…

The following morning:

'Alright Max, time to get up.' Max's body felt heavier than usual as she sat up in bed. Light peeked through her window. It was just another day, same as the last. But now she had an obligation to go to school. Missing anymore than she already had would start to risk her scholarship. There was a designated time for mourning, but now the school board expects her to get back to work.

She dragged herself over to the window, looking down at her now dead plant, Lisa. Max frowned. She wasn't much for keeping things alive, was she? She grimaced at her own negative thoughts and picked up her insta-camera. A morning selfie might knock her out of her funk.

The camera flashed and out whirred a photo. Her eyes looked glassy. 'Note to self… never smoke with Justin again… maybe.' Max had to admit, she could see the appeal that smoking had for Chloe. For a brief moment last night, Max actually felt relaxed and at ease. That feeling disappeared rather quickly however, when the splitting headache threatened to swallow her up again. She didn't want to think about what her mind was trying to tell her. Each time the memories sparked up, Max was always confronted with some unhappy events that occurred in a past timeline. 'Everything is different now,' she repeated to herself.

Feeling sticky, she grabbed her shower supplies and change of clothes and made her way to the girl's showers. The hallways were empty this morning, most of her roommates seeming to have had earlier starts than she.

Upon exiting the shower stall, feeling refreshed, she saw Taylor dabbing at her eyes, evidence of tear tracks visible on her face. The blonde started when she spotted Max but continued to silently rub at her red eyes.

"Hi Taylor," Max began. She could tell Taylor was upset about something, figuring it had to do with her mother's surgery. Taylor and her had yet to discuss such a sensitive matter so Max debated on whether she should even bring it up. She figured there was no harm in being considerate. "How's… your mom doing?"

Taylor instantly rounded on her, a fresh wave of tears streaming down her face. "How do you know about that? Did Courtney tell you?" Her voice cracked.

Max took a step back, surprised at the outburst. Last Max remembered, Taylor's mother made it out of surgery just fine. Did something bad enough happen with Courtney to warrant such a drastic response?

"I had just heard…"

"Well…" Taylor calmed down, "thanks for asking." Her tears slowed, the original onslaught disappearing as quickly as it had come. "There was a complication with her back surgery… she's back in the hospital."

Max stepped forward, offering Taylor her most sympathetic expression. She had no idea things would take a turn like this. Would this have happened in the previous timeline? Max couldn't help but wonder. "I'm sorry, Taylor. That must be really difficult. I hope things turn out okay."

Taylor nodded. "Thanks Max… I didn't think you cared about stuff like that." She looked off to the side, talking softly, "I wish Victoria wasn't ignoring me, I could really use her at a time like this."

"Courtney told me that she hasn't been talking to either of you."

Taylor gripped her wrist with her other hand, her bracelets jangling. "Ever since the Nathan incident, she's gone off the deep end. Courtney and I don't know what to do."

'They fight but I think they actually really care about each other.' As made obvious by Courtney's concern, the two "lackeys" of Victoria were nothing more than worried friends. Max hoped the group would come to realize this themselves rather than turn their fear and anger on to one another. She recalled the insecurity of Victoria that lead her to her cruelty. Without that influence, Courtney and Taylor were just a couple of girls in need of the similar support they received as being part of the Vortex Club.

Max debated saying anything, feeling more and more separated from whatever issues their group was going through. Since when was it her responsibility to manage their emotions? Max silently scolded herself. This was what she set out to do, wasn't it? Help others without her powers?

Max could feel a headache coming on.

"I think Victoria just needs time to sort things out on her own… in the meantime, maybe Courtney and you could lean on each other?" Max watched her expression, unsure of what her reaction would be. Her head pounded, similar to that time in Kate's room. It was easier to ignore this time.

Taylor appeared thoughtful. "You're probably right," she conceded. "I'm… I'm just worried, you know? And Courtney has no idea what's even going on, all she cares about is the stupid Vortex Club."

"I understand."

The blonde turned back to the sink. She began to rinse off her face, silence rising between the two dorm mates. Gripping the sink, she spoke in a heavy tone, "this could be it, actually. For our friend group, the club… for my mom. Ugh… I can't believe I'm comparing those things…" She turned back to look at Max a moment later. "Sorry… but I'd like to be alone now…"

Max didn't need to be told twice. She exited the showers, feeling anxious on Taylor's behalf and upset that she couldn't have done more to help. There was no rewind option this time.

And yet another part of herself commended her on keeping out of it. Max didn't know what to think anymore, her thoughts a constant mishmash of contradictory emotions and feelings.

She was spared any extra thinking when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Kate:

'Morning Max! Just wondering if you were free next week Tuesday for a little outing with Luke and I? No pressure or anything! But I think it'd be a lot of fun if we could all get together for dinner. Let me know! :]'

Max smiled for Kate's sake. She seemed a lot happier than Max remembered of her on that fateful day. Her eyes were constantly red with dried tears and her cheeks sunken in from lack of sleep. Just reading this text, Max could imagine her happily smiling face, excited for a change instead of the misery she felt from a constant barrage of bullying. She'd have to thank Luke some time.

Max contemplated her answer. She could always just go and act as moral support for Kate, but at the same time she didn't like the idea of being an awkward third wheel. And then there was the issue of bringing someone along for a "double date."

She typed back quickly, thinking she'd have a solution by the time next week rolled around.

'Sounds great, Kate. I'd love to come and cheer you on.'

Kate responded soon after:

'Yay! I'm so happy you decided to come. I knew you would! I'll send you the rest of the details when I know them. Also, don't forget that sweetie-pie, Warren! You're bringing him along, right?"

Max expected this. And it seemed like the obvious solution. Warren and Kate were already pretty comfortable around each other and there was honestly no one else that Max could think of that she could bring along. The thought momentarily saddened her. Her friend group at Blackwell Academy was considerably lacking. At a time like this, Max thought of Chloe and her chest ached.

'Of course. I'll have to see if he is willing first though. TTYL.'

'I have no doubt that he'll say yes! xoxo'

After the events of last night, Max had a small inkling in the back of her mind that told her that maybe Warren wouldn't want to come. She put the thought aside for now, knowing she'd have time to discuss it with him when they met after school.

On her way out the front door, she spotted Stella sitting on a bench outside. She was bundled in a thick jacket, a heavy text sitting on her lap. Max always admired Stella's work ethic considering her family situation. They had similar reasons to work hard for their being at Blackwell Academy and Max was sometimes envious that she didn't try nearly as hard as Stella did to earn her spot.

Max felt like she hadn't seen Stella in forever, the student in question always sleeping in or off studying in some corner of the hallway. She decided to approach her, Max's feet moving on their own. The last she recalled of seeing Stella was working at the now non-existent End of the World party… and the alternative reality she created by tampering with the past. In that reality, Stella and Warren had found each other, forming an equally brilliant and hard-working couple.

It was a weird memory to recall, now that she thought about it. That whole alternate reality was one huge trip into the unfathomable, and yet it had existed and was possible through a variety of circumstances. Why would William's death tie in so closely to how Max turned out as a person? She couldn't possibly answer that. Alternate Max was someone Max could never possibly imagine herself to be.

Stella didn't look up at Max's approach, still heavily engaged in whatever subject she was studying for. Looking at her, Max couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't for her presence in Warren's life, would the pair have long since hooked up? Max began feeling anxious, a considerably weird emotion to feel at the thought of speaking to Stella, a person she had only ever had positive emotions towards.

"Hi Stella, how's school treating you?"

Stella looked up, looking slightly bedraggled, but smiled none-the-less. "Hey Max. I won't lie but ever since that stint with Jefferson, I've been thrown for a loop. I can't believe I ever looked up to that guy."

Max nodded in complete understanding. Part of the reason she even came to Blackwell was because Mark Jefferson was a teacher here. Since the reveal of his true identity, photography had left a bit of a harsh taste in the mouths of aspiring students.

"I know what you mean. I haven't even been to class."

"I've noticed! Are you feeling okay? I heard some rumors that you had a part to play in his arrest."

Max looked away, trying to recall any relevant information. After travelling back to the past, to change the circumstances of the future in order to save Arcadia Bay, Max wasn't technically "present" to witness what had actually gone down that changed the future. All she remembers was sitting in the bathroom, feeling alone and powerless. The thought brought tears to her eyes.

Stella looked concerned, seeing Max's expression. Max quickly changed the subject. "I've been kind of out of it. I'm worried my grades are going to start slipping. I wish I had just even a quarter of your work ethic."

Stella laughed, coughing behind her hand. "I don't think you do. I'm slowly killing myself just trying to stay afloat. Just look at me!" Stella outstretched her hands, dropping her hoodie down. Hardly subtle, Max noticed the dark circles that hung underneath her glassy eyes. Max was familiar with Stella's drug use in order to manage her studies and perhaps her family life. She wished that she could talk to Stella about it, but didn't think Stella would appreciate Max having access to such sensitive information.

"I hope you're able to take care of yourself between studying seshes," Max said, wanting to be supportive.

Stella returned the hoodie back over her head. "I try my best," she sighed. "I wish I had the natural smarts of Warren though. I don't think I've ever seen him study a day in his life, yet his notes are crazy detailed."

Max shifted from foot to foot. "He helps you with your work?"

Stella shrugged. "Sometimes I fall behind and he lends me his class notes. I wish he'd take my tests for me too. I don't know how he does it."

"He's too brilliant for his own good," Max couldn't help herself from saying.

Stella nodded in agreement. "You got that right…" she paused, squinting at Max. "You two… are close, yeah?"

Max wasn't sure how to respond. "You could say that. He's one of the few friends I have at Blackwell."

Stella chuckled into her hand. "He mentions you a lot. Do you think…" Max waited hesitantly for whatever it was Stella was about to ask, "maybe the three of us could study together sometime? I could use the company in order to remain at least partially sane."

Max released the breath she wasn't even aware she was holding. "I'd like that," she smiled.

"Great!" Stella pulled out her cell-phone. "Do you have Warren's phone number? I can set something up for us."

Max's body stilled but she caught herself, moving naturally to slowly pull out her own phone. She had no reason not to give her his number, right? She recited the numbers as Stella punched them in.

"Thanks Max! I appreciate it. Will I be seeing you in class today?"

Max shrugged, "I don't think I have a choice at this point."

"I feel you," Stella nodded seriously. "Well I better get back to work. See you soon?" She dropped her head back to her textbook.

Max walked on, wondering why she felt a sense of dread after such a pleasant exchange.

…

"Good to have you back," Mr. Callaghan smiled pleasantly at Max as she took her usual spot at the back of the class. It was her final period of the day and the one she was the most anxious for.

Callaghan was an older man, graying tufts of hair gracing the side of his aging features. Max was grateful he was being so understanding, not making any sly remarks at her absences the same way that Jefferson might've.

"Glad to be back," she responded, not entirely untruthful. Underneath all the horrible experiences and bad memories that swam around Max, she was still a student that was eager to learn and hone her craft. Her passion for photography hadn't died just yet and she couldn't let Jefferson take this away from her.

Once the class had settled into their spots, Mr. Callaghan began his lecture on the benefits of manual photo development. Max tuned out, having heard the same topic before in a previous lesson and not being particularly interested. As a lover of instant film, the process of developing wasn't really an issue for her.

She took a look around the room. It looked about the same as she could remember. This thought alone slightly disturbed her. It was in this position, this exact class and moment in which her rewind powers had begun. It was eerie to return as if everything was completely normal, and as far as she was concerned, nothing would feel normal again.

Max watched Kate in her seat, diligently taking notes. She looked pleased, probably excited for her upcoming date with Luke. It was such a stark contrast to the Kate she could recall, specifically the one from her nightmare. Max shook her head quickly, not wanting to delve into such a horrifying memory. If there was anything she wanted to forget, it was the nightmare she was forced to endure for far too long. Too many unpleasant things happened in that nightmare, things she begged herself to vanish from her psyche. Against her will, Max saw the words: "I want to die" in jagged letters flash across her mind; blood red splotches left on the window.

Max quickly turned away, wanting to focus on anything else. To her right she could see Victoria and Taylor still sitting together, though this time, Victoria had her body completely turned away from her friend. She wasn't focusing on Mr. Callaghan either, choosing instead to zone out with a bored expression. Taylor watched Victoria, pretending to take notes and looking troubled.

Stella wasn't listening either, instead choosing to study her textbook that she hid underneath the table. She didn't try too hard to conceal her actions but Mr. Callaghan was far too oblivious for his own good.

Daniel was sketching in his notebook, Hayden texting on his phone. Alyssa actually appeared to be listening.

It was far too normal and familiar than Max could bear. How could life continue on so seamlessly after what Jefferson did? It didn't make any sense to her. She wanted to sink down in her seat and disappear. These thoughts didn't wane at all up until the end of the class period.

Mr. Callaghan dismissed the group, not before calling Max over for quick conversation. Max approached him, filled with apprehension.

"Hello Maxine, I just wanted to check up with you. I know these weeks must have been difficult. Was Ms. Chase able to deliver your assignment to you?"

She nodded. "You can call me Max," she said. "And thank you. I'm sorry I've been missing so long, it's hard getting back into the normal swing of things after…" Max trailed off, assuming he would understand what she meant.

"Of course. More people need to remember that the mental health of our students is more important than a mere attendance record."

Nathan's face flashed through her mind. 'Why couldn't Mr. Callaghan had been here instead of Mark Jefferson? He could've helped him.' The thought saddened her. Jefferson had worked to manipulate and poison Nathan's mind, taking advantage of his lack of a proper father figure. 'How fucked up.'

"Max?" Mr. Callaghan asked as he watched her facial expression twist in remembrance. She shook herself from her reverie.

"I completely agree. There's sometimes so much pressure and emphasis on things that shouldn't matter." Max found it easy to talk to Mr. Callaghan, as if he were a therapist. She asked him as much.

He chuckled, shaking his head no. "Believe it or not, I used to teach middle school English a long time ago. But… life doesn't always go the way you plan." A pained look flashed across his eyes, a memory of his past life holding with it some unpleasantness.

Max didn't miss this, but not wanting to pry, left it alone. She of all people should understand that there were just parts of our past that we'd rather not recall. She told him she was looking forward to spending the rest of the year with him as her student.

"I feel the same way about this class. I can sense some beautiful artistic talent hidden away in all of you," his eyes crinkled in a friendly smile. The sight reminded her briefly of Chloe's father, William. Having only spoken to him a few times, Max already concluded that she liked the new teacher, Mr. Callaghan. His vibe was completely different from Mark Jefferson's, and she hoped that through her experiences, she could tell the type of person someone truly was, not just a shell of an outside assumption.

She bid him farewell at the end of their conversation and made for the classroom door. She needed to go find Warren in the science lab, as she promised. The day was long and bore on her in a way that only school managed to do but she had a duty to her friend. Outside, a voice caught her attention.

"Already cozying up to the new teacher, huh?" It was Victoria, her arms crossed and looking bored.

"It's not—" Max began, confused as to why Victoria would give her a hard time considering their shared history with the last photography teacher.

"I'm… I'm kidding," Victoria deflated, her arms dropping to her side.

'Alright, Victoria, what's the deal here?' Max gave her a puzzled look, waiting for her to continue on to whatever she had to say.

"Not a great opening line, I know," the blonde continued, "but I was wondering whether I could talk to you…" her voice lowered, "about Nathan."

Max's voice caught in her throat. Discussing Nathan was difficult for her considering the hesitation in her thoughts regarding his true character. She sometimes remembered him at his evilest and other times at his most vulnerable. The confusion filled Max with agitation.

"Why?" Max finally asked after a moment.

"Look," Victoria guided Max to a corner near the lockers, speaking in hushed tones, "this is going to sound lame but I had a feeling that you know more about what happened than anyone else. Call it intuition or whatthefuckever." Victoria's eyes widened momentarily at the use of her former friend's phrase but she pressed on. "Am I right?"

"Victoria—"

"I know you have every right to hate his fucking guts. I get it. But I just need to know—!" Victoria's voice began to rise and she calmly composed herself. "I… I can't sleep, I need to know."

"I don't know what I can tell you, Victoria," Max began, starting to feel sorry for the girl. She didn't think it fair that Victoria's last memory of Nathan was as a drug peddler, sexually abusive, or even a murderer. But it was a truth she had to face, even if there were other sides to him. Max figured she would have known the best parts of him, being his closest friend.

"You were there, when it happened," Victoria said, a slight edge to her voice. She must have been thinking about this for a long time.

"I—I was. He killed," Max's throat caught, "...Chloe, Victoria. That's all there is to it."

Victoria looked on the verge of tears. She turned her head and spoke aloud to nobody, "why didn't he talk to me?"

Max debated comforting the former Vortex Club member. After all the misdeeds and cruelty that Victoria had dished out, here she was, shedding tears in front of one of her "enemies." Any and all insecurity she had about her position as a student paled in comparison to the pain she was exuding now at the loss of her best friend and confidant.

Victoria saved her from making any decision to act because she quickly rubbed her eyes with the sleeve of her expensive sweater. "There has to be more," Victoria said with absolute confidence, "you know more than you're saying. He always thought you were mysterious." Her appearance changed from vulnerable to haughty in the blink of an eye. She looked down on Max. "We'll talk more later, okay?"

Before Max could even summon her voice to speak, Victoria was already marching down the hallway.

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AN: Hi. lol. Greetings from the future.

I can't BELIEVE I didn't keep posting this! I had tons of pages written but I think I just didn't feel like posting since the story didn't seem to be getting traction? Or because I didn't think I had written enough? Who knows.

I know it's been 59402 years since I posted but I would be remiss not to at least submit more of this story that was a beloved work of mine from back in the day of a game that I LOVE. So many LiS games have come out since I played the first LiS, I haven't even touched them. I wonder if anyone would still even read this or if everyone has since moved on.

Either way, I still love LiS and I was really enjoying this story and where it was going and what I was trying to do and portray with it. So please enjoy if there's anyone still out there… thank you :)