Perhaps not everything about the Prescott estate has to be bad. Perhaps Nathan was just pushed into what he became. Perhaps Kristine is just as much a victim as me and Max have been?
Maybe life isn't just as simple as thinking in black and white; in victims and perpetrators; in good guys and bad gals. But her last name is still Prescott, and she was still off abroad when Nathan was trying to destroy my life, so she's still not a saint as far as I'm concerned.
They both couldn't discern what the other felt. Kristine had definitely made an impression on the two of them, but was it a similar one? Chloe surely had been less welcoming than her companion, but to Max's relief, she had been able to at least tolerate her.
'I think she means it, Chloe.'
'Do you trust her?'
'I don't think I know yet… But I think she appeared frank.'
'Are you gonna take up on that offer of hers?'
'Do you want me to?'
'No. I don't want you to. She can apologise what she wants, but she's still a Prescott, so I'm not trusting her.'
'I think she deserves a little better than that. She…'
'You don't need my permission to keep seeing her. I trust your judgement.'
'But Chloe...'
'Don't worry, I'll fall in line. If you don't want to see her alone, I'll attend, sure. I just don't think it's that great of an idea to keep in touch with the sister of someone who has hurt us as much as Nathan has.'
Max had always felt disturbed when Chloe disagreed with her. They were always so in sync, that rare moments of disagreement were upsetting to the brunette. She hated arguing with Chloe just as much, so she never knew how to properly react to moments like this.
'You won't be mad if I'll call her?'
'It's hard to be mad at you anyhow! Now, can I kindly ask you for a kiss? We've been having this heavy conversations for a while now, and I think I can use some relief.'
After Max gladly gave Chloe what she wanted, they continued to chat for a little while in the coffee house. It was mostly happy talk - best friend-banter - and the couple were happy to just be occupied with each other for the time being.
When they finally decided to leave and were making their way towards the exit, Max overheared some grumpy old man who'd sat at a table next to theirs, talking to what she presumed was his wife.
'Did you see those girls over there, making out? So gross. I mean, if you want to do girl-on-girl stuff, that's fine, but don't do it in public. I can live with those awful people holding hands, but kissing in front of everyone? Again, gross!'
Max froze when she heard what he was saying. Was this man serious? Surely, he didn't really mean what he was saying. But before she could finish her thought, he was at it again:
'And don't get me started on the folks who want to enable that scum to marry! Two girls marrying - such an insult to God and humanity! If it were up to me, I'd never let th... '
She had heard enough. Rage had enveloped Max halfway through the rant of this madman, and she couldn't take it anymore. She marched back into the establishment, approached his table, and slammed her hand on top of it.
'What the fuck is wrong with you! Is it so hard to understand that two people who love each other want to kiss wherever they please, or do we have to ask your permission to do so? Excuse me Your Majesty, but can I have your permission to kiss my girlfriend? Also, if we have to ask for permission, how about you? I don't like your ridiculous opinions, so I don't want to see you kiss either! How does that sound? And what was that about holding hands, but no kisses? Are you serious! So I can show my affection to Chloe, but only in a way that does not 'offend' you - in whatever sick way that may be?! Now mister, I have something to tell you: I'm not stopping loving Chloe anytime soon, so I guess you're gonna have to deal with us 'awful people'! I'm hoping that you can live with that - for your sake!'
Everyone in the room was staring at the brunette who had just lashed out at the moustached middle aged man. People were quick to reach for their phones in order to record the scene, and nobody dared to utter a single word.
'I… I'm sorry… I didn't intend to insult you…'
'Oh, you're not sorry at all! Don't play dumb with me!'
The man and his wife seemed to realize the embarrassment of the situation they found themselves in, and quickly left the bar - barely avoiding Chloe on the way out.
Chloe couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. It had to be a dream. A fantasy perhaps? Max would just probably trigger her power again, and rewind all of it.
It took her a couple of seconds after the couple had left to realize this actually happened. When it dawned on her that Max's epic explosion was real and not in her imagination, she ran towards her girlfriend, and embarked on what she could only describe as the type of kiss you would give to someone when you knew the world was about to end. It was not desperate though: it was passionate beyond belief, in a sense that Chloe didn't even dared to dream was possible before this point.
After she and Max parted lips, the pair looked around to a cheering crowd, and they were approached by what was probably the manager of the place - or whoever was in charge around here - who'd proceeded to shake hands with Max.
'Congratulations! You really gave that son-of-a-bitch his due!'
'I don't think he paid when he left… I'm sorry…'
The patrons and the manager burst into laughter.
'I don't think I even want patronage from retarded homophobes, so don't worry about that! You really electrified the crowd here, by the way!'
'Uhm, thank you… I don't know what I was thinking to be honest, so I hope I haven't created a scene or something.'
'Oh, but you did! In the best possible way I mean. We're happy to provide you with whatever you'll ever need around here. May I ask you what your name is?'
'Max Caulfield.'
'Well Max, consider yourself to be our hero now!', and the manager firmly patted her right hand on Max's shoulder, before another round of thunderous cheering from the crowd refilled the spaces of the coffee bar with enthusiasm once again.
Chloe felt like she was riding a wave of happiness on the way back home. Her best friend, who was also her girlfriend and was the girl she had known for basically all her life, had just turned herself into a celebrity by calling that poor man out on his homophobia. Clips of her outburst quickly made their way onto the internet, and it didn't take long for the video to pick up steam. It wasn't just the rant that had gone viral - since their kiss was filmed as well, Chloe was a part of the hype too. But she was mostly just happy that Max, who she still considered the same person who barely dared a sip of wine back when they were kids, had found the courage to finally unleash what Chloe had always thought of as her true personality.
When they returned home, the couple found themselves lying on the sofa opposed to each other, finally having a moment to reflect on what had happened.
'Maybe I should've just let that idiot be. It would have saved us a lot of fuss today.'
'Are you kidding me? You were unbelievable in there! I'd love to see more of that girl.'
'I don't know… it was so childish in a way.'
'If you mean childish in a super mature and cool way, then yeah, I guess it was hella childish! Max, you're completely awesome - just like you were when you blasted David about his stupid surveillance back in Arcadia. It's about time you finally realize that yourself!'
Max always appreciated the cheers she got from Chloe, whether she thought she deserved them or not.
'That's awesome. Thanks!'
'Oh, it wasn't nearly as awesome as you were. Trust me.'
It took some time for it to sank in, but Max really did feel awesome after all - and even better, she was able to do what she did without manipulating people and time around her. No, this was all her, and it made her feel truly proud of herself.
'Glad to see you're happy with yourself, Super Max!'
'How did you know th…'
'I have my ways!'
A smile appeared on Chloe's face. And by the delightful expression on her face and the spark in her eyes, Max could immediately sense this was not just any smile: it was a smile so sincere and happy that only Chloe was able to provide her with it, and that beautiful intimacy filled Max with unconditional joy.
It wasn't just Chloe who was happy with Max that day. Her mailbox practically exploded, with all sorts of talkshows and media outlets wishing to interview the girl that starred in the latest viral video. Max didn't really fancy getting her face on TV, so she only gave written responses to the select printed media she was familiar with. Kristine also mailed, saying how amazed she was at Max, and how right she was with calling that man out.
When the resulting coverage was printed over the course of the week, one particular publication was able to link Max to Kate Marsh's rescue on the roof of Blackwell Academy, and the article in question described her as a 'heroic champion of the bullied and bully of bullies'. The editors were also somehow able to trace down her phone number, and quickly called her to arrange for a more thorough follow-up profile piece. Max, feeling overwhelmed by all of the sudden attention, replied that she 'would think about it' and felt relieved when she ended the phone call with the reporter.
'Both me and your father are so proud to have raised a hero as our daughter!' Her mother called out, as she was walking into the living room, article about Max in her hand. She sat down next to Max on the sofa.
'I don't feel like a hero at all. I wasn't even thinking when I snapped at that man.'
'But surely you were when you talked Kate Marsh down! Don't sell yourself short!'
'I was just really lucky to be there for her that day.'
Chloe was out doing groceries, and Max figured she was probably getting all worked up at the store about the price of this or that or whatever else she could find an excuse to complain about. Not that she was really angry though: Max didn't need Einstein-like intelligence to notice that Chloe just liked to be wound up about nonsensical things from time to time. And no matter how stupid Max considered that habit to be, she was also fully aware that watching her favorite blue-haired rebel throw a tantrum once in a while was one of many things that had attracted her to Chloe for as long as they had known each other. But for now, her absence meant that she and her mother could have a moment between them.
'It was terrible that that you had to leave Arcadia the way you had to. You know, with the storm and all. But I'm also happy that you're back, honey. I love you Maxine!'
'Thanks mom. I love you too.'
'It felt so strange when you were gone. I know it was only for a couple of months, but it felt like so long. You can stay here as long as you like, you know?'
'Going back to Arcadia was so strange, but also familiar in a way. I don't think I can really describe it. It felt like going back home, but in an unfamiliar way - if that makes any sense.'
'I can imagine. I'm also happy that you're back with Chloe. You were always so amazing together, so I'm glad you two have found each other again!'
'You really aren't surprised that we are, you know…'
'No, not really. You are, and always have been, a perfect fit for each other.'
'How so?'
'Well, she's always been the loud and talkative one, and you are more contemplative and quiet. Put together, you complement each other beautifully.'
'Were you shocked at the blue hair and the tattoo and stuff?'
'I think it looks great on her, and I think you do too.'
'Mom…'
'It's all right', Vanessa said, with an understanding smile on her face.
Vanessa's phone rang with work. She apologised to her daughter for having to end their talk abruptly, and quickly walked up the stairs with her cell glued to her ear afterwards.
Max couldn't help but think that moments like this were what Chloe probably never had since William's death, and she felt terrible for that blonde fourteen year-old girl that she left back in Oregon when she moved over to Seattle. Who did she have to talk to during those five years? No wonder she'd been miserable, and Max felt remorse and sadness coming over her when she thought of how Chloe must have felt during those days.
'Don't look so worried, Super Max!'
To Max's surprise, Chloe walked in the living room, and she was clearly hiding something behind her back.
'I thought you were getting groceries!'
'Do you know how much those idiots charge for basic stuff?! Hella lame, that's how much!'
Max couldn't resist an 'I told you so' bubbling up insider her.
'I just didn't… how long have you been back?'
'Long enough to sneak upstairs to your room and get this!', and she revealed what she was holding out of sight.
'Do you want me to act all surprised and ask me what it is you're holding over there?', Max said, clearly in a coy mood.
Chloe firmly put the device in Max's hands.
'I demand that you get back to photography, Max! It's been so long since you last took a photo, I was getting worried. So I want you to take a photo of me, right here, right now.'
There was no arguing with a fiercely determined Chloe, Max knew, so she proceeded with taking a shot of the girl in front of her. When the polaroid rolled out of the camera in her hand, she waved it around for a couple of seconds, and looked over at the wonderful result. The photo was nothing special in terms of composition - it was just Chloe looking happily into the camera. But while it was certainly not the kind of work you'd label as 'photo of a lifetime', Max instantly saw this was one of her favorites nonetheless, for the person depicted was not just any person. For her, this person meant the world. In this way, such a simple shot was elevated to something much more than just an image on a piece of polaroid paper: it was the photo of her lifetime, and in this moment, life was good.
