I put the sun guard down as the sun shined over Arcadia Bay and into Wells' car. The first time I finally left my dorm it was a beautiful day. I remembered Samuel once told me that nature was watching me, celebrating my return. As I looked at the sun's rays, then in the mirror at my drunk principal, I wondered what the hell there was to celebrate now.
I was constantly yawning. My eyelids felt like weights above my eyes as I tried to keep them open. The second I could get back to my dorm I knew I needed to sleep. I couldn't avoid it any longer, nightmares or no nightmares.
I heard a sound behind me. I looked in the mirror and saw Principal Wells stirring. I turned in my seat and looked over my shoulder to see him rubbing his head. He let out a groan as he squinted and lifted his head up.
"Morning," I said with little enthusiasm. Wells opened his eyes a little more and looked at me.
"Miss Caulfield? I- urgh. I feel like I've been hit by a bus…"
He sat up and bashed his head on the car's ceiling.
"Argh! Shit," he said as he clutched his head. He looked around the car. "Why am I here? Why are you here?"
"You really don't remember?" He shook his head as he continued to rub his head. I reached down and picked up the whiskey bottle off the floor and help it up. Wells sighed and groaned. "You were in a pretty bad way so I had to bring you here," I explained.
"Thank you, Miss Caulfield. I'm sorry you had to witness me in that state."
It isn't the first time. Not in this time line at least.
"I hope I didn't say anything too stupid," he added.
"You were talking about your fears for the school. You…also may have mentioned Grace," I said. He sighed and put his hand on his face.
"Christ…" he muttered.
"Principal Wells. I get what you're going through, but you need to get help. You can't be in charge of the school like this."
"I know, Max. I wanted to quit months ago, until you convinced me otherwise. I'm starting to think I should have just quit all along," he said.
God he looks pathetic.
"Then just fucking quit!" I snapped. Wells looked at me in shock.
"Stay, don't stay. I don't care any more! You're a god damn adult! I have my own shit to worry about. I cannot be dealing with this too. And I swear to God, if you tell me to keep this between us…I have too many secrets to keep already. Stay, go. Just do something, for fuck's sake!"
I could feel my face had gone red. Wells stared at me, I turned back round to face the front as I tried to calm down. There would have been total silence if it weren't for my heavy breathing.
"Get yourself back to your dorm, Miss Caulfield," Wells said finally. "You deserve to rest."
I thought about saying something but decided against it.
"Just don't be dumb enough to drive yourself home. Get a cab," I said as I got out of the car and slammed the door. I walked away, not bothering to look over my shoulder.
He's on his own. I'm done.
I was able to get back to my room before anyone else was awake. Just before eight o'clock I slumped down onto my bed. Closing my eyes had never felt so good. In that moment I didn't care about my nightmares. I just needed to sleep. I got comfortable and quickly drifted off to sleep.
I woke up a while later, I rubbed my eyes and opened them. I had managed to avoid a nightmare this time.
Guess my brain was too exhausted to create any horrific images…
I looked at the time and saw it was after eleven o'clock. I still felt so tired, but refreshed enough to at least see the rest of the day out of bed. I got up and grabbed my bathroom stuff. I opened my door and stepped into the hall. I could see a lot of people's door's were ajar. I walked quickly to avoid anyone seeing I was up. I went straight into the bathroom to wash up.
When I came out I looked at Kate's door. I remembered how I left things with her yesterday.
Maybe having to babysit Wells was my karma.
I decided to keep walking and just stay out of Kate's way.
She's got other friends. Ones who won't make her feel like shit for just trying to help.
I spent the day chilling out in my room. I didn't have much energy to spend after staying up all night. I listened to some music and surfed the internet. The epitome of being a high school student.
When it got about nine o'clock I was wiped out. I opened up my journal to write to Chloe and remembered what sort of stuff I had to write about. Then I realised I had no desire to think about everything that was going on more than I needed to.
I'm done with Wells. I'm done with people trying to get me to talk when I just can't. Writing to Chloe really isn't helping me now. After Thanksgiving maybe I'll start up again, for now I just need a break.
I shut my journal and sat back in my chair. I grabbed my photo album and opened it up. I usually wrote down the number sequences, but I knew these memories so well it was just like following a script. I went through a couple of photos and got to bed, hoping they'd help see me through the night.
I woke up after a peaceful night's sleep and got up. After getting dressed and ready, I stepped outside to get some air. I saw Dana and Justin talking by the wall.
"...whole school's falling apart," I heard Dana say.
"Yo, if it means extra time off Blackhell I won't trash it," Justin replied. He saw me over Dana's shoulder. "Yo, Max!"
"Hey, guys. What's up?" I said.
"The whole school seems to be losing people one after another," said Dana. "Mrs Hoida, David Madsen and now Wells."
"On the plus side, no school next week!" Justin said.
"Wait, what?" I said.
"Check your email. Wells is on leave for unknown reasons, though I'd like to think it's pretty obvious," she said.
"It's like I say to my mom, sure I smoke weed but it could be worse, you know?" Justin added. Dana chuckled.
"I'm sure that logic totally works on her, Justin," she said. She looked at me as I just stared at the ground. "You okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, just a little shocked," I said.
"I'm shocked it's finally happened," said Dana. "Don't know why now, but better late than never, I guess. It'll be a miracle if the school is still standing after Christmas. Speaking of which, some of the girls and I are putting up decorations around the dorm first week of December if you want to join us?"
"I'll see, Dana. I'm sure you'll do an awesome job even without me."
"Well if you change your mind…" said Dana. "I'd better get going, gotta meet up with Juliet. I'll see you guys later," she said as she waved goodbye and walked towards the school.
Once she was out of ear shot Justin turned to me.
"Yo, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"With Christmas and all, do kisses under mistletoe count?"
"Er, count as what?"
"As like real kisses? Like, say one person was in a relationship. Would that count as cheating?"
"I don't-" Then I rolled my eyes. "Are you talking about Dana, Justin?" He hesitated, which gave me the answer.
"Yeah..." he said in a defeated tone. I laughed.
"I'm afraid it probably would. I'm not sure Dana would appreciate you springing something like that on her. Nor would Trevor," I said.
"Yeah, I figured," he said.
"I know it's not easy, Justin but you have to let all that go," I said. "There's someone for you out there, just not Dana."
"Right on, Max. Thanks," he said. "I'm meeting up with the others if you wanted to see some sick skateboarding moves. You could get some shots us?"
"Thank, Justin. But that's okay. Not in a photography mood right now."
"Whoa, really? Thought you always were."
"Yeah, me too. I'd better get back to my room. I'll see you around."
"Catch you later, Max!"
After sitting back down at my desk I checked my emails. I saw there was an email from the school that had been addressed to the whole student body.
Dear Max Caulfield,
Due to personal circumstances and after careful consideration Principal Wells will be taking extended leave for an as yet undetermined amount of time. Whilst the school faculty is arranging for a replacement, the school will be closed until after Thanksgiving break. School ground facilities will be unaffected, but classes will not take place.
We hope that you all have a pleasant Thanksgiving.
I sat back in my chair. Before I could form any more thoughts on this, I remembered I was done and put on some music to distract me.
Later in the day, my phone rang. I saw it was mom and dad wanting to check in.
"Hello?" I said when I answered.
"Hey, kiddo," said Dad.
"Hi, sweetheart," said Mom. "How are you?"
"I'm okay. A little tired, but okay."
"Have you been having nightmares still?" Mom asked.
"They've not been so bad. I'm fine," I said.
"You know you can talk to us if anything is wrong," Dad said.
Can I? You don't even seem to want to see me for Thanksgiving.
"Yeah, I know, Dad. I'm okay. Promise," I said. "I don't know if you'd been contacted at all but Blackwell will be closed next week."
"We haven't," said Mom. "What's happened?"
"Principal Wells is going on extended leave. I don't know why but I guess there wasn't anyone ready to replace him on such short notice."
"I hope it gets taken care of soon," said Mom. "I know you're on a scholarship but I would have thought Blackwell would be better equipped."
"Not to mention you've been missing out on your Photography and English classes for a while now," Dad added. "We get it's a very delicate situation in both cases but still…"
"It'll be fine, Dad. Besides, we're only losing three days technically with Thanksgiving Break. Everything will get back on track. You don't need to worry."
"We hope so for your sake, Maxine," said Mom. "Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"We hope you enjoy it, Max," said Dad. "You deserve a break after everything you've gone through."
"I'd like to have spent it with you…" I said. There was a silence.
"We'll have you here for Christmas, honey," said Mom. "The whole holiday. And we'll call you on Thanksgiving."
"Yeah, sure. I have some homework I need to do so I'll talk to you next week," I said. I could hear some distant murmuring from Mom until Dad spoke.
"Okay, kiddo. We'll talk to you next week. We love you."
"I love you too, bye." I hung up my phone.
I really don't feel great keeping secrets from them. But I know Mom and Dad are doing the same. I gave them a chance to say something about why they don't want me home and they didn't take it. I just really want to know what's up.
I spent the rest of the day doing some homework and trying to enjoy the day. At night I left my room to use the bathroom. I saw Victoria's door was open. She was sat on her bed with Taylor, while Courtney sat cross legged on the floor. I approached the doorway.
"Hey, guys," I said.
"Hey, Max," said Courtney.
"You going to sleep already?" Victoria said looking at my night clothes.
"Yeah, I'm pretty tired these days."
"Well, you've got the whole of next week to rest up," Taylor said.
"Yeah, true," I said.
"Crazy what's happening to the school right now," said Courtney.
"You can blame Sean Prescott for it," said Victoria. "Why else do you think the school is closed next week?"
"What does he have to do with it?" Taylor said.
"Whoever's gonna be in charge of the school while Wells is gone will have to be approved by Sean," said Victoria. "He has too much money in this school to not be consulted."
"Even with his trial coming up?" I asked.
"Yes. Believe me, he'd never miss a chance to remind everyone how much influence he has."
There was silence for a few moments.
"So you got plans for Thanksgiving break, Max?" Taylor said.
"I'm just spending it with Joyce and David Madsen. What about you? I haven't asked in a while but how is your mom doing?"
"She's coming home next week," she said with a smile. "She's gonna be in a wheelchair for a little while and my dad has been organising having ramps and a stairlift put in our house. But she'll be back, just in time for Thanksgiving."
"That's awesome, Taylor."
"Thanks, Max," she said.
I turned to Victoria and Courtney. "What about you guys?"
"I'm going back to see my folks," said Courtney.
"Me too," said Victoria. "Going to take some pictures while I'm back home. What about you? Don't think I've seen you with a camera in weeks."
"Oh, yeah. I've been taking a break from it all. I'll get back on the horse at some point."
"Don't wait too long. Never a bad time to practice," she said.
"Thanks, Victoria. I'm gonna get to bed. I'll see you all tomorrow. Good night," I said.
"Good night, Max," they said.
Before bed I sent an email to the nurse telling her I was better. It was a total lie, I hadn't even looked at the relaxation techniques, but I just wanted to one less person hounding me.
I spent the next couple of days just doing homework, avoiding news on Jefferson's trial and trying to avoid Kate. I felt like shit for doing the latter when I knew she would be thinking she'd done something wrong. But I couldn't deny I found it easier to cope if I just stayed away from anything that reminded me of just how much shit I had to keep to myself. That including writing to Chloe at night. I still used the photos before bed and they helped keep Jefferson at bay. I was hoping once his trial was over and he was out of the news, maybe the nightmares could start to fade away on their own. Although, deep down I knew that was wishful thinking.
On Wednesday afternoon I decided to go for a bike ride through the town to clear my head. It was slowly starting to get colder, although snow still seemed a long way off. As I cycled through, I passed the beach and remembered seeing the whales washed up there. How sad they looked. Before I realised I had caused them to suffer. I went off the road and down the path to the beach. I got off my bike and lowered it to the grass before walking closer to the ocean. I looked out at the waves as they crashed onto the sand. I stood there in peace for a few minutes before realising I needed to get back.
As I turned around I looked further down the beach I saw an RV. I recognised it as belonging to Frank Bowers. Possibly the only person who I hadn't spoken too post "that week." Not that I needed to. I picked up my bike and got ready to leave. Then I saw someone walk from behind the RV. I couldn't see who it was from so far away. I quickly got on my bike and moved behind the trees. I waited a minute as the person got closer. As they went up the trail that lead to the main road I recognised them.
Stella?
I got on my bike and went up another trail. As I reached the main road I waited for Stella. She emerged onto the main road and walked off in the opposite direction. I cycled after her and slowed down as I neared her.
"Stella!" I called out. She turned around quickly, a little startled.
"Oh. H-hey, Max," she said. I stopped beside her and leaned one my right foot to balance myself on my bike.
"What's up?" She said.
"Just been for a ride around town. You?"
"Oh, just going for a walk," she said. "Freezing, isn't it?" She said as she rubbed her gloved hands together.
"It's okay, Stella," I said with a smile. "I saw you coming from that RV." Her eyes widened.
"Shit."
"I've told you before I'm not judging you. It's okay."
Stella sighed.
"Please don't tell anyone," she said.
"I haven't yet and I don't plan to. Even if I feel like I have a lot of secrets to keep track of, I'll keep yours."
"Thanks, Max. I really appreciate it. I just…I've been getting so stressed with school lately. All my tests and stuff. I don't even think I'll have time to enjoy Christmas holidays while I study for the Winter finals."
"Don't push yourself too hard, Stella. It's not worth killing yourself just for school."
"It is for me, Max. You don't understand."
"Then help me understand, Stella. I'm listening," I said.
"You know I have foster parents, right? Well, they started taking care of me about a year ago. They rescued me. They love me like I was their own daughter. I don't want to let them down. I want to do the best I possibly can at school. To do that I need…" Stella gestured to her coat pocket. "I need these. I can't do this without them."
As I listened to Stella talk and explain herself…something snapped.
"Have your foster parents done or said something to make you feel like you have to do well, whatever it takes?" I said.
"Well, no. They've said they'll be proud-"
"Then what the fuck are you doing?"
"W-what?"
"You're dealing with people like Frank Bowers? Putting this shit in your system for literally no reason? Just talk! Talk to your damn foster parents and tell them how pressured you feel. Ever think of doing that?"
"I-I…it's not easy, Max," Stella stuttered.
"No shit. I know all about 'not easy.' Except I don't have a choice. You do. Fucking talk to someone, Stella."
Stella stood in silence as I quickly put my foot on my pedal and cycled away. I could feel my face going red with anger again.
I cycled all the way back to school and chained my bike up in the parking lot. I walked back to the dorm ignoring anyone and everyone I came across. I went back to my room and slammed the door. I sat down on my bed and put my head in my hands.
"Fuck," I said as I looked up. I wrang my hands together and realised I only had one way to calm down. I went over to my desk. On the way, my foot hit the small pile of photos I had that didn't have me in them and sent them scattering everywhere. I stopped and just took a deep breath. Then I sat down at my desk and opened up the album.
I went through three photos. After the third I finally felt calm enough to stop. I sat back in my chair and shut my eyes. I put my hand up to scratch my lip and felt something wet. I opened my eyes and saw blood on my finger.
"Shit." I went to grab some tissues, but my box was empty.
"Shit!" I put my hand under my nose to catch the blood that was dripping out of my nose. I quickly opened the door and left my room. I dashed down the hall into the bathroom. I opened the door and grabbed a couple of paper towels. I held the towels to my nostrils and pinched the top of my nose. I then heard a toilet flush in one of the stalls.
Great…
The door opened and Kate stepped out.
"Max, are you okay?" She said as soon as she saw me.
"I'm fine," I said as I turned away from her and looked in the mirror. Kate paused, knowing better than to ask again. She stood next to me at the next sink and washed her hands. When she turned the faucet off I stepped back to she could get to the paper towels. After she dried her hands I saw her out of the corner of my eye, looking at me in the mirror. She left the bathroom, leaving me alone.
After washing up I went back to my room. I came out to get something to eat later, but I was still working hard to avoid everyone. As I got ready for bed, I wondered if it was safe for me to use any more photos. Especially when I had Thanksgiving with Joyce and David the next day. I didn't want to risk not being well enough.
So then what are my other options? Go to sleep and suffer through the nightmare or stay awake all night again? What a choice…
Having a quick nap stopped me from having the nightmares. And I'm sure after a huge meal tomorrow I'll want to sleep it off...
I stayed in my bed clothes and spent the night with my stereo on low volume, did small pieces of homework and just tried to keep my eyes open. I looked through the photo album, not to use the photos, but just to look at them. I stopped and actually thought about the memories I had attached to these photos of Chloe and I, but it didn't feel even close to how good it felt to live them. To be there in the moment with Chloe again.
It's all I have right now.
I stayed awake until the morning. I wanted to avoid everyone so I decided to leave for Joyce and David's house early. I looked at myself in the mirror. I had dark circles under my eyes.
Jesus, I look like a zombie…
I didn't have time to work on my face, but I could still make an effort for Joyce and David (even if he didn't want me there). I looked at the clothes in my wardrobe. I looked at the floral dress I had originally bought on my shopping trip with Dana. That was the closest I felt to looking "gorgeous" in my life. I hadn't worn it again and today seemed as good a time as any. I got dressed and looked at my self in the mirror. I smiled at myself for the first time in a while.
As I knew I would be staying for several days I grabbed together things I would need in my backpack: the photo album, school stuff, bathroom stuff and some clothes. I looked my journal and wasn't sure whether I should take it. I really hadn't missed writing about all the shit I just wanted to avoid. In the end I put it away in a drawer, grabbed my backpack and left my room.
After cycling to Joyce and David's house I went round the back of the house. As I chained my bike up to the swing set. I looked through the glass doors to the inside. I could see Joyce was wearing a blue cocktail dress, David was wearing a smart white shirt and pair of black pants. He was stood over the stove, Joyce was stood next to him with her arms folded. I couldn't hear what they were saying but it looked like they were arguing. Joyce walked away and went upstairs as David looked over his shoulder and said her name a couple of times. He then turned back to the stove and shook his head. I approached the door and lightly knocked. He looked in my direction and quickly smiled before gesturing for me to come in. I slid the door to the side and stepped in.
"Hey, Max. Happy Thanksgiving," he said as he stepped away from the stove and approached me.
"Happy Thanksgiving, David," I said as I slid the door closed. "Is everything okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw you and Joyce just now, looked a little…"
"Oh no, everything's fine. I insisted that I would be cooking today, so she could relax. She was still insistent on helping but I told her no. She likes to keep busy, that's all it was. Get yourself upstairs and drop your stuff off."
"Okay," I said as I headed for the stairs.
I went upstairs and stepped into Chloe's room. As I put my bag down, I heard footsteps down the hall which made me turn around.
"Joyce?" I called out. She appeared in the doorway, where I could get a better view of her. She looked beautiful in her dress and she clearly spent a lot of time on her hair and make up.
"Max!" She came in and gave me a hug. "I didn't know you'd arrived. Sorry, my manners. Happy Thanksgiving."
"Happy Thanksgiving, Joyce," I said as she stepped back.
"You look beautiful, Max."
"Thank you. You do too." Joyce waved away my compliment.
"That's easy when you're not wearing a Two Whales uniform," she said. "I'm so glad you made it. Hope you're looking forward to dinner."
"I am. Is everything okay?"
"As far as I can see," she said. "Why?"
"I saw you and David through the window. It looked like you were arguing," I said. "I didn't mention it to him. I was just wondering," I quickly added.
"Oh, that. It's nothing, Max…David was talking about getting a new car and I have to keep saying money's tight and we really can't afford it. I know he'll see sense so there's nothing to worry about."
"Right."
"Just come downstairs when you're ready and we can watch the parade if you want."
"Okay, sounds good."
Joyce smiled at me and left the room, as I heard her descend the stairs I sat down on Chloe's bed.
Something's definitely wrong. Is it really David? Does he seriously have some kind of problem with me being here?
After a few minutes I went downstairs. Joyce was sat on the couch with the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on the TV. David had stepped away from the kitchen and was stood watching. I sat down next to Joyce and she smiled at me again.
"Don't why they spend so much damn money every year," said David.
"Oh, don't be a bore. It's a spectacle, everyone comes together," said Joyce.
David returned to the kitchen.
"Are you sure you don't need a hand in there?" Joyce said.
"You cook plenty. You just relax," I heard David say.
"If you say so," she said.
David stayed in the kitchen while Joyce and I watched the parade. It was cool seeing the balloons and mascots moving through the city. When a new one, Spongebob Squarepants in a Christmas hat appeared, Joyce nudged me.
"I remember you and Chloe couldn't get enough of Spongebob when you were younger," she said.
"Yeah, we were going out of our minds when we heard there was a movie coming out," I said.
I smiled as I remembered the countless times I had sat on this couch with Chloe watching episode after episode of Spongebob and countless other shows. William and Joyce bringing us fresh drinks and snacks. I looked at Joyce.
"Thanks for having me again, Joyce," I said. She just smiled back at me.
"You don't have to thank me, Max. It's a pleasure to have you on such a special day."
"I just don't know what I'd have done if you'd said no to my mom and dad."
"Don't be silly. I would never have said no to having you."
"But you shouldn't have to be in that position, Joyce. Please don't get me wrong, I love being here and I really appreciate you letting me stay here over Thanksgiving break. But with everything that's happened over the past couple of months, I was really desperate to see my mom and dad again. I thought they would be too but I guess I was wrong."
Joyce put her arm around me.
"They love you, Max. I can promise you. Don't think you're not-"
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Joyce cover her mouth. I looked to see tears forming in her eyes.
"Oh, God. Joyce," I said as I put my hand on hers. "I didn't mean to dump all this on you. I'm sorry."
"Joyce…" said David. He appeared at my side and switched off the tv. "Joyce, she deserves to know the truth," he said. As Joyce let out a sob and removed her arm from my shoulder to wipe her eyes, I stood up.
"Which is what, David?" I said. "That you don't want me here?"
"That's not what's happening here, Max," he said.
"I've seen how weird you've been acting. For weeks. It's what you've both been arguing about, right?"
"It's m-my f-fault!" Joyce sobbed. I turned to look at her, before looking back at David. He moved past me, sat down next to Joyce and hugged her close.
"What does she mean?" I asked. "David, what is happ-"
"I-I asked R-Ryan and Vane-nessa to let you stay here," Joyce sobbed.
I took a moment to make sure I'd heard her right.
"What?"
Joyce wiped her eyes and looked at me.
"I'm so s-sorry, Max. I j-just couldn't b-bare the thought of another empty seat the t-table. Not again," she said before burying her face in her hands.
I stood there thinking about everything Joyce had said. Suddenly everything started to make sense. Asking to be my first contact with Blackwell. Having me stay over without me asking. Her wanting me here for Thanksgiving before my own parents. I felt my heartbeat increase and cheeks start to flush red with anger.
"So I'm what, Joyce? A replacement for Chloe?"
"No, that- that w-wasn't what I meant to happen, M-Max," she sobbed.
"But it is what happened, isn't it?" I yelled.
"Max," said David. "I understand you're angry, but please-"
"Of course I'm angry! She lied to me. She made my parents lie to me. Do you have any idea how much I needed them right now? With all this shit I'm going through? But she was just using me to replace Chloe. Just like she used you to replace William!"
"Max! That is enough," David said. Joyce stood up and went to walk towards me.
"I'm s-so sorry, M-Max. I do c-care-"
"Get away from me," I said taking a step back. "Don't talk to me!" I headed for the stairs.
"Max!" I heard Joyce sob behind me.
"Let her go, Joyce," I head David say. "Let her calm down."
I ran up the stairs. I went into Chloe's room and slammed the door behind me. I paced up and down, breathing more and more heavily. I just wanted to smash anything I could see. Before I did something I knew I'd regret, I opened my bag and took out the photo album. I sat down at Chloe's desk and opened it up.
I went through photo after photo. When I was in one, I felt that childlike happiness and peace. The second I came back I was hit by thoughts of all the shit I was dealing with. A week with powers I didn't ask for. Letting Chloe die. Mark Jefferson using me for his sick project. Now Joyce, someone I thought I could always trust, had been lying to me. Using me. As my hands started shaking again I flicked through the album to the back pages for another photo. It was a picture Chloe took of me as I reached the entrance to our secret tree fort. Really just a few large trees in the centre of the forest with a big pile of branches we put around them. I focussed on the photo.
My eyes adjusted as I opened to see fourteen year old Chloe lower William's camera.
"Now I can start my own gallery," she said as the photo popped out.
"The works of Chloe Price?" I said with scepticism.
"Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" She said.
I laughed and sat down.
"I guess it does. Now why did you drag me out here? Tree fort is for emergencies only."
Chloe put the camera down and avoided looking me in the eye.
"Is something wrong?" I asked. Chloe reached into her jeans pocket and took out a folded piece of paper. She handed it to me. I unfolded it and immediately saw the Blackwell Academy logo. My eyes widened as I scanned the page.
"You got in! Oh my dog, Chloe," I leaned forward and hugged her. When I sat back I saw Chloe's anxious expression.
"What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy. Your mom and dad must be freaking out."
"They haven't seen this," she said.
"What?"
"I swiped it from the mail before they could see it. I wanted to open it first."
"In case you hadn't got in? Well, you have. So why are we here when we could be getting your parents to celebrate?"
"I don't want to tell them."
"What?"
"Blackwell is so…high class. What if I'm not smart enough?"
"Are you cereal?" I said waving the letter at her. "This is proof that you are. I mean I still kick your butt in P.E. but…"
Chloe hit my shoulder.
"You wish," she said.
"So why are you worried?"
"I just don't want to let Mom and Dad down. The tuition is so expensive."
"Where's this coming from?"
Chloe shrugged. I grabbed her hands.
"Chloe, you are so smart. You're way smarter than me. You're gonna do great at Blackwell. You'll become like the world's best scientist."
"Really?"
"Come on, you know the number of times you've made me believe in my photography? In myself? You'll be great, and your mom and dad will be so proud of you."
Chloe smiled. "Clearly my years of pep talks have taught you well." She hugged me.
"You've had my back so many times, Chloe," I said. "I'll always have yours too."
"Thanks, Max. I'm always here for you too. Even if end up a world apart, you can talk to me about anything."
"We'll always be together, Chloe," I promised. "Come on, let's get back home and tell your parents the good news."
Chloe picked up the camera and photo.
"Alright. Let's go!" She said.
We both ran out of the tree fort and towards the edge of the photo. Everything quickly faded in white.
When I came back to the present…
"-ax! Max!"
…I knew something was horribly wrong. I heard a ringing in my ears and my head felt like it was going to explode. I could feel blood trickling from my nose. I slowly opened my eyes and realised I was laying on the floor, I could see David kneeling down next to me. His voice drifting in and out.
"Joyce…now…thing's…ppened!"
All my energy was gone. I tried to look around but I could barely move my eyes. I could hear distant footsteps bounding up the stairs. As Joyce's feet came into view my eye lids gave way.
The ringing stopped.
Then everything went black.