Life is Strange: My Unusual Journey

Chapter 2 of my Life is Strange novelization, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Life is Strange or its characters.

Chrysalis – A Shy Girl's Hardships

Stepping out into the crisp autumn air I instantly felt myself calming down. Taking a deep breath to savour it, I stopped at the top of the steps and just stood for a moment, listening. I could hear the fountain nearby, the various subdued voices of people talking and a strange light buzzing noise, which seemed to be getting louder.

As it grew louder my eyes snapped open and I looked up, following it, I was surprised to see a miniature drone flying overhead. Looking around I soon spotted the owner, it was Brooke, one of the people I had seen earlier in the corridor.

'How did she get one of those…Oh well, so long as it doesn't hit my head, I'm fine.' I thought to myself.

I made my way down the steps, stopping when my foot made contact not with stone, but paper. Looking down I saw a dropped flyer, another Rachel Amber missing person's poster.

I bit my lip as I examined it. 'She's been missing for months, it's good though someone cares about her…I just hope she's okay.'

My mind still full I strode over to the fountain and sat down on the wall around it, I gently mopped my forehead, drying it off at last. Sitting there I felt myself unwind, relaxing at last, I gazed up at the sky.

'Man, this has been one biazzaro day, all that…crazy stuff in the bathroom, Nathan Prescott, that girl. Now I find out I can, rewind time, but how…and why me?' I wondered, as if just thinking about it would provide me with an answer.

I sighed and instead tried to distract myself by observing my surroundings and the people within them.

From where I was sitting I could see Stella caught up in and intense conversation with another girl, one I didn't recognize.

I also spotted Justin and Trevor and the rest of the skater posse by the steps, working on their tricks, I smiled and continued to observe, to my right, partly hidden by a nearby tree, I noted Hayden. He was seated with a group of girls, all obviously from the vortex club.

'There's Hayden, surrounded by those girls again, what is it about him they like I wonder?' I noted to myself before shaking my head. 'No offense Hayden, but jocks do not turn me on; I'll take a nerd any day.'

I almost laughed as I thought that, my mind instantly going to what conclusion others would likely reach if I ever told anyone that. As if on cue at that moment, my phone beeped, indicating I had a text. I quickly checked it and saw it was from Warren.

"Hey Max, can you get my flash drive? I need some info and space." It read.

I smiled and then suddenly realized I had received this message quite a while ago, Warren's latest one was to check why I hadn't replied.

I quickly texted back. "Sorry. Running late, insane day."

"I'll meet you in the lot, looking cool. You'll see."

He replied.

I laughed lightly and texted back. "My camera will be ready, see you shortly."

Smiling I put my phone away and stood up from the fountain.

As I did so I looked up at the statue of Blackwell's founder and noted the angle.

'This would be a perfect shot.' I noted to myself and pulled out my camera.

I carefully knelt down, making sure I was in position and took the photo. Grinning I put the photo and the camera back in my bag and began to make my way towards the dorm buildings. On the way I spotted Ms. Grant, she had a clipboard with her and I recalled her starting some petition around the school.

'Ms. Grant sure is passionate about that petition, I wonder if, maybe I should go and see what it's all about?' I thought to myself.

I admit I was still hesitant but I did it anyway, I walked over and Ms. Grant looked up as I approached.

"Hi Ms. Grant." I said politely, smiling.

She smiled back and greeted me. "Hello Max, excuse me, but…"

She paused for a moment and then grinned, her tone becoming slightly sarcastic at first. "I know that everybody loves being asked to sign a petition, but would you do Ms. Grant a favour and hear me out?"

I smiled and nodded. "Sure, I always have time for you, what's the petition about?"

"David Madsen, our chief of security…" She began to explain, I tried to hide my unease at being reminded of my recent encounter with that guy. "He wants to put surveillance cameras around the whole school. Halls, classrooms, dorm rooms, gym, etcetera."

I actually gasped at that, shocked.

I knew the guy was paranoid, but this, this was a whole new level.

"That's crazy." I replied. "I get why schools should be on high alert these days, but cameras in the dorm rooms?"

"It's a slippery slope." Ms. Grant agreed. "…And it's up to you and your classmates to stand up here…"

Ms. Grant then got a faraway look in her eye as she continued. "Blackwell Academy has a noble heritage, from the Native American's who founded this land, to the pioneers who shared it in peace…not fear and violence."

I nodded slowly, surprised. "You know a lot about Blackwell and its history, for being a science teacher."

It was just an observation, but the moment the words left my mouth I was worried I'd said the wrong thing.

"Science is history Max, and I have a secret desire to teach local lore and legends." Ms. Grant replied good-naturedly and I calmed down.

She paused before continuing. "There's a lot of unique facts about this that you might really enjoy discovering. Now before I assign you homework with this lecture, will please sign this petition to stop our campus from going back to nineteen-eight-four?"

I smiled at that and nodded. "Absolutely, I don't mind security, but not all out surveillance."

"I knew you were my favourite new student at Blackwell for a good reason." Ms. Grant replied with a smile as she handed me the pen.

I signed the petition and handed Ms. Grant the pen back, she nodded and I turned and began to make my way towards the dorms again, strangely feeling more light-hearted than before.

While walking I spotted Daniel sitting against a tree, I was relieved to see he didn't seem any worse for wear after his encounter with Logan, twice if I counted what happened before the rewind. I couldn't help but feel guilty for not trying to help him; I approached him.

"Hey Daniel." I greeted softly. 'Dammit, why did I have to be so shy, I can't even say hello without sounding awkward and weird.'

Daniel however smiled as he replied. "Oh, hola Max. Um, I was wondering…Would you mind; letting me, sketch your portrait? I do put my sketches up on Facebook though."

As he said this he held up his sketch pad and pencils. I smiled lightly at that, actually flattered he was asking me of all people.

"I'd be honoured." I replied happily. "Makes me feel like a muse."

"Ah, funny you should mention that. I was just thinking of my real muse, Rachel Amber." Daniel replied, startling me.

"You knew her?"

Daniel shook his head. "Not really, but she did ask me to do her portrait once, she was a natural."

I bit my lip, feeling a little awkward. "It's hard not to miss her posters all around campus."

"It hurts to see her beautiful image used for a crime scene." Daniel stated; a sad look on his face.

"What happened to her?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, one day she just…stopped to class, disappeared. Some say she ran away, others say she jumped off a cliff…I just hope she's okay."

I nodded before sitting down. "Alright, let's get started…even though I must be a step down from Rachel Amber."

"No, no, you make a good…substitute muse." Daniel replied casually as he got ready.

I waited patiently while Daniel worked, I could help but admire the intensity of his concentration, he was certainly in his element.

When he finally finished he showed the portrait, I almost gasped at how realistic it was.

"Wow, best portrait ever." I said breathlessly.

Daniel smiled clearly happy and nodded; I politely excused myself and resumed my trip to the dorms. As I walked I spotted Evan again, sitting at one of the benches and another bench I spotted another student, one I knew by name only, Luke Parker.

Biting my lip I slowly continued to make my way towards the dorms. I passed the gate and heading down the stairs that would lead me towards the dorm buildings.

I passed the first building, where the staff resided, past the sign which indicated that these were the Prescott Dormitories.

'Nathan's family owns my dorm…yowch.'

I looked around at the courtyard outside the dorm building; it was a beautiful sight, the small gardens between the paths, the various trees, the tobanga totem, everything.

There were a few people around, Alyssa sitting on one of the benches, reading a book. Logan and Zachary were at opposite ends of the courtyard, passing their football back and forth between themselves.

Just then however, I looked around and spotted something at the opposite end of the courtyard.

'Huh, is that?'

I made my way quickly across to the bench at the far end. Seated on the bench, facing away from the courtyard, instead staring at the tree in front of her; was Kate Marsh.

I paused, biting my lip. 'Poor Kate, she looks so, sad…'

"Kate?"

She started but then saw me. "Oh, hi Max."

I couldn't help but note her voice was almost toneless.

"Are you alright, you seem down?" I asked gently.

Kate shook her head. "I'm kinda, over humanity today…Sorry to be a drama queen."

I already felt myself faltering, but still I pressed on, trying to be helpful. "Is there anything…"

"Max, I'd like to be alone please." She said, rather abruptly.

I was shocked by this, Kate was never this short with anyone, something was seriously wrong. However it was clear Kate wasn't going to say anything else. So, I turned and quietly left, worrying endlessly about her.

Following the path around I passed Samuel who was sweeping the path of fallen leaves; I soon reached the steps leading up to the dorms. Unfortunately I found myself faced with an obstacle, Victoria and her cronies.

They were lounging on the steps, blocking any access to the dorms. It was Courtney who spotted me first and got Victoria and Taylor's attention, they both turned and Victoria smirked as she stood up.

"Well, well, if it isn't Max Caulfield, the Selfie Ho of Blackwell." She taunted, starting to circle me, making me once more uncomfortable and awkward as the social anxiety kicked in at full strength. "Such a lame gimmick, even Mark, Mr. Jefferson seems to fall for your waif hipster bullshit."

She returned to standing in front of me, before doing a mocking imitation of my voice. "The Daguerreian Process, sir. You could barely even pronounce that; I guess you got your meds filled."

This drew laughter from Taylor and Courtney and I frowned.

'Not cool Victoria, not cool.' I thought to myself.

Mocking someone for taking medication was a pretty low blow; especially for someone like me, who had been on medication since I was thirteen.

Following Chloe's dad's death I spent two years on regular anti-depressants and currently I was on small doses of Zoloft for my social anxiety, the small dosage was to reduce the risk of side effects from them.

"Since you have all the answers Max, you can find another way into the dorms, we're not moving." Victoria remarked haughtily as she sat down again.

I bit my lip and awkwardly found myself rubbing my arm, trying to think.

Seeing my awkward and likely, in her eyes, pathetic stance, Victoria pulled out her phone.

"Oh, wait, hold that pose." She remarked gleefully as she suddenly took a picture. "Don't worry; I'll put a vintage filter on it before I put it all over social media."

I was taken aback by her actions; no doubt the picture would have some insulting message attached.

Victoria then ended the conversation sharply. "Now why don't you go fuck your selfie."

More laughter from Taylor and Courtney and, finally, for a change, anger from me, rather than my usual awkwardness of uncertainty.

I frowned, already scheming. 'Oh yes Victoria, I'll get your bony ass out of my way.'

I was shocked by my sudden aggression, but it also felt good. I looked around; already searching for anything I could use to get Victoria and her crew out of the way.

I noted the scaffolding around the entrance to the dorm, the ladder nearby with a pot of paint under it. The dorm window sills were clearly due to be painted, another of Samuel's duties.

'Hmmm, there has to be something I can do…maybe use my surroundings to my advantage…Not the ladder though, don't want to hurt poor Samuel.' I thought to myself as I then saw the sprinklers come on.

I then remembered how, once, Logan tried to prank some students, he sneaked into the control room for the sprinklers, which would be to my left right at the end of the path, and turned them on full blast, spraying the students on the steps.

I smiled as already a plan began forming. 'That'll work, but I might need more, let me think…'

Throughout this I had spotted Samuel strolling down the path, having left the door to the room holding the sprinkler controls open.

As I watched I saw Samuel pick up the paint pot and start to climb the ladder. When he reached the top he hung the paint pot on a hook and retrieved the brush to begin painting.

'Hmmm, I wonder…' I thought to myself.

I wasn't great at science, that was Warren's deal, but I was already working it out. It could work, but only if things worked out exactly right. Here's hoping; anyway if things did go wrong I could always rewind.

'Okay, I really shouldn't be using it for trivial bullshit like this, but it's the only way.' I thought to myself. 'Still, it's a good chance to test it out, here goes.'

So, taking a deep breath, I held up my hand and began to rewind. I watched my surroundings to make sure I got this right.

I went back as far as Samuel just coming out of the maintenance room. I stopped and immediately got to work, Samuel was too far away to see and a bush obscured Victoria and her minions view of me. I quickly tampered with the paint can, particularly the handle.

I then stood up and began making my way towards the room, smiling and nodding to Samuel in greeting as I passed. I had to act quickly; I had to get this right before Samuel reached the top of the ladder.

I slipped into the maintenance room and saw what I was looking for; I hurried to the controls and cranked them up to full, turning them back to normal after I heard the scream. I edged towards the door, listening as Victoria and her minions argued.

"Chill Victoria, it's just water…" Courtney was saying, trying to calm her.

Victoria snapped in response. "Yeah, water on my cashmere…urgh, I can't even chill on the steps."

Peeking out I could see they had moved, they were still blocking the steps, but were now standing, if I had figured everything out right, Victoria was standing in the exact position for the next part.

My timing couldn't be better; Samuel had just reached the top of the ladder and once again placed the paint pot on its hook, picked up the brush and began. Then my handiwork kicked in and the handle broke. The pot fell and hit the ground, splattering it and Victoria with paint.

She reacted at once as Taylor and Courtney gasped. "No way, no fucking way!?"

Samuel got down from the ladder a lot quicker than he did going up it. "Oh, Samuel is sorry, wet paint is bad for hair…"

"Just get away from me weirdo." Victoria snarled and Samuel slowly slinked off.

Courtney and Taylor seemed to trying to calm Victoria.

Courtney then gestured to Taylor as she spoke. "Look, just relax; we'll be back with some towels."

"So hurry up, before I dry." Victoria remarked exasperated.

With that Taylor and Courtney hurried inside the dorm building, reducing the blockade on the steps to just Victoria.

I grinned as I stepped out. 'Oh yes, score, don't mess with the Max, bitches.'

My feeling of elation however only lasted until I reached the steps and saw Victoria up close. She looked very different now, no longer the stuck up Queen Bee, rather a scared lonely girl, covered in paint, my elation was washed away by guilt. I once again awkwardly approached the steps.

"Uh, hey Victoria…"

She looked up, glaring. "What do you want Max?"

For a moment, my emotions waged war with each other until compassion and guilt won out.

"I am sorry about what happened to you…" I said, gesturing to the paint. "That's an awesome cashmere coat."

Victoria looked surprised for a moment and then hesitant. "It was, but there will be another."

I fumbled uncertainly. "Well, you always seemed to know how to pick the right outfits."

There was a brief silence after that.

Finally Victoria leaned back a bit and sighed.

"I do have some talent, Mr. Jefferson told me…" She trailed off.

Sensing an opening I pounced. "I've seen your pictures. You have a great eye, Richard Avadon-esque."

Victoria let out a soft sigh at that and seemed to relax slight. "He's one of my heroes, thanks Max…"

There was an awkward pause once again. Until finally Victoria snarked again.

"I hope those sluts get me a towel before they hang a sign on me."

Again, silence reigned between us until Victoria pulled out her phone again.

"You deserve a better shot." She said, hopefully deleting the photo she took of me, while continuing to talk. "Sorry about blocking you, and the 'go fuck your selfie'"

I nodded slowly, admitting. "That was mean, but pretty funny."

"Just, one of those days, you know." Victoria said with a sign.

"I know exactly what you mean Victoria." I replied; if only she knew the half of it. "I'll see you later."

Victoria then moved aside with a slight smile. "Au revior."

I bit my lip at that. 'Oh man, Victoria probably played me; I should have player her…right. No, I shouldn't stoop to that level.'

So, with a sign, I climbed the steps up to the door and entered the dorms at last. One step closer to recovering Warren's flash drive.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.