That evening, we went back to Chloe's house, where Aunt Joyce and Uncle William had turned the garage into a hospital room for her.
Jodie had moved into Chloe's old room to help take care of her now that she lives there. The room was filled with all sorts of machines, and Max and I sat in wooden chairs next to Chloe.
Max said, "This place feels like a super high-tech hideout," but he had a sad smile. Chloe replied, "More like a high-tech prison. I know my parents work hard for me, and it's tough on them.
Jodie is really stepping up to help with the bills." I felt proud of Jodie for being so caring at just seventeen. She shouldn't have to work so hard, but I really admire her for it. I hope I can tell her that someday.
"I'm glad Jodie is here for you, Chloe. Your parents are thankful to have you around," I said, putting my hand over hers, which felt cold. Chloe said, "Yeah, even if they can't go for walks alone. Sometimes I act out just to give them a reason to yell at me. It's kind of sad."
"Don't think like that, Chloe. You're a great daughter. You're caring and thoughtful, even when you don't have to be," Max said with a sigh.
Chloe replied, "Oh, I still get mad, especially when a nurse has to watch me in the bathroom or when doctors treat me like I'm just a science project."
"I can't imagine what you're going through, Chloe. You're still amazing, just like when we were kids," I said, smiling gently at her. "Thanks for coming, guys. I need some water. Can one of you get me some?" she asked, her voice sounding rough.
Max nodded and went to get a small cup of water with a straw from Chloe's side table, bringing it back for her to drink. "Drink up, buttercup," Max said sweetly as she took a sip. "Are you feeling okay, Chloe?" I asked after she drank. "Yeah… no wonder my throat is dry. I haven't talked this much all year," she said after clearing her throat. "How about starting a podcast?"
"I wish I could punch your face for that, Aiden. A podcast? Dude, I am a pod in a cast. Boring," Chloe said, letting her head drop against the pillow of the hospital bed. "At least I tried," I said, getting both her and Max to laugh a bit.
With a smile, Chloe asked, "Do you guys ever think of us as little pirates, exploring Arcadia Bay?" I nodded, recalling those fun times, and Max chimed in, "Yeah, we were our own kind of pirates."
Chloe laughed, "Right! Look at me, 'Chloe of the Caribbean.' I wouldn't step on a boat now unless you two were with me. I can't keep my other friends away." I frowned a little but reassured her, "We're not going anywhere, Chloe. You have us."
Chloe continued, "You guys didn't really visit much. I appreciated the cards and calls, but..." I felt a pang of guilt as she spoke. Max sighed, "I know I wasn't around enough." I added, "We don't have a good excuse for that."
Chloe quickly said, "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. That's what my parents and Jodie are for. I let her deal with you, Aiden," which made me smile. "Yeah, she's definitely going to give me a hard time. So, what do you want to do now?"
Chloe suggested, "How about a movie? I'm in the mood for 'Blade Runner.' I always cry at the end, and I've always wanted cool colored bangs like Pris." Max agreed, "You'd look awesome with blue hair."
Hearing that made me miss the old Chloe even more. I joked, "I'll get it for you, but you better not fall asleep like last time." This made both Max and Chloe laugh.
After I found the DVD and started the movie on Chloe's big TV, Max and I ended up dozing off at the edge of her bed. It was kind of funny that I told Chloe not to fall asleep, yet here we were, both asleep.
X*
The next morning, the first thing I heard was Chloe coughing. My head was pounding a little from the long day before, and I rubbed it as I sat up. "Wow, did I really sleep that hard?" I groaned sleepily.
"You guys fell asleep super quick," Chloe said to Max and me. "You did too! How could you?" Max replied, sounding tired but joking. I hadn't noticed Chloe had dozed off on my shoulder until she sat up. "I guess you two were really worn out after hanging out with me. Blade Runner is such a cool movie to watch at night. Do you think Deckard is a replicant?" Chloe asked with a smile.
I was still waking up, rubbing my eyes and yawning. "Sorry, I can tell you're not fully awake like I am," Chloe said to us. "Sorry we crashed so hard. Were you okay?" Max asked her.
"Well, I do have a mom, dad, and another cousin when you guys aren't snoozing on me," Chloe laughed. "I forgot you can be a bit grumpy in the morning," I joked back. "It's the company I keep," Chloe replied cheekily, "Yesterday was… so much fun." She kept smiling even though she was in pain.
Max smiled at her and said, "It was awesome to see you." Chloe replied, "I know things have changed since we were kids, but hanging out with you guys makes me feel like a little pirate again, running through the woods. Just chilling and talking with you means a lot to me."
I felt a pang in my heart for Chloe, who looked like she was in pain. She leaned forward and winced, saying, "Fuck…"
"What's wrong, Chloe?" I asked, concerned. She groaned, "I'm having my usual headaches. Can someone please grab my morphine injector from the bathroom?" Max looked worried and asked, "Morphine injector?" Chloe explained, "It's like shit from Star Trek; you can't even see the needle. I really need it, but my parents keep it upstairs because they think I can't reach it." I quickly volunteered, "I'll go get it."
As I walked upstairs, I spotted Uncle William at the dining table, sorting through bills. It felt good to see him; he felt more like a dad to me than my real father. I approached him with a smile and asked, "Uncle William, am I bothering you?" He looked up and joked, "Oh, I love going through bills! Just kidding. You could never be a bother. It's been ages since we've seen you and Max. You've grown a lot!" I laughed and replied, "Yeah, it would be strange if I hadn't. Is Jodie here?"
He nodded, saying, "She's in her room and has been eager to see you since you left for Blackwell." Guilt washed over me as I thought, "She probably hates me for leaving. I'm a terrible brother." Uncle William reassured me, "Don't be so hard on yourself. She knows you care,"
"Yeah, that's what Chloe told me," I began, my voice trembling as tears filled my eyes. Uncle William noticed and his smile faded. "What's wrong, Aiden?" he asked. "It's Chloe... Seeing her like this is really tough. I'm so sorry you all are going through this. It breaks my heart," I replied sincerely.
"I understand, Aiden. It's been hard for us too, even for Joyce, but we'll manage. The Price is always right, right?" he joked, making me smile. "Yeah, I get it. I'm going to see Jodie now. It was great talking to you, Uncle William," I said.
"You act like it's goodbye. Feel free to come by anytime to help with these bills. You can tell Max that too," Uncle William replied. I smiled and waved before heading upstairs.
My heart raced with every step up the stairs. Seeing my sister for the first time in five years, especially from another timeline, felt surreal. I knocked on the door, my hands shaking.
"Come in," Jodie called from inside. I opened the door and gasped at how different Chloe's old room looked compared to the other timeline.
I spotted Jodie at her desk, focused on her computer screen. It was hard to believe how much she had grown up.
Soft music played from her radio, but I couldn't make out the song; I just knew it was one she loved. Her hair was longer than Max's, reaching her shoulder blades, and she still seemed like a tomboy at heart.
"Jodie?" I said, getting her to turn around to face me. Jesus… I forgot how green her eyes really were. She smiled at me and got out of her seat.
"Hey, you big goof!" she exclaimed while wrapping her arms around me. I stood there, shocked. I didn't realize how much I had missed her until that moment. I hugged her back tightly, feeling tears streaming down my cheeks.
"What's wrong? Did you really miss me that much?" she asked as we pulled apart. "You have no idea, Jodie," I replied, trying to dry my tears.
"Well, don't just stand there, Aiden. You came in for a reason," Jodie said, heading back to her desk. I moved further into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "So, you took Chloe's old room, huh?" I asked, glancing around and noticing the closet where Max and I shared our first kiss.
"Yeah, Aunt Joyce and Uncle William thought it was best since I help them with Chloe," Jodie explained to me. "I'm really glad you're here with them. You're doing so much for Chloe after… after her accident," I said, feeling a lump in my throat.
"I had to step up, Aiden. I got a job at the Two Whales, and it pays surprisingly well for a minimum wage job. I hardly have any time to hang out with my friends," Jodie replied, facing me as she spoke. I leaned forward, resting my arms on my legs.
"I understand. I'm really proud of you, Jodie. They need all the support they can get right now, and I know it's tough for you all," I said with a smile. "It's a lot of work, big brother. How are things going for you and Max at Blackwell? It must be challenging," Jodie asked me.
"I guess things are as good as they can be. I feel like shit for not being around more," I admitted, guilt bubbling up inside me. Jodie seemed to see right through me. She stood up from her chair and moved to sit beside me on the bed.
"Aiden, you shouldn't feel guilty about not being here. Chloe's accident wasn't your fault," she reassured me, but it only made my guilt worse. She might say that now, but deep down, I knew it was me and Max who were fucking responsible for Chloe being in that wheelchair. Fuck…
It felt like a heavy weight on my chest, and my hands started to sweat as I clenched them into fists. My stomach twisted, and I felt lightheaded.
"Aiden? What's wrong? You need to talk to me," Jodie urged, but I could barely hear her. I was confused about why I felt this way. I held my head and began to shake. "Aiden! It's okay. Just count back from ten," Jodie said, trying to help me calm down.
I counted down slowly, "Ten… Nine… Eight…" My voice trembled as I fought to catch my breath. Jodie was there, gently rubbing my back, which helped calm me down.
"Seven… six… five…" I whispered, feeling a bit better. "Four… No… not again…" I said, shutting my eyes tight. "It's alright, Aiden. You're okay," she softly reassured me, continuing to comfort me.
I took a deep breath and managed to say, "Three… two… one…" I sat up and wiped my hands on my jeans, my heart still racing. "Do you feel better now?" Jodie asked, and I nodded, glancing at her.
"A little. Thanks for helping me. I forgot about my anxiety attacks," I admitted, realizing it had been a while since I had one. Did I even need a reason to feel this way? "I forgot too, but I really don't want you to suffer from these," she said, holding my hand.
I squeezed it back, feeling grateful. "I need to check on Chloe; she asked for her meds," I replied, getting to my feet. "Okay, I'll be here if you or Max need anything," she smiled. "I love you, Jodie," I said, giving her another hug.
"I love you too, you big softie," she laughed, hugging me back. As I stood up and left the room, I glanced back at her one last time. I headed to the bathroom, turned on the lights, and grabbed the morphine from the cabinet.
Looking in the mirror, tears started to fall; I couldn't hold them back any longer. This wasn't fair… Chloe didn't deserve to be like this. My chest tightened again, and I panicked, thinking I couldn't have another anxiety attack right now.
I took a moment to gather myself and wiped my tears away before stepping out of the bathroom. As I walked down the stairs, I noticed Aunt Joyce sitting on her bed with the door open.
I entered her room, and she smiled softly at me, saying, "Oh, Aiden, it's wonderful to have you and Max here. You all are so much quieter now than when you were little." I tried to smile back, hiding my sadness. "Hi, Aunt Joyce," I replied, my voice trembling a little.
She noticed my unsteady tone and looked concerned. "Are you alright, honey?" she asked. "Yeah… I'm fine," I replied, rubbing my neck, but I could see she wasn't convinced. Just like Jodie, she could read me easily.
"What's bothering you, Aiden? You seem a bit off," she pressed. I couldn't hide the truth from her; she was like a second mom to me. I wondered if my parents had mentioned anything in this timeline. "I had an anxiety attack while I was with Jodie. It just came out of nowhere… I think it's all the stuff with Chloe. I just couldn't cope," I confessed.
"Oh honey… I'm so sorry," she said with understanding. "It's okay, Aunt Joyce. Jodie helped me through it. I'm really glad she's here with you guys," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'm glad too. It's hard for a teenager like her," she said.
"Yeah… I'm proud of her. It feels nice to be back in your house," I told her, smiling. "Oh, William, Jodie, and I love it. It's great to see you kids together after all these years… after the accident," she said, her face becoming serious again.
"I'm really sorry about what happened to Chloe… Max and I feel awful for not visiting or calling you sooner…" I said, my eyes filled with sorrow. "Oh, don't worry about that, Aiden. I understand it's tough for people your age," she reassured me.
"Thank you, Aunt Joyce. It really means a lot to talk to you again," I replied. "It's good to talk to you too, Aiden," she said, which made me smile a little.
Afterwards, I left the master bedroom and I went back downstairs to Chloe's room.
I pulled out my phone and saw that I did have a message each from both of my parents. So they do still talk to me… I felt more tears running down my face because I haven't heard from them in what felt like forever.
When I went back in there, I saw Max and Chloe talking amongst themselves. "Finally… Give me the blue pill," Chloe said, her voice straining a bit.
"I'm sorry, Chloe. I didn't mean to take so long. I wouldn't be a good doctor anyway," I told her, walking over to her IV that was next to Max. "Go ahead and plug it in. It's so easy… and painless," Chloe groaned out.
"Okay, don't be afraid to shout if I fuck this up," I told her as I hooked up the morphine bag into her saline drip bag. "Oh, trust me… I will," Chloe wheezed out. After I attached the bag, I sat down next to Max.
"Of course, my pain keeps getting worse… but you guys caught me on a good day. I'm so grateful that I'm even able to hang out with you guys. I'm getting mushy already. I'm already high," Chloe said while chuckling. "Do you need anything else?" Max asked her.
"Um… stop me if I'm being too emo, but… can one of you grab one of the photo albums over there?" Chloe asked while glancing over at her dresser that was on the other side of the room. "Sure," Max said as she stood up. She went and got the album, bringing it over to us.
She opened it up and I couldn't help but smile at how little we all were there. "We should've taken over Arcadia Bay when we had the chance," I said, chuckling from the happy memory.
We looked through more of the photo album until we came to the shot of the day Uncle William and Jodie had died.
"Oh man… there we are making pancakes. I love that shot of us. It's hard to believe that my dad took that picture only five years ago," Chloe said, reminiscing about this photo.
"It feels like yesterday," Max said with a smile, her hand was laying gently on the photo album. "I wish it was," Chloe replied, smiling also. "Same here," I said.
Max and I glanced over at each other when we saw that photo again. I remembered we went through that photo to change the past. Maybe we could do it again.
"Listen you guys… my respiratory system is failing and… It's only getting worse. I overheard the doctors talking about it when they thought I was zonked out. So… I'm just putting off the inevitable. While my parents and Jodie suffer along… I will too. This isn't how I want things to end," Chloe explained to us.
My eyes widened and my heart sank to my stomach. I felt my hands shaking again. "What are you saying, Chloe?" I asked, trying to not break down into tears right there.
"I'm saying that being with you guys has been so special… I just wanted to feel like when we were kids running around in Arcadia Bay and that… everything was possible. And you made me feel that way today. I want this time with you guys… to be my last memory… Do you understand?" Chloe told us with a melancholy smile.
Tears ran down my face as well as Max's face. I felt my chest aching again. It was all it took for me to break down into tears. "Yes… we do…" Max said through a whimper. "Wh-What are you asking us to do?" I asked, not bothering to wipe my tears this time.
"All I want… is for you to crank the IV to eleven…" Chloe said, tears running down her face. She wasn't asking us to kill her… I got up and I had to walk away for a minute. This isn't something that Max and I didn't want to do. How could I live with myself if I did this?
"Chloe… I don't know if I can. It absolutely breaks me to see you like this… It's killing me inside… Why do Max and I have to be responsible for ending your life? There's gotta be another way, Chloe… Please," I said hesitantly, turning around to face her. More tears ran down my face while I said this. My chest was hurting even worse.
"We… We tried to save a friend of ours… She wanted to… end it all… Please don't make us don't do this, Chloe," Max begged her. "You guys were there for your friend… no matter what. I just want you two to do the same for me," Chloe said, sounding more desperate.
I hated this… I couldn't do it. I just couldn't… I couldn't kill my cousin… "No… I can't kill you with an overdose, Chloe. We don't have the right to do this," I told her, feeling like I was about to break down.
"I'm an adult. I'm giving you guys the right. I can't ask Jodie… I already said goodbye to her and my parents but they won't accept my wishes. I'm dying from my illness, not my doseage," Chloe said.
"We're going to help you, but not this way, Chloe. You have to trust us…" Max tearfully said. This didn't sit well with Chloe and she glared at us. "Why? You guys are just bailing on me like everyone else! Why don't you two go? You've been wanting to since you got here, right? So go and don't come back," She angrily said as she looked away from us.
"Chloe… we aren't leaving you again…" I said, walking over to where Max was. She took my hand and I sat down next down to her. We looked over at each other, knowing what we had to do.
"I'm sorry, William…" Max said through her tears. I felt more tears running down my face when I realized that… I was sending my sister to her death… She's never to forgive me for this. "I'm so sorry, Jodie…" I sobbed as Max and I looked through the photo.
We traveled back in time to the last time Uncle William and Jodie were alive. But… Max and I didn't do anything to stop them from leaving. Watching Jodie and Uncle William walk through that door… I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
I fell to the ground and pulled my legs up against my chest and just cried. Next thing we know, everything fades to white and everything goes back to way it should be.