Life Is Strange: After The Storm (Chasefield)(Discontinued)

14

I sit across from the goth who was just gazing at a spot on the floor as if it was more interesting than the design on coffee table. I'll admit, the floor does have a nice comforting texture to it. It's a dark grey carpet that's so soft you could sleep on it. I've done it already during a drunk depressing night or two. I'm only realising it now but her skin looks unhealthily pale. She used to have this perfect skin colour that I'd always wish for. Now she looks like a vampire. "How are you feeling?" I ask with obvious anxiousness in my voice and movement when shifting on the sofa. "That's gotta be the fifth time you've asked that since this morning, Victoria."

"Sorry. I'm just-" "Worried, I know. I'm worried about you too. I mean, you've yet to tell my why you're face looks... the way it looks." I sigh and sit back, bouncing my leg and fiddling with the bottom of my grey hoodie. "It's a long story, Val can tell you. I only gained a few scars from the storm and then shit got crazier." She nods then looks to me. "Have you been back to Arcadia at all since then?" She asks. "No.... Their bodies will be everywhere, I'm sure of it. You remember Courtney and Taylor?" She nods and smiles the slightest bit. "Your minions. They were pretty chill, not gonna lie."

"When I woke up after the storm, I saw their corpse's laying together, holding hands. Taylor got stuck under a car and Courtney stayed with her until they both passed... They loved eachother, Max. Two innocent women couldn't get living the future they wanted. I saw others but the fact that those two kept it secret from me hurts. So, going back to the place where my best friends died loving eachother isn't a good idea." She just stares for a moment, looking a little absent now. Her cheeks redden and that caused her to hide her face with a sigh. "I guess I know what the noise in Taylor's room was now, the week before the disaster."

"Fuck, you heard them and didn't tell me?" I ask, sitting forward with a small smile. "I didn't think it wasn't anything like that. I thought it was Taylor struggling to sleep. God, I'm so embarrassed now." "I can tell. I can't believe I had slumber parties with them two. I guess I'm a deep sleeper. Well, was. Anyway, what are you up for doing today?" "Anything. Up to you. You can hang out with Val while I do some photography or get some rest." I move to sit on her left, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her in by the waist. "I'd love to cuddle but you look like a vampire." "Oh, God. Not the sun," she whines.

I walk with Max through the streets in silence until we reach the path that lead into the woods. I couldn't help but look at her with so much love and desire. I can see she's not used to the sun which is exactly why I brought some water with us. She looks around with a timid smile and slows down to a stop, head held high. "It's been a while since I took a good walk through the woods... I forgot how serene it is. The fact I'm doing it with you is insane," she chuckled. I stand behind her and wrap my arms around her waist and rest my head on her right shoulder.

"Does this make you happier? Being out here and having a chance to relieve the stress?" I ask softly. She leans her head back and against my cheek with heat irradiating from hers. "Yeah... A lot happier with you. I guess I just needed to know I wasn't the only good survivor. I'm so thankful you're alive, Victoria. You've no idea." "Me too, Max. I know I was a bitch and a half but... I had my reasons. Honestly, Max. I would've talked to you more but jealousy got the best of me and so did my own self doubt."

I unwrap my arms and slide my hands into my pockets, continuing up the path. "Victoria Chase was jealous of me?" She questions quietly. "You were good looking. Had great talent and such a good heart. Plus, everyone liked talking to you. I didn't see any insults aimed at you painted up on the wall, either." "To be fair, you were always trying to flirt with guys. Causing trouble too. I mean, Chloe and I caused some trouble too, after the storm. She took me to a random gig one night and that's when I sorta gave up on my responsibilities for a while. They were mostly a cover band, though. She even got a CD album signed for me by their drummer."

"Really? What band was it?" I ask with a raised brow. "Oh, uh... Hell Raisers or something like that. They changed their name to The Gunners after their drummer left. Wanna see the proof?" She asks. "Sure," I reply, being handed our old album with my signature "V" on the corner and the case was in mint condition. I smile and chuckle, earning a weird stare from her. "Sorry. Was reminded of the times I went to their gigs, seeing this CD. It was always a blast. Actually, I didn't learn the drums 'til I listened to their music."

"That's awesome! I should hear you play sometime. There's a gig coming up, we can go to it. There's one tonight and tomorrow night." She says, taking her CD back and sliding it away. "I don't think that's a good idea. Not yet, anyway. Maybe they'll have one next week if you ask politely but they're probably doing a one month thing like they do every year." I've also not spoke to them since I left. I can't even remember their names right. Rose, Markus, Jennifer? I think that's correct. I'm clueless about their drummer, obviously. "It's okay. You said David was getting married, right? Or was that your friend that said it?"

"I'm sure I told you. He's marrying Valerie's mom. A lot of people will be there, mostly Val's family." She nods slowly and another moment of silence passed, disturbed when Max popped two pills. "Thought you said they didn't work," I say, sliding an arm around her shoulders. "They don't. It's an addiction, though. Somehow. Anyway, how's photography for you these days? Get the job you wanted?" She looks to me with those sweet eyes of hers, the ones that would usually have load of mischief and nosey curiosity behind them, but now only a little.

"It isn't booming but this wedding will help. Maybe with you around, I'll find the motivation. I just do photography of anything, really. As long as people are willing to pay the price for it." Because of the fact I photograph anything the client wants me to photograph - if I have a client, that is - I've had to get Val's help. The amount of times she's saved me is unbelievable at this point. "When you say anything, does that mean... Adult photography?" I sigh with clear embarrassment. "Yeah. I needed the money. It was just business. However, it almost got me raped. Twice. So I refuse to do it now. It's been casual scenery and all since then."

Her silence wasn't amusing at all and I now feel disgusted in myself. Perhaps I was actually desperate to fall in love during that time. I'll admit, Valerie is better off being my friend than lover. What we have is too good to ruin. Plus, I tend to lose any lover. It never goes well for me and I assume it's my karma for pranking Zach three years ago and flirting with Jefferson to boost my grades. I regret doing it and I regret other actions too. Making fun of others is one that haunts me. I never thought I'd be a reason for someone's suicide.