What Have I Done [Life is Strange]

Chapter 3: Departure

It was the morning of Max's departure from Arcadia Bay. More so, from her girlfriend, Chloe. Who was still hoping that Max would change her mind. But her suitcases were packed and ready to go. They stood outside the open door. Standing close to each other.

"Do you have to go?" Chloe questioned, holding her girlfriends hands tightly. Max looked into Chloe's sad eyes. "You can always just stay here with me." Chloe told her. "I'd love to, Chloe. But my dad is almost here. He's picking me up at Blackwell." Max and told her. Chloe stood close to Max and rested her forehead on hers.

Deeply saddened that her girlfriend had to leave so soon just after their reunion a few months ago.

Chloe pressed a kiss to Max's lips and hugged her tightly. "Behave yourself while I'm away." Max said. "And spend time with Joyce." She added. "Mm-hm." Chloe mumbled. "Can't I come with you?" Chloe asked as the hug was broken up. Max softly touched Chloe's face.

"I'd love that, Chloe. But you really should stay here." Max said. Chloe's eyes fell heavy and she looked at the ground. "Hey..." Max said, making Chloe look at her. "You'll be okay." She said. Max pressed her hand onto Chloe's cheek. Chloe applied her hand on top of Max's and laced her fingers through hers.

She closed her eyes and rested her cheek in Max's palm.

This was all just making it harder to leave. But it was heartwarming for Max to know Chloe loved her this much. To see that vulnerable side she saw yesterday.

"I'll see you later." Max said and tried to pull her hand away from Chloe's cheek. But Chloe tightened her grip on Max's hand. Making it harder for her to slip her hand away. But Max finally pulled her hand free of Chloe's grasp and frowned at her.

"Please don't go..." Chloe said.

Max brought her hand close to Chloe's face again and wiped a single tear that managed to slip from her eye. "It's going to be okay." Max told her. "I love you." She added.

"At least text me when you get there." Chloe told her. Max nodded. "Definitely." She said. They hugged one last time and Max turned to the driveway and started walking to the bus stop.

Chloe watched as Max disappeared from view with a heavy face. She turned to the house and closed the door behind her. Joyce approached her daughter and hugged her. "I'm sorry, Chloe. I know it hurts." She said. Chloe backed out of the hug and slowly walked up the steps.

She closed her door and pressed her hands to her face and started sobbing. She pressed her back to the door and slid down. Chloe crossed her legs and leaned her elbows on her thighs and cried silently.

The bus slowly pulled in front of Max. The doors opened and she stepped inside. She slowly took her seat and sighed. She watched as the world outside started to move while she sat idly in the bus. Her expression was of remorse for leaving Chloe behind.

Again.

As Chloe walked around her room, she saw something on her desk. She walked over to it and saw that it was a picture. She picked it up and recognized herself and Max smiling into the camera. Max left that picture on the desk for Chloe. She sat down into the chair and held the picture to her chest.

Max arrived at Blackwell and saw her father waiting by his truck with his arms crossed. Max grabbed her suitcase handle and walked over to him. Once he saw her, he smiled widely and started walking up to her. Max smiled at him and hugged him tightly as it's been a few months since she last saw him.

Ryan opened the door for his daughter and she stepped into the truck. As he put Max's suitcase in the back, Max buckled her seatbelt. She slouched into the chair and waited for her father to get into the truck.