"Shit!"
As I opened my eyes I felt my nose bleeding. I grabbed a couple of tissues from the box on my desk. I managed to catch the blood before it dripped anywhere.
"Shit," I repeated as I stood up. I pinched the top of my nose while keeping the tissue pressed to my nostrils.
I sat down my on my bed and continued to nurse my nose. I had gone through eight photos in a row. I felt better after the first two, the rest were just because I wanted to. I felt like such crap after being sick again, knowing I couldn't even trust myself in the day time.
After a few minutes I lowered the tissue and found the bleeding had stopped. I threw it in the trash.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Max?"
Shit.
"Just a minute!"
I grabbed another tissue and hastily tried to wipe away the dried blood on my lip. I threw that tissue away and opened up the door. I saw Alyssa and Stella stood there. Alyssa had my bag in her hand. They saw some of the dried blood still under my nostril.
"Max, are you okay?" Stella said. "Victoria said Principal Wells was going to help you?"
"I'm fine. I just needed to come back to my room and relax," I said.
"Is your nose okay?" Alyssa asked.
"Yeah, just a small nose bleed. Happens occasionally. No big deal."
"Right," said Alyssa as she held out my bag. "We brought your bag back."
I took it from Alyssa and put it on the floor.
"Thanks, I'd better go and clean myself up."
"Sure thing," said Stella. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said as I closed my door and stepped past them.
I cleaned up my nose in the bathroom and dried up with a paper towel. As I stepped out into the hall I saw Dana's door was open. She was sat on her couch with her laptop. She saw me and immediately put her laptop to the side.
"Max?" She came out of her room and into the corridor.
"Are you okay? I heard something happened in class?"
"Yeah, just another stomach attack. And a small nosebleed," I said.
"Shit."
"I'm fine," I said for the millionth time. "It's okay."
"If you say so," she said. "I got a text from Kate a couple of hours ago before she took to the stand. She sounded really nervous. I hope she got through it okay," said Dana.
"Crap, I totally forgot about that. She's strong, Dana. She can do it."
"I hope so, Max."
The door opened and Victoria, Taylor and Courtney walked in. As they walked past Dana and I, I could feel Victoria looking at me. As they returned to their rooms, Dana looked at me.
"Victoria was giving you the stink eye. Watch yourself, Max," she said.
"Actually, for once, I'm the one who needs to apologise. I'll see you later, Dana."
"See ya, Max," she said as she returned to her room.
I approached Victoria's door and knocked on her door. After a moment, she answered. As soon as she saw me, she folded her arms and stared me down.
"I'm sorry," I said. After a brief pause, Victoria unfolded her arms.
"What's going on, Max? Be straight with me."
"Just…shit getting on top of me again. I can cope."
"If it's making you sick, then you're not coping at all, Max."
"I've gotten through worse, Victoria. You don't need to worry, though I do appreciate it," I said.
"I'm not buying it, Max," she said. "But I can't force you to do anything. Whatever's going on, just please be careful."
"I will. I'll see you later," I said as I retreated back to my room. Victoria nodded and shut her door.
It was pretty late, I got ready for bed and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I saw Stella at a sink drying off her face with a towel.
"Hey, Max," she said.
"Hey, Stella."
"You hear from, Kate?"
I had avoided looking at my phone the whole day. I didn't want to think about the trial. Which meant I had to avoid the texts Kate had probably sent me.
"Actually, my phone's been dead, so no. Has she spoken to you at all?" I said.
"Yeah, a couple hours ago she called me after she was finished in the stand."
"How did she do?"
"She got through it. She said she almost lost her nerve when that asshole lawyer laid into her. But I think she did okay."
"Thank God," I said.
"Yeah, Dana's planning a movie night for Kate tomorrow which everyone's in for."
"Sounds cool, she'll like that."
"Yeah," said Stella. She fiddled with her towel for a moment before looking at me.
"Max, I don't want to seem out of line…" she said. My stomach tensed up at what she was about to say. "It's just, with your nose bleed and issues with your stomach. I think I know what's up." I just stared at her blankly. "You didn't judge me and I'm not judging you. All I'll say is be careful. I know people who took more stuff that they can handle and it can mess them up…just be careful, okay?"
"Oh, Stella. No, it's not what you think. Again, I don't judge you, or anyone else that does drugs but I don't take any. I'm not taking any." Stella studied me closely, she still seemed sceptical. "I swear, Stella."
"Alright. I'm sorry, I wasn't accusing you or anything. I just saw the signs and thought…"
"You were just looking out for me. I appreciate it."
"It's okay, Max. Sorry again. Good night," she said as she left the room.
After I brushed my teeth and went back to my room I decided to check my phone. I looked and saw several messages from Kate. Looking at them, Stella and Dana were right. She had been nervous and scared before she was in the stand but the prosecuting lawyer was able to calm her down. During her time in the stand she got pretty emotional when she had to recall everything she remembered. I decided the least should do is send her a text of support.
Hey, Kate. Phone was dead today, only just saw your messages. I hope you're okay. I'm proud of you for getting through it. I'll see you tomorrow xx
I put my phone down on my desk. I turned and opened my journal to today's page.
Monday, November 18th 2013
Dear Chloe,
So today…sucked. Really sucked. I was sick during the study hall session. I didn't have time to make it to the dorm, so I had no choice but to run in to the girl's bathroom. So once I was done puking I got to hear you die all over again. I keep hoping it's the last every time it happens but
BZZT! BZZT!
I jerked my head away from my journal and saw my phone was buzzing. Kate was calling.
Shit. I really don't want to hear about the trial. What do I do?
The last time this happened it was during "that week." During Kate's lowest period, she called me to talk. I considered not answering because Chloe was demanding we go to the junk yard. But I knew how bad Kate was doing and had to answer. Even if it pissed Chloe off.
Not that it mattered anyway. Kate still jumped. If I hadn't answered, Chloe would have still died. What does it matter?
As my phone continued to buzz I thought some more.
Because when you reminded Kate that you answered her call, you could see the gratitude in her eyes, Max. For a moment, she knew that you cared. Even if that couldn't help her overcome the pain she was in.
It mattered.
I grabbed my phone and answered.
"Hey, Kate."
"Max. I'm really sorry if I'm bothering you. I know it's late." I got up and laid down on my bed.
"Don't be ridiculous, Kate. How are you doing?"
"I feel…I feel glad it's over. Like I can breathe again. I'm hoping I can get back to normal once I return to school," she said.
"You will. You did everything you could, Kate. It's all down to the court."
"I tried my best. But, Max it…just seeing him again. Just looking into his eyes. I couldn't see any remorse at all. It scared me."
As I listened to Kate, the image of Jefferson appeared vividly in my head. A sensation around my wrists, from duct tape, began to prickle my skin.
"Listen, Kate. I'm really sorry but I'm exhausted. Today was…I just need to get to bed, if that's alright?"
"Okay, of course, Max. You okay?"
"Yeah, I- I was sick again today, that's all. I'm fine. I just need to sleep. See you tomorrow."
"Okay, Max. Goodn-"
I hung up and put my phone down. I slammed my had down on my desk.
"Fuck."
I took a few deep breaths and calmed down. When I was ready, I picked my pen back up.
Sorry, Chloe. I just had to speak to Kate. Not the first time I've had to pick between the both of you…
She seems okay. As well as she can be, though it probably didn't help that I blew her off. Even thinking about Jefferson has started to affect me. I over did it using the photos of us earlier too. When I came back I found my nose bleeding. I was kind hoping to go to sleep tonight without using another, but since my talk with Kate I feel I need one. Only one. Can't afford to over do it again.
I'd better get to sleep. Hopefully a peaceful one.
Good night.
Love Max xx
3625142316
I woke up the next morning. Nightmare free. I let out a sigh of relief and got out of bed. I had a free first period so after I got dressed I decided to check my facebook. I saw I had a message from Kristen.
Shit. I've totally avoided everything since the trial started. Never even saw it.
I sent a reply back apologising for not talking to her. Again. And asked her how things were. Eventually I had no choice but to go to school for the study hall session. I packed my bag and went to the school.
As I walked past the lockers on the way to the classroom I began to think.
It's just a room, Max. Just sit and do your work. That's it. Every other one is fine so why this one?
Because it was the classroom where I was taught by that monster. The person who drugged me. Took pictures of me when I was…
I came to a standstill as I realised how uneasy my stomach was starting to feel.
Shit. Come the fuck on.
I put my hand on my stomach as I turned around and walked back through the corridor. I broke out into a run and covered my mouth as I felt the sensation growing more and more. I also realised I couldn't go into the girls' bathroom no matter what. So I ran into the boys'. I saw someone stood at the opposite end on the room at a urinal. They looked over their shoulder as I slammed a stall door open and got on my knees. I vomited into the toilet. I quickly put the strap of my bag over my head and put my bag in the corner. I was sick again. I heard footsteps approaching.
"Max?"
"Warren…" I said as I stayed hunched over the bowel.
"Holy shit. Are you okay?"
"WAAAARGH!"
"Dumb question, got it."
A few minutes later I got to my feet and flushed the toilet. Warren backed away and looked at me in concern as I rinsed my mouth out at the sink.
"Sorry," I said as I spat out the water. "I know I shouldn't be here."
"Don't worry about that, Max. Maybe you need to see the nurse?"
"I'm fine," I insisted.
"Max, it's okay. You don't have to be embarrassed or anything."
"I'm not embarrassed about anything, Warren," I snapped as I left the bathroom. I walked straight into Miss Grant.
"God, sorry," I said.
"Max, just heard for a couple of students you ran into the boys' bathroom?"
"Yeah, sorry. Emergency. And the girls' isn't…" Miss Grant nodded as I trailed off. Warren left the bathroom and appeared next to me.
"I told her she needs to see the nurse, Miss Grant. But she's not-"
"Okay, Warren," she said. "Get yourself to class and I'll take it from here."
Warren put his hand on my shoulder as he left, I just looked at the floor.
"Max?"
I looked up at Miss Grant, she put her hand on my back.
"Come on, let's get you to the nurse."
"But-"
"No arguments. Come on."
I gave up and walked with Miss Grant to the nurse's office.
"Okay, all done," said Nurse Barenchi after my check up. "Your blood pressure is a little higher than it should be but I couldn't find anything else out of the ordinary. Is today the first time this has happened?"
I thought about lying, but too many people knew the truth.
"No. It happened yesterday at the end of school. And in the middle of the night last Thursday."
"I see. Have these episodes come on suddenly?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you just suddenly feel sick, or is it more gradual?"
"They're…becoming more sudden. Though I still feel it coming."
"I see. Have you felt stressed recently?"
I paused, being careful about how much I was going to say.
"I've…I've been having nightmares. I don't want to talk about what happens in them. But they've really messed up my sleeping pattern."
"How long has this been going on for?"
"A few weeks."
"I would advise trying some relaxation techniques before you go to sleep. If the nightmares persist then medication may be needed. Come back to me next Monday and we'll take it from there. Okay?"
"Okay."
"In the mean time, if the stress of these nightmares is causing you to be ill like this then I would advise staying out of classes for today, and maybe tomorrow."
"I don't need-"
Wait, Max. What the hell are you doing? Are you really going to turn down an excuse to avoid the photography room?
"I mean…" I said. "I have had trouble studying at the moment. If it's okay, having the rest of the week off might help me."
Nurse Barenchi studied me closely, obviously trying to see if I was playing up the seriousness.
"I did mention to Principal Wells I was concerned about how suddenly you started back at school," she said finally.
"I was doing okay, it's just recently things have… I don't need to stay off school for long. Just a few days to sort my head out," I said. Nurse Barenchi sighed.
"Okay, I shall inform Principal Wells and have you signed off. I'll get some relaxation techniques printed off for you too. Give them a try and come back to me next Monday. Okay?"
"Yeah, okay."
"Stress can do terrible things to the body. But it can be overcome."
Tuesday, November 19th 2013 (11.15am)
Dear Chloe,
Another early-ish entry to you. Another stupid attack. I didn't even make it to the fucking classroom this time. What, do I have to keep a hundred feet away from the school to avoid all this shit?
I'm sorry for being so angry. I just feel like I'm slipping back further and further each day. Literally the only thing that consoles me is knowing I can fall back on the photos if things get really rough. Even then I have to be careful I don't over do it.
There is at least one bit of good(?) news. I'm not going to school for the rest of the week. So the photography room problem is alleviated. For now. If I can get through the rest of the week without another nightmare or wanting to puke up my guts then maybe there's hope for me yet.
A bit of a problem is Kate is back today. I know she'll want to talk more about the trial. Or maybe she'll just not want to think about?
Yeah, hoping she's too traumatised to even talk about it isn't a very Super Max thing to do. I'll just have to hope things turn out okay I guess.
That's it for now. Writing this stuff used to be a great way to get it all out. Now I don't even know if I want to do that.
Sorry.
Love Max xx
I had a snack for dinner as I didn't feel hungry. As I was walking back to my room, Dana entered the dorm floor, behind with a small suit case was Kate.
"Look who's back!" Dana said.
"Kate!" I said.
"Hey, Max," she said as I put her suitcase down on the floor. I gave her a huge hug.
"It's so good to see you again," I said.
"You too. It's nice to be back."
A door opened up to our left and Stella appeared.
"Hey, Kate," she said as she gave her a hug. One by one people came out to greet and hug her. Victoria was the last. She approached Kate a little apprehensively. Kate hugged her and Victoria hugged back.
"Thank you," Kate said.
"For what?"
"For the talk you and Max gave me. I appreciate it." As Kate stepped back Victoria glanced at me. I smiled at her as she quickly looked at everyone else.
"It's cool. No big deal," she said quickly.
"Vic," said Taylor. "Are you blushing?"
"No!"
"I think you are," said Courtney.
"It's just hot in here," Victoria said, folding her arms. Everyone chuckled at Victoria's protests. "Don't we have a movie night or something to start?"
"Let's give Kate a chance to unpack, Vicotoria," said Dana. "But yes, eight o'clock. Lounge room. No excuses people!"
At eight o'clock we all gathered in the lounge room. I was sat next to Kate as Dana stood by the TV with one hand behind her back.
"Tonight we have a movie chosen by the guest of honour," said Dana, pointing to Kate. We all clapped as Kate blushed a little. "I've been informed it's her favourite movie of all time," Dana continued. "Ladies, I present to you…" Dana held out the DVD. "…Alice in Wonderland!"
"The original," said Brooke. "Not the Tim Burton one. I'm still not over that."
"I liked it," said Alyssa.
"Really? It tries to make sense out of nonsense. It literally goes against the idea of Wonderland."
"The visuals were cool," said Courtney.
"It's a Tim Burton film so you expect that," said Brooke. "But it's still a huge dissa-"
"Guys!" Dana interrupted. "Can we save the nerdy arguments for another time? This is Kate's night. We all ready?"
Everyone nodded. Dana loaded up the DVD and sat on the floor by me as the movie started.
As the movie went on, everyone was into it. Except me. I wasn't bored, but I just zoned out. I thought about Alice and the weird adventures she goes through. Then at the end it all turns out to be a dream. None of it really happened.
Lucky her.
"..for watching it everyone," said Kate. I jerked to attention.
"It was fun, Kate," said Dana.
"Yeah," said Juliet. "It was great."
I nodded along with everyone else.
"Thanks again," said Kate. "I'd better get to sleep. I'll see you all in the morning."
Everyone got up and said their good nights. As I walked to my room, Kate caught up to me.
"Max?"
I stopped and turned around.
"Yeah, Kate?"
"I heard you had another couple… while I was away. Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah. I went to the nurse today. She said it might all be down to stress. So I'm staying off school for the rest of the week."
"Oh, wow."
"Yeah, look I'm really sorry about blowing you off last night."
"It's alright, Max. If you need to talk at all I'm right here," she said with a smile.
"It's okay, Kate. You've had plenty of your own stuff to deal with."
"I'm still here for you, Max," she said. "We could maybe give you your own movie night?"
"Thanks, but I don't think I deserve one as much as you did. Really am proud of you for getting through everything you went through. I hope you can put it behind you and be happy."
"Thanks, Max. I just want to get back to normality right now. Tonight was a good start. I was thinking, how about another tea session on Friday?"
"We are overdue I guess," I said. "Sound's great. I'll see you tomorrow, Kate."
"Goodnight, Max."
Tuesday, November 19th 2013 (11.00pm)
Hey Chloe,
Back at my regular time. Kate returned today and got the welcome back she deserved. We gave her a special night showing her favourite movie Alice in Wonderland. Well, I say "we" but really I just showed up and totally zoned out. I felt bad, and I normally love Alice in Wonderland, but I just couldn't switch my brain off and enjoy myself. Makes me think of the movie nights you and I used to have as kids. Where we'd stay up all night (well, as long as our parents would allow us to) eating junk and watching movies that were totally age inappropriate.
I miss those days. I'll have to search and see if there was a photo of us from one of those nights. I've been thinking about going to the diner tomorrow and visiting your mom. For whatever reason, I'm pretty sure David doesn't want me in the house, even if he seems to hide it most of the time. I can see Joyce at the diner without bothering David so win-win. I guess. Besides, might as well do something on my days off. Can't wait to tell my mom and dad about this. Then again, maybe it won't matter, seeing as they're happy to push me onto Joyce for Thanksgiving.
Whatever.
Love Max xx
3516342514
I woke up the next morning and got dressed. I headed outside and saw Samuel tending to some of the plants on the grounds.
"Morning, Samuel," I said. He looked over his shoulder.
"Oh. Hello there, Max. Samuel has heard you're not attending classes again."
"Only for this week," I said.
"Can Samuel ask why?"
"Stress getting to me I think. Nightmares affecting me."
Samuel nodded.
"Dreams are always trying to tell us something, young Max. Something not always obvious."
"I think the one's I'm having are pretty obvious, Samuel. But thanks."
"There are still things we can't see without clear minds, Max."
"What do you see when your mind's clear, Samuel?"
"Truth."
…
"Okay, well I'm heading out for breakfast, Samuel. I'll catch you later."
"Goodbye, young Max. Keep examining your dreams and you will find the truth. " he said as I walked away.
I rode my bike all the way to the diner and chained it up outside. As I entered the diner I realised I hadn't set foot in it since my parents came down to try and convince me to return to Seattle. Even when I knew that's why there were coming down in the first place, it felt so great to see them again. Homesickness hit hard when I first started at Blackwell, though it got better over time.
The diner was a little busy. The only stall available was the one I sat at with my parents. The one I sat at with Chloe when I demonstrated my powers. I sat down in my same seat and looked at the empty space where Chloe once sat in another time line.
"Amazeballs. I literally just got chills all over my neck. You have powers."
"I don't have time." "You did not just say that."
I smiled.
"Maybe you made a move on me and I would never know."
I thought about being with her at the lighthouse, when everything hit breaking point. Finally finding the courage to kiss her properly and how amazing it felt. I started to well up as I remembered going back for a final time and letting her-
"Max?" I hastily wiped my eyes and looked up to see Joyce holding a pot of coffee. She put her hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," I said as I finished wiping my eyes. "I was just…thinking about better times."
Joyce smiled sympathetically.
"I know that all too well. Not that isn't wonderful to see you, but shouldn't you be at school?"
"I..I'm signed off for the week," I said. Joyce looked concerned as she put the pot on the table and sat opposite me.
"What's happened?"
I looked at the table briefly.
"Those stupid nightmares I mentioned. I've been having them more and more frequently. Then I've started being sick with little warning. The school nurse said it could be stress. So I'm taking a few days off."
"Max, I had no idea how much everything was affecting you. I mean- Obviously of course it would. I'm not pushing you but should you be at school right now, in the long term I mean?"
"I just need a few days to recharge, Joyce."
"If you're sure, Max. I'm just surprised Principal Wells didn't tell me."
I looked away as I thought about him. He probably didn't want to do anything that might piss me off when I knew about his problem with alcohol.
"Well, I've told you. I just need the few days. Besides," I said. "Thanksgiving break is only a week away."
"It sure is. And it'll be wonderful having you for dinner. Anyway," said Joyce as she stood up. "Thanksgiving is all well and good but you need something to eat now. What'll it be?"
"Belgian waffle of course."
"Good choice. I'll get that for you right away. And coffee?"
"Yes, please."
A few minutes later and I was chowing down on my breakfast. As good as it always had been. After I finished, I stayed for an hour to do some homework. When I was finished I packed my things away.
"You leaving already, Max?" Joyce said as she approached my table.
"Yeah. Thank you for the breakfast."
"You're welcome, Max. Don't be a stranger. Speaking of which, if you're not at school this week you know you're welcome to stop with David and I until you're back?"
I stopped and thought about David and how weird he's been recently. If he really didn't want me there then…
"Actually, Joyce. I'm going to stay in my dorm this week."
"Oh. Are you sure? You're-"
"Always welcome. I know. I'll still be there for Thanksgiving. And I'll have to start dropping by the diner more often. I'll see you later, Joyce."
"Okay. Oh, Max?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't forget. Your parents?"
"Oh, right. Look, Joyce…"
"Max, I don't want to lie for you."
"I will tell them," I said. "Just not now. When I'm back on track I'll tell them everything. Just please don't say anything for now."
Joyce sighed.
"Okay, okay," she said finally. "But take care of yourself. Get better sooner rather than later," she said with a small smile.
"Thank you, Joyce. And I will. I wouldn't want to miss your amazing dinner next Thursday. I'll see you later."
"Bye, Max."
After a day spent doing more school work I was in need of some fresh air. I was sat on a bench in the dormitory grounds looking up at the sky. I had my coat on to combat the increasingly colder weather. The final school bell had rung a little while earlier. A few other students started to return to the dorm. Daniel was one of them. He waved at me as he saw me.
"Hey, Max. Do you mind if I sit down?" He said.
"I don't own the bench, Daniel. Go ahead." He sat down next to me. "So how have you been?" I asked. "Haven't seen much of you recently."
"I'm good. I've er...actually been working on another costume in my spare time."
"No way. What is it?"
"I don't want to say until I finish it. But I will finish it."
"Well I expect to see it on the right occasion," I said.
"You will. I promise. So what about you? I heard you're off school for the rest of the week?"
"Yeah, just getting my head together. It's nothing," I said. "How have things been with Logan recently?" I said to change the subject.
"He's been cool, actually. Gym is a lot better now. I mean, I still suck at it, but the jocks don't make fun of me any more. Because of Logan, I think."
"That's great, Daniel."
"Yeah, he's actually an okay guy when he isn't, you know, beating me up."
I smiled. "Well hopefully that's behind both of you. I'm glad things are better, Daniel."
"Me too, Max. I hope they get better for you too," he said.
I looked away. "Yeah, probably," I said. Daniel stood up.
"I'll see you later," he said. "Bye, Max."
"Bye, Daniel," I said. When the cold started to get to me I decided to head back inside. As I got up, Warren and Brooke came into view. I gave them a quick wave as I headed for the dorm building.
"Max, wait up!" Warren called out as he took something out of his bag. He and Brooke reached me and he gave me some pieces of paper.
"Just some science class stuff. I'll get Cultural Anthropology for you soon, don't worry."
"I gave it a look over," Brooke said. "Just to make sure it was right," she added with a side glance at Warren.
"What are you implying?" He said with a laugh. Brooke gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, guys. Appreciate it. Now let's get out of the cold," I said with a shiver. As we stepped inside and walked up the stairs Warren turned to me.
"So today's my birthday," he said. I stopped in my tracks.
"Shit, I'm sorry. I totally forgot."
"It's cool," he said. "I know things have been crazy recently. Not gonna lose it because you forgot."
"A few of us are going into town for a birthday dinner later. Want to join us?" Brooke said.
"Oh, I…I'm busy. Sorry," I said.
"It's okay. If you change your mind at all just let us know," she said.
"Yeah, sure," I said.
Wednesday, November 20th 2013
Dear Chloe,
I went to see your mom at the diner today. It felt great to have one of her breakfasts right in the diner again. I talked to her, as much as I could, about why I was off school. She keep saying I can stay with her any time, but while David is being weird I'd rather not be there. For both of us. I still have the photo album so I should be okay.
In other news, Daniel seems to be being treated better. He never deserved any of that crap in the first place, but better late than never I guess. I also totally forgot about Warren's birthday. I could have gone to dinner with him, Brooke and the others but I just didn't feel like it. It probably would have been fun but…I don't know.
I just want to try and use this time to get back on track so I can tackle school next week. I don't know if I can do it, but I have to try.
Love Max xx
5361426521
4513426512
Thursday, November 21st 2013
Dear Chloe,
Did homework. Boring day. Not a lot to say. Going to sleep.
Love Max xx
2536451231
3426153421
I was sat on the edge of the school fountain as the school bell rang for the end of the day. As people poured out of the school I kept a look out for her. I spotted her and stood up. As she reached me I saw Principal Wells stood at the top of the steps. He looked at me and I immediately looked away.
"Hey, Kate," I said. "You ready?"
"Yeah, been looking forward to it," she said.
After making out cups of tea Kate and I sat down on her bed. Kate sipped her tea.
"I've missed this," she said.
"Yeah, me too. Hopefully we can get back to making it a more regular thing," I said. Kate nodded as I sipped my own tea.
"So how have you been doing the past few days?" Kate said.
"I'm okay. Just been trying to keep on top of stuff. What about you?"
"I'm good. I'm just relieved to be back at school."
"How have you been doing with the photography stuff?"
"I've been okay actually. I've been taking pictures for class and the study hall sessions have been fine. I've been drawing again too. I feel pretty good."
"That's great. I'm really pleased for you, Kate," I said.
"Thanks, Max," she said. "Have you had any more…since…"
"No. I haven't. Can we not talk about it if that's okay?"
"Sure," she said. "If you ever do want to talk about…"
"I don't want to talk about it!" I snapped. There was an awful silence as Kate and I sat there.
"Sorry…" I said. "Forget it," I said as I put my tea down and stood up.
"Max, it's okay."
"I'll see you later," I said as I headed for the door.
Friday, November 22nd 2013
Dear Chloe,
So now I've spent the whole evening avoiding Kate after she was just trying to be nice. I am just so sick and tired of talking about what's going on with me. Or rather not talking about it. Because I can't tell anyone the truth. Except you. And I'm not really telling you anything. Just writing down my thoughts in a journal with some stupid hope that you can see it. It's not even helping me right now to write about all this shit.
Fuck this.
I slammed my journal shut. I sat breathing heavily, staring ahead. I grabbed the photo album and opened it up.
3416531256
1612531532
As I returned from the second photo I sat and looked at the open photo album. I was still thinking about everything going on in the present.
I need one more. Then I'm going to sleep.
I returned to the present to find my nose bleeding.
"Shit."
I grabbed a couple of tissues and held them to my nose. I slammed the album shut and sat back in my chair, keeping my nose covered.
Great. What the hell do I do now? I can't sleep like this.
After a few minutes my nose stopped bleeding. I threw the tissues in the trash and sat back in my chair.
It is the weekend tomorrow. Guess I could just stay up for tonight. I really need to be careful tomorrow though.
I made myself a pot of coffee in the kitchen and returned to my room. I drank a few cups throughout the night and tried to to avoid anything that would strain my eyes too much.
In the early hours, I was startled by a noise outside. I looked out my window at the grounds, lit up by the dorm lights and saw someone wandering around. I quickly switched my lamp off so I could look. The figure wandered over to one of the benches and sat down. In the light I could see who it was.
Principal Wells?
I then saw what he had in his hand. A bottle. Judging from how he was swigging from it I knew what was in it. Wells leaned back as he swigged. He leaned too far back and fell backwards off the bench. He tumbled onto his side.
Shit. I hope he's okay. God damnit.
I quickly changed into a shirt and pants and put on my shoes. I grabbed my phone and and slowly opened my door. I lit the way with my phone and crept down the hall.
I left the dorm building and saw Wells still on the ground. I ran over to him.
"Principal Wells?"
He slowly stirred and raised his head slightly.
"Who- who's there?" He slurred.
"It's Max, are you okay?" I helped him to sit up, I managed to get him to lean against the bench to keep him upright.
"Miss…Miss Caulfield? You shouldn't be outside your dormitory at this hour."
"I know, but I saw you out here. What are you doing?"
Wells weakly gestured around.
"Getting a last tour, before it all goes to shit."
"What do you mean?"
"It's all over, Max."
"Over how?"
"There's no way the school can survive everthing regarding Jefferson. Especially when I was so neglig…nelgi…"
"Negligent?"
"That's it," he slurred as he took another swig.
"It will be okay, Principal Wells. He'll be put away for a long time. It'll all be over soon, won't it?"
"Ha. There's still Sean Prescott's trial. That's a lose lose situation right there."
"How?"
"If he's found guilty, which he won't be, we'll probably lose funding."
"Well wouldn't his wife still be involved?"
"Sean is a very controlling man. He decided what money the Prescott Foundation gave to Blackwell."
"Why don't you think he'll be found guilty?"
Wells chuckled morbidly.
"He's got far too much influence over this town. No-one would convict him of a damn thing."
"So if he walks?"
"Then I'll still be at his beck and call. Or we'll lose funding."
Wells went to take a swig from his bottle again but realised it was empty.
"Urgh!" He threw across the grounds. Luckily it hit the grass and didn't make too much noise.
"Principal Wells, please calm down. We need to get you back inside. Do you have the keys to your office?"
"Security have one, I don't know where mine is."
I sighed.
"Okay, just let me look." Wells sat there as I searched through his pockets.
"You really are kind, Miss Caulfield. Most people wouldn't care," he said.
"It's nothing. I just happened to be awake. Anyone would help you."
Wells started laughing, which ended in a cough.
"You're young, Max," he slurred. "You don't know how quickly people will abandon you."
I pulled out some keys from Wells' pocket.
"Are these it?"
Wells peered at them.
"Car keys. Great idea, Miss Caulfield. I should get home," he slurred.
He weakly tried to take the keys but I jerked them away from him.
"No way. You're in no condition. Just let me find your keys for your office."
I searched some more but couldn't find anything else.
"Shit…" I said. "Okay, Principal Wells. We need to get you back to your car." I pocketed his keys. "Come on, up you get." I put Well's arm around my shoulder and helped him to his feet. Though he could just about walk on his own, I figured he needed all the help he could get. I escorted him across the grounds. On the way I bent down to grab the bottle off the grass. I didn't want anyone finding it.
As I carried Principal Wells up the steps and onto the campus green he looked up at the school.
"Better wave goodbye to this place while I still can," he slurred.
"Don't talk like that, Principal Wells."
"I have to stop bullshitting myself sometime, Max."
We made it to the parking lot where we found Principal Wells' car. I quickly took out the keys and pressed the button to unlock the doors. I opened up the back door and put him inside. He laid down on the back seat.
"Thank you, Miss Caulfield. I should hire you as my personal assistant."
Shit. Can I leave him like this? If he vomits he might choke.
I sighed and shut the back door. Then I got in the passenger's seat. As I shut the door and put the bottle on the floor, Wells stirred again.
"Miss Caulfield. Wrong side," he slurred.
"Principal Wells, I'm not insured to drive your car. Also I have had literally no sleep. It's not safe for either of us. We'll just have to stay here until morning. Just try and get some sleep."
"I don't have time to sleep, Miss Caulfield. Not when my life is crumbling down around me."
"Well, you're not the only one, Principal Wells. Some of us can't sleep even if we wanted to. Get over yourself."
There was a silence.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean th-"
"Yes, you did," Wells slurred as he waved away my apology. "You're right," he slurred. "There are girls who have had to bare their souls in court this week. And here I am feeling sorry for myself. You shouldn't be here, Miss Caulfield. You've done enough. Just go back to your dorm."
"I'm not leaving you like this. You said people abandon you. Well, I'm not. Not tonight at least. Who has abandoned you anyway?"
"My wife…ex wife, Grace," he slurred. "I loved her more than anything. Wouldn't have heard about Blackwell if it weren't for her. Being in charge of a school like this was what I always dreamed of. But the stress would get to me, especially at the start. Grace begged me to go easy on my drinking. I didn't listen. I insisted I was fine. I didn't want anyone to know something was wrong. Eventually Grace…she couldn't take it any more. She left me."
"I'm sorry. When was this?"
"Two years ago."
"Do you blame her?"
There was a long pause until Wells answered.
"No. She made the right choice. Look at me."
"It's never too late to do the right thing, Principal Wells. You can still be happy."
"I can't go back in time, Max. If I could…"
"No-one should. You can't change the past. But you can change the future. Starting now. You need to get help, Principal Wells."
"No-one would help me," he slurred.
"I'm help-" I stopped and took a deep breath.
"This is pointless right now. Just get some sleep and you might listen in the morning."
"Yeah, yeah," he said as he closed his eyes. "We'll talk in the morning. Goodnight, Miss Caulfield."
"Goodnight, Principal Wells."
I turned back to face the front. I adjusted the rear view mirror so I could see him in it. I watched him breathing for a few moments before looking forwards. I could see the lights of the town below. In the distance on the cliff, the lighthouse shone out, spinning around. I could feel it taunting me. I stayed looking out the town as the hours passed and sun began to rise.
A/N: I don't know if I'll have another chapter out before the year ends. I don't want to promise either way as I honestly don't know.
Either way, the next chapter will kick off what will be a three (or possibly four) part arc. So strap yourselves in when the time comes :)
If I'm not back before the year is out, then I hope you all have great respective holidays and a great new year!