Life is Strange: My Unusual Journey

Chapter 16 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.

Chaos Theory – Back on Track

Waking up I smiled as I realized, for the first time this week, I felt refreshed, properly rested. The light breeze which came in through the open windows felt nice and I opened my eyes slowly. I could still recall last night in vivid detail and couldn't help but grin. It wasn't only productive in giving us our first pieces of evidence towards our investigation, but also quite fun.

'Not to mention the little...epiphany Chloe gave me, while we were swimming.' I thought with a smile.

I had to think for a moment, how to approach the subject. While Chloe wanted to me to simply spill my guts about my feelings, I knew that wouldn't help. I decided instead to find Warren when I went back to Blackwell, and arrange to meet him at lunch.

From there I would just see how things went. Still smiling, I turned my head to look in Chloe's direction, she was still asleep, one arm behind her head, the other resting on her stomach. I had to admit, it was strange seeing her so relaxed, after always seeing her so intense during our other encounters.

With a quiet yawn I stretched, allowing myself the luxury of feeling my muscles release the pent up tension.

I recalled William's camera was on the floor next to the bed, thinking for a second I decided to capture this moment, after all, there was something special about this. That talk at the pool did more than just give me an epiphany, if Chloe's attitude and such afterwards was anything to go by.

Finally, after so much crap and dealing with other issues, we had worked our way through things and now, our friendship seemed to be back on track, no more awkwardness or problems from the past to cloud it.

'Always remember this moment.' I thought cheerfully as I picked the camera up.

I held it out to take a selfie and almost dropped it when Chloe suddenly leapt into me.

"Photo-bomb!" She cried out.

I rolled my eyes. "Photo hog."

I took the shot nevertheless. Gently setting the camera down, while Chloe lay back down on the bed, I couldn't help but smile.

"It feels like a different world from yesterday." I remarked.

Chloe was smirking as she replied. "We left a skid mark on Blackwell last night."

I held back my laughter as I joked. "Like it needs another one."

I paused for a moment, before finally saying something that suddenly came to the front of my mind.

"I'd like to do something good for my school, and Arcadia Bay. I can't even submit my photo to represent...I just don't want to be rejected."

Chloe nodded slowly, considering before she replied. "Every great artist gets rejected before they get accepted. So you have to enter a photo."

I smiled widely at that.

All the same, I was surprised by Chloe's words, for one reason.

"Even though I'm pimping the school and town you want to torch?" I queried, referring to her words on Monday evening.

Chloe sighed as I shook my head slightly. "C'mon, I don't wanna see Arcadia Bay burned to the shore...I just say shit like that because I've been trying to get outta here since-since you left basically."

She paused before adding. "If I could find Rachel and pay Frank off, I'm still leaving to start a whole new life."

As she said this she leaned over and picked up the remote on the floor, using it to turn on the CD player.

"Wish we could just, hang out all morning like we used to." I said at last; feeling nostalgic again. "Maybe we should get up, I have to get back to Blackwell soon."

Chloe shook her head and joked. "Oh does the schoolgirl have a test today?"

I smiled but then sighed. "I'm starting to feel like going to Blackwell every day is a test. I just need to get on my regular school schedule again,"

All the same, that wouldn't be happening soon, the school was still, more or less, not holding classes, due to the incident with Kate. We lay there a moment longer, listening to the surprisingly soft music from the CD player. Finally however I sighed and sat up, I decided to get dressed.

As I did so, Chloe then commented.

"You know something, you don't talk in your sleep, you whisper."

I turned my head to her, startled. "For reals...tsk, liar, liar."

I pause for a minute however, mom did say, when I was younger, that she heard me mumbling in my sleep at night.

"Um, what did I say?" I asked.

Shrugging Chloe replied. "Something about marrying Warren, or me."

"Yeah, this sounds like your dream." I remarked sarcastically; although I won't deny her comment about Warren did make my face heat up.

When I stood up my phone beeped, I checked it and smiled warmly when I saw it was Warren, texting me jokingly about not blowing up the school; and also to inform me about the drive-in, he was already buying the tickets. I decided not to mention Chloe's little comment.

Still smiling I put my phone aside for now. 'Warren, this drive-in date will be a night to remember. Just, wait till lunch time, then I can tell him.'

I crossed the room, going around the bed, and headed to the chair my clothes rested on.

'Time to put on your daily armor Max.' I thought to myself as I leaned down, before stopping and reeling back. "Ew, still reeks like a chlorine factory."

"See if you can find a suitable outfit in my fashion hole."Chloe offered, gesturing to the closet.

Nodding I made my over and opened it, browsing the clothes in front of me. One outfit stood out from the rest, this outfit consisted of a red and black plaid shirt, a white T-shirt and dark distressed jeans. Chloe took particular interest in this outfit.

"Hey, there ya go, Rachel left a bunch of her clothes with me, she's your size."

"But not quite my style." I replied.

While not as extreme as Chloe's there was an undeniable punk-rock edge to Rachel's clothing.

Getting up from the bed and approaching, Chloe remarked. "Max, you don't have a style yet, at least give it a try."

I bit my lip at that, there was no denying it, I didn't exactly form any style when it came to clothing, mostly due to lack of interest in that sort of thing.

Stopping next to me Chloe then quipped.

"You can always rewind back to your Chlorine brand T-shirt and generic jeans."

I raised my hands defensively. "You suck, I like my shirt and jeans."

"But, it would be cool to try on Rachel's clothes, just to see if they fit." I relented.

Chloe scoffed and shook her head. "Stop second-guessing yourself Max! Put this on and let your inner punk-rock girl come out! You can afford to take chances."

I nodded slowly, I suppose Chloe was right about that at least.

Chloe continued. "Whenever and whatever you want to try...for example, I dare you to kiss me."

I blinked, had I heard that right. "What?"

"I double dare you, kiss me now." She replied with a smirk.

I shook my head. "Sorry, not that easy."

I also wasn't letting her last comment about Warren slide either.

"Oh, like I am?" She replied jokingly. "Just admit that you already macked on me and then used your rewind! Now I can text Warren that you're saving yourself all for him..."

I shook my head. "I am so going to best unfriend you for that."

Yeah, this was more like the way Chloe and I used to be, with some differences yeah, but still, our banter was back to normal.

Returning to the matter at hand I retrieved my clean underwear from my bag and soon pulled the clothes off the hanger and began to get dressed.

Once dressed I slung my bag back over my shoulder and turned to face Chloe, striking a pose, ready for her opinion.

Chloe's face split into a wide grin. "Lookin' sick, Max! A couple tats, some piercings and we'll make a thrasher out of you yet.

"Ready for the mosh pit, shaka bra." I said jokingly.

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Maybe not. Anyway, go on down and say hi to Joyce. Free breakfast!"

I grinned at that and nodded.

"I have to, er, wake and bake first." Chloe then remarked.

I bit back a sigh, Chloe was going to start smoking out again.

Shrugging I turned away. "I promise not to tell."

"Let's not rewind and find out, 'kay?" Chloe replied.

I walked over to the door and stepped out and instantly was struck by the smell of food from downstairs.

'Oh my god, that smells so amazing...it's like when we were kids here.'

My phone beeped and my heart leapt when I saw it was Kate. I immediately opened the text and read it.

"Max, thank you from my heart for reaching out to me on the roof. You're the only one who was there for me at school, the only one who truly cared. I have to believe you were sent to give me hope. You did so much more than that. My father is grateful as well. You'll always be in our prayers. Love and Blessings. Your friend, Kate."

I grinned, relieved that Kate seemed to be getting better; I quickly replied.

Hey Kate, I'm so glad you're okay. I will visit you as soon as I can, promise."

Smiling still I put my phone away and then, overcome with curiosity, I went to the bathroom.

I stopped before the mirror and looked at my reflection. I sighed, I wasn't sure, the look seemed alright, but I didn't feel too comfortable. Deciding to at least make the most of it I pulled out William's camera and held it level with my stomach, taking a selfie through the mirror.

Stashing both photo and camera in my bag, I turned and headed downstairs at last.

As I headed downstairs the smell became stronger and I also heard Joyce humming happily to herself. Still smiling I turned and began to make my way towards the kitchen, in the back of my mind I was wondering how Chloe planned to get any evidence on David, he wasn't home, but Joyce wouldn't exactly let us sneak around the garage.

As I turned I noticed a light blinking on the answer machine for the phone. Curious I stepped a little closer, wondering if I should play it, when it happened.

While apparently about my size, Rachel seemed to have longer legs than me. My foot got caught in the hem of the jeans and I stumbled. I quickly caught myself on the counter.

'Oops.' I thought as I saw one hand had hit the answer machine's delete button, deleting the message. 'Hope that wasn't something important.'

Shaking my head I recovered, just as Joyce, who must have heard me stumble, stepped out of the kitchen. She must have been surprised by my presence, or rather, my outfit as her eyes widened and she gasped.

"Rachel?" Then she saw my face and smiled. "Oh, sorry Max, it's just, those clothes..."

I nodded, also smiling. "Yeah, I guessed. Chloe thought I should try them, I didn't have any clean ones with me."

Joyce nodded and we both headed into the kitchen as she spoke. "Well, they look good on you."

"Thanks Joyce, but, they don't really...feel right." I replied awkwardly.

Joyce just shook her head. "I understand, just, give it some time Max, you never know."

Smiling I nodded and Joyce stopped by the counter.

"So, you stayed the night, huh?"

I nodded again. "Yeah."

Smiling Joyce remarked softly. "Just like old times."

I smiled too, although at the back of my mind I ruefully noted that our old times didn't usually involve sneaking into a school and 'borrowing' three student files as part of a secret investigation.

In the end, Joyce and I decided on bacon and eggs for breakfast and I went to fetch the ingredients. Once I had retrieved what we needed we got to work, together, making breakfast. As we worked Joyce sighed happily and smiled.

"After all these years and everything that's happened...it's great to see you and Chloe together again." She paused and then added. "She hasn't had a good friend since you or Rachel."

I smiled at that, pleased that Joyce considered my friendship with Chloe as being equal to Rachel's, despite the fact I left and didn't even attempt to contact for five years. That still weighed me down, but not so much now.

"Those clothes remind me so much of her. Such a sweet girl." Joyce remarked before sighing. "I'm just hoping she's living large in L.A."

I sighed; it seemed almost too much to hope for. "I'd love to think that too, Joyce. But..."

Looking up I saw her sad expression as she then replied. "We're on the same page Max."

I slowly nodded; realizing Joyce and I had the same fears.

Joyce shook her head and then elaborated. "I keep hoping Rachel will show up, or even send a message to Chloe from Hollywood...or wherever she is."

"Be honest Joyce." I said after some consideration. "Do you think Rachel is okay?"

"God I hope so." Joyce replied. "She was – is smart, and she always landed on her feet. Maybe I don't know her as well as I thought, maybe Chloe doesn't either."

I sighed upon hearing that as I then admitted. "Sometimes I feel like I don't know Chloe as well as I thought."

"Max Caulfield." Joyce laughed. "Are you actually jealous of Rachel?"

I bit my lip before admitting. "Maybe, Rachel was so much cooler than me."

"You think?" Joyce said, still laughing. "Then why has Chloe been telling me she wishes she could be more like you over the past five years?"

I looked at Joyce in disbelief at that. "Doubt it. Uh...did she really?"

Joyce nodded and I could swear I felt my face heat up, wow, talk about weird.

"Five years ago feels like a thousand now..." I commented; it was truthfully how I felt.

Joyce quirked an eyebrow at me. "And that makes me what, a century old? You're only eighteen Max, ah, youth...If only I could go back."

Shaking my head I admitted. "It's not all that, Joyce."

As we finished talking we also finished making breakfast.

Joyce smiled as we finished.

"Voila, a breakfast fit for us Queens...and a King." She exclaimed. "Go sit at the table."

I nodded and made my way over there. Shortly afterwards, Joyce placed the plate on the table in front of me.

"Thank you so much Joyce." I said warmly. "I'm never leaving this table."

"Good, you can clean." Joyce joked and I laughed.

I began to eat, enjoying my food immensely when Joyce returned to the table, carrying a large photo binder with her. I recognized it as the family album.

"Seeing you again, ah...made me remember so much." Joyce stated as she sat opposite me, opening the binder. "I know these photos don't measure up to your work Max..."

I shook my head, replying. "My favorite photographers, probably take pictures similar to yours. You make David happy, Joyce."

Joyce nodded. "He wants us all to be happy Max, he's just not great at showing it."

She paused before adding. "You have your own cool style."

My eyes then fell on a particular picture, one of me and Chloe, five years ago.

"Wowser, I totally remember that day." I whispered.

It was a day filled with memories, good and bad. That picture, that exact moment was one of the good ones. For that was the day, that terrible day.

Joyce nodded, a far away look in her eyes.

"I'm glad...William took this picture with his instant camera." She said, sadness creeping into her voice. "It was the last picture he ever took...he had his car out right after this and-and..."

I faltered, that was indeed it, that terrible day that William Price died.

"I know Joyce." I said softly. "I'm sorry."

"I didn't show you this to be morbid." Joyce said at last. "In fact, I want you to have this."

She surprised me by pulling the photo out and handing it to me.

She then continued to speak. "This was when my baby was so full of life and light. She was hopeful, positive, everything she's not today. And this was the last time I ever saw Chloe truly happy."

I gently stowed the photo in my bag, my mind still full of Joyce's words, amazed that she was letting me have the picture. I then heard the footsteps and before long I spotted Chloe approaching, fully dressed minus her leather jacket.

"Did you guys have a bonding session about how fucked up I am?" Was the first words she said, yet without any real malice.

Nevertheless Joyce sighed exasperated. "Chloe please, it's too early to start picking a fight. Eat instead."

Chloe leaned close to me and whispered. "I'll keep the warden busy while you go peek in the garage."

I finally got Chloe's plan, the old distraction method. I could only wait for my chance.

So I sat and waited as Joyce reacted to the whispering.

"Now stop with the whispering, or I'll know you're talking about me."

Chloe took that as her cue. "Stop being so nosey, mother. Jeez, I can't do anything around here without everybody getting up in my shit."

"No one can even joke with you Chloe." Joyce said with a sigh. "You fly off the handle like that."

I decided now would be a good time to step in. "Excuse me, I have to use the bathroom."

I stood up, knowing what was coming and that it was an act, but that didn't lessen the slight sting I felt at Chloe's words.

"Sure, run off and pee when you should back me up."

I began to walk towards the bathroom, listening in as I did so. Joyce's back was turned to me so I was able to turn around and slip into the garage.

"Now who's being paranoid, just listen to yourself." Joyce remarked.

Chloe scoffed. "Nobody else does!"

I felt bad that Chloe had to resort to such tactics, but they worked, I was in.

Now I had to find some evidence. We already knew about David's files, those wouldn't help. I needed something more, I decided to explore the garage thoroughly.

In doing so I discovered a couple of interesting things, for example, I was willing to wager that the large locker against the wall, currently blocked by a car David seemed to be repairing, and closed with a heavy duty padlock, contained some secrets. There was also the computer, on which David had to have some secrets, hidden by a password.

Other things I found surprised me. 'Guess David actually has a sentimental side...Who would've thought, I wonder...'

Perhaps these sentimental notes could help.

Piecing together what I knew about David and what I had found in my search, I came up with what I felt was a pretty good guess at the password for David's laptop. I couldn't get to the locker, so I needed something here.

'Okay, let's see if my reading of David was accurate...We'll go with, the day he and Joyce met.' I thought to myself, and to my delight, my guess was actually correct. 'Wow, score.'

I was amazed by what I saw, this would certainly help; I quickly pulled out the USB stick I had smuggled into my bag and copied what I needed before shutting the laptop off and leaving the garage.

I hurried over to tell Chloe what I had found when suddenly I heard the front door opening, David was home.

What I had found out however had creeped me out; he was truly a one man surveillance army, with pictures and files of several students, some of which confused me and raised questionable topics, especially the ones he had on me and Kate. However I then noticed he was clearly in a bad mood.

"Nice breakfast." He grunted.

Joyce seemed surprised to see him. "David, you're back already?"

He shook his head. "I have to take a nap after writing up vandalism reports last night."

Joyce shook her head and crossed her arms. "What happened?"

"Some little shitass punks broke into the swimming pool." He growled.

I shared a nervous glance with Chloe, realizing he was referring to us, without noticing it.

"This is what happens at these PC bullshit colleges. Entitled students taking over the campus." He ranted.

I bit my lip and moved to try and sit down, feeling more awkward by the second.

"Do you know for sure it was Blackwell students?" Joyce queried.

"Who else would do it?" David shot back. "And I'm gonna bust them."

Things were quiet, I could sense Chloe tensing next to me as I stood. Finally lifting my eyes upwards, I realized David had finally seen me, he shook his head, eyes narrowed.

I waited and sure enough, it came.

"Figures you'd be here." He said, not as aggressive as usual, but his next words were laced with sarcasm. "Is that your Rachel Amber Halloween costume?"

Chloe was about to react, but I beat her to it. "You know more about her than me!"

David glared; suddenly flaring up. "No, you and Chloe think you know more than anybody, like all teenagers!"

"Leave Max alone, David." Joyce cut in, leaping to my defense. "Stop threatening students."

Chloe then leapt in. "He threatens them with surveillance cameras. So he can spy on everybody, like he spies on all of us, here!"

All of us were now gathered next to the table, Joyce, Chloe and I all facing David.

Even backed into a corner, his attitude remained the same. "Don't start Chloe, not now."

"Yeah, I'm just always starting shit, right?" Chloe snarked. "You're a total paranoid, David."

"Not now, Chloe."

Chloe shook her head. "You used to call me a loser for getting kicked out of Blackwell. So who is the loser now David, who haven't you accused or harassed?"

I could see this was rapidly deteriorating. I would have to step in or one of them was going to snap and it wouldn't be pretty. I could see Joyce was thinking the same thing.

"Between your investigations into Rachel and Kate, what have you done besides get in trouble?" Chloe snarled.

There was nothing else for it, I was going to have to step in, now.

I couldn't just let things lie, not after what I saw on that laptop. I rounded on David.

"You're a bully David." I snapped; surprising even myself with my brazen outburst. "I saw you harass Kate Marsh when she was going through hell. You could have totally helped her."

David shook his head; but I wasn't done yet.

I then continued. "Everybody at Blackwell is a suspect to you, except Nathan Prescott. That's why the students and faculty don't like you. You even hit your stepdaughter!"

Feeling I needed to draw the line somewhere however, I added. "I do respect your service, but you don't respect anybody."

"Chloe was doing drugs, that's illegal!" David shot back, glaring darkly.

I glowered and shot back. "So is spying on people in your family and at your work!" Why do you have photos of Kate Marsh and Rachel Amber in your files anyway!?"

It was then Joyce reacted, totally shocked.

"What, is this true Max?" She gasped, I nodded and she turned to David, serious. "Yes David, why do you have these files at all? I find this very disturbing."

Still worked up, David growled. "I do not have to take this kind of interrogation. Not from you punks."

"Maybe you should calm down." Joyce suggested, shaking her head.

I noticed David looked taken aback by that, taken aback but still angry.

As a result, I could only watch as he suddenly burst out.

"Oh, you're turning on me now?" He shook his head. "Of course, women always stick together, well screw you."

"David..." Joyce said, her voice dangerous. "You better got to a hotel until we figure this out."

I was shocked by this, so was Chloe, although it was hard to miss her smirk too.

None were more shocked than David however. "You can't kick me out of my own home!"

Joyce replied at once. "It's my home David, paid for and in my name, you do know the law, right?"

"I thought I knew a lot of things." He remarked; his voice quieter now. "Like when I'm outflanked."

With that he turned away, a downcast and distant expression on his face.

Chloe was still smirking. "Have a nice day."

Joyce shook her head. "Chloe for once, just please shut up."

With that she made her way to the table and sat down, clearly still stressed. While Chloe hurried towards the front door. I bit my lip, shifting my feet awkwardly. This was so not what I had planned, or what I thought would happen.

'Man, I hope Joyce doesn't hate me for tearing into David.'

Still uncomfortable at how things got so out of hand, I made my way to join Chloe.

She grinned when she saw me. "Max, that gave me chills, and you better not rewind this one."

I sighed but nodded and after Chloe grabbed her jacket we headed out to her truck and she began to drive away.

As we drove I thought for a moment.

"So, where are we going?" I asked at last; trying to clear my mind.

Chloe was still smiling widely as she replied. "Alright, we've got some stuff on Nathan, on David...We got zilch on suspect number three however, Frank. So that's what we're going to do, get stuff on Frank."

I was more than a little uncomfortable at the thought of meeting him again. "Do you know where he is?"

Chloe nodded. "Yup, especially at this time. Even he can't resist the best burgers in Arcadia Bay."

I sighed; that made sense, oh well. Two Whales here we come, again.

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