April 21st, 2013

Chloe sighed as she finished sweeping the lobby of the library. She stopped for a moment and thought back on the past few months. She sighed as she thought back on Maxine and amnesia. She had begun to remember bits and pieces but still nothing of any major significance. She shook her head before walking over to the janitor's closet to put away the broom. She walked over to the desk and looked at the time to see it was 2:30pm. She huffed as she sat down. She had kept the library as clean as possible ever since she had cleaned it top to bottom. She knew that she was in for a long day of boredom.

Ever since she and Doris had gotten on good terms the older lady had been leaving her to run the place on weekends by herself so she could have a little break. She didn't know it until about a month in but Doris and Preston were actually married! She still chuckled at the thought as they seamed to be so different. They were off on a little date today and are supposed to be back around 5:30. She shook her head before pulling her phone out to send some texts. She decided to send one to Maxine to see how she was today.

Chloe: Hey Maxine hows it hanging today?

She hit send before sitting it down and just zoning out for a while. About 10 minutes later she heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up to check the messages. She was surprised to see it was from Rachel and not a reply from Maxine.

Rachel: Hey blue you busy tonight?

Chloe wasn't sure what Rachel was up to but before she could reply she received a reply from Maxine.

Maxine: Hello Chloe. Everything is alright I suppose.

Chloe decided to wait to reply to Rachel in favor of talking to Maxine about what seamed to be like something bothering her.

Chloe: Something got you down?

Maxine: Well Rachel is going ta a school party tonight and our parents said I can't go even though she really wants me to. :/

Chloe: Bummer on that one. Parties rock!

Chloe frowned as she thought on it. She decided to message Rachel back to think a moment about what to say to Maxine to make her feel better.

Chloe. Nah no plans tonight Rach. Why?

Rachel: Well I'm going to one of the Vortex parties tonight and I want Maxine to come meet some new people and I need your help.

Chloe figured Rachel might need her for some scheme. She sighed deciding to see what mischief Rachel was trying to get her into this time.

Chloe: And what do you need my help for?

Rachel: Well I was thinking you and Maxine could have a little 'sleep over' but once its time for the party you two can sneak out and come to Blackwell. What do you say?

Chloe hesitated at hearing this plan. On one end she was always down for a little fun and a party, but on the other end this could cause the Ambers to not let her see Maxine. She was torn but she remember that Maxine seamed to really wanna go so she decided that maybe they should all meet up and discus it.

Chloe: I tell you what Rach. You and Maxine meet me at Two Whales at 6:30 and we will discuss it there. OK?

Rachel: Sure thing blue. I will let Maxine know you are on board.

Chloe frowned. She had said discuss, not she was in. Her phone vibrated before she could reply to Maxine.

Maxine: Rachel told me you are gonna help us so I can go. I'm so excited! Thank you Chloe. 3

Chloe sighed in defeat. There was no way she could say no now.

Chloe: Anytime kiddo.

Chloe pulled up some of her music on her phone and just zoned out watching for anyone to come in. She simply sat and watched the book cases until she heard the chime of the doors. She looked over to see it was Doris and Preston walking in. she looked at her phone to see it was 5:30 just as they had promised. She turned her music off and watched them walk in and look around.

"I see the place hasn't burned down with us gone," Doris spoke in her usual manor. Chloe a time ago would have gotten testy at her remark but since she knew her better she understood now when Doris was joking. She gave Doris a knowing smirk before rising out of her chair.

"Don't think the thought hasn't crossed my mind," she fired back watching as Doris's lips twitched upward in an amused manor. She walked out from behind the desk to stand in front of them.

"These past few months you have followed all the rule exceptionally Miss Price," spoke Preston as he sat in his usual favorite chair. Chloe just watched him as he looked at her smiling,

"Well you are willing to take a chance on someone like me so I figured I better not waste it," she spoke as she looked down embarrassed.

"Well I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you congratulations as you will be attending Blackwell starting this August," he revealed to her as her face lit up.

"For reals," she asked to make sure he wasn't messing with her.

Now Miss Price you know by now that I never joke about education," he said still giving her a warm smile. She ran over to him and in a rare display she hugged which surprised Doris and Preston. She felt her shoulders shaking as for once she actually felt like her hard work was paying off.

"Thank you," she said as she felt tears of joy falling down her face.

"I made a promise Miss Price and I never break them if I can help it," he said as she withdrew and sat across from him in the chair. She didn't know what else to say so they just sat there in silence for a bit.

"Well Miss Price on top of that I have nothing else left to catch you up on so I'm afraid that your lessons with me are up," he spoke as she looked up surprised. She watched as he continued to speak.

"While I have nothing else to teach you that doesn't mean we no longer want you here. If you would like you may continue to work here on weekends," he said as she just nodded.

"I've grown used to it here so I would like to continue working here if that's alright," she said as Preston nodded.

"That's exactly what we were hoping for actually. We aren't getting any younger and with you here its made keeping this place up a lot easier. Youngsters may not come in here like they used to but we still have an image to maintain," he finished as he began to laugh quite loudly. Chloe couldn't help the smile that came to her lips at watching Preston. Over these last few months she had come to see the man as a grandfather figure in her life. He was always caring but strict when it counted. And Doris she saw much the same as a grandmother figure all be it a more strict one. She sighed as she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.

Rachel: We are on our way now to Two Whales blue. See you soon!

Chloe glanced at the clock to see it was 5:50. She sighed as she stood up and had herself a good stretch before looking over the place.

"I'm sorry to cut this short Mr. Grayson but I have plans with some friends this evening," she spoke as he nodded and she made her way to the back room to grab her things. One she returned she was surprised to see Preston standing beside the doors. She walked over and he handed her an envelope. She opened it and counted out the money inside. Her eyes almost bugged out at the amount inside.

"Mr. Grayson this is $1000 dollars. I cant accept this," she said as she went to hand it back only for him to fold it over in her hands.

"We've appreciated all the help you've given these past months and I figured you deserved a bonus. Besides, you will need the money to get your supplies for the school year," he smiled as she felt tears coming to her eyes again. She couldn't help the hug she gave him once again. Once she released him she bid them farewell and made her way to her truck before starting it up and taking off towards Two Whales.

She pulled in to the parking lot 30 minutes later before walking in. Now that she actually had more than a little money saved up from working at the library she thought back on the Frank situation she was in. David had came to her one day and told her he had taken care of Frank and she didn't have to worry about it anymore. She was surprised as she had seen him around but he never once approached her or said anything out of place towards he anymore. It was almost as if she didn't exist to him anymore. She didn't care though as she didn't need him anymore since she had been drug free now since January.

She walked in to Two Whales to see Maxine and Rachel already sitting at the usual booth. She walked over and plopped down in the opposite booth from the other two.

"What's shakin' sistas," she said as she waved at the two girls. The smiled at her as Joyce walked over.

"Well well well if it isn't the three Amigos. What can I get for you lot," she asked as she pulled out the order sheet.

"The usual for me mom," Chloe started out since her mother would know exactly what that was.

"Burger and fries with a coke," spoke Rachel as she pulled out her phone and began to type out something on it.

"I will have the same thing," spoke Maxine with a smile.

"Coming right up girls," spoke Joyce as she went off to put in their orders. Once she was out of ear shot Rachel put her phone down and leaned in.

"OK so I've got it all cleared for Maxine to 'stay' at your place tonight," Rachel spoke putting air quotes on the word stay.

"OK so whats the worry than," spoke Chloe as she watch Rachel for her reply.

"Well you have to get little Maxine here out of your house AFTER my parents call and check in on her at 10," Rachel continued.

"Still not seeing the hard part Rach," she spoke as she continued to watch. She saw as Rachel seamed to get an annoyed face,

"If you would let me finish. They are going to have David check in," Rachel finished.

"Oh," Chloe spoke as she knew that he wouldn't lie for her. Especially if it involved another person's kid. Chloe couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips.

"Well fuck. This is gonna be fun huh," she spoke as she watched as Joyce began to walk towards them with the food. She laid it on the table and made her way back to the counter to pour coffee for a complaining trucker. Maxine chose to speak up once she was back behind the counter.

"Please Chloe. I really wanna go and maybe I will get to make more friends," Maxine pleaded with those heart melting doe eyes. Chloe knew once she saw those eyes her fate was sealed.

"Fine. Expect us there around 11 Rach," Chloe exhaled in defeat. Maxine's eyes went bright with excitement and Rachel smirked knowingly at Chloe while the girl diverted her eyes to stare outside. The finished their meals before they made their ways outside and retrieved Maxine's night bag.

"Alright remember that you can't come until after the 10pm phone call," Rachel reminded as she climbed into her car.

"Yea yea we got it. No worries," Chloe spoke as Rachel started the car before backing out and leaving with a wave. Chloe and Maxine then climbed into the cab of her truck and they backed out and made their way towards the Price/Madsen home. They arrived a short time later and made there way inside. No one else was home yet so Chloe left Maxine to her own devices while she went and showered to get ready for later that evening.

About an hour passed and David arrived home. Somehow he had managed to avoid party duty tonight even though he was head of security. Around 9 they started to stage their supposed early turn in for the night. Maxine acted like she was getting a headache and Chloe used her work that afternoon as an excuse for them to turn in early. David just nodded at their explanations before the disappeared up stairs. They got dressed in their party clothes before laying down and throwing a blanket over them.

Finally 10:00 Rolled around and on the dot David knocked, which the girls ignored and pretended to be asleep, before opening the door. He looked inside for a few minutes before closing the door. Once they heard his footsteps were heard retreating down the stairs they flung the blanket off before getting up.

"Alright Maxine are you ready to bounce," asked Chloe as she put her boots on.

"I am but how are we gonna get out if David is down stairs," she questioned before seeing Chloe's smirk and watching her lift her hand and point at the window.

"You can't be serious," stated Maxine as Chloe walked over and opened the window. She climbed out first as Maxine watched to see how she was supposed to get out. Once she was out and climbed down Maxine followed and was able to get down with some help from Chloe. Chloe opened the driver side of her truck before looking back at Maxine.

"Alright you get in and put this thing in Neutral. I need you to steer while I push," Chloe told her while Maxine just gained a confused expression.

"Why do you need me to do that," She questioned as Chloe looked back at her.

"My truck is hella loud when it starts so if I start it here he is gonna know we are leaving. Luckily most of this area is down hill so I just need you to guide it while I get it out and moving and once we are a few houses down I can hop in and we can take off," Chloe explained as Maxine realized what she meant and nodded. Once Chloe had pushed the truck out of the driveway, luckily a down hill slopped driveway, and they had coasted down the road a few house Chloe hopped in and started the behemoth up before the took off making their way to Blackwell.

They pulled in to the Blackwell parking lot right at the stroke of 11 and climbed out of the cab. They were surprised to see Rachel already outside and waiting for them.

"Welcome to the party ladies. Follow me," she said as she turned and they fell in step behind her. They made their way towards the auditorium. As the got closer they could hear the music thumping through the doors. Rachel pushed them open and the beat of some generic EDM song were playing and they could see people dancing. Up on stage they could see the DJ and curtained off area behind him. They saw someone standing at the stairs and a sign that said VIP section. Rachel waved them to follow as she guided them towards the stairs.

One at the stairs the person standing appeared to be one of the jocks who just looked at them.

"They are with me Mitch," Rachel spoke loud enough to be heard over the music before he nodded and lifted the rope for them to pass through with her. Once up the stairs they walked through the curtain to see most of the Vortex club inside. Off the top of her head Chloe could remember Hayden, Victoria, Taylor, Dana, Juliet, and Nathan. She wasn't what you would call friends with any of them but she never had problems out of Dana and Juliet or Hayden. She frowned at the two rich kids of the Vortex though. Victoria was never someone she enjoyed seeing or talking to and Nathan was an aggressive and spoiled asshole to say the least.

The made their way over to one of the positioned sofas before sitting down and relaxing.

"I will go get us some drink. Maxine what do you want," asked Rachel.

"Just some punch please," Maxine spoke as she looked around awkwardly.

"And I'm assuming a bear for you Chloe," Rachel spoke as she looked over at the bluenette.

"Nah I'm driving tonight so I guess I will take the punch as well...as long as it hasn't been spiked to hell already," she spoke with a knowing smirk.

"Nope. We have all the non alcoholic drinks under watch tonight to make sure no one fucks with them again like last party," Rachel said under her smirk as well. They both know who spiked the drink last time and they didn't say who but they both knew that the name rhymed with Zoe. Rachel made her way back out of the curtain as they sat there in waiting. As if the fates were just out to mess with them tonight for sneaking to the party Victoria chose to make herself known.

"I thought they kicked your punk trash ass out of Blackwell," Victoria spoke as she stopped in front of the sofa. Chloe sighed as she wasn't trying to argue tonight.

"We are just here to chill Victoria. I'm not feeling a verbal joust tonight so can we cut this meeting short," Chloe spoke as she stared the girl down, receiving a glare in return.

"Sure, as soon as you pick yourself up and get the fuck out of my party," Victoria spoke while staring her down. Chloe was about to stand up and let the bitch have it when Rachel decided to return.

"Your party? I think everyone in Vortex wold have something to say about that," she spoke up as she shoulder bumped Victoria on purpose as she passed her, "oops."

Victoria scowled at her as she gave the drinks to Maxine and Chloe before sitting down and taking a drink of her beer as well.

"What are they doing here? I don't know this short haired girl but I know Chloe is expelled and not supposed to be on Blackwell grounds," Victoria glared at Rachel as the girl just smiled back at her.

"Actually I got my scholarship back and I will be attending again come August," Chloe spoke up as she took a sip of her drink. This cause all 3 girls to look at her in surprise as she hadn't told them yet.

"That's great Chloe! I'm so glad you will be here with us this year," gushed Rachel as Maxine nodded.

"Just fucking great! I'm going to have to deal with this trash again," snapped Victoria as she stomped off in anger. Chloe smirked knowing that she had basically won this round and she continued to drink her punch.

"So any idea what classes you will be in," asked Rachel as she continued to drink.

"No idea," short and sweet was her reply. They sat there as they continued to just enjoy the drinks and the music. EDM wasn't really Chloe's thing but it fit the party so she just rolled with it. Finally Rachel stood up from her chair with a smile.

"I'm bored. Let's go dance," she said as Chloe shrugged and stood up but they noticed Maxine looked nervous.

"What's wrong," Rachel asked her as she stooped down in front of her.

"I don't know how to dance," she admitted as she just looked at her hands.

"Don't worry about that! We will show you how its done," yelled Rachel excitedly as she pulled Maxine up and continued to pull her towards the curtain and back out towards the dance floor at the front of the stage. Chloe just followed behind knowing that once Rachel set her mind on something you had no choice but to just hold on for dear life. Once out on the dance floor Rachel began to move to the beat with Maxine just awkwardly swaying side to side. Chloe just moved to the beat not really caring if anyone else saw how she danced.

Soon enough Maxine was just dancing how she felt and not really caring as she and Rachel laughed while Chloe just grinned at their antics. They danced for a good hour before Maxine began to feel tired so they walked over to some of the tables spaced out along the sides of the auditorium. Chloe watched as Maxine talked to some of the girls at the party. She recognized them as Stella was the only one of the two she recognized. Maxine seamed to enjoy their company so when Rachel asked her to dance again she made sure Maxine was fine before going back out and dancing.

About 20 minutes later she looked over to see some boy talking to Maxine and she could tell that Maxine wasn't enjoying the conversation so she tapped Rachel on the shoulder and pointed over to her and Rachel looked and frowned before nodding and they made their way over.

"Yo she isn't interested so back off dude," Chloe spoke up as she got closer. The guy turned and appeared to be one of the random jocks.

"Buzz off. Can't you see I'm talking here," he spoke as he turned back to Maxine. Chloe could see her chest rising and falling faster and knew what was coming. She stepped forward and pushed the jock hard enough for him to fall backwards on his ass.

"You fucking bitch," he snapped out and went to stand up as Rachel got between them.

"I don't know who you think you are but you were just leaving. Unless you want to be banned from all future Vortex parties," she said as she glared at him and he just unclenched his fists and nodded before turning and leaving. Chloe managed to get Maxine to stand up and with Rachel's help guide her towards the doors to go outside and get some air. Once outside she and Maxine sat on the stairs while Rachel leaned against the railing.

"You alright," Chloe asked as Maxine's breathing began to return to normal. She nodded as Chloe gave her a shoulder hug.

"Well I'm gonna head back inside. I leave you in Chloe's capable hands. Come on back in when you're ready," Rachel spoke before returning back through the doors. Rachel always seamed to run off when Chloe showed any sign of affection towards Maxine. Chloe didn't know why but she just chose to not bring it up. They sat outside for a bit before a sound to her right brought her out of her musing. She looked over to see Maxine had exhaled loudly and was standing up.

"We better get back inside," she spoke as she waited for Chloe to stand up. Once they were both upright they made their way back through the doors and to the auditorium. They arrived back inside as the music was slowing down into a more couples dance speed. Chloe felt awkward at hearing the music and their timing but to her surprise Maxine pulled her out on the dance floor and started to slow dance with her. Neither of them were very good at it but they didn't care as it just felt right. Chloe wasn't really sure what made Maxine want to slow dance but she didn't care. One they had had their fill of dancing they headed back over towards the VIP section.

As they got there they saw Rachel stumble out from behind the curtain. She looked over to them before slowly making her way down to them.

"Shho are yous twos OK," she asked slurring her words. Chloe frowned as she never really got like this.

"Yea I guess we are fine. Are you OK," she asked back at the blonde.

"Oh I'm jusht peachy thanksh," she slurred even more as she pushed past them and made her way over towards the concessions table again before returning with yet another beer. Chloe frowned seeing as she seamed to already be plastered.

"Are you sure you need more of that," asked Chloe as Rachel frowned.

"You ain't my momma," she said defiantly as Chloe reached out to try and grab the bottle. Rachel expertly moved it out of the way.

"Nu-uh. Mine," she said as she ducked buck under the rope and stumbled her way back into the VIP section. Chloe scowled and decided she didn't want to deal with Rachel right now.

"Come on Maxine lets go get us some more punch and sit out with our fellow peasants," she said as Maxine looked worriedly towards the curtain but nodded as Chloe led her over to the concessions table. Once they had their non alcoholic beverages they walked over towards the tables and sat down. They just watched all the various patrons of the party as they danced and chatted. It was funny to see the varying stages of inebriation across all the random people. They saw one person rush to a trash can and begin to promptly empty their stomach, someone else put their hands to low towards a girls rear and get promptly slapped for it, and a few dudes arguing over a girl before being separated and being escorted out of the party.

Chloe checked her phone to see it was close to 1 AM and figured it was time to leave.

"Lets go get Rachel and bounce. Its getting late," she said as she stood up with Maxine following and they made their way towards the VIP section. Mitch let them in without any argument and one inside Chloe looked around and didn't see Rachel anywhere. She walked over to the only 3 people she could stand to speak.

"Hey you guys seen Rachel," she asked as they looked up.

"She said she started feeling sick and was going to the bathroom. That was about 10 minutes ago," spoke Dana as the other 2 nodded.

"Alright thanks," Chloe replied as she and Maxine made their way towards the bathrooms. One they were almost to the bathrooms they saw Rachel with what looked to be like a boy guiding her outside. Chloe wasn't sure what was going on but she rushed down the hall with Maxine. One outside they looked around to see them crossing the parking lot before Rachel fell. The boy pulled her arm over his shoulder before continuing, passing beyond the parking lot towards the bushes.

Chloe began to fear for her friends safety. It would be a cold day in hell before she would let someone harm her friend.

"Hey! Leave her the fuck alone," she yelled as she broke out in a sprint towards the boy and Rachel. She saw his head turn towards here even though she couldn't make out his face. He dropped Rachel and took off running through the bushes. As Chloe arrived at Rachel she heard a vehicle start and take off. She didn't care as she began to check out Rachel.

"Rachel? Rachel are you OK? Answer me come on," she pleaded as she check over Rachel with her not responding. Maxine arrived beside her and looked terrified. Chloe pulled out her phone and dialed 9-1-1. The phone rung a few times before someone picked up.

"9-1-1 What is your emergency," came the voice of a woman on the other end.

"My name is Chloe Price and I think my friend has been drugged. She isn't responding and she doesn't look like she is breathing," she explained.

"I need your location ma'am and then I need to to get as close to her mouth as you can and listen for breathing," the operator replied.

"We are in the Blackwell Academy parking lot," after giving the location she got as close to Rachel's mouth as she could with her ear and listened. She could hear her breathing but it was shallow.

"She's breathing but its really light," Chloe said as her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. She looked over to see that Maxine was terrified for her sister.

"OK ma'am an ambulance is on the way and will be there momentarily. Please keep monitoring your friend to make sure she is breathing. I will stay on the line with you until they arrive," the operator informed her as Chloe felt tears in her eyes.

It was only a few minutes before she could hear the sirens and the ambulance pulled in. The paramedics rushed over and 2 girls moved so they could attend to their friend. Chloe held Maxine as she was crying and they watched as one of the paramedics rushed over and grabbed the stretcher and gently placed Rachel on it.

"We have to get her to the hospital. Her vitals are low," the paramedic informed Chloe as she nodded and they loaded Rachel inside before taking off. Chloe guided Maxine to her truck before they loaded up and took off close behind the ambulance towards the hospital. Chloe didn't know what to do one they were inside as they made her and Maxine wait in the lobby. She just had her head in her hands. About 30 minutes later she saw the Ambers rush through the doors and up to the help counter.

She watched as they went to the back and she and Maxine were still left sitting in the lobby. They returned 15 minutes later with Mrs. Amber crying and Mr. Amber consoling her. He guided her over to the two sitting girls where they just sat for a moment before he looked up at the girls.

"Maxine….Chloe….Rachel is in a coma."

Author's Note: I'm not a big fan of time skips but in the interest of getting this story to the true depth of it I need move us forward in time. I hope everyone is enjoying the premise and I seek to mix cannon and original content to give an entertaining experience. Also since I started this before BtS was released I wont be using much if any of it for my purposes so I apologize if people don't like this. I know that according to cannon as well that Blackwell is supposed to be a seniors only high school but for this story its just gonna be a private high school. Thank you for taking the time to read my works and I hope you are having a wonderful life. :)