A/N - Apologies for the long gap. A lot of things ended up being added/taken out/moved around in this chapter. I try to be at least somewhat regular with my updates but that might not always be possible. That being said, Part 2 will be up by the end of the week. Anyway, enjoy :)

Sunday, October 27th 2013

Dear Chloe,

I'm back in my dorm writing this to you before school again tomorrow. I spent the weekend with Joyce and David. After my second relapse on Friday it was nice to be with them. They went to the Halloween Bazaar in town and had a good time. Joyce asked if I wanted to go with them but I wasn't in the mood. Instead I spent most of the evening watching more tapes of us when we were kids. I think those tapes might have helped me more than I thought. I didn't have another shitty nightmare Friday or Saturday night.

Aside from that I spent the weekend being a rebel. Okay, not as rebellious as breaking into the school at night but still. Wells told me to forget about homework this weekend but I've been trying hard to get through algebra. With little progress.

I saw something you wrote on your wall I never noticed before. I'd rather have a life of "oh wells" than a life of "what ifs." I can definitely tell you lived by that, even if it didn't always lead to the best results. At least you took chances. Not like me.

I'm probably just being hard on myself again. I did stay in Arcadia when I could have gone back with Mom and Dad. And I have been trying to get back to a normal life when that seemed impossible to me just over a week ago. So screw negativity. I'm getting there. Slowly, but I'm getting there and that's what matters. I've still been messaging Kristen, so I am at least living by one of the biggest lessons I learned from you.

Anyway, I've got another school week ahead of me and still plenty of school work to wade through so it's goodbye for now.

Love Max xx

Monday, October 28th 2013

Dear Chloe,

Not really much to talk about to today, other than Algebra sill sucks ass. Oh, and I got a bike. Some guy, Tyron, had it for sale at school. Only twenty bucks. I don't exactly get the most exercise so perhaps it will do me some good. Maybe I'll go full rebel and not wear a helmet. (Actually no, that sounds dangerous!) At least I'll be able to get around Arcadia Bay a little easier. Will be great for taking pictures. Whenever I can do that again…

I still haven't tried to take a picture since Monday. Too afraid to set myself back again. Oh yeah, that fucking nightmare came back last night. I went to sleep a little stressed about getting through another week of school which maybe didn't help. I don't know what to do. Saying "Hey Joyce, mind if I take your tv, VCR and tapes for my dorm room?" seems a little out of the question. Did those tapes magically cure me of my nightmares all by themselves? No, probably not but they must have helped. Maybe I just need to make sure I'm in a good head space before I fall asleep to cut the chances of Jefferson making an appearance. I don't know, still early I guess.

For now I just have to keep going. I'll make it. Unless this algebra homework is the death of me.

Love Max xx

Tuesday, October 29th 2013

Dear Chloe,

Sorry to still be on the same subject (no pun intended) but I may just drop Algebra at this rate. I'm staring at this same question for hours on end and I still can't get the right answer. I'm looking at all my working out and I just can't understand where I'm- You know what, this is probably as boring to hear about as it is to talk about.

In other news, Warren told me that he and Brooke are going to the Halloween party. On a date. I'm happy for them. Really. What? No, Chloe I'm not jealous. I guess I just didn't expect Warren to move on so soon. Not because I now want him or anything, just because I guess him liking me kinda made me feel...special. All it does is make me wonder about you, if I had met you again without all the chaos from "that week," would you have wanted us to be more than friends too? If I was really getting back to a normal life then I would be able to talk about this sort of stuff with friends. I kinda told my mom and dad and Kate too, but I guess I'm too scared to go into any details, even the ones I could talk about. Probably because I'd just rather not think about it and pretend you would have felt the same way about me.

Ugh, sorry. I'm not in the mood. I also had another nightmare last night and I'm sure another is coming tonight. I'm just going to get it over with.

Sorry for not being much fun tonight, Chloe. Hope you're okay.

Love Max xx

RIIIIING!

I returned my art supplies to the sets they came from and grabbed my bag. As I looked at the small crowd of people exiting the classroom I spotted Daniel amongst them.

"Daniel, wait up!" He turned around and smiled. We stepped to the side and stood by the lockers in the hall.

"You're really improving your skills," he said. "I saw your drawing in class."

"Really? Just looked the same to me," I said.

"Not at all, you have better control of your shading. I could tell."

"Oh, thanks. So you been working on your costume for the Halloween party tomorrow?" I asked.

"Oh, er…" he stuttered. "Not really. I've been busy."

"Is that true?"

"...No. I'm sorry, Max. I want to go, I just can't."

"Why not?"

"I'm just worried what people-"

"Oh, come on, Daniel!" I snapped. He looked at me a little shocked. I paused.

"Sorry, I said. "I'm sorry…" I said before quickly walking down the corridor. I buried my face in my hands for a moment before hearing Daniel behind me.

"Max, please don't go. It's okay," I heard him say. I came to a stop in the middle of the corridor and turned to face him. A few people around us were watching but I didn't have the energy to care. Somehow, he had a smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, Daniel. I was out of line," I said.

"No, no it's okay. I understand, Max. It it makes you feel better I'm more frustrated at myself than you are."

"What? No, I'm not frustrated at you, Daniel. I swear. It's just my own stuff I'm dealing with. I didn't meant to take it out on you. I get it. Wanting to do something doesn't make all the other anxieties just magically disappear."

Daniel sighed and nodded. "I really do want to go, Max. I actually have done a lot of work on my costume recently. If nothing else I'd like to get it finished, even if no-one will see it," he said.

"What if I went with you?" I asked.

"What?"

Yeah, Max. What?

"What if I went with you to the party? I don't exactly have a costume but I can throw something together. Probably. At least you won't be on your own. And if anyone says something about your costume then I'll…I'll…well, you won't be alone," I said. Daniel's face wore a beaming smile.

"Max, thank you. That would be amazing. I'll go finish my costume right now. I still have some work to do but if I hurry I can get it ready for tomorrow. Thanks again," he waved and dashed down the hallway. Like a kid who was on his way to an ice cream factory. I laughed and waved goodbye. I went over to my locker to put away a couple of books. As I did so I thought about whether I should really be wasting an evening at a party.

I mean…I did try to work through the weekend even though Wells said I didn't have to. I didn't go to the bazaar with Joyce and David even though it probably would have been fun. Fuck it. I can have one night off. It's the least I deserve.

So I had absolved myself of any guilt, but that still didn't solve the costume problem. I didn't need anything amazing, not even a full costume. Just something. I looked over at the picture of Chloe and I on the inside of my locker door. I smiled at us in our pirate gear.

Wait. I have Chloe's eye patch. I also have that shirt I bought from the store, the one with the skull and bones on it. And…pants. Okay, like I said, definitely not a full costume but it's something.

I shut my locker and headed back to the dormitories.

As the dorm building came into view I saw a couple of people sat on the bench. I realised it was Dana and Logan. I stayed back and watched them for a moment as I heard their conversation.

"I just need a other chance," Logan said. "I can prove I've changed."

"It's too late," I heard Dana reply.

I stayed back and kept watch.

"Trevor's a loser," Logan said.

"If you're just going to throw insults around then this conversation is over," Dana said as she stood up. Logan grabbed her arm.

"No, please-"

"Let go of me!" Dana yelled.

"Hey!" I shouted causing both of them to turn around. "Get off her, Logan. Now."

"Stay out of this, Max," Logan said.

"I think you need to go now," I said as I approached them. Logan looked at Dana.

"Please just go," she said.

"Fuck this," he said as he stormed past me and towards the school. Once he was gone I turned to Dana.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said. "Shit, Max. I should hire you as a personal bodyguard." I just laughed.

"It was the least I could do for you."

Dana looked past me at in Logan's direction.

"I was down for maybe staying friends but if he keeps this shit up then I won't hesitate to cut him out completely. I don't need more assholes to deal with," she said.

"You wouldn't be talking about Victoria, would you? What's she done to you now?"

"She's still keeping up her 'nice' act," Dana said.

"It's not an act, Dana. At least I don't think it is."

Dana sighed. "I know you don't, Max. Hell, even Kate seems to think the same, even if Victoria is still avoiding her at every opportunity."

"I'm not expecting you and Victoria to be BFFs, Dana. But it would be nice, for all of us, if we didn't have a civil war going on in the girl's dorm," I said. "Hopefully this'll sweeten the deal for you. It looks like I'm coming to the Halloween party tomorrow," I said. Dana's eyes lit up.

"That absolutely sweetens the deal, Max!"

"Just don't expect much in the way of a costume…" Dana waved away my concern.

"Oh I don't care what you wear, Max. Even if I am one of the judges of the contest. I'm just glad you're coming."

"You can expect Daniel to make up for it though. I'm going with him."

"Oh yeah?" Dana said raising her eyebrows.

"What?" I stared at Dana until it hit me where her mind had gone. "Oh, no Dana. It's not a date."

"Okay," Dana said. As she winked.

"Dana, I'm serious. We're just friends."

"Gotcha." Dana said. As she winked. Twice. I just rolled my eyes.

"I give up," I said. Dana laughed and put her arm around me as we walked towards the dorm building.

I said goodbye to Dana as she entered her room. I dumped my bag in the hall and went into the bathroom. I saw Juliet washing her hands.

"Hey, Max," she said.

"Hey, Juliet," I walked towards one of the bathroom stalls before stopping.

"Can I ask you something?" I said as I turned to face her. She turned around and grabbed a paper towel to dry her hands.

"Sure, what's up?"

"It's about, Dana. You're her best friend so you'll probably know better than anyone."

"Okay…" Juliet said as she tossed away the paper towel.

"I just don't understand why she's still butting horns with Victoria. She told me it wasn't her style but she just won't drop her animosity. I mean don't get me wrong, I know Victoria has done some bad things in the past, but not to Dana. Has she talked to you about it at all?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"I don't know why you're worrying about Victoria, Max. She can handle herself just fine."

"I'm worried about her and Dana. I know Victoria acts tough but comes from a lack of confidence, not from having too much," I said.

"Max, I get it. But it's not hard to see why having sympathy for Victoria is a difficult task. How she bullied Kate, you…she almost ruined my relationship with Zachary," she said.

"What? Oh, God. I totally forgot about that, Juliet. Sorry, I just…"

"Had other things going on? I know, Max. You don't need to be sorry."

"I've seen you and Zachary around. You still together then?"

"Yeah. I almost dumped his ass over the whole Victoria thing. Then everything else happened. I was so freaked out I just needed someone close to me. So I forgave Zachary for his stupid mistakes. I even gave Victoria a pass too. Guess I realised there are bigger things in life than high school drama," she explained.

"That's mature of you, Juliet," I said. She smiled.

"I'm not a total pushover. Zachary makes another 'mistake' like that again, he's out for good." I chuckled.

"That's fair. You deserve to be happy."

"Thanks, Max. Appreciate it."

"So what about Dana? What's up with her? Why can't she stop being angry at Victoria?"

"She's not really angry at Victoria, Max. Well, okay she is. But she's more angry at herself."

"Why, she still feels guilty about Kate?" I asked. Juliet nodded. "I talked to her about that," I said. "I thought she was dealing with that. I get she feels bad, but she can't take that out on other people. Otherwise she's just like-"

"Victoria?" Juliet said. We both laughed a little.

"Seems like they have more in common than they realise," I said.

"Don't tell them that, Max. They might slap you."

"I mean if it gives them something to bond over?" We both laughed.

"I'd better get going. Got some homework I need to finish," Juliet said.

"Yeah, I know the feeling. Thanks for talking with me, Juliet."

"Any time, Max. I'll see you later."

Wednesday, 30th of October 2013

Dear Chloe,

So I've decided I'm going to the Halloween party tomorrow. Or should I say Hella-ween? Sorry, couldn't resist. I've been pretty down on it since Dana mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. Given all the homework I still have, including algebra of course, I really thought I couldn't afford a night off. Then I talked to Daniel, who I've been trying to strong arm into going to the party. Partly because I know he really does want to go, but mostly because I feel guilty for undoing the confidence I gave him during "that week." So being the idiot I said we could go together. What? No, not like a date, Chloe. Just as friends. At least I'm channelling my guilt into something good, which is more than I can say for Dana…

Maybe I just wanted a fucking break from all the shit I'm still trying to deal with. I still can't take pictures. I still can't go in that bathroom. I still can't go up to the light house. I still can't solve this fucking algebra problem I'm stuck on. I thought about what you would say to me right now. If I had to guess it would be something like "Dude, fuck your homework. Fuck your teachers and go show those Blackwell posers you can rock." Actually, you'd probably see me as more than a lost cause and tell me not to give up. Well, I am, but just for one night. Like I said, I'm pretty sure I've earned a break. And anyway, I've promised Daniel now so I can't let him down. Maybe I should be going dressed as Super Max?

Speaking of costumes, once I got past my resistance to actually going I realised I still needed one. I know Juliet and Dana had said it wasn't compulsory but I felt like I needed to at least make some sort of effort. I looked at the picture of us in my locker. We were in our pirate gear. The last time we wore stuff like that was the day William died. When I wasn't strong enough to tell you I was moving away. I'll never forgive myself for leaving things how they were, Chloe. For letting a fucking message on a tape be the goodbye you received. I know I got the chance to say goodbye to you properly. To kiss you even, but you'll never know that. Or maybe you do. I hope.

Your mom has told me over and over I can't keep beating myself up over the past. I'm trying my best not to but it still can't help but come up. I hate having my last memory of our pirate adventures be associated with such a tragic day. So I'm going to that party tomorrow in my skull and bones shirt and your eye patch - oh yeah I kinda took it from your room and hope that's okay! - and I'm going to try and forget all the shit I've been through and am still going through. Who knows, maybe it won't achieve anything but I'd rather have a life of "oh wells" than a life of "what ifs."

Tomorrow, for one night only, Long Max Silver will sail again with Captain Bluebeard there in spirit. Yarrrr!

Love Max xx

RIIIIIIING!

Kate and I packed away our stuff.

"I guess I'll see you later, Kate. I need to go and get ready. Sure you're not going?" I asked.

"I'd rather stay away from parties for now. After…"

"Crap, sorry. I didn't think."

"It's okay, Max," she said with a smile. "I'm just not ready quite yet. But I will be. Being away from Jeff- from the photography classroom has really helped me. I think I may be ready to go back sooner than I expected at the rate things are going."

"Oh, great," I said trying to sound enthusiastic.

"I'll see anyway. Have fun at the party. I'll still be there for movie night afterwards," she promised.

"Deal. I'll see you later," I said as I gave Kate a quick hug goodbye.

"Oh and I hope things go okay with you and Daniel," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, sorry. It's just Dana told me you were going with Daniel on a date to the party."

I rolled my eyes heavily.

"Of course she did. We're just going as friends. Anything Dana tells you regarding my love life should be taken with a huge grain of salt," I said. Kate laughed.

I looked in the mirror and checked myself out. I was wearing my "costume." Black pants and red shirt with a black skull and white bones on it.

I got out my phone and texted Daniel.

"Meet you by the Blackwell Statue at 5.30. I'm literally wearing a shirt and eye patch so I hope your costume is cool enough for the both us! Maxoxo"

I still had about 30 minutes. I went over to my desk and got out my algebra text book and paper. I opened to the first question and stared at it again.

Fuck it.

I slammed the book shut.

Stella is going to be in the money it seems…

Then I heard a knock at the door. I answered to find Courtney stood there.

"Oh. Hey, Courtney."

"Hey, Max." She looked me up and down.

"Yeah, this is my costume," I chuckled. "You going to the party too?"

"No, I don't want to cause trouble."

"What do you mean?

"I know Dana doesn't want Victoria, Taylor or I there and I understand why so…"

"What makes you think that?"

"I over heard her saying that."

"Oh."

"I also heard her say you were going. I just wanted to let you know if you wanted your face painting at all I could do that for you. I have stuff in my room that I have for such occasions," she explained. "One condition, I get to pick something that suits you," she said mischievously.

I laughed. "Oh, God. Okay, not like I have much of a costume right now anyway. Sounds great."

I sat crossed legged on the floor in Courtney's room. It was extremely organised and tidy. There were posters on her wall of fashion models and a chest of drawers which a guessed had her clothes. She'd grabbed some materials and spread them on the floor. She dipped a small brush in a pot and started applying it to my face. I was a little nervous about just what she had planned but it was too late to back out now.

"So how have you been? I haven't really seen you recently," Courtney said.

"I've been okay. With some low moments sprinkled in for good measure," I said. Courtney's brush hovered for a moment before she lowered it.

"Sorry, didn't mean to kill the mood," I said.

"No, it's not that," she said with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Max."

"For what?" I asked.

"For how Victoria and Taylor treated you. And how I treated you," she said. I just sat there, unsure what to say to something I had totally not expected.

"I'm not trying to make excuses for myself, but I didn't have friends at my last high school. When I moved here I wanted it to change. I realised Victoria was the most popular girl so I vowed to get in with her. You seemed so sweet and cool but Victoria disliked you. So I had to as well. Or, at least I felt like I had to. After everything that happened recently. With what Kate went through I feel like such a bitch for not standing up to Victoria. I'm sorry, Max," Courtney said.

"I get it, Courtney. I know what it's like to not exactly be the social queen. But if you're having to compromise who you are, then it's not worth it."

Courtney nodded. "I know. It's not like I even talk to Victoria any more," she said.

"Why not?"

"She would ask me to do her homework for her sometimes. Only sometimes. With everything that happened recently I've barely been able to do my own. Victoria got mad when I told her I didn't think I could do it for her and she got mad and stopped speaking to me," she explained.

I sighed. "Of course she'd do that. It's her loss, Courtney."

"Thanks, Max. Taylor still hangs out with me sometimes so it's not like I'm totally friendless."

"You've got me too, Courtney," I said.

"Seriously, Max. You're gonna forgive me just like that?"

"I don't have the energy to hate you Courtney. We all have our own struggles and we don't always deal with them in the best way, myself included, but we have a better chance if we're not at each other's throats," I said. "And besides, you're in charge of my face paint right now. So I wouldn't want to piss you off."

Courtney laughed.

"You'll only get my best, promise." Courtney readied her brush again.

"Okay, open your eyes."

I slowly opened my eyes, a little scared of what I was going to see.

"Oh, Max don't be so dramatic," she laughed.

"Funny, Dana said the exact same thing," I remembered. I relented and opened my eyes to see my reflection in a mirror Courtney was holding. I gasped at the result. A black layer covered with white outlines to resemble a skull.

"So, what do you think?" Courtney asked nervously.

"It's awesome, Courtney," I said as I examined my face even closer. Black lines over the white to make the teeth, two sunken black circles to make the eye sockets and two thick black triangles to make…er, the part where my nose would be.

"Really?" She asked.

"Yes, you just made my costume ten times better."

"Thanks, Max," Courtney said as she blushed. "And, should be obvious, but it'll come right off with some scrubbing."

"Good to know. Thanks again, I'd better get going to meet up with Daniel. Thanks again, Courtney."

"No problem, Max."

I got up and headed for the door. As I grabbed the handle I turned back to Courtney.

"Have you talked to Kate at all recently?" I asked. Courtney just gave me a look which gave me the answer.

"She's not going to the party either. She might be in her room. Just a thought," I said. Courtney nodded. I gave her one last smile as I left.

A little later and it was time to go meet Daniel. As I stepped outside in my shirt, eye patch and face paint, I saw the sun casting its light down on the dorm grounds.

If I had my camera that would make a great shot. Like I could even take it.

I sighed and looked over to see Samuel sat down on a bench feeding the squirrels. I decided to go over to him.

"Hey, Samuel," I said as I reached him.

"Hello, young Max," he said. "You look like you're ready for an adventure."

"It's an adventure of sorts I guess. Never normally go to parties but taking the plunge tonight."

"Samuel doesn't get invited to parties. But Samuel doesn't mind. Too loud. Not quiet like it is when you just sit with nature," he said. I smiled as Samuel fed another squirrel.

"How have you been doing, young Max?" He asked.

"Up and down. Should probably be working instead of going to this party."

"We all need time to ourselves. Many animals collect food throughout winter so they can hibernate. They rest and emerge ready for the rest of the year."

"Like squirrels?"

Samuel shook his head.

"Squirrels don't hibernate, but they do sleep a lot throughout the year."

"Well even they still have to get things done. But point taken, I've been thinking tonight could be what I need."

"Does that mask make you feel more secure?" Samuel asked suddenly.

"Er..."

"They usually do. It's why people so often wear them. I can always see past them," he said.

"What about you, Samuel? Do you ever wear a mask?"

"Samuel is always secure, so there is never the need," he said. I chuckled.

"I can believe you. I'll see you tomorrow Samuel, unless you drop by the party." I waved goodbye and walked away.

I approached the Blackwell Statue and saw Daniel still wasn't in sight. I sat down on the edge of the fountain and looked down at my reflection in the water. I looked at the make up again and could still barely recognise myself. Not just physically. I was here going to a party. Something I swore I would try to do more when I came to Blackwell before I fell into my same old habits.

But I'm here now. In spite of everything, or maybe because of it. I'm here. And I-

"BOO!"

I whipped my head around and saw a figure looming over me. I screamed and jerked backwards. Before I slipped into the fountain the figure grabbed my hand and pulled me up on my feet.

"Max, I am so sorry," Daniel said. "I didn't mean to scare you. Well, I did, but not that much."

"You'd better be sorry," I laughed. "I almost went for a pre-party swim." As I stopped to look at Daniel better my mouth hit the floor. If he hadn't have talked I wouldn't have know it was him. A black cape, suit with a red waistcoat and black bow tie. His face was completely white with "blood" trickling from the corners of his mouth. His hair was also slicked back.

"Daniel, you look amazing."

He spread his cape.

"I am Count Dan-cula!" He announced in a transylvanian accent. Not a good one. Something my face clearly gave away. Daniel dropped his arms.

"Do you think the accent is a little much?" He said in his normal voice. I laughed.

"Maybe just a little," I said.

"I did practice but obviously not enough."

"Dude, accent or not you look incredible."

"Really? I mean, you do too."

I batted away his compliment. "I just put on a shirt and eye patch." I gestured to my face paint. "Courtney took care of this. You on the other hand, did you put all this together yourself?"

"Yes. The make up was simple enough. I had to do some sewing to get the cape and waistcoat to look better."

"You can sew?" I asked.

Daniel nodded. "My mother taught me when I was young. She said it was important for a boy to repair and fix his own clothes."

"Well clearly it all paid off."

"I'm glad I look okay. Only I did look in the mirror earlier and couldn't see myself so…"

"What? Oh," I laughed.

"Thank you, Max. Not just for the compliment. Thank you for convincing me to do this. I must admit, I'm still a little nervous about what everyone else will say."

"It doesn't matter if they love it, hate. Just be proud of your costume. No matter what," I said.

Daniel smiled.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he said reaching into his pocket. He took out a small piece of black cloth. "I guessed you were coming as a pirate based on your text and I had a bit of spare material so..." He stepped behind me and wrapped it around the top of my head. He tied it at the back and stepped away. I looked down at my reflection in the fountain and saw Daniel had created a makeshift bandanna for me. I smiled at my reflection then at him.

"Thanks, Daniel. That's really sweet." Daniel held out his arm.

"M'lady," he said with his Transylvanian accent again. I laughed and linked my arm around his as we walked on our way to the gym.

Daniel and I stepped in to the gym. It still had to be used for P.E. so the decorations were more minimal than I'm sure Dana would have liked. Even so, you couldn't miss the huge "BLACK HELL-O-WEEN!" banners around the room along with other stuff that had been put up last minute. The music was playing and there was already a sizeable crowd of people mingling and dancing. There were a few teachers around the edge of the room, presumably to make sure things didn't turn into Project X. Regardless, the party was in full swing.

"Max!"

I turned to see Dana heading towards Daniel and I. She was dressed as a zombie with some cool make up on her face and torn clothes. She gave me a quick hug.

"You made it!" She said, raising her voice over the music.

"I said I would, didn't?" I replied. Dana looked over at Daniel.

"Dude, you are looking awesome!"

"R-Really?" he asked. Dana looked over her shoulder and called out.

"Guys! Come check out our party protégés!" Three people appeared near Dana. I recognised Trevor also dressed as a zombie, Juliet dressed as a devil and someone dressed as werewolf complete with mask.

"May I present to you Captain Caulfield and Count DeCosta!" Dana announced to them.

"Looking good, guys," Juliet said.

"Very scary," Trevor added. I looked at the werewolf and took an educated guess.

"Zachary?" I asked. The werewolf removed his mask and proved me right.

"Got it in one," Zachary said.

"Juliet and I are judging the costumes. Not playing favourites just yet but Daniel, you're an early contender," Dana told him with a wink.

"Th-thanks," Daniel said with even more amazement. "Do you want to get a drink, Max?"

"Sounds good. Catch you later guys!" I said to everyone as Daniel and I started to make our way through the crowd. I felt a hand on my shoulder which made me turn around to see Trevor.

"Max, Dana told me she spoke to you about…her secret. I just wanted to say thanks for being there for her!"

"That's sweet, Trevor. But if I had known how you would have reacted I would have advised against her telling you!"

"I acted like a punk, Max. That's on me. I'm not proud of what I did. Logan and I don't have to be pals but we can't be fighting. Dana told me about what Logan said yesterday too. I almost saw red again but I know Dana can handle herself. If she needs me, then I'm there."

"Good. I'm glad she has you, Trevor."

"I'm glad she has you, Max. Catch you, later!" Trevor said as he returned to Dana, Juliet and Zachary.

I made my way through the crowd to find Daniel. I found him talking with Stella and Alyssa, who were running the drinks table in their normal clothes.

"Hey, guys!" I said as I reached them.

"Hey, Max!" Stella said.

"You look great!" Alyssa added.

"Thanks, Daniel's putting me to shame though."

"We were just talking about that. Never got to see you like this before. I'm glad we are though," Stella said.

"So, er about those drinks?" Daniel said to change the subject. Stella laughed.

"No alcohol, Wells wouldn't allow it. Pretty much every soft drink you can think of though," Alyssa said.

"Water's good for me," I said.

"I'll take grape soda," said Daniel.

"Coming right up," Alyssa said as she poured them out.

"I asked Kate if she wanted to be here with us but she wasn't up to it," Stella said as she handed Daniel and I our drinks.

"I spoke to her earlier, I don't think parties are good for her right now given what happened…" I said.

"We thought as much," Alyssa said. "She's still coming to the movie night though so we'll make sure she has a good time."

"It's cool you're there for her during the study hall, sessions, Max. Alyssa and I thought about asking if she wanted us there too. Guess we just weren't sure and kinda froze," Stella said.

"I understand, Stella. I know it can be hard to know what to do for people at times like this. You're still there for her. Both you, so don't worry about a thing."

"Thanks, Max," Stella and Alyssa both said.

I spent a while talking to Alyssa and Stella before going back to Dana and Juliet. Daniel was getting a lot of attention for his costume. Mostly from people who he said never spoke to him before.

As Dana tried to convince me to dance for about the hundreth time, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I tuned around to see two people. One was dressed as a mad scientist, I presumed Doctor Frankenstein, complete with lab coat and grey wig. The other was Frankenstein's monster. I spotted the familiar glasses the doctor was wearing, they belonged to Brooke. So I deduced the monster was…

"Warren! You guys look awesome!" I said.

"Hey, Max" he replied.

"Hey, Brooke," I said.

"Hi, Max. You do that face paint yourself?" she asked.

"I wish. Courtney did mine for me. Daniel's on the other hand is all him. Just wait until you see him."

"We did. He was getting mobbed by groupies," Warren said. "Want a drink, Brooke?"

"Yeah, just a coke. Thanks," she replied. Warren put out his arms and walked backwards.

"That's a zombie's move, brainiac," Dana said.

"Oh, yeah," Warren said as we all laughed. After he disappeared into the crowd Dana turned to Brooke.

"So, you and Warren, huh?" She said.

Er, yeah. Warren and I." Brooke said. "Max, can I talk to you alone just for a minute?"

"Er, sure," I said. As Brooke made her way to the side of the gym I quickly looked at Dana, who just raised her eyebrows and gave a quick shrug. I met up with Brooke away from everyone else.

"So what's up?" I asked.

"I just wanted to…I wanted to say…" she trailed off. "Look, I've liked Warren for a while."

"Right…" I said not knowing where this was going.

"I knew he had feelings for you and that might have…okay, it definitely affected how I talked to you sometimes. I don't know if you noticed."

"Er…yeah, a little bit," I said.

Brooke nodded. "I'm sorry I let my jealousy get the better of me. Regardless of what's happened with Warren I shouldn't have been a bitch to you."

"You weren't a bitch, Brooke. Sure, you got jealous but hey, we all do sometimes. And anyway, things have worked out. Warren's still my friend and you two seem perfect for one another."

"So, we're cool?"

"Yes, Brooke. We're cool."

"Okay, thanks for understanding, Max. And er…thanks for telling Warren."

"It wasn't easy, but I knew it was the right thing to do," I said.

Brooke nodded again. "It was pretty scary asking Warren to this party but I'm glad I did. I was worried he might not be ready so soon after you be he seemed okay. Er, no offense."

I just laughed. "None taken, Brooke. Now come on, let's get back to the party." I said tipping my head back to the crowd.

"Sure, we both have a date to get back to after all," she said.

"Oh, no Daniel's not my date," I said.

"Really? It's just I heard Dana say-"

"Whatever you heard is just Dana's fantasy," I said rolling my eyes. "How do you stop a zombie again?"

"By removing the head or destroying the brain, Max."

We both laughed as we made our way back through the crowd.