Author's note: To any of you who might like this story, I'll say straight out to forget it. This is my second fanfiction story and unlike the first which I am committed to completing, this one is very questionable. I could not help writing it after playing Life is Strange. The game is amazing. I am not sure if I will ever complete or continue this. So why did I post it? I just wanted to share it with other people who love the game as much as I do.

A boy caught her eyes. He was standing on a little outcropping of rock overlooking the sea. His back was to her and the sun was setting. The frame of the scene instantly set her photographer's instincts ablaze.

Max Caulfield stood uncertain for a moment but her instincts broke loose and pulled her into their midst. She raised her instant film camera and then lowered it unsatisfied. The shot was too far. She crept closer until she was a few yards behind then she raised it again but something didn't quit fit. How would it look best? Max wondered as she moved backwards a couple of steps. She looked again through her camera and a smile grew on her face. Perfect! She pressed the capture button and there was a click as the camera obeyed her command but at the distinct sound, the boy spun around with such swiftness that she gasped in fright at the unexpected suddenness of his action.

"Uh, I'm sorry," Max stuttered out, disliking how her voice quavered. "It was such a good shot I didn't want to ruin it by asking your permission. I'm sorry."

The boy blinked. He must have been around 18 or so. He had blond hair with a sharp featured face and slightly square jaw. There was a scar running diagonally from the top of his left cheek to his jawline. He smiled warmly and the intense alertness left his eyes.

"Don't cook yourself over it," he said noting how Max's cheeks were heating in embarrassment. "I understand your feelings and I don't mind what you did in that context. I'm Alan," and he held out his hand.

Max shook it cautiously, "I'm Max," she said and stepped away after letting go. If the boy noticed, he made no comment. Instead he looked about.

"This is a bit of mileage from the town ain't it? I don't see a car anywhere."

"Oh that is because I walked."

"Walked?" Alan repeated with a raised brow, "Quite the distance." His surveyed her with an analytical gaze that unsettled her. Perhaps he noticed the tension in her movements which was why he looked away. Max felt her breath flow easier.

"In my view it's not a good sign when someone walks alone in a lonely place," Alan continued being careful to keep his eyes neutral. "It means something is nashing them. Something a lonely walk can heal with reflection or perhaps keep at bay."

Max looked at him with surprise. His words precisely correlated to what she was feeling. Her worries and troubles, her uncertainty and fear, they all laughed mockingly. It was dragging her down a pit of despair and she needed a helping hand, someone she could just release her inner turmoil to. He was a stranger but he seemed pleasant enough.

"Ye-yeah," Max muttered. "I needed some reflection."

"Wanna talk about it?" Alan asked cocking his head. "I know I'm a stranger but it helps to have someone listen."

Max took the offer eagerly. She shifted her legs trying to find a point to start.

"I lived in Arcadia bay for most of my childhood. I had a best friend. Her name was Chloe. We were together every day of our lives. She really was my best friend and we swore we would remain that way for life." Max stopped as she felt a hard ball of sadness form inside her. Like stifling hands it rose up to constrict her voice and make her collapse and wish she could return in time and change her decisions. Alan stood by listening attentively.

"Then my parents decided to move for the big city and we had to say goodbye. It was one of my saddest moments, we both cried. But life went on for me in Seattle and after five years I made my mind up to return here for my scholarship at Blackwell Academy. Right now I'm trying to deal with feeling of being back in my old home and my first day at school and…" Max stopped. Alan still said nothing but his features occasionally shifted as he tried to put the pieces of information into a form that fit. "But what is really bothering me right now is on how I can face Chloe."

"Did you have a falling out?" Alan questioned.

"No. I never contacted her once during the five years I was away."

"Now why is that? She was your best friend wasn't she?"

"I don't know myself," Max said desperately. "At first I was busy with settling in and adjusting to my new home. I don't know what happened next. I wrote letters but never mailed them, I never called her, not even a text. Life just grabbed and took me for a ride. Now I'm back after five years and I'm scared to face her."

"So that's what ails you," Alan remarked. "How was your day at Blackwell?"

"It went alright I guess," Max responded slightly confused at the shift in topic. "The principle welcomed me in his office and introduced me to the teachers and some of the students. I was able to meet Mr. Jefferson, something I dreamed of for years. When I heard he was teaching at Blackwell I just had to come."

Alan's eyes fell to the camera in her hands. "So you like photography then?"

"It's something I always wanted to do as a kid. Life has so many beautiful things that need to be preserved."

"I can't imagine a humble person as myself being beautiful enough to be captured by you," Alan said jokingly.

Max blushed slightly and hurried to explain. "It wasn't just you. It was the way you were framed against the horizon and orange glow of the sun and the birds flying by in the distance. There was a beauty which is indescribable to anyone who isn't a photographer."

"Might I take a peek?"

Max removed the picture which was still attached to the camera. In her fright at Alan's sudden spin when she snapped the shot, she had forgotten to remove the photo.

Alan hummed as he studied the picture. At last he gave it back with a sheepish smile. "Sorry I can't see it."

"It's something that speaks to you, an artist's sense." Max looked downcast as she put the photo in her bag. "The world admires Mr. Jefferson's pictures and I'm sure a lot of them aren't photographers. I guess I'm just a newbie at this."

"Don't say that," Alan chided. "I've seen some of Jefferson's pictures and some are nice but there are those people fawn over and I can't see what the fuss is about. Can I see the picture again?" Alan studied it once more with extra fervor. For long minute he examined it from various angles before returning it. "It's good framing I must admit," he said. "You say it's a childhood desire of yours? With something ingrained from that far back, it means you have a talent for it. Being all woosy about how good your picture is not going to help you advance. Do you photograph regularly?"

"Every chance I get," Max answered. "I never go anywhere without my camera."

"Then don't say to me you are a newbie. You nurture your talent and advance and second guessing yourself ain't gonna help."

Max looked away. His words were encouraging but the problem was her lack of confidence. It was something she couldn't work over. She was shy and liked to avoid the crowd. Being alone she could indulge in her love without fearing criticism. Criticism? She wondered suddenly. He's right. I'm too scared about my work being rejected but if I hide away will I ever improve? Max resolved to think over what he said. It felt like a small pillar of strength had taken form but that did not resolve the main issue eating away at her chest.

"Take my advice and see your friend today," Alan said suddenly. There again was the sudden shift in the flow of conversation. It was as if he knew what was going in her mind. "Clearing it up will tidy quite a neat little bit inside you."

"See Chloe now?" Max repeated with a stutter. It was what she wanted to do but the fear of how Chloe would react to her sudden appearance after five years of silence hit her hard. "No, no," Max shook her head. "I'm still busy adjusting to Blackwell and it's too late now. I need to head back to my dormitory and prepare for my classes tomorrow. You'd think the teachers would take it easy on us newbies but nooo. I've got classes scheduled and all sorts of tests and homework piled up. I still haven't unpacked my stuff." It was all true but it was also excuses. Max knew it but the fear held her fast and she was unwilling to break it. Alan's eyes showed disapproval but he made no further push. Part of her wished he would force her to go.

"Alrighty, your life, your decision. But mind you, the longer you stall, the worse it's gonna be. See her when you have the moment and don't squander it."

Max knew he spoke truly but it felt so much better to just ignore it for now. She would think it over the next day, she reasoned. First get settled then she could ring Chloe.

"Shit!" Max swore suddenly. "I can't believe I forgot all about time. I'm going to be so late back to my dorm oh what am I going to do."

"I'm going to head back to the clanger. I can give you a ride if you want." Alan offered.

"Clanger?" Max asked.

"Oh. Just an expression of mine for home."

Max considered the offer. "Yeah, that would be nice thanks."

Alan beckoned and walked towards a car parked a distance away. It was black and looked like an SUV but bulkier and more compact. Max saw with surprise the reason for its bulkiness was because it was armored. She glanced at Alan wondering why a teen would drive an armored car. She shrugged it off assuming he was some kind of geek with the stuff.

He drove her back down the bare road into Arcadia town and up into the hills where Blackwell Academy sat perched overlooking the town. At the Academy's steps he parked and bid her goodbye. Max watched him go for a moment before hurrying to her dorm. Once in the snug comfort of her room she made a quick entry in her journal before heading to bed.

September 10th

I was so excited coming to Blackwell but now my dreams are dashed. I don't want to be like all 'woe is to Max' but with all the rush of classes and mountains of homework and barely a moment to unpack, the bright side is slowly fading. And then Chloe always on my mind like she knows I'm here. In spite of all the work I had, I took the school bus down into town after classes ended and found myself walking out of town by the shoreline. I didn't realize how far I had gone until it was too late. Thankfully I met a boy who drove me back so I wasn't that late in getting back. His name is Alan and I guess I like him. He was nice and he helped me reflect. Now I got to go to bed. Ughhh, all this homework. I have barely caught up with classes.

16th

Life been so busy but at least I am adjusting somewhat to the Campus. I say Blackwell sucks! But the photography class under Mr. Jefferson is worth all the pain and social dysfunction I have go through. I made a few friends I think like Warren and Kate. I know a few others but never really talk. The rest are just UGH. That Vortex club group are just a bunch of uptight wealthy jerks.

20th

I saw Alan again today. I was surprised to see him standing by the football stadium opposite the Academy. I almost ignored him but you can't be stingy on friends right? He did help me and I have to say I was glad to see a friendly face. We talked a bit and he really is nice. Attentive, thoughtful. He asked how I was doing and inquired about Chloe. I wish he hadn't. I had just managed to put that out of my mind for the moment. Now as I write this, I think it was a good thing he brought it up. This is what separated me from her. Me being too busy with stuff and not making any room for her. I really need to give Chloe a ring soon.

October 1st

Yay! Autumn is here. One of my favorite seasons. Everything is a pretty orange and I made some great shots. I mean great for me. Mr. Jefferson would probably think they are amateurish. There I go doubting myself again. Bad Max. Mr. Jefferson praised my shot of Alan at the beach. I felt like squealing. I swear I must have been glowing like some sort of being when I left the class. Alan was right I do have talent, I just need to be forthcoming about it. I saw Alan again some days back. Actually he was driving by Blackwell. I recognized his car and rushed out to stop him. I surprised myself and many of my classmates were giving me looks. I guess I was just happy about seeing one of my few friends. Yes I think him a friend now. I always feel better after talking with him. This time was brief though. He was on some errand and had to speed off. I was right in thinking he was British. They have that catchy accent in their voice. I don't know what he does though. He's been careful to avoid his personal life. Wait… is that why he is so attentive? I've realized it's been me who does nearly all the talking. Nah I'm just being paranoid. I've just never touched on it directly since he politely deflects such attempts.

7th

Oh my god I just want to fall to the ground and melt away. So much work and my social life is officially hell. Kate and Warren are the only ones I really talk with. Victoria and her herd of biatches parade around the school and make life miserable for anyone not in their club. Nathan Prescott is officially the biggest asshole or arsehole, as Alan would say, around the school. Typical rich kid. His parents own Blackwell and there is nothing anybody can do against him. God I just hate the world at times. Still no time for Chloe but how hard can just a call or text be? I wish I could talk to Alan again. Bedtime now and tomorrow hell with classes. Woe to thee Max.

After scribbling her latest entry Max closed her dairy and leaned back. She sighed and got up. Her eyes fell on the guitar besides her bed. She stood undecided for a moment then walked up to the instrument and positioned herself on the couch. The soft sound of her playing floated forth as the moon came out and the stars opened their eyes. Another day's end at Blackwell.