What Lies Ahead

You've really done it this time, Maxine Caulfield. No. Max, never Maxine. You use your full name like your parents always did when they were about to chew you out about something. You feel like you deserve it now more than ever. You just let an E6 tornado destroy a town. No, you didn't let it happen, you *MADE* it happen. It doesn't even feel real. You sacrificed a whole town for your best friend. How could you do that? Your head spins. It feels like just another bad dream, another time flashback and it'll be over soon, right? Did you do the right thing? You can't fix this one Max. You never could fix any of this. The only winning move was not to play. And yet here you are, having messed with time more than ever. No telling How many survived. Or didnt...
You look over at Chloe. You haven't even thought about what she's feeling yet. She has a thousand yard stare, her piercing gaze focused on the road, brow furrowed as if deep in concentration, but you know she isn't really watching what's going on. She's got a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel, her entire body tensed as if ready to strike at any moment. No way to know how she's feeling. She hasn't even seemed to notice you watching her. Poor Chloe. The last thing she needed was another disaster in her life. And then you showed up. She said how happy she was to be with you again, but she doesn't know how much you've given up, other people's lives even, to be with her for even a little longer. The town... Joyce... How long before she finds out? Will she hate you? Is this nightmare over yet? You continue to stare into the Oregon seaside out the truck's window. On any other day, beautiful, but today...Just haunting.
You decide to get Chloe's attention, see how she's doing. As you touch her shoulder she jumps, jerking the steering wheel, the truck slightly skidding as she reacts to your advance.
>"Jesus Christ! Don't scare me like that!"
Nicely done Max.
You apologize frantically and she seems to ease up
>"Are you okay?"
>"Well I managed to keep us from dying just then so I've got that going for me. Didn't need you to bail me out this time."
>"Chloe, seriously."
She stares out the window again.
>"Is this even real Max? Did I really just watch my entire town get destroyed? It just feels like a nightmare but I won't wake up"
You know that feeling. That's what this entire week has been like. Just one big nightmare. But it seems to be near the end. It's too late to go back. What's done is done. Enough fucking with time. Everyone has suffered enough because of your meddling.
>"I can't even think about that place. I always wanted to leave Arcadia Bay, I just never thought I'd be running for my life when I did it."
She seems to be avoiding talking to you about why you did what you did. You're pretty grateful for that in all honesty.
>"Cell phone service must be down with the tower. When emergency comes in we'll try to find out who survived, but for now I just want to get away. Far away."
You recall seeing the carnage in Arcadia Bay, entire buildings just gone. The aforementioned cell phone tower partially crushing a building, mangled and twisted like a coat hanger. The burned out diner... Joyce. Frank. Warren. Did they make it out in this timeline? Did anyone? A pit forms in your gut. Who knows who made it. But what you do know is the one person that matters most of all is still here. Chloe. Is. Safe. And your still not going to let anything, even reality itself, change that.
>"Where do we go now?"
>"I don't know, Max."
>"Probably not too far. I think we should be back in town as soon as we can."
Chloe seems apprehensive about that.
>"Yeah, yeah... You're right. As usual. I just need some time away from Arcadia Bay. You understand why."
You both lapse into silence again. You scoot over to the middle seat of the truck, resting your head on Chloe's shoulder, wrapping your arm around hers. She feels warm, and smells like smoke and the salty sea air as you inhale on the nape of her neck. Like Chloe. You'd make a candle out of that smell if you could. She seems to relax at your embrace, resting her head on top of yours. Nearly another hour of driving goes by like this, both of you silent with your thoughts. It's almost relaxing, despite everything that's happened.
You don't even try to fight dozing off. You can't remember how long it's been since you got a good night of sleep. You wake up to the closing of a car door. It's pitch black outside now, and a cursory look around shows Chloe stopped at a gas station while you were out. The ancient lamps of a lonely gas station along the Oregon coast dimly light up the parking lot, Chloe's truck the only vehicle around. A look at the clock shows you've been driving for at least 2 hours. You check your phone, no new messages. News takes a while to spread out of a small, isolated town like Arcadia, especially with communication down. It might be for the best in that your parents aren't currently worried sick about you. You decide you'll call them tomorrow. Motion catches your eye in the parking lot as Chloe leaves the gas station and returns to the truck.
>"welcome back sleepyhead, glad you could join me."
She lays her purchases on the seat, coffee, snacks for the trip, and another blanket, the other one of which you realize had been wrapped around you while you slept.
>"Where are we?"
>"Oz"
Good to see Chloe is getting back to her old self.
>"Seriously though I'm hella tired. Last thing we need is more danger. Sleep time."
That nap didn't leave you feeling all that well wrested. You suggest throwing some cusions from the seats in the truck bed to sleep on, and Chloe seems to immediately take to the idea.
After a short argument between Chloe and the seat cusions of the truck you get a decently comfortable bed set up in the back of the truck. You keep your blanket from earlier as you and Chloe sit on the tailgate drinking your coffee
under the stars, the rhythmic crashing of the ocean providing an underlying baritone to the accompaniment of crickets and the occasional long-haul semi passing the parking lot you've set up in. The thin veneer of salt in the air makes your skin tingle in the nighttime breeze. Each star in the sky a distant point of light. A million lighthouses painted haphazardly across the sky. You wonder if anyone out there has had a more fucking mental week than you have. Hell, anything's possible. Your drinks finished you decide to turn in for the night. You occupy the right side of the bed while Chloe takes the new blanket for herself, hanging her trademark beanie on the bed rail. As you drift off to sleep you hear constant fidgeting from her side.
>"Fuck this fucking blanket! It's goddamn itchy as hell!"
Such a way with words.
>"Why not get rid of it then?"
Chloe feigns ignorance, taking an oblivious tone
>"But Maaaxxxx, how can one blanket reach all the way over here?"
>"Don't worry, I'll figure it out, I'm smart like that."
>"Okay you're pushing it. Dibs big spoon, nothing you can do about it"
You can live with that. You feel Chloe leap over your body in a single fell swoop, worming under the blanket and throwing her arm across your chest, pulling you tight. The feeling of her warm breath across your neck and the rhythmic breathing against your back is intoxicating. You actually could stay here forever. You feel yourself start to doze away into bliss...right until Chloe plants a kiss on your neck, startling you out of your reverie.
>"Ha, made you jump. Now we're even for earlier."
Oh Chloe. You have no idea what you've started. Thoughts of sweet revenge fill your last thoughts as you finally lapse into some much-needed sleep.
http://pastebin.com/EwCvx4yU
You wake to a thin, cool layer of morning dew and sea mist covering your face. You haven't slept this well in weeks. The nights of the past week have been mostly spent awake, staring at the ceiling and trying to comprehend the crazy turn your life has taken. Being asleep made you feel vulnerable. But with Chloe here, you felt safer than you ever have. You feel like here, with her arm draped across your chest and gentle breathing providing a warm and soothing rhythm into your back, was where you were always meant to be. A cursory glance at the sky indicates it's almost sunrise. Your movement has woken Chloe, who gives a slight groan as she looks around, blinking drowsily in the morning light. Even as she stretches, she doesn't let go of you, which you're very happy about. She lets out a yawn and turns to face you, barely more than a silhouette in the darkness.
>"Mornin'"
>"Good morning. How'd you sleep?"
>"Pretty good, you snore like a freakin' beast though."
>"Oh shut up, I do not."
>"How about you?"
>"Never slept better in my life. I'm never sleeping without you again."
That's not exactly how you meant to phrase that.
>"Oh is that so Ms. Max?"
You know she's giving you one of THOSE looks, the one where she's wiggling her eyebrows suggestively with that dumb smile on her face
>"That's not what I meant and you damn well know it."
>"You'll come around eventually. And yes that was a double... enter..."
>"Entendre?"
>"I was gonna say that, you just interrupted me."
Only awake for 30 seconds and she's already pushing your buttons. The two of you go about your morning business, having some more coffee and some snacks from last night. Man, your parents would kill you if they saw you eating cookies for breakfast.  Chloe goes to have a smoke, sitting on the hood of the truck while you climb onto the roof with your camera to take some shots of the sunrise. The orange hue reflecting off the still morning waters of the Oregon coast is always beautiful, but during the golden hour, simply stunning. You wish you had more film to capture every second of this. An idea pops into your head, so you hop off the truck and postion Chloe's barely lit figure against the morning sun. Perfect.
>"You really want me messing up your picture?"
More than anything in the world.
>"Wasn't beautiful enough, figured I would add a little more beauty to it"
Chloe is doubled over laughing now.
>"You're such a fucking sap, Max."
>"Come on, you like my sappiness."
>"I'll admit, it is nice for a woman of extraordinary hotness to be to recognized for once."
She's right, but you're not gonna let her off that easy.
>"Oh yeah? Like who?"
Chloe puts on a fake look of shock and offense, pulling into an exaggerated and frankly adorable pout, crossing her arms and frowning at you.
You snap a couple more shots of Chloe, inspecting each before putting them in your bag. Shame you'll never get to submit to that art contest. This one looks like a winner. One of your best, even. You hop back onto the hood of the truck with Chloe, scooting next to her and resting your head on her shoulder as she puts her arm around you. You briefly wonder if there's a way to carry her like a backpack so you never have to leave this position. Your silly thought makes you grin a little bit. Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of another vehicle crunching though the gravel of the parking lot and stopping next to the truck. A cursory glance reveals it's a beat up, stained RV. The massive vehicle lurches to a stop and the driver quickly staggers out the worn door, ancient hinges creaking under the duress.
>"Frank! You're alive!"
Chloe hops away from the truck and runs over to meet him, you follow suit, but still keep your distance. You don't fully trust him or his dog. Speaking of, Pompidou seems to trust you just fine. He's jumping up on your leg and excitedly yapping. You give him a good scratch on the head to satisfy him for a minute.
>"As alive as I can be, all things considered. Glad to see you two made it out. So's Pompidou."
Chloe is the first to speak up.
>"How'd you make it out of there?"
>"Like I told Max, I was not gonna die in that fuckin' diner. I've got a lot of things to make good on before I kick it, and I figured the only chance I had was to drive like hell and hope for the best. Barely beat the thing out of there. How'd you two weirdos do it?"
This is the first you've even talked about the lighthouse since it happened.
>"We were up at the lighthouse. Out of the path of the thing, barely. It was horrible. Watched the whole thing happen."
>"Well both of us are just glad you're alright. And Max. Thanks for telling me what happened with Rachael. It hurts what happened, but at least I can move on now. Literally."
Chloe sends you a sidelong glance. You'll explain later.
>"Where will you go?"
>"Buddy of mine down in Albuquerque says he's got a new business idea and I've got the right skills to help him out. I'm dubious, but it's not like I've got anywhere else better to go. I haven't left Arcadia Bay in years. I felt like I needed to stay in case she came back. But that's done now. I need to move on. Start a new life, do right by somebody for once. Might as well start now. Chloe, consider your debt even. You two have helped me get on with my life before I got shot or someshit like that and I'd consider that worth it. Figure it's about time I got moving. You two take it easy. Stay safe, and for once in your lives stay out of trouble."
And with that Frank was gone. You'd never thought it would happen but you were happy to see him again. He's not a bad guy. Just a confused man trying to make a life out how he can. Hopefully he turns it around.
You decide it's finally time to let your parents know you're okay. Better to do it yourself than let them find out. You decide to call your father, he'd be more level headed than your mom, she did always worry. He picks up almost immediately, sounding cheerful to hear from you. You only tell him about the tornado, you're not sure you want to, or even actually could, describe the other events of this week to someone else. His mood goes somber, you can hear the shock in his voice, but he's immensely relieved you're okay. He asks what your plans are, and you realize you don't have any at the moment. After deliberating with Chloe for a short time, you decide to drive up to Seattle. It's about 5 hours, but you won't be able to pass through Arcadia Bay, the only route, until the debris is cleared, which will take at least a day or two. So you've got some time to kill. When sitting with Chloe again you have an epiphany.
>"Wait, this is the 101 isn't it?"
>"Yeah, why?"
>"Isn't Superworld down here?"
>"Oh fuck Max! You're right! I loved that place when we were young."
You and Chloe's family always took a summer trip to spend a day at Superworld, a decently large amusement park nestled in the Oregon hills.
>"You were always too chickenshit to ride the SuperCoaster, I remember you crying because you didn't want to go"
>"I did not!"
Chloe acts tough but you know she's still a big softie when it comes to heights. You can use this to your advantage.
>"We're going. And I'm gonna kick that coaster's ass. Not gonna take any shit from a ride."
We'll see, Chloe. Going to the old park for old times sake is a perfect detour while you wait for Arcadia to be cleared, and you leave immediately.
>>150687578
>"Closed? The fuck do you mean it's closed?"
Chloe angrily stares down the rusted padlock keeping the worn gates tightly shut.
">This is bullshit, fuck you gate!"
Doesn't look like the place has operated for years. The salty air has not been kind, the metal of the entrance is rusting and full of holes, while the aging paint has begun to flake off.
>"I'm gonna pick this, I'm not going 0-2 on doors, god dammit. No Max Magic stuff this time."
After a few minutes of angry muttering she doesn't seem to have made any progress and is just getting frustrated. She's doubly upset when she sees you waving from the other side of the fence.
>"I hate you. So what time girl magic did you use this time?"
You casually nod towards the waist high hole in the fence Chloe failed to notice until now.
>"Oh."
And with that, you've made it into Superworld. As you walk down the main thoroughfare leading to the park, long faded banners with dated mascots waving in the wind provide the only sound as you wander the long forgotten road. A few hundred yards and you find yourself at the main entrance. You stop in your tracks.
>"Shit Chloe."
>"What?"
The tone of worry is creeping into her voice.
>"I forgot to bring money for admission."
The two of you share a laugh, the sound echoing through long-since abandoned rides and games. Probably the only sounds of joy this place has heard in years. One hop of a turnstile later and you're in. Memories of years past flood in. Memories of you and Chloe. Of William. Better times. When being early enough to beat the lines for the roller coaster was all you had to worry about. But bygones are bygones. You're just glad you get to visit this place one last time, with Chloe too. Chloe seems excited as well.
>"Oh there's the ring toss where I won that giant bear! And the trash can where you threw up after eating too much cotton candy!"
Okay, maybe not all good memories.
The two of you mill around the park, Chloe excitedly running around and breaking things, while you take some shots of the aging park. Decaying buildings and the like were always one of your favorite things to photograph. The roller coaster is especially interesting, a chaotic mesh of wooden beams, many of which have fallen away, leaving a husk that almost looks like the skeleton of an ancient beast. You can just see the stories it can tell in the photos you're taking. Black and white really brings out the depth and texture of the wood. Some landscape shots would also be great, so you decide to climb up a nearby observation tower. You remember this was always the last stop on your trips to Superworld, you'd sit up here and watch the sunset as the park closed for the day. Now it's completely rusted over but will still serve it's purpose.
>"Max I don't think we should go up there!"
>"Come on you big baby, it's fine"
That ought to get her moving.
>"God dammit."
After a dozen or so flights of stairs you reach the top. The wind whistles through the rusted holes in the metal railings, and you can slightly feel the whole structure moving in the breeze. You walk off the top stair, and come to a stop as Chloe takes a vice grip of your hand.
>"Okay Max we made it up, we can come down now!"
>"Hang on, gotta get some shots first."
You let go of Chloe and walk towards the railing as you set your camera up.
>"Max come back here right now"
She's got a strong hold on the stair railing now, she's refusing to move from the middle of the platform. As ripe of a time it would be to pay her back for earlier, you don't want to stress her out too much. You take the rest of your shots and return to her. She grabs your and practically drags you down the stairs.
>"What's the matter Chloe? I thought you liked being high."
>"I'm not even going to dignify that with a response."
The rusted out Ferris wheel seems like as good a spot as any to rest. You wish you had more film, you could take a million photos of this place and still not be satisfied. You and Chloe climb into the lowered Ferris wheel gondola and break out some snacks you brought in your bag. After a few minutes of sharing memories in the park, Chloe pipes up, her mouth still full of food.
>"Gotta say, it's hella nice not having any lines here for once. Even if none of the rides, you know, work."
>"I like it more abandoned. So many good pictures here."
>"You're so hella artistic Max, I don't know why you hang out with uncultured swine like me"
>"Well I've got nothing better to do."
>"I'm still mad at you for dragging me up that tower. I don't let people boss me around, but you're pretty controlling. I don't know how to feel about that."
Her voice is dripping sarcasm even more than usual.
>"Oh am I?"
>"Yeah, you're kinda commanding."
Oh she wants to see commanding? You'll show her commanding, god dammit. You strike out, grabbing her by the back of the ears and pulling her into a deep kiss.
>"mmph!"
Nope, Max time. Max is in control now. Once her brain catches up, you feel her let out a sigh and lean into you, her hands coming to rest on your hips. You run your fingers through her hair slowly. She seems to like that. You decide to go for more, pulling her back into you, causing her to sit on your lap as you keep going into the kiss. After what feels like eternity you pull away, heart still aflutter as you both try to catch your breath.
>"How's that for commanding?"
>"Pwah...I...hah..."
>"That's what you get for not kissing me the other day."
She's still speechless, but it doesn't matter. As you look into her eyes you can tell everything you want to know. Those beautiful blue eyes. As you stare into them the whole world falls away. Nothing else matters. Just the girl wrapped in your arms. Your best friend and, as you've recently learned, also the love of your life.
You realize you've never even told her that. Does she even understand how much she means to you?
>"I... I like assertive Max. Assertive Max is good."
She still hasn't left your lap. And you don't want her to. You put your hands around her waist and pull her into a hug. She responds in turn, nuzzling into your neck.
>"Hey Chloe?"
>"Mmmm. Hey what?"
>"I love you."
She pulls back to look at you. She's blushing in a very not Chloe like way. You've never seen her flustered like this.
>"You mean that?"
>"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"
>"Its just... I never thought I'd hear that again, after everything that happened. Didn't feel like I was worth it."
>"Chloe. You are worth it. You've always been my best friend. And you always will be. After everything that's happened, im never gonna let you go. I fucked with the very fabric of reality to be here with you. We'll be together. Forever."
You grab her under the chin and look deep into her eyes to accentuate that last point.
>"Okay. I'll believe you. After this week, I'll follow you anywhere. I feel like I owe you that."
>"You don't owe me anything."
>"Good. Because I don't have shit for cash."
The two of you sit together for what feels like an eternity, just staring into each other's eyes.
>"Oh, and Max?"
>"Yes?"
She leans in and kisses you. Softly. Not as vigorous as before, but it somehow feels more passionate than before.
>"I love you too. Forever."
The sun is beginning to fall now, so you and Chloe decide to leave the park before it gets too dark. You're walking together, holding hands, when a glint in the distance catches your eye. A flashlight. Shit. You both notice at nearly the same time, sharing a panicked glance.
>"Hide!"
You scan the surroundings for a place to hide. An ancient carnival game stand seems as good a place as any. You leap over the counter, still holding Chloe's hand. In your haste you knock over an errant board resting against the wall, and it, along with a box of light bulbs, come smashing to the ground at your feet. The sound is practically deafening.
>"Fuck! We gotta move!"
>"No time! Under the counter!"
You duck under the table just as the flashlight beam sweeps through the both over your head. It hovers on the broken glass for what feels like an eternity. You hold your breath. You feel any movement will give you up. The guard keeps his light trained on your hiding place for far too long without moving. The silence is crushing, the sound of your own heartbeat pounding in your ears is so intense you worry it'll be heard from outside. All he has to do is look over the counter and you're done for. And yet after an intense wait, the light finally sweeps away, the sound of crunching gravel fading into the distance. After making sure it was gone for good, you let out the breath you've been holding for what feels like hours.
>"Max Caulfield outfoxes law enforcement yet again."
>"Sure. No way did you fuck it up and rewound and didn't plan on telling me."
You make a break for the exit, Chloe in tow, laughing at your latest exploit, making off like bandits into the night.
A quick jog to the truck, and you've successfully evaded law enforcement yet again. You're really not sure if you want this to become a habit. Chloe seems to enjoy it at least.
>"Damn, Danger Max. You ever see yourself doing things like that when you first came to Arcadia Bay?"
>"Definitely not even once, let alone 3 times in one week."
>"Looks like I'm a pretty bad influence on you. I've corrupted the naive and innocent nerd we all know and love."
>"Yup. I'm doomed. Doomed to a life of crime because I went in a swimming pool when I wasn't supposed to."
>"Happens to the best of us."
>"That said, I really could do without anymore stress this week. I'm afraid my hair is going to fall out or something."
>"Amen to that. Why don't you check the maps I've got, maybe there's somewhere around here we can actually relax at."
After scanning the map for a few minutes you find the perfect solution.
>"Hot springs? There's one not far from here apparently."
>"Fuck. Yes. Let's go."
A short drive later and you arrive at your next destination. It's a short hike to get to the spring from the parking lot, which mercifully appears to be empty. Hiking even a mellow trail is difficult with only the short beam of your phone's light, but you're managing, stumbling a few times, but Chloe is always there to catch you. It takes about 15 minutes, but eventually you make it to your destination.
>"Its so nice out here."
Chloe dips a hand in the pool, letting out a slight gasp as she does.
>"Water is hella perfect."
>"Ya'know the best part about being out here? Every hot spring is clothing optional."
You choke on the water you unfortunately decided to drink at that moment. Chloe is sympathetic as always, doubled over with laughter at you.
>"I was only kidding dude!"
The tranquil silence of the forest night is shattered by the sound of Chloe cackling and then being smacked in the head with a plastic water bottle.
You can't help but giggle a bit yourself. Chloe has always been great at bugging you like that. And because of that she never expects you to retaliate.
>"You know, I never said I wasn't okay with that."
Now Chloe is giving you the deer in the headlights look. My how the tables have turned. You both share a laugh again.
>"Nice try. But you're gonna have to try harder than that. I'm not that easy, you know."
"We'll see about that.", you think to yourself. The spring looks incredible though, the perfect way to relax after the week you've had. You can't help but notice that Chloe has started to undress. Dont look. Bad Max. Bad. Yet you still can't help but sneak glances at her.
>"See somethin' you like?"
Oops. You decide to get it over with, and undress yourself. You're not exactly prepared to go swimming, but it'll have to work. You notice once you finish that Chloe has been watching the whole time.
>"I should ask you the same thing."
>"At least I'm not trying to pretend I'm not watching you."
Well, since it's blatantly obvious, might as well stop trying to hide it, right?
>"So are we gettin' in this thing or are you just gonna stand there eyeing me up all night?"
You could go for either. You've always thought Chloe was pretty, but seeing her like this...she's stunning. The light of the moon is glistening off her skin, giving her an almost angelic glow. You trace every curve of her body with your eyes, from her slim shoulders to her thin stomach and the thin lines of her ribs cutting across her chest. You wish you had a body like hers, tall with perfect shapely hips and toned legs. If you could capture even a hundredth of this level of beauty in your pictures you'd be the next Ansel Adams.
>"O-okay Max. We should probably go in now."
She's blushing a deep red and biting her lip. And you're standing there transfixed like a weirdo. You snap out of your trance and follow her into the water.
>"After you."
Okay, now don't stare at her butt. Don't do it Max. Dont. Actually, you know what? Fuck it. You've earned it. Chloe notices you again, this time she smirks and your swear she rolls her hips forward and arches her back to show off more. Tease.
>"Jeeze Max, could you be any-"
She doesn't finish her sentence before you plant your foot between her shoulder blades and boot her face first into the water. She comes up coughing and spitting water as you laugh at her from the edge. She swims over to where you're standing.
>"How's the water?"
>"You'll find out!"
You don't have time to react as Chloe lunges out of the water, pulling you by your bra head over heels into the spring.
>"Yeah, I probably deserved that."
As you get your bearings you notice Chloe's blushing again, looking up at the sky.
>"Um. I uh..."
She extends her arm, and you notice she's holding your top. And the water is only up to your waist. Oh. Oh crap. You practically throw yourself under the water. You don't think you've ever been this embarrassed in your life. You quickly make yourself decent. Chloe is definitely flustered now. You didn't think anything could phase her but it's happened. Time to lighten the mood.
>"So what happened to not having to pretend you weren't looking?"
She just sputters at that. You lean over and kiss her instead and she seems to relax.
>"I swear Max, you drive me nuts."
You let out a contented sigh as you finally can relax enough to appreciate the spring water.
>"I know. Don't expect that to change."
>"Wouldn't have it any other way."
As you lean back into the water you can feel the warmth melting away a lifetime's worth of stress accumulated over the past week. You slide back onto Chloe's lap and rest your head on her shoulder, looking up at the stars as you totally zone out. For the first time in recent memory you've got no worries, everything can wait. It's good just to enjoy the moment. The night sky is as beautiful as ever.
>"That's the one thing I can't stand about Seattle."
>"Hm?"
>"Light pollution. You can't even see the stars. It just feels empty out there."
>"I've always loved watching the stars. My mom used to tell me that when you see a star it means someone is thinking about you. She always said to just look up and know how much love there is for me."
>"That's beautiful..."
>"I was gonna say corny, but yeah. Beautiful works too I guess. I used to look up at the stars every night when I was really in the shit. Was starting to feel like all those stars were for someone else. But then you came back, and... I know now they were right all along. I was worried Nathan was right."
>"Right about what?"
>"In the bathroom. About how nobody would miss me. When he pointed that gun at me my thought wasn't on fear or survival, I was thinking, "shit. He's right.". That's what really scared me. That... THIS was gonna be my legacy. Druggie. Burnout. Loser. Then you came along to save the day, Super Max. And look at us now."
She ruffles your hair at that last part.
>"Nobody has ever done as much for me as you have, Max."
>"Chloe. I've been through so much to be here. With you. And I'd do it a hundred times again."
>"From what I've heard you nearly have."
>"Yeah."
>"Why?"
>"Why what?"
>"Why did you do it? Save me. Do all the other things you did. It sounds awful. I can't even imagine the things you've done. You could have saved yourself. You could have saved Arcadia Bay. The Dark Room, the tornado, everything else, you went through all of that. For...me. The town...we don't know who survived. If anyone. I'm just one person."
>"Chloe. You are more than just one person. You are everything, to me. From the very beginning I've always felt like you were far and away the most important thing. It wasn't until a few days ago I realized why. I don't know exactly why I have my powers, but I feel like this is what I'm meant to be doing. Like the whole time I've been nudged towards you by things even I can't control. I don't know what it is. Fate? Love? Or something even more powerful, I don't know. But it's brought us together. And we're never going to be driven apart."
She's got tears in her eyes now.
>"Thanks Max. I'm just looking for some answers, maybe try to figure out what caused this whole fucked up week."
>"Me too. And we're going to find out. Together. Forever."
>"Forever."
Nothing else needs to be said. You sit in silence, enjoying each other's company for a long while.
>"Gotta say, Max. Hot Spring, best idea you've ever had. I feel so relaxed."
>"Me too. God knows I needed the relaxation."
>"We so need to do this again."
>"Are you just saying that because you got too see me topless?"
>"...no comment."
You relax in the spring for another couple of hours. It's blissful. You have to fight to stay awake, the warmth of the water and the comfort of sitting with Chloe are heavenly.
>"You ready to go dude? I'm getting pruned as shit over here. Plus, I dunno how long we want to stay in the woods at night. Bears live in the woods. And bears are crazy."
>"Uh...okay? Maybe we should go though. I think I've had enough."
You get out of the spring reluctantly and get dressed. Even when you're out of the water you still feel great. The minerals are great for your skin. You feel like you've lost a lifetimes worth of stress, and your conversation with Chloe makes you feel like you've really gotten her to understand what she means to you. This trip was a great idea, you feel cleansed in both body and soul. Chloe seems to be more relaxed too, like she's not constantly on edge anymore. Probably a good thing you did this, since you still have to pass back through Arcadia Bay on the way to Seattle. You need to find out what happened to the town. But that's for another time. For now you need to rest. You fall asleep in the truck bed again, this time Chloe lays her head across your chest, your arm wrapped around her shoulder. You stroke her hair softly as you stare up at the stars. She smells like sulfur and sea air, her skin smoother than ever as she wriggles to press even tighter against you. The rhythmic thumping of her heartbeat reverberates through your chest, and as you drift into unconsciousness, the last thing you notice is that it's in sync with your own.
>>151335894
You wake from another fantastic night of sleep to find yourself alone. Chloe seems to have woken up early and gone off somewhere. You take a deep breath and stretch yourself out, breathing in the damp morning air. You roll over to your bag and check your phone.
>22 new messages
A quick skim through your texts reveals that your friends from Arcadia Bay are all trying to find out if you're okay. You reply to all of them, and they seem relieved to hear from you. They all want to know when you're coming back. You don't have an answer for that yet. You decide to find Chloe before you try to figure out what to do. You see a trail leading towards the ocean, you guess she went that way. A short hike proves your intuition right, she's sitting on a log on the beach, having a morning smoke. Before she notices you snap a quick picture, another great shot. The yellow of the sun reflecting off the water contrasted by Chloe's bright blue hair makes a very interesting shot. After getting what you need you sit down next to her.
>"Morning, sleepyhead."
>"Good morning."
You share a kiss. You could get used to waking up like this.
>"So what's up?"
>"Well, cell service in Arcadia Bay appears to be back up. I've got texts from almost everyone at Blackwell asking if we're okay."
>"Really? Finally!"
She hurredly takes out her phone and turns it on.
>0 New Messages
You see her face fall into an expression of panic.
>"Nothing...My mom should have texted me by now Max..."
>"That doesnt tell us anything. Maybe something happened to her phone. Let's not jump to conclusions."
>"Right. You're right Max. Anything could have happened. I'm just..."
>"I know. But worrying without all the facts won't help anything."
>"Yeah. I never thought I'd say it, but it's time to go back to Arcadia Bay."