I opened my eyes and found myself sat at my desk. The first thing I noticed was how calm I was, even after leaving the photo. I suddenly remembered the most important thing I needed to check. I looked at my journal page and saw the numbers.
6264165233
I breathed a sigh of relief. I closed my journal and got into bed. As I pulled the cover over me I smiled. I closed my eyes and didn't take long to fall asleep.
Saturday, November 9th 2013 (9.07am)
Dear Chloe,
I don't usually write to you at the start of the day but this is kind of a big deal. You ready?
I used my powers to jump into a photo last night.
Yeah, yeah I know. I broke my promise. But I decided never to use my powers again because I knew I could never change the past. This time I didn't go back in time to change something. I just wanted to escape the after effects of these fucking nightmares for a minute. And it worked. The second I was in the photo I felt better. Then when I came out I stayed that way. I was able to sleep without Jefferson invading my dreams.
If Ian Malcolm is the genius I think he is then what he says about Chaos Theory is right. Tiny changes ripple and change the outcome. If I had changed anything then the number sequence I rolled would almost certainly be different. So it's okay. Isn't it?
Look, I don't plan on doing this forever. Just until these nightmares go away and I can sleep in peace. I don't want to have to rely on it all the time. I just need whatever I can get to help me right now. You're still the only one I can to about a lot of the shit I've gone through. Even then the conversation is pretty one sided.
Like I say, I need what I can get right now. When your mom is back I can stay with her at the weekend. I won't even need the photo any more. Hopefully.
That's everything, just wanted to get all this off my chest to the only person who will listen.
Love Max xx
I left my room with smile. After washing my face and brushing my teeth in the bathroom I got dressed and stepped outside to get some fresh air. As I stepped out onto the dormitory grounds I shivered at how cold it was. I saw Stella sat on a bench examining her digital camera. I went over to her.
"Hey, Stella," I said.
"Hey, Max. Beautiful day for pictures," she said. "You should grab your camera."
"Oh, er, I'm good," I said. "Perhaps some other time."
"It's cool. How are you doing with Algebra?"
"I'm doing better actually, thanks to your expertise. If I need your help again your the first person I'm coming to. Promise."
"Good to hear."
I nodded and stared at her for slightly too long.
"You okay, Max?"
"I…"
Fuck it.
"I...I saw what was under you bed, Stella," I said. Her eyes widened and she stood up.
"I'm not judging," I added quickly. "And I'm not telling anyone. It's between us."
Stella studied me suspiciously. "You promise?"
"Swear to God."
Stella let out a sigh.
"Thank you. I just needed the help with studying. That and all the shit that's happened in the past month," she said.
"Like I said, Stella, I'm not judging. Just be careful, okay?"
"I am careful, Max. Don't worry about me."
I sat up in bed bold upright.
Another stupid nightmare.
My hands were shaking violently as I clasped them together. After a minute they were still shaking.
Fuck.
I looked over at my desk where the photo of Chloe and I was.
Shit. I still need to be careful.
I went over to my desk and clumsily picked up my dice. I threw it down ten times and scrawled down the sequence.
2523424662
I focussed hard on the photo as the edges of my vision began to whiten.
After leaving the photo, I opened my eyes to find myself stood in front of my desk. My breathing was steady and my hands not shaking. I looked at the number sequence.
2523424662
I breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed back to bed and fell asleep.
Sunday, November 10th 2013
Dear Chloe,
I went to sleep Saturday night and had another nightmare, when I woke up I had to use the photo of you and I again to calm me down. I'm going to try using the photo before I go to bed tonight to see if it fends off Jefferson and I can hopefully get a good night's sleep. I don't like having to do this but right now I don't feel like I have a choice.
Well...actually I kinda like it. I know I shouldn't, but just being right in the middle of a time when I didn't have so much shit to worry about is really therapeutic. And I'm the only person who can experience that sensation
Maybe I should count myself lucky?
I'd better get to sleep (after using the photo of course). Jefferson's trial starts tomorrow so I'll have to work twice as hard to not think about that asshole. Easier said than done, especially with the study hall sessions and lab classes.
Here it goes nothing.
Love Max xx
PS - I just remembered tomorrow is the 11th. Exactly one month after Jefferson did what he did to me. One month after I let you go. And I'm still suffering for it.
Congrats to me I guess. I officially have PTSD.
5234331621
I opened my eyes to the alarm on my phone. I looked over and realised it was morning. I smiled as I turned off my alarm and looked at the ceiling.
No nightmare. Thank God.
I got out of bed and grabbed my bathroom stuff. I headed for the bathroom and saw I went into the bathroom. I saw Courtney step out of a shower in a shirt and pants drying off her hair.
"Hey, Max," she said.
"Morning, Courtney," I said as I moved to a sink and took out my tooth brush. "Did you have a fun weekend?"
"Just homework and tried some new make up stuff out."
"Same. About homework I mean."
Courtney chuckled. "You not down for a less Halloween-y make over from me?"
I laughed.
"If I need help for another costume I'm coming to you. Normal make up just isn't for me. Besides, Dana already tried that and failed. You two should get together, bet you'd have enough products to open a store," I said as I put tooth paste on my brush.
"I've been thinking about trying out some stuff. Just didn't know if she'd want to," said Courtney.
"Why wouldn't she want to?"
Courtney shrugged.
"Do you think she's still mad at you? Has she said something?" I asked.
"No. She's been super nice. Just…Victoria used to stay mad at me for a while, even when she seemed okay. Guess it's just what I'm used to."
I put my toothbrush down on the sink and approached Courtney.
"Well, Dana's not like that. And I'd like to think Victoria isn't any more. If you want to hang out with Dana just ask her. I'm sure she'd love to."
"I will. Thanks, Max," she said as she left.
I made it to school and to my World History classroom. Most people had taken their seats. I sat down in my usual seat at the back and got out my text books.
"Cool if I sit here?"
I looked up and saw Victoria stood by the empty seat next to me. I smiled at her.
"Sure."
She sat down and got out her stuff.
"You spoken to Kate recently?" Victoria asked.
"Yeah, a little. I know she's on the stand next Monday," I said.
"Is she really doing it?"
"I think so. It's why she's been coming back to the photography classroom, so she can prepare herself."
"Was wondering if that had something to do with it. Do you think she'll be able to handle it in court?"
"Yes. Why, don't you?"
"It's not that. It's just the defence lawyer will not go easy on her."
"But there's already so much evidence, isn't there? All Kate has to do is say what she remembers. How can it go any other way?"
"Don't forget Jefferson's lawyer is being provided by Sean Prescott," said Victoria. "Trust me, it won't be easy."
Monday, November 11th 2013
Dear Chloe,
So I spent a good portion of the day keeping my head buried in the sand while the trial started. I don't want to hear a damn thing about it. I don't want to be in that classroom. Not right now. But then I also have to be there for Kate. I can't do both, so Kate has to come first. It's like Dad said.
So until Kate's done her part in the trial and Jefferson gets what he deserves it's what I have to do. After that, I guess we'll see.
Not a lot else to say. I don't know if there will be that much to say this week actually. When I tell you about this stuff it just makes me think of the trial. Sorry.
Love Max xx
5246144236
Tuesday, November 12th 2013
1325463421
Wednesday, November 13th 2013
2435636541
After school, in the middle of yet more homework, I went into the kitchen area to grab a snack. I grabbed a bag of chips from the cupboard and heard the door open behind me. I turned around to see Kate.
"Hey, Max," she said.
"Hey, Kate."
She took a glass out of the cupboard and filled it with water from the sink tap. I opened my bag and pointed it towards Kate.
"Want one?"
Kate shook her head. "No, thanks," she said as she sipped her water. I looked at her face and could tell something was wrong.
"Are you okay, Kate?" She hesitated and I had my answer.
"What's wrong?" I asked. Kate put her glass down on the counter. "Max, I don't think I can stand at the trial," she said.
"What? But you've been doing great in the study hall periods and lab classes. Wasn't this what that was all for?"
"I've been reading up on the news, what's been going on in the trial. All the girls who have been on the stand so far…"
"And?"
"The defence lawyer totally ripped them apart, Max. He made it sound like they…consented to what happened."
"What?"
"He twisted their words and…made it sound like it was their f-fault." Kate starting sobbing. I dumped my bag of chips on the counter and gave her a hug. She cried into my shoulder as I held her close.
"I c-can't d-do it, Max," she cried. "I'm n-not st-strong enough." I hugged her even tighter.
"Yes, you are, Kate."
"I'm n-not," she cried.
"Just look a what you've done. You were able to go back in the photography room when you didn't think you could do it. You can do this too."
"Th-that's…" Kate was struggling to speak. I took a step back and put my hands on her shoulders.
"Kate, take some deep breaths for me, okay? In…" I breathed in with her.
"Out." We both breathed out.
"In. Out."
After a few moments, Kate was a little more composed as she wiped her eyes.
"That was different, Max. I had all my friends to help me."
"And you still have us, Kate. All of us are by your side."
"Not when I'm on the stand though, Max. In that moment I'm alone. I can't ask any of you to hold my hand while the lawyer interrogates me," she said. "I can't do it."
"That's not true."
Both of us turned towards the door to see Victoria stood there.
"Sorry to butt in," she said. "But I'm not letting you say that crap, Kate."
"Victoria…" I said.
"What, Max? You think the same," she said as she approached us.
"Victoria," said Kate. "I get you feel bad for they way you treated me…"
"Yes, I do. Doesn't change the fact that you are strong enough to do this, Kate. That Meals on Wheels stuff, your religious stuff all the..." Victoria paused. "All the shit we gave you after what happened at the Vortex Club. You never broke from any of that."
"I almost did..." said Kate. Victoria and I looked at each other. "I had really bad thoughts until everything was exposed. I thought about..."
I knew exactly what Kate was talking about. I'd seen it with my own eyes. Judging from Victoria's face, she figured out what Kate meant. She was disarmed upon learning just how much damage her treatment of Kate had really done. So I decided to step in.
"Whatever thoughts you had, Kate," I said. "You didn't give in to them. You're still here. You were here to save me from myself after Chloe died and I thought I didn't deserve anyone. Without you, I don't know where I'd be."
"Jefferson's lawyer is just another bully," said Victoria. "You've dealt with plenty of those and come out of it. It'll be the same again in that trial."
"We'll stand by you whatever you choose, Kate," I said. "We're not trying to pressure you. Just tell me this, if the answer is 'no' then there's nothing more we can do. Do you think you'll regret not taking to the stand?"
Kate stood thinking for a few moments. From her expression she seemed to be weighing up all the possible scenarios. She finally looked up at Victoria and I to speak.
"Yes," she said. " I think I would. I have to believe that God is on my side."
"Then trust me, no matter how hard and scary it might seem, you have to do it if you know it's for the best," I said.
"You can do it," Victoria said. Kate looked from her back to me.
"Okay," she said. "Alright, I'm going to do it. I'm not backing down now."
I hugged Kate.
"Yes!" I said.
"Cool," Victoria said. "I'll leave you both to it. Work here is done," she said as she headed for the door.
"Victoria?" Kate said as she let me go. Victoria stopped and turned around.
"Thank you," said Kate. Victoria just nodded.
"Kinda the least I owe you," she replied.
Thursday, November 14th 2013
3525121336
As I sat in the photography classroom with Kate and everyone else, I tried to concentrate on what I was writing. I looked out of the window at the school grounds. Suddenly-
WHACK!
A bird flew straight into the window and fell to the ground, leaving a red stain on the glass. I looked around at everyone else. No-one seemed to notice.
"Guys?"
WHACK!
Another bird slammed into the glass. Another red stain.
WHACK! WHACK!
Two more.
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!
Birds kept slamming into the glass until the light shining through the blood cast a red glare across the room. Everyone else continued working as the glare grew brighter. It grew so bright I was forced to shut my eyes. It was still so bright I could practically see through my eyelids. Suddenly it faded a little and I was able to open my eyes again. I suddenly realised this red light was seen in one particular setting…a dark room. I saw Jefferson stood by several enlargers and several plastic tubs with developing liquids. He lifted out a photograph with a pair of tongs.
"Perfect," he said.
I tried to move, only to find I was strapped to a chair. I struggled as Jefferson moved over towards me. He held the photo in front of my face so I could see it. It was me lying on the ground with my wrists and ankles bound, my eyes glazed over from the drugs. I looked away, but Jefferson grabbed my hair and turned my head so I had to stare at my drugged self being posed for his photo.
"This might be the best one yet," he said as he moved away. I saw he had a collection of photographs pinned to a line of string on the ceiling. All were of me.
I sat up in bed covered in sweat. My hands were shaking and I realised something else.
I'm going to be sick.
I leapt out of bed and and ran in my disorientated state to the door. I fumbled to open it with one hand while putting the other over my mouth. I opened the door and ran into the hall, I felt my way through the darkness over to the opposite wall. I made my way as quick as possible along it, banging on several people's room doors in the process, until I found the bathroom door. I opened it and quickly turned on the light.
I ran into the stall, slammed the toilet lid up and was sick into the toilet. I felt like my insides were on fire as I vomited and coughed. As I stopped to catch my breath I heard doors opening and footsteps.
Great…
"Max?" I looked over my shoulder to see Dana stood in the doorway.
"Hey…" I said as I turned back to the toilet bowl.
"Are you okay?" I heard Stella's voice say from behind Dana.
"I'm f-WAAARGH!"
I vomited into the toilet bowl again. I heard footsteps approach me and a hand touch my shoulder.
"Doesn't look like it," said Dana. I stayed hunched over the toilet.
"I'm okay, just…something I ate probably," I said.
"Well after all that I sure hope you got it out out," Dana said.
"Yeah, I think I have… WAAARGH!"
After a few minutes without puking up my guts I figured it was safe to stand up. Stella had brought me a glass of water.
"Thanks," I said. I rinsed my mouth out a few times and spat in the sink. I ran the tap to wash away the mess.
I looked back at Dana and Stella.
"I'll take care of that," said Stella as she took the glass from me. "You okay now?"
"Yeah, think so," I said. I left the bathroom to see the hall lights on. Most of the other girls in the dorm were gathered together. My face immediately went red.
"S-Sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to wake you all," I said.
"It's fine," said Victoria. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, I feel better now."
"Maybe you should stay off school tomorrow?" Kate suggested.
"I'm fine. Just something I ate I think," I said again. "I'll see you all tomorrow. Sorry for waking you all again," I said as I quickly went back to my room and shut the door. I turned on the light and sat on my bed. I buried my head in my hands and let out a deep sigh. I grabbed my phone and looked at the time: 5.30am. I was in no mood to go back to sleep. I went over to my journal and opened up to Friday's page.
Friday, November 15th 2013 (5.30am)
Dear Chloe,
I don't know what happened but the photo didn't work. I did everything exactly the same and for the past few days its fended off the nightmares. Not tonight. Not only that I woke up even worse than normal. I managed to make it to the bathroom before I emptied my guts at least.
If the photo doesn't help then what am I going to do? Maybe it's because I've been using the same one over and over? Maybe I'm becoming immune to it? I know your mom would have whole albums with photos of us. When I stay with her and David this weekend then I can at least borrow them. Way more realistic than borrowing a whole VCR…
I guess I have to try it. If that doesn't work then I don't know what I'm going to do.
Love Max xx
RIIIIIIING!
After getting through the school day okay I walked through the corridor. I saw Kate over by her locker.
"Hey, Kate," I said as I reached her.
"Hey, Max. You doing much at the weekend?"
"I'm staying with Joyce and David again. Staying on top of homework, the usual."
"Cool, in that case I might not see you for nearly a week," said Kate.
"So you're doing it?"
"Yeah. I'm being flown to Salem tomorrow to be prepared for my spot in the trial on Monday."
"That's awesome, Kate. I'm really proud of you. Who's going with you?"
"My parents and a few other family members."
"Good. You'll be okay, Kate. You can do it."
"I hope so."
"I know you can. Everyone is here for you when you get back."
I gave her a huge hug.
"Thanks, Max. I'll text you when it's all over. I'll be back Tuesday afternoon."
"I'll see you then, Kate. Good luck."
We separated and I waved goodbye as I walked down the corridor towards the exit. Principal Wells left the administrative assistant's office as I reached the door.
"Enjoy your weekend, Max," he said.
I turned around to look at him.
"You too, Principal Wells." He smiled as he turned away to walk off.
"Principal Wells?"
He stopped and turned back around as I approached him.
"Yes, Max?"
"I was just wondering how you were doing. You know, with the trial going on and everything?"
Wells sighed. I winced slightly as the smell of alcohol hit my face again.
"Just keeping busy. I imagine it's been even worse for Kate Marsh and those other poor girls. I just hope they get the justice they deserve. Then I'll start worrying about myself."
"It'll all work out Principal Wells. I'm sure," I said.
"I hope so. Take care, Max," Principal Wells said as he left.
That's the second time I've smelt that alcohol on his breath. I really hope he's not falling back into bad habits too hard.
I arrived at Joyce and David's home on my bike. After going round the back of the house, I saw David walking through the living room. I gave him a quick wave. He slid open the door to the back yard.
"Hey, Max," he said. "Just chain your bike to the swing set if you want."
"Thanks, David," I said. "And thanks for letting me stay again this weekend."
"It's okay. Joyce still feels bad we couldn't take you last weekend."
"She's doesn't need to. She shouldn't have to organise her life around mine. How was your trip?"
"That's what I keep telling her. And we had a good time. It was nice to get away for a couple of days. Even if money is pretty tight at the moment, Joyce deserved a break."
I nodded. "And how have you been doing, with your sessions I mean?" I asked.
"Been having a couple of sessions a week for a little while now. It's felt good to talk, I'll tell you that much. I tell Joyce a lot of stuff but there's things I hold back even from her. She worries enough as it is. My counsellor on the other hand has heard it all before. So I'm doing pretty good, all things considered."
"That's great to hear, David. I glad you're doing well."
"I'm hoping to be back in December for a few weeks. Ease myself back into Blackwell before coming back for good in the new year."
"That's awesome. We've all missed you at school."
David smiled wryly.
"I doubt anyone's noticed I've even been gone," he said. "But how about you? You been okay?"
"Yeah, I'm great," I lied.
"Can't have been good seeing Jefferson's face all over the news. For any of you."
"I've been avoiding it all to be honest. Trying to anyway."
"I hear you. Just have to wait until the verdict and hope that bastard gets what he deserves," he said. I nodded again.
"Get your bike chained up and come inside. It's getting chilly out," David said as he made way to the kitchen.
I chained my bike to the swing set and joined David inside.
An hour later, Joyce returned home from the diner. I was up in Chloe's room listening to some of her music. Joyce entered the room and wore a beaming smile when she saw me. When I got up she gave me a huge hug.
"Max, darling. Its wonderful to see you again," she said.
"You too, Joyce."
She finally let me go.
"I really am sorry about-"
"-Last weekend?" I predicted. "You don't need to be. David said you had a nice trip to Portland?"
"We did. It was nice to be away but I spent half the time worrying you were okay."
"That's really sweet, Joyce. But please don't worry so much. I love being here on the weekends but I get it can't happen every time. It's okay."
Joyce sighed.
"I know, I know. I was a mother, Max. I never stop worrying. Anyway, I'd better get outta this uniform and get dinner cooking. Pot roast okay?"
"Sounds great," I said.
After dinner, David insisted on washing the dishes so Joyce could relax.
"You wanna watch some tv, Max? You get pick of the channel," she said.
"I'm okay, Joyce. I want to get started on my homework actually."
"Well alright, just don't be doing that all weekend. Always take some time for yourself."
Joyce took me aside a moment.
"And if you want to watch those video tapes tonight at all they're right there for you," she said with a smile.
"Thanks, Joyce," I said. "Actually I was wondering…"
"What is it?"
"Do you still have your photo albums? Specifically the ones with photos of Chloe and I?"
Joyce smiled. "Of course." She went over to the shelf and pulled off one of the albums. I took and quickly flicked through some of the pages.
"Great. Thanks, Joyce."
I sat in Chloe's room trying to do some homework when my phone on the desk vibrated. I saw it was my parents. I realised I hadn't told them about my nightmares, I was too distracted asking Dad for advice last weekend. After taking a moment, I picked up the phone and answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, kiddo," Dad said.
"Hi, honey!" Mom said.
"Hi, Dad. Hi, Mom."
"Just checking in on you," said Dad. "How's things?"
"They're…okay," I said.
"Max, honey. Is there something you need to tell us?" Mom asked, seeing straight through my hesitation.
"Er, yeah. It's not a big deal really, it's just…I've been having nightmares recently. But it's okay. I can handle it."
"Are you sure?" Mom said.
I looked over at the photo album on Chloe's desk.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Not like they're real, right?"
"If you say so, then okay," Dad said. "We've been reading about the trial in the news."
"Yeah," I said. "I've been avoiding it all really."
"We understand, sweetheart," said Mom. "Is your friend Kate going to be on the stand? Your father mentioned she had talked to you about it."
"Yeah, she almost got cold feet again on Thursday but another girl in our dorm and I managed to talk her around."
"That's my girl," said Dad. "I'm proud of you for doing the right thing, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Pop."
"Are you with Joyce and David again?" Mom asked.
"Yeah, I am for the weekend."
"That's nice," said Dad.
There was a pause on the other end.
"Mom? Dad?"
"Sweetheart, we've been thinking," said Dad.
"Okay…"
"Just about Thanksgiving," he said. "We were wondering if you might prefer to stay with Joyce and David over your break?"
"Oh…"
"We just thought it might be easier than flying or driving all the way here just for a couple of days," said Mom. "What do you think?"
"Um, yeah. I guess that makes sense. Will I need to ask Joyce and David?"
"She- We've already spoken to Joyce about it. She's fine with it. So is it okay with you?" Dad said.
"Yeah, okay."
"We'll still have you back here for Christmas, kiddo. Don't you worry," he said.
"Yeah. Okay, Pop. I need to get back to my homework but I'll talk to you both soon."
"Okay, sweetheart," said Mom. "Are you sure you're doing okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said.
"Then we'll talk soon. Take care, Max," said Dad.
"Bye, honey!" Mom added.
"Bye," I said as I hung up and put my phone down. I sat in my chair not sure how to feel. I went down stairs to find Joyce and David watching TV.
"Um, Joyce? David?"
They both looked over their shoulder.
"Yes, Max?" Joyce said.
"I guess I'm joining you for Thanksgiving?"
Joyce leapt off the couch and came round to me. She gave me a hug. David on the other hand remained seated and turned back round to face the TV. I stayed looking at him as I separated from Joyce.
"Are you sure it's okay?" I said.
"Of course it is, Max. Your parents asked and we couldn't possibly say no. We'd love to have you. Right, David?" Joyce said.
David looked over this shoulder with a small smile.
"Absolutely," he said before turning back. I smiled back at Joyce before looking back at David.
Friday, 15th November 2013
Dear Chloe,
So today was a little weird. I spoke to Mom and Dad and gave them my weekly update. I decided to tell them about the nightmares, though I didn't go into details. I had already told Joyce and I didn't want them finding out through her. I also told them I could handle it which might be true, might not. We'll have see if these photos work their magic for me tonight. Although...every time I go through the pages I keep expecting to see the photo William took of us in the kitchen. The day he died. But in order to keep things the same I had to burn it and close the time loop. Is it dumb I feel guilty for destroying the photo, getting rid of one more memory that Joyce could have of William?
Anyway, outta nowhere Mom and Dad start talking about me staying with Joyce and David for Thanksgiving. I get what they're saying about travelling so far only to see them for a few days. But that's still a few days I'd really like to spend seeing my mom and dad. Both of them, Mom especially, seem like they would want any excuse to see me, no matter how long it was for or how hard it was for me to get there. Something just seems off.
Don't get me wrong, Chloe. I imagine your mom throws one mean Thanksgiving dinner and if she and David are happy to have me then I'm there. Well…that's kinda the other weird thing. I know Joyce is happy to have me, David I'm not so sure. He really didn't seem enthusiastic about me staying for Thanksgiving. There's been a few other occasions I've noticed stuff like that too. I wish I could say he just doesn't like me, but most of the time he seems genuinely interested in how I'm doing and making sure I'm comfortable here. If there's one thing worse than knowing an uncomfortable truth, it's not knowing if it's the truth at all.
Like I said. Today was a little weird. But not awful, so I guess that's a step up? Anyway, I need to get to sleep. But not before I try using a new photo. Here's hoping it works.
Good night,
Love Max xx
I grabbed the die I'd brought along with me and rolled out a new sequence.
6254141232
I looked through the photo album for what photo I wanted to use. I landed on one from Halloween 2002. I was dressed as a lion, Chloe was dressed as a witch and William was, of course, dressed as a wardrobe. I smiled as I tried to remember exactly what I said. Eventually, I stared at the photo and concentrated. Joyce's voice drifted into my ears as the photo began to focus.
"Okay, Max I want a roar from you."
"Chloe, a cackle."
"And William. Well wardrobes don't talk. Thank Lord."
I opened my eyes and looked up to see Joyce, dressed as the bride of Frankstein's monster, lower the camera. I looked to my side to see Chloe and William.
"That's why Mom suggested these costumes," said Chloe.
"Yep, that was her plan," I said.
"And it worked like a charm," said Joyce. William just stood in defeated silence.
"Then it's a good job," he said. "That I came as the wardrobe from Beauty and the Beast. I can talk all I want and even sing!"
"I think you'll find that wardrobe is a lady," Joyce said. William paused.
"Then I shall talk like this," he said in a high pitched voice. "And sing like thiiiiiiiis!" He sang. We all laughed.
"Okay, you can talk. In your normal voice. And no singing," Joyce declared.
"Yes!" William celebrated. "And that was my plan all along. Worked like a charm," he said as he high fived Chloe and I. Joyce rolled her eyes as the rest of us laughed.
"As usual, Dad wins!" Chloe said.
"As usual indeed," Joyce said as she grabbed our trick or treat bags off the dining table and handed them to Chloe and I.
"Where's my bag?" William said as he tried to fold his arms over his costume.
"You're too old!" I said.
"Old. Moi?" William said as Chloe laughed.
"Ancient," Joyce said. "Now get going before all the other kids take the good candy."
"Okay, okay," William said as he gave Joyce a quick kiss. "I'm sure my friends will be more than willing to share their candy when we return."
"I wouldn't bet on it," said Chloe as she ran for the front door. "Come on, Max!"
"Coming!" I ran through to join Chloe, she opened the door to reveal the white border of the photo.
"Wait up, I don't know if I'll fit through the door in this!" William called. Chloe and I laughed as we ran outside and everything went white.
Sunday, November 17th 2013
Dear Chloe,
I had a pretty nice weekend with your mom and David. I don't know if I'd be doing nearly as well if I didn't have them to rely on. Especially now when my parents don't even seem to want me. Oh yeah, the new photos I now have certainly help too. I borrowed the album to give me a better palate of memories to help me cope. I had no nightmares the past couple of nights at least so here's hoping it continues.
The trial is still going on and Kate's on the stand tomorrow. I'm so stressed and scared, but probably not as much as her. I may have seen a little more of the news of the trial over the weekend. Funnily enough, there's been almost zero mention from the defence lawyer that Sean Prescott owned the fucking bunker those girls were violated in. That I was violated in. He'll get his trial later but I can't help but feel he'll get off.
Anyway, I think there's still another week of Jefferson's trial to go so I'm just going to keep my head down until it blows over. Maybe go to the Winchester while I'm at it.
Love Max xx
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RIIIIIIING!
I sat down in the photography classroom with everyone else. I spent about ten minutes working on some Algebra. Over that time I felt an increasing, unpleasant sensation in my stomach. I put my hand on my stomach and realised I was going to be sick. I put my hand up and asked to be excused.
I made my way down the hall to the exit. Before I even left the building I realised I was not going to make it to the dorm bathrooms in time. So I dashed right into the girls bathroom. I slammed open a cubicle door and got on my knees as I couldn't hold in any longer. I vomited into the toilet, feeling like I was turning my self inside out. I coughed as the first wave ended. I could feel my body wasn't finished so I just stayed hunched over the bowl and waited.
Shit. I'm just getting worse and worse. At least I knew the nightmares could only come at night. Now what? I can't even be in that room without this happening. I just-
"WAAAAARGH!"
After a few minutes of making sure I was finished. I slowly got to my feet and unsteadily moved over to the sink. I rinsed out my mouth several times under the tap and spat out the mess down the drain. I splashed some water on my face and looked in the mirror.
God, I look pale. Well, paler than usual.
I heard the door open and jerked my head to look at who had walked in.
Nathan Prescott.
"No," I said. "Please no."
I tried to move towards the door but my legs were locked in place. I jerked my head away from Nathan and looked in the mirror again.
"It's cool Nathan. Don't stress, you're okay, bro…"
I looked back at my face and saw tears starting to build up in my eyes.
"Just count to three. Don't be scared."
I buried my face in my hands and tried my hardest to drown out what was happening around me. I tried to block out Nathan's ramblings but I still heard the door open a few moments later. I still heard Chloe's voice.
…
"I hope you checked the perimeter, as my step-ass would say. Now, let's talk bidness."
…
"Oh boo hoo, poor little rich kid. I know you've been pumpin' drugs n' shit to kids around here."
…
"You don't know who the fuck I am or who you're messing around with!"
…
"Get that gun away from me, psycho!"
BANG!
I lowered my hands and cried silently as I looked and saw Nathan and Chloe had disappeared. Then the door opened again.
"NO!" I cried as I buried my hands again.
"Max?"
I looked up and through my tears I could see a blurry image of Victoria.
"Jesus fucking Christ," she said. "Why are you in here?"
I wiped my eyes furiously as Victoria saw the toilet I had forgotten to flush. She looked back at me.
"I'm fine, something I ate," I said.
"Yeah. You said that last week," she replied as she flushed the toilet for me. "Come on, let's get outta here." She went to grab my arm but I yanked it away.
"I can walk, Victoria. I'm not a baby," I said as I stomped out of the bathroom and into the hall. Victoria appeared behind me.
"You know that's not what I meant," she said with scowl.
"Isn't it?" I retorted. Victoria shut her eyes and took a deep breath.
"You're not okay, Max. You don't need to pretend you are."
"No shit, Victoria. I just saw it all in front of me again."
"I'm not talking about what just happened."
"What's going on here?"
Victoria and I turned to see Principal Wells stood in front of the administrative assistant's office. He approached the both of us.
"Why aren't you-" Wells stopped speaking when he saw my face. He looked to the bathroom door then back at Victoria who nodded.
"Miss Chase, please return to your classroom," he said. Victoria gave me one last look of sympathy before walking back to the classroom. Wells turned back to me.
"Come with me, Max" he said. "I think the school nurse should check you over." I winced as the smell of alcohol hit nose. Again.
"Jesus…" I said under my breath. "Whatever. I'm going back to my room," I said as I walked away towards the exit.
"I would suggest you see the school nurse first."
"I'm fine. I just need to get back to my room."
"I'll still be contacting Joyce Madsen and your parents-"
I stopped in my tracks and spun round.
"I'm capable of telling them myself," I yelled.
"Please don't raise your voice, Max. And no-on is saying you aren't capable. But you are still a student of this school and it is my responsibility to ensure your well being," said Wells.
"Then you can start by ditching the fucking whiskey bottle in your office," I retorted.
Wells was stopped in his tracks, his mouth fell open.
"Didn't think so," I said as I shoved open the door and stepped outside.
I made it back to my room and slammed the door behind me. I grabbed the photo album and opened it up. I looked at the photos and began removing ones that didn't have me in them. I abandoned them on the floor in a pile until only photos that featured Chloe and remained. I grabbed my die from my drawer and opened my journal up.
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