Chapter Text
I open my eyes. The sun is still rising, so everything has some sort of glow around it. I look around to see where I am. I'm at the lighthouse. How did I get here? I remember getting into bed and, and… I squint. Think Max…
And then it comes back to me.
I was here with Chloe, in a dream. We were talking and then… then I woke up. I put on this dress, necklace and shoes. Before I left I grabbed a purse and put my phone in there. Before I left, I glanced at Warren, who was sleeping on my couch. I knew he would be crazy worried and that I should wake him or at least leave a note, but I don't.
Since it was so early, there weren't any buses driving yet, so I went by foot. It was a long walk, and my feet are still pretty sore. But it feels right, to have walked here, to be here. The dream made that even more clear to me. And this was the location where we- we said goodbye.
"I'll always love you."
And I'll always love you, Chloe.
I stare at the horizon. Weird that there was a tornado on this exact day right in front of where I'm standing, but in a different universe. The sky looks beautiful. The mixture of pink and a soft yellow makes it look like a painting. If I had my camera with me, I would have taken a picture.
That brings something to mind. I haven't taken a single picture since- since I'm back here. I haven't even thought about my camera since. Huh, how strange.
I don't want to turn around, because that means that I have to leave. It means that I have to go to her funeral. And then it's official, there's no turning back. I know I have to. I look at the horizon one last time before I turn around. I walk over to the little friendship memorial me and Chloe made when we were younger. The right side of my lip tugs into a faint smile.
I sigh and I start heading down the trail. I hear a faint noise, and I realize is my phone vibrating. It's probably Warren, worried sick about my whereabouts. I take it out of my purse and see that I've got about 20 messages and 10 missed calls. I press the answer button and hold the phone to my ear.
"Max! Finally! Where are you?" he sounds extremely worried and distressed, so I immediately feel bad.
"I'm at the lighthouse. I'm sorry," I say. I really regret not telling him when I left. This reminds me when I got out of the dark room. I had so many incredibly worried texts from Warren. It was very sweet.
He sighs. "Okay, I'm coming to get you."
"Okay. Sorry," I whisper.
"It's okay. See you in a few minutes."
"Okay."
I sigh as I put my phone back into my bag. I feel really bad right now, but my 'previous' self apparently thought that I had to be here. I agree. It makes total sense.
I head down the trail and sit on a bench that's next to the road. Warren's here within a few minutes, he must have rushed… Kate and Dana are sitting in the back, so I sit in the front. They all look sad, and when they look at me I see a hint of pity.
"We were really worried about you Max," Warren says.
I look down. "I know… I'm really sorry."
Kate puts a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay, it's normal that you needed some time alone. You're here now, and that's all we care about."
"I think it's best that we head to the cemetery…" Dana says. "We'll be a bit early, but…"
I interrupt her. "That's okay, I want to talk to Joyce anyways."
"Okay then," Warren says. He starts the car and drives off.
No one really says anything during the drive there. I guess no one knows what to say, and I don't really want to talk. I just stare at the horizon while the sun is rising. I have a heavy feeling in my stomach, like the weight of it is dragging me down. God Chloe… I miss you.
We arrive at the cemetery after a few minutes since it's pretty close to the lighthouse. I can still see it when I look away from the cemetery. We get out of the car, and Joyce and David are standing at the entrance. I excuse myself to my friends and walk over to the two of them.
I honestly don't know what to say or do around them. Should I give Joyce a hug? Say something? Weird that interacting with the woman who was pretty much another mom to me when I was small, feels so alienating right now. I kind of feel similar compared to when William had died. I didn't know what to say to Chloe, or Joyce. How to act. What to do. I don't know if anyone does actually.
First William, and now Chloe. I can't imagine what this must feel for Joyce… Pretty shitty, that's obvious, but what do you do when almost everyone in your family, the people you loved most, is gone? Would Joyce blame me, if I told her that it was my fault? That I didn't save William when I could, and Chloe died despite all my effort? That I chose to sacrifice her?
I swallow hard. No. Joyce doesn't blame you, Max. You know that. You do.
"Hi Joyce, David." I say, and my voice immediately cracks. "I- I don't know what to say I-"
"You don't have to say anything Max," Joyce says. She steps forward and embraces me. "I'm so happy you're here."
"Of course I am," I say. She lets go of me and I see that she's crying. I start to cry as well.
David steps forward and puts his hand on Joyce's shoulder. "We have to start, if you're ready." A man is standing next to him. I presume he will lead the ceremony.
Joyce nods. "I don't think I'll ever be ready for this."
David hugs her and kisses her head. "I know." The man starts to walk, and Joyce and David follow. Her head is resting on his shoulder, and his arm is around her waist. I'm so glad she has David…
I see that principal Wells and some other students from Blackwell are here. Justin and Trevor, who hung out with Chloe, I expected to be here. Dana is here to support Trevor and me. I'm surprised to see Victoria is here too. I'm kind of glad she is though. Maybe she's here to support me too…
Kate and Warren walk towards me. "I need a few seconds, you guys can go already." Kate gives me a hug and heads after Joyce and David. When I see that Warren wants to protest, I shrug him off. "It's fine. I'll be okay, just, give me a few seconds okay?" He doesn't look happy with it, but he nods and hugs me. Then he follows Kate, together with the rest. Dana gives me a quick hug and Victoria gives me a pitiful nod. I watch them walk between the graves, to Chloe's one. I look at the lighthouse one more time before I follow them too.
She'll get buried next to William, of course… This day reminds me so much of his funeral, I can't imagine what it must be like for Joyce.
They stop at her coffin. Kate rubs Joyce's arm before she stands next to David. She's so kind, even to people she doesn't know.
Warren stops next to Joyce, leaving a space for me to stand in between. The others stop a bit earlier and let me through. I step onto my spot and look at the coffin. I can't believe she's in there. God Chloe.
The priest starts to speak, and after a few seconds Joyce starts to sob. My eyes start to water again. I don't really listen to what the man is saying, because I don't really care. That's what I never liked about funerals. The same thing is said at each one of them. It loses its meaning. So I just stand there. Thinking about the old times between the two of us. About our week together. I regret it so bad that I couldn't tell her. That this Chloe doesn't know how much fun we had had this week and how it had been amazing. How I care so much about her. The only thing I can do is hope she knew.
I wipe a tear from my cheek. I can see Warren look at me, and I step a bit closer to him.
It's strange, I can't tell if this week was the worst thing, or the best thing that has ever happened to me. I guess it's a bit of both. And all because the universe decided that I should be given powers that I shouldn't mess with. I guess I'll never know why. Would it be better if I never got my powers? Then nothing of this would have happened, and then I wouldn't remember. But this time with Chloe… I don't think I would want that to never have happened. Yes, horrible things have happened, and now- she's- she's gone… But maybe the universe wanted to grant her and me some time together again. Maybe it was Rachel. But I guess I'll never know.
Chloe… I guess I want to thank you for everything. You were the best friend that I could ever imagine, even if you were a pain in the butt sometimes. You were like the sister I never had. I don't think I'll ever stop regretting not being there for you when you needed me. I never wished for this. But I have to move. I'll never forget you though, like I promised. I will always love you too.
And that's when I see it. A bright blue butterfly, flying towards her coffin. It looks like an exact copy of the one in the bathroom. The exact butterfly that I've associated with her all the time. Chloe.
A small smile tugs on my lips.
Chloe.
"My powers might not last."
"That's okay. We will. Forever."