Hey, guys. This is a really long chapter. It took a long time to make. I'm not going to change much of chapter 1 or 2, but, I decided there was a little too much angst and stuff like that in this story, probably in this fandom in general. So, I decided to inject a little more humor as well. It probably won't be present at first, but it's there.
Since we're on the subject. Chapters 1 and 2 are going to be the most depressing of the story. Now from this point on, the story is going to be a lot more light-hearted. And honestly, I like it much better. I'm still keeping how I'll have certain characters and ships and what have you, but as far as tone and atmosphere it's going to be slightly different than what it was. Also, I'm going to stop doing the lyrics before the chapter. It seemed like a good idea, but I think with the tone change, that should change as well.
So, enjoy Chapter 3. I hope you like it!
Warning: Some language in this chapter.
Holywoodunderfed.
Max had left Warren's dorm and escaped to the salvation of her room. There, she grabbed a change of clothes and went to take a shower. She also plugged in her phone, but left it off. She tried to hurry through the hallway, the sense of eeriness from the empty dormitories still disturbed her.
She felt refreshed after the hot shower. The one good thing about Blackwell being empty was no one was using the sinks. She could have the hot water all to herself. After some time, she stepped out. The air felt chilly to her naked body, but, she slowly changed, savoring a few moments alone.
She knew eventually she would have to face the music. Her parents were picking her up later, although they didn't express a time. Max still wanted to say goodbye to Kate, which meant she had to go back to her room and turn on her phone.
And, she thought with a grin, somehow avoid the thousands of texts Warren is certain to send me.
She still felt a little guilty about leaving things the way she did with him. Although, she felt she did the right thing, even if it were painful. As she changed, she thought about what she was going to say to Kate. She learned a long time ago that rehearsing dramatic speeches to say goodbye to best friends doesn't work out that well.
Just ask Chloe how well that worked out. She thought bitterly.
As she got dressed, she wishes she were different. Not completely, she still likes some things about herself. She wishes that she didn't always feel an overwhelming desire to run away every time life got hard. At this moment, now more than ever, life was… tough.
She dressed. Since this would be her last day in Blackwell, perhaps ever, she just wanted to dress in comfortable clothes. She dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt with a photo of the San Diego skyline on the front. She put on her usual grey hoodie and a pair of black leggings.
She finished dressing and reached for her phone on her night stand. As the phone powered on, she observed her room. She supposed she could start packing now, but she knows herself. She knows the second she starts trying to put off saying goodbye to Kate, she'll never want to do it. She had to text her now and make a plan, or else she'll never get to it.
Besides, Kate deserved more than a phone call goodbye. She had been more than just an angel for Max.
Max sat on her bed, Indian style, and gave a deep sigh. Her phone showed absolutely zero notifications. Deep down, she wanted to see that she had a message from Warren. Although, she wasn't sure why.
Maybe Warren is just asleep? It seems logical. He doesn't usually get a ton of hours.
Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest when her phone chimed with a new notification. She scrambled to open her messaging app and was disappointed when it was just a message from her mother.
Mom: Sorry honey. Looks like there's been a slight delay in our flight. We'll be there in the morning though! XOXO
Max strangely wasn't disappointed by this news. It gave her time to pack, after all. She decided though, it was now or never to text Kate. But after some thought, she considered it better to call Kate, rather than text. She did favor calling anyway.
Her phone rang only twice before her friend picked up.
"Hey, Max! What's up? I'm surprised you're up this early!" Kate's bubbly voice rang through the speaker of her phone.
Despite herself, Max could feel a grin spread through her cheeks. "Kate, it's only 10:30."
"I stand by what I say," she said with a giggle.
Max rolled her eyes before she remembered that she was on the phone. "Alright, smart mouth."
"Seriously though, what's the urgency? You don't usually call me?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I was wondering, if you're not busy, would you like to have breakfast at the Two Whales with me?"
"Mm. Maybe. I am at church."
"Oh," Max said, not bothering to hide her dissatisfaction.
"I'm only kidding, Max. The service ended half an hour ago. I'm going to take my bike, meet me there?"
"Sure, Kate. I'll be there as soon as I can."
They said their goodbyes and mutually hung up. She got to her feet and stretched a little before grabbing Chloe's necklace from her pocket.
I'm glad that I thought to put this in my pocket before falling asleep. Chloe would've killed me. Well, if she were here.
There it was again. Those thoughts that always penetrated her mind. The thoughts that threatened to slow her down. The ones that threatened to kill her spirit. She would not let those thoughts ruin her day. She was determined to make this day the best day possible.
She shook as many thoughts as she could out of her head and grabbed her bag before heading out. She let herself appreciate the landscape and even snuck in a quick photo or two of some squirrels. She thought about going to Chloe's-now-Max's truck that was still just sitting in the parking lot collecting dust. Max thought against it though, it was too many memories.
It was still too painful. She'll take the bus instead. It should be coming any minute. While she waited, she took a selfie of herself.
"Still taking selfies, Max?" said a familiar voice behind her, admonishing her.
"Hi, Brooke," Max cleverly retorted. She turned to talk to the girl. She seemed to also be dressed for the day's weather in a retro Apocalypse Now T-shirt, red and black plaid pants and red converse. In November, she replaced the red and blue streaks in her hair in favor of purple streaks. Her hair was pulled in her classic ponytail. The square frames of her glasses glared back at Max. She had to admit, Brooke looked what Chloe would call, "pretty for a geek."
Max subconsciously scratched her left bicep with her right hand and held her elbow as she inquired, "What brings you to Blackwell today? I thought you went home."
"I did," she said, bringing her drone controller out of her pocket. "I just thought I'd fly the drone around campus now that there aren't any teachers here to bother me. I've gotten a new drone recently and I'm testing the turns and the maximum acceleration it can achieve. Although I doubt you're interested. I'd let you'd fly it for a bit, but it's probably way too complicated for you."
Max had to resist the temptation to roll her eyes. "I'd pass anyway. No offense, but I'm waiting on the bus to meet with Kate in town."
"I see," replied Brooke as her drone lifted off into the sky. I'm surprised you're not hanging out with Warren today. You've been hangin out with him all week."
Max tried to ignore whatever Brooke was trying to imply. She also tried to hide the blush, but that proved unsuccessful. She tried to be dismissive. "Oh, I thought about it, but I thought he'd want to spend time with his family."
"Sure. Well, I'll leave you to your bus ride." As Brooke said her goodbyes, her phone went off. "Well, that's definitely interesting." said Brooke, amusement sparkling her voice.
"What?" inquired Max. Her curiosity would be the death of her one day.
"Oh, just Warren invited me to the drive-in tonight." Brooke smiled at Max triumphantly. Max couldn't help but feel her face flush and anger rise in her chest, making her hands clench into fists and unclench.
Why would he take Brooke to the drive in…?
"That's very odd considering how he kept going on and on about asking you to go. I wonder why he changed his mind."
"Are you going to…?"
"Of course, I am." Brooke said in a condescending manner. As usual, she made it sound as if she thought Max was being an idiot. "Oh, look, there's your bus. I guess I'll see you later. I have things to do, plans to make. You understand."
Brooke gave Max a look that blatantly said, "I win, bitch."
This time, Max let her resistance fail and let her eyes roll in annoyance. She tried to fight the rising feelings of jealousy and settled with imagining Brooke totally embarrassing herself somehow. Maybe her drone would fall and be broken without repair.
Max climbed the steps on the bus and found a seat. There, she sighed in defeat. Sometimes, she wished she wasn't such a pacifist.
As the bus ride went on, she tried to distract herself by watching the people driving alongside the bus. She tried to imagine what lives they led. What were their destinations? Were the family of 5 going to Disney World or for a picnic? Was the man driving alone going to work? Who was the woman talking to on the phone?
Though before she could get her imagination going, she kept getting distracted by her worries. Just what was she going to say to Kate? Would she understand? Would she be angry or sad? She felt comfortable in how she felt Kate would react, so this didn't worry her too much.
On the other hand, her other worry was Warren. She felt as if she poured her heart out to him, in that goodbye. And now he was going to the drive-in with Brooke?
She felt betrayed. It was unfair, she knew it. She was a coward in the way she said her goodbye. She knew he wanted more than anything to go to that drive-in with her and now she blew her chances. He deserved someone. He and Brooke got along well and liked the same things. On paper, they seemed perfect for each other.
More so than her and Warren anyway. She had to let it happen. She had to go to Seattle.
Besides, her and Warren were just friends, right?
She took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself. It wouldn't do to feel so frustrated and negative before saying goodbye to Kate.
The bus pulled in to a stop in front of the Two Whales and Max got out. She tried to focus on every little step as she walked into the diner. The smell of pancakes filled Max's nose and assaulted her with welcome feelings of comfort.
She could finally relax smelling the familiar smells and seeing Joyce bus a table out of the corner of her eye. She tried to avoid the booth that she sat in with Chloe. The mixture of memories and Warren's graffiti on the table would be a little too much for her.
She picked the nice corner booth where she spilled Frank's precious beans ("I was eating those beans!"). The memory still made her laugh, despite her warmer feelings for the man. She was thankful that Kate hadn't arrived yet. She wanted to time to think. Well, at least a little more.
"Well, look who it is. I've been wanting to see such a familiar face around here."
"Joyce!" she said, elated to see the woman. She had snuck up on Max while she was lost in thought, but she couldn't be happier for the interruption.
"How are you doing, honey? I know we've been talking on the phone recently, but it's good to see you in the flesh."
"I'm still breathing, Joyce. Thank you. And how are you?"
"Still as poetic as ever, Max. Though, you couldn't be more right. Are you alone today? Where are your two friends I've seen recently?"
"One of them is coming. I'm waiting for her."
"Sure thing. What'll it be sweetheart?"
Max didn't hesitate, "Tea. For the both of us. I don't know about Kate, but I'm going to have your pancakes."
"Excellent choice, Max. I'll bring it to you as soon as I can."
Joyce smiled and returned behind the booth after reprimanding a truck driver. Just like old times.
It didn't take too much longer for Kate to show up in her bike. Max couldn't help but admire how drastically different Kate looked since October. She was practically glowing with happiness and purpose since then, her smile always infectious. She was dressed in a simple, yet elegant white blouse and a pair of khakis. Her necklace sparkled in the winter sunlight.
Kate strapped a book bag over her shoulder and walked into the diner. It didn't take long for the girl to spot Max sitting in her booth. Max waved her over with a small smile on her face. Kate slid into the seat opposite of Max and returned her smile.
"Sorry, I'm late, Max. I was really taking my time on my bike. It's such a nice day out for December."
"No worries, Kate. I'm just surprised you're not wearing a dress."
"Oh, I changed out of it before I came. I don't want to accidentally flash some poor old lady on the way to the diner!"
The two friends shared a laugh at that comment. Then, as if on cue, Joyce arrived carrying two glasses of tea. "There she is." She set the teas down for both of the girls.
"Good morning, Joyce. How are you today?"
"I'm doing as best as I can, honey. David and I are slowly and surely coming close to paying off our bills. If I'm completely honest, I'm not sure how long we'll be staying in Arcadia Bay."
There was a slight moment of silence as both girls took in this news. It was a little shocking to hear about Joyce's intentions to move. Kate was the first to speak up.
"Why is that, Joyce?"
Joyce tried to remain passive, but the girls could hear a hint of sorrow in the woman's voice. "There's just been too much sadness for us in Arcadia. We want to start new. We want to start fresh."
"We understand," Max consoled. She lightly touched Joyce's arm.
"Max, you know I'm sorry to tell you this. Sometimes, I wish we could go back in time. Back when everything seemed simple."
In her reverie, Joyce didn't notice Max's facial expression change from one of sympathy to one of hurt. Kate, however, noticed something was wrong with her friend.
"It's alright. We know how you feel." Kate answered.
"Well," said their server. "That's enough of that. What will you want this fine morning, Kate?"
"I'll just take my usual." Kate smiled affectionately toward Max. Max didn't notice, as she tried busying herself with stirring sugar into her tea.
Joyce left to place Kate's order and Kate turned to Max. "Are you okay, Max?"
"Yeah," Max said carefully, "I'm fine."
"Okay then," Kate said, choosing not to push the issue. "So why get breakfast? I wouldn't expect you to be up until at least 12:30."
Max scoffed, "Just because my sleep schedule is hella confusing, doesn't mean I still can't rise and shine."
"Well, I believe you now that I'm seeing it."
The two girls shared a giggle as they tested out their teas. After testing a sip, Kate spoke, "So where's Warren? I've barely seen you two apart in the past month."
"Oh," she said. She took a sip of her tea to buy herself time to answer. For some inane reason, she didn't want Kate to know about Brooke "Going Ape!" with Warren instead of her. She decided the best tactic was to use humor.
"I haven't seen him since this morning. Knowing him, he probably ate something and fell back asleep." Max forced a laugh that she hoped sound genuine.
Unfortunately, Kate didn't bite. In face, she had a look on her face that Max couldn't interpret. "Oh? So you saw him this morning?"
Max blushed, and she wasn't sure why. She unconsciously rubbed the nape of her neck with her hand. "Yeah, guess I did…"
Kate didn't say anything. She just gave a mischievous smile and sipped her tea.
"What's that smile for?"
"Smile? I don't know what you mean…"
"That smile. The one you're giving me right now!"
"Ohhh, that smile. It's nothing really. I just think it's funny how obliviously cute you two are."
Max almost choked on her tea. "Oblivious?"
"Yeah, since October you two have obviously been trying to find every excuse in the book to be around each other. Remember the time you told me Warren asked you to get gas with him? Not to mention, every time I'm with you two I can see the tension between the both of you."
"There isn't any tension. Warren and I…"
"... are just friends. I know. I'm sorry if I'm overstepping my boundaries, Max. You have just been so helpful to me since the Mr. Jefferson incident. I consider it a gift from God that you became my best friend. And, after the tragedy that happened… well, I just want you to be happy."
"Kate, thank you. I don't really know what to say."
"I know I've been teasing you, Max. But I do see it. The entire week before Warren's birthday you were going on and on about what you got him for his birthday. Frankly, it was the happiest I've seen you in a long time. Then after you got him that shirt, he would wear it constantly, to the point it smelled."
"And it always smelled like blueberry pancakes!" The two said at once and laughed some more. While Max laughed, it occurred to her she did have some good times with Kate and Warren in the past few weeks. Maybe she shouldn't go. Maybe it wasn't too late.
While the two were laughing, Joyce brought their food. The two gave her a quick thanks and started preparing their delicacies. Max buttered her pancakes and poured syrup over them. She was basic, she knew, but she loved them. Kate, on the other hand, sprinkled some cinnamon on her French Toast and scrambled her eggs a bit more. The girls ate slowly in comfortable silence. Neither of the friends wanted to let their time together end so quickly. After the two girls had eaten roughly 75% of their meals, the blonde addressed her friend.
"Seriously, Max. You've been an angel to me even through the tough times I know you've had."
"Anytime Kate. I'd do anything for you."
"And I'd do the same for you," Kate smiled brightly at Max.
"So what did you need to talk about, Max? I doubt you woke up this early just to have breakfast with me."
"Can't a girl eat breakfast with one of her best friends?"
"Of course!" she scoffed. "Just not you! So just spill it before I finish my tea!"
Max leaned back in the booth. She closed her eyes and turned her head skyward. Kate patiently sipped her tea and waited on Max to begin.
The only problem was, where to begin. She didn't want to sugarcoat it with Kate, she knew that the girl would support her through thick and thin, but at the same time, she didn't want to be blunt with the situation. It's not like a Band-Aid, this should be treated delicately.
"I was thinking about going back home for the break…" the photographer began cautiously, her eyes still closed.
After a moment or two, Max steeled herself and looked at her friend, who hadn't said a word. She didn't know what to expect, but she didn't expect the bemused expression on Kate's face.
"Is that all?"
"Well… no… but…"
"Max," she said, reaching across the booth and squeezing Max's hand. "It's okay if you need time back home. I know the feeling."
"It's not that Kate. It's… Arcadia Bay. It's like, everywhere I look, she's there. She's in the photographs I take, she's at the top of that lighthouse looking down at me, she's in the parking lot in the truck, waiting for me to go with her on some grand adventure." She points at the booth across the room. The same booth where Max had showcased her time abilities to Chloe in the alternate timeline. The nonexistent timeline.
"I see her in that booth, waiting for me. Even now, I can see it. She's sitting there, playing with her lighter, telling me we could be partners in time. Telling me we can do anything we want to do. I see her there, talking to me. She's asking me what's in her pockets, and she's…"
Max shut her mouth hard. So hard, she feels her teeth smash against her tongue. Her tongue starts bleeding and she fights the urge to vocalize her discomfort. She had been so careful the past few months, not confusing the current timeline she's in with the other timelines she's been in.
This time she majorly slipped. She could feel the blush heating her cheeks and she shakes her head vigorously. Kate must think she's crazy.
"It's okay, Max. I'm sorry you have to go through this."
"Thanks, Kate." Max replied. The words sounded hollow, even to her, but she couldn't stop here.
"I think you should really take some time away, maybe Warren and I will be able to come up and visit. Juliet and Dana too. Maybe we can even get Justin or…" The girl started, trying to cheer Max up. Max was grateful, but she knew she had to disappoint her friend.
"That's the thing Kate. I need some time to myself. I don't… I don't want to be in contact with any of you."
"Oh…" was the girl's only response.
"Just for a little while," Max stammered, trying to keep her composure."Just so long as I get on my feet. You know? It just doesn't feel right. I feel as if I'm holding you guys back, being like I am. I want, no, I need a change of scenery. I don't think I'm saying goodbye to you guys forever, I just can't be in Arcadia Bay right now.."
"You don't think you'll be saying goodbye to us forever?" There was something in sweet Kate's face that Max had never seen before. Briefly, Max wondered what Kate would be like if she were truly angry.
She decided she didn't want to see that.
"No, I mean, I…"
"Well?"
"I don't think I'll be coming back to Arcadia Bay."
A moment of tension passed between the two. One more. Another. Max wished that she could rewind and change the way she worded her goodbye. Maybe she still could…
"No, Max." She scolded herself. "Never use the power again. Even if you have it. If you fuck up, you fuck up. Kate deserves more than this, but you have to live with your choices."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
"Forever?"
"I… don't know. I feel like that, yes. This town broke her, Kate. It killed her dad, she was forced to live with David. Joyce moved on and left her behind. Rachel gets killed by Nathan. She told me that Rachel…"
"Max, how could you have talked to her about her and Rachel? You told me you hadn't talked to her since you were 13. You told me when you left for Seattle, you two barely spoke."
Fuck.
"I mean, Joyce told me about them. It doesn't matter. The point is, Arcadia Bay destroyed Chloe. When she started to become the amazing person she was, it took her away. Nathan took her away. I can't let that happen to you… I mean… me."
"I understand, Max. I do. But that also means, apparently, throwing away all your friends here. Why do we have to be sacrificed?"
Max fought to hold back the tears that threatened to surface. "I can't tell you…"
Kate finally let her exasperation fully show. She leaned her elbows against the table and put her hands together in prayer. She muttered a few words and took a deep breath.
"Max," said the girl, with a fierce look. "I love you. Because I do, I have to tell you: I think I know what your problem is."
Max started. This is not the way she envisioned this to go.
"Max, I think you run away too much from your problems. I know you couldn't help moving away from Chloe. That wasn't your decision. But you chose not to talk to her. You were here for over a month. It would take five seconds to reach out to her, and you didn't. The same goes for Joyce. I give you credit for saying this to me, but you are still running back to Seattle. Away from us. Away from the very people who want to help you, and see you rise above this."
Max had had enough. She furiously grabbed her bag and thrust it over her shoulder. She stood and faced her friend. Kate's cheeks reddened at the sight, but she didn't drop her gaze from Max's eyes. Max tried to ignore the Two Whales' patrons and the tears falling from her face. She all but shouted, "Kate, just stop. I know I'm a fuck up! I know I'm not doing this right! I know I'm doing the only thing I know how to do! You don't know what I've been through, you can't possibly understand what it's like! I've been in that room, I've seen the things he does. It's not just Chloe, okay! It takes everything I have to even be here!"
She felt vicious satisfaction in watching Kate flinch and look away. Max shakes her head and turns on her heel. "I can't deal with this."
Max doesn't know what she thought would happen or where she planned to go when she walked out that door. She just knew she needed to go. Somewhere, anywhere would be better than the Two Whales.
She fast-walked through the streets of downtown Arcadia Bay, not caring where she would end up. The street signs and the houses blurred in and out of focus. Max barely paid attention to the wandering people and the hustle and bustle of the town. It felt good to move. To not think.
Eventually, however. She ran out of energy. She put her back to the wall, brought her knees to her chest and cried some.
Eventually, she heard bike tires squeal to a stop in front of her. "There you are," came a breathy voice.
Max looked up. She didn't care how red her eyes were. "Kate?"
She stood up as Kate dropped her kickstand and dismounted her bike. Max didn't know what to expect, but she prepared herself for an angry onslaught.
Instead, Kate walked up to Max and brought her in for a gentle embrace. Max returned the gesture and the two girls both exchanged several whispered apologies.
"I'm just so glad you're not hurt."
"You came looking for me?"
"I couldn't help it, Max. As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted what I said. Then, after your rant, I realized something. I don't know what you're talking about, but I know you're doing much more than grieving the loss of a friend. So, I paid for both of us, and got out of there as fast as I could. I biked around as much as I could. I'm just lucky I found you."
Max was glad Kate couldn't see the expression on her face. She was shocked that Kate figured her out, but then again, she recalls ranting about more than Chloe.
"What about Joyce?"
"She tried to leave," Kate said. The two broke apart their embrace. "I wouldn't let her. I told her to trust me and let me find you. I'm sorry about what I said back there."
"No, Kate. I should be the one apologizing. You're right. You're right about everything. The way I acted was totally not apropos. I'm sorry I caused a scene."
"Don't be sorry, Max. I'm sure if I were that upset, I'd do worse."
An image of Kate falling to her death pierced Max's mind, and she fought hard to keep it at bay. Instead, she forced a half-smile and said, "Thank you for looking for me."
"Hakuna Matata, Max." The sweet Kate she knew was back, and Max loved her for it. "I'm just glad you're not hurt."
"Me too. How could you tell that I'm doing more than grieving?"
"Multiple ways." Kate began. She looked up and saw the sky start to darken. "Walk with me to a bus stop? I'll explain as we walk."
"Sure." Max said. The pair walked to Kate's bike. She kicked up the stand and the two made their way to the nearest bus stop. Kate rolled the bike at her side as she talked.
"The obvious way was your rant. You said something like, 'I've been in that room.'"
Max cleared her throat and looked at the architecture of the building they passed.
"But it was other things, small things like you refusing to say, "Mr. Jefferson." You always said, "Jefferson" or "him". We, Warren and I, just assumed that you hated that he duped all of us into thinking of him differently. There was a time when you commented about Warren having a black eye. We thought that was strange, considering he only had one once in the 4th grade after a dodgeball game. We just assumed he told you that story once, although he says he doesn't remember telling that. The real kicker though, was your lack of interest in photography. I don't remember a single time before that day that you weren't taking a picture. It all seemed so strange, but we thought it was just from the grief."
Max was silent for a beat before she sighed in defeat. "You two are real detectives, you know that? Yeah, there's more to it. I'm just not ready to spill the beans yet."
"I understand, Max. The only thing is, when the video thing came out, I was at my worst. You were always there for me. You told me I needed to talk about it, and eventually I did. You helped me better than any of Wells' mental counselors ever could."
The statement stirred a chuckle in Max, "Yeah, they do kinda suck, don't they?"
"Tell me about it," the blonde giggled. "They should counsel the counselors how to counsel us!"
The two shared a hearty laugh. It felt good for the both to laugh with such good company.
"Whenever you're ready to talk, Max, we're here for you. I can tell you went through Hell and back. You are not alone. You might think you are, but you can't get rid of us that easy."
Max sighed. "I know, Kate. I wish I could change things. I know you and especially Warren would hound me to the ends of the Earth. I just need this, okay?"
"We know you do. And we'll be here, waiting. And when you're ready, we'll be here. Just promise me, you won't let us go. Don't you ever forget about us."
"Don't you ever forget about me," Chloe said, before Max had set things "right".
"I won't." Max said quietly, then, again louder. "I won't forget about you guys. You have done so much for me, it's stupid for me to do that to you. I can't lose you guys."
"And you won't. The only one that can push us away, is you."
Max knew this, all along. She just didn't want to admit it. If it weren't for the time she spent with Chloe in the alternate timelines, she would have never spoke with her. It was Max that pushed Chloe away, and she will always regret that.
She couldn't do the same thing to Kate. Or Warren. Or Dana. Or Justin. Hell, not even Victoria.
The two walked in comfortable silence. They glanced at the clouds every so often and watched the sky get slowly darker. Whether rain or snow, the two didn't know. Each was too preoccupied with different thoughts to check their phones.
"Was that what you were doing this morning? Saying goodbye to Warren?" said Kate, breaking the silence.
"Yeah."
"How did that go?"
"Good. More or less."
"What does that mean?" Kate said, fighting the smile in her voice.
"It means that I didn't actually say it to him."
"Please tell me you didn't text him, Max…"
"Not exactly. I may have left him a note."
"A note?! Really, Max...
"After I spent the night…"
"You… wait-WHAT?"
"Did I forget to mention that?"
"Uh, you may have."
"Um, yeah. I spent the night. And, uh, we cuddled and… I don't know why I'm…"
"Oh, Max, you didn't…"
"Yeah, I did." Max tried to fight the smile and blush that seeped through her cheeks, but she couldn't help it. The memory was too powerful.
Why am I smiling so much?
"And to say goodbye you left a note, that's not good, Max."
"You're right," she said. The smile disappeared from her lips and was replaced by a frown.
"You need to go say goodbye the right way."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because he's on a date with Brooke."
"Oh…" she said. This time, the silence wasn't too comfortable. "That's not good."
"No, it isn't."
"It's not. That poor boy."
"He'll be fine, he's with Brooke now."
"You don't understand, Max. He's in love with you."
"Max, before you go, I just want to say that I'm-"
"I know, Warren."
"Max?"
"Yeah?" She said, removing herself from the memory.
"You didn't say anything."
"Did he tell you?"
"No, but it's obvious."
"How?"
"You don't see it? The way he looks at you. The way he smiles every time you talk to him. The way he bends over backwards whenever you need him. I could go on."
"I didn't want to tell you. I didn't want to add anymore pressure to you. But he doesn't know how to handle it. He's only 16, well, 17 now, and he's never been in that kind of relationship."
"I've never been in that kind of relationship."
"I know. But you know what I mean."
And she did know. She remembered all the times he was there. Whether it was for an emergency pipe bomb, a photo to change the timeline, or a late night cuddle session, her White Knight had been there.
"I know I hurt him more than anything. More than I've hurt you. But it's unfair to him. I can't be what he wants me to be while I'm like this. I'm not even sure if I like him. Like, like him like him. We're just friends, why do something to jeopardize that?"
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much."
"Seriously, Kate?" she said chuckling.
"Max. I'm not an expert, but I'm not blind. You may not show it as brazenly as him, but you do. Heck, I said his name earlier, and you smiled like I just said you won the lottery."
I've even kissed him.
Okay, not the right thought to have, Max.
Maybe she has a point...
Kate sighs as they approach their stop. "You need to talk to him. Before it's too late."
"And I will. Just not while he's at the movies with Brooke."
"Max if you-"
"I know. If I don't do it now, more than ever, then I never will. But I promised someone. Someone a long time ago, that I would make the right choices from now on. You thankfully reminded me of that promise. I know I need to get out of here."
As Max finishes her soliloquy, the bus pulls up. "I'll see you later, Kate. Get home before the rain or whatever comes. Okay?"
"I will," her friend said with a smile, "As long as you talk to him. Deal?"
"Deal, and Kate? Thanks for everything."
The girl smiled and hopped on her bike. Max got in her seat and felt the bus stumble forward to Blackwell. She readied herself for what will be her final night in that hellhole.
Then, without intention, she fell asleep.
*
The first thing Max Caulfield heard was howling wind outside. Which was weird, considering that one moment she was watching the man and his dog walking past, and the next she was staring at nothingness with screaming wind from the outside.
Wasn't she on a bus?
Whatever. She knew she needed to find a source of light. She took her phone out of her jacket pocket and turned the flashlight on. The first thing she saw was a white wall.
Not a whole lot of context clues here, Max.
"Whoa, dude. What are you looking for?"
Max turned. Faster than she thought humanly possible. There, in a black, unzipped windbreaker and white skull T with a beanie pulled down hard over her shockingly blue hair, was her partner in time.
"Chloe!"
The photographer ran over to her friend and enveloped her in a tight embrace.
"Holy shit, Max Attack!" Chloe said, laughing and returning the hug. "What's with all the hugging?"
Max pulled away from the hug and kept her hand on her friend's forearm. "It's just really good to see you."
"Max, you hella just saw me. You just went upstairs. Said you had to find something."
"I did? Are you sure this isn't a dream? Where are we?"
Chloe gave her a look. "Son of a bitch! He was right. Fuck. Fuck."
"Who was righ-?" Max began to ask as her friend went over to the stairs.
"Yo, Warren! Get your ass up here!" She turned back to Max. "Ugh, I'll never hear the end of this. Now I owe that ape freak 10 bucks. For the record Maxi Pad, I blame you."
"I didn't do shit!"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "You're lucky I promised you that I wouldn't say shit."
Max's head started to throb, painfully. If she didn't know better, she could have sworn it was the same headache she used to get in the alternate timeline.
"Where are we, Chloe? What's going on?" Max looked down at herself, she was also wearing a windbreaker over her Jane Doe T-shirt. "And why are we all wearing windbreakers?"
Just as she asked her question, Warren appeared. He looked good. He had actually gotten a haircut, and he was wearing his own windbreaker with the same shirt she had gotten him for his birthday. His goofy grin lit up when he saw the two of them.
Chloe crossed her arms and turned over to the newcomer, "Don't you dare."
"Awe," Warren retorted with faux bashfulness. "I wasn't going to say 'I told you so', not at all."
"You dirty little hominidae."
"You owe me 10 bucks," Warren said with his cheeky grin.
"CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" Max shouted.
"Right," Warren said, suddenly serious. He looked at the blue-haired girl. "Agent Hella would you like to do the honors?
Chloe mockingly saluted the boy. "Will do, Monkey Man."
Warren grabbed two roller chairs and shoved them across the room towards Chloe. She motioned for Max to sit in the one opposite of her own. Max complied while Chloe took her chair and spun it around so she was sitting in it backwards.
"You're lucky I wake and baked before this, so the words will come out nice and easy."
"Easy?"
"Yep. Max, you're dreaming. You won't remember a whole lotta this, because your head is hurting too much."
"How did you...?"
Chloe wiggled her fingers in Max's face and overdramatically stated, "Because I am your subconscious…. Or just very perceptive."
"Why not both?!" Warren shouted from across the room.
"Shut up, Warren G. Harding! You said I could do this one!"
"My lips are sealed."
"Anyway," the girl said looking back at Max. "Like I said, you won't remember much. But, remember this one thing. Trust this."
Chloe leaned across Max, and pushed her finger against the left side of Max's chest.
"My boob?"
Chloe laughed. She laughed so loud that Max is sure if anyone was still downstairs they would hear.
"You're cute when you're confused. No, Super Max. Your heart. I know it sounds like some cheesy bullshit Leonardo DiCaprio would say, but trust your instincts."
"That doesn't help me at all."
"Oh, but it will." Chloe said, winking. "But enough of the plot development, on with the bang! Warren, you ready?"
"As I'll ever be!" the 17 year old said. He had tapped a cylindrical object to the wall and he ran to the other side of the room. He stood between the two girls, and placed his arms over each of their shoulders. He placed a kiss on top of Max's head and shouted, "Bombs away!"
The pipe bomb on the wall exploded with enough force to rattle the room and blow a small enough hole in the wall for Max to see through. What she saw shocked her to her very core.
The tornado from the past loomed massively over Arcadia Bay. Wood flew and houses were starting to become unglued from their foundations.
"What sort of nightmare…?" whispered Max.
"We can't explain much," shouted Warren over the wind. "Just listen to what Chloe said and everything will be alright."
Max started to talk, but suddenly her throat wasn't making any sounds. She couldn't breathe and her head pounded once more. The pain was so intense, she couldn't help but to close her eyes.
All the noise stopped. All she could see was black.
*
Quick shout out to Snakespur and Master Assassin Ezio for reviewing. I appreciate it!