6000 views, 50 followers. I'm glad people are enjoying this story and seeing where it's going. As much as I'm in the process of feeling closure for Life is Strange I find myself starting it back up to get certain details and of course I find myself getting sucked right back in-not that this is a bad thing. I hope you keep enjoying!
To the first guest: You're right, Kate's reaction to the diary would be rather interesting and probably will happen at some point.
lestibur: Yeah, it wasn't something I expected when I first saw the LiS fanfiction, but I kind of thought it was possible. It creates such an unlikely dynamic.
Second guest: There's one or two of those missing things that may not get resolved in the story, but there's so much more to come. I'm thinking of making the story episodic (all the current chapters would be part of Episode 1) and if I do that much more will get resolved before its over.
Also, yay for holidays-a supersized chapter 12 for you.
Max felt numb after the long day that had already been. Her day starting getting attacked by Victoria certainly didn't help anything, but that wasn't the hardest part of the morning. Even when Victoria accused her of theft and learned that things were much darker than she could have expected. Victoria now knew the truth, that it was Max's fault that Chloe was dead.
Well, that wasn't quite accurate. Victoria now knew that Max at one point had rewind powers, and that she had lived this entire week before. That wasn't quite accurate either. Max had lived a version of this week where Kate committed suicide, and Mark Jefferson drugged Max and murdered Chloe, Victoria, and Nathan. Oh, and there was a giant tornado that was trying to wipe out Arcadia Bay.
Max knew that Victoria struggled with trying to accept everything that was going on, but the evidence was overwhelming. Max knew that Kate was thinking about jumping. Max had Victoria's bracelet. Max knew about what Jefferson planned. Even a news report this morning confirmed that the body of Rachel Amber was found exactly where Max's journal said it was.
After Victoria had read the diary she just wanted to hold Max, and that she did. Max figured that Victoria had hugged her for about an hour before Max finally had to ask for some breathing room. It also helped that Max had received a text from Joyce inviting her over to the diner for breakfast and to give her something.
Victoria had offered to drive Max there but Max chose to take the bus, she needed a little bit of alone time given that she was pretty much surrounded by either Victoria or Kate the entire time. When she had left the dorm she heard some of the girls commenting about Max being alone, but she tuned it out with the help of her headphones and some Syd Matters.
Breakfast was good, although Max kept thinking back to her conversation with Joyce and David the day before. She had sort of lied to them about Chloe, said that she'd actually had a chance to speak with her but that they kept it quiet. She told David it wasn't his fault Chloe died, and that as much as she hated him she was warming up to him—after all he had made Joyce happy and allowed her to move on. Max told her Chloe still wanted to blame everyone else for her life (Max included of course) but that the tide was starting to change.
Max wasn't really sure if this revelation helped David or hurt him more—after all, the idea that with time they could have truly started being a family weighed heavily on him. Joyce seemed vindicated, or at least as vindicated as someone who had lost both a husband and her only daughter could be.
She was only slightly surprised that when she was done with breakfast Joyce brought out a box for Max to have. The box contained a few of Chloe's belongings such as William's instant camera (that Max had been using during the now-gone week), some video tapes, and a load of old Polaroid pictures that Max had taken of the two of them when they were younger. Max tried to insist that she couldn't but Joyce would hear none of it—they were after all the memories of Max and Chloe.
The Snow Doe sat next to her laptop as she sorted through the pile of pictures, looking at each one and closing her eyes remembering the moment as best she could. It was a very bittersweet moment for her as she had some wonderful times with Chloe but now missed her more than ever. It sort of helped that she was getting bothered by random texts.
Brooke: Hey Max, thank you!
Max: For?
Brooke: Getting Warren to go on a date with me finally. We've spent the last two days hanging out, it's been AMAZING!1
Max: Good! (*＾v＾*) Warren is a nice guy and he deserves someone his speed who likes him back, and I think you two are perfect for each other!
Brooke: I'll find some way to repay you Max. I never would have believed you to be so kind if I wasn't watching your talk with Warren.
Max: … you were watching us?
Brooke: Wait, you didn't know?
Max: I have no clue what you're talking about.
Brooke: … oh, you didn't sign a text CC?
Max: No, my name is Max, remember.
Brooke: Weird.
Max barely had time to register the sweet yet very odd conversation with Brooke when a new set of messages had come in.
Blackwell Alert System: Parents and Students of Blackwell. In light of the recent tragedy on campus, the following changes will be implemented. (1/4)
Blackwell Alert System: Principal Wells has been placed on indefinite leave. Ms. Grant will take over duties as acting principal. (2/4)
Blackwell Alert System: Grief Counselors will be available on campus through the end of the month. Classes will resume Tuesday. (3/4)
Blackwell Alert System: The Everyday Heroes Contest winner will be announced tonight -Principal Grant (4/4)
At least the raging alcoholic who covered for Nathan will be gone. Ms. Grant should do well in his place, though why is she still giving out the award for the Everyday Heroes contest?
Max no sooner set her phone down to resume looking at pictures when there was a soft knock on her door that could only belong to Kate. Before Max could pick herself up off the floor an envelope was slid underneath the door. She was able to reach over and grab the envelope, tearing it open.
Inside was a fancy card with what was clearly Kate's handwriting, though it seemed Kate was trying her hardest to make it look like fancy calligraphy.
Miss Maxine Caulfield,
Come on Kate, you know it's Max, never Maxine.
You are cordially invited to a spot of afternoon tea in the room of one Miss Kate Marsh at 2 pm.
Max smiled warmly at that. For all of her insecurities and all of her differences, Kate was a lot like Victoria—extremely sweet on the inside but treated much differently than the queen. She looked at her clock and noticed that she only had half an hour before she was expected for tea. Max grabbed her shower stuff and headed to go clean up.
While Max was in the shower she heard two people enter and immediately recognized the voices of Dana and Juliet. Dana was the one speaking as the two girls went to the mirror and started checking out their makeup and hair. "How's the new article coming Juliet?"
"Awful Dana. I want to write about the truth around Nathan Prescott and his murder of that girl but I'm not able to get an in anywhere. The police won't talk, Principal Wells wouldn't talk before he was removed, none of the teachers are talking."
"What about Max? She was there in the bathroom when it happened?" Dana asked as she brushed her hair.
"I think I have a better chance of a full confessional from Nathan to be honest. That girl has a security force around her that would make Mister Madsen jealous."
"What do you mean Juliet?"
"Between Victoria and Kate she's almost never alone, and Victoria has told people to stay away from Max unless Max approaches them first."
Dana looked confused at that. You know Max, you really have to stop this spying on people while taking a shower bit. "What do you think Victoria's game is? Revenge on you for that article you wrote about Vortex Club?"
Juliet shook her head. "I'm not really sure it is a game. Besides, Victoria already had plans for revenge on that and already apologized for what she did. That came out of nowhere. No, I think for whatever reason Victoria has decided to use her powers for good instead of evil and is just trying to protect Max. Now what made Victoria do that would be an interesting story, but alas I doubt the queen will ever spill her secrets."
"Victoria Chase being protective of someone, who'd have thought?" Dana finished preening in the mirror and the two girls nodded at each other before leaving.
Max hurried up her shower and returned to her room. As much as she knew Kate would hope that she'd dress fancy, Max couldn't bring herself to do it, she just simply put on a pair of jeans and a burgundy t-shirt that read "100% Organic".
Heading just across the hall she knocked on Kate's door which was promptly opened. Kate had rearranged her room so that a little nightstand was now acting as a table in the center of the room—though this would have them sitting on the floor due to its low height. Glad I wore jeans. Kate was all smiles as she let Max in.
"Welcome Miss Caulfield."
"Thank you Miss Marsh." Max looked at the table and noticed that instead of two settings there were three cups for tea. "Are we expecting a third?"
"Well, I'm hoping. I left an invitation for Victoria just like I had for you but I don't think she's around right now. I haven't seen her since we had lunch together."
Max couldn't help but smile and let out a little chuckle as she sat down in front of one of the settings in the middle of the room. "Oh, so now you two are having dates without me huh?"
Kate instantly turned red. "MAX!"
Laughter overcame Max. As much as she loved her friend she knew that Kate could be way too sensitive at times. "Sorry Kate, couldn't help it."
For her part Kate quickly brushed it off and smiled at it. "It was pretty funny," she said. Was Kate embarrassed by it, of course, but here was Max smiling and laughing. She knew all too well how important that could be given the last few days that Max has had.
The two girls waited about fifteen minutes just making small talk about the change in leadership at the school. Ms. Grant in charge was good, the Everyday Heroes contest was weird. Finally Kate sighed a little and said, "I don't think she's going to make it."
Max nodded and picked up the tea pot off the hotplate that was keeping it warm and poured some for herself and Kate. As weird as it was to have a tea date not unlike the imaginary ones that little girls often play when they're younger, it felt nice to Max—no expectations, no pressure, no judgement. Just a nice time, a warm drink, and friends.
Kate put the sugar in their teas and took a sip.
"So some things happened today Max."
Immediately Max got worried. She knew Kate seemed to be doing better but wasn't truly sure if Kate was over her issues.
"The first one is that I got an email from my mother this morning asking for my forgiveness. She's heard all about everything that's been going on here at Blackwell with Nathan and Mister Jefferson and Rachel Amber that she realized that it was her who was being the evil one with how she treated me, not me with going to one party."
Max breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad that things are on the mend with your mother. What about your aunt?"
Kate shrugged at that. "I don't know that it will ever get better. But my dad was secretly cheering for me that I did it. That counts for something, right?"
A grin from the skinny hipster answered that question before she took another sip.
"I got asked to the party tonight."
Max swallowed hard and her eyebrows raised. The idea of Kate being asked to the Vortex Club party wasn't a bad one at all, but given her experience last time and the kind of people at it, an instant wave of needing to protect poor Kate came over her.
"Who asked you Kate?" Max asked with the worry obvious in her voice.
"It was Daniel who asked me. Kind of surprised me. But the other day he asked if he could draw me and I said yes. He made a wonderful picture."
All the tension and worry instantly drained from Max. Daniel was a good art student if not photography student, and an overall nice guy. She remembered the picture that he had drawn of her in the alternate reality and how great it was. "That's great Kate."
"Yeah, but I'm not going to the party. I definitely won't go alone after the last time and I couldn't ask you or Victoria to go with me."
Speak of the devil and she shall appear. It was right at that moment Victoria came into Kate's room with a frown on her face, wearing running shorts and a sports bra.
Not at all out of breath and breathing slowly Victoria said, "Sorry I didn't come by earlier. I went for a jog, I hadn't really gone out this week like I normally would so figured I'd try to get one in."
Kate and Max both shook their heads. Kate spoke up and said, "No worries Victoria. We were just talking."
"I heard. Did I hear this right that Kate got asked to go to a party by a boy?"
Kate turned red and nodded.
"Our little Kate is growing up, isn't she Victoria. Pretty soon it'll be restaurants and r-rated movies," Max said teasing.
"Am I the one that's supposed to hold the shotgun and tell the guy that if she's not back by midnight then he better not come back at all?" Victoria pondered aloud.
"Good Grief you two," Kate responded, her face still red from embarrassment provided courtesy of her friends.
Victoria came in the room further and took a seat at the spot where the third place setting was located. "So why aren't you going then?"
Kate looked at Victoria with her eyebrows raised. "I've had enough Vortex Club parties thank you."
"What if Max and I were there to protect you?"
Kate looked to Max, who looked to Victoria. Victoria had a very serious face on and just nodded to Max. "Um, what she said," Max responded, not knowing what else to do.
Kate perked up, "But what should I wear?"
Victoria's serious face turned to a smile, "Come with me ladies, we're going shopping, my treat."
Taylor and Courtney were getting very frustrated with Frank. His RV parked down at the beach on a not-yet-cold October day.
"What do you mean you won't supply us?" Taylor asked Frank indignantly. "You always hooked up Nathan for the Vortex Club parties."
"Key word there is used to sweetheart. Despite the fact that I used to sell to Nathan, you two, and all of you Blackwell brats, I'm out of the game as far as you're concerned. You need something for your little party, you can just fuck off and get it somewhere else."
"We, we could report you," Courtney said, trying her own tactic to pressure him.
Frank pulled out his knife and started playing with it in his hands. "I could feed you to my dog too, but for now I'll pretend you didn't say that."
Courtney was scared and backed up, hands covering her mouth. Taylor knew when she was defeated. "Come on Courtney." She lead the way off the beach. Fuck, maybe Victoria and Nathan were better cut out for this. Why was I such a bitch to Victoria? You have to learn to stop taking your anger with your mom's situation out on others. Dammit Taylor, you need to make it up some how.
Frank just shook his head and resumed his seat as the girls walked off. He pulled out his cell phone and looked at the last text message he got not five minutes before the girls showed up.
They found Rachel Amber's body this morning. In a few days the police will say that she was murdered via a drug overdose injected into her by Nathan Prescott. You know EXACTLY where Nathan got those drugs Frank! -CC
Frank sat the cell phone down on the arm of the chair, put his head into his hands and started crying.
Kate and Max just kind of followed along when Victoria said she was taking them shopping before the Vortex Club Party. But a short ninety minutes later here they were in Portland going through an array of high end (for the Pacific Northwest) stores and boutiques looking for just the right thing.
Kate stepped out of the dressing room in a little red dress that seemed to have been created just with Kate in mind—definitely club style fashion, showing off her curves and being flirty while still being rather modest. Max took a picture with her Polaroid camera and just beamed at her friend.
"It's perfect Kate, it really is."
Victoria nodded in agreement. "I think this is the one for you Kate." She looked to the clerk helping them. "We'll take it."
"Very good Miss Chase," the clerk said. Victoria hadn't even introduced herself, apparently she had been here before.
Victoria herself had been easy to shop for, she knew exactly what she wanted when she came in—her dress was a body hugging number that accentuated duality. Most of the dress was black and resembled the pencil skirts that Victoria normally wore, but just above her waist the fabric changed to a semi-sheer white top that resembled a corset, with 4 buttons trailing down. Black spaghetti straps finished off the look.
And boy was it a look, both Kate and Max's jaws dropped when Victoria came out modelling it. Max knew that everybody at Blackwell would fall over themselves once they saw Victoria walk in wearing that dress.
Victoria pursed her lips as she looked through the various dresses. She wanted to find something for Max that fits the hipster's personality. She knew Max wasn't a dress girl, but much like her own outfit, she wanted something that would make everyone pause. When the three walked in it would be a case of 'If looks could kill'.
Victoria searched for an hour while the clerk helped Kate accessorize. Max was bemused watching the whole process, just sitting there when Victoria finally called Max over.
"You're going to feel silly I'm sure Max, but trust me, you'll look good!"
Max took a deep breath and headed into the dressing room, not sure what to expect.
Victoria and Kate waited while Max changed into her dress. Kate had been busy while Victoria was searching so she didn't know what to expect when Max came out. Finally the door opened and Max slowly made her way outside. Kate just about fainted.
Max exited the dressing room a little awkwardly. She was wearing black leather boots that went just past her knees, though they looked loose enough to allow the petite brunette to walk in. There was a hint of thigh before a royal blue long sleeve dress hugged the rest of Max's body. It was accessorized perfectly too with a Black belt that wrapped around her hips though never truly connecting, eyelets in the shoulders, and a bit of lace and sheer material over her upper arms.
"Wow Max, you look hot!" Kate couldn't contain what she was thinking any longer. Max grinned sheepishly at the girl. Victoria stood up and right where the small amount of cleavage that Max had was being shown by the dress, she put a silver heart with beads hanging down.
"Perfect," Victoria exclaimed. "We'll check out now."
The clothing that the girls came in with were put into bags so they could wear their new clothes out.
Before they left the store there was only one last thing to be done besides pay. Max pulled the three of them together, Victoria in the middle, Kate on the right side and Max on the left and Max took a Polaroid selfie of the three girls.
Max escaped the store before she could find out how much Victoria spent on the three of them. Victoria seemed happy though. Huh, maybe retail therapy is a thing.
Victoria was right, the look of the three girls in black, blue, and red was having the intended effect. As they walked towards the swimming complex everyone outside stopped at what they were doing and stared. Victoria walked like she owned the school and Max and Kate were doing their own decent job of owning it too. For the two less popular girls the looks and knowing how attractive they looked tonight seemed to have such a massive effect on their confidence that they actually showed that confidence in their every move for once. Max was confident mostly because there was only one moon in the sky tonight.
When they entered into the party entrance, Stella was playing the part of coat check girl. "May I take your… whoa!" Stella was floored as she saw the three girls. Victoria just smiled and made her way to the curtain, Kate flushed red to match her dress and Max just gave a little wave.
Everyone inside reacted in much the same way as the three girls walked in stride. They approached the refreshment table, the one Max knew had only soda and juice and saw Daniel. Like everyone else he seemed stunned by the beauty of the three girls, but as soon as he realized that one of those three was Kate, he looked about to faint. Kate separated from the others to go join Daniel. Victoria looked around for a second before spotting Courtney in the corner.
Max followed Victoria over to Courtney, who looked about as down as she had in the lost week.
"Victoria!" Courtney called out before looking depressed again.
"Where's Taylor," Victoria asked, "I need to talk to you both."
"She's…" Courtney finally noticed Max. "Wow Max, I, wow!"
"Courtney," Victoria said a little more frustrated.
Max leaned into Victoria and said, "Be right back."
For her part Max had a mission. She walked along the pool toward Alyssa. "Hey Alyssa, come here."
Alyssa stood in shock like everyone else. She stepped forward toward Max to see if her eyes were deceiving her or not. Once she did the pool noodle that would have knocked her into the pool went flying behind her. Alyssa turned around and then looked back to Max.
"Be careful Alyssa," Max said before returning to Victoria and Courtney.
Victoria saw the whole thing and just smiled at Max. "Cheater."
Max shrugged. She couldn't deny it.
"Max, keep an eye on Kate, I'm going to the VIP area to talk with Courtney and Taylor."
"Okay," Max replied as she settled up to the refreshment bar and watched Kate and Daniel interact.
When Victoria entered the VIP section she immediately spotted Taylor. It took Taylor a minute but she eventually noticed Victoria and smiled. Despite the fact that Victoria was closing toward Taylor, the latter made her way over and hugged Victoria.
"I'm so sorry Victoria."
Victoria nodded and smiled for a second before frowning a little. "It's your mom, isn't it?"
Taylor nodded. "Her recovery isn't going so well, there've been some setbacks."
"And just like me, you take your insecurities, your stress out on other people."
Taylor hugged Victoria even more. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had this stupid party."
"Nonsense Taylor. You and Courtney did a wonderful job."
Courtney interjected here. "But we couldn't get the stuff that Nathan normally gets."
Victoria shook her head aggressively. "I don't care. I know what happened at the last Vortex Club party and let's just say it's time to change how we do things a little so people don't get hurt."
Both of the girls nodded to Victoria.
"Sorry I haven't been around this week. Life is… bizarre."
"What's up with you hanging out with Jesus Slut and Hipster Trash anyway?" Courtney asked.
Victoria rounded on Courtney and glared. "Do not call them that Courtney." She raised her hands in a signal to stop. "I know exactly what you're going to say, those are my nicknames for them. But that's in the past. This week has been rough as you know, they needed me, and as much as I hate to admit it, I needed them."
Taylor nodded. "We get it Victoria. Besides, you look happy."
Victoria smiled to Taylor. "Don't worry, we'll go to Portland soon enough. Just wait until you see what I did with Kate and Max."
With that Victoria turned away from Taylor, and Courtney rushed over to give Taylor all the juicy details about Max and Kate's dresses.
She surveyed the VIP section for a moment. It's so weird that this is one of the last things an alternate version of me had experienced. The VIP lounge was no longer appealing for her so she made her way back out into the main pool area with most of the party goers.
Max was still sitting by the bar where Victoria had left her, but she was watching Daniel and Kate out there dancing. Brooke and Warren were out there as well. Huh, so he finally gave up on Max. Victoria shook her head and moved back to Max.
"You can't let your friends have all the fun without you."
Victoria grabbed Max's arm and drug her out to where the four were already dancing. Victoria started to dance and after a moment Max awkwardly joined in. We seriously need to teach you how to dance girl. However the thoughts of Max's movements that she apparently called dancing floated away from Victoria. The stress, the pretentiousness, the anger, the self-doubt, it all melted away from Victoria in a moment as the six of them danced together in a group. By the next song Courtney and Taylor had come to join them.
She wasn't sure how long the bliss had lasted, she just knew she felt a little empty when it ended several songs later as the music quit playing. Ms. Grant was on the stage.
"You know, I didn't really like the idea of this party happening tonight, but as I look around and see people here who would have every right to be pissed off at this seeming to enjoy themselves, I think it was an okay choice. But you didn't come here to hear me talk, so I'll just tell you the winner of the Everyday Heroes contest."
Max reached out to hold Victoria's hand. She knew that Victoria wanted this badly. Kate grabbed Victoria's other hand and soon the group of them were holding hands anxious for the announcement.
"And the winner, representing Blackwell at the 2013 Everyday Heroes exhibition in San Francisco, is Maxine Caulfield."
Max rolled her eyes and said her trademarked, "Max, never Maxine," before the look of confusion crossed her face. While everyone was cheering she didn't understand. "But I didn't enter."
Victoria released the hands of Kate and Max. This is the point where Max figured that Victoria would be mad that Max had won, but instead Victoria was beaming. "Surprise. I found your entry in the bathroom and insisted that Ms. Grant accept it as an entry. Congratulations Max!"
Max didn't know what to say, she was absolutely floored that Victoria would do something like that for her.
"You could thank me you know."
"Thank you Victoria, you have no idea how much this means to me."
Victoria shrugged and smiled, "You deserve it Max."
The music started to play and the crowd returned to dancing. Victoria shook her head at Max once more and said, "Come on Max, let me show you how you're supposed to shake that bony hipster ass."
I have uploaded pictures of the dresses the girls got to my tumblr for this story. May use it more in the future, may not. - lismovingforward . tumblr .com