Life is Strange: Overcoming the Trial

Chapter 6 of my Life is Strange story, enjoy.

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Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
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Marcus Redfield: Yep, he has, yeah, true, glad you enjoy it; also chapters are not short, they are as long as they need to be, to get the point across.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Life is Strange or its characters.

Chapter 6

Chloe bit her lip, trying hard to keep herself under control. Clad in a plain black dress, which made her hair stick out even more than usual, she followed Joyce and David as they exited the car. They entered the graveyard, it was time for Rachel's funeral.

'I cannot, believe this. We...Rachel's gone, gone, and with this it'll be final.' She thought sadly. 'Oh Rachel, why did you have to, to die...So much…?'

She shook her head; she couldn't break down, not yet, not now. She needed to be strong for when she saw Rachel. She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost jumped when her mother took her hand.

"It's okay Chloe." She said softly. "It's okay to cry you know."
Chloe nodded slowly. "I know, I know, I just..."

Joyce nodded, understanding and together they made their way to where Rachel was to be buried. A proper burial this time. That was the least anyone could do for her now Chloe felt. She could see a large group of people, all gathering and it warmed her heart at least to note how these people, so different in so many ways, all came together, to mourn the loss of the one person who fit in with all of them.

She joined them, spotting Rachel's parents and let out a shaky breath, trying to focus.

She was amazed by their strength, but knew it wouldn't last, it was soon time. As the funeral began, Chloe did her best to remain calm, but throughout it all, all she could see was flashes, flashes of the far too brief time she spent with Rachel.

Her mind also went to Max, still fighting for her life in the hospital. She prayed Max would wake up, she didn't think she could go through this a second time. Max was still in danger after all; she could still die if she never woke from the coma.

Chloe shook her head. 'Don't think about that just now dammit.'

She had to focus on the present, the funeral was continuing, many people were breaking down, even Rachel's parents strength finally broke. With a heavy heart, Chloe bowed her head, she knew it wasn't long, the burial would begin soon.

It was then Chloe saw someone familiar standing just out of sight of the other mourners, she might have guessed he'd be here.

'Now isn't the time, we're...' She thought to herself.

Finally, the burial began. Chloe could feel her restraint breaking, she did not resist. However, with so much going on, her mind so full, her tears were more subdued, some fell, but she did not break down completely. It wasn't until the funeral itself was over and people began to leave that she finally spoke, wiping away the tears.
"Chloe…?"

She shook her head. "I, I'd like to say for a bit, mom."

Joyce nodded. "Alright, take as long as you need."

Finally she was alone and her thoughts continued to race, she could remember the last time she was here, five years ago; that had been a terrible time too. But truthfully, she had to admit it, she just hadn't grieved properly.

Thinking about that; she couldn't deny that was certainly part of her problem.

"You just going to stand there, saying nothing?" She asked at last, already aware of him right behind her.

Frank stepped up next to her, Pompidou by his side as usual. "What's there to say?"

"Plenty."

Frank sighed sadly. "How did it happen, do you know?"

Chloe shook her head. "Not any details, just know Nathan Prescott was involved, he's come clean and is telling the police everything."

"That asshole, I should've guessed, Pompidou was always growling and barking whenever he was around." Frank muttered darkly.

Chloe turned to him. "Frank, I'm sorry and all, but, Rachel's death, it was apparently, part of something much bigger, something which Nathan hasn't mentioned yet."
Frank sighed. "Why are you telling me this?"

"You cared about Rachel, you deserve to know." Chloe replied softly. "I just, wish there was some way, we could..."

Frank just shrugged. "I know what you mean, things will come out, they usually do. Anyway, listen; I know we've had, problems and such. Consider them resolved, we don't this drama now. For Rachel."

Chloe sighed but nodded. "Thanks Frank, guess, guess I'll see ya."

Frank nodded back and Chloe left; her mind still racing as slowly, things threatened to overwhelm her.

When Joyce returned home she paused, something seemed off. David wasn't home yet, but the door was unlocked; she spotted Chloe's shoes by the door, but couldn't see her anywhere. Knowing she was likely in her room, Joyce headed upstairs.

"Chloe?" She called out hesitantly.

She could hear a noise but nothing coherent. Worried she approached Chloe's room, knocked softly on the door and opened it. Within she found Chloe, seated on her bed, her back pressed against the back wall. Joyce bit her lip as Chloe looked up, her face was streaked with tears and her shoulders shook.

"M-Mom?"

Joyce immediately hurried to her side, sitting on the edge of bed.

"Chloe are you…?"

Chloe shook her head. "I just, I can't take it Mom, it's just, all of it."

Joyce hugged her daughter tightly. "Oh Chloe."

"First, first dad, I never got through that properly..." She choked out. "You were right; and now, now Rachel is dead and buried, and Max, Max might..."

Joyce gently soothed her. "Shhh, it's alright. Listen Chloe, just, just let it out."

Chloe broke down again, tears streaming non-stop and she clung to her mother. It felt strange, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized the horrible truth.

Now all her feelings regarding the deaths of her father and Rachel as well as Max's current predicament were busting forth. Overwhelmed she was consumed by grief, grief which, in her mourning, refused to stop.

Joyce remained with her daughter for a long time, until finally the tears passed. Chloe felt exhausted afterwards, but for the first time, in a long time, she actually felt better.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.