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

19

I open my eyes the slightest bit, seeing him kneel over me with that disturbing smile almost every girl fell for. You'd think he'd have enough of all this for one day. Instead, he keeps going. Receiving pleasure from his victims just by seeing the fear in their eyes. "Unlike Rachel, you are the best model I've had from Blackwell. Rachel was a little more brave, but you," he sits next to where I lay numb, holding himself up with his right elbow. "You're weak and simply fear being a victim of life and death. The night of the storm, you weren't meant to survive." He makes it sound like it's a fact that I should be amazed about. Instead I'm confused, now only noticing the sharp objects on a metal trolley. "Finally connecting the dots?" He chuckled to himself then aimed his camera.

With the shutter snapping I wake up to the sun beaming through the gap between the curtains. I look to my left where I thought Valerie would be laying but she isn't. I look to the mirror and I smile seeing the many marks she gave me last night. The smile quickly faded when reminding myself of Kate and how she'd probably see this as a sin, even for a straight person. She was so innocent and sweet. It still hurts knowing she was taken by suicide. If only I knew what had happened. If I knew she was drugged then I would've done something about it.

I take one of my anti-depressants and head into the shower for a quick wash. Yet, even the shower reminds me of the day we lost her. It was pouring it down. Each drop was so cold and heavy that it felt like pellets. I leave the shower and throw on some casual clothes, skinny blue jeans and a white top. I head downstairs and make myself a coffee and read what post I have. One from the local store, one from a modelling company, and one from my parents. I open the one from my parents and head into the living room after making my coffee.

"Hello, Sweetheart. We just wanted to know how you've been since Mr and Mrs Madsen's wedding. Your father has been asking about you a lot recently after seeing your photography. He's amazed how far you've came after what's happened to you throughout the past four years. Would you mind visiting us for a day? You can bring someone with you. Your father and I really like that Valerie girl. Love, your mother and father." It's nice knowing they care now. Had a change in ways or something. Maybe they finally realised how much they fucked up by neglecting me when I needed them most.

The front door opens and in comes Valerie, looking as though she won an award with the way she's dressed. Her uniform is neater, cleaner. Very well pressed and tidy. "You look like you've been at a ceremony. Did you forget you had something today?" I ask as I go to give her a hug. "Yeah, sorry. Didn't want to disturb your sleep. How are you feeling, anyway?" I smirk and hold her shoulders gently. "Amazing. Last night was pretty crazy. I look like a giraffe with all these marks," I say flirtatiously. "Oh, really?" Valerie pecked me on the lips and made herself a coffee before sitting with me in the living room.

"So why did you go into work today?" I ask. "A meeting," she replied. She's been having a load of them recently as well as being more affectionate than usual, which I don't mind at all. However, I can sense she's hiding something. I noticed when I touched her shoulders. She's filled with guilt, fear, confusion and concern. "I'd prefer if you were honest with me, Val." She looks to her cup in defeat and slight annoyance. "You know I've not learned to control it yet," I say softly, hoping she'd forgive me. "I've signed up for the army, Vic." I don't think I've felt my heart crack harder than this before. My throat went dry immediately and I was a little breathless.

The silence was deafening but the thoughts that filled my mind forced my tears out. "I had to, Victoria. They need me. They came to me when my boss told 'em." She moves to sit on my right and pulls me into a hug. I feel like a child being comforted by their parent. "I can still talk to you through video calls or voice calls." "You should've told me, Val." My voice was faint as expected. I feel somewhat betrayed but I know she's doing this selflessly. "I know but you had so much on your mind. I wanted to tell you when you felt somewhat better. Listen, I've got about a week or two before I'm off to Africa." I suppose she'll be safe in Africa, right?

Alright, I guess her and I gotta make the most out of the next two weeks. Valerie's upset now and I don't blame her. At least she decided to tell me instead of abandoning me. "What do you wanna do before I go?" she asks, removing a few tears from my cheeks. I hand her the letter from my parents and she reads it pretty quickly while nodding. "We can visit them tomorrow. I wanna spend some time with you today and forget about work." "Sounds like a plan. Maybe some brunch and an evening at the lake?" I suggest. She agrees and the door knocks. I almost panic thinking it was the army coming to collect her but I know that knock like the back of my hand.

Valerie went and answered and in came Max with a very funny smile, neck covered in small red marks. "Hey, Max! Have fun?" Val asks. "Yes. A lot, actually," she stuttered. "Clearly looks like Lucia reminded you what physical love is like," I say with a laugh, wiping my eyes as I go to make Max a coffee. "Yeah... Her and I won't be a thing any time soon, though. Said she wanted to let loose and give me what her biggest fan deserved. I don't mind at all. I'd rather be her biggest fan than partner." "I'm proud of you, Max. Took it well," Valerie replied. I'm proud of her too and, honestly, I wouldn't mind if Max tagged along today.