Aftermath

I took Chloe's arms into my hands, grasping onto her slick jacket. "I can't go back!" The rain was still tearing around us, the raging vortex now in the distance. I couldn't help but sob.

"What do you mean you can't go back?" Chloe's voice was laced with desperation. Her eyes locked onto mine.

"I've tried… for the past 20 minutes...to focus on this damn photo!" My voice cracked. I could feel myself about to break. I let the photo drop to the muddy ground beneath us. I collapsed with it, falling to my knees, tears streaming with the rain. "How can this be real? A whole d-day went by!" I spoke between sobs.

"M-Max, what are you saying?" Chloe asked. She crouched beside me and draped her arm over my shoulders. "We've been here the entire time! I tried to catch you when you collapsed. As soon as you looked at the photo you just dropped. I didn't know what to do but sit here and wait. You were out for about 15 minutes…" I could tell Chloe was trying to remain calm, but her voice was shaking. "Max?" Chloe moved closer looking directly at me. I couldn't bare to look at her now. "I'm scared…" Chloe croaked.

Nothing was what it seems. What was real? Was that a dream…or was this a nightmare? I just buried my face into Chloe's neck and sobbed. She slowly rubbed circles on my back as the rain poured down on us, doing her best to comfort me as the rain poured down. We were soaked and covered in grime. I could hear her sobbing into my hair.

…..

Chloe

She passed out in my arms. We were still sitting on the ground where she dropped the photo. I glanced at it and frowned. I craned my neck to look toward Arcadia Bay. All I could do was stare at the spot where the diner would be. I could feel Max stir against me. She'd curled up into my chest with my arms wrapped around her small frame so she didn't fall. I pulled my hand up to stroke her damp hair. I couldn't even imagine what she was going though. I was honestly glad she didn't go back, some selfish part of me was happy she was stuck here with me. How fucked up is that?

I looked back at the town. The storm had dissipated now and I could clearly see the damage. It was completely destroyed, everything was in rubble. It was quiet, there didn't seem to be any movement or cars. I couldn't help but think of my mom, and...David. Tears began to well up in my eyes and I quickly wiped them away. I can't, I have to be strong. For Max. We both can't be blubbering messes. I couldn't feel my ass anymore, the ground was too cold. I was just numb. At least Max was a little warm. I leaned to the side to peer at her face. My heart stopped as I noticed the crusted blood under her nose.

Did she go through time? Doesn't that only happen when she does it? What did she mean by a whole day went by? I let out a soft sigh, I won't pester her until she's ready to talk...

As the minutes pass I have an urge to wake her up so we can get warm in my truck. It probably wasn't ideal to sit here in wet clothes. "Max…" I spoke softly and brushed her hair behind her ear. She stirred. "Hey… we need to get up. I can't have you getting sick on me." Max yawned and turned to look at me. I could so easily get lost in her stormy blue eyes. I smiled warmly, "Hey girl..." Max's eyes went wide. She looked surprised?

"I-I fell a-asleep?" She gasped. She pulled away from me, looking me up and down. "W-why didn't y-you wake me up?! I'm freezing..." I could tell she was thinking hard about something. Her brows furrowed and she looked away from me.

She has a point, I was just seriously too exhausted and strained to move. "Well, I mean, I didn't exactly feel like moving what with the whole storm raging in the distance thing. I figured we were just safer here." I cocked my eyebrow. "Not only that, you aren't the easiest to carry."

"R-right…" Was all she said. She just avoided looking at me entirely now. I'm positive she feels guilty.

"Well, let's get out of here then…" I tried to stand up but it was extremely difficult. My legs felt like white noise, they were completely numb. As soon as I stood up everything from my waist down felt like pins and needles. I audibly groaned. Max stood and walked toward the edge of the cliff, observing the damage. For some reason it pissed me off. I didn't want to sit here and mull over this any longer. I walked up and took her wrist. I pulled and Max let out a tiny yelp. "Let's go," I said roughly. I really don't want to think about this. She wouldn't look at me and just nodded. I let go of her wrist and started walking down the path. I could hear her dragging her feet behind me.

I wasn't mad at her, I couldn't help but feel a little upset that she didn't choose me, but I have no time to pay attention to that or the aftermath. Max couldn't see me break, not when someone needed to be there for her. I sighed and looked over my shoulder. We were almost to my truck. Max was just staring straight at the ground with her arms crossed. I saw my truck in the distance, still in tact. Thank god. I strode up to the driver's side. I glanced down at my legs, they were quite literally caked in mud. "Well shit…" I said under my breath. I really wish I could medicate right about now. Max was leaning on the passenger door waiting to get in. I didn't know what to say to her at this moment. I really wasn't the best with these situations. I just unlocked the door and slid in, wincing at the feeling of wet jeans in my seat. This really sucked. I heard my truck squeak as Max climbed in and shut the door. She immediately leaned into the door facing out the window. I glanced at her and then looked at the glove box. Thank god Max let me take the money from that Handicapped fund…at least we will be able to stay somewhere warm. I really need things from my room but-no I can't think about that right now. I started the ignition and peeled out of the parking lot.

Driving for only a few minutes, I focused on the road and tried my best to not look at the destruction around us. The ride was pretty bumpy, almost impossible to avoid all of the debris. I could't help but gaze around and catch a family of deer standing in the street. I let out a soft sigh. Max hadn't moved or said a word. We eventually pulled up to the sign that reads "Another Great Day in Arcadia Bay thank you-come again" I stop. Feeling uncertain about everything, I peeled my eyes from the sign and looked at Max. Her eyes were puffy and red. I tentatively reached out my hand and rubbed her shoulder. She jerked up to meet my gaze. I gave her a small reassuring smile. She half smiled back at me and adjusted herself so she was sitting straight.

"I don't have a plan, but we should probably take you to Seattle right...I-I mean your parents are probably worried sick." I realized I didn't even have my phone. Max probably didn't either. Even if she did, it's probably destroyed from being in the rain so long. She looks shocked and finally speaks.

"Oh man-my parents…you're right. That's probably the only place we can go anyway." She looks pained.

I just nod and take off down the road. "Seattle it is…"

….

Max

We were driving for what had seemed to be hours, no music or radio. Chloe was just as silent as I was. She probably wanted to talk but didn't know what to say to me. I knew I wasn't making it easy on her. I didn't know what to think. This seems real, but so did the other timeline. Is it awful I don't want to accept this timeline? It's the worse of the two outcomes. I mean, no offense to Chloe, I would take her any day, any time…

Except it looked like I didn't. I knew I messed up, I did try to leave and she knew it. I hurt her in this timeline. I didn't even know how to speak to her or let alone look at her. I could feel her glance at me every so often, but I just stared out the window. I was being so stupid but I just...didn't know what to do. My thoughts were interrupted as the truck suddenly started slowing. She pulled off an exit and not even 5 minutes later she stopped at what looked like a parking lot to a motel.

"I'm gonna go and see if there are any rooms available. Okay?" My head jerked to her, her voice sounding strange after hours of silence. I just nodded in response. "Lock the doors when I shut mine... I don't know how safe this area is, there is a knife in the glove box." She said, pointing at it.

My voice squeaked and felt dry as I tried to speak in response, "O-okay…" I nodded weakly. Chloe smiled.

She slammed the door shut and I watched the blue-haired girl leave my view. I locked the doors and waited. I pulled the muddy, water stained photo out of my pocket and instantly got angry. Chloe probably didn't even know I have this. I didn't think I would ever be able to pick up a camera again… I stared at it, feeling nothing.

Instantly guilt washed over me as I realized what I was doing. Chloe was busy trying to take care of us and here I was trying to abandon her again. But that other timeline, that other Chloe, had that really been a dream?

It probably wouldn't even work. Who knew if what happened was even real. She could just end up dead this time and there's no way I could do that. I stuffed the photo in my back pocket, regretting I even tried to go back again. I put my face in my palms and let out a long sigh. I jumped out of my skin when I heard a knock on the glass beside me. I don't think I will never not be jumpy. I looked up to see Chloe wiggling room keys in her hand. She mouthed "Let's go" and pointed in the direction of the motel. It wasn't too shabby looking or run down so, that's a relief. I slid out of the door and she turned to the back of her truck, opening a little metal box in the bed. I saw her pull out a dirty green sack and smile. She walked past giving me a squeeze on my shoulder and I followed behind her.

…

She tossed the bag onto the floor by the bed when we entered the room. It was surprisingly cosy. It looked like a regular mid-priced hotel room with a mini fridge most likely stocked with some soft drinks and water. There was a little coffee maker on a small table. Chloe flopped onto the bed and let out a happy noise. "It feels so amazing to finally lay down," Chloe said, her mood visibly improving. She glanced over at me as I stood in front of the door, awkwardly watching her. She stood up and peeled off her clothes, leaving her in nothing but her underwear. No shame. My eyes widened and she kicked her clothes to the side and smirked at me.

"What? You've seen this before." She gestured to herself. "Besides do you really want to stay in that muddy getup?"

I looked down at my mud caked jeans and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, no… I really don't."

"She speaks again!" Chloe exclaimed.

"I could say the same for you…at least during the car ride-"

"Look," she interrupted. "We both had to mull over some shit, a lot happened. I know you will talk when you're ready. I wasn't about to press you about it in the car."

"Thanks…" I said weakly in response. She gave me a warm smile. I walked across the room to the other side of the bed and began to pull off my clothes. I could feel her watching me. I blushed in response, praying to God the room was too dim for her to see anything. I quickly slid under the covers and melted into the mattress. I let out a hum of approval.

"See? Better right?" She chuckled. I nodded in agreement. Chloe jumped on top of the bed. Part of me was relieved she wasn't under the covers with me, but now I had to stop myself from staring at her.

"Chloe? I have to tell you something..." I start, completely unsure about how to tell Chloe but certain I have to.

"Talk to me, Max."

"I…I feel like I somehow went back. I can't explain it…" Chloe adjusted herself so now she was facing me on her side, her eyes locked on me. "I don't know if it was a dream or if this is a ni-dream…" I swallowed. I had her full attention. "Somehow, I- we… went back…" She raised her eyebrow.

"We?" She questioned.

"Yes… In this...d-dream…you still got shot, but then time fast forwarded to the day of the storm and I thought you died in that bathroom. I was devastated. Your mother texted me to meet her at the diner for the 'service'..."

Chloe interrupted. "How do you know it's 'we' if I died-"

"Hold on, I'm getting to that…" I turned to my side so we could talk face to face, though I stayed firmly under the covers. "I went and met your mom and she brought me back, I had no clue what happened because of the time jump. I was too scared to check my phone to see what happened. I honestly regretted my decision to go back, I just wanted to be with you…" My voice croaked as I held back tears. "So we got to your house and your mom told me to wait in you room, you can only imagine how difficult it was to make myself go in there…" Chloe nodded her understanding. "Well, when I finally did. I sat on your bed and noticed something was off…"

"Off?" She asked.

"Yeah, Rachel's posters were in the trash. It seemed out of place. I didn't understand…" I trailed off remembering what came next.

Chloe's brows furrowed, waiting for me to continue.

"Next thing I know I'm picking my jaw off the floor because you busted into your room drying your hair like nothing happened." A smile crept up onto my face. "You asked if I was going to give you a hug or just sit there and I was even more confused."

"O-kay.." Chloe looked at my face studying my expression.

"Well, it was you… not past Chloe, you knew everything from before. You somehow traveled back in time with me. I think we both went back because you were holding the photo with me as I focused on it. Everything was fine, the service your mom mentioned was for Rachel… We went and everyone was alive. You remembered, everything. It was perfect…" I tapered off as I noticed Chloe's eyes harden.

"Well, I'm pretty sure that was a dream, because I am sitting right here in front of you, and well. I'm me…" She said sharply before rolling away from me.

"Chloe- look, stop…" I said as I pulled my hand out of the covers and placed it on her arm. "I'm here with you. It doesn't matter where I am or what timeline. I just want to be with you… I'm fine as long as I have you by my side… my partner in crime."

Chloe pulled away from my hand, her face still facing away. She stood up and started heading toward the bathroom. "I'm gonna shower, okay?" She said as she shut the door. I heard the shower start and I closed my eyes.

I felt so guilty but I couldn't help but be irritated with Chloe, I didn't know what to choose. She guided me to that choice, she was right about everyone needing to live and getting justice for Rachel, but I didn't want to give her up. It hit me as soon as I was in that bathroom. I wanted to go back immediately, the only reason I managed staying was because it's what Chloe wanted me to do. And then she ended up being okay. Shit this is so confusing. I think it was safe to say this was the real timeline and that was a dream. If it was real wouldn't she have come back to this timeline with me? I let out a groan. Not only that, it's harder to pick up where we left off here. Chloe was distant and quiet. I have to be careful how I word things. I just want us to be okay. Was that too much to ask?

I heard the shower stop. I could hear the curtains slide from behind the door. These walls were paper thin in here. I could even hear her wet feet patter onto the tile floor. I needed to fix things, or somehow show her that I just want to be here with her. That what happened in that timeline, or dream, or whatever doesn't change how I felt about her. My thoughts stopped as I heard her open the bathroom door and walk out. She was in her underwear, same as before. Her face was softer, maybe the shower relaxed her a bit…

"Dude, I feel so much better…" She said as she plopped down on the bed. She eyed me cautiously, almost looking a little guilty.

"I'm glad." I said sweetly. Chloe sighed.

"Look Max, I'm...sorry about earlier. It just...with everything that happened...it hurt to hear about some future where everything works out. And you looked so happy talking about it...it felt like you didn't want to be with me…"

"Chloe, that's not…"

"It's okay," she said. She turned to face me, inching closer to the middle of the bed. My eyes caught her gaze. "I'm not so good at this mushy shit…what you had to do was an impossible choice, and I know you were going back for me… life… isn't fucking fair sometimes and I am probably extremely selfish for this? But, I am hella glad you couldn't go back."

I felt relieved. She wasn't one to open up so I will take this. Maybe I should... I slowly sat up, the blanket sliding off of me. I inched closer, my hand accidentally brushing against hers.

She continued, "Max…I uh-...I'll always be with you, okay? I want you to know I'm not leaving your side, fucking ever." She was rubbing the back of her neck a small blush creeping on her cheeks. "Your parents are going to have to deal-mphh" I cut her off with a kiss. I didn't know what to say either. I just want her to know I care and this was honestly the only way I know how to show it right now. She pushed back onto my lips, deepening the kiss. Chloe felt desperate and sloppy. Next thing I knew I was on my back and she was lying on top of me, elbows at either side of me. Her breasts brushed up against mine and I let out a soft moan into her mouth. My body was on fire. Chloe wasn't holding back, she wanted this just as much as I did. Her tongue started to part my lips, seeking entrance. I let her. The kiss was somehow deeper and I felt like I was out of breath. After what seemed like minutes we broke apart and we just stared at each other, panting. My brain was hazy but this was going too fast. I felt my anxiety creep into my chest and Chloe seemed to notice.

"S-sorry…" She panted. "Too much?". I just nodded. She pulled herself off of me and slid under the covers. "I'm guessing you've never gone that far…" I nodded again. "I'm also guessing I'm your first…" I slowly nodded yes once more. "Whoa, excuse me. Are you serious Caulfield? I'm your first kiss?" She seemed thrilled at that fact. "That dare, really?" Yikes, De'ja vu much? This is almost exactly how she reacted before. Even with the different circumstances.

"No, seriously. That is hella awesome. That actually makes me feel really good. You initiated that one back by the lighthouse too earlier. 'Ooh la la' Max… Color me impressed." Her expression changed as her brows knit together. That was different. "Max, you look like you just saw a ghost…"

"Well, you…practically said that same thing word for word in my 'dream' I had before…"

"W-wait…are you telling me we made out in your dream?" She wiggled her eyebrows. I felt my face turn red.

"Of course that's what you would focus on you dork! Besides, you came onto me that time, all mushy about the song that was playing when we first kissed." I retorted.

"That Bright Eyes song?" She smiled. She began to hum the tune. She poked my side and I smacked her hand away.

"I don't know what's more embarrassing, that you are losing your punk touch? Or that you are turning into a hipster." I laughed.

"Ex-cuse me, Caulfield? Do I need to remind you that my fingers are inches from your defenseless sides?"

"Okay, okay! I surrender…" I say quickly,knowing what happened the last time. I rather not gasp for air again.

"Jeez that was easy. So ready to give up. I didn't even do anything…" She smirks.

"Let's just say, I know what happens and I rather not squirm to death…"

She squints her eyes, suspicious of me now. I should probably not mention the dream Chloe anymore.

We are both facing each other inches apart and it's not so bad right now. I have Chloe, which was the point of everything. I finally felt like I was getting over the fact that the dream wasn't real. "Chloe?" The blunette locked eyes with mine.

"Max?" She questioned in return. She reached out and rested her hand on my hip.

"I'm glad…I'm here…with you…" I said shyly.

"Me too Max, we'll get through this. We always have before…" She pulled me in, placing a kiss on my temple. I melted in her arms. I could feel her rubbing circles on my back. I finally drift to sleep in her warm embrace.

….

I slowly stirred awake. I felt oddly cold. I squinted open my eyes and was immediately blinded by white light. I shut them tight, I felt oddly heavy. Am, I on the... floor?... I had a splitting headache. I heard a camera whir. What the fuck. My heart was in my throat.

"This angle highlights your purity, see?" I shuddered in disgust at the raspy voice above me. No-NO this can't be happening, what the fuck is going on! "The slightly unconscious model is often the most open and honest… No vanity or posing, just…pure expression." How the fuck am I here? This is insane, I can't believe this! "Oh Christ… Look at that perfect face." I tried to move, squinting from the bright lights around me. I felt him hit my leg, "Hold that stare there!" I flinched. "Stay. Still!" This was exactly what happened before. I needed to relax, I got out of this before right? I can do it again… I heard the camera whirring again. "Oh, Max! You fucked up my shot!" I tried to open my eyes again… "But please don't worry, we have all the time in the world…" He paused. What, he didn't finish- "Max, Max, Max… You are in your own personal hell now. With me to keep you company every time you close your eyes. How sweet is that? We can have so many photoshoots together now? We really do have all the time in the world." I could see his sneer. I felt sick, this wasn't real.

"You're not real, this isn't fucking real!" I spat "Seriously, fuck you." If this is a dre-no nightmare, I should be able to wake myself up or control it?

"Tsk…" He clicked his tongue. "Oh, Max… I don't think you are getting out of this that easy. I'm in your head you see? We will be together until you stop breathing…" Wow, I hate to think this but I really would rather see 'Evil Max' now. "Is that what you call her? That's honestly pretty awful… Max, I'm in your head. Did you really not understand that the first time?"

"Blah, blah, blah-"

He interrupted, "Like I haven't heard that before…" He crouched beside me, this was all too real, the sights the smells, I could practically feel everything. He grabbed my chin forcefully. I tried to pull away. I saw the needle in his hand too late. "Say 'hi' to that blue-haired bitch for me." I spat into his face. He growled and plunged the needle into my neck. Things instantly went hazy.

….

I ripped awake screaming "NO!" my head pounding again. I brought my hand up to my nose and felt the warm substance trickle down my lips… Blood... It was so dark, I have no clue what reality this is. I broke out into a cold sweat. Suddenly I felt a hand touch my back and I jumped.

"Fuck Max, sorry I didn't mean to scare you... but you nearly gave me a heartattack." I heard Chloe's voice and I just rushed to hug her immediately. "Whoa it's okay… shh… I got you. Bad dream?" I nodded into her shirt. 'Shirt?' Last time I checked Chloe was practically naked. I pulled back and stood up in the bed feeling myself. Shirt? Shorts? "Max, are you okay?... I'm pretty sure both your boobs are still there girl..."

I was not okay. I didn't know what was real anymore. This was all so confusing. If this wasn't a dream was I ripping through different realities? That Chloe back there was auto pilot Chloe? This… this is the real one… What the hell. I sat back down and Chloe took my hands.

"Dude, for real…are you okay?" She looked worried now.

"Can you just…hold me? I-I will tell you later…" She didn't question it. I was being unfair withholding information from her but I still hadn't even figured this out. I felt her arms snake around my waist and she gently pulled me to her side so we were now spooning. I felt safe and warm. But I was still terrified to go back to sleep. I felt like I hadn't slept in days. Am I going crazy? Is my mentality making my power go out of whack? I sighed and snuggled back closer into Chloe.

"Careful Caulfield. I don't know if I can hold back." I could feel her smiling against my neck. I elbowed her in response. "Ouuffh… dude, I have a hole in my side." I twisted around in her arms to face her.

"Shit Chloe, I'm so sorry!" I didn't know how to feel. I was not in the mood for her games but she didn't know.

"Seriously Max…are you going to be okay?" I guess Chloe could tell I was off.

This is so odd. I feel like I'm cheating. I mean they are the same person? But this Chloe is the real one, right? That means I cheated on her… If my theory is even right. Wowsers this hurts my head. I sighed.

I could barely make it out, but Chloe was squinting at me with a visible frown. "M-Max, I think your nose is bleeding…"

Shit…"Oh, I didn't even notice…" I lied.

"Are you…" I knew what she was about to say.

"No, I haven't been using my rewind. I promise…I refuse to use it." That was the truth. "It must of been the nightmare…" I mumbled.

"Right…" She got up and left the room in a few strides.

What was that all about? Chloe rushed back in with what looks like a napkin in her hand? She plopped in front of me and wiped away the blood with a damp paper towel. She was slightly rough about it but it was still a sweet gesture.

"T-thanks.." I stuttered out.

"No problem Maxi Pad…" She tossed the napkin and it missed the bin. "C'mere…" Chloe pulled me in and hugged me tight. There was a stark difference between this Chloe and the Chloe on auto-pilot. Thinking that also feels wrong…Chloe 2?...Ugh… The Chloe here was happier, probably because she got to experience the best possible outcome with me and retain all her memories. Well, sacrifice Arcadia Bay Chloe… yikes…she lost everyone but me. So she probably could and would lash out at any moment. That timeline was so much harder to deal…

"What's going on in that head of yours, Max?" Chloe said, interrupting my thoughts. She lifted her finger and placed it on my forehead. "You're so lost in thought…" Chloe was watching me intensly. I could feel her breath on my neck. It sent a shudder down my spine. This Chloe definitely loves the proximity. "Are you cold?" She pulled me closer, her soft breathing hitting my ear. This was heaven, but I was fighting to stay awake.

"Chlo-.. Chloe? Can you keep me up? I really don't want to fall back asleep after that…" I spoke softly.

"Oh? I have ways of keeping you up, just tell me how you want it done." I flicked her nose. "Max…" She grinned.

"You perv!" I said in defense.

"Me? Nooo, Max you must be delusional. Besides you're the one who went there." She snorted.

"Wasn't my intention at all…" The smirk was still plastered on her face.

Well, she had me there. I let out a small sigh and started to turn away from her. Suddenly a glint caught my eye. The moonlight was reflecting off of something behind Chloe. I leaned forward and noticed it was a photo taped to the small bookcase beside Chloe's side of the bed. I could feel my whole body tense as I realized it wasn't just any photo, it was the photo. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Chloe give me a concerned look, but I couldn't tear myself away from it. She turned around and followed my eyes, immediately looking at the photo. My mind was racing, wondering as to the why or how she had the photo of the blue butterfly. I reached past Chloe, leaning over her, and took the photograph into my hands. I sat back, holding it with a tight grip. I felt a swell of different emotions bubbling inside me. Chloe instantly wrapped her arms around me. I felt her head rest on mine as I continued to stare at the Polaroid. I felt warm and could barely make out what Chloe was saying into my ear. My eyes got heavy and my vision blurred, unable to fight sleep a moment longer.