1

by Aterisono

1

2. x-2

Driving freely on the empty road, Victoria's car sped through the quiet morning. The sun was still hiding beneath the horizon, and the world seemed to be snuggled in sleep. Resting is important, but Victoria had no time for leisurely slumber. She needed to pick up her childhood best friend and ensure her smooth transition into Blackwell Academy before the dreaded first class.

Only three hours remaining the two shared morning classes together, missing them was not an option. Victoria's foot pressed harder on the pedal as she steered with determination. As if sensing her urgency, her car zoomed forward. While still keeping her eyes on the road, Victoria rummaged through her purse.

Like a sleuth seeking a hidden treasure, her hand delved deeper until it found her prized possession - her cellphone. Victoria scrolled through her long list of contacts until she discovered her new friend's number. With a quick swipe and a tap, the call was made.

Ring ring... ring...

Each passing second deepened Victoria's annoyance. Come on, answer already! She tried again, her finger tapping the call button with a hint of impatience. In due time, a voice can be heard on the other end. Relief washed over Victoria as she heard her best friend's sleepy yet confused greeting. They were connected, and the mission to Blackwell Academy was a go.

"Hello?" a groggy voice answered.

"Hey, it's Victoria," she said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. "Giving you a heads up that I'm on my way to pick you up. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before her friend replied, still sounding half asleep. "Wait, what time is it?"

"It's early," Victoria replied, suppressing a yawn herself. "But we need to get you settled at Blackwell Academy before class starts. I don't want either of us to be late."

There was a hint of hesitation in her friend's voice. "Are you sure we can't catch a later ride? I mean, it's so early and I really need some more sleep."

Victoria felt a pang of annoyance but quickly pushed it aside. She understood the importance of rest, especially for a new student trying to adjust to a new school. However, she also knew she couldn't afford to miss any classes, and neither could her best friend.

"I know it's early," Victoria began, her voice taking on a more persuasive tone. "But trust me, it'll be worth it. This first day is crucial, and I want us both to start off on the right foot. Plus, the drive itself is a great opportunity for us to reconnect like the good ole days."

There was a moment of silence before her friend finally responded with a tired chuckle. "Alright, alright. You've convinced me. I'll be ready in fifteen minutes."

Getting the answer she wanted Victoria ended the call feeling a sense of responsibility towards her friend. After all, she had been in their shoes once too, starting at Blackwell Academy not knowing anyone.

Driving forward, Victoria now found herself more energized and motivated by the upcoming day.

The empty road stretched out before her, a symbol of endless possibilities. The absence of other cars only added to the sense of freedom as she pushed the speed limit, carefully maneuvering around curves and bends. As the sun began to rise, painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold, Victoria marveled at the beauty around her. It was moments like these that reminded her of the simple joy in life when things were easier. The wind whipped through her hair, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement for whatever lays ahead. After what felt like a whirlwind drive, Victoria finally arrived at her friend's place.

Her heart raced as she parked her sleek red vehicle in the narrow driveway, careful not to scratch her precious wheels against the car in front. She fixed her hair in the rearview mirror, ensuring every strand was in place.

Taking a deep breath, Victoria stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the pavement. The house loomed before her, its imposing presence making her momentarily forget the purpose of her visit. She shook off the nerves and approached the front door, her fingertips tingling with anticipation. She raised her hand and pressed the doorbell, its sweet chime echoing through the silent neighborhood. Seconds felt like an eternity before the door swung open, Her gaze traveled down a bit, meeting the eyes of her friend.

Standing in front of Victoria was a girl with long auburn brown hair tied up in a messy ponytail, it seemed like the girl had effortlessly captured the essence of charm. Her bangs delicately framed her forehead, drawing attention to her enchanting blue eyes that seemed to glow brighter the more one stared into them. Victoria found it hard to tear her gaze away.

Freckles sprinkled across the girl's face and cheeks, adding a touch of innocence to her captivating appearance. The girl's outfit spoke volumes about her style and confidence. That fashionable white shirt that screamed designer, paired with a black skirt that hugged her curves in just the right way – it was a perfect blend of sophistication and rebellion.

And those combat boots? Well, they were the pièce de résistance that completed the entire ensemble. As Victoria observed the girl's flawless makeup, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. Near perfection was an understatement.

But instead of feeling intimidated, Victoria felt an inexplicable pull towards her. And just like that, the girl turned and caught Victoria staring. A mischievous smile played on her lips, as if she knew she had captivated someone's attention. Victoria's cheeks flushed, but before she could look away, the girl winked at her.

"Took you long enough Maxine. I hope you had a good rest, because today is going to be amazing," Victoria said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Maxine grinned back, her sleepiness no longer evident. "I hope you're right Vee because I need a bit of action in my life right now." She then closed the door behind her and made sure to lock it before joining Victoria.

They hopped into Victoria's car, the engine purring like a contented kitten. Both ready to embrace the unknown and embark on a new chapter at Blackwell Academy, they exchanged excited glances. Victoria started her engine again, and the car leapt out of the driveway, as eager as a cheetah chasing its prey.

Zooming down the road, the wind tousling their hair and filling the car with the scent of freedom, Victoria couldn't help but break the silence. "So, ready to take over Blackwell Academy with our dazzling presence?"

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Maxine nodded. "Fuck yeah! We'll be the queens of the school, ruling over the masses with style and sarcasm."

Victoria laughed, her voice bubbling like a champagne fountain. "Oh, I can just see it now. Everyone bowing down to our impeccable fashion sense and razor-sharp wit."

Maxine hummed in agreement, her excitement noticeable. "And let's not forget our razor-sharp photography skills. We'll capture every scandalous moment and make Blackwell Academy famous, one snapshot at a time."

The radio blasted a catchy tune, filling the car with energetic vibes. Maxine couldn't stop giggling as she recounted a hilarious childhood memory.

Victoria clutched her stomach, tears streaming down her face. "Oh my god, Maxine, I can't breathe! Stop it!" she gasped between peals of laughter.

Just as the laughter began to die down, Victoria's phone pinged with a text message that came from the Vortex Club private group chat grabbing her attention. She glanced at the screen, furrowing her brow. "Hmm, who could it be?" she mused out loud.

Maxine smirked mischievously. "Oh, Victoria, is it another secret admirer? Spill the tea, girl!"

Rolling her eyes, Victoria playfully swatting Maxine's arm. "You wish, hippie. Let's see what this is all about." She turned her attention back to the phone, reading the text message aloud. It says, "'Get your butt over to Two Whales. Everybody is waiting to meet the new girl!'"

The weight of those words hung in the air. Victoria's face paled, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. Maxine stared at her, wide-eyed, before slowly breaking into a wicked grin. "Wow, my name is already ringing bells? You must been talking about me."

Victoria shot Maxine a glare, her lips twitching into a smile. "Oh, shut up. When you're rich and famous around this town you will always be the main topic. Including the people you associate with."

Speeding forward, its engine roaring with power as it effortlessly conquered the winding roads. Sharp turns were taken with ease, a testament to get full results of Victoria's sports car. It didn't take long at all for them to reach their destination, Two Whales, where they were about to meet up with Victoria's friends.

They stepped out of the car, the vibrant atmosphere of the place greeted them warmly. Through the diner's large windows, a group of girls noticed their arrival and began waving enthusiastically. Maxine couldn't help but return the gesture, her joyful spirit radiating from her. On the other hand, Victoria remained composed, seemingly detached from the excitement around her.

Undeterred by Victoria's aloofness, Maxine tugged her friend's arm gently, urging her to join the lively group. The two girls made their way towards the welcoming crowd, their footsteps blending with the upbeat tunes playing softly in the background.

"Bonjour à tous." Victoria greeted before sitting down near the edge of the booth. "This is Maxine." She introduced with a smile, "Maxine, this is Taylor, Courtney, and Dana."

Maxine nervously smiled and waved, taking in the friendly faces around her. She then sat across Victoria next to Dana. "It's nice to meet you all," she said softly.

The girls sat at the table, engrossed in their own conversation, a waitress marched over with a notepad held tightly in her hand. With an icy glare, she tapped her pen against the pad, demanding their attention.

"Ready to order?" she snapped impatiently.

Maxine, the caffeine addict of the duo, blinked and looked up. "Coffee only for me, please," she said, her voice slightly groggy.

Victoria, always one for efficiency, leaned back in the booth, scanning the menu one more time. "Hmm, what's your most expensive dish?" she asked.

The waitress, unimpressed by Victoria's lack of decisiveness, let out an exasperated sigh. "The most expensive? Well, that would be our legendary 'Belgium Waffle and Fried Fish.' Would you like that?"

Victoria nodded, a grin creeping across her face. "That sounds perfect. I'll take one, please."

She scribbled the order furiously in her notebook, muttering under her breath. The waitress turned to leave but couldn't resist a parting shot. "Good luck finishing it, miss."

"Trust me, she won't finish it!" Maxine along with the other girls started to laugh knowing it's true.

With a smug smile, Victoria replied, "Oh, I can't wait to see this Belgium Waffle and Fried Fish."

And with that, their order was settled, the girls returned to their usual conversation mostly asking Maxine numerous questions about herself.

"So, where are you from, Maxine?" Taylor asked curiously, leaning in over the table.

"Oh, I'm from here, but I was homeschooled." Maxine replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "Then I moved to Seattle for awhile then came back yesterday."

"That's interesting." Dana commented, leaning back in her seat. "What made you decide to come back?"

Taylor raised an eyebrow, about to ask yet another question. Just as her lips began to part, she was gracefully interrupted by the arrival of the same waitress. Carrying a tray with practiced finesse, she deftly placed a steaming cup of coffee before Maxine and a mouthwatering plate of Victoria's most expensive breakfast dish right in front of her. The waitress collects all the menus from the table and walked away.

"I missed this town and of course Victoria," Maxine admitted, taking a sip of her coffee. "Plus, Seattle was just too crowded and fast-paced for me. I also came back to try photography class at Blackwell Academy."

"Photography class?" Courtney raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That sounds interesting. What made you want to take that up?"

"Well, I've always loved taking pictures, but I never really had anyone to teach me," Maxine explained. "And when I saw that Blackwell Academy was offering a photography class, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to learn from professionals."

One question leading to another, and she found herself almost drowning in a sea of curiosity. But finally, after a long battle of never-ending barrage of inquiries came to a halt, and Maxine let out a grateful sigh.

Just as she was starting to revel in the peace and quiet, her friend Victoria intruded into their conversation, reminding them that it was essential to take a break and relax. Maxine couldn't be more thankful to have admiration towards Victoria, appreciating her ability to balance intense intellectual discussions with much-needed moments of calm and relaxation.

Resuming their conversation, Maxine found herself lost in her own thoughts, gazing absentmindedly out of the window. It was then that she noticed a homeless woman sitting near the sidewalk on the ground, huddled in a tattered blanket. Instantly, her attention shifted from abstract musings to the cold reality before her eyes.

Looking over at Victoria, Maxine's expression reflected concern as she posed a question that had now become all-consuming. "Do you happen to know anything about that homeless woman over there?" Her voice riddled with empathy and genuine curiosity.

She followed Maxine's gaze and her smile faded for a moment. "Yeah," Victoria replied solemnly. "Nobody knows her name but rumor has it she lived a pretty sad life." A hint of sadness lingered in her voice.

Maxine's curiosity sparked. "What happened?"

Victoria sighed, her eyes distant. "Life happened, I suppose. You can't save everybody." She ended the conversation by returning back to eating her breakfast.

Glancing around the cozy Two Whales diner, her heart heavy with a desire to make a difference in someone's life. Maxine's eyes landed on a weary-looking waitress, hair tied back in a messy bun, her fatigue evident in the way she shuffled between tables.

Summoning her courage, Maxine beckoned the waitress over. "Excuse me, miss," she called out reading the waitress name tag, "may I have a word with you Alice?"

The waitress known as Alice turned, a tired smile playing on her lips. "How can I help you?"

Maxine's eyes darted to a woman now walking inside the diner sitting alone in a corner booth, her clothes ragged and her expression tinged with hopelessness. "I'd like to offer her a free meal," she said, gesturing discreetly towards the homeless woman.

Alice blinked, clearly taken aback. "Um... are you sure?"

Maxine nodded, confirming her decision fully aware on what she's doing. "Absolutely. Everyone deserves a chance for a warm meal, don't you think?"

The waitress's tired smile transformed into a genuine one, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "You're right," she agreed. "I'll bring her something comforting."

As the waitress approached the homeless woman's table, a heavy silence settled around them. Maxine watched anxiously, her heart pounding in her chest.

For a few seconds she just stared, until finally, the homeless woman glanced up, her eyes widening in surprise. "For me?" she gasped.

The waitress nodded, her voice filled with warmth. "Absolutely. It's on the house, with love."

Returning her attention back to the lively group at the diner, Maxine smile as she observed her friends engrossed in their animated discussions.

Although they remained unaware of what she had done, Maxine felt content and fulfilled. It wasn't the recognition or praise that mattered; it was simply knowing that she had made a difference in the homeless woman life, even if it was just for a fleeting moment. She savored her coffee, the familiar buzz of Victoria's phone caught her attention.

Abruptly Victoria stood up from the booth. "School is about to start! We have to go now." she announced, grabbing her bag from the floor of the booth.

"Wait, I'm not finished with my burger," Taylor protested, looking down at her half-eaten meal.

"We don't have time! I'll buy you another one this afternoon," Victoria replied impatiently. She glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the time. They were already going to be late if they didn't leave right away.

Racing to catch up with their rushing friend, Maxine and the rest of the group hastily paid their bills and left the diner in a hurry. By the time the girls made it to the area Victoria had parked her car in she was screaming for all of them to get inside her vehicle so they can make it to school on time. When it comes to Victoria's perfect attendance record she refuses to be late.

"Get in! We're going to be late!" Victoria shouted, her voice rang out in the empty parking lot.

Maxine and the others quickly scrambled into the car, tossing their bags onto the floorboards. As soon as everyone was settled, Victoria slammed her door shut and started the engine. The car roared to life, and they sped off down the road, tires squealing around corners.

The clock on the dashboard glowed an ominous red as they drove, the seconds ticking away far too quickly. Maxine glanced at it nervously, her heart racing as they approached a red light. She held her breath, waiting for Victoria to floor it when the light turned green.

But instead, Victoria slowed to a stop, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel.

"What's wrong?" Dana asked, leaning forward from the backseat. "Why aren't we going faster?"

Victoria took a moment to breathe, she tried to calm her nerves. "I just... I don't want to get pulled over," she said to everyone. "I can't afford the fines right now."

Maxine couldn't help but roll her eyes. "We're already late, Vic. You've never broken the speed limit before. Please, just this once?"

Victoria hesitated, the temptation clear on her face. But she shook her head, her blonde bangs blowing through the wind. "No, Maxine. I can't risk it. We'll just have to make it up to the school as fast as we can."

They were all silent, the only sound the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from another car. The clock on the dashboard continued to tick away, the minutes slipping by far too quickly.

What felt like forever, they turned onto the street leading up to the school, and Victoria stepped on the gas. The car roared to life, flying down the road. Maxine held on tight, her knuckles white as they approached a corner at what felt like breakneck speed. But Victoria took the turn with ease, her driving as smooth as ever.

Now pulling up into the school parking lot, the clock on the dashboard read 7:59. Victoria slammed on the brakes, skidding to a stop just in front of the entrance. The girls jumped out of the car, throwing their bags over their shoulders as they ran toward the building.

"We did it, Victoria!" Maxine exclaimed, breathless from their mad dash. "We're going to be on time!"

Victoria let out a sigh of relief, brushing a stray lock of blonde hair out of her face. "Don't get too excited. We are not out of the park yet Caulfield." She lifts her phone up checking for the time. "Four more minutes left.

They made their way into the building, hurrying down the hallways to their respective classrooms. As they walked, Maxine couldn't understand how different Victoria was acting today. Usually, she was all about maintaining her perfect attendance record and never being late for anything. But today, she had actually risked it all to make sure they could all be on time.

Their lockers clanged shut as they threw their belongings inside, and they continued down the hallway, their shoes echoing against the linoleum floor. Suddenly, Maxine heard a loud gasp from behind her. She turned around to see Taylor staring at the bulletin board by the entrance, her mouth agape.

"What is it?" Victoria asked, hurrying over to see what had caught Taylor's attention.

Taylor pointed to the bulletin board, where a large poster was displayed. It was a picture of Rachel Amber along with Hayden Jones dressed in a old stylish appearance with the words "Twelfth Night" written across the bottom.

"Didn't you just say last week that you wanted to be the lead role in this play?" Courtney asked, she glanced back at Victoria, noticing anger building up inside her.

Victoria rips the poster off the wall and reads the words again to make sure it was official. "Are you fucking kidding me?! Mr. Keaton in the end picked her?" she shouted and throws the poster on the floor and starts stomping on it. "This is bullshit! This is fucking bullshit!" she screams once more, anger already taking control.

Maxine squinted her eyes suspiciously, "I get it now. So that's why you wanted to be here so early. You didn't give a shit about your perfect attendance being ruined, but rather beating this Rachel girl." She shook her head.

"Uh, not to be rude or anything but we have to go, just text me this afternoon if we going to do anything else together. It was nice meeting you Maxine!" Dana said waving goodbye before pulling Courtney along with her since they had the same class.

Now it was just the three of them. Maxine and Taylor joined forces to drag Victoria's body away from the ruined poster, gripping her arms firmly. Fortunately, all three of them had the same first-period class, making it easier to stick together rather than splitting up to escort each individual to their respective classrooms.

They hurried towards their destination, Taylor reached the door to Mr. Jefferson's classroom and swiftly swung it open. The entire room went dead silent and all eyes turned towards the trio stepping inside which. Victoria had already regained her composure halfway through their journey, her panic subsiding.

Trying to blend in unnoticed, the three girls cautiously made their way towards the back of the classroom. However, it became apparent that one of them stood out effortlessly. Maxine, being new to the school and unfamiliar with Mr. Jefferson's class, became a conspicuous figure when compared to her friends.

"It appears that we have a new face joining us today. You over there," Mr. Jefferson points at Maxine "may I see your schedule?" Maxine reluctantly walks towards the front of the classroom, her heart pounding in her chest. She hands the schedule to him, who glances at it briefly before returning it to her. "Well, it seems you're in the right place. Welcome to my class, Miss...?"

Maxine hesitates for a moment before answering, "Caulfield. My name is Maxine Caulfield." She introduced herself to the entire class, trying to appear casual despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Unfazed by the attention, Maxine held her head high and maintained a calm demeanor. She was determined to prove herself worthy not only to her new classmates but also to her friends. Showing a perfect smile, she moved with grace towards her assigned seat, brushing off the scrutiny that surrounded her.

Taylor and Victoria followed suit, trying their best to blend in despite the spotlight still lingering on Maxine. They took their seats beside her, offering silent support and unity amidst the prying eyes.

Whispers rustled through the classroom as students exchanged curious glances, intrigued by Maxine's presence. Her arrival was met with a mixture of intrigue and speculation. Who was she? Why was she just now joining their class? These questions danced through the minds of her peers as they eagerly awaited explanations. The class begins, since Maxine was brand new Mr. Jefferson introduces himself and lays out the syllabus for the year. The girls listen attentively, taking notes and occasionally exchanging glances.

Victoria, who has taken this class before, nods along, familiar with the material. Taylor seems engaged but occasionally glances down at her fingernails, lost in thought. Mr. Jefferson began his lecture, the classroom gradually shifted its focus from the trio towards the subject at hand. The rhythmic sound of his voice washed over them, allowing them to regain a sense of normalcy within this unfamiliar environment.

Throughout the class, Maxine proved her abilities and eagerness to learn. She diligently took notes, participating actively in discussions, and demonstrating her determination to excel. Slowly but surely, the initial curiosity surrounding her presence transformed into admiration and respect from her classmates.

Occupied with her studies, Maxine notice a sudden change in her two friend's behavior. Taylor was busily balling up sheets of paper, while Victoria stood at her side, encouraging her with a playful smirk.

Curious, Maxine peered across the room to see what they were up to. To her surprise, she spotted a blonde girl sitting quietly at her desk, oblivious to the commotion behind her. The girl - whose name remains a mystery- seemed to be diligently working on her assignment. Maxine noticed that whenever a paper ball was thrown her way, she would forcefully ignore it and continue with her work. It became evident that this had been going on for quite some time, a silent torment unbeknownst to the rest of their classmates.

Seeing this Maxine couldn't stand idly by any longer. Fueled by a sense of justice and compassion, she knew she had to intervene or things will only get worst. She turned to her right and swiftly snatched the next paper ball out of Taylor's grip, surprising her and Victoria.

Taylor's eyes widened as she realized that Maxine had caught her red-handed. "Hey, Maxine! What do you think you're doing?" she exclaimed indignantly.

Maxine didn't waver; instead, she stood tall and spoke with authority which was rare to see. "Enough of this nonsense, Taylor," she said firmly. "You may find it amusing to bully and disturb others, but I won't stand for it. That girl has done nothing to deserve this treatment. It's about time you both" she then looks over at Victoria, "learned the consequences of your actions."

Taylor and Victoria exchanged nervous glances, as Maxine's words struck a chord within them. They had never seen this side of her before, a side fueled by empathy and righteousness. Suddenly, their game of torment seemed trivial and thoughtless.

Gathering her newfound courage, Maxine made her way over to the girl desk. With a gentle smile, she handed her the paper ball that she had intercepted. "I apologize for what has been happening. It won't happen again, and if It does come find me." she vowed earnestly.

Carefully unfolding one of the paper balls that Taylor has thrown, Maxine procured a pen from her messenger bag. With the tip poised above the crisp surface, she commenced her mission, inscribing her phone number in a bold shade of blue ink. Once she had completed her task, she nonchalantly slid the paper towards the girl, a resolute smile adorning her countenance.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. She had silently endured their torment for far too long, believing that no one cared. Maxine's act of kindness filled her with hope and reassurance that there were still people who stood up against injustice.

"I swear you're such a kiss up Maxine—"

Mr. Jefferson looks over at Victoria cutting her off before she could say another word. "That's enough Miss Chase. We don't need this much negativity in this classroom. Especially when we have a new student." His shifts over to Maxine watching her every movement.

When the room started to calm down, Mr. Jefferson adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, ready to resume his captivating lesson on Louis Daguerre first creation of photography. The students, intrigued by the knowledge Mr. Jefferson shared, sat eagerly in their seats, awaiting his next words. Unfortunately, before he could utter a single syllable, the loud ring of the bell reverberated throughout the school corridors. The sudden noise startled everyone, causing a collective groan to erupt from the students.

In an instant, the once attentive classroom transformed into a chaotic frenzy. Papers were hastily shoved into backpacks, chairs screeched against the tiled floor, and the room felt like a whirlwind of activity as students rushed to make their way out of the classroom doors.

Taylor and Victoria, however, lingered outside the classroom, despite their frustration with what Maxine did they couldn't leave the girl behind. While each second passed, the impatience they had grew evident. Victoria tapped her feet impatiently and glanced at her phone, waiting for Maxine to appear so they can leave.

Inside the classroom, Maxine, still trying to process Mr. Jefferson's unfinished lesson, gathered her belongings with a sense of urgency knowing second period class is waiting. She reached for her bag, her fingers trembling slightly, as she tried to collect her scattered thoughts.

Just as Maxine was about to leave the classroom and endure the disappointment of facing Taylor and Victoria's judgment outside, a gentle tap on her shoulder interrupted her anxious state.

Startled, she lifted her head and turned to face the source of the touch. There stood a nervous-looking girl, clutching her book against her chest as if it were a shield protecting her from the unknown. Maxine recognized the girl, the same classmate who had always been rather shy and introverted.

Taking a moment to gather her composure, the mysterious girl from before looked up at Maxine with a admiration lingering in her eyes.

"Hey," she whispered softly, her voice barely could be heard amidst the commotion in the hallway. "Sorry if I scared you. My name is Kate, Kate Marsh. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate what you did today."

Confusion washed over Maxine's freckled face as she wondered what Kate was referring to. With so much going on lately school and social wise It's quite hard to be updated on certain topics. Most definitely when nobody reminds you about them.

Sensing her confusion, Kate continued, her voice gaining more strength. "You stood up for me during Mr. Jefferson's class when no one else would," she explained, a hint of gratitude in her voice. "You made me feel seen, and I just wanted to thank you. I now know that I matter to somebody, perhaps a friend?"

Touched by the unexpected kindness that had managed to break through her clouded thoughts and worries. Maxine offered Kate a sincere smile, grateful for the connection they were forming.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot what happened. School and people can be so draining sometimes. Anyways, you're welcome, Kate. And of course we can be friends. Please call me if you ever need me." Maxine replied, her voice radiating genuine warmth. "Nobody deserves to feel invisible. We should all stand up for each other."

Both girls shared a brief moment of understanding, the chaos in the hallway seemed to fade away. Taylor and Victoria's anger was momentarily forgotten as they observed Maxine and Kate engaging in a heartfelt exchange ending their conversation with a hug.

Kate stepped outside of Mr. Jefferson's classroom, her eyes widened with fear when she noticed Victoria was staring. She briskly sped down the hallway, avoiding eye contact with anyone who dared to look her way.

After the trio was reconnected, Taylor, Maxine, and Victoria, strolled down the crowded hallway, their footsteps seamlessly synchronized with one another. Backpacks clung to their shoulders as they animatedly discussed the events of their first-period class.

Taylor, still simmering with anger, grew resentment to towards her new friend. Interrupting her from throwing paper balls at Kate Marsh when reality it was just a joke. Though, deep down, Taylor admired Maxine for what she had done. It took courage to do that.

Besides, it was the right thing to do by preventing her from making a scene, but pride prevented Taylor from admitting it. On the other hand, Victoria, the typical Queen Bee of the group who gets what she wants in life, stayed silent, but her ears were attentive to every word exchanged between her friends.

Upon reaching a quieter section of the hallway, Maxine gathered the courage to address the looming conflict. "Look, Taylor, I understand you're upset with me for stepping in earlier so go ahead and call me lame. But for now on, I don't want neither you or Victoria bullying her okay? It's so childish and immature."

Taylor, eying Maxine, the corners of her mouth twitching with lingering resentment, responded sternly, "Oh please, you probably interfered to get cool points from Mr. Jefferson. Victoria and I were just having some fun with her. She needs to learn how to take a joke."

"So now we call bullying fun? It was mean!" Maxine's face flushed with anger. "If things were reversed you wouldn't think any of this shit you two do is a joke. All I'm saying is your actions has consequences."

Victoria, realizing that tensions were high, decided to intervene cautiously. "How about both of you shut up? If she means that much to you Maxine we'll stop."

Feeling the tension slowly leave her body Maxine nooded in agreement. "Okay, that sounds like great idea. And Taylor, I hope you can understand where I'm coming from. I just want everyone to get along and have a good time instead of making rash decisions."

"Um, Excuse me? What do you mean by rash decisions? Taylor asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Victoria stepped forward and reached for Taylor's hand gently, urging her to empathize. "Maybe she's right or whatever. We have bigger enemies and problems to deal with and Kate Marsh isn't one of them so cool it."

Fighting against the defensive walls she'd built, beginning to understand that Maxine's intentions were not to hurt her. Taylor gradually loosened her grip on her anger and allowed empathy to sneak its way in.

The trio continued their walk down the hall, Taylor finally released the anger that had consumed her. She looked at Maxine, with deep regret for her actions.

"Okay, okay. I see your point. I won't bother Kate anymore. Promise." Taylor sighed, feeling defeated.

The three friends soon exchanged smiles, heading to the final class they all had together. Maxine was genuinely glad she could make things back normal again with Taylor and Victoria but for some odd reason it feels like this will be a repeated occurrence giving how sneaky the two could be, especially when together. She could only hope that this is just a one time gimmick.

–––

Outside of Blackwell Academy, near the edge of a small building, stood a couple of rebellious teens, Chloe and Justin, who had just finished up a whole box of cigarettes. The remnants of countless cigarettes now lay scattered across the ground, the two teenagers realized they only had eight precious minutes before they would officially be late for class.

So, instead of completely skipping out on their responsibilities, they decided to seize the opportunity for a much-needed smoke break, a brief respite from the relentless pursuit of knowledge. With joints in hand and thick plumes of smoke enveloping them, Chloe and Justin was drawn in by Trevor, their fellow stoner's captivating story. Despite their clouded minds, his words were like a symphony of vivid imagery and exhilarating adventures that demanded their full attention. The trio's elevated state only served to intensify their intrigue in Trevor's tale.

"Alright, guys," Trevor began, his voice shrouded in a hazy aura. "You won't believe what happened in Mr. Jefferson's class today. A dude name Daniel DaCosta told me the juicy tale and it was so wicked!"

"Spill the details, man!" Chloe exclaimed, eyes appeared to be red due to the excessive smoke she consumed before taking another hit from her joint.

"Alright dude, chill," Trevor continued, his words weaving into the smoky air. "You didn't hear for me but word around town there's a new girl roaming around. Stood up for Kate Marsh against Taylor but also Victoria in Mr. Jefferson class today in first period!"

The teens leaned in closer, their senses heightened by the intoxicating synergy between their minds and the marijuana-induced haze surrounding them. Time seemed to stretch infinite as Trevor's tale unfolded.

"Not only that but I heard she's super rich and insanely hot." Trevor continued, his eyes glazed over with excitement. "She's also been hanging around the Vortex Club members so she might not even notice us."

"No way!" Justin exclaimed, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "You don't think she's involved with them, do you?" he asked, now adjusting his foggy glasses.

"I don't know, man. Maybe she's just hanging out with them," Trevor shrugged nonchalantly. "But I've got a feeling there's more to it than that. I mean, think about it – a rich girl like that could easily buy her way into any club she wants, right?" he reasoned.

Justin nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with prediction. "Yeah, man. Around here money fixes everything." He added, finishing off his joint and reaching for another one from his pocket.

Lost in her own thoughts Chloe took another long drag from her joint before exhaling slowly. Her mind was spinning with possibilities. She gained a but of curiosity and trepidation about this mysterious new girl.

Arcadia Bay was not known for having new people unless it was on holidays when out of town family members would visit. She was fascinated by the idea of someone who could stand up for themselves against both Taylor and Victoria. So far, everything that Trevor said was good news but there was something about her connection to the Vortex Club that made Chloe uneasy.

Chloe, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, spoke up. "Hey Trevor, do you think you could get more information about this girl? Maybe even find out her name?" She asked eagerly.

Trevor grinned, his teeth stained from the constant smoking. "I'm on it, Chloe. I've got some connections at the Vortex Club, so I'll see what I can dig up."

Nine out of ten Trevor keeps up with his end of the bargain, and this fact is what made Chloe believe in him wholeheartedly. If it had been Justin in Trevor's place, the entire plan would have surely found itself lost in the land of nowhere not making a single process.

Blissfully oblivious to their surroundings, the trio found a temporary relaxation in their own little world. The comforting cloud of smoke wrapped around them, their laughter filled the air. But as their minds soared higher, their awareness of the outside world dwindled.

Unbeknownst to them, fate had a different plan in store. Unseen by the intoxicated trio, Rachel Amber left the school building making her way toward them.

She was known for her ability to captivate anyone who dared cross her path, possessed a magnetic allure that drew people in effortlessly. It was only a matter of moments before Rachel arrived at the scene, her presence commanded attention.

Trevor, Chloe, and Justin were abruptly jolted back to reality when Rachel's sudden appearance startled them out of their cannabis-induced haze. The blur of intoxication smoke that once protected them from their worries was now shattered by her amused laughter.

Confused and disoriented, the three stoners exchanged bewildered glances. Rachel's laughter echoed in the air as she found entertainment in their startled expressions. Mischievously smiling she approached the trio, her aura emitting both playfulness and intrigue.

"Surprised to see me?" Rachel taunted, her voice covered in amusement. Trevor attempted to gather himself from the shock, mustering up a weak response.

"Uh... Rachel! Hey, what brings you here?" he stammered, trying to conceal his lingering surprise.

Rachel winked at Trevor, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Just thought I'd join in on the fun," she said, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glimmer. "Looks like I scared you guys pretty good, huh?"

Chloe, always the quick-witted one, regained her composure and shot back, "Well, we weren't expecting the Queen of Surprises to grace us with her presence. But hey, welcome to our impromptu gathering!"

The tension dissolved into laughter which Rachel took the chance to seamlessly slipped into the group dynamic. The stoners' initial shock transformed into genuine amusement sharing stories and exchanged jokes. Trevor ended up telling another story to his friends all appeared not really listening besides Justin.

Rachel discreetly glanced at Chloe, her once animated face now bore a distant look. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that crept into their friendship after what happened yesterday. Unsure of how to approach the situation, she decided it was time to have a heart-to-heart conversation with her best friend.

Parting her lips getting ready to speak, Rachel interrupted Trevor's story mid-sentence. "Guys, sorry, but I need a moment alone with Chloe. Is that okay?"

Justin and Trevor exchanged puzzled glances but nodded, understanding the seriousness in Rachel's voice. They excused themselves, giving the girls the privacy they needed going back inside the school building. Rachel moved them to a quiet corner, away from prying ears. Settled into their secluded space, Chloe relaxed a bit knowing it's only the two of them.

Tentatively, Rachel reached out and squeezed Chloe's hand gently. "Hey, you know you can trust me, right? We've been through so much together, and I genuinely care about you. I'm sorry for everything. We promised each other to not keep secrects yet I'm the first person who breaks it. A million apologies won't fix things, I know, but I want us to start over, make a new chapter."

A single tear that's been waiting to come out escaped Chloe's eyes as she leaned into Rachel's comforting touch. "Can I Rach, fucking can I?! Last night I literally cried myself to sleep because of how you hurted me. To me, I think you are only sorry because you got caught. I can't even tell what's real or fake with you anymore."

She let out a sigh and wiped away Chloe's tear with her thumb gently. "I understand why you feel that way. I regret everything that happened. I don't want us to be like this anymore." Rachel paused, gathering her thoughts. "I'm completely being honest here, not having you with me is a living nightmare. I know we've had our fair share of arguments and disagreements in the past, but we've always been there for each other. We've always made up and moved on. But last night, it was different. It was like you were a stranger to me."

Chloe sniffed, pulling away from Rachel's touch. "You're right. It was different. And that's because you changed. You've been acting weird lately, I'm a dumbass for not seeing the hints until now. Like I said yesterday and I'll say it again, I don't know who you are anymore."

In all her years of knowing Chloe, Rachel had endured countless situations that drained her energy. Although, this particular scenario seemed to suck the life out of her like never before. Usually, Rachel had a few tricks up her sleeve to alleviate tension - a flirtatious remark here, perhaps a show of sadness there. But for once, none of her usual tactics seemed to work. It appeared that the tables had turned against her.

Always been adept at concealing her true self, hiding layers of vulnerability in the shadows while projecting an image of perfection under the spotlight. Rachel was akin to a skilled chameleon, effortlessly blending into her surroundings. However, this time, it felt as if her carefully crafted facade was crumbling.

It had only been a day since Rachel and Chloe had been separated, both physically and emotionally. And yet, Rachel's whole world already felt incomplete without her troublemaker companion by her side. The absence of Chloe's presence left an undeniable void in her life that she struggled to cope with. It was if a part of her soul had gone missing which she couldn't bare.

Yet, amidst the turmoil of emotions, Rachel couldn't help but feel torn in two different directions. Was she a nervous wreck because of the fear of losing the one person she truly cared about? Or was it because she dreaded the prospect of facing loneliness once again?

These questions, memories of their adventures flooded her mind. They had laughed together until their stomachs ached, shared secrets under the moonlit sky, and navigated through life's challenges hand in hand. Chloe had become more than just a friend; she had become an irreplaceable force in Rachel's life.

Rachel bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "Chloe, I know I've been distant. But it's not because I don't care about you. It's because I care too much. I'm scared of losing you, of messing things up again. I want us to be best friends again, but I don't know how to do that when everything feels so complicated."

"How the fuck is telling the truth complicated Rachel? Tell me." Chloe's tone trembled with rage almost like she was restraining herself. "You cheated on me, and you lied about it. I don't know what kind of friendship we can have after that. Maybe we should just end this."

"Cheated? We never established a label between us Price." Rachel's voice rose in defense.

"And that's the problem, right there!" Chloe yelled, anger boiling over. "You didn't think it was important to establish anything with me, huh? You just took what you wanted and moved on! Well, I'm done with that. I deserve better than that. I deserve someone who actually cares about me and only wants to be with me!"

The wind blows heavily down on the girls which neither of them cared. Rachel had never seen Chloe like this before. Her normally calm and composed demeanor had shattered, leaving her vulnerable and raw.

"So you saying I never cared about you?!" Rachel was incredulous. "You're the only person in this shitty town that I trust Chloe. How could you even say that?"

"Seems like I can't have both, It's either trust or the truth, some friendship." Chloe said turning away from Rachel, unable to look at her friend's crumbled form.

"You're such an asshole sometimes. You not the only one that's hurting." Rachel's words drenched in venom out of her lungs, anger now overtaking her sadness.

From the way Chloe was laughing Rachel could clearly hear how fake it was. "How about this, delete my number and everything about me. We're officially over."

Those words cut deeper than Damien's knife penetrating Rachel's flesh at the American Rust junkyard years ago. She repeated the venomous phrase, "We're over," non stop in her mind, unable to believe that Chloe had actually uttered those words.

It was like a nightmare, a never-ending loop of heartbreak and despair. They had been through it all, weathering storms and basking in sunny days, but now Chloe wanted to erase their entire history together.

Rachel clung desperately trying to hold on what's left of their bond, refusing to accept that the friendship they struggled so hard to build was crumbling into the shadows. Chloe didn't bother to look back, her gaze fixed firmly ahead as if she were already moving on.

But once again Rachel refused to let her go so easily. With a surge of desperation, her trembling hand reached out, grabbing hold of Chloe's arm and yanking her back, forcing them to face each other.

Their eyes locked right away, and in that moment, Rachel saw the pain reflected in Chloe's gaze.

It was a pain she knew all too well, one that gnawed at the darkest corners of the soul. And despite the hurt, despite the darkness, Rachel allowed her heart to speak for once and it whisper softly, "Please, don't go."

"Rachel, what the hell—"

Unable to contain her affection any longer, Rachel stepped on her tiptoes and boldly pressed her lips against Chloe's, stealing a tender kiss.

Startled by the unexpected gesture, Chloe's eyes widened in surprise and confusion. She had not seen it coming and her brain struggled to process the abruptness of Rachel's actions. Uncertainty clouded Chloe's expression as she tried to comprehend the intentions behind the girl in question impulsive move.

Emotions was running all over the place, before Chloe gather her thoughts, Rachel took a step back, her face flushed with vulnerability. She hoped her affectionate surprise would reignite their fading connection.

However, the response she received shattered her hopes. Chloe recoiled, pushing Rachel away with an unexpected force. Her eyes shows nothing but disappointment. It was clear that the punk was not interested in Rachel's unwanted kiss and that she was indeed serious when she said they were officially over.

"It'll be best if we took a break." Chloe speaks up first she didn't even try to look at Rachel.

Without uttering anymore words, Chloe took a step back, her gaze fixed firmly on the distance. The sound of her footsteps on the pavement served as a painful reminder of the growing chasm between them.

Rachel watched one last time as her former confidante walked away, every step a dagger to her heart. The last image her eyes could capture was Chloe Price the badass rebel disappearing into the school building, Rachel stood rooted to the spot, her mind replaying the events that led to this heartbreaking moment.

She had made mistakes, ones she wished she could undo. She had said things in anger and frustration that she didn't mean, unknowingly hurting Chloe in the process. The realization hit Rachel like a wave crashing against the shore and wasn't prepared for it at all.

Soon enough Rachel gradually builds up the strength and will power to leave aswell heading to third period class knowing it's about to end. Good thing her social skills at being overly friendly rewarded her with a tardy pass from Evan Harris this morning. So honestly she didn't care that she was extremely late.

How Chloe will explan her absence is whole another story which Rachel can only hope that Principle Wells wouldn't decide to expelled her for good.

–––

In Chemistry classroom, her mood already soured by the thought of being lab partners with Warren Graham. Like if dealing with Victoria and high school wasn't painful enough, now Maxine had to endure his constant affectionate glances and overbearing presence. They just met and already the boy was madly in love with her. She sighed, trying to find something positive about him.

'Well,' she thought, 'at least he's not intentionally overbearing or a total jerk like some people in this town.'

Her attempt at finding solace was shattered by Logan Robertson, the resident football player, who couldn't resist making snide remarks. "Hey Maxine, you and Warren would make such a cute couple!" he jeered, earning a few chuckles from their classmates.

Feeling her face flush with embarrassment Maxine cringed when hearing that. The last thing she wanted was to be associated with Warren in that way.

To make matters worse, Logan had been assigned as lab partners with Dana Ward, a popular girl who was a known cheerleader and also apart of the Vortex Club that Maxine had already met early today. Together, they sat right behind Maxine and Warren having front row seats to every conversation they would discuss about.

"In known elements, the maximum number is of..." Warren's voice trailed off and he turned to face Maxine showing his usual dopey smile.

"It's metals of course." Maxine answered, trying her best to ignore Logan's smug grin.

Warren nodded enthusiastically, his chestnut eyes lighting up with excitement. "Right on, Maximus! We're going to be working with copper Wednesday. Isn't that thrilling?" He asked, giving Maxine a look that only made her want to crawl out of her skin.

Gritting her teeth Maxine forced a smile. "Yeah, it's really interesting." She glanced over at Dana and Logan, who were exchanging amused looks. "So, um, what do you say we get started on those experiments?" she suggested, trying to change the subject.

He nodded eagerly yet again and grabbed a set of lab equipment. "Sure thing, Maxine! Let's get this show on the road." He handed her a pair of safety goggles and a lab coat. "We don't want any accidents now, do we?"

Maxine rolled her eyes but took the equipment, trying not to laugh at Warren's antics. "No, we definitely don't want any accidents," she muttered under her breath.

They began setting up the experiment, Maxine felt annoyed by Warren's constant chatter and eagerness. She wished he would just focus on the task at hand instead of trying to impress her with his enthusiasm.

Quietly observing their antics from behind. Dana felt sorry for Maxine, who seemed to be stuck with Warren as her partner. She watched Maxine tried her best to ignore Warren's advances and focus on the experiment.

Next to her, Logan was trying not to laugh at the situation. He leaned closer to Dana and whispered, "Do you think they'll ever figure it out?" He asked, nodding towards Maxine and Warren.

Dana raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Maybe," she replied, her voice mixing with the sound of bubbling chemicals. "But I wouldn't hold my breath."

Irritation was evolving inside of Maxine at Warren's incessant chatter. She really liked him but tried to tune him out and focus on the experiment, but his voice kept seeping in. She wished he would just leave her alone for a minute, but she knew that was unlikely.

Logan's smirk grew wider he couldn't resist the opportunity to tease them both. "Hey, Warren," he called out, "why don't you ask Maxine out on a date? I'm sure she'd love to go on a science adventure with you."

Surprisingly thankful when she saw Dana punch Logan in the arm Maxine still cringed in disgust at his comment. She couldn't believe he was still trying to embarrass her in front of their classmates. Warren, on the other hand, looked surprised but pleased.

"Well, I wasn't planning on asking her out right now," he said, his smile fading slightly, "but that's not a bad idea. What do you think, Maxine?"

The spotlight was now on Maxine. She sighed inwardly, wishing the ground would just swallow her whole. "I think I'd rather not," she replied, trying to keep her tone casual. "But thanks for the offer."

Warren's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Oh, okay. We can still be friends, right?"

Like once before Maxine forced a smile back at him. "Of course, Warren. Friends are always important."

The clock that hung on the wall indicated that class was near the end, Maxine tried to focus on the experiment, hoping to avoid any further humiliation.

It seemed nearly impossible no matter how hard Maxine tried to distance herself, Warren's affectionate gestures and Logan's snide comments continued to torment her, lack of paying attention to Ms. Grant, is making her day a never-ending nightmare of teenage awkwardness.

About twenty minutes later the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Maxine couldn't wait to escape the lab and the constant reminders of her unfortunate situation.

She hurriedly gathered her things, trying not to make eye contact with anyone, especially Warren. But just as she was about to leave, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Turning around, she found Logan smirking at her. "Hey Maxine," he said in a mock-sweet tone, "I was just thinking, maybe you and Warren could study together for the upcoming chemistry test. You know, to make sure you both do well."

Already aware of his teasing Maxine knew exactly what Logan was trying to do - to make her and Warren look even more like a couple in front of their classmates. "No, thank you," she said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. "I think I can handle the test on my own."

When she turned to leave, she felt Warren's gaze on her. "Yo Mad Maxine, wait," he called out.

Maxine hesitated for a second, unsure if she should ignore him or not. In the end, she decided to be polite. "Yes, Warren?" she asked, turning to face him.

"I was wondering if you'd like to study for the test together tomorrow," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "I mean, we're partners for the experiment and all. It'd be helpful to go over everything before the test."

Was Warren serious? Did he really just ask her to study with him? Or was this just another attempt to get closer to her? At this point Maxine couldn't tell.

Logan, standing behind them, coughed loudly, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Well, what do you say, Maxine?" he said with a smirk. "You don't want to disappoint your lab partner, do you?"

Sudden anger rising at Logan's mockery Maxine turned back to Warren, hoping he wouldn't fall for it. "I really don't think it's necessary," she said, trying to sound as firm as possible. "I'm sure we can manage on our own."

Warren's face fell, but he didn't give up. "Oh, come on, Maxine," he pleaded. "We're partners, remember? And we're both here to get good grades. Working together would only help us both." He paused, looking her in the eye. "Please, I'd really appreciate it."

Torn between this decision Maxine felt stuck. Part of her wanted to say no, to keep Warren at arm's length. But another part of her knew that he was right - they were partners, and working together would be the best way to ensure they both did well on the test.

Reluctantly, she accepted his pleading invitation. "Okay," Maxine said, trying to sound as noncommittal as possible. "We can study together."

When they left Ms. Grant classroom, Maxine could feel a twinge of anxiety creep up within her. The prospect of spending tomorrow alone with Warren, both physically and emotionally, was tugging at her heartstrings and filling her mind with uncertainty. Thoughts swirled around her, teasing her with possibilities yet also instilling a sense of trepidation.

Unaware of what was happening in reality, a short-haired blonde named Victoria Chase stormed into the hallway like an angry hurricane, her piercing green eyes scanning the sea of gawking students. With her intimidating presence, she effortlessly cleared a straight path, leaving stunned onlookers in her wake.

Victoria forcibly yanked Maxine away, her freckled face contorted in surprise. Warren stood there, bewildered, not quite sure what just happened. The two girls marched through the crowded hallways towards the cafeteria, leaving a trail of confused onlookers in their wake. she stumbled along, trying to keep up with Victoria's forceful strides. They made their way to the cafeteria, knowing that lunchtime awaited them.

The scent of cheesy pizza wafted through the air, beckoning them forward. Finally reaching the food counter, Maxine and Victoria collected their meals and triumphantly took their seats at a nearby table. Across from them, Taylor and Courtney bore slight annoyance as if they had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Without a word, Maxine and Victoria dug into their meals, savoring every bite. The clink of cutlery hitting plates echoed through the cafeteria as they ate, oblivious to the curious glances from the other students. If looks could talk, those glances would have said, "What on earth just happened?"

"Sorry we're late. Maxine held up major traffic in the hallway. She was so lovestruck by that loser science nerd Warren she didn't even notice I was calling her." Victoria apologies as she took a sip of her soda.

Maxine's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Ew gross, Warren and I are just friends." She tried to defend herself, but it came out sounding more like a whine.

"Wow Maxine, you only been here for one day and already snatched a boyfriend?" Courtney smirked.

"No, we're just friends," Maxine repeated for second time, trying to sound more confident.

"Anyways," Victoria raised her voice most likely to change the subject. "You won't believe what happened at the end of third period. That imperfect slut Rachel Amber came in super late to class and looked like she was on the verge of breaking down to tears."

Taylor rolled her eyes at this. "What a drama queen. She probably just overslept and is trying to make a big deal out of it.

"Trust me, I thought so too." Victoria assured Taylor and continued, "Have any of you noticed how she has not been with her little sidekick lately? Not to mention that freak Price has been acting suspicious aswell. Whatever it is I'm going to find out and use it as my advantage." she winked at them while taking a bite of her salad.

Leaning in closer to Victoria, Maxine asked a question that had been lingering around her mind for awhile now. "I know you have some sort of issues with this Rachel girl but can you explain why you hate her so much?"

Victoria let out a sigh of frustration before answering. "Fine, I'll tell you. I hate that bitch because she's always been in the way of what I want. Always been the center of attention, getting whatever she wants while I'm stuck in the fucking background. And don't get me started on her overly protective trashy best friend. It's clear something happened between her and that Price girl and I will find out what it is and use it against her."

Maxine listened closely, trying to understand Victoria's motivations. It was clear that there was more going on here than just a simple dislike for Rachel. "So, you think they're involved in something worth knowing? And who is this Price person you're talking about?"

"You don't know Chloe Price? Tall, has strawberry blonde hair with a single blue streak in front. I don't know much about her but what I do know is she always with Rachel." Taylor filled in, taking a sip of her milk.

"Well something is going on behind closed doors Taylor, It's so obvious. Rachel didn't even try to argue with me like we usually do during third period class today. I'm probably going go investigate tomorrow. So keep your eyes and ears open." Victoria warned them as she stood up, her salad forgotten on the table.

As she walked away, Courtney leaned back in her seat, shaking her head. "Man, Victoria is really determined to bring Rachel down. I don't know what she did, but it must've been bad."

Taylor finished her milk and stood up, brushing off the crumbs from her shirt. "Victoria officially hated Rachel's guts after what she did during prom last year. Anyways, if anything happens, we'll let you know. But for now, I have to go get the rest of my belongings at the girl's dorm for fifth period. You guys want to come?" She offered, already halfway to the door.

"No, I think I'll stay here. Maybe do some homework." Maxine said shaking her head denying Taylor's offer.

Courtney glanced at her watch. "I better get some of my stuff from the dorm too. I've got some errands to run after school. See you later Maxine!" With a wave, she hurried off to catch up with Taylor.

Maxine sighed, feeling the tension slowly dissipate from her shoulders. It had been a long and stressful day at school, dealing with the relentless whispers and sideways glances from her classmates. But now, as she sat in the cafeteria finishing her lunch, she allowed herself to take a break from everything for a moment.

Her mind goes on autopilot and wonders to the mysterious secrets that Victoria was planning to uncover about Rachel and Chloe.

She knew that pretending not to be interested would be utterly foolish on her part. The rumors and gossip surrounding both Rachel Amber and Chloe Price had piqued her curiosity, especially considering the enigmatic reputation that Rachel held. So, she made up her mind to delve deeper into the hidden knowledge surrounding these two intriguing figures.

Shaking her thoughts away Maxine gathered her belongings and left the crowded cafeteria. Her eyes instantly caught sight of numerous flyers scattered all across the hallways. They announced the upcoming Fall Festival dance, an event Maxine had no intention of attending. Ignoring the invitation posters, she made her way to the girls' bathroom, hoping for a momentary escape from the prying eyes of her fellow students.

Pushing open the door, Maxine's entire jaw dropped in pure shock. The once sterile and mundane walls were now adorned with intricate drawings and a multitude of words, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of artistry. She stood there, awe-struck by the unexpected beauty that had transformed the bathroom walls.

And there she was, the suspect responsible for this expelled-worthy act of defiance, standing on top of the sink with impressive balance. Her presence commanded attention. Maxine slowly entered the bathroom, still surprised but undeniably fascinated by the artwork, even if it had left its mark as damage upon the school. She approached with cautious steps, the girl on the sink turned to look at her, her eyes brimming with aggression and a hint of defiance.

From the detailed description Taylor told her at lunch It was none other than Chloe Price, the very subject of her curiosity but Maxine wasn't sure if it was her even when she checked all the boxes of said person.

Words flowed from mysterious girl's lips, spoken with both pride and a touch of rebellion. "Great, just what I need right now. I bet you're going to rat me out to Principle Wells and get me expelled."

"I'm not going to tell on you," Maxine said slowly, unsure of how else to respond. "I actually think it's pretty cool."

The girl eye's widened in surprise, her defensive posture melting slightly. "Really?"

Looking around the bathroom in amazement Maxine simply nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I didn't think anyone could pull off something like this." She gestured towards the artwork. "It's really impressive."

She smiled, her confidence visibly growing. "Thanks. I've always been good at art."

Taking in the details of the girl's appearance, Maxine couldn't resist looking. She had wild short strawberry blonde hair, a few strands and a striking blue streak falling over her eyes, and wore a black leather jacket that looked like it had seen better days. Despite her tough exterior, there was an undeniable vulnerability about her that Maxine found intriguing.

The mysterious rebel continued her audacious act of defiance against the mundane, Maxine found herself drawn to her spirit. This unexpected encounter would prove to be a turning point in Maxine's life. For it was in that moment, within the rebellious strokes of ink on those bathroom walls, that Maxine discovered her own suppressed passion for artistic expression.

"W-Well, um, I'm Maxine Caulfield." Maxine nervously introduced herself while fidgeting with her fingers.

The girl paused for a moment, lowering the marker and turning towards Maxine. Her eyes held a mixture of pride and a huge ego, as if daring anyone to question her actions. "I'm Chloe Price, by the way," she replied.

Getting the confirmation she needed that this girl of interest is in fact the one Taylor talked about earlier at lunch made Maxine's tense muscles relaxed a bit.

"So, Chloe, why did you decide to do this? I mean, you know you will get in trouble if caught, right?" Maxine asked, her curiosity getting the better of her."

"Probably. But it's worth it." Chloe paused, her eyes darting around the bathroom one last time before she jumped off the sink and landed gracefully on the ground. "Come on, I'll show you something."

Surprised by her abrupt change of tone and action, Maxine hesitantly followed Chloe out of the bathroom. They made their way down a quiet hallway, the only sound the click of their shoes against the linoleum floor.

Arriving on the scene, Chloe led her to a deserted classroom, the door left ajar. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with a single window casting a warm, golden glow across the worn desks and chairs. As she stepped inside, Maxine felt a shiver run down her spine.

The room was filled with artwork, each piece unique and captivating. Paintings of landscapes and abstract images covered the walls, while sketches of people and animals adorned the desks. Chloe walked over to a large canvas resting on an easel in the corner of the room and gestured for Maxine to come closer.

Still on full alert, Maxine approached cautiously, drawn in by the intricate details and vibrant colors of the painting. It was a portrait of a girl, her eyes locked onto Maxine's, filled with both sadness and defiance. The girl in the painting looked eerily similar to Chloe, down to the blue streak in her hair. What made it stood out even more was the blue butterflies around the female.

"Wow," Maxine breathed, unable to tear her eyes away from the painting. "This is incredible."

Chloe smiled, a hint of pride in her voice. "Thanks. I worked really hard on it."

For some reason Maxine feel drawn to the raw emotion in the painting. It was as if the girl on the canvas was speaking directly to her, sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings. The longer she looked, the more she felt a connection to Chloe, the artist behind the brushstrokes.

"Can I ask you something?" Maxine broke the silence, her raspy voice sounding like she had a cold.

Chloe turned to face her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure, what do you want to know?"

Maxine hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase her question. "Well, I was wondering... what's your story?" she finally asked, looking up at Chloe with curious eyes.

Right away Chloe's expression turned serious, and she slowly sat down on the edge of a desk. "I don't know where to start," she began, running a hand through her hair. "My Dad died in a car crash when I was fourteen and It's been pretty rough for me. Ever since I met Rachel she–" she stopped herself, "Wait, why am I even telling you all of this? We barely know each other."

"I know, but that's what makes it different," Maxine replied softly. She then sat down beside Chloe, their shoulders almost touching. "You're right, we barely know each other, but I feel like I can trust you. It's like I felt a intense connection with you the moment I seen you for some reason. And sometimes that's all it takes to share something personal."

She looked at Maxine for a moment, then let out a small laugh. "Well, okay then. I guess I can tell you a little bit more." Chloe leaned back against the desk, crossing her arms over her chest. "So, like I said, my dad died when I was fourteen. It was really hard on me, but I didn't think it could get any worse."

Her voice trailed off, and she looked down at her hands, which were now clenched into fists. "And then Rachel happened," she continued, her voice thick with emotion. "She was this amazing girl, so full of life and energy. She made me laugh, made me feel like everything was going to be okay. We became really close, she became my angel."

Maxine listened attentively, her heart going out to Chloe. It was clear that she cared deeply for Rachel, and the pain in her voice was noticeable. "What happened to Rachel?" she asked gently, dreading the answer but needing to know.

Chloe closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Everything," she said quietly. "We used to be so closed, told each other everything. Now Rachel's just somebody that I used to know." Her voice broke, and she wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye.

They sat in the empty classroom in silence, Maxine doesn't know what to say. She knew that she couldn't fully understand the pain that Chloe was feeling, but she wanted to be there for her. After a few moments, Maxine slowly reached out and placed a hand on Chloe's shoulder, offering a small smile of comfort.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Maxine said softly. "It sounds like you and Rachel were really close. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."

Chloe looked up at Maxine, her eyes red from tears. "Thanks," she said with a sniff. "I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust you too. It's nice to know that someone tries to understand what I'm going through."

Maxine smiled softly and squeezed Chloe's shoulder reassuringly. "You're not alone in this," she said. "And you know, maybe your art is a way for you to express your emotions. It's really beautiful, you know."

Chloe gave a small laugh, half-hearted. "Yeah, maybe," she said, standing up from the desk. "But it's not enough to keep me from getting expelled."

The intense depressing vibes that lingered heavily around them disappears slowly and returned back normal. Maxine followed Chloe out of the abandoned classroom, feeling a strange mix of emotions. She was excited to see more of Chloe's art, but also worried about what would happen if they got caught.

As they made their way back to the bathroom, Maxine noticed how Chloe seemed to glide effortlessly through the halls, her leather jacket flapping softly behind her.

When they reached the bathroom, Chloe went straight inside the second stall climbing up on the toliet. She looked down with a mischievous grin when Maxine walked over to check things out. "What do you think Caulfield?" she asked, pointing to a new piece she'd added since their last visit. It was a spray-painted rendition of a black crow with it's wings spread wide.

Stood below her was Maxine, admiring the detail and the boldness of the design. "It's amazing," she said, her voice filled with awe. "I can't believe you did this."

"Thanks. I had some extra time after school, so I figured why not?" Chloe explains, she shifts her focus back on her artwork. "Plus, It was so high up near the ceiling that nobody even noticed it but me and a few others."

Smiling at Chloe's carefree attitude Maxine shakes her head in amusement. "Well, it definitely adds some character to the place," she replied, her voice sounding casual. She was so intrigued by this girl who seemed to defy authority and convention with such ease.

Chloe chuckled. "That's what I figured." She jumped off the toliet and dusted off her hands. "So, what do you say? Want to create your own masterpiece?"

A bit of hesitation played out for a moment, Maxine's mind racing with thoughts of getting caught which would not look good on her school record. But then she thought of Chloe's words, about how it was worth it.

"Let's do it," Maxine said, trying to sound confident.

Chloe grinned and nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. She grabbed a spray can from her bag and handed it to Maxine. "Here you go," she said, her voice slightly shaking with anticipation. "Just follow my lead."

Maxine took the can, feeling the cold metal against her skin. She felt both nervous and exhilarated, like she was about to embark on some grand adventure.

Following Chloe's lead they walked out of the bathroom checking if anybody was coming. The hallway was dead slient no single student besides them on the radar. Maxine looked around, trying to find a workable spot where they could add their mark without being seen.

"Over here," Chloe whispered, leading Maxine to a quiet corner of the school. The walls here were bare, waiting for their story to be told. She pointed to a spot above a row of lockers, where the paint was already chipping. "I think this would be perfect."

Standing there for a moment Maxine took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the spray can in her hand.

She looked up at the wall, trying to imagine the image that would grace its surface. Suddenly, Maxine knew what she wanted to create. With a swift motion, she pressed down on the nozzle, feeling the cold mist of paint spray against her skin. She began to draw, her hand moving effortlessly across the wall.

Chloe watched in awe as Maxine brought her vision to life, the image slowly emerging from the mist showing her art. It was a stunning depiction of what looked like a lighthouse along with a polaroid camera, complete with vibrant flowers and a pair of doves taking flight.

"Wow," Chloe breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "That's amazing."

Maxine smiled, feeling a rush of pride at Chloe's reaction. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, the vibrant colors and intricate details of the courtyard scene coming to life before her eyes.

"Thank you," she said shyly, wiping a stray strand of hair from her face. "I've always loved visiting Arcadia Bay's lighthouse with my family and friends. It's so peaceful there, even with everything going on."

Chloe nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the scene depicted on the wall. "Yeah, it is," she murmured, a faraway look in her eyes. "It's nice to have a place like this to escape to, even if it's just for a moment."

Everything frozen in place when both girls heard keys echoing throughout the hallway. Knowing that haunting sound Chloe knew it was her step father approaching them. She grabs Maxine's hand and guides them back to the girl's bathroom since they were at a dead end.

"Man, that was close." Chloe exhaled, her heart still racing as they heard the footsteps retreat back down the hall. She leaned against the sink, trying to catch her breath. "Fuck! Why did they replace Skip with him?!"

Maxine reached out and gave her hand a squeeze, offering a reassuring smile. "It's okay," she whispered.

"Thanks," Chloe whispered, still trying to catch her breath. She glanced at Maxine, realizing that the other girl must have been just as scared as she was. She reached out and squeezed her hand again, this time with more force. "I'm really glad you're here with me."

They stared deeply into each other's eyes. It was blue versus blue and the two didn't care anymore. Chloe's exhausted breathing slowed down and she was honestly glad that Maxine was there with her right now. The moment they temporarily shared was broken when Maxine removed her attention over to something else.

Glancing at the clock on her phone, Maxine realized that they had been in the bathroom longer than they should have. "We better get going," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance. "We don't want to get caught."

Chloe nodded, her gaze still fixed on the recent artwork she had done. "Yeah, you're right," she murmured, fake coughing. "But don't worry, I've got this covered."

Before Maxine could protest, Chloe produced a cloth from her pocket and began wiping away any evidence of their presence. She worked efficiently, her movements graceful and confident. In no time, the can of spray paint was hidden and the sink was spotless.

Maxine watched in awe, impressed by Chloe's skill and composure. She had never seen anything like it before. "How do you do that?" she asked, her voice hushed. "It's like you're invisible or something."

Chloe shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a glint in her eyes that betrayed her pride. "I've had a lot of practice," she replied, slipping the cloth back into her pocket. "Come on, let's get out of here before anyone sees us."

Walking side by side making their way back to class, Maxine felt a sense of exhilaration. She had never done anything like this before, and yet, she felt completely at ease with Chloe. They moved through the halls like ghosts, blending into the shadows and disappearing before anyone could question their presence.

When they finally reached their respective classrooms, Chloe turned to Maxine with her usual trademark grin. "You did great for your first artwork hippie. Maybe we can I don't know, do more of it sometime?"

"What are you trying to say Price?" Maxine asked, returning the smile. "Are you asking me out on another art adventure? Because I'm down for that. I think we make a great team, don't you?"

"You know it Sista! You'll be my partner in crime." Chloe high-fived Maxine, feeling a new rush of excitement.

"As long as you be my partner in time. Because now we are both late to class." Maxine joked as they both giggled, knowing they had been successful in pulling off their small act of rebellion without getting caught.

Realizing their time together was limited before they had to head to their respective classrooms, Chloe and Maxine quickly exchanged phone numbers. It was a way to ensure they could coordinate their future escapades and stay connected at all times outside of the confines of the school walls. They knew deep down that they were so much more than mere accomplices; they were partners in creativity and mischief maybe even more.

Reluctantly, the two friends parted ways, promising to meet up whenever they both had a free moment. It was an unspoken agreement between Chloe and Maxine that they were meant to explore the world together, one unconventional art adventure at a time.

And as they walked away, each heading towards their next separate destination, they couldn't help but anticipate the new memories and laughs that awaited them in the not-too-distant future.