My eyes were forced open by the sound of my alarm. As I switched it off and stared at the ceiling I had a horrible realisation. That numbness I was briefly rid off yesterday was back in full force.

Shit, I should have known this wouldn't all be fixed in one afternoon.

I guess I thought Angel Kate had performed a miracle and exorcised all my demons or something. Apparently not. Still, today was a new day and…well, I had to get up. I climbed out of bed and rubbed my eyes. I was careful not to trip over my guitar. My attempted song writing session hadn't exactly been a resounding success. But I had fun doing it at least.

My parents were going to be arriving in Arcadia Bay soon. Probably to try and convince me to come back with them to Seattle. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of an argument against it. Either way, I hadn't had a shower in a few days.

Not sure they'd be too happy with me and my new greasy hair style.

It looked like I had no choice but to leave my cave and venture back into civilisation. I grabbed my shower bag and towel and turned towards the door. I gripped the door handle before wondering if I was ready to deal with everyone in the dorm. It was a Friday so I hoped most people would be in class. I let out a deep sigh and remembered my little motivation page. I went over to my desk and opened up my journal to the page I needed. I read over over all five things I'd written. I smiled as I noticed the picture I took of Kate on my desk too.

You can do it, Max.

I shut my journal, I didn't exactly want anyone who might come in to see it. I went back to my door. I took a deep breath and stepped outside. The hallway was empty so it looked like this was my chance. I walked with a quickened pace down the hall and rounded the corner to get to the bathroom. Through the door I heard a tap running.

Great, someone's in there.

I opened the door. Kate was at the sink brushing her teeth. She looked at me as I came in.

"Machf!" She said through a mouth full of paste foam. Some of it dribbled out and into the sink. I giggled as she hurriedly rinsed her mouth with some water from the tap before spitting it down the drain. She turned off the tap and gripped her toothbrush.

"Sorry. Good morning," she said.

"Morning Kate," I replied.

"It's great to see you around."

"Yeah, it's a little strange seeing a different set of walls, that's for sure. But I couldn't exactly stay in there forever."

Though I sure would like to.

"Um…Kate?"

"Yes, Max?"

"I just wanted to say thank you for talking to me yesterday. I really needed it," I said.

"Of course. I mean, I didn't exactly do much talking…"

"You're right. You listened, which was even better. I just had a lot of stuff I needed to…get out there. Sorry it had to be dumped on you but…"

Kate shook her head.

"Please don't be sorry, Max. I'm always here for you. Just like you're here for me."

An image of Kate jumping flashed by in my mind's eye. I shook my head to get my senses back.

"I try to be, Kate."

"That's all you can do. I'd better get going. Need to get ready for class. I'll see you later, Max."

Kate and I walked past each other.

"If you're in the mood I've got a book I think you'd love," she said.

Book? Shit…

"Oh man, Kate I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"You let me borrow The October Country and I never gave it back. You needed it for class, didn't you?" I said.

"Er, yeah. It's okay though. I just bought a second copy."

"Why?"

"Well, I didn't want to impose when you were dealing with things," she said

"I…I'm so sorry, Kate. How much was it? I'll pay you back."

"Max it really-"

"HOW MUCH?" I yelled. Kate took a step back and clutched her toothbrush to her chest in a defensive posture. I just stood there with my mouth open.

"Sorry…" I said finally. "I really do want to pay you back."

Kate nodded.

"Whatever makes you happy, Max. It was only five dollars. Just give it to me when you want. No hurry."

I just nodded. Kate gave a quick smile before leaving the bathroom.

Fuck. Way to go, Super Max. You just freaked out on poor Kate. But you're not going to be back to normal overnight. Just give yourself some time. Have your shower, then apologise to her. Again.

I went into the shower cubicle, closed the curtain and put my towel over the cubicle top. I took off my shirt and shorts and put them up too. I turned on the shower and felt the water douse my hair and the rising steam surround my body. I'd forgotten what it felt like to just let the warmth of a good shower smother you. Only for it to feel freezing cold as soon you turn the water off. I grabbed my shampoo and squirted it into my hair. I massaged it making sure I didn't miss a single greasy hair on my head. I could have stayed there for hours. I felt so peaceful just listening to the sound of the running water and the warm sensation. But I couldn't stay there forever. Or in my room.

I washed out all the mess in my hair and turned off the shower. I towelled myself off before putting my shirt and shorts back on. I grabbed my stuff and left the bathroom.

As I left, Dana was walking past. She turned and saw me.

"Max!" She said, approaching me with a smile. "How are you? Sorry, that's a dumb question. You don't have to answer," she flustered.

"It's cool, Dana. I'm…" I just shrugged, unsure what answer to really give.

"Like I said, dumb question. It's so awesome to see you out of your room though."

"Yeah, I'm trying to make more of a habit of it," I said.

"I'm glad, missed seeing your face around these halls," she said. She seemed to really mean it too.

"Thanks Dana. That's sweet."

"I'd better get going. I forgot my phone. If you ever want to talk at all you know where my room is."

"Thanks, Dana."

She turned away.

That was so nice of her. I forgot how cool Dana can be. I should really return the favour.

"Likewise," I added. Dana stopped and turned.

"What do you mean?"

"Just like, I meant if you ever want to talk about all the stuff with Logan or whatever I'm here for you too."

"What? Who told you about that?"

Oh shit. I forgot. Different time line.

Without thinking I put my right hand forward and rewound. I put my hand back down.

"...forgot my phone. If you ever want to talk at all you know where my room is."

"Thanks, Dana." She walked away again. This time I kept my mouth shut. I really needed to be careful. I headed down the hallway back to my room. As I reached the door I heard another open behind me.

Please no…

"Max?" I heard a familiar voice I could have done without. I turned around and saw Victoria in her room doorway. She looked me up and down and crossed her arms.

"So you're finally out of your room, huh?" she said.

"Looks that way," I said simply.

"Good. Being cooped up in there won't have done you any favours," she said with her typical 'I know everything' tone.

"I'm not in the mood, Victoria. Just leave me alone," I said.

"Can't you see I'm trying to be helpful?" She snapped. I looked back at her blankly.

Wait, she told me at the Vortex Club party she thought I was actually cool for not giving a shit what other people think. Guess I haven't exactly lived up to that reputation recently…

"Wouldn't expect you to want to help me," I said to try and coax her.

"Yeah well, a lot of shit's gone down recently. You're not the only one with problems you know?"

"You mean Nathan and Jefferson?"

Victoria's face scrunched up in disgust.

Shit, way to go, Max.

"I'm sorry, Victoria. I'll just…"

"Yes, just do whatever," she said. She slammed her door shut. I sighed and stuck my hand out again. Everything rewound again.

"You're not the only one with problems you know?" Victoria repeated.

"I know, Victoria. Sorry." I sheepishly entered my room and shut the door without turning around.

I thought I learned from that week yet here I am making the same dumb mistakes. Needing my rewind powers to get me out again and again.

I let out another sigh.

Stop expecting miracles from yourself. You may have pledged to try harder from now on but that doesn't mean you have to be perfect. You're not super human…I mean, besides your powers I guess.

I snapped myself out of my little inner turmoil and put my shower bag back where it belonged. I grabbed my hair dryer off the floor and put it to good use. A few minutes later and I ruffled my newly dried hair. It certainly felt a lot better, softer. Next order was to put some real clothes on. I looked through them and couldn't decide. Fashion hadn't exactly been my number one priority recently. I'd avoided my usual Jane Doe shirt, hoodie and jeans, probably because they reminded me of everything.

Remind you of what Max? A week where you went through hell? A week that you came out the other side of? Remember, you are a hero and those clothes are your…armour, maybe? Whatever. Just put them on.

I changed into my, I guess signature outfit, and looked at myself in the mirror. I certainly looked better than I had these past few days. Hopefully it meant Mom and Dad wouldn't worry too much when they arrived. Who was I kidding? Of course they were going to worry. I got out my phone and sent a message.

"I'll be waiting outside Blackwell at ten thirty. See you soon xx"

I put my phone in my pocket and grabbed my wallet. I looked through and found a five dollar bill. I knew who this was going to.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Kate opened her door.

"Hey, Kate. This is what I owe you," I said offering the note. Kate took it.

"Thanks, Max."

"Can you please do me one last favour?" I said. "Kind of a permanent thing?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"Whenever I talk to you or say anything at all. Can you add 'I'm sorry, Kate' at the end in your head. Just saves me saying it myself is all."

Kate smiled.

"Sure thing, Max." She stepped forward and gave me another hug. I hugged her back and then walked away. I heard Kate's door shut. I headed back to my room.

A few minutes until my parents were going to arrive. I had no choice but to get to the parking lot and wait for them. I headed towards my door before stopping in my tracks. I looked over at the two cameras on my desk. I had managed to play my guitar a little yesterday. While music wasn't my number one passion I had still enjoyed doing it. Photography on the other hand had been the thing I'd lived for since I was a kid.

Gotta get back on the horse, Max.

I went over to my desk. I looked at my cameras.

You never know when the perfect shot might show itself. Always take-

I shook my head in disgust as Jefferson's voice drifted into my head. I decided on William's camera and put it into my bag. I put the bag strap over my shoulder and finally headed for the exit and left the building.

I stepped out and got blasted in the face by the sunlight. I'd had my curtains drawn because I was oh-so-emo the past week. Luckily for me the outside area was empty so I could get to the Blackwell parking lot ninja style. I took a few steps before I was surprised by a voice to my right.

"Young Max?"

I turned and saw Samuel stepping outside.

"Oh. Hey, Samuel." I hoped I hadn't sounded like I really didn't want to see him. I mean I didn't, but it wasn't personal or anything. Samuel didn't seem phased. He waddled over to me.

"Oh, young Max. When I saw the sun shining so brightly I wondered if this was the day you would come back to us."

"I doubt the world is really watching me that closely," I said.

"Oh, nature is always watching. It has senses like you and I."

"Really, that's a little ominous isn't it?"

"Oh nature can be a cruel mistress at times, young Max.

Don't I know it, Samuel.

"But she can also be beautiful and gentle. Like today. It's celebrating you."

"Well, that's pretty cool I guess. Um, I have to go now but it was great seeing you, Samuel."

"Likewise, Max." I walked away. I had forgotten how weird Samuel could be sometimes. I mean, I guess he wasn't that much weirder than me. He was still a sweet person. He really seemed knowledgeable about certain things. He definitely didn't deserve some of the remarks he got from people like Victoria.

I was waiting in the car park for Mom and Dad to arrive any minute. A piece of paper floated through the air in the wind. It landed in front of me. It was Rachel Amber's MISSING poster. I picked it up and held it in my hands. I thought back to the first time I remembered seeing these around school. I had no idea that I would one day discover her body in the ground. Chloe was so distraught when we found her. It took a half hour before she stopped crying. I just put my arm round her like an idiot. Saying things like "It's okay" when it obviously wasn't.

I scrunched up the poster and threw it to the side. I looked across the car park and noticed the disabled parking bays. When I had come to meet up with Warren I had seen Chloe's truck parked there, not knowing it belonged to her at the time. She'd parked across both bays.

Wowser, talk about foreshadowing. Not only that but we stole money from the handicapped fund...

I thought it was just a bribe for Wells which is why I hadn't felt bad letting Chloe take it. It probably still was but when I saw the sign outside the dormitory I knew I'd made a mistake.

It's over, Max. There's no point in beating yourself up over it. Anyway, you took it all back.

I felt like I was relapsing after feeling somewhat happy for the first time in a while yesterday.

You know what made you happy, Max? Talking with Kate. Being with other people and not staying in your cave. Now you're outside with your camera to see Mom and Dad.

Speaking of which, I saw my parent's car pull into the parking lot. Still the same one they bought while we were in Seattle. I knew they had stayed overnight in Portland before making the rest of the journey this morning. Mom and Dad parked to the side, then they both stepped out and shut the doors.

"Hey, honey," my dad said.

I had no idea why I reacted the way I did. I don't know if it was because I hadn't seen them in almost two months. That they had no idea of everything their daughter had gone through. But I did something I wished I hadn't.

I burst into tears.

Mom immediately came up and gave me the biggest hug she could. I sobbed into her shoulder as I felt dad put his arm around me.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Mom said into my ear. I just continued to cry. I thought I had gotten all of this out my system with Kate. Mom and Dad stood holding me for a while until I was all out of tears. They both backed away as Mom got out a tissue for me. I gave my eyes and nose a wipe before stuffing the tissue into my pocket.

"I knew we should have gotten here sooner," Dad said finally.

"We've been so worried about you, Max," Mom added.

I had been hoping to convince them I would be best off staying Arcadia Bay rather than going back with them to Seattle. Those hopes had taken a bit of hit from what just happened.

"I know you have. But I've been okay," I said. They both looked at each other and then at me.

"Okay, I haven't been doing great," I confessed. "But I'm getting there."

"It's been barely two weeks. This isn't something you just get over quickly, Max," Mom said.

"I know, Mom. And no, I'm not over it at all but I'm doing better. I had a really good talk with Kate yesterday. She helped me look at things differently."

"Listen, honey," Dad said. "We were thinking of taking you out for breakfast. If you're not up to it we can just maybe go back to your room and-"

"No," I interrupted. They both look at me a little surprised. "I mean it'll be good for me to get out for a while. Of my room I mean," I added, not wanting to give them ideas.

"If you're sure?" Mom said.

"I'm sure," I said with a nod. I took my camera out of my bag. "Who knows, maybe I'll get some good photos while we're out." Mom and Dad looked at each other with a smile. If they knew I might be interested in my photography there was no way they'd stand in the way of it.

"Okay, we were thinking the Two Wales? Been years since your mother and I have been there," Dad said.

Two Wales Diner? Where Joyce might be working? No, don't be ridiculous, Max. There's no way she'll be back to work this soon. And even if she was what are you going to do, avoid her for the rest of your life?

Also, I had hardly eaten in the past couple of days.

"Sounds good," I said with a smile. My parents both nodded. I got into the back seat as Mom and Dad got back in the front. I put my seat belt on as my dad pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road.

I just stared out of the window for most of the journey. Mom and Dad tried to strike up a conversation but I really wasn't feeling it. My replies were restricted to "Yeah" and "Mm." They seemed to get the message and eventually went quiet. Not long after we arrived at the Two Wales Diner. I got out of the car and looked up at the building. It was so hard to believe I had seen it half torn apart during the tornado and now here it was, good as new.

"Max, darling?" Mom's voice drifted in. I pulled out of my little flashback and walked with them into the diner. The sound of clanking silverware and jazz jukebox music greeted me. My mom and dad walked down and sat in one of the booths. The booth where…Chloe and I had sat when I proved my powers to her. The booth where the other me in my nightmare had laid out my worst fears about myself to my face. I must have been staring into space again.

"Max?" I felt Dad put his hand on my shoulder.

"Honey, if you aren't up to this we can just leave," he said softly. I shook my head.

"I'm fine, Dad."

I walked past him and sat down in my spot, opposite my Mom. I put my bag on the table to the side. Mom reached over and rubbed my hand. I looked up to see her smiling, tears were forming in her eyes. I hated seeing her upset. And it was because she knew I was upset. I smiled back at her and let her rub my hand. Dad sat down next to Mom. I retreated my hand back onto my lap and looked out of the window. I'd looked out the same window during the storm, before I went back through Warren's photo. Anyone would think I should have been in more of a rush but I just needed a moment to sit down and let my worries wash away. I managed it then, why couldn't I manage it now?

"Joyce?" Dad said. I swung my head round to see Joyce, in uniform, walking towards us. Mom and Dad got up out of the booth and both gave her a hug one by one.

"It's so good to see you both again," Joyce said.

"It's so good to see you, Joyce," my mom replied. "We're…" Mom and Dad looked at each other for a second.

"We're so sorry about Chloe," she said. Joyce took in a breath before exhaling deeply.

"Me too," she said. I just sat there looking up at them like an idiot. Like a little kid too shy to speak to the adults.

Max, come on. Do something.

I stood up as Mom and Dad moved away from Joyce. She looked at me with a smile. I knew I'd realised it was not my fault Chloe died. She wanted it to happen too, to save everyone. But as I looked at Joyce I was reminded she had no idea of what her daughter went through, the person she became. I looked at Joyce and hugged her tightly before I could start crying. She didn't need to see me more upset than she most likely was. I backed away and smiled up at her. If someone has just met her they would have no way to tell what this woman had been through in her life. She just radiated a calmness and tranquillity.

"I thought you'd have taken some time off work?" I said. Joyce gave me a funny look.

"You saw me here last week, Max. Remember?"

Shit, of course. That's where you got William's camera from, genius.

"Right, sorry. I just thought since then maybe you'd…"

Joyce just shook her head before addressing my parents and I.

"I flirted with the idea but then I was just staying at home all day feeling sorry for myself. That's not the way I like to deal with things. It's the way I've always been. And anyway, David's been coming in to see me most days so I've not been alone."

"I know you're resilient Joyce but I must admit even I wouldn't have expected this," Dad said.

"I always aim to surprise, Ryan," Joyce chuckled. "It's funny you all turn up just as I was heading home. Been working through the whole night thanks to being short staffed."

"Oh don't go, Joyce. I understand if you want to get home and rest but please sit down with us. We're long overdue," Mom said.

Shit. I know it isn't my fault but just seeing Joyce brings everything back. I have to push through it though. It's not fair on Joyce for her to be denied support just because of me.

"Yeah," I added. "Please?"

"Well, I can't turn down that face, Max. Alright then, I guess I can stay awake long enough for us to talk and get some grub. Just let me call David," Joyce said. She walked away to the phone. My parents and I sat back down.

"I don't know how she does it," Mom said. Dad and I just nodded.

Joyce came and sat down with us. She couldn't get hold of David, said he must have left the house. We all ordered food and demolished every scrap. We spent a lot of time talking. We barely even talked about Joyce, she seemed far more interested in my parents and I. Mom and Dad filled her in on their lives the past five years. They had the same jobs, same house, very little had changed once we had settled in Seattle. Joyce was pleased I had brought William's old camera with me. I promised her I was going to use it. She just asked me to promise to credit William when I was interviewed about my future famous work. Throughout the whole conversation I was just in awe of Joyce. How could one woman deal with so much pain so easily?

Eventually the conversation turned to what I had been dreading.

"Listen, Max," Mom said. "Your father and I have been thinking." She looked to him for support. Dad picked up where Mom left off.

"We'd like you to come back to Seattle for a while, until you feel you're ready to go back to Blackwell," he said.

I just avoided everyone's eyes and stared down at my empty plate.

"We don't want you to be alone while you're dealing with everything. We want to be there for you," Mom added. "We contacted Principal Wells and he's heard from other students about how withdrawn you've been."

"I know," I said through gritted teeth.

"Then please come home with us," she said. "Until you feel ready."

I looked up at Joyce.

"You do whatever you think is best, Max. It's your decision," she said. I looked back at the table.

Are they right? Can I really not do this? It does seem no matter where I go something reminds me of all the bad stuff. I know I've promised to focus on all the good things that came out that week but I'm still really struggling. It's all too much. Maybe the solution is to run away this time. Run away from everything and try to forget the horrors in my head. Then maybe I can come back to Arcadia Bay stronger...

"Okay," I said. "I'll come home with you."

Mom smiled slightly.

"We think you're making the right decision, honey. We only want what's best for you," Dad said. I just nodded.

I wish this felt like the right decision.

We were all outside. Mom and Dad were going to take me back to Blackwell so they could see Principal Wells and confirm the situation. Dad had offered Joyce a ride back home but Joyce insisted on taking the bus, she needed to get some groceries on her way back.

"It was wonderful to see you again, Joyce," Mom said as she hugged her.

"We'll have to make the gap between now and next time a lot shorter," Dad added as he gave her a hug.

"It was great seeing the both of you too. Any time you're in Acardia you let me know," Joyce said before turning to me.

"You take care of yourself, Max. I'll see you when you get back." She gave me a hug.

"Thank you, Joyce."

Mom, Dad and I got back in the car as Joyce went to the bus stop. I sat in the back seat looking at the floor again. I looked out the window at Joyce, stood at the stop. She still had no idea what Chloe had done, how brave she had been. My dad started the car engine.

No. I can't leave without telling Joyce. She deserves to know.

I undid my seat belt and opened the door.

"Max?" Mom said.

"I have to talk to Joyce. It's important. I won't be long," I said as I climbed out of the car.

I walked away from Mom and Dad. I suddenly stopped and turned around to see them looking over their shoulders at me. I didn't exactly need an audience for this. They seemed to sense my unease and turned around to face the front. I turned back and approached Joyce, who was stood at the stop looking the other way. I stopped next to her.

"Um, Joyce?" I said tentatively. She turned to see me and smiled again.

"Max, well that wasn't long," she said.

"I just…" I cleared my throat, nerves were getting to me.

"I just wanted to tell you something," I managed to say.

"Well, I'm all ears," she said.

"Please promise me you won't ask how or why I could know this, okay?"

Joyce's smile was replaced with a little look of concern.

"Okay, Max," she said.

I took a deep breath.

"You should know that Chloe was braver and more selfless than you can possibly know. I know she probably never showed that at home or anywhere else. But she was truly amazing and you should be so, so proud of her." My hands were shaking, from fear and/or adrenaline. I awaited Joyce's response with trepidation.

"I know what my daughter was capable of, Max," she said. "I know what sort of person she could be. Who she was underneath the clothes and attitude. I just wish Chloe had known that about herself. I am proud of her, Max. Don't you go worrying about that," she said.

"I wish Chloe had known it too," I said.

"Was that all?" Joyce asked. I thought it was but…now that I was here…

"I'm so sorry for not contacting Chloe, Joyce. I'm sorry I abandoned her."

"Max, don't say that. You did not abandon her."

"Yes, I did. I mean when I moved away I just really didn't know what I could say to her. The longer I left it the worse it got until I felt it was too late to even try and contact her. But when I came back to Arcadia I had no excuse. I had over a month to try and find her. She deserved to at least die knowing that I cared about her. Not alone and..." my lip trembled as I trailed off. Joyce approached me and put her hand on my shoulder.

"Max, darling. Please do not do this to yourself. We all have things we wish we could go back and change. Trust me, I know."

"Joyce, tell me the truth. Don't sugar coat it, okay? I don't deserve it."

I just have to know…

"Did Chloe hate me?" I asked. Before she said anything, Joyce hugged me tight.

"She was hurt and confused a lot of the time, Max. I admit she often asked me why she never heard from you and I never really had a good answer. But I think you might be one of the few people on this earth she could never hate. She always talked about you. I don't think there was a single day your name wasn't mentioned in our house. Granted, it wasn't always in the most positive light but underneath that was concern, hoping you were doing okay. So no, Max. She never hated you."

I wiped away a couple of tears.

"Thank you," I said.

"How long have you been wanting to ask me that?"

"...Years."

"Oh, Max darling. My baby never forgot about you. I can see you never forgot about her either."

"Never. I was just a stupid kid and couldn't deal with being away from her and I just-" a sob escaped my mouth and cut off my speech. Joyce rubbed the back of my head. She was sure better at comforting me than I was her.

"I don't think she could deal with it either," said Joyce. "Please don't torture yourself thinking this was all your fault, Max. You can't change it now. You can only look forward."

I let go of Joyce as she looked at me.

"How do you do it, Joyce? How do you go through so much pain but carry on like everything's okay?" I asked. I needed to know her secret now more than ever.

"That's the first trick, Max. Never pretend things are okay when they're not. All I try to do is look at what I still have, not what I've lost. When I lost William he left behind a wealth of memories. When I think about him now I don't feel sadness. I smile, thinking about some dumb joke he'd make or ridiculous thing he'd say."

I smiled too when I remembered all the times William made me laugh.

"It will be the same with Chloe. Right now it's painful, but I know the time will come when I'll think of my daughter and feel nothing but pride. I don't know when that day will come but I won't get there if I stand still. I have to keep moving forward," Joyce said.

I nodded. She was right. Joyce never ran away from her grief, she tackled it head on.

Can you do the same, Super Max?

"I'm going to stay here in Arcadia," I announced to her. Joyce seemed taken aback.

"Max, I wasn't trying to-"

"I know you weren't. This is my decision," I insisted.

Joyce sighed.

"Your parents are going to kill me," she said with a smile. "But you're welcome in my home any time you like. Make sure they know that."

"Don't worry about them, I'll talk them round. Thanks, Joyce. I'll see you soon." I ran back to the car. As soon as I opened the door I saw my bag on the back seat.

"Max," Dad said. "You ready?" I grabbed my camera from my bag and ran back to Joyce. I angled things just right and took a picture of Joyce by the bus stop sign while she was looking across the road. She turned around at the sound of the flash and camera whirring.

"Oh my goodness," she said. "You do not want my ageing body in your photo collection, Max."

I laughed as I took out the emerging polaroid.

"William would have wanted you in every picture, Joyce. I can at least manage this one."

"Next time at least let me wear something a little more stylish," she said gesturing to her outfit.

"You look great in anything, Joyce." She laughed.

"Chloe could charm her way to my good side when she wanted to as well, Max," she smiled. I ran back to the car. I got in the back seat and shut the door.

"Are you r-"

"I'm staying in Arcadia Bay," I said. Mom and Dad looked at each other with concern. Mom turned to me.

"Max…" she started.

"Joyce is here. I have my friends here to support me. I can do this. I believe I can do this and I really need you to believe it too. Please," I begged. They looked at each other again. They seemed to have a whole conversation just through their facial expressions. They looked back at me.

In the parking lot of Blackwell...

"If ever change your mind you call us immediately," Dad said.

"Call me at least once a week regardless so we know what's going on," Mom added.

"I promise. Thanks Mom. Thanks Dad," I said as I hugged them both. They held on to me, not wanting to let go I think.

"I'll see you both for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can let me go for now," I said with a small laugh. Dad stepped back and nodded. Mom put her hands on my shoulders, tears forming in here eyes. She gave me the biggest smile.

"It's times like this I forget your not our little girl any more. You're a grown woman I couldn't be more proud of," she said.

"Mom, you're embarrassing me," I said as I felt my cheeks go red.

"Sounds like our little girl is still here, honey," Dad said to Mom. They both laughed.

"Yeah, okay," I stepped back from Mom. "I need to get back to my room."

"Okay, sweetheart. You know we're always here for you. We're only a call or text away," Mom said as she wiped her eyes.

"I know. I'm not afraid to ask for help, Mom," I said.

Not any more.

Mom and Dad both nodded. They got back in the car and shut the doors, ready to leave the Blackwell parking lot. As I watched them start to reverse I lamented there was still so much I couldn't tell them. Maybe one day, but not now. Everything was just-

Wait, not everything. Shit! I should probably tell them…I mean, do I need to? Does it matter? Yes, it matters.

Without thinking I ran up to the car and slapped the window. The car stopped suddenly as Mom wound the window down.

"What is it, honey?" she asked.

"I er…I-"

Shit, come on Max. How can this be scary compared to everything else you seen and done?

"I just wanted- I thought you should know- I think I'm…I mean I know I'm…"

Mom reached out and took my hand.

"Just take your time, honey. Whatever it is," Mom said. Dad leaned forward so I could see him better. He gave me an encouraging smile. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I'm gay. I mean, I might be bi. I- I don't know. With everything else I haven't really had time to process-"

Mom gave my hand a squeeze.

"Are you okay with who you are?" she asked.

I haven't really thought about it. I guess if I didn't question it then…

"Um, I think so," I said. Dad leaned across towards Mom's window.

"Then that's all we need to hear, Max. We love you. We always will," he said.

I breathed out a sigh of relief. I didn't know why. Mom and Dad were always cool with anyone.

"Have you told anyone else?" Dad asked.

"Sort of," I said.

Should I really tell them this? It'll open up all sorts of questions I don't exactly have easy answers to.

"Chloe knew," I said. That was a truth. Sort of. Mom and Dad exchanged glances. Mom looked back at me and squeezed my hand again.

"We're so sorry, Max," she said.

"Oh my God. Was this something you'd been keeping to yourself this whole time? Did you tell her before we left for Seattle?" Dad asked.

"I didn't tell her with words. I um... she knew," I said. Mom and Dad looked at each other again. They seemed to have pieced it together. An approximate version of it all anyway.

"Oh Max, honey. Are you sure you don't want to come back home?" Mom asked.

I shook my head.

"I'm sure. I have people here. Like Joyce," I said.

"Does um…does Joyce know about…you and Chloe?" Dad asked. I shook my head again as they both nodded.

"Well it's not our place to tell her. You don't have to either, Max. If you want to at some point then that's up to you. Okay?" Dad asked. I nodded.

Dad started the engine and they pulled away. I suddenly had another thought. I grabbed my camera from my bag and aimed it at the car. Dad slowed down just long enough for me to get the shot. They both waved at me. I waved back at them as they left the parking lot and drove off down the road. I let out a sigh. I immediately felt a small tinge of regret not going back with them.

You got this, Max. You can do this.

I managed to get back into my room without running into anyone I knew. I shut the door behind me and put my bag on the floor. I laid down on my bed thinking about today. I was actually pretty proud of myself for managing to leave my room and see my parents. Not only that but I could now look at Joyce and talk to her without feeling a world of guilt on my shoulders. Today was…progress. I still didn't feel anywhere near ready to get back to studying yet but that was okay. I laid there as my mind drifted to Chloe. I was relieved to know that Joyce saw who Chloe really was behind the clothes, attitude and…blue hair.

And just like that it felt like all my progress had been undone in an instant. I felt the hole Chloe had left behind once again. I could feel I was about to burst into tears. I didn't want to call my parents, especially when they hadn't even got home yet. Not Joyce, she has her own pain to deal with. Kate and Dana had already done their part today. I reached down into my bag and took out my camera and two new pictures. I put them on my desk next to Kate's. It really felt great to be taking pictures again. Okay, they probably weren't award winning but there was something nice about just taking pictures without stressing a tonne about all the technicalities. I had just been taking pictures of people who were special to me. Maybe it had been subconscious or something. Now I had spotted the pattern I was determined to keep this collection growing. Who else was there?

Warren!

I'd been totally blanking him since the funeral. I ignored all his texts and calls. I know he was just trying to help. I thought about everything Warren did for me in the alternate timeline. He was my knight in shining armour several times. He was so sweet. I almost wished I'd kissed him in the diner, as a thank you for everything. But even knowing I was about to take it all back, it just didn't feel right.

I knew how he felt. I knew I would never feel the same. I needed to deal with it now so he could move forward. So we both could. Hopefully the good luck from earlier would carry through. I checked the time, almost twelve. I got out my cell phone and found Warren in my contacts. My fingers hit the screen as I typed out my text.

Hey Warren, hope ur okay. Are you doing anything at lunch? There's something I wanted to talk to you about.

I sent the text and put my phone down. Barely thirty seconds passed when it buzzed. I looked to find a message from Warren.

MAX! So good to hear from you. Been worrying about you. Of course, whatever you need I'm there. Want me to drop by your room at lunch? xx

Oh, Warren...

That's okay Warren. I'll meet you outside the main entrance. See you soon.

AN: Hello again! Apologies if this feels like a bit of a reskin of Chapter One. Truth be told I didn't think I ever actually expected this to get beyond that first chapter but I had a lot of fun writing it. Looks like this will actually be a more long term thing! Hopefully some of you will stick with me for the ride.

Thanks for reading!