Arcadia Bay: Blackwell Academy Parking Lot

October 11th, 2013 20:10 pm

They heard the buzzing sound of a helicopter circling above the wreckage with it's searchlights on. Despite the immense destruction inflicted upon Arcadia, the massive building of Blackwell Academy was mostly intact except for the damaged roof and broken windows. Its sturdy walls withstood the trials of nature unlike the regularly built houses which were completely eradicated by the storm. Max made sure to follow every instruction her future self left to her, except the one that suggested the Prescott bunker for shelter. Prior to the storm, the girl had visions about being trapped in the dark room, so they both agreed to find a safe place in Blackwell instead. The search after the survivors has started by government officials as the place was safe to approach again. Several medical tents have been set up around the school, where all the injured people got their treatment. Even the parking lot was full with them, where they stood amongst the groans of pain and suffering, arguing to convince the other without any progress.

"Chloe, can I talk to my daughter in private?" Vanessa Caulfield stepped closer to the punk, her tone was being sincere this time. She was exhausted from the long journey but the fear that her only daughter could have been among the casualties took more out of her than she thought. They had to leave their car at the outskirts of Arcadia, since the roads were fully covered with debris and upturned vehicles. Ryan kept reassuring her that Max is going to be fine but that wasn't enough as they saw too many injured and dead people on the way. The worrying mother noticed that something is not right with her daughter but she couldn't explain the reason behind it. Like the Max that left her home to study in Blackwell became a different person. She knew that Chloe was her best friend five years ago, but she didn't expect her daughter to rebel against their will to take her home. As a last resort she tried to speak with Max in private, hoping that she can still convince her, if Chloe is not present.

"Erhm… sure… but…" The punk's voice was trembling from the worry and hesitation until she saw the brunette's clenched fist, which was a sign of her disapproval.

"No, stay here Chloe! You need to hear this." The time traveler was determined to stand her ground no matter what. They have spent the whole week together and warned as much people of the tornado as they possibly could. Their biggest help in this was Juliet Watson, since she knew someone from the local radio station to broadcast an emergency message just a few hours before the storm. Much to their relief, most people took the warning seriously, and left the town or found some shelter to hide. But those who didn't were badly injured or ended up in a body bag. They found David the most difficult to convince of the incoming danger as he thought it's just a prank. But luckily Joyce stood up to them, so he didn't have much of a saying after that. He came up with the idea of hiding in Principle Wells office which proved to be safe, after they barricaded the windows. In the week before the disaster, Max stopped going to classes because she couldn't pretend that everything is okay and knowing that time is working against her. After David busted Jefferson and Chloe learned about Rachel's fate she was always there to comfort her. When the punk asked her to stay for the night she didn't hesitated to do so. She tried to convince herself that their friendship is just strong and there's nothing else to it until the day before the storm. They were getting ready to pack their things and go to Blackwell when suddenly Chloe kissed her briefly. Fearing it would ruin their friendship, she pulled back from it but Max quickly returned the kiss which surprised the bluenette but most of all she was happy that her feelings were reciprocated. Since that day they became inseparable.

"I'm sorry Mom but you're delusional if you think I would abandon Chloe again. I won't make the same mistake as five years ago. You have no idea how much I regret doing that to her."

She remembered their departure in 2008, when Max left her best friend when she needed her the most. It's not like she could do anything against her parents decision being only a child back then, but knowing that didn't ease the pain over her guilty conscience. However, she became an adult now who had the right to make her own decisions. The punk looked at her partner in admiration upon hearing those words but it only got Vanessa angry.

"Maxine Caulfield! Your stubbornness knows no bounds. Since when you got so attached to Chloe? You never mentioned her name while you were living with us in Seattle."

Her last sentence left it's mark in the freckled girl because she knew it was true, but it hurt Chloe a lot more as her expression revealed the sadness. But her mother didn't stop there.

"Or did she threaten you with something? Please tell us what happened to you honey. You have… changed…"

Mom, I wish I could tell you everything… But why do you assume that Chloe would threaten me? That's ridiculous even from you.

"You would never understand. We have been through a lot together this week... "

Max gently took her girlfriend's hand and continued.

"And we not only rekindled our friendship but… we realized there's… more to it."

Her mother's face lost it's color for a moment, while she tried to cover the initial shock with her hand.

"Honey, are you sure about this? I know we raised you to be open-minded but I never thought you would end up like this…"

"End up like what? I don't know what I am, only that I love her! I was hoping you would understand…"

Vanessa stopped with her reasoning as she gave an inquiring glare at her husband who was silent all this time. "Ryan, help me out already! Do you approve this?"

He cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable with the situation.

"It's been a long time since I saw you this determined Maxine so I won't try to change your mind. But me and your mother would like to keep you safe. We can find you girls a flat in Seattle if-"

"That's not gonna happen Ryan!" She interrupted her husband, giving a disapproving look.

Max ignored her mother's rant. "Thanks for the offer Dad, but I already made my decision of moving to Portland with Chloe's parents. It's only temporary until we find a place for ourselves there. But I promise I will keep in touch."

"Well… as long as you're happy together… I don't have any objections. Chloe, take care of my daughter."

"Will do, Sir!," said the surprised bluenette with a cheerful smile on her face.

"Thanks Dad! You're the best!" Max ran to her father to give him a hug.

Vanessa scolded him for not standing out for her. "You can't be serious Ryan! Think the future of our daughter for once! What kind of father are you?"

Chloe answered instead of him. "One who puts his daughter's happiness first."

She was thankful that Ryan took their side. He was always more compliant when it came to his daughter's wishes, reminding Chloe to her deceased father in a way.

Vanessa didn't like what she just heard. "Correct me if I'm wrong young lady but I don't remember asking for your opinion. I can already tell you made a bad influence on my Maxine with your self-destructive nature. I could barely recognize you. William would turn in his grave seeing you like this. And do you expect me to let her go with you?"

"Mom… please stop that!" The brunette knew her mother went too far.

Mentioning her dead father was the last straw for Chloe as she pinched her eyebrows sharply together. "No offense, Mrs. Caulfield, but you don't know shit about my dad nor about me. So I'd advise you to shut up before I say something I'll regret."

"Did… did I hear that right?" The punk girl's words hit her hard, as she needed some time to recover. "You've a sharp tongue for a…"

"Alright, it's enough!" Ryan interrupted their argument by standing between them.

"Do you even listen to yourself Vanessa? Come, let's talk this over when you calmed down."

With that said, Ryan pulled his wife away from the girls before she would make the situation even worse. They could still hear Vanessa muttering under her breath but her voice got more silent as they walked away.

Chloe watched them as they slowly disappeared from her sight. "Fuck… that escalated quickly. Your mother was right about me though. I'm so messed up… Are you mad at me Maxaroni?"

"Of course I'm not… She said very mean things to you. You didn't deserve that." The brunette embraced her waist while she was looking in the distance. "And you can't be more messed up than me…" Her eyebrows lowered, resulting a sad expression as she was about to say what weighs her mind. "My future me said I'd get back my lost memories by now but I still can't remember anything…" She looked at the bluenette expecting some hint. "What does that mean Chloe?"

"I'll be damned if I know. Maybe you just need more time… Ehrm… sorry that came out hella wrong."

"Yeah… I don't even want to think about it."

Why do I feel like I'm running out of time? The storm did it's thing… Arcadia is gone. Not like I could have prevented it anyway. I saved whoever I could… I'm not gonna guilt-trip myself for that. But Chloe is alive and we are together. That's what I wanted right? Or I just did what I was told to do?

These lingering questions have been left unanswered as Chloe distracted her train of thought.

"Ground control to Beta-Max! Are you still here?"

"Please don't call me like that! That's not funny at all…" She berated her partner in crime. She hated the idea of being only a substitue for her future self, even if it made perfect sense. And not knowing what's going to happen when she reclaims those lost memories was terrifying to her.

"Sorry about that Max. I just wanted to cheer you up, but you know me… I'm always hella inconsiderate without realizing it." The time traveler couldn't be angry at her. Most of the time she only feigned offense to make Chloe apologize.

"It's okay Chlo, I'm partly to blame."

"Ready to go now? Mom and Sgt. Pepper must have been waiting for us now. I hope we can finally leave this place tomorrow. The authorities said the roads will be cleared by then."

"Lead me the way, you dork.," said the brunette with a wide, beaming smile on her face.

The sun has risen and illuminated the freckled girl's cheeks, who slowly opened her dreamy eyes. She could hear the birds singing outside and a couple of car horns through the half opened window, letting in a cacophony of ambient sounds.

Where am I?

Am I finally back? Is Chloe… being here with me?

She noticed a vivid blue color in her peripheral vision only to find a sleeping Chloe next to her bed, leaning against the wall while sitting in a chair, with it's two front legs lifted from the floor. Without her beanie on it's place, the blue waves of messy hair could be seen, making a sharp contrast to the surrounding white walls around them. Max couldn't be happier at the sight of her best friend, after living through so many painful events just to get her back.

Why does she looks so beautiful? Even now, with the dark circles under her eyes she looks like my guardian angel. And those sweet lips, I wish I could taste them again…

The hipster blushed thinking of the kiss from another reality. It wasn't even a real kiss, but she played that scene in her head so many times, that it burnt into her brain forever. But aside from the punkster, there wasn't many things in the room which could have cheer up the brunette, let alone the reeks of chemicals in the air. She looked around in the small white painted place, which strongly resembled to a hospital room.

Things never go as I planned. I thought I'll wake up in Chloe's arms but now I don't even know where is this place. But my instincts telling me that we're not in Arcadia...

A strong pain have spread out in her elbow pit as she tried to get up from the bed. She looked at her exposed arm, to find an intravenous catheter was inserted to her vein. But it wasn't connected to the IV bag anymore.

Shit! I must have been passed out for long. The journey in my own dimension really took it's toll on me. I can only hope that place doesn't exist anymore.

The bluenette was still sleeping peacefully in her uncomfortable position, but Max didn't want to wake her up. Instead, she stood up and decided to walk over to the window to get some fresh air. But it took more effort than she would have thought, feeling dizzy from the medications the doctors pumped into her. The view to outside was unfamiliar, along with all the ambulance cars parking in the courtyard.

I wonder who survived the storm. I think Joyce and David are okay. If 'Beta-Max' followed my instructions, they should be alive. But regarding the others I don't know…

She remembered someone very special to her. Kate! I… I have to know if she survived. I made a promise to save her.

Not like she would have used her powers to bring her back, since she was too afraid of the consequences after seeing the dark place. The best she could hoped for is that her counterpart saved her. Max reached for her phone laying on the bedside cabinet and checked the current time first.

10/19/2013 6:05 am

Oh gosh. Is it Saturday already? Time travel really fucks with my head. Let's figure this out… Looks like I slept through a day, although I can't really call that sleeping.

The freckled girl slapped herself in the forehead when realized what's going on.

It all makes sense now. When I arrived to this timeline the other me closed me out of her consience somehow and I… must have passed out. But wait… Does that mean that Beta-Max could spend two weeks with Chloe without having to search for Rachel? I don't blame her for the hostility towards me but… I can't stop feeling jealous at her. Or at myself? Argh… this is so wrong.

She searched through the messages, to find any clues that Kate is fine and well, when her eyes caught something.

'Kate Marsh - 1 new message.'

Excitement and fear has taken over the girl, as she opened the discussion.

Max 10/10/2013 5:42 pm

Listen to me, Kate! It's the last time I'm warning you. The storm will come and you're gonna die if you stay. Catch the bus and get out of town. NOW!

Kate 10/11/2013 3:35 pm

Max! You were right all along! I'm so sorry that I have ever doubted in you. I went back to my parents as you asked. I just watched the news and it's horrible what happened to Arcadia Bay. I'll pray for your safety.

Thank God you're alive Kate. The town is no more... But I should let her know that I'm okay.

She was relieved to know that Kate is alive and well, ignoring everything else in her phone, until she saw all the missed calls and the unread messages from her parents.

Damn, how could I forget about you guys? You must have been worried sick about me.

She felt guilty for not even thinking about them in the first place.

Mom 10/11/2013 11:28 am

Honey! Why don't you answer to our calls? Me and your father are worried to death about you. Please give me a call or at least send a text when you get this message. We love you!

Dad 10/11/2013 2:45 pm

Maxine. Pop here. We just got the news about that crazy tornado. We're packing our stuff now, ready to get you. Please let us know if you get this message. Love, Pop

I have to tell them that I'm 'fine'. But what should I say to them? That I ended up in a hospital after having a mental breakdown? They would want to take me back to Seattle… but I can't let hat happen. I want to stay with Chlo-

Chloe's tired voice distracted her train of thought.

"Max? Where did you-?" She psyched out for a moment, jumping up from her seat, looking at the empty bed. But the punk relieved quickly upon seeing the brunette standing in front of the window, who looked so fragile in her hospital gown. Both girls released a collected breath and rushed into each other's arms for a tight, long lasting embrace. The time traveler realized how much she craved for the closeness of the punk's body, even with her smoke saturated clothes it was like a dream come true for the smaller girl. Despite all of this, it surprised even herself, when she was the one pulling away first from the hug.

"I did so much to bring you back, Chloe…" said the freckled girl in a faltering voice.

But she got a flashback mid-sentence, they were standing at the beach in Arcadia Bay, while the tornado was headed for the city. The bluenette gave her a searching gaze, desperate to find some comfort in her best friend's words.

"…and it worked. It actually worked."

No, that was another reality. I'm not… we're not there anymore.

"Max, you're still tripping…" the bluenette's voice was full of worry. "Like yesterday, before you passed out. You totally freaked me out. I… I didn't know what to do, I was so helpless."

"Chloe, you have to tell me everything." She gently touched the other girl's wrist, pulling her to the bed to sit down. "I can't remember anything that happened this week… I mean… in the past two weeks actually. But what's more important is that… Joyce and David… please tell me…"

"They're fine Maxi. " Chloe lets out a puff of air which says otherwise. "Well, except the trauma my mother went through when she saw our house leveled to the ground. But Step-dork is there for her. He's tough as nails, sometimes it surprises me how is he doing it. We tried to warn as many people as we could Max…" She shook her head with disapproval, "…but that wasn't enough…"

"I'm so sorry Chloe…" The brunette noticed only now that she is still holding her best friend's hand but Chloe was comfortable with it as she looked deeply into her eyes.

Damn. I think Beta-Max spent more time with her than I ever did. I wonder where we stand now…

Since they didn't search for Rachel, as they already knew about her fate. But she felt it's not the right time for a mushy moment because she needed to know what happened.

"It must have been tough for you to handle all of this. But where are we now?"

"In Portland, state hospital. My mom and Sgt. Pepper rented a flat just a few streets away. It's a shithole to be honest, but at least we have a place to go."

The time traveler raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Portland?" She finally took her eyes off from the blue haired girl, tilting her head down to stare at nothing in particular. "I'm sorry to cause you trouble... I hate being a burden to you…"

Chloe glides her hand on the back of Max's to comfort her. "Don't say that Maxaroni! If anyone is a burden that would be me. You had to save my ungrateful ass over and over again… I have a feeling I said this before, but being together is the best thing I could have hoped for. Except for what happened to Rachel…"

Of course, for Chloe the death of Rachel was devastating but not to Max, she just couldn't help but felt unsensible about her fate. She didn't know her but it wasn't only for that. Reliving the same week countless times even if being unaware of it most of the time, made her cold on the inside. Still, her feelings towards Chloe remained the same if not even stronger. At this point it was obvious that she was deeply in love with her, but she didn't know if the punk would reciprocate her feelings. She raised her head and their eyes met once again.

The words came automatically, which surprised even the freckled girl. "What do I mean to you Chloe? I would like to hear an honest answer. I won't be mad or disappointed if you…"

The answer came sooner than she had expected. The bluenette quickly closed the distance between them and gently touched Max's red cheeks with both hands until their lips met in a passionate kiss. This was nothing like the dare kiss that Max had a fond memory of and not even like their departing one at the lighthouse. She wanted to stay in this moment forever, feeling the electricity in the air around them.

"Woah…" That was all the brunette could muster in response as she was still savoring the sweet taste and softness of Chloe's warm lips.

"Honest enough for you Maxipad?," the punk asked her with a seductive grin.

The time traveler punched her on the shoulder playfully. "You're such a dork… but you're my dork."

The punk changed her posture like she just remembered something. "Now that Beta-Max is gone... you've changed. It's a silly name I came up with when she… I mean… when you told me about your time travel powers. You hated it, but I still kept using it from time to time cause I enjoyed how hard you tried to be angry at me, but you just couldn't." She slowly caressed her partner's face while she could hear the rise in Max's breathing, before continued.

"I know there's still a glimpse of the old you, but being more distant. I can't find the right words to describe it. Please whatever you do, just don't use your powers anymore… I'm so afraid of losing you, Max." Chloe's expression changed to worry, like she could have started to cry in any second.

"I know exactly how you feel, Chlo. I really felt like I'm not myself anymore, but that's over… I have been at a horrible place while I was unconscious… I don't even want to talk about it, at least not yet. And I promise I won't use my powers, unless I have to save you again."

I hope I will get Beta-Max memories soon. It's a mistery why I still can't remember those.

The sound of the turning door knob distracted them as a man in white coat stepped in the room. He gave a curious look to the girls while adjusting his glasses as they slid down his nose.

"I'm glad to see you awake, Maxine. My name is Dr. Hartley and I'm a neurologist. As much as I hate to bring bad news, I'm going to cut straight to the point. We had to find the reason of the symptoms you're suffering from, so we have put you through an MRI scan."

He calmly reached for the dossier that was clutched under his armpit and showed the films to the freckled girl, pointing at a highlighted place on the picture.

"What you see here is bleeding in your brain tissues. It's located in the hippocampus which is responsible for processing and storing new memories. In other words, you had a hippocampal stroke. So I'm afraid the chances are high that it resulted in a partial memory loss. We don't know how severe it is yet, so it would be best for you to rest some more. We'll keep you under observation for a couple more days before letting you go."

Max looked blankly at the films like she was somewhere else. Then she turned towards Chloe, who was already fighting with her tears.

So this is the price I have to pay if I'm messing around with time. And here I thought my sufferings ended, but it looks like they just started...

She noticed the man was expecting some kind of response to what he just said earlier. "That explains why I can't remember the past two weeks…" The doctor's words didn't struck her as much, as she felt that something went horribly wrong, ever since she started using her power.

Dr. Hartley looked at the punk who covered her mouth in shock. "Your friend… Chloe was it? Sorry, I'm terrible with names." He scratched his white-haired beard wondering if his memory had failed him, but Chloe approved it with a quick nod.

"Well, she mentioned you had serious headaches and nosebleeds recently. You should have take those signs more seriously. The stroke could have been possibly avoided if you come for a check up sooner."

Chloe snapped at him as her frustration grew. "Possibly huh? You either know this or not. Stop guilt-tripping her, doc. It's not like you know anything about her."

"I did know! …But I kinda forgot."

What? Do I hear voices in my head again? Max was terrified as she felt like sliding back in time.

"You either know this or not, Max. Is there anybody here who knows their stuff?"

As the time traveler looked at the doctor, his face took the shape of Jefferson's for a moment, who gave a creepy smile to her.

What's happening? This is all in my head!

"Shh, I believe Max has taken what you kids call a 'selfie'…"

"Go away! I don't want to go back! No!"

The punk girl held her partner's shoulders, trying to calm her down. "Everything is alright, Max! I'm right here!"

"My power is working on it's own Chloe! I can't… control it… any- more…" She felt her voice getting weaker with each word but couldn't help it.

Her vision was blurred, not being able to see the faces but she could still hear their voices. "She's having a panic attack, lay her down! Breath slowly Maxine, take a deep breath!"

"Oh god… her nose is bleeding again… You're stronger than this, Maxi! Fight against it!"

The punk could see Max's mouth moving, trying to form the words but she lost her voice completely. "Chloe… I'm so sorry… it's all my fault..." The world slowly faded away and everything was silent, which filled her with happiness she never experienced before.

"People of the Vortex Club! Everybody raise your hands in the air. Make some noise… for the legendary Green Velvet! Let me hear ya!"

The mass went crazy as they heard their favorite DJ's music. Max found herself standing in the middle of the crowd and felt her pulse quickening as the loud bass music filled the club. The dance floor was fully packed with underaged boys and girls having fun. Some of the partiers were dancing in the pool lacking clothes with glow sticks in their hands.

This can't be happening. I went back in time but how far back? This is not the Vortex Club party I remember. Also what's with the music? Shitty house and techno all the way. No wonder I have never been to parties like this. And of course, I can't stand the crowd.

More questions popped in her mind as she went on, looking for answers.

So why am I here? What do I have to do this time?

The hipster squeezed herself through the crowd while looking around in a hope to find familiar faces, but she didn't see any. The flashing lights made their look somewhat mysterious.

I just hope I won't run into Nathan or even worse…

Even in her thoughts, she felt disgusted by him, not to mention the once deeply adored art teacher. Finally she reached the VIP section, as she expected to find some answers there.

Let's see how this goes… It worked like a charm last time, but only because I licked Courtney's ass to get in.

"Oh, you must be the new girl around here. I was wondering when you would show up." A smiling, brown haired girl greeted her at the reception desk.

"What? Do you know me?" The time traveler didn't recognize the girl so she could be only guessing about the reason of the warm welcome.

"Ha, like I'd not know! Everybody is talking about you, Maxine Caulfield. Enjoy yourself!" With that being said, she signaled the security guy with her hand to let her in.

The VIP crowd wasn't any different from the other, as far as Max could tell. She divided them into two groups, to dancers and drinkers. Little did she know that soon she'll discover the third group. She found a safe heaven from all her anxiety, which was the restroom for now. The girl washed her face and looked into the mirror.

What the…?

Her own looks caught the freckled girl off guard, as she was wearing a punk rock style outfit, and her hair was dyed to cherry red. She carefully touched the silky lines and decided to like it after all.

And I'm wearing makeup?

Lots of it actually, as the freckles on her face were barely visible. Max could have count the times when she used makeup in her life. A few occasions her classmates in Seattle forced her to do it before going to a school ball, but even then she didn't feel like herself. She was never the type to bother too much with her looks.

I don't belong here that's for sure. But I'm not here to study my looks. Also, where is my shoulder bag? I know I would always carry my camera around. Looks like this version of me doesn't like photography…

Before she could sink deeper into her thoughts, a loud noise of a slamming door disturbed her. It revealed a staggering, visibly drunk student coming in singing cheerfully.

"I'm goooiiing dooown to Laaaa-Laaaa-Laaand!"

The boy with glasses could barely stand on his feet, forcing Max to realize there's a third group in her labeling, the stoned ones. She couldn't help but giggle on the thought.

"Get your drunk ass out here asshole! This is the girl's restroom!" A short haired blond girl stepped out from the stalls to scold him when he opened the door on her.

"Chill out Vic… I'm ash sober ash 'm gonna git. I wash lookin' for Raaechel." The boy tried to calm down the blonde girl who was angry at him.

"She's not here, so get lost!" The girl grabbed his shoulders to push him out the restroom.

"Gerroff me! Ya know she's better than you and there's nuffink you can do 'boutit." he said, as the girl pushed him out the door.

At least Victoria haven't changed a bit. Max thought, as she witnessed the quarrel between them.

Wait… Did he say Rachel? Is this some kind of sick joke? Now I really have to find some answers.

The queen-bee pivoted in her spot and took a glance at Max from top to toe, until she cleared her throat to get the brunette's attention who was spacing out.

"Erhm… I haven't seen you around here before, but I can already tell you'll fit right in, just by looking at you. I'm Victoria Chase, a name you must have heard by now. And that dizzy fellow was Justin … drunk and probably high as always…"

"I'm…" She stopped for a moment hesitating to tell her name, but she didn't find any reason not to. "Maxine Caulfield, but I prefer to be called just Max."

"Welcome to the Vortex Club… Maxine." The pixie-cut girl let out a snort of laughter, making it obvious that she said it intentionally. "Now go and party like it's your last day on earth."

A/N: First of all, I apologize keeping you waiting for so long. Real life always got in the way, either in the form of work or just me being clueless about how I should continue the story. It was hard to focus on writing in the past two month, but I plan to publish my chapters more frequently in the future.

I would like to give some credit to bigb3ar-2nd who helped me tremendously in my writing. Thanks for your support and being a good friend! :)

As always, any reviews or feedbacks are greatly appreciated.