Life is Strange with Magic

Chapter III

Harry waited in the car as Chloe walked Rachel to her door. It was clear the teen was upset with him more so than he'd ever seen. He was too young to feel this damn old he thought as a bone-weariness settled in him. A few minutes passed before Chloe returned joining him in the car and the pair started the journey to the Price house. He looked at her a few times before he spoke. "Chloe, what's wrong?"

Chloe looked at him somberly before looking away. "Rachel said she'd heard of you." she smiled warmly. "She's only known me a day, but she knows me too well. She begged me to hear you out or else she'd never talk to me again."

Harry smirked. "I doubt that's where the conversation ended?"

Chloe looked at him for a moment taking in his easy smirk and sparkling mirthful eyes. Like a dam opening the floodgates, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She could see why her mother loved this man. He was a kind man who been nothing but good to her and her daughter. She could tell he cared for them both and suddenly she felt tears sliding down her face. The hurt she'd caused her mother and the look in Harry's eyes from earlier in the night followed by her father's smiling face. She lost any composure as the ragged sob escaped her.

Harry looked at the sobbing girl with sad eyes. "Hold on Chloe were almost there."

"Why... Why did he have to die and leave me here?" she sobbed out between ragged breaths.

Harry felt his chest tighten. "He didn't choose to leave you, Chloe he loved you more than life itself I promise you that."

Chloe heard him and believed him without a doubt, but it didn't stop the sudden hollow feeling she felt as she wiped the tears away as they pulled up to the house. Harry turned the car off and stopped her before she opened the passenger door. She looked at him confused with wild red-rimmed eyes.

"I've been where you are now Chloe afraid and consumed by loss. I know it hurts with every breath and in every idle moment of the day, but burying it deep down isn't helping you get over it." He said expecting her to rage at him as he had at Hermione but she needed to hear it.

Chloe just looked out at the two-tone home before her before she replied brokenly. "I don't know how to get over this."

"Depending on other people isn't a weakness Chloe. You've got your mother" he paused "and me and if weren't enough there are professionals too."

She looked at him for a moment her mind made up. "I'll try."

"Then go spend time with your mother. I'll stay out here for a while and join you in a few."

Chloe nodded before making her way into the house. He let out a sigh and started to relax when she slipped into the house. Harry got out of his car shutting it softly before sitting down on the concrete steps. He waited half an hour worrying if he'd overstepped or fucked up before standing and making his way into the house. He found Joyce on the couch with a sleeping Chloe resting her head on her lap.

The woman looked at him teary-eyed "How?"

Harry pulled a dining room chair to sit close to her. He sat down pulling her into a soft kiss. The kiss lingered for a moment before they both pulled away. "I don't rightly know if I'm honest. I'm just glad she listened to what I had to say."

Joyce looked down at her sleeping daughter as she idly ran her hand thru her blonde hair. "So what did you want to talk about?"

"I've been selfish. I've hidden something from you that I should have brought up long before now." He started. Joyce looked up at him with a questioning look. He rushed on before she could ask. "You see I'm a wizard and our world has laws against sharing our existence with a mundane person."

Her face lightened up a smirk forming on her lips. "My that is a good one you had me worried for a moment."

Harry smiled reminded of why he loved her. "How about I prove it a red rose for a special lady," he said wand slipping out into his hand. He whispered the incantation and drew the vibrant wild magic around him into a single red rose that he offered to her. She took it with wide eyes holding the delicate thing in her hand.

"Wow," she replied a minute later looking into his green eyes.

He smiled "We never really talked about my childhood or schooling. So I never had to lie too extensively about my past. I'll be happy to regale the two of you with my childhood adventures one day. There is something I'd like to ask you."

She gently placed the rose down looking up at him. "Anything."

"Does this change how you feel about me?"

She looked at him for a moment letting his question sink in. "I don't see how this changes the feelings I have for you Harry."

Harry felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "I'm glad,"

Chloe moved in her sleep drawing Joyce's attention. "Help me get her to bed."

Harry took her hand. "Do you trust me?" with her nod Harry pulled out his wand and floated the teen upstairs her mother right behind him. He watched as she tucked her in bed before stepping out into the hallway.

He knew there was another way he could help Joyce and Chloe. Thieu financial issues weren't unknown to him. He couldn't help but think he'd offend her like he had Ronald whenever he offered to help.

Joyce came out to join him and noticed his thoughtful stance. She took his hand and led him down to the couch pulling him down beside her. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"You know people in small towns." He said starting more than a little off topic.

"Of course nothing better to do than gossip so spill," she said as she stretched out plopping her socked feet on the coffee table.

Harry cringed at his stupid comment although Joyce didn't seem to pay it too much attention. "I know Williams death left you on shaky ground, and I find myself in the privileged position to be able to help you."

Joyce wanted to deny it outright but she couldn't. "It's not something you think about when your young and in love. You take your life and health for granted until something goes wrong. I've barely been able to keep above water for the last year. I'll hear you out that's all I can say."

"Well, you and Chloe could move in with me. Then we could fix up this house and sale or rent it out. All the money would go to you and Chloe of course in case our relationship ends. That would be the last thing I'd ever want to happen, but it would leave you with a home or enough money to settle down again."

They sat in silence for a while Joyce thought it thru. Harry was nearly asleep when she called him to go upstairs with her. He followed her up to her bedroom slipped his shoe off before slipping into the side of the bed she didn't use.

May 8th, 2010

Chloe woke the next morning the pain gnawing at her heart. She sat up putting her head in her hands oh how it hurt. By some feat of strength, she got up showered dressed for the day and headed downstairs.

"Morning mom," she said coming to stand beside the other woman as she cooked breakfast.

Joyce smiled pulling the teen into a hug. "Oh, honey it so nice to see you again."

Chloe grunted, "Please, don't get mushy."

Joyce laughed letting go of the embarrassed teen. "Go set the table for three, please."

"Harry didn't go home last night?" she asked moving to gather the required dining ware.

"No," she started flipping a pancake "It was late when we finished so he crashed here."

Chloe shrugged setting the table before sitting in her usual place. A few minutes of idle chat and Joyce piled the three plates with food before joining Chloe. "Harry suggested something last night I thought it best I ask you before I make my decision,"

Chloe looked at her eyes watery. "Go on."

"Would you like us to move in with Harry?" she asked the girl after she swallowed a bit of pancake.

Chloe sat there for a minute thinking. "I don't know what do you think."

"His house is close to the Two Whales and Blackwell. He offered to help us fix up our house. We could keep it and rent it out or sell it. The money would be ours in case of things don't work out."

Chloe sat for a minute. "If that is what you want I am okay with it."

Joyce looked at her she for a moment. "Are you sure this is a big step. I'll only do it if you're happy with it."

Chloe looked her mother in the eyes. "Harry loves you so much I can see it in the way he looks at you." she looked away. "To wait would just be putting off the inevitable. I don't want to sound dreary, but I don't think I'll be happy about anything for a while."

"Hmm, that didn't sound dreary at all," Harry said warmly joining the two for breakfast.

Chloe looked at him she could see the concern in his eyes. "It's true."

Harry looked at her nodding. "I don't doubt it, Chloe but somethings don't stay true forever."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur for the teen. Harry had given Joyce a ride to work before heading home to start working on his house. Her disciplinary conference with Wells didn't start till one. She passed the hours mopping around in bed or on her computer.

"Chloe, I'm early you wanna go grab a bite at the Whale.?" Harry called as he made his way upstairs.

Chloe stepped out of her room as he reached the top of the stairs. "Sure, but could we please listen to something other than Kenny Roger?"

"Hmm," he stalled as he allowed her to go down the stairs first. "how about Fleetwood Mac," the teen shook her head "the Doobie Brothers, Elvis, Queen, Cher, Elton John, Steely Dan." every suggestion shot down he kept going until the teen giggle. "Fine, you chose."

After lunch, the three arrived at Blackwell. Harry stayed with the car as Joyce and Chloe entered the school's administration suite. Principal Wells and the Amber family were already in attendance.

Principal Wells huffed as he began. "Ms. Price. How Good of you to join us."

Joyce looked apologetic "I'm sorry we're late our lunch ran a little long."

Wells nodded. "Not to worry we'd just gotten settled, but on to business. One

of you here is new to the Blackwell disciplinary process." Here he looked at Rachel who was taking everything rather well. "And the other is all too familiar with it. Blackwell's' code of conduct is built upon a foundation of mutual respect meant to foster an environment conducive to educational and enrichment. When that respect is violated, actions are taken. when that respect is repeatedly disregarded, a more consequential response is required. Are you paying attention to me, Chloe?"

Chloe who'd sorta tuned the man out asked. "Sorry?"

Wells looked at her critically before continuing. "Ms. Price, the last time we met, an agreement was brokered. Do you recall what that was?" Chloe didn't respond. "No? Let me refresh your memory. We agreed that you would rededicate yourself to becoming an exemplary Blackwell citizen."

Chloe looked him in the eye. "Can we skip the bullshit."

Joyce shocked called out. "Chloe!"

Wells simply nodded. "Very well Ms. Price you relationship with Blackwell was severed the minute you left school grounds without permission."

Rachel spoke up. "I made her do it."

A chorus of what was muttered by all in shock of the declaration.

Rachel nodded looking every bit the sorrowful student. "Yesterday was all me. My idea. I was having a bad day. I needed to blow off some steam and I took it too far. Chloe tried to talk me out of it. "I've been down that road," she told me. "You're better than this." But I wouldn't listen. See, Chloe was afraid I'd get in trouble or hurt, so she came with me. But only to keep me safe."

Chloe watched amazed as Rachel spun a web of lies to protect her. It made her feel warm all over she only hoped she wasn't blushing.

Rachel turned to her "I'm Just sorry you got caught up in it, Chloe. That you allowed me to drag you down to my level. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course," Chloe replied softly.

"Is this true, Chloe?" Joyce asked from behind her.

Rachel nodded. "It's true."

Wells looked doubtful but asked. "Ms. Price?"

Chloe went along with it. "Yes, It was her idea, but it's not like she kidnapped me. We were in it together."

"Ms. Amber, based on what you've just told me. I have grounds to punish you. Are you sure what you've told me is the truth?" Wells asked disbelievingly.

"Yes." the other teen answered simply.

Rachel's father a well dressed middle-aged man spoke up for the first time. "The can't be the full story., Rachel? Ray?"

Wells continued "Just to be clear, Ms. Amber, you're sure Chloe price didn't coerce you or-"

Joyce cut in offended "Coerce her?"

Principal Wells simply carried on. "I'm just trying to get to the bottom of why someone like Rachel-"

Joyce cut him off again. "Oh, I think we're clear, Principal Wells. Someone like Rachel. But not my daughter."

Wells looked at her flustered. "Excuse me?"

Joyce laid into him. "Do you have a list of students you assume the worst about? You have no right to treat Chloe this way. this is because she's on financial aid, isn't it?"

Wells broke in trying to calm the situation down. "Let's all just calm down."

Joyce had just got started, however. "After everything, she's been through in the last two years. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Wells tried to interrupt. "Ms. Price-"

"Mrs. Price." stated roughly.

"Mrs. Price, I appreciate your position, but I assure you it is only your daughter's past behavior that has led us here today."

Joyce nodded. "I understand, Mr. Wells. There is no doubt that Chloe's behavior must improve. But given what we've just learned about the negative influence she was under, I hope you will allow her just one more chance."

"I'm glad we have finally gotten to the bottom of this matter, thought the revelation brings me no pleasure. Ms. Amber, I am disappointed in you." Wells said turning to the teen.

Rachel bowed her head. "I understand."

Wells continued. "This being your first infraction in no way reduces its severity. Still, we will not be suspending you at the time. However, you have squandered our trust. You will no longer be my administrative assistant first period. And you will no longer be involved in Blackwell's performance of The Tempest."

"No" Rachel uttered defeated.

Chloe who'd been happy to let this charade play out suddenly felt her stomach drop. She couldn't allow Rachel to miss the play just to save her ass. What? Are you insane?"

Wells rounded on her. "Your discipline is still pending, Ms. Price."

James spoke up again. "Ray, she loves that show. Since this is her first infraction, don't you think-"

Wells would have none of it. "Mr. Amber. I don't tell you how to run the district attorney's office. Please don't tell me how to run my school." he cooled off for a second. "There's a reason we have understudies, for all circumstances, accidental and deliberate. I'm sure you understudy"

"Victoria Chase." Rachel supplied.

"Yes, I'm sure Ms. Chase will do fine."

Chloe put her plan into action. "That is such."

Wells turned to the girl almost hoping she'd run her mouth. "What was that Ms. Price?"

Joyce stepped in hoping to avoid a blowout. "Chloe is upset for her friend. But we are both grateful that she is not going to be unduly blamed for what happened."

Wells could see Chloe's impending outburst. "There is plenty of blame to go around. Chloe's future at Blackwell will be discussed next. Unless you had something to add first, Ms. Price?"

"Get your head out of your ass, Wells." Joyce's palm meets face. "you seriously think yesterday was little Miss Sunshine's idea?"

"Ms. Amber has accepted her responsibility," Wells stated.

"Don't you have the slightest idea how this works? you don't wake up one morning and decide to be an outlaw. you need priors. You need training."

Wells was more than happy to let this continue. "Rachel confessed. Are you calling her a liar?"

Chloe looked at the other teen in the eye. "I confess to thinking she can act like a motherfucker." she looks at Wells. "You just bought her crap hook, line, and sinker. She's one hell of an actress."

Rachel spoke up "you don't have to do this. It's okay. Really."

Chloe looked at her sorrowfully just long enough for the other girl to see. "Don't tell me what to do. I'm not one of your sycophants. I'm a lone wolf, and you're Little Red Riding hood. Welcome to grandmother's house, bitch."

Joyce shocked by Chloe called her out. "Chloe, this can't be you. Apologize this instant!"

Chloe just ran with it. "Fine. Mr. Wells. I'm sorry for exposing the flaws in your campus security. This must be very embarrassing for you."

Wells satisfied asked. "Why come forward now? I'd commend you for your honesty if not for everything else."

Chloe just smiled. "This is my swan song. My farewell to Blackhell. I'm only sorry I have but one fuckoff to give."

Wells grumbled. "I've heard Enough! Rachel, you were clearly trying to cover for your classmate. I appreciate the motive, but I appreciate honesty more. is that understood?"

Rachel nodded head down. "Yes, sir."

"You will not be removed from the play," Wells added.

"Thank you," Rachel added relieved.

Chloe just smiled to herself until the hammer fell not that she didn't expect it too.

"And Ms. Price. I came into today's meeting planning to suspend you for the rest of the school year, with a chance for reinstatement in the fall."

"And now?" the teen asked.

"You are expelled," Wells replied simply. "I'll have Skip Matthews escort you to clean out your locker. You may wait outside my office until he arrives."

A/N

Okay another marathon writing session.

I just wanna add if you've never played Before the Storm the Rachel/Chloe dialogue last chapter and the Principle's office scene this chapter are from the game. The dialogue has been changes somewhat and I would hate for people to think I was that good at writing.

I know Chloe is drastically changing from canon. To get all metaphorical I see Chloe of the game like a broken bone that wasn't set right. The only way to fix it is to break it again and set it right. Hopefully I can do that justice.

To Jade Scribbler, toile grant, and Aaron Leach I thank you for your comments.

Yohnos Sorry if my writing confuses you I'm more than a little rusty forgive me.