Now, the same scene as last time from Max's perspective, with a prelude to the incident. Get ready for a tea date with Kate. Also... apologies for the pun title :p Channeling my inner Max.

Chapter Seven: A Brew-tea-ful Friendship

Max's POV - Kate's Room - Earlier that Same Day

Things had been so crazy for me recently and I just needed a break from it all. That break came in the form of a tea date with Kate Marsh. She had suggested it a few days ago, before I learned about Chloe. I still didn't know what to think about that discovery. Most of the shock had worn off by now. I just felt kind of… numb, in denial maybe. First a car crash, then crazy powers and now this? I wasn't able to process it all. Speaking of my power, I had played around with it a little more since coming to Blackwell just to test it out. It might come in handy at some point. I didn't want to mess around with it too much, mind you. I'd seen enough films to know time travel powers came at a heavy price. Best to save it only for emergencies.

Right now, I was in Kate's room. She had set up a makeshift table with a box and we were using some cushions to make sure our butts didn't go totally numb. She'd even managed to scrounge up some biscuits to have along with our tea, much better prepared than me. I would have to make sure I returned the favor. With my birthday coming up fairly soon at the end of the month, I'd probably be getting some goodies I could share.

"So, how is everything going?" Kate asked as she handed me a mug of steaming tea.

I took it from her, warming my hands. "Not quite how I expected, to be honest. Guess my life's become more… I dunno, interesting isn't really the right word. Strange, maybe."

She sipped at her drink, nodding sympathetically. "I hear that. Probably doesn't help that Victoria seems to have it in for you."

Grabbing a biscuit from the plate and dunking it in the tea while trying not to get crumbs everywhere, I shoved it in my mouth before it melted away. "It sure doesn't. I don't really get it, why she's targeting me. I mean, it's not like I cause her any real problems. Not like Rachel."

Kate began to smile and I wasn't quite sure why. When I gave her a questioning look, she put words to the smile. "Speaking of Rachel, she seems to have taken a shine to you."

Rachel was… an interesting one. I hadn't figured her out yet, and something told me I never would. "Yet another thing I don't understand. I know she's friendly with everyone, but I'm confused about her."

"You wouldn't be the only one. I don't think anyone really understands her and I think she means for it to be that way," Kate added, sounding a little sad at that.

I took a large gulp from my tea now that it had cooled down. "Yeah, I figured as much. It just seems like she's really going out of her way, you know. More than she has to. Or that's the vibe I'm getting at least. Maybe I'm just being paranoid."

"There's a lot of that going around, see David Madsen as a prime example," she let out a soft sigh, hazel eye filled with sympathy. "Not that you can blame him. From what I heard, his step-daughter went missing a few months ago. Very sad."

The reference to Chloe made me freeze up. Something I would just have to get used to. "I… I used to know her, before I moved to Seattle."

Kate's expression changed drastically as she put a comforting hand on mine. "Oh, Max… I'm so sorry to hear that."

I could only shrug, trying to bide time for my voice to start working again without breaking. "I didn't know until Rachel told me. I hadn't spoken to Chloe in five years, it was kinda complicated. I had hoped that I might… might be able to speak to her again, maybe. Apologize for a few things. Guess I can't do that now."

"Don't give up, Max. Some people seem to think she just ran away." She gave my hand a light squeeze before pulling back.

"I hope so. It would make sense after all the shit she's been through in Arcadia. Lots of bad memories for her. Anyway, we're supposed to be drinking tea and stuff," I drained the remainder of the tea, placing the mug back on the makeshift table, "and I think I could do with a refill."

Nodding, she grabbed the kettle again and my mug, preparing. "Coming right up."

While she was sorting that out, I wondered how she was doing. We had spent some time talking about me, now was her turn. "How are things your end? Victoria keeping off your back?"

Letting the hot drink brew, a flicker of confliction crossed her features. "Sort of. Between you and Rachel, I think she's been too preoccupied to give me a second thought," she sounded a little guilty about that, "I'm sure it's only a matter of time."

At least the negative attention I was getting from Victoria benefitted someone. "Well, if she tries anything let me know. I might not be able to do much, but I can try. She shouldn't be bullying anyone, least of all you."

She gave me a warm, appreciative smile that made my worries fade away. "Thanks, Max. The same goes for you. For the time being, I'll just keep my head down."

"That's a plan I think I'll be following too. Well, trying to. Hasn't worked so far." Not for lack of trying.

"Victoria might get bored if we don't react… or she might up the ante. Let's hope for the first option." Kate finished the tea preparation, passing my mug back.

I accepted it and began drinking straight away now that the water had cooled down since the first cup. "That's all we can do. If it gets really bad, I think we can probably rely on Rachel to help. She seems eager to find ways to mess with Victoria Chase."

"Rather her than me. I don't know how she does it. I would be too scared, am too scared. That glare of hers turns me to ice. I just hope that in time, she can change." Kate didn't seem too confident in that possibility, but she clearly hadn't completely given up either. That was just her way and I was seeing that more and more each day. She wanted to see the best in people, even if they didn't make it easy.

As much as I might like to follow Kate's example, I didn't think I could be quite so dedicated. "You have more faith in her than probably anyone else here, me included."

Kate stared into her mug for a few seconds, gathering her thoughts. "I know people have their own struggles, and sometimes they take it out on others. Much easier to do that than face the issue, challenge what you believe in and change yourself. It's not right, but I understand."

Taking another sip of my drink, I thought it over. It was easy condemning someone. The hard part was looking past that judgment, realizing people were too complicated to categorize as either good or evil. "I just wish it didn't have to be that way. Blackwell would be a lot nicer without Victoria's reign of terror."

Nodding in agreement, Kate sighed. "All we can do is what we know is right and hopefully she'll come around. I don't want to fight with anyone."

"Me neither. I hate confrontation at the best of times. Hell, I'll do pretty much anything to avoid it…" I was suddenly reminded of all the times Chloe and I had fought, how many times I'd removed myself from the situation or given up to have some peace… Seattle had been no different.

"That makes two of us." Kate stood, brushing herself off. "On a slightly different note, do you mind if I let Alice out of her cage? She could use a run around. I don't want her stuck in that small cage all day."

I glanced over at the cage on Kate's chest of drawers, seeing the white bunny with black ears and eyes rings. "No complaints from me."

When Kate returned, she held Alice out for me to take. "Here, you can give her a snuggle before she inevitably runs off and munches through my phone charger again, which reminds me…" she got to her feet, eyes scanning the floor, "I just need to do a floor sweep. She always finds something to chew..."

I watched Alice's nose twitch, eyes beady and bright, before placing her in my lap and giving her a stroke. "Despite being a munch monster, she's just too cute for words."

"She'll love you forever if you give her this." Kate held out a small carrot once her check was complete, smiling as I took it and Alice began nibbling away happily while in my lap.

Taking the opportunity, I gently began to play with her ears. She didn't seem to mind, too focused on food. "I've never had a pet before. Feels like I might be missing out."

Sitting back down again, Kate got comfortable on the cushion. "I didn't have one until Alice. I've had her about a year now. I wouldn't be without her now. Sure, she can be moody sometimes, but can't we all?"

"That's the truth." That was when I noticed the bunny starting to chew on my hoodie cord. "I, uh, think she should go back to her mom for a while."

"Don't mind if I do." Kate gently took Alice back and, after giving her a quick cuddle, let her loose.

"Unleash the beast." I grinned, watching the rabbit hop around, happy at the chance to explore.

"You joke, but…" Kate's eyes followed Alice on her attempted chewing spree, "she's got that mischievous look in her eyes today. Watch out for your shoelaces."

"What's left of my shoelaces, you mean." I glanced down at my well-worn sneakers, which had been on their last legs for a solid month or two. The ends of the laces were frayed now, off-white. As for the shoes themselves… they were this close to getting a hole or three. I was pretty surprised they had lasted until Blackwell.

"Okay, if you want to get technical," Kate chuckled, sipping her tea once more. "I have a suspicious feeling you'll be walking around barefoot at this rate."

"I do have other shoes, I just don't wear them. I like these ones, as you can probably tell." Mom got me a new pair before coming, but… I was a creature of habit and wore my clothes to death before being literally forced to wear something new.

Kate smiled, understanding in her eyes. "Oh, I can tell all right. I'm much the same, except I do change things over before they disintegrate. I don't think I'll ever have a Vortex Club standard wardrobe, though."

"That makes two of us." I could even begin to imagine it, wearing super fashionable clothes like Victoria or Rachel. I'd just look stupid and lame, like a wannabe. "I'm quite happy in my brandless hoodie, basic shirts and falling apart sneakers."

"You'd best remind Rachel of that when she starts dragging you off shopping," Kate added, seeming amused by the possibility.

"I doubt that'll ever happen," I muttered, unable to picture it. "She did mention it but I think she was kidding. Probably making fun of me, not that I blame her."

"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? I will reserve the right to brag smugly when my prediction is correct," Kate stated confidently.

"If, you mean," I corrected.

She shook her head, the bun atop her head moving with the shake. "I'm pretty confident about it."

"I think everyone would agree that it would do my wardrobe good… except me, maybe." When it came to clothes, I was pretty picky. Comfort came first.

"Your wardrobe's fine the way it is, Max. You have your own style." Somehow, Kate had a gift of turning everything into a compliment, very diplomatic.

Done with my second cup of tea, I put the mug down on the table. "That's the polite way of putting it. Very Kate Marsh."

Finished with her own cup, she stood and had a look inside the kettle. "Oh, I think we've run out of water. Just give me a minute. I'll go refill it. I'm going to need at least one more cup before we're done here."

I leaned back on my hands. "Well, since caffeine runs through my veins instead of blood, I'll probably join you on that."

Giving one last good-natured eye roll, Kate took the kettle and left her room. While she was gone, I decided to see where Alice had got to. I crawled around on my hands and knees, finding her shuffling around under Kate's bed, which I might add was completely empty. Mine had so much crap under there already. When she saw me, she scurried back over hopefully.

"Sorry, Alice. No more carrots for you. I wouldn't want to get in trouble for giving you too many." Kate seemed like she might be strict with that kind of thing and I didn't want to test that theory.

That was when I heard voices just outside the door. Since Kate wasn't back yet, I was starting to get a bit worried. Quickly snatching up Alice and placing her back in her cage, much to her disapproval but I wasn't going to risk it, I approached the door and put my ear to it. It took me a couple of seconds to place the voices, my stomach dropping when I figured it out. Kate was there along with another person… Victoria. No doubt she was being horrible. Despite my apprehension, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. I could never live with myself. Taking a deep breath, I cautiously stepped out into the corridor. Sure enough, Kate was stood there near the wall, cowering with Victoria bearing down on her.

The door creaking open alerted the Queen Bee, earning me a glare. "Oh, I was wondering when you would be showing up. Sorry for interrupting your little date," she said, not sounding sorry at all. If anything, she was mocking us.

Ignoring her, I held my hand out to Kate, giving her an out. "Come on, Kate. Alice is pissed I put her back in her cage, so let's get her out of there before she holds a grudge."

As quick as I'd ever seen anyone move, Kate ducked out of Victoria's way, taking hold of my hand so I could pull her quicker. Unfortunately, the taller blonde was two steps ahead. She had blocked our path back, pushing us further into the hallway. "How rude of you, Lamefield. I was trying to talk to Kate here and you go interrupting."

Sizing up the situation, I took a small step closer. "She doesn't want to talk to you."

Victoria crossed her arms, scowling at me. "Oh, and just how do you know that. Can you read minds? I don't think so."

Glancing over at Kate who was practically shivering now, I swallowed hard and stood my ground. Victoria already hated my guts for some unknown reason so it wasn't like I had to worry about that. With everything I had been through this week, Victoria was the least of my problems.

"Leave her alone, Victoria." My words didn't come out as strong or confident as I had hoped, but at least I managed to say them.

The fact that I had talked back to her seemed to shock Victoria momentarily, clearly not expecting much resistance. "Excuse you. Who the hell do you think you are talking to me like that?"

Adrenaline pumping through my body now, I pressed ahead. It was way too late to just back down now. As scared as I felt, the rush was… incredible. I kind of felt invincible, even if I really wasn't. "Kate doesn't deserve your bullshit. Nobody does." I sounded so pathetic right now, but at least I was doing something.

Victoria just laughed at my attempt to shake her off, her expression hardening as she took a menacing step closer to me. She was a good couple of inches taller than me. "Listen, Caulfield, I run this place. I could ruin you with a simple click of my fingers."

Done with her bullshit now and fuelled by determination, I continued. "Is that supposed to scare me? Because it doesn't."

That was when I felt something tug at my sleeve. I turned to see Kate, eyes grateful yet pleading me to stop while I was ahead. "Max… it's okay."

Seeing that fear in her eyes… that made me angry. Kate shouldn't have to feel scared just walking down the hallway. Nobody should. So many times, I had stood by while others had been hurt, accepting that was the way things had to be. No more. I had survived a car crash through impossible means, aka nearly died, and heard that my childhood best friend had gone missing, all in just a couple of weeks. Nothing Victoria could say or do would top that.

I shook my head, clenching my fists as I stared her down. "No, Kate, it's not. I can't stand by and watch this. It'll just keep happening until… someone gets hurt. Really hurt."

Predictably, this did not go down well with Victoria. Something in her snapped, really threatening now. "You want to know what happened to the last bitch who tried to fuck with me? She went missing. Now, if you don't want that happening to you, I'd shut up while you can."

At the mention of Chloe, that was it. Using my childhood friend's disappearance to intimidate me into submission, this was personal. "Like you had anything to do with that. Nice bluff, though. Nearly had me scared."

Clearly realizing that she had touched a nerve, Victoria was all too ready to capitalize on the sore spot. "Oh, so you know about Chloe, then. I figured as much. Guess my sources were right. I wonder if the other rumors were true as well."

Giving her a chance to back away now, I tried to keep my voice as calm as possible. "I wouldn't go down that path if I were you."

My warning went unnoticed. If anything, it only encouraged her. "Cute, you think you can threaten me. Not how this works. This place is better off without someone like Price skulking around. You should be thankful you didn't have to see her again. I don't blame you for cutting her off when you moved."

I was so close to done by now. So very close. "Stop."

Again, Victoria took no heed of my warning, instead smirking. "You would have been so disappointed to see what a total pathetic loser she was. Then again, I hear that might be your fault."

The next few moments were a blur. I vaguely registered another person entering the conversation, maybe Rachel. There was something about a video maybe. Not that I was paying attention. For the first time in my life, I wanted to hit someone. I wasn't a violent person by any means, but the desire was so overwhelming. My body moved of its own accord, hand drawing back as I slapped Victoria across the cheek as hard as I could. I put all my strength into it, almost knocking myself off balance. I heard gasps and muttered whispers around me, now realizing we weren't alone. Nearly everyone was out here now.

Victoria stumbled back, clutching at her face. She seemed confused more than anything. Nobody said a word, nothing. Then, I began to panic. I shouldn't have done that. Victoria wasn't kidding when she said she could ruin me. If this got out, that was it for me. My scholarship could get pulled in seconds and I had a feeling Victoria and her family would come for my ass hard. That was when I had an idea. I had a trick up my sleeve, a wildcard. Before I could witness the aftermath of the scene, I thrust my hand out and prayed this would work.

I let out a sigh of relief when it did. Ghostly figures representing the past few moments appeared before me, alongside echoey whispers. This was actually working. Somehow, I was once again rewinding time. There seemed to be a natural stopping point, my body making that very clear. A sharp pain passed through my head to show that. When I stopped, I looked around. Victoria was still there, Kate too. Down the end of the hallway, I could see Rachel with her phone held up, filming the whole thing. Noticing me looking, she held up her thumb to show she had this under control.

"Are you even paying attention, Lamefield?" The snappy question brought me back from my thought.

I cleared my throat. "I… uh… y-yeah."

"Then what did I just say?" Victoria challenged, knowing damn well I hadn't been listening.

Giving Rachel a pleading look was enough to get her over here to save the day, thankfully. "Come now, Victoria, you should know better than to bully someone so publically. What if someone important were to see?"

Victoria's attention moved from me to Rachel in a split second. "Fuck off, Amber. This doesn't involve you."

"Oh, I think it very much does." Smiling from ear to ear, Rachel held up her phone. There was something on it, a video of the past few moments. "Would be a real shame if this were to go viral. Honor student Victoria Chase bullying her fellow students, such scandal."

Even though she had a clear disadvantage, Victoria didn't back down straight away. "Ha, you think you can beat me? You'll have to do much better than that. People like you and Price think you're so great, but you're just lame ass whores."

The insult didn't seem to faze Rachel in the slightest. "Ouch, I think I need an ice pack after that sick burn. You might want to stay in my good books for the time being, Chase. You won't like it when I'm really angry. I can be quite vindictive when I want to be."

Victoria's lips pursued so much that there was only a thin line left by the end. "Don't think this is over." With that, she stormed off back to her room.

I could feel my body relaxing with each rage fueled step she took, jumping a little when she slammed the door. My body was really shaking now, the leftover adrenaline coursing through my veins. I had never felt so alive. Nobody would know it, but I had slapped Victoria fucking Chase of all people, in front of an audience too. Under any other circumstance, I would have been fucked. Not this time.

Kate was just behind me. I had inadvertently put myself in the middle at some point acting as a body shield. I reached out an arm to her, which she shakily clung onto, before turning to Rachel. "Thanks."

Rachel did a mini-bow to ease the tension. "My pleasure. Victoria's rage keeps me young."

"I think it does the opposite for me…" I exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of my neck with my free hand.

"Thank you, both of you." Kate finally managed to say, still holding onto me tight.

Shrugging, Rachel turned her attention to the shorter blonde. "I didn't do much. Max is the one who should be getting most of that thanks. Have to admit, I'm surprised in the best way. Didn't think you had it in you."

"Normally, no. Kate must have acted as a strength booster or something," I theorized, my voice totally falling apart now.

"I'd rather not have to be that again, if possible," Kate pleaded, her grip on me loosening just a fraction.

Just happy to have avoided my first run of this particular confrontation, I nodded. "Oh, believe me, I don't want you to either. That's enough excitement for me for my whole life."

Rachel gave me a knowing smile, like she didn't quite believe that. She didn't say anything to accompany the smile, though. Sure, it had been terrifying but… at the same time, it'd been the most exhilarating experience of my life thus far. Pretty lame when I said it like that, but true. It was a complicated feeling to put into words. While I wasn't in any rush to pick a fight with Victoria again, I didn't regret it. Not one bit.

Lesson for today: don't piss off an already angry/emotion fuelled time traveller. And don't use her missing friend as bait. That's a big no-no.