Chapter Text
I silently bowed my head in front of her coffin.
I did what had to be done; I sacrificed my best friend and saved Arcadia Bay so they could all have their happily ever after. There was no reason for me to stay in this sorry little town anymore. Everything about it reminded me of Chloe, the lighthouse to even the girl's bathroom where I let her die. Maybe it was time to forget about my useless powers and just carry on as if none of it ever happened.
I look up at the somber faces who never really knew Chloe, at least not like I did, and wonder why they even bothered to show up to her funeral. I examine Kate's face as I thanked the Lord she was still here in this reality. Heck I couldn't save Kate Marsh, what made me think I could keep on saving Chloe? Then, my gaze trailed to Warren who was now clueless of my powers. I guess it's better this way. Now it'll be easier to go on with my life without the two people I trusted in the alternative timeline...
The service was over but I couldn't move. I watched as Warren mouthed the words 'you okay?' which made me freeze for a few seconds longer. At last, my eyebrows slanted and my face crumpled, tears threatening to escape as I shook my head. I noticed his figure move towards the right as he blocked the sun that blinded me.
"It's not your fault," He grasped one of my shoulders, gently turning me to face him as he looked me in the eyes. "She wouldn't blame you." She's the one who suggested it but I'm the one who went through with it. It's my fault that my powers couldn't save her but Warren wouldn't know that. To him I look like some weak girl who couldn't save her friend...
"At least someone doesn't blame me..." I sigh, reciprocating a short glance and then quickly looking away again.
After the whole incident, I was taken into questioning because the Prescotts tried their hardest to cover Nathan's little slip up. I wasn't just going to let him get away with killing Rachel and now Chloe so I had to admit that I was watching them from behind the last cubicle. Of course Nathan tried to deny this by claiming Chloe checked all the cubicles but Principal Wells and the police officers were losing their patience. On Nathan's way to being escorted to the police car, he tried to blame me by shouting things like "she let it happen," and "she made me do it," in the hallway. Of course why wouldn't the students of Blackwell believe the psychopath who brought a gun to school?
"I'd never blame you, you know that right?" Warren's expression turned concerned as his hand remained on my shoulder. I nodded and let out the most genuine smile I could. "I'm glad." I was glad as well that I had someone on my side afterall. A bunch of giggles from behind snapped me out of my thoughts as they grew louder.
"Girl, are you okay!?" Warren waved goodbye and quickly backed away from Dana and Juliet who attacked me into a group hug. I really needed it.
"We know how close you and Chloe were and we're here for you." Juliet comforts. I didn't realise that so many people would actually take my side, I mean I wasn't ever that close to the two but it was nice to hear a few words of comfort from them.
"So, who was that?" Juliet questions as we break away from the hug. She snickers under her breath which makes me roll my eyes.
"Oh wait! Isn't he the flash drive guy?" Dana adds. "Didn't realise you two were so buddy-buddy?"
"We aren't!" I deny. "Whatever that means." Warren and I were just friends and I needed any friend I could get right now.
"Oh no he's definitely got a thing for you!" Juliet nudged her head in his direction excitedly. "He's still watching you."
"That literally means nothing!" I sigh, crossing my arms.
The two girls glanced at each other and smirked before Dana dramatically pounced into Juliet's arms and mocked in a high pitched tone, "Thank you for your precious flash drive, I promise to treat it with care, Warrybaby~"
"Cut it out!" I shove the two off of each other as I notice Victoria Chase approach from the corner of my eyes.
"So... you gonna throw a party, to you know, celebrate your friend's death or whatever?" Victoria elbows my side as I step back. A party? Is she insane?
"Wait- that's the best idea! We're having the rest of the week off so why the hell not?" Juliet squeals.
Dana whispers into my ear, "It might help you take your mind off of things?" She smiles slightly, knowing I'm not a party person. Heck, I don't think I've been to one since Chloe's birthday party in our early teenage years.
"Sure, but where would we-?" I finally replied.
"Leave it to the vortex club!" Victoria cut me off as she winked and turned away in an instant.
"Jeez what's up with the stuck-up bitch suddenly talking to our asses?" Dana rolls her eyes as the three of us laugh and head back to our dorms.
"Girl, if you need an outfit for the party-"
"Yes, I know Juliet, you always let me borrow your clothes!" I smile at her.
"It's not my fault your wardrobe stinks of 'my mum still picks out my clothes!'" She teases.
"I'm a photographer not a model!" I defend. The mention of photography sends an unwanted chill down my spine. Having to face Jefferson after he drugged me and used me as his personal model would be too painful. My heart sinks when I remember all the poor girls that had to go through what I did and I realise then that he can't get away with it just like that. Only me and Mr Prescott could expose him now.
"Catch up slow poke!" Juliet calls over from quite a few metres away. Oops.
* * *
I was getting ready for the bed after the long day. All of today was a blur and the entire week of saving Chloe just went down the drain. All my effort was for nothing. I remember the moment I realised the storm was all my fault. It was Warren who helped me realise that messing with time was catastrophic. I felt slightly disappointed that I now had to carry the burden of my powers all alone but that was the reality I chose. My mind rushes to imagine what life would be like if me and Chloe ran away from the storm together. Would I be able to keep saving her forever? I laid down, letting the thoughts fade but then suddenly my phone buzzed on my desk. It was Warren?
Warren: Heard the vortex club are having another party? In Chloe's honour?
You: don't even know why theyre allowed to throw more after what happened to kate...
Warren: Well as long as they don't get caught!
You: victoria straight up suggested i should throw it... not in any universe
Warren: Yeah no the party would consist of you, yourself and possibly me ;) And we'd drink apple juice instead of alcohol LOL
You: haaa haaa ur too full of yourself i'd never invite you if it was meant to be a fun party!!!
Warren: Ouch D: Says the party pooper!
You: whatever dork
anyway since when were YOU warren daniel graham interested in a vortex party?
Warren: Since I had someone to go with
I froze for a second. Who was he going with? I mean the obvious answer would be Brooke since she has the biggest crush on him. Then again it could be Max now that Chloe wasn't... but I imagine she's in the same boat as me: not exactly in the party mood. I stared at my ceiling until my phone buzzed again.
Warren: Well I hope to see you there nerd!
You: wouldn't wanna miss a vortex party
I giggled at myself, turned my phone off and went to sleep. I had an interesting day ahead of me.
* * *
There it was. The monstrous tornado headed for Arcadia Bay. I struggled up the pathway to the lighthouse having to dodge rolling logs and tumbling rocks. The same deer from before appeared from behind a tree and was accompanied by a blue butterfly on the top of its head. I took a quick snapshot of the beautiful moment during the chaos of the storm wondering if I'd even be able to keep it.
This was just a dream and not another vision surely... Heading back on the trail, I spotted a dim silhouette on the top of the hill. I called Chloe's name. Was this some kind of nightmare? Was she haunting me from the afterlife? Once I finally made it to the top, barely missing all the dangerous obstacles, I wiped the rain from my forehead. The distorted figure slowly turned to me and shook its head, revealing its identity. I gasped, "Warren?"
I jolted up in a cold sweat. What the hell was that? Why was Warren there instead of Chloe? I picked up my phone and great, just my luck, it was out of charge. I was probably late to class already but I really didn't feel like seeing Jefferson right now. Wait... I couldn't just let a criminal wander around freely? If Mr Prescott wasn't going to expose him, I would have to.
I quickly changed and grabbed my things, including my digital camera, then walked out of my dorm into the dark hallway. I could hear the tap constantly running from the showers but I shrugged it off and walked outside anyway.
I was met with the night sky and the lamp posts lighting the pavement. Shoot. What time was it? That's when I also realised I didn't have a way of getting there. I mean I could vaguely remember how to get there but it was far. I doubt any buses would take me there.
I sighed and started heading back until I spotted someone sat on a bench alone. Immediately recognising him, I approached the boy who was facing the opposite direction.
"Boo!" I whisper-yelled down the boys ear, gripping onto his shoulders sharply. He jumped slightly and looked up to me in shock.
"What are you doing here all alone at this time of night?" I giggled at my success of scaring Warren, walking around to sit next to him.
"I could ask you the same." His head tilted sideways so he could take a look at me. "Uh... Why are you already dressed? It's like 5am."
"I always wake up early!" I defended.
"Yeah right?" He chuckled, inching his face closer in a mocking manner. I shoved him away, remembering all the times I've been late to chemistry.
"Answer my question, nerd." I teased him as I examined his pajamas with the periodic table on them.
"I couldn't sleep. The whole Chloe situation and Nathan? Should've beat his ass up a long time ago."
"I'd rather not see you getting beat up by a guy who carries a gun around with him." I shuffled closer to him, feeling the chill of the cold, early morning sky.
I felt the boy stiffen up for a moment from the close proximity. He relaxed again as he joked, "He carries a gun because he's too much of a pussy to get his hands dirty."
I giggle at him. It was nice to finally joke around with my friend after having to witness my best friend's death first hand. I debated on asking who he was bringing to the party but I decided not to ruin the moment. Things were finally getting back to normal. Then I remembered what class I have in a few hours and I thought of the greatest idea.
"Warren, you have a car right?" My brain sparked, I guess you could call me Einstein. "How would you like to go on a little morning adventure?"