A/N 11th April 2024 So...been a while huh. If you need to go back to chapter one and refresh yourself, I get that. I'll see you back here for some more of Max's story.

As the light consumed me and everything turned white, I shut my eyes. I slowly opened them and found myself staring at a white ceiling. I saw I was still in my flowery dress. My eyes darted around the room, and I realised I was in hospital. There was a sensor on the end of one of my fingers. I could hear a machine beeping to my left. I winced and put my hand on my forehead. I heard footsteps enter the room.

"Well, hello there," said a woman's voice. I lowered my hand and opened my eyes to see a nurse stood looking at me. "I'm Nurse Bacchus. How are you feeling?" she said.

"Like I've been asleep for five years," I said. The nurse chuckled.

"Not quite that long. You were unconscious for about an hour or so," she said. "Do you remember what happened?"

"Yeah, vaguely," I said. "I remember my head was killing me."

"Okay, I'm going to get the doctor so he can ask you some further questions. Is that okay with you?"

I nodded as I sat up in bed. Nurse Bacchus smiled and left the room. I rubbed my head again.

This is…such a mess. How could I not see this coming?

Nurse Bacchus appeared and entered the room carrying a clipboard and a pen. Following her, was the doctor.

"Maxine?" he said.

"Max, please," I said. He smiled.

"Max, my name's Doctor Anderson and I'll be overseeing your stay. Nurse Bacchus will take down notes while I ask you a series of questions, is that okay?"

I nodded.

"First things first how are you feeling right now?"

I shrugged. "Okay, I guess. A little groggy."

"Does your head hurt at all?" he asked.

"No, not really."

Nurse Bacchus scribbled down on her notes.

"Have you ever experienced a seizure like this before?"

Not in this timeline.

I just shook my head.

"Okay, do you remember what happened right before this seizure occurred? Had you taken any foreign substances?"

"You mean drugs?"

Doctor Anderson smiled slightly. "Yes."

"No, I don't do anything like that. And I had an argument with Joyce and- Wait where are they?"

"Mr and Mrs Madsen are just outside. Don't worry, once we're finished here you'll be able to see them."

"I had an argument with them, it got pretty heated. Then I went to look at some…photographs I liked, to calm myself down. Next thing I knew I was on the ground. I couldn't move and I felt like my head was going to explode."

"Okay, and finally have you had any other health issues recently, either physical or mental?"

I looked down at my bed.

"Max, we only want to help you and ensure you can get better," said Nurse Bacchus. "If there's something you think we should know, it's best we know it now."

I looked up at them.

"I've…been having really bad nightmares. And anxiety. It's been making be sick in the night and in the day sometimes. And I've been getting nosebleeds. That's…everything."

Nurse Bacchus was hastily scribbling everything down.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Max," said Doctor Anderson. "It doesn't appear you hit your head, which is fortunate but I'm afraid we're not quite finished yet. I'll need Nurse Bacchus to take some blood samples. Then first thing tomorrow morning we'll put you in for a PET scan."

"First thing tomorrow? Does that mean I have to stay?"

"It's what I would recommend. I understand you have people to take care of you but until we have an idea of what's caused this, it's best to be on the safe side," said Doctor Anderson.

"What do you think it could be?" I said.

"Well, we don't know for certain. Seizures such as the one you've experienced can relate to epilepsy. So that's the first thing we're testing for. It's not uncommon for it develop in a person's teen years."

"And if it isn't that?" I said.

"Well then we'll go from there," he said. "Thank you, nurse," he said taking the clipboard. "I'll leave you to get the samples. And I'll see you later, okay Max?"

A few minutes later, I was sat on the edge of the bed having changed into a hospital gown. Nurse Bacchus was readying the test and blood tubes. She was studying the needle on the blood tube as I tried my hardest to ignore what was about to happen.

"Are you okay?" she said.

"Yeah, yeah," I said. "I don't like needles."

She smiled. "Few people do, Max. Are you left or right-handed?"

"Both actually," I said.

"Oh, I'm very jealous. Could get my Christmas cards written twice as fast."

I smiled.

"Have you ever been in hospital before?" she asked.

"Once when I was little. I swallowed my teddy bear's eye."

Nurse Bacchus chuckled.

"Oh dear. Well so long as you never did it again! Okay, I think we're ready to go." She raised the blood tube up as I looked away. "It's very quick and relatively painless," she said as she tied a tube around the top of my left arm. "You don't have to look. Just pick something in the room and focus on it. When you're ready, make a fist."

I looked around the room. To my right, at the foot of my bed was a painting. It was of a woman sat on a bench looking at a sunset. I took a deep breath and made a fist.

"With the other hand, Max," she said with a chuckle.

"Shit, sorry." I clenched my left fist instead.

I felt Nurse Bacchus' hand on my arm. After a pause I felt the needle puncture my skin. The back of my neck prickled. I quickly put my free hand on it and rubbed as I tried to concentrate on the painting. The prickling intensified as my breathing became more erratic.

"You're doing great, Max," said Nurse Bacchus. "You like that painting?"

I tried to steady my breathing.

"It's beautiful."

"It's called the Golden Hour. Lot of patients have said it's quite calming."

"Yeah, you can get amazing photographs at that time."

"Oh, you're into photography?"

"Yeah, I am…was. It's complicated."

"Do you, by any chance go to Blackwell Academy?"

"…Yeah, I do."

Nurse Bacchus was silent for a few moments.

"That's it," she said. "All done. You've been very brave."

I felt the needle leave my skin and Nurse Bacchus apply a band-aid.

"I'm sure you say that to everyone," I said.

"Only the brave ones," she said as she removed the tube round my arm. I saw the two tubes full of blood and winced. "We're gonna let you rest up, then when you're ready Mr and Mrs Madsen are waiting to see you."

I looked at the doorway anxiously, which she noticed.

"I can tell them you're not ready for visitors if that's a-"

"No, no it's okay. It's just…the argument we had was…"

"I see, well I'll tell them you're resting for now. You don't have to see anyone you don't want to."

"I know. Thank you," I said.

"Okay well if you need something," she gestured to a red button hanging off the bed frame. "Just press that, okay?"

I nodded.

I laid in bed for about a half hour. I had felt a little dizzy from the blood tests but it had subsided. I kept glancing at the door thinking about Joyce and David waiting outside.

I jumped a little as the door opened and Nurse Bacchus entered, closing it behind her.

"How are we doing?" she said.

"Okay, I guess," I said. "Are they still out there?"

"The Madsens? They are, do you want me to say anything to them?"

I paused for a second.

"Yeah, you can tell them to come in if they want."

"Only, if you're sure," she said. I nodded. As she went towards the door, I felt a pit in my stomach. She opened the door and used the door stop to keep it open.

I heard her say something to Joyce and David and then she walked away down the corridor. I braced myself and looked away from the door to look out the window at the clear sky. It was such a perfect clear blue it reminded me of Chloe's hair. I heard a set of footsteps enter the room. I exhaled and looked back to see David stood there.

"Max?" he said. "I'm glad you're okay."

I tried to look past him as I sat up.

"Where's Joyce?"

"She's outside. I just thought it'd be best if I talked to you first. Can I sit down?"

I nodded. There were two chairs next to my bed. David sat down in the one furthest away.

"How are you feeling?" he said.

"Okay, I guess," I said. He nodded.

"Joyce knows she crossed a line, Max. I saw what she was doing, and I tried to help her but she…she's lost so much it affected her judgment. I'm not trying to excuse it. I just need you to know one thing, before you see her. She would never do anything to try and hurt you. Not intentionally. I've seen how much she cares for you."

I avoided eye contact with David.

"Am I okay to tell her she can come in?"

I looked back at David and nodded. He gave me a nod back and got up. He left the room for a moment. I sat up a little more and watched the doorway. After a few moments, Joyce appeared. I could see her eyes were red and puffy, even from my bed.

As I looked at her, all the anger from earlier that day disappeared. She stayed stood in the doorway, looking at me nervously. I knew what she sorely needed right now.

What I needed.

I outstretched my arms. She let out a choked gasp as she rushed over. We hugged tightly as I felt Joyce sob on my shoulder.

"I'm so s-sorry…" she choked out. My eyes welled up.

"I'm sorry too, Joyce," I said. I rubbed her back before we let go of each other. I wiped my eyes as I looked up at her. She held my hand as she sighed and sat down in the chair right next to my bed. She wiped her eyes with her free hand. There was a box of tissues near my bed. I pulled one out and handed it to her. She smiled slightly and wiped her eyes and nose before tucking the tissue into her hand.

"I am so sorry, Max," she repeated. "I should never have gone behind your back like I did. I know I have no excuses. If…if you hadn't woken up, I would never have forgiven myself."

"Joyce, you don't need to talk like that," I said. "I'm okay."

"I just…I swear I'm not trying to make excuses, Max. I don't expect you to forgive me. I just want you to understand me is all. When William died…two months later it was our first Thanksgiving without him. Halloween was hard enough; you know how much he loved dressing up and making a general fool of himself…"

I smiled.

"And when that day came, I served up all the food. I sat down across from Chloe and it was…Max, it was awful. That empty seat at the head of the table was practically screaming at Chloe and I. But I didn't want her to see me upset so I just put on a brave face and got through it. But I was…being eaten up inside by the grief. Then I started seeing David. I did it initially to try and bring some stability back into our lives. David knows this, I've told him. But I did fall deeply in love with the man and I felt guilty. Like I was betraying William. So I took his photos down. I think Chloe thought it was because I didn't care about him anymore, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. I cared so much I almost couldn't move on from him. And despite all I went through with Chloe, and how much I wish things were different, I had finally gotten to a place where I felt at peace with everything. Then Chloe died…Max, I just couldn't bear the thought of another empty seat at the table."

Joyce began to sob again as she wiped her eyes with the tissue. I squeezed her hand.

"Joyce, I'm sorry for the things I said to you. I lashed out at you and said things I don't even believe. I know you care about me. You cared about Chloe. And you just…wanted to take care of me like you took care of her. And I…I appreciate everything you've done for me, Joyce. Not just recently, but when I was a kid. You and William always treated me like a second daughter."

Joyce let out another choked gasp as she grabbed another tissue. I continued.

"When William died it…it was like I lost my own dad. But I got away from Arcadia Bay, so I wasn't reminded every day that he was gone. You and Chloe didn't have that luxury. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you both."

"Max, we've been over this…"

"I know Joyce. And I know there's no point in wishing I had done things differently because…because you can't change the past. If if you'd asked me, I'd have stayed for Thanksgiving. If it meant you would find it easier, I would have chosen to do that. But you have to give me that choice."

"I know, Max," she said. "I'm never going to go behind your back again. I promise."

"And I won't ask you to keep secrets from my mom and dad again. That was wrong of me too. If I had been honest with them and gotten help, maybe I wouldn't be in this bed right now."

"Max, about your parents…"

"You told them I'm here, didn't you?"

"I had no choice-"

"I know, Joyce. You did the right thing. What did you tell them?"

"Just about what happened to you today. I didn't mention anything about what you've been going through. They're worried out of their minds of course. They were looking at flights while I was on the phone, and they're all booked up. Earliest they could get was for 12:00 touchdown tomorrow. They'll be here."

"Good, I need all of you right now."

Joyce smiled.

"I guess…" I said. "That having an 18-year-old girl yelling at you…was probably the closest to having Chloe in the house again?"

Joyce laughed and wiped her eyes a final time.

"Yeah, like she never left."

David briefly went home to rescue all the food that had been left out in the rush. He came back and he and Joyce stayed with me until visiting hours were over. I gave Joyce another huge hug before they left. I spent the rest of the day in my hospital room. I was well enough to get up and stretch my legs occasionally.

The hospital food wasn't the greatest, but I was so hungry I would have eaten anything. Nurse Bacchus continued to be incredibly sweet and nice. I asked her about her name, and it turned out she was from Greece originally, her family moved to the US when she was a child and she ended up in Arcadia Bay.

Eventually night-time came and I found myself staring up at the ceiling. I got out of bed and went over to the window. I looked up at the crescent moon in the sky. The stars looked so beautiful. I remembered Samuel once said that nature was watching me.

I still don't think I believe that…but stranger things have happened. I promised myself…and Chloe, what I would do. Tomorrow I have to keep that promise. I know how difficult it could make things, but I don't have a choice. If I don't, I could end up back here again…or worse…

I climbed back into bed and curled up on my side. I shut my eyes and just prayed there would be no nightmare tonight. I didn't want to give the doctors another reason to keep me here. I shut my eyes and hoped my mind would leave me alone that night.

My eyes opened before immediately wincing as a ray of sunlight peeked through the blinds, hitting me directly in the face. I held up my hand to shield my eyes as I sat up in bed. I looked over at the clock on the wall: 8:47.

I yawned hard before breaking out into a smile when I realised I had made it through the night.

My PET scan was simple enough, but was hard to keep perfectly still on the table while the machine whirred around my head. Before I knew it I was back in my hospital room. Joyce and David were sat with me. My parents had called to say they had landed in Salem and were getting a taxi straight to the hospital. I couldn't wait to see them, but at the same time I knew what it meant I had to do. I felt sick the more I thought about it.

Then my mom and dad appeared at the door and the sickly feeling disappeared. I looked up at them before they rushed into the room.

"Oh, Maxine!" Mom gasped. Joyce and David got up out of the seats and moved aside as my Mom practically charged at my bed. I wrapped my arms around her as she hugged me tightly. I shut my eyes as I heard my dad talking with Joyce and David.

"Ryan," said Joyce. "I'm so sorry for-"

"It doesn't matter, Joyce," he said. "Thank you to both of you for getting her here."

"It was no trouble," said David. "The least we could do."

"Oh Ryan, Vanessa this is David, my husband."

"Pleasure," said David.

I opened my eyes as my mom let go of me to see David and my dad shaking hands. My mom went to shake David's hand as dad stepped towards me with a warm smile on his face. He gave me a hug and rubbed my back.

"You gave us a hell of a scare, kiddo," he said.

"It's wonderful to finally meet you, David," my mom said. "I only wish it were under better circumstances."

"It's nice to meet you both too. But we'll give you all some privacy," said David as he and Joyce moved towards the door.

"Thank you. Both of you," my mom said. I saw Joyce smile weakly at her as she and David left the room and shut the door behind them. My mom sat down as my dad stayed stood up.

"Oh, darling," my mom said as she wiped her eyes. "How are you doing?"

"I've been better, but I'm okay, mom. I just want to go home but the doctor wants me to stay here one more night until the test results come through tomorrow."

"Well, if that's what they say then it's best to listen," my dad said.

I was silent as Mom and Dad looked at each other.

"Darling," said Mom. "We…we just wanted to explain ourselves, regarding Joyce and…"

"It's okay, Mom. You don't need to."

"No, we do. We're sorry we didn't talk to you about it. Joyce was just…she was desperate to hold onto someone, Max. And she didn't want you to know how badly she was doing and so we…"

"It should have been your choice, Max" my dad said. "We're sorry for lying to you. It was never that we didn't want you with us. Your mom here was counting down the days since we left you back at Blackwell."

"Oh, be quiet," Mom said. I just chuckled. My dad continued.

"Joyce was just…doing badly and she asked us if you could stay. We should have consulted you on it. We know that. We're sorry," he said. My mom nodded.

I looked down at my bed as Mom tenderly stroked my hand.

"I'm sorry too," I said.

"For what," said my mom.

"I…made Joyce keeps things a secret from you too."

"What things?" said my dad.

"I've not been at school since almost the start of last week…before classes stopped for everybody."

"Why's that?" said Mom.

"Because I…my nightmares have been getting a whole lot worse. I've started vomiting in the night…and in the day. And I've been getting nose bleeds. And it's all lead to what happened yesterday."

"Oh sweetheart," said Mom. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because…" I scrunched my eyes shut as I felt them welling up. "Because it m-meant I would have to tell you w-why it was happening to me. I've been so overwhelmed with it all. I thought I could get through it and deal with it on my own but I can't."

I wiped my eyes as Mom held my hand and rubbed it tenderly.

"Max," said Dad. "Is it about Chloe, and what happened at Blackwell?"

My heart was beating out of my chest as I worked up the courage to look up at my parents.

"There's something else t-too-" I choked out. My mom and dad looked at each other. My dad moved the other chair closer and sat down. My mom squeezed my hand even harder. My breathing was so erratic I could barely speak.

"Mar-" I stopped. "Mar-" I stopped again. I let out a frustrated sigh.

"Honey, it's okay. Take your time," said Mom. I looked at her. I focused on her eyes. There's been so many times in my life I'd talked to my Mom about what worried me, what scared me. It all seemed like kids' stuff compared to what I was about to say.

"Mark J-Jefferson…"

You can do this.

"…drugged and kidnapped m-me."

There was an awful silence, only broken by the sound of my breathing. My mom and dad looked back at me, horrified. My mouth almost went on autopilot as the shakiness subsided, and I just talked.

"About the same time that Kate Marsh was…when it happened to her, it happened to me next. He…asked me to see him after school, I remember being in his classroom talking to him. Then the next thing I knew I was…strapped to a chair in his dark room. He was taking pictures of me…talking about how innocent I was. I got angry and he drugged me again. When I woke up again, he had positioned me on the floor and I was barely conscious, but I still remember everything. I was so scared that I was going to die. He said the photos he took of me were…awful, and he deleted them all. Then I went unconscious again and I woke up in the dorm yard at night. I couldn't remember anything at the time. Then when Jefferson was caught, and the stories came out I…I remembered everything. I remember… Everything."

I stopped talking. My parents looked like they were frozen in time. I felt confusingly calm. Then I expressed the biggest worry, and the biggest thing that I feared I would have to insist, even to my own mom and dad…

"I'm not lying."

My mum dove forward and hugged me tightly. I felt her sob onto my shoulder. A mixture of relief, fear, anger and a million more emotions on top of that, made me start to cry too. Harder than I ever had in my life. I held onto my mom as I cried into her shoulder. Between my wailing gasps I repeated…

"I'm n-n-not l-lying-ing."

I felt my mom put her hand on the back of my head.

"We believe you," I heard my dad say. I kept my eyes shut tight as more tears flowed. I just stayed crying into my mom's shoulder as she stroked my hair.

"We believe you, Maxine," said my mom. "We believe you." I don't know how long I cried for but I felt exhausted as I let out my last tear. I finally let go of my mom and she released me. I could see my dad had been silently crying. I couldn't even remember the last time I had seen him like this. He handed me a tissue he had on him and I wiped my eyes and nose. When I was done, my mom held both my hands and looked into my eyes.

"You are so brave, Maxine," she said.

I smiled back at her.

You did it, Max. Whatever happens from here on out…

I looked at the Golden Hour painting on the wall.

…You did it.

My mom and dad stayed with me, both holding my hands as they said they would do whatever it took to help me. There was a knock on the door. Mom and Dad looked at me.

"Come in," I called out. The door opened and Doctor Anderson stepped in, closing the door behind him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt-"

"No, it's okay," I said. "These are my parents."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said extending a hand. "Doctor Anderson."

"Ryan and Vanessa Caulfield," my dad said as the doctor shook both their hands.

"Thank you, for looking after my little girl," said Mom.

"Mom," I said, embarrassed. Doctor Anderson chuckled.

"Well she's acting like a normal teenager, which is a good sign. And it's no trouble, she's been very cooperative and easy to work with. We've received the blood test results. So far, nothing appears out of the ordinary, but I'd like to see the PET scan results tomorrow before we decide-

"Doctor," said my mom. "I'm so sorry to interrupt you, like I have said, my husband and I appreciate everything you've done. But what's happened to her, could it all a result of…trauma?"

Doctor Anderson looked surprised and glanced at me.

"Well," he said. "If the PET scan results show nothing tomorrow, then it's a possibility. Is there something that I should be aware of?"

My mom and dad looked at me.

"Sweetheart…" said Mom.

"Can you tell him please?" I said quickly. "And…please don't tell Joyce and David yet. I'll tell them myself when I'm ready. Right now I just can't…again."

My dad put his hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay, kiddo. We understand," he said. "Doctor, is there somewhere private we can speak to you?"

Doctor Anderson glanced at me again.

"Absolutely. My office is just down the hall, follow me," he said. My mom gave my hand a quick squeeze before she moved away. I gave her a weak smile before my parents and the doctor left the room.

Joyce and David sat with me for a while. I tried to engage in the conversation but my mind was thinking about what was going on in Doctor Anderson's office. Eventually, my mom, dad and Doctor Anderson all returned.

"Everything okay?" said Joyce.

My mom and dad looked at eachother.

"I'm very sorry," said Doctor Anderson. "Can I ask you to leave the room for a moment while I discuss something with Max and her parents."

"I'll tell you both soon," I said to David and Joyce. "Right now I just…"

"It's okay, Max. We're here when you need us," said Joyce. "Whatever it is, I just hope you're okay…"

I avoided looking at Joyce and David as they left the room. Doctor Anderson closed the door. Mom and Dad sat down in the chairs. Mom held my hand. Again.

Doctor Anderson approached us all.

"Max, your parents informed me of what you told them and…I'm terribly sorry you had to go through such an experience. They also informed we what you witnessed at Blackwell academy. I'm not surprised to hear how your body has been reacting to all of this," he said.

"I'm sorry I didn't mention it," I said. Doctor Anderson shook his head.

"There's no need to apologise. I understand how difficult it would be for you to process everything you've gone through. Telling people around you is an entirely different challenge. But you are very brave for speaking up about it. Now, given what I've just learned, I would still like to keep you overnight until the CT scan results come through tomorrow morning, just to fully rule out the epilepsy theory. If indeed the results show no signs…then it is likely this is your body reacting to the trauma you've experienced."

"Isn't there anything that can be done?" said Mom.

"I'll look at getting some information packs for her. The immediate course of action would be to consider seeing a therapist. Trauma can be very damaging, as you've found out, Max. We'll wait on those results and go from there. Okay?"

I nodded.

The rest of the day came and went, Mom and Dad stayed by my side while Joyce and David said their goodbyes and went home to let me spend time with Mom and Dad. When visiting hours ended, David came to pick Mom and Dad up so they could spend the night. It felt like my mom wouldn't ever let me go as she hugged me goodbye.

I laid awake in my bed again. I was still anxious another nightmare would hit me again. Now that half a day had passed since I told my mom and dad what happened to me I realised…

I don't feel as scared now…

I know this is only the first step, I'm a LONG way from being okay and feeling…normal again. But it's a step I never imagined taking.

I rolled over in bed and shut my eyes. I hoped tomorrow I could finally go home.

Unless it turns out I do also have epilepsy!

The next morning, my parents arrived bright and early. They spent time with me for a couple of hours before Nurse Bacchus dropped by. She told me I could get dressed and that I could go home once I had seen Doctor Anderson in his office. I'd never gotten out of bed so fast once everyone left the room. I put on the fresh clothes my mom and dad had brought for me from Joyce and David's house. Nurse Bacchus came in to take off my hospital band.

"Well, there ya go," she said. "Your parents are waiting right outside for you to go see the doctor."

"Thank you," I said. "For everything. If I end up here again, I hope you're my nurse."

"Oh child, you'll make me blush," she said. "But here's hoping it's the last time we need to see each other. You take good care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, thank you."

As I walked towards the door I stopped and looked at the Golden Hour painting one last time.

That can be me by the lighthouse. Some day.

"Hello again, Max. How are you feeling?" said Doctor Anderson as we entered his office and sat down. His office was surprisingly small, but still very organised.

"I'm feeling okay thanks," I said.

"Good, good. Well, I'm sure you're eager to get out of this place so I'll be brief." He took two images from the side of his desk and placed them both in front of my parents and I. "These are the scans we took yesterday. From what we can see, we can confirm there are no abnormalities that we would need to be concerned about."

My dad patted my knee.

"So," said Mom. "Does this mean that the seizure and all the other issues are because…"

"PTSD? It's quite possible," said Doctor Anderson.

My mom looked at me. It was hard to know what you're supposed to say or do in this situation.

"I've put together a pack, with information as well as some potential courses of action. It's down to you what you want to do, Max. But as I mentioned yesterday, I would consider a course of therapy."

He put a large envelope on the desk. I took it and peaked inside and could see some of the materials.

"Thank you, I'll keep it all in mind."

"Take good care of yourself," he said. "And don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out whatever you may need to get better."

"I won't. Thank you."

David picked me and my parents up and drove us all back to the house. Due to the volume of flights back to Seattle over the weekend, Mom and Dad were forced to book a flight for late the same evening, but they still had a few hours before they had to be driven to the airport. David and Joyce reheated up the food that had been cooked for Thanksgiving. I was happy all their hard work didn't go to waste. They served everything up and I sat down at the table in-between my mom and dad.

"Seeing as none of us had the Thanksgiving we deserved, how about we make this the unofficial Thanksgiving," said Dad.

"Sounds good to me," said David. "If we want to say what we're thankful for, then guests first."

My mom and dad looked at me.

"You can all go first," I said. "I just need some time to put it into words."

We all joined hands.

"Vanessa..." my dad said.

"Well, I don't need to think too hard," she said. "I'm thankful for my wonderful daughter. Someone I am incredibly proud of and someone I am in awe of every single day."

I looked away, a little embarrassed, before I looked back at my mom and smiled. She smiled back at me.

"I'm thankful," said Dad. "For this wonderful woman I'm lucky enough to call my wife. I've loved her for over two decades, and I look forward to loving her many years to come."

Mom smiled at him.

"And of course, I can't forget my daughter. She's got a strong head on her shoulders. She has an immense talent and I know she'll have millions flocking to see her photography one day."

"Yeah, okay, both of you can ease up a bit," I said. Everyone laughed.

"Well, I'm thankful for my husband," said Joyce. "I could not have gotten through the past five years without him by my side." She and David smiled at each other. "And I'm also thankful for the people…who I've lost. I miss them every day, but I'm grateful I had them in my life at all."

There was a silence.

"Very well said, Joyce," said Dad.

"I agree," said Mom.

Joyce just nodded and looked to David.

"Well," he said. "I'm thankful for having a woman by my side who is patient, understanding and loves me, despite my flaws. I'm also thankful…"

David looked directly at me.

"…I'm thankful for second chances. Being allowed to atone for my mistakes in the past."

I smiled at David.

"Including at Blackwell Academy. I'm pleased to announce I'll be resuming my role as head of security next week."

Joyce looked at him proudly.

"That's amazing news, David," I said.

"Not for the students it ain't," he said as we all chuckled.

"Your turn, Max. If you're ready," he said. I looked around at everyone.

"I'm thankful for…a lot of stuff. I'm thankful for my mom and dad for always encouraging me and for being there for me. I'm thankful for Joyce and David. Despite mistakes that we've made along the way, I feel like I can turn to you, and trust you like my own parents." I saw Joyce smile with tears starting to form in her eyes. David looked at me with surprise. I gave him a small smile.

"I'm thankful for my friends. Some of whom…"

I thought about how I'd been acting recently, when everyone was concerned about me and just batted people away.

Especially poor Kate. And Stella. I was so mad at her for using drugs to help her get through everything. I was just doing the same thing.

"Some of whom, I need to make things up to, but I will make things up to them. And finally…"

Everyone looked at me expectedly. I thought about "that week" and everything Chloe and I went though.

"I'm thankful for every single second I got to spend with Chloe. The good and the bad. Even though she's not here anymore, she still inspires me everyday."

"I'm right there with you, Max," said Joyce.

"Me too," said David.

"Well, now that we've shown our appreciation, let's dig into all this before it goes cold," said Joyce.

"Here here," said Dad.

David carved up the turkey and all the food was served. We all began eating.

"Mhmm," said my dad. "Delicious."

"It really is," I said as I stuffed my mouth.

"Pace yourself, darling," my mom said.

"Mom, I've had nothing but hospital food for two days. I'm starving."

David chuckled. "As long as it's being enjoyed, you can eat as much as you want."

We all ate in silence for a few moments.

"Gosh," said Joyce suddenly. "Ryan, Vanessa you've been here nearly two days and I haven't even asked you both. How are you doing?"

"That's okay, Joyce," said my dad. "Difficult to get caught up with everything happening. Work has been busy. I really wish we could stay longer but I just can't afford to miss any days at the damn office."

"I know, Ryan," said Joyce. "We understand."

"Aside from that, I'm doing okay," he added.

"And I'm still keeping myself busy," said Mom.

"Mainly worrying about Max," said Dad.

"That's not all I do!"

We all laughed.

"She's got Joyce and David here for her now," said Dad. "We can let Max live her life. She knows we're there for her. And whatever help she needs she knows she can get it."

I glanced at my parents.

"Right, Max?" my dad said.

"Yeah, I know, Pop," I said. He smiled at me as I carried on eating.

"How about you, David?" said Mom. "Joyce said you're a veteran. How has it been…" she trailed off. "Sorry, if that's an inappropriate question."

"It's okay, Vanessa," said David. "It's been difficult, for a number of years now. It's been easier having Joyce at my side." David paused as Joyce put her hand on his arm in support. "I made mistakes I wish I hadn't made. Especially with Chloe. I…"

I looked at David and could see a hundred memories flashing before his eyes. He continued.

"I'm just trying to be better. I've been seeing a counsellor for over a month now who's helping me to be a better man. A man that I hope Chloe would have been proud to call her step-father."

"She would be, David," said Joyce. "I know it." David smiled at her.

"Ryan, Vanessa…Max," said Joyce. "I'm sorry again for what I did."

"Joyce…" said David.

"It's okay, Joyce," I said. "We've talked. I know how difficult things have been for you. I'm not holding it against you."

"She's right, neither are we," said Dad.

"Well, I hope you have a better Christmas back in Seattle, Max. You deserve it," said Joyce. We all continued eating, out the corner of my eye, I could see my dad looking over at my mom. I saw her give him a small nod.

"Joyce, David…" said my dad. "How would you both like to spend Christmas with us in Seattle?"

Joyce and David looked back in surprise.

"It's up to you. Vanessa and I spoke about it last night. We hadn't mentioned it to you Max, but we assumed you'd have no problem with it?"

"No, not at all!" I said. "It'd be amazing to spend it with all of you."

"I mean," said David. "It would be nice to have a real break away."

"David we could hardly afford that Portland trip. You know how tight money is right now."

"We can cover the travel costs and everything else while you're with us," said Mom. "You deserve time away, Joyce. When was the last time you took some real time off work? More than just a weekend I mean?"

"I can answer that," said David. "Never." Joyce gave him a playful shove.

"We're serious, Joyce," said my dad. "You deserve a good Christmas too. Free from stress where you can relax and enjoy yourself."

"Please, Joyce," I said. She looked at me as I smiled at her.

"Well Lord help me I can't deny that face," she said. "Okay, if you'll have us then we'd love to join you."

As we carried on eating, Mom and Dad told David and Joyce stories from Seattle. Mostly involving me. Normally I'd be embarrassed, but it was nice to remember how my life used be before I became an adult.

Well, a theoretical adult.

Eventually came the time for my mom and dad to leave for the airport. David had offered to drive them. My dad gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Take care of yourself, Max. We'll see you all real soon," he said. I smiled at him as my mom stepped forward and hugged me tight.

"We'll see you at Christmas, okay?"

"I know, Mom. I can't wait."

Then she whispered in my ear.

"I meant everything I said at the table. I'm so proud of you."

"Mom…"

"Don't tell me to stop because you know I'll say it more."

I laughed as I held onto her.

"You will get through this," she said. "Whatever it takes. Whatever you need. You can do this."

"I know. And I will," I said. I felt my mom rub my back before she separated from me with a smile on her face.

"Okay, we're ready," she said. "Thank you to both of you for taking care of her."

"It's our pleasure, Vanessa," said Joyce. "We'll always be here."

Outside, I waved goodbye to mom and dad as David's car left the driveway. Joyce and I went back inside. As she shut the door, she asked…

"Are you okay, Max?"

"Yeah. Just…been a wild couple of days."

Joyce nodded. "That's certainly one way of putting it."

"What happened to me…would probably have happened sooner or later. I'm just glad I'm still walking. I'm gonna chill out in my- in Chloe's room for a while. When David gets back, can you both come upstairs?"

"Of course, Max."

"Thank you."

I went to walk up the stairs. Halfway up I heard Joyce.

"Max?"

I stopped and turned around to see her at the bottom of the stairs.

"It's your room now, not Chloe's," she said. I smiled and nodded as I made my way upstairs.

I went into…my room and closed the door. I immediately noticed the photo album on the desk. Still open on the photo I had been looking at. I shut the album and shoved it to the side. I looked down at the wooden floorboards at the spot where I had been when David found me. I could see small splotches of faded blood.

How could I have been so stupid in allowing things to get so bad? I knew I couldn't photo jump forever…fuck, I shouldn't have been doing it in the first place. Maybe…it was ultimately for the best. It did give me a kick in the butt to open up about Jefferson.

I laid down on the bed. The remote for the music player was on the side. I pointed it at the cd player and pressed play. I laid down as the music began playing. I looked at the empty space next to me and reached my arm over. I kept my eyes open as the music drifted over me.

Knock, knock, knock.

I sat up in bed. I'd spent the past couple hours just staring into space as the music droned over me. Enjoying having to do…nothing.

"Come in," I said as I switched off the CD player. The door opened and David and Joyce entered. I smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Did my parents get there okay?" I asked.

"They're fine," said David. "They should on the flight home later."

"Thank you for taking them back," I said.

"Not at all, Max. Those taxi prices are a rip off anyway," he said. I smiled. "Joyce said you wanted us to come up?"

"Yeah I…There's something I needed to tell you both."

David and Joyce looked at each other. Joyce came and sat down next to me. David moved the chair and sat down to face me. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. I looked at the floor as I started…

"I already explained it to my mom and dad today. They told Doctor Anderson. And I hope you can understand I don't want to have to go through all the details again."

"It's okay, Max. Whatever it is, we'll listen to whatever you need to say," said Joyce.

I took a deep breath.

"I was…I…I was one of- of Mark…Jefferson's victims." I let out a shuddering breath as I tried to stop my hands from shaking from pure nerves. There was a pause, then Joyce put her hand on mine. I looked up at her. The sadness in her eyes was unmissable. She wrapped her arms around me.

"Oh, Max, I- I'm so sorry. That's awful," she said. I put my hand on her arm.

"Thank you," I said. "For believing me."

"Oh, Max. Of course we believe you," she said. I looked up at David. He was sat with his hand over his mouth. I could see him tearing up.

"David…" I said. Joyce let go of me and looked at David. "Don't do what I know you're doing," I said. He wiped his eyes. "Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault."

David sniffled and nodded and got to his feet. As I looked at him, I remembered that without him, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be alive in any timeline. Not if David hadn't found the bunker and saved me.

I got up and rushed forward. I gave him a hug. He seemed to freeze, like he didn't know what to do. After a few moments I felt his hands tentatively land on my back. I felt Joyce hug us both. I shut my eyes as I stayed stood, embracing two people I knew I could trust.