A/N: Thanks again for the reviews! Your support has kept me going. This chapter concludes the story but I'll put up a short epilogue later that wraps up a couple of loose ends.

Max opened her eyes. It was dim. She blinked a couple of times to adjust to the darkness.

Where am I? She thought. Her throat felt sore. She raised her arm and saw there was an IV drip attached to it. She realized that she was lying on a bed, and the smell. She was in a hospital.

Max looked around and saw a figure sleeping on the bedside. She recognized the beanie that was covering the blue hair.

Chloe, you're alive! Max reached her other hand to touch Chloe's cheek. The blue haired punk girl winced awake and looked at the brunette lying in bed.

"Max, you're awake?" Chloe said. "Thank god! You scared the shit out of me!"

"Chloe, what day is it?" Max croaked with her sore throat.

"Relax, babe, it's Saturday, the storm never came," Chloe calmed her. "Arcadia Bay's a-ok."

"That's a relief-," Max could say before she realized the true meaning of Chloe's words.

"Chloe, are you... you?" she asked timidly.

"Zits and all, Maximus." Chloe let out a warm smile as she reached out for glass of water. "I guess you could say I repossessed my own body. Apparently there's a no return policy for memories acquired from Purga-whatever-shit."

Max took a sip from the glass and let out an impish grin. "Well then, Price. What are you waiting for?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Chloe grinned back and leaned forward to place a kiss on the brunette's lips.

Max raised her arms around Chloe's neck. She could feel a single tear drop on her cheek from the corner of the punk girl's eye. The taste of Chloe's lips was something Max had longed for four years, so she whimpered a bit in protest as Chloe pulled herself back.

"I know," Chloe said. "I'd love to have you all to myself too, but your folks will probably kill me, if I don't go and tell them that you're awake."

"Mom and dad are here?" Max asked.

"They arrived on the same evening you were shot," Chloe said. "We've been taking turns by your bed."

Chloe stood up and walked to the door. "Look, I'll be back soon. I'll just let Joyce and the others know the good news. We have a lot of stuff to discuss."

Max felt that it took an eternity, before Chloe returned to her. First, Max's parents had come to see her. Vanessa Caulfield had held her daughter in tight embrace and cried most of the time. Ryan Caulfield had been more restrained but also he was in an emotional state as he watched his daughter lying on the bed.

The emotion laden reunion had been interrupted by the doctor who had performed the surgery on Max. He told her that Max had nearly bled to death as the bullet had hit an artery in the thigh. Had Chloe not applied a tourniquet on her thigh, Max would not be here. The operation performed to repair the artery meant that it would take time and intensive rehabilitation, before she could walk again.

Max's phone was filled with get well messages, from Kate, Warren and Dana, of course, but more surprisingly from Victoria too.

Glad you're ok. -V, read in the courteous message.

During her short moments of solitude, Max tried to get her head around why she had stayed in this time and not fast forwarded all the four years back to the future. She remembered that just before her passing out, the scene had not faded in brightness as usual but instead the bright haze beyond the picture's boundaries had cleared. Not that she really complained about the outcome but it was strange altogether.

Finally, after another, rather a lengthy visit from Max's parents, a blue haired head, covered in a beanie peeked from the door gap.

"Yo, Bat-Max, you alone in there?" Chloe asked and walked in.

"Yeah," Max answered. "I thought my parents would never leave. - I mean, I'm glad to see them, of course, but I've missed my guardian angel." The remark was awarded with an embrace and a passionate kiss.

Max looked at her left leg, which was in bandages, every attempt to move it resulted in a slight sting in her thigh. The morphine drip damped the pain into a mere throbbing but all movement increased the throbbing to a sting.

"My left leg is practically dead weight, until the rehabilitation starts to kick in," Max said frustrated.

"I guess it's my turn to haul you in a wheelchair on the beach," Chloe grinned.

Max couldn't miss the deeper meaning in Chloe's words. Max still had the use of her other limbs and wasn't confined in a respirator, like Chloe had been in the alternative timeline. Moreover, in time, she would fully recover.

"I'm sorry, Chloe," Max said. "I guess I should be thankful that I'm still here."

"Plus you owe me a pair of suspenders," Chloe added. "Had to use mine to slow down the bleeding."

Max grinned and giggled but suddenly burst into tears. Chloe took her in her embrace and held her as she sobbed against her shoulder.

"Sorry about your shirt," Max finally said, still sobbing. "I guess I'm a bit emotional."

"Don't worry about it." Chloe dried the brunette's cheeks. "Make yourself comfortable. We have a lot to talk about."

Chloe leaned back on her chair. "As you probably can guess, I didn't just wait by your bedside," she began. "Since you were out of commission, someone had to step in and perform all the Maximonious heroics."

Chloe told Max how after being arrested, Nathan had confessed everything and Jefferson had been apprehended soon after that.

"When the news about Nathan's and Jefferson's actions were out, I went to Victoria and dragged her to Kate's room, closed the door and told they're not getting out until they have solved their issues."

Max smiled at the thought of Victoria being dragged against her will to Kate's room.

"After a while I heard someone crying in the room, so I thought I'd check up on them," Chloe continued. "To my surprise, it was Victoria, who was crying on the floor on Kate's lap."

"Very subtle, Dr. Price," Max chuckled.

"Whatever gets the job done," Chloe shrugged her shoulders. "I had a chat with Kate later. She told me that Victoria had been sincerely sorry about the video and removed it. Kate had sorted things out with her folks too."

Chloe continued her recap of the week's events by telling how the Arcadia Bay police had retrieved Rachel's body from the junkyard. A funeral was planned right after the body was released from forensics.

"At least her folks get to bid their farewells," Chloe said plaintively.

"How are you doing with it?" Max asked, knowing Chloe's history with Rachel.

The blue haired punk shrugged her shoulders. "I-, I don't know," she answered. "I mean, in reality I've known it for four years and had the time to process it."

Chloe turned to gaze out the window. "First I was happy, when I met Rachel in Purgatory but when it turned out that she actually wasn't Rachel after all, I've felt kinda empty."

Max reached to put her hand on Chloe's shoulder. "I'm sure she's fine wherever she is now, and you too can now bid your farewells."

Chloe smiled at Max. "I guess you're right, Maxaroni. - I have one request from you, though. Would you come with me to the funeral?"

"Of course I will. I should be released from the hospital sometime next week, so that won't be an issue."

"Whatever would I do without you, Super-Max?"

"Apparently quite a lot." Max smirked. "So I heard Victoria is now in San Francisco with Mrs. Grant?"

"Hoooyeah!" Chloe confirmed. "I did leave your entry on your behalf and it was a tie as on the last time but since you were - prevented, Victoria's entry was then chosen to be sent to San Francisco."

"Well, Vic deserves it," Max remarked. "As I recall, her entry was pretty awesome." She put her hands on her forehead and sighed. "How the hell am I supposed to remember not to call her 'Vic'?"

"I wouldn't lose my sleep over it," Chloe said. "If she can't handle being called 'Vic', then it's her problem. – Oh, almost forgot, Wapner sends his regards."

Max snickered. "You'd think after all we've been though, you'd give Warren that much credit that you call him by his real name."

"Let me think about that. – Naah, not gonna happen!" The punk girl shook her head.

"There's my Chloe!" Max smirked. "Back in Seattle you were 'oh so serious'."

"Hey! I've been acting so responsibly all this week!" Chloe argued. "I mean even my mom said I appeared more mature all of a sudden," she said, rolling her eyes. "Mature my ass! After four years six feet under I wouldn't go any less than ripe!"

"Ugh, gross!" Max blurted.

"Thinking about it; that would make a hella Halloween costume!" Chloe thought out loud.

"What, you dress up as a four years decomposed version of yourself?" Max grimaced. "And just when I thought you couldn't get any grosser."

"Hey, we aim to excel," Chloe said and leaned to kiss the freckled brunette.

The days went by slowly. Max's parents stayed a couple of more days, before they had to return to Seattle. They would've preferred to take Max with them but she had convinced them that returning back to school as soon as possible would be the best thing for her. On the other hand she had promised to accompany Chloe in Rachel's funeral, so going back to Seattle was off the table.

The police came to question her about the shooting. Max had worked up a story with Chloe, how they had already met in secrecy before the shooting. Chloe had come to Max with her suspicions about Nathan dealing drugs, backed with material that David had on him. Together they had tailed Nathan to the barn, where they had also seen Jefferson's car. Luckily, no one bothered to follow their story further as the other evidence was withstanding. Both Max and Chloe had been reprimanded for not coming to the police with their evidence and that Max should consider herself lucky that she was still alive. No further action was however taken.

The police had also brought up the subject of Jefferson's files and the empty one with Max's name on it. To that, Max had half-feigned being shocked and regretted that she really could not shed any more light into that matter.

Max was regularly visited by her classmates. Warren visited once with Brooke. Max could sense that there was something going on between the two but she decided to be discreet about it. They'd tell when there was something to tell.

Kate visited almost on daily basis. She usually brought flowers with her to cheer Max up but on her last visit she brought someone with her. Victoria stood quietly by the door while Max and Kate changed a few words. Kate then excused herself.

Victoria looked like she would've wanted to follow the smaller girl but after a moment of hesitation she took a few steps towards the bed.

"Caulfield," the blonde girl said bluntly.

"Vic ...toria," Max said and bit her lip. This is not your roomie you're talking to! "Congratulations on winning the contest!"

"Thank you." Victoria allowed the corners of her mouth rise to a smile of sorts. "Yours wasn't too bad either."

"Thank you, Victoria." Max smiled. "From you that is quite a compliment."

The hint of smile disappeared from Victoria's face. "This was a bad idea." She turned away.

"Vic-, Max pleaded, realizing that she had upset Victoria with her remark. "Don't go."

The blonde stopped and turned. "You know, only my closest friends call me 'Vic'. And you certainly don't fall into that category."

"Sorry, Victoria," Max corrected. "And I didn't mean to be rude." Max's peace offering made Victoria a bit more at ease. "So, did Kate talk you over to come to see me?"

"Actually, I asked Kate if I could join her," Victoria said. "These last few days have been crazy, with Nathan and Mr. Jefferson being arrested. I-, I just can't understand that they were capable of such horrible things!" She sat on the chair by the bed and crossed her arms on her knees.

"I mean, when the police came and told me about the file that Jefferson had prepared for me, I was devastated." Victoria covered her face with her palms. "I admired and looked up to that man! – My god, I even flirted with him!" She burst into tears.

Max rose to a sitting position in order to be able to reach Victoria. She put her hand on her shoulder. "I know, I was as devastated as you were," she said. "He had a file prepared for me too." Max closed her eyes wondering how long the memories of being held captive by Jefferson would haunt her.

Max looked at the young woman next to her. She hadn't expected Victoria to let her guard down with her so soon.

"You know if you can always come to me, if you want to talk about something, anything," Max said to her.

Victoria raised her head, momentarily bewildered about the offer. She however quickly restored her composure and the stern look on her face. "Thank you but I have enough friends to confine to."

"If you say so," Max said. "But my offer still stands." Too much too soon, Caulfield.

Chloe had only made a couple of quick visits during the week. The evening before Rachel's funeral, she however snug into Max's room after visiting hours.

"Hello, stranger," Max said.

"Sorry, Maximus," Chloe said apologetically. "Been hella busy this week."

"You must've been as I've hardly seen a glimpse of you during this whole week," Max said feigning indignation. "The days here go on so slow without you."

"Sorry, I'll make it up to you, promise," the blue haired punk said.

"So what you've been up to?"

"I'm going back to school, starting from New Year," Chloe said.

"You're coming back to Blackwell?" Max's expression brightened.

"Unfortunately no," Chloe said. "I literally burned that bridge behind me. I applied to Arcadia High and was admitted. I figured I should be able to get my high school diploma by spring and should be able to apply to some college in Seattle or wherever you decide to go. - It's all the same for me. I just wanna be with you."

Max smiled at her lover. "I'm so proud of you, Chloe." Max's attention turned to Chloe's arm. "Is that a nicotine patch I'm seeing?"

Chloe shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I figured that since I'm no longer able to ruin other people's lungs and I don't want to taste like an ashtray to you, I'd give a go at quitting." She looked down on the patch on her arm. "Hella agonizing being without, though."

"Well, you know that I'll accept you as you are, but if you're sure about this, I'll promise to support you all the way," Max said.

"I'm sure," Chloe affirmed. "But I reserve the right for occasional baking."

"As long as I don't have to take the blame for your baking."

"Deal!" Chloe chuckled. "By the way, I brought your dress for the funeral."

"Thanks, I really hadn't thought of that," Max said.

"You're welcome," Chloe said and leaned over Max smiling seductively. "Now that we have that out of the way, have you ever done it in a hospital?"

"Well, since I rewound four years back in time, I technically haven't done it, period." Max grinned.

"In that case, here's for your second first time." Chloe kissed the freckled brunette.

Max sat on the edge of the bed. She was wearing the same dress that she had worn in Chloe's funeral in the other timeline. She also had the same doe necklace that she had worn then. She looked at her left thigh which was still in bandages after the surgery. The short hem of the dress wouldn't have covered the wound but Chloe had also brought a blanket to cover her legs, when she sat in the wheelchair.

Her leg was still too weak for using crutches. She had already begun rehabilitation for her leg but being able to walk was still in a distant future.

The door opened and Chloe stepped in and hugged Max. "You ready?"

"Yup, just help me to the wheelchair," Max answered.

Chloe pushed the wheelchair next to the bed and held it in place, when Max swung herself on the seat.

"I never got to tell you how hot you looked in that dress," Chloe said, examining Max.

"So you were at your own funeral?"

"Hoooyeah," Chloe confirmed.

Chloe took Max's personal items and pushed her out of the room. They took the elevator downstairs and stepped outside and walked to the parking lot.

"Your chariot awaits, milady," Chloe said to Max, whose eyes widened when she saw the car Chloe had came with.

It was the 1979 metallic blue Ford Ranchero that Max had bought for herself in the other timeline.

"Chloe?"

"Yes, Max?"

"Not you, the truck," Max corrected.

Chloe looked at Max. "You so not did name that rust bucket after me!" she blurted.

Max grinned. "I thought you said it was hella cool."

"No, I said the plates were hella cool. - Wait, you knew it was me?" Chloe asked.

"Not right away, but I did the math," Max answered. "Did you ever take a look at the original plates?"

"Uh, no," Chloe answered and walked to the truck. 'VOA GRS' was printed on the Oregon plates. She grinned. "I see what you mean."

"Dude, this truck has destiny written all over it," Max said to the punk girl. "But seriously, you bought the Ranchero for me?"

"Well, it was the least I could do for saving my life," Chloe said. "Besides, it's mostly courtesy of the Blackwell handicap fund."

"But we never did..." Max said puzzled.

"No, but I had a nice chat with Mrs. Grant, who's the acting principal, while Wells is suspended due to the investigation," Chloe explained. "Since you technically are handicapped, Mrs. Grant agreed to support the purchase. I also got a hella better deal on the car than you did, when I said that the truck didn't have brakes."

Max slid her hand on the Ranchero's fender. "How can I ever thank you, Chloe?"

"Oh, I can think of a few ways." Chloe grinned impishly. "Thank David too. He and I busted our asses to get the truck roadworthy."

"'David'?" Max lifted her eyebrow about Chloe referring David as something else than step douche, or step-prick.

"Yeah, we're kinda on first name basis now," Chloe said. "I guess we managed to find some common ground, when we were fixing the truck."

"Well, I'm glad that you're getting along," Max said.

Chloe opened the driver's door and pushed Max next to the driver's seat.

"What, you want me to drive?" Max asked slightly confused.

"Hoooyeah, your truck, you drive." Chloe put the keys on Max's hand. "You should be able to operate the truck just fine with one leg."

Chloe helped Max on the driver's seat and put the wheelchair in the back, before joining the brunette on the passenger's seat.

Max turned the key. The small block V8 came to life. 'River Venom' by Lapko started playing loud on the speakers of the car stereo.

Max turned the volume down. "Isn't this a bit lively on a day like this?" she asked.

"Lapko was one of Rachel's favorite bands," Chloe explained the choice of music.

"Well, in that case..." Max grinned and cranked the volume up a bit.

Max put the gear on drive and pressed the gas pedal. The truck responded with a low growl and moved forward.

"Do we still have time before the funeral begins?" Max asked as they drove through the town center.

"Yeah, about half an hour," Chloe answered.

"Good, because I'd like to make a stop at one place."

"You're driving," Chloe said.

Max parked on the beach parking lot. Chloe took the wheelchair on the back and helped the small brunette on it. Max made notice that Frank Bowers' RV was missing.

"I wonder where Frank's gone. I didn't see his RV by the Two Whales either," Max asked Chloe.

"He's left town," Chloe said. "I went and told him what happened to Rachel. He was pretty devastated about that he was partly responsible to Rachel's death."

Chloe began to push Max along the path up to the lighthouse.

"He told me that we were cool and he needed to do some thinking. The next day he was gone," Chloe said to Max as they walked along the path.

They arrived to the cliff by the lighthouse. The sun was shining brightly on the clear afternoon sky and it reflected brightly from the calm Pacific Ocean. A few gulls broke the silence with their screech.

"It feels so amazing to sit here with you and watch the calm ocean," Max said to Chloe who was standing next to her.

"Me too, Maximus, me too."

Max looked up to the blue haired girl. "What are we going to do about Julia Bennett?"

Chloe looked back at the freckled brunette and shrugged her shoulders. "There's not much we can do now. She hasn't committed any crime yet."

"It's pretty troublesome knowing that few years from now she'll follow the same path as Mark Jefferson."

"In case she does, we'll be ready for her," Chloe assured.

"I guess that'll have to do for now," Max said.

A blue butterfly landed on the bench, flapped its wings a few times and then flew off. Both young women watched it fly away.

"There's one thing that's been bothering me since I woke up," Max said. "Why didn't I fast forward back four years into the future after Nathan shot me? Instead I came out of focus before passing out."

"Who knows," Chloe responded. "Maybe you made the right choice this time. Maybe fate decided that our future wasn't written yet." She put her hands on Max's shoulders and bent over to kiss her. "I'm not complaining."

"Me neither," Max smiled. "Pretty strange, though."

"Life is."