Wowsers, 15 chapters. Thank you to all the fans, I'll see you on the other side of this few day break. Sorry in advance.
I'm sorry for what's going to happen tonight Max, but you'll make it through, I promise –CC
The text message from the now infamous CC was on Max's mind for the rest of the flight, and the trip to the hotel. Even though it was a school sanctioned trip and Max should have been staying with Ms. Grant, it was Max and Victoria that would share a room with Kate and Ms. Grant in the other. This of course wouldn't matter because in the double bed room now shared by Max and Victoria there would be more than enough room for Kate—it'd pretty much been decided upon already.
I'm sorry for what's going to happen tonight. What the hell kind of message is that, what's supposed to happen now?
She was supposed to be getting ready for the trip to the Zeitgeist Gallery where her picture was on display for San Francisco to see, but the thoughts and the worry over what the message could be threatened to swallow her whole on a night that should be hers.
Max was sitting on the edge of the bed when Victoria came up behind her.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready Max?"
Max shook herself out of the funk she was in. "Yeah, I should, thank Victoria." She opened her suitcase and looked inside for what she was going to wear to the gallery tonight. It was funny that she had already experienced this event once, on a different day, and was now going back for the first time. Max decided to keep it simple as she pulled out the same black jeans, white shirt, and tan jacket that she wore during her original experience in the gallery.
As Max changed Victoria just stood watching while idly folding clothes that had just been unfolded from her suitcase. About halfway through putting her shirt on Max noticed this and asked, "Something wrong?"
"I was just thinking," Victoria started without missing a beat, "That you've done this before already, haven't you?"
Max could only nod to that. "Yeah."
Victoria smiled as Max continued to dress for the event. "Don't sound so down about it, I wish it was my art that was being portrayed right now."
Max stopped while putting on her pants and looked at Victoria. "It probably would have been if you didn't interfere."
A shrug from the blonde who chose just the right cashmere sweater to put on. "Perhaps, but you deserved to win Max. I do stand by what I said before that we should collaborate on something once we get back to Blackwell."
Her pants on, Max was just putting the belt through the loops. "I'd like that Victoria."
Victoria grabbed her makeup kit and stepped into the bathroom to make sure things were perfect. Soon there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it Victoria," Max said as she went to the door and opened it. Kate was standing there beaming, while Ms. Grant stood behind her.
"I take it we're just about ready ladies?"
Max went back to the bed and grabbed her jacket. "I'm good to go," Max said confidently as she put the jacket on. When Victoria came out of the bathroom and looked at Max she shook her head.
"At least the hipster look is quite popular here in San Francisco Max. It'll play quite well I think."
Max stuck her tongue out at Victoria.
"I like it, it's very Max, the one we've been missing lately," Kate added.
Victoria grabbed her purse and the four ladies were off to the gallery.
The taxi dropped the four off at the Gallery. Max knew exactly what to expect, but none of the others had. Max had found its mix of red brick and industrial design to be a wonderful mix that she enjoyed immensely. Victoria smiled knowingly toward Max.
"Even the hipster's art is in a hipster building." Victoria couldn't help but laugh at her own joke. Kate thought the place looked cute and Ms. Grant stayed silent with her opinion as they went in.
Victoria and Kate went over to the wall where Max knew her name was located. Much like last time Max took a deep breath as she stepped inside.
"You know Max, I'm so proud of you for the way you've overcome the adversity of this week. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to interact with the art community that you're now a part of."
Max smiled up at Ms. Grant. Ms. Grant's speech was much more personal, but she felt that Principal Wells had gotten his point across much more simply. "I suppose that I should get out there and schmooze?"
Ms. Grant laughed. "Something like that Max. The most important thing is that you try to enjoy yourself tonight. You've earned this, and no one can take that away from you."
"Thanks Ms. Grant." Max replied before getting out there to do what she was told.
As she approached Victoria and Kate she was reminded once more.
I'm sorry for what's going to happen tonight Max, but you'll make it through, I promise –CC
When she joined her friends she took both of their hands and started leading them through the gallery. "I'll show you where my picture is," Max said confidently.
"You already know where it is?" Kate asked a little confused.
Victoria looked over at Max and Kate before speaking up. "Yeah, Max got a text earlier showing her exactly where her photo would be located."
Max stayed quiet and Kate accepted the explanation. She still wasn't sure how, or even what photo Max had submitted to the contest. She led her two companions to the stairs on the left.
As they walked through the gallery there was all sorts of overheard talk about the exhibits, about Jefferson being arrested, about the girl from Blackwell.
Every time Max was mentioned indirectly Kate couldn't help but squeal. Oh Kate, I love your enthusiasm, how different you are with your depression gone. Even Victoria was smiling brightly at Kate's giddiness.
Max knew the path that would lead them straight to look at her picture and she led her friends down it. When it finally came into view Max stopped, stunned. Huh.
When Victoria told her about picking up her picture in the bathroom Max had feared the worst—that fucking blue butterfly that seemed to set in motion both her greatest triumph and her greatest heartache. So Max was completely surprised when it was her selfie of the selfie wall, but torn in half. In the enlarged version it wasn't even put back together properly, the two halves were separated by just enough that people could realize that it was ripped apart.
Max's damaged selfie had a rather large crowd around it, far more than what she had seen in the aborted timeline when she thought everything was cool. Knowing that it wasn't as bad as she had expected it to be, Max led her little group forward so they could hear the crowd.
"I still don't get art. Why would it be ripped in half?"
"She was sending a message about the destruction of the self."
"This Max Caulfield girl is a genius, subverting the selfie and then subverting her own picture of that. It's layers within layers, worlds within worlds."
"It's even better than that Jake. According to the program the picture wasn't even submitted by the artist herself, so she didn't just subvert the selfie and her own picture, but the whole Everyday Heroes contest."
"I told you, genius."
"I think that's the first time I've seen an entry with a dedication."
This last comment caught Max off guard. She let go of both Victoria and Kate and pressed forward through the crowd. When the crowd realized who it was trying to press through they easily parted.
"That's her, that's Max Caulfield."
"The program said she couldn't make it last night."
Max reached the picture and looked underneath it. Victoria had gone all out in submitting Max's picture for her.
Broken – Max Caulfield, Blackwell Academy, Arcadia Bay, OR
In loving memory of Chloe Price.
A smile crossed her mouth and she exited the crowd to find Kate and Victoria. While the two girls looked at her Max went right up to Victoria and gave her a giant hug. "Thank you," she whispered.
Victoria wrapped her arms around Max and also quietly said, "You're welcome." It took but a moment for Kate to come behind Max and soon the three girls were hugging.
When they broke the hug the group was approached by a man that Max had recognized immediately.
"You're Max Caulfield right, my name is—"
"Danny Lee," Max said with a smile. "I read your work all the time!"
Unlike last time when Max seemed to have hero worship and couldn't even get in two words edgewise, she controlled the conversation. Danny seemed a bit surprised.
"Well then, I might as well tell you that I love your work, how you took the ironic selfie and literally destroyed it. I'd like to set up an appointment to talk to you more about your work, maybe see your portfolio and feature it in an upcoming article."
"Of course Danny, I'd like that."
Danny nodded and pulled out a card. "Give me a call, I can't wait to talk with you Max."
And as quickly as he came flying in, he was gone.
Victoria and Kate both turned to stare at Max.
"Danny Lee is gushing all over your work Max," Victoria said with a smile but also a hint of jealousy. "I guess you were right Caulfield."
"Right about what Victoria?"
"That you don't have to be a cutthroat bitch to make it in the art world. You're one of the most chill people ever and you've already got Danny Lee fawning over you. You're going places Max, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was envious."
Max shook her head. "That's nonsense Victoria. "You're gonna be big too, I just know it. And I'll be right on the sidelines cheering you on the whole time."
Victoria laughed, "What, you've seen the future?"
Victoria's phone dinged with a text message.
Another shake of Max's head. "I've seen your work, I know you'll be awesome."
Victoria checked her phone. As she glanced at the message on the screen it took all her concentration to keep a poker face.
She's right you know –CC
She put her phone away and smiled to Max. "Let's go check out the competition."
"Victoria!"
"Kidding Max, I know it's art."
The three spent the next several hours around the gallery checking out the pieces, debating about them, critiquing. Max as always took a few random photos of various patrons of the gallery. Most didn't notice, though a few did and were unhappy until they recognized Max's face from the program. It's amazing how quickly people go from being angry about random pictures to being honored when it's a famous (at least in this room at this moment) photographer taking the picture.
Finally it was getting late and Ms. Grant tracked them down. "I know they've had a spread out here, but I suppose you ladies are about ready for a real dinner?"
They all nodded and Victoria spoke up. "We should go out for burgers."
Max, Kate, and Ms. Grant all stopped and just stared at Victoria.
Becoming a little unnerved by the staring, Victoria looked between the three of them and said, "What? Did I say something wrong?"
Max took the honors. "I don't imagine any of us thought Victoria Chase would even be okay with the idea of burgers, let alone suggesting it."
Victoria couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, I normally keep to a strict diet, but fuck the diet." She turned a little red and sweetly said, "Sorry Ms. Grant." When Ms. Grant nodded to the blonde Victoria continued. "I figured we've all had such a hellish week with everything that has gone on that something simple, enjoyable, and classic is called for today."
None of the other ladies could argue so they went out to find a burger place.
When they finally found a place the three girls learned a lot about each other. Kate was the one who went with the vegetarian burger to the groan of both Max and Victoria. Max went the opposite route, she wanted her burger plain, only meat and cheese on it. Victoria surprised everyone when she ordered the restaurants largest burger and managed to wolf it down before the other girls had gotten halfway through. Lesson learned—Victoria stuck to a strict diet because that girl could have probably eaten the restaurant out of existence and not been sated.
Another Taxi ride and the girls were back at the hotel. Kate received a text message upon entering and frowned. When they got up to the floor with their rooms Kate said she had to call her dad, but Max thought there was something off about the way Kate was acting. Kate excused herself and Max and Victoria went into their room.
Much to Max's surprise there was a cart waiting in their room with a bottle of wine on it and two glasses.
"Um, did we get someone else's room service by mistake?" Max asked once the door was shut.
Victoria shook her head. "No. The reservation is in my dad's name so I had him call and send one up." Victoria went to the wine bottle and picked it and the corkscrew up. She deftly uncorked the bottle and poured some into a glass. "Want some Max?"
Max hesitated for just a moment. Flashbacks to her and Chloe spilling wine on Joyce's floor and vigorously trying to get it out of the carpet played in her mind. When she looked up and Victoria seemed disappointed that Max seemed to be leading towards no she quickly said, "Sure, why not."
Victoria poured a second glass and picked up the glass to hand to Max. Max took it and Victoria smiled. "To Max Caulfield, our famous photographer of Blackwell."
Max rolled her eyes. "To Victoria Chase, a soon to be famous artist in her own right and without who Max would still be a nobody."
A warm smile crossed Victoria's face and they clanked glasses together. They both drank their glasses, and the refills until the bottle was gone.
They laid on the separate beds so as not to disturb each other in their activities before bed (besides, Kate hadn't returned yet). Victoria was just texting back and forth on her phone and Max was reading Kate's copy of The October Country. I really should return this to Kate.
It was approaching 10:30 when Max started to grow concerned that Kate hadn't come back. As she put the book down and pulled out her headphones she looked over and saw Victoria on her side, apparently sobbing.
Max grew instantly concerned and leapt off the bed over to Victoria. Putting her hand on Victoria's back, she tried to comfort her friend. "Victoria, what's wrong."
Victoria sat up with Max's help and looked at Max all teary eyed. It was a good thing that Victoria had put on waterproof mascara, otherwise she'd look a mess right now. "Max, I'm being such a selfish bitch."
Okay, that's out of nowhere. Max shook her head, "You're not Victoria, at least I don't see how you are."
The blonde shook her head in response to that. "I am. I'm fucking jealous and want something that isn't mine, and it's killing me inside."
Max remained confused by what Victoria said. "Nonsense Victoria. It's just the wine talking."
Victoria shook her head. "No. I want something I can't have, and I know it's not fair. It's not fair that I want it and it's not fair to the other person that I want it. They deserve better."
Oh I had to know boy drama would come into the picture. "It's not Zach, is it?"
Victoria stopped sobbing to look up at Max a little incredulous. "Gawd no, it's not Zach."
"Then I don't get it."
"Am I a good person Max?"
Max couldn't help but smile warmly at her friend. "Yes you are Victoria. Deep down you're a wonderful person even if your insecurities make you feel like you have to be mean to everyone."
Victoria smiled a little. "I like you Max," she said softly.
"And I like you Victoria," Max replied almost automatically. For some reason this made Victoria frown and sigh.
She pulled herself back from Max a little bit and turned to face her.
"No Max, I mean I really like you. I always thought you were kind of cool and this week has opened my eyes to how awesome of a person you are Max Caulfield. I'm a better person as your friend, and I really like being with you."
Max sat there silent for the moment.
"It's why I asked if you were in love with Chloe. I've had these feelings building up inside me all week and I wanted to know if I had a chance. But I can't do that to you Max." The tears started flowing again.
Victoria continued, "You let me in when I read your journal and I get that you loved Chloe. It's not fair for me to sit here and hope you could love me when you just lost your best friend and the love of your life. I love you Max."
Max nodded and sat there for a moment—she knew she had to get this one right. Finally she smiled and said, "Chloe was my best friend, and you're right. But Victoria, I really like you too."
Victoria smiled and leaned forward. Max didn't stop her as Victoria's lips pressed against her own. It was only a short kiss but Max felt sparks fly at it.
"Wowser," Max said, both the girls giggling.
This time however it was Max's turn. She didn't know if this was right, she didn't know if it was dishonoring Chloe's memory. Maybe it was the wine talking, but at this moment in time she wanted nothing more than to kiss Victoria Chase.
Max leaned in, raising her left hand to cup Victoria's face. In that moment everything was a blur and Max's head started to hurt.
Victoria continued, again, "You let me in when I read your journal and I get that you loved Chloe. It's not fair for me to sit here and hope you could love me when you just lost your best friend and the love of your life. I love you Max."
Max took in a sharp breath of air and started shaking. "No, no, no, no, no." She scurried off the bed and ran from the hotel room crying and saying "no" over and over, leaving a confused and crying Victoria Chase in her wake.