first mayor by the age of twenty four, all in the span of six years. Said openly gay mayor proposes to her girlfriend - a photographer and teacher who, while not tremendously famous, is becoming increasingly well-known and respected in her field - in an incredibly public way. You probably had your head spinning too fast to pay attention to the "articles of interest" that whole event generated by itself. I mean really, do I need to draw a Venn diagram, outlining all of the different aspects that by themselves are interesting enough, but joined together create outright media cat-nip?"
Chloe blinked, glancing over to the other woman, straightened up and intoned, "Uh...yeah! Yeah, make me one of those diagram things! I, your mayor, command it!" Her voice then lowered, tone becoming more sheepish as she continued, "And then make one explaining to the media why this isn't such a big deal, and that people need to get over themselves?"
It was Maggie's turn to face-palm now, as she muttered, "Chloe, seriously. I know this may be hard for you to believe, but to everyone above the age of thirty, stuff like this is still pretty damn momentous. I mean shit, when I was your age, society was 'reeling' at Roseanne Barr, Ellen Degeneres and Terry Farrell having brief little on-screen kisses, and the notion of gay marriage was a political non-starter. As much as my generation is still getting used to the idea, the Boomers are just barely holding it together. Back in the Seventies, the idea of an openly gay mayor was ludicrous enough. Her being legally wed to another woman was considered the fevered dreams of an insane lunatic. At best."
Chloe couldn't help but give an impish smile as she said, "Will you hit me if I point out that old people suck?"
"Yes! Even though you have a point. For all the ways you kids drive me nuts, I can honestly say that it never ceases to amaze me how your generation has refused to wholly embrace pointless cruelty in the way that your parents and your grandparents did. I mean, you're all little shits as teenagers still, but who isn't at that age?" Pausing for a moment, Maggie continued, "But let's get back on track. This isn't going away. You're a public figure now. You're someone people want to know more about. I am so sorry, Madam Mayor, but despite their better judgement, people apparently find you interesting."
Chloe blushed lightly, sinking down into her chair, turning half away to glance out at one of the windows. After a few seconds, she spoke softly, "Look...you know I don't care so much about the ceremony itself; I'd run off with Max in a hot minute to Vegas, and some dude dressed like Elvis can marry us in the drive thru lane at some quicki-chapel. But...but Max really wants something nice. Nothing too crazy, nothing hella elaborate or anything, but she deserves - just - just an absolutely perfect day." She turned back, narrowing her eyes, adding a little steel to her voice, "I don't want a bunch of media vultures swooping in and ruining everything."
Taking a long, measured breath, Maggie said, "Chloe...you gotta play nice with the media. You don't have to be their friend, but believe me when I say you need to show them some respect, because, fair or unfair, they can make or break you in the court of public opinion. Not being on their bad side is the bare minimum part of the job. Getting on their good side can come in reeeeeeal handy someday. You know, when re-election comes along, or if you decide to run for higher office. Hell, I've already gotten a few nibbles from the state DNC about someone talking to you; the LGBT Caucus and the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is begging for a lunch meeting with you sometime soon."
Looking thoughtful, Chloe said, "That...could be kind of cool...wait." She straightened up. "Really? Me? Well...maybe? Although seriously Maggie, there's no way I'm gonna stay in politics forever. I'm just doing this until the town can take the training wheels off. Yeah..." she started to spin around in her chair. "If I'm still here by the time I'm thirty, then clearly I've failed at something."
Leaning in close, and capturing her gaze, Maggie spoke in low tones. "Alright Chloe. I didn't want to bring out the big guns here, but clearly I need to. I want you to think about this, about how blessed you and Max actually are. You live in a small, but largely supportive community. The two of you are in an openly same-sex relationship, engaged to be married. You're the mayor of the town, and Max is a popular school teacher at a well-regarded private institution. Both of you are surrounded by friends and family who cherish, love and respect you. Do...do you seriously not see how unusual that is in this country? Even in this day and age?"
Giving her aide an incredulous look, Chloe answered, "Whaaat? C'mon. I know you grew up in the dark ages, but it's almost 2020. Gay marriage has been legal in the whole country for years, and..."
Maggie cut her off, "And large parts of the country, especially in the South, are still pissed off about that! And they're not accepting the inevitable gracefully, either. So here's the thing: there's still a lot of people in this country who are gay, but not out. They can't be; they might lose their job, or be disowned by their family, shunned by their community. Harassed at school, have their lives put in danger. A lot of kids out there are struggling, and some of them just break down...lose hope. And they feel like the only way out is - well - I don't think I need to finish that sentence."
She leaned in closer, "So you just put yourself in their shoes for a moment, okay? Pretend you're some kid in Mississippi or rural Texas or Georgia, and you've decided that you can't take the pain and humiliation and torment anymore. You're convinced it's never going to get better, and that there's no hope. You've decided you're going to end it all, even figured out how and when. But then maybe you see a story about a young woman, successful, in love, respected...even powerful, and she's free to be herself and live life the way she wants. Someone who's treated like a normal person, judged largely on their merits of their actions, and not entirely on who they love. So what if that story in the news gives you hope, even if just for one more day? Helps you dream of a better tomorrow, when you didn't even have that much just a few minutes earlier."
Chloe shifted nervously in her chair, silent for a the better part of a minute while Maggie's words sank in, slowly but surely striking home. She tried her best to be as empathetic and understanding as possible.
God...she..she has a point here, doesn't she? I mean, even during the worst of my punk phase, when I felt like the world was entirely against me, it wasn't really. Even when I was just aimless, I always had hope. I didn't want to admit it, but there was always some tiny glimmer that would keep me moving, keep me fighting.
Imagine if I didn't have even that much. And then, when poor Kate felt like the entire world was against her, and if Max hadn't gotten through to her...
Chloe sighed out softly, bowing her head. "Damn your Vulcan logic, Mags. Fine. We'll do it. Just tell me how to start."
Maggie gave a small, heartfelt smile, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "Technically, it was an impassioned appeal to emotion. And meeting with media reps and making yourself more accessible would be a good start. They'll be much more willing to lay down rules of engagement that benefit everyone that way. Sounds like I've got a few phone calls to make?"
Nodding, Chloe rose up. "Yeah. Yeah, do it. And...thanks."
Maggie followed suit. "I'm only doing my job. Just remember this day, when I come to ask for a raise." She winked, and then turned on one heel, walking out of the office to get to work.
Chloe laughed softly to herself, then walked over to the window, staring out at the town.
Her town.
Still trying to fight it, aren't I? Still trying to be this crazy punk iconoclast. Can't help it, I saw so much of what power and money do to people, the way it fucking corrupts them. Blackwell and the Prescotts, all that shit. They don't remember, or hell, maybe they never understood, what it's like to be the one getting fucked over.
But she was one of the people getting fucked over, and survived. More than that, she lived, thrived. Kicked ass, and got to the top.
Who am I to hide away, and not shout out: 'Hey you guys! I did it! You can do it, too! We're all in it together!'?
She just hoped Max understood.
Then just as quickly realized that after hearing the same explanation Maggie gave her, she'd be all but demanding that they open the wedding to the whole world.
Not that I'm gonna let it get that far, mind you...
October 2019
Victoria squinted her eyes as they adjusted to the light, and said, "Well look who's coming up in the world. This limo come with the job, Your Ladyship?"
She and Kate walked alongside Max and Chloe as they exited the baggage claim area. In just a few days, the wedding would be upon them at last. They were all heading over to the black stretch limo that was waiting to pick them up.
Chloe smirked, "It just might. You know, under my sage...and uh...sexy leadership, Arcadia Bay is a hot and rising star these days. You know, the townspeople, they wanted to give me something gold plated, with like, neon undertrim, and a built-in hot tub - practically demanded it - but I said..." and at this, Chloe brought the back of her hand to her forehead, and continued in a melodramatic tone, "No! Please! I know you love me, but that's money that could be better spent on orphans and war widows. I won't allow your obvious and understandable worship of my awesomeness get the better of you! Just buy me the most modest, reasonably priced stretch limo you can find, and I will happily make do."
Max gave her a smack on her rear and laughed, "Oh God, listen to you! You know damn well that you rented this limo, you big fake. You don't even have a town car."
Yelping with a bit of a leap, Chloe reached over, starting to tickle Max in retaliation, "Heyyyy! Don't spoil it, I'm trying to look hella awesome in front of the cooool kids." She glanced back at the other two. "Besides, all you have to do is ask me how town business is going, and then...I get to write it off as a promotional expense."
Max clearly wasn't buying any of it, "Uh huh. 'Promotional expense...'"
"Sure! Sure...uh...I have a respected gallery owner coming in from Seattle." Chloe pointed over to Victoria, "As well as a children's author who's gaining national acclaim. Just trying to wine and dine them, wheel and deal, trick them into coming back and settling down into the new and improved Chloe-style Arcadia Bay."
Chloe regretted it, at least some of what she said, the moment the words came out of her mouth. This was the first time in six years that Victoria was returning to Arcadia Bay; after her experience with Mark Jefferson, Nathan's death, and the devastation of the storm, she didn't hang around any longer than she had to. Like many of the students in the class of 2014, she transferred out, and finished up her last year of high school elsewhere.
She could see the slight shiver that went through Victoria, although the other woman still managed to laugh it off. Chloe then felt herself being playfully poked in the ribs as Victoria said, "Sure! You can buy me some surf and turf and a bottle of Dom, and I'll be more than happy to listen to your sales pitch for Losertown, USA."
Though she knew it was said in jest, Chloe couldn't help but feel a surge of anger well up inside her. As much as she might protest otherwise, she was proud of what Arcadia Bay had accomplished over the past six years; she might have played a big role in all of that, but she sure as fuck didn't do it alone.
Okay, Chloe, just chill. Tori's only giving as good as she's getting. She's not the same bitch she once was. So just...yeah. There. Cool. Old Chloe would have totally gotten up in her face about it, new Chloe's gonna roll with the punches.
The chauffeur moved to open the rear doors of the limo, and the four of them piled in as the luggage was put into the trunk for them. Chloe then leaned in, "Well, no surf and turf, but how about Greek fusion? There's a restaurant in town that got a twenty-eight on the Zagat guide. I...had no idea what that meant, originally, but I had my personal assistant Maggie look it up for me, and she tells me that means we're one point better than any restaurant in Portland right now."
Victoria gave a genuine smile now, "Wow, Chloe. You didn't tried to land a punch on me after that. You've changed. I mean, and not just with the hair, which I love by the way...pixie cuts are totally coming back again. I guess executive power suits you." She then gave Max a knowing smirk. "That, or the hot, hot lesbian lovin'."
Chloe stretched and out and placed her hands behind her head. "Don't knock it til you've tried it, preppie."
Waggling her eyebrows and crossing her legs, Victoria purred. "How do you know I haven't?" She then turned to Kate, "Why, just this morning on the flight over, I had to hold sweetie Katie at bay, so desperate was she to join the mile high club."
Kate blushed deeply at this, giving a soft smack on Victoria's shoulder with the back of her hand. "You are just the worst sometimes!" Turning to Chloe and Max, she said, "You'll have to excuse her, the bloody mary she had on the plane clearly went to her head."
Chloe snerked. "Lightweight."
Man, I know Victoria and Kate aren't anything more than best buds, but am I the only one in this limo kinda shipping them together in my head? Talk about a weird combination! But sweet, too.
"Oh please, Tori, you're not fooling anyone." Max jumped in, with a laugh. "I know for a fact you don't know the Lesbian World Conspiracy secret handshake, and as the treasurer for my local chapter of the LWC, I haven't seen you on any of our mailing lists. Pooooser!"
"Naturally. Because I'm part of the Bavarian Bisexual Illuminati. We have way better parties than you." Victoria countered.
Most of the remainder of the trip back to Arcadia Bay was made up of similarly playful banter. It wasn't until they got to the town limits that Chloe thumbed the intercom, and asked the chauffeur. "Hey...it's Betina, right? Mind driving through downtown? Take it nice and slow, if you would?"
Another few minutes, and Chloe opened up the sunroof. She then suddenly stood up, poking out until the roof was up to her chest. Motioning over to Victoria, she said, "C'mon up, Tori. Kate's gotten the sales pitch before, so you get to see the all-new, totally-improved Arcadia Bay.
The other woman rose up, peeking out and peering around. As they slowly passed through the main business district, Chloe pointed out all of the new and colorful businesses that sprung up in town over the past half decade.
"Is that a pie shop?" Victoria asked at one point.
Chloe said, "Yup. Pie. Nothing but. Two Whales stopped making their own, and just get it from this place now."
"I love it...the art deco design is ultra-cute. I'm usually not such a big fan of retro, but this has an adorable feel. Oh my God, and that cafe, with the flower beds? Geez, and everything has solar panels. And the brick sidewalks? Damn, mayor, you went and turned this shitty little fishing village into Williamsburg with a soul. I don't know whether to hate you overtly, or feign even-closer friendship while secretly smoldering with jealous hatred instead."
"You know, there is a new space coming up on the market, right...over there." Chloe pointed. "Might make a good place, if you felt like moving your gallery, or just branching oooouut..."
Victoria blinked, clearly caught off guard. Drumming her fingers nervously on the roof of the limo, she murmured, "Oh...um. I...don't know. I mean, it's been a long time, but I'm not sure I'm up for this place in the long term. You know? I've made a lot of progress since that time, but if it weren't for the wedding, I don't know if I would've ever come back."
Chloe shrugged. "Fair enough. Now you have the whole week to figure it out, right? But I'll say this: Max and I kinda stumbled onto the notion a while ago, that the best way to kill all the bad old memories is by making good new ones in the same spot. And it's not like you'd be alone. You know like, what if you and Max opened up a gallery together?"
Snorting softly, Victoria said, "Ha, is this your thing now, with the hard sale? I don't remember you being this focused the year or two we actually had classes together."
"Just looking out for my wife-to-be's interests. I know you two are tight, and she'd love it if you were closer than in Seattle. I know maybe you got some weird professional rivalry code going on, but at the same time, you both have different styles in the pictures you take, so why couldn't you have a joint place, together? Besides, I see you, Victoria Chase. Coveting a cup of fair trade coffee from the artisanal cafe we're passing by. They have the absolute best hot chocolate, takes me a whole three hours to finish off a single cup..."
"Shit, you really wanna write this limo off as a business expense, huh?" Victoria said with a smile.
"Not that I don't, but I'd still be saying all this if I couldn't. God help me, I actually kinda like this town now. I'd probably be selling it to you, even if I wasn't bound by the town charter to be totally gay for the Bay." Chloe snapped her fingers. "Oh holy shit! I gotta run that one by the town Chamber of Commerce sometime!"
Victoria canted her head to the side and hmmmed, narrowing her eyes as she looked over the remainder of the downtown shops in an appraising fashion. "Alright, Lady Price. Assuming we have time, I might have to take a closer look at what Arcadia Bay has to offer now."
As the two of them continued to chat, Max and Kate caught up in the limo proper.
"Oh dog, look at her." Max laughed, glancing up, and occasionally tickling Chloe's leg. "For years, she protests about not wanting to get sucked into politics, and trying to get away from this town, and here she is, like a Mama showing off her new baby. Hard to believe this is the same woman who used to talk about bombing this place to the ground."
Kate smiled. "You must be so proud of her, Max. Chloe's become a really amazing person. This town has changed so much, and I can't help but think that through all the terrible tragedy, the pain and the death, it's obvious that God has a plan for everyone. And...and you've been a good influence on her too." She laughed. "I'd say we've all come a long way from those dark days."
Max reached over, and squeezed Kate's hand. "Okay, enough about me, for cereal. Kate! I haven't seen you in like six months! What the hell are you up to? Is it all work work work on your books? Which are amazing, by the way! I mean, I don't normally go for kids books obviously, but I love your style!"
"Thanks! As a matter of fact, I'm just about to start on a new one." Kate began. "About marriage. Marriages, plural. You know, because there've been so many people out there who want to claim a narrow definition of it. People who mean well, of course! But...but they have trouble seeing that love is love, no matter what. Because, when I look at you and Chloe, I see what you mean to each other, what you've been through, the strength you give to each other. The way you make each other better. That is so sacred and holy and...I just wish people would focus on the substance, and less on the style. But..." she sighed. "If it was an easy path to walk, everyone would be doing it. So maybe you'll let me sketch you and Chloe together sometime for it?"
Max swallowed back a small lump in her throat. "Kate..." She reached up to wipe at her eyes and laughed softly. "You know, you're really too perfect sometimes. Thank you. I just...I'm so glad you and Tori are here. I wish more of the old gang were around and..." she bit down on her lip.
"Hmmm. I think I remember our discussion from last time. I know you invited Warren. Did he...?"
"He RSVPed. Declined. Wouldn't say why but...I mean, I heard from his Mom, he got a bit better, but I guess it sounds like he's hit a plateau, and he's going to be on some kind of disability for the rest of his life. He still has a lot of anger though and..." She bowed her head, and added in a quiet voice, "I guess past all the new shops, and the new lives, it's almost become too easy to forget about all the people who died, or worse."
A brief, but awkward silence passed between them, before Max shifted topics. "So. All this love in the air...what about you, Kate? You ever think about settling down?"
At this, a small but glowing smile spread across Kate's lips. "Actually, yes. There's a man I've been having coffee and dinner with lately."
"What? Dish! Dish now, woman!" Max exclaimed.
With a light blush, Kate looked down, still smiling, "His name is Mordecai. There's this interfaith social group that I regularly attend at the Unitarian church near my apartment. After everything that happened to me at Blackwell, I thought it was really important to keep broadening my worldview, and this has been a big part of it. The first time I met him, it was ...I'm not sure what to say...embarrassing? He does a lot of volunteer work with suicide prevention, and he'd already heard about our story, Max. You and me, the day you saved my life. I guess it's gotten some promotion over the years. Not that I'm ashamed, or reluctant to share, but it's still a deeply personal, and somewhat painful moment for me. But he was very respectful about it, even gushing about how brave you were, and how strong I was to come back from we got to talking, and then we got to talking some more. Oh! Hold on! I have a picture."
Bringing up the photo on her cell phone, Kate held it up for her to see.
Ooh! He is cute! Looks sweet, obviously takes care of himself. I wouldn't expect him to be so slim and muscular. But...
It was the auburn beard and the long curls of hair in the front that made her ask.
"Kate...uh...I don't know a way to ask this without sounding weird about it, so I'm just going to do it: is he Jewish?"
Clearly anticipating the question, the other woman beamed, "Yes he is. He's a Messianic Jew. He's been teaching me so much about his culture and his beliefs, and...and I have to admit, I've recently been giving serious thought to converting."
Max blinked. "Wowser. Ha ha, wow. I haven't said 'wowser' in years, that just goes to show how stunned I am. I mean, not that I have any problems either way, but that sounds like a huge change."
"It's really not, Max, when you think about it." Kate explained. "Jesus was Jewish. He lived as a Jew, he died as a Jew. His Last Support was a Passover Seder. I think it was about a month ago, after Mordecai asked me to go to synagogue services with him, that I sat there, and I was struck by this sudden realization that if I truly wanted to better understand my Lord, the things that shaped Him and His people throughout His life, this was a path I needed to strongly consider. So I am, at the very least, considering it. If I do this, I want it to be for the right reasons, and be very respectful about it. And...and if things continued to work out between us, and someday, if we were to be married, I'd like for us to be as one in our shared love of Christ."
"Okay. Your parents. I'm sorry Kate, but I have to ask..."
Kate laughed, reaching over to give Max a gentle hug. "It's okay. I don't mind talking about it, not with you. My father's been the same wonderful man he's always been. He actually met Mordecai last month, and while they have a couple differences of opinion, it's clear they respect, and even like each other a lot. My sisters don't quite understand how one can be both Jewish and a follower of Christ, but they constantly remind me how cute he is, and what a nice couple we make. My mother?" She looked away, and let out a sad sigh. "We're commanded to honor our parents, Max. But I would be lying if I said that things got much better after what happened six years ago. I don't know if it's guilt or pride that drives her. I've told her many times I forgave her a long time back, but..." she shook her head. "I'm my own woman, Max. I love her, and perhaps in time, she'll actually believe that. But my relationship with Mordecai has brought back an unfortunately ugly side of her. One I hoped was gone forever."
Max reached out and squeezed Kate's hand yet again. "You're an amazing person, Kate. One of the most special people I've ever met. If your Mom is having trouble seeing that...well...it's her loss. And sad, I guess. You'd think after everything we've all gone through since the storm, we'd all see how important family and friends are. But..." She shrugged. "Anyhow. You're here. It's going to be a great week, an amazing wedding, and...and damnit! Call him, and make him come down here? He's invited, this guy of yours. He...he can be one of Chloe's groomsmen or something. She needs more of those."
Kate giggled, "Thank you. I didn't want to assume. And it's very short notice, but from Seattle, he could easily drive down. I...I think you'd really like him, Max!"
Suddenly, Victoria and Chloe zoomed down from above, slumping back into their seats. "Hey nerds, whatcha talking about?" Chloe asked.
"Deep, girly shit you stupid cool kids wouldn't understand!" Max replied, sticking out her tongue at Chloe.
"Hey! Don't stick it out unless you're going to use it."
Max jumped over, straddling Chloe's lap, running her fingers through her hair. "Oh yeah, what're you gonna do if I don't?"
"...beg?"
"Oooooh, poor baby. Okay, kisses for you." As Max leaned in, planting a firm, sweet liplock on her fiancee, Victoria rolled her eyes, placing a finger in her mouth and making retching noises as she gave a meaningful look at Kate.
"It'll be your turn next, Victoria." Kate said with a smile. "Sooner or later."
Leaning back and crossing her arms, the blonde gave a derisive snort. "Not in a rush to get tied down anytime soon. Or ever, thank you very much. I'll leave that to the professionals."
Max gave her friend a knowing look. "I'll remember that, in like a year or two, when we're driving in a limo, and getting ready for your wedding."
Victoria shook her head, giving a defiant smile. "Nope. Nope nope. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Sounds like a good plan to me."
Chloe gave Max another kiss on the hollow of her throat, then nudged Victoria.
"The harder you fight it, the harder you're gonna end up falling."
Victoria glanced out the window, as the limo slowed to a halt, gazing at the fancy restaurant that awaited the four of them.
"Don't hold your breath, guys. Just saying..."
A/N: Hey guys.
Is it weird that I was in such a crazy writing jag for so long that even a week and a half feels like a distant eternity? Work and the holidays conspire to keep me from writing, but I am doing my best to stay in the saddle, even if I end up writing smaller chapters - which is why I was originally thinking we'd get to the wedding by this chapter, but it will be the next one instead.
I've written for Kate before, but not at length; I still find it very strange to do so. Doubly so for Victoria, even though I once wrote a whole fic from her POV. So my apologies if this all comes off a little odd.
Oh God! I almost forgot to mention that half this chapter was inspired by the comments made by Candle In The Night. Thank you so much for the support and feedback! You are the best!
I'm hoping to get at least one more chapter in before the end of the year. Thanks for all your support guys, and to you folks out in these United States, have a great Thanksgiving!