Life is Strange: Remembrance

Chapter 2 | Reunion

"Hope I didn't interrupt anything important" Ryan says as he holds a cup of coffee. "Well you kinda di-" Steph says before being interrupted by Alex "No, you didn't. We were just talking" Steph looks at Alex, confused why she got interrupted. "I know it must be really unexpected to see me here, but I came here to apologize." Ryan stated. "Apologize for what? Not believing Alex or just leaving Haven Springs without saying a THING" Steph yelled, clearly upset with Ryan. "I know I fucked up, I just didn't want to believe that my dad could do something like this, when he clearly did." Ryan says sipping his coffee. "You know, Ryan... I was mad at you for not believing me, but then I put myself in your shoes. It's not easy when something like this includes family, who you've known your whole life." Ryan looks at Alex. "You don't need to apologize, I understand why you did what you did." Alex exclaimed as she walks back and forth arms crossed.

Steph looks at Alex then back at Ryan, "I guess, that eventually I could forgive you too. Although I'm still really pissed off with you for leaving Haven Springs." Steph exclaims. The room goes silent for a minute, all that can be heard is Ryan slowly drinking his coffee. "So..." Steph says trying to break the silence. "It's good that you're back, Ryan. I missed you." Alex says looking at Ryan with a slight smirk. Steph notices but doesn't show a reaction. "How have you guys been holding up here in Haven while I was gone?" Ryan asks. "Well, It's been how it always is, quiet and peaceful. Ever since that whole thing with Typhon things have finally felt right. Steph here has even gone back on the road to play some drums" Alex tells Ryan as she glances at Steph. "That's amazing, Steph!  I knew that eventually you'd fall back in your groove." Ryan says with a bright smile on his face. "I had to eventually." Steph says while letting out a chuckle.

"So, Ryan; what are you gonna do now? Are you staying here in Haven?" Alex asks. "Not for too long, I came here to revisit some old memories and friends." Ryan answers her as he sips from the cup, Steph slowly walks to the front counter checking her phone, she has one new notifications. "What's up, Steph?" Alex asks. "Oh, nothing. I was checking the time" Steph replies turning around to face Alex. "You know, I'm actually pretty tired. I think I'm gonna go home. Could you close the shop when you're done here, Alex?" Steph asks before walking through the door tossing the keys to Alex. "Yeah sure..." Alex tried answering. Ryan and Alex look at Steph walking away through the window, then looking at each other. "Is she okay?" Ryan asks Alex. "I think so. It's just a hard month for her, and I don't think your grand return made it any better" Alex says jokingly. "Oh shit, I forgot that October's a difficult month for her..." Ryan says. "Has she talked to you much about her past?" Alex asks while sitting down. "She has actually, it took her a while though. She's a hard one to read."  Ryan explains while putting his coffee down. "Before you came in she told me about Arcadia Bay. How much of that do you know" Alex asks Ryan. "I think the same amount that you do, she barely talks about it in general. I doubt she will this whole month" Ryan exclaimed. "I just want to be there for her and support her with whatever she does, you know...?" Alex explained. "I know what you mean, yeah..." Ryan says. Alex looks up at Ryan, "How about we meet up tomorrow? To talk about the things that happened?" she says. Ryan smiles, "Yeah, I would like that actually." he answers, taking the last sip of his coffee. "Great! I should lock up the store though, are you coming?" Alex asks. "Right after you." he replies, getting up from his seat. Alex and Ryan step outside and she locks the door after them, they both go their separate ways.

Steph makes her way down main street walking slowly, stuck within her own thoughts as memories come pouring into her brain. She sits down and grabs her phone, opening the Arcadia Bay website with the headline saying "ARCADIA BAY MEMORIAL". Steph stares at it for a while before turning her phone off and making a beeline straight for the apartment above the Black Lantern. Once inside she takes off her beanie, throwing it onto the floor next to the stairs. She sits down on the couch, puts on a movie and tries to relax. Some time later Alex comes home and sees Steph sitting on the couch, she takes off her jacket and makes her way over to Steph. "Hey, is everything okay?" Alex asks her. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just struggling with the whole Arcadia Bay thing y'know?"  Steph explains. "I know... Is there anything I can do for you?" Alex asks softly. "No, I'll be fine... Thank you though." Steph says. As Alex is about to walk off Steph grabs her by the arm and says "Actually, Alex... I think I wanna go to the memorial." Steph says quietly. "Oh, okay. Would you like for me to come with you?" Alex asks her. "Yeah, that would help." Steph says with a slight smile on her face.  "Great! Then let's do that." Alex smiles. Steph looks at her with a curious look, "You didn't use your little empath ability to know what to say, right?" she asks jokingly. "Oh, I wouldn't dare! No but seriously, not this time." Alex smiles and kisses Steph on the cheek. Steph smiles at her and kisses her back. "Do you wanna watch Bladerunner with me?" she then asks causing Alex to think, "No, I am super tired. I'm gonna go to bed, but you can watch it of course!" Alex answers as she lets out a big yawn. Steph laughs and says "Your loss, Chen!"  before turning on the TV while Alex stumbles to bed.