Prologue: Quantum Mechanics states that there are an infinite number of worlds. This is boring, and you have likely heard it before. Something more interesting that you might have not heard is that on one of those worlds, Max Caulfield never met Chloe Price before leaving Arcadia Bay. Let me tell you the story of what happened when she came back.

Chapter 12: What Am I To You?

Saturday, September 21rst, 2013 (10:35 AM)

I was sitting by my desk, looking at some old Eric Weston photos online with my laptop when the door opened. Turning around, I saw Chloe walk in, still only wearing a towel. Looking at her, I pursed my lips.

"Do you even have any clothes you can wear today?"

Chloe looked at me in surprise and did her best to look offended, though I could tell she wanted to laugh.

"Hey, you're the one who brought me home, honey. You don't get to mention my lack of planning." Her eyes glinted with mischief, and she took off her towel again, making to put on her underwear and dress, both of which laid crumpled on the floor.

I managed not to blush for a few moments, telling myself that it was no big deal, but I did eventually turn away, my face reddening.

"Look, we need to talk." Out of the corner of my eye, in my mirror, I saw Chloe freeze up as she put on her clothes, and saw a look of panic cross her face, and for a moment she looked for all the world like a deer caught in headlights. I quickly added:

"No, it's nothing bad. I just wanted to talk about what exactly we are."

I saw Chloe relax, and she continued to get dressed, though was now watching me with a look that she thought was casual. I resumed speaking, cautious of my phrasing;

"We've gone on a date… a really nice date. We've kissed multiple times, and we've slept in the same bed twice. So would you call us… girlfriends?" I felt my heart fluttering, threatening to burst out of my chest.

I closed my eyes, afraid of the answer I might get from that question, when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. Awkwardly turning around, I saw Chloe, her face inches from mine. I looked into her eyes, how blue they were, so blue I felt like I was drowning, or maybe that was just her, or me. I traced the pattern of her face with my eyes, saw the lack of the freckles that were so ever-present on my own. I saw her lips, and then felt them move forward, press up against mine.

She had kissed me before, and I had kissed her, but I had never known what it meant. This time, my body lit up like a Christmas tree. I felt a rush of euphoria like no other, and when she pulled away, I could see a goofy smile on my face, as I was reflected in her eyes. I saw a Cheshire grin spread across her face, and she looked straight at me.

"You can call me whatever you like, so long as I get to stay with you. And I would be delighted to call you my girlfriend."

She stepped away a bit, and plopped back down onto the bed. I wasn't sure for how long I stood there, just gently swaying, both shell-shocked and amazed. I finally found my bearings, and spoke;

"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me." Chloe looked up at me, and her blue eyes flashed and she looked at me, looked through me.

"I think I do." She stood up, and took my hand. She took my hand and we walked into the hallway.

No matter what I faced, no matter what was outside those doors, I'd be okay. I would be more than okay, because Chloe would be with me. We would be together, we would face the world together.

AN: This chapter is late. I'm a little sorry, but I am overloaded with work. While writing this story makes me feel better, I need to be in a good headspace to work on it. This story will keep coming out, chapters will keep being released. They will be approximately this long, maybe a little shorter. They may be a little late. Thank you for your continued support.

PS. Grumpycat, when you review this, please don't mention how I shouldn't stress myself to put out chapters. I enjoy writing this story, and I understand my limits.

PPS. Shoutout to Grumpycat, my number one fan! Thanks also go out to Xieren, Debott, and everyone else who has reviewed, favorited, followed, or even reads this story on a regular basis. Thank you.