Chapter 1

Kate Marsh lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun's glare as the bus turned a corner. She clutched at the meager backpack on her lap, feeling as giddy as her first day at Blackwell. But the only difference was that this bus was taking her out of Arcadia Bay.

This time, she was far less anxious about her destination.

Dear Heavenly Father, she prayed, clasping her hands together. Thank you for bringing me this far. May your hands guide me toward a happy reunion. May your blessings and your wisdom shine out in what I say and do here, amen…

It had been a month since her class had graduated from Blackwell Academy. After the trying circumstances everyone had been through—including her suicide attempt—Kate had finally gotten her parents to agree to let her take a year off before she entered college. Well, her father had agreed at any rate. Her mother had been content to sit behind him and avoid eye contact.

Even months later, some of the things that they'd said to each other couldn't be settled so quickly.

Kate sighed and leaned against the bus window, letting the sunlight warm her face. She didn't need to think about that mess. This trip was supposed to be a happy occasion.

As if on cue, her phone beeped. Kate took it out from her pocket and saw a series of new texts.

Max: hi, Kate!

Max: i think i see your bus!

Max: pls reply if it's you! ^_^

Kate giggled and typed in her reply.

Kate: Yes, it's me, Max

Kate: See you soon! xoxoxo

As she hit "Send," Kate glanced out the window. She could see the bus depot only a few blocks down the street. Sure enough, when she squinted, she spotted a young woman in a red jacket jumping up and down, waving her arms frantically. Kate put her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.

After an agonizing minute passing street trees and bike lanes, the bus finally came to a halt.

"Welcome to Portland, folks!" the driver called out. "Please gather your belongings and watch your step!"

Max Caulfield hugged herself against the warm July breeze passing through the front of the bus depot. But it wasn't just the weather that gave her goosebumps.

She couldn't believe how her life had changed over the last year. Not only the time travel powers and the storm—the memories of which she still sorted out in the dead of night—but in the people and places she'd seen along the way. Even now, when she looked in her mirror, she saw herself in Rachel Amber's trademark flannel shirts and makeup. She'd even grown her hair out a little, if only because Chloe enjoyed it.

Thinking of Chloe brought a smile to Max's lips. A lot of good had come out of the mayhem that had enveloped Arcadia Bay last October, but nothing could even compare to saving her one and only Chloe Price. Max had jumped across multiple timelines to rescue that sweet angel from gunshots, train wrecks, paralysis, suicide, and a dozen other threats to her very existence. In the end, it had cost them dearly—a near-fatal bullet for Chloe and the loss of Max's powers—but it had all been worth it.

As soon as Max had graduated, she never looked back at Blackwell Academy. She gathered her possessions and hopped into the new truck Chloe had bought. Just the two of them and the straight, lonely road to Portland.

But we're not lonely anymore, Max thought. She grinned when she saw the bus approaching and began to wave.

It took every ounce of Max's willpower to keep still while the bus came to a complete stop. She'd sent over a hundred text messages over the last few weeks, making arrangements for so many friends from school to pay her and Chloe a visit.

All coming together to fulfill what she liked to call her evil genius plan.

Kate Marsh was one of the last passengers to disembark. Max did a double take when she saw the girl's shoulder-length blond hair. Kate had always been one of the prettier girls at school, but this look took Max's breath away. She'd even changed her usual attire of a conservative black jacket and skirt for a cute blue summer dress.

But nothing could compare to the way Kate's whole face lit up when she saw Max. In an instant, they ran toward each other, colliding in a fervent hug.

"You've grown your hair out!" Kate exclaimed. When she pulled back, she gestured at Max. "It looks really good on you."

"Thanks." Max blushed. "But I was gonna say the same thing about you."

Kate smiled and tugged at a loose strand. "It was for my church." Looking away for a moment, she added, "I made a vow to grow out my hair and then donate it to the local leukemia charity. And they let me back into the fold after that."

Max took the girl by the hand and led her down the sidewalk. "That's sweet, Kate. But I don't see why you need to do that for their approval."

"It wasn't just for them." Kate took a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm doing it for myself, too. To prove that I'm not just a victim anymore."

"Of course you're not a victim. You survived hell—and you helped me survive it, too."

Other words danced on the tip of Max's tongue, but she didn't let them out. It'd been a tough few months, but she'd made a choice to not reveal her time travel powers to anyone but Chloe. She would've loved to tell Kate, but every time she tried, she saw every one of her failed attempts. Every time she told Kate not to go to the police. Every time she didn't answer Kate's cry for help on the phone.

And every time Max saw Kate falling from the roof of their dorm.

It was safer not to go mad explaining the trauma of remembering the altered past. And she'd rather be known as the Blackwell Ninja than as the girl who leapt through time.

"Well, I can't thank you enough for inviting me here," Kate was saying. The glow was still present in her eyes and her voice. "I've always wanted to visit Portland."

Max smiled back. "I'm glad you could make it. And you're not the only Blackwell alumni coming either. Warren and Brooke should be here the day after tomorrow, and then I think Alyssa and Stella after that."

"Bless you, Max. You're kind for doing this."

They came to a stop at the next street corner. Kate was about to step off the curb and cross the intersection, but Max held her back with a squeeze of her hand.

"Hey, what's the hurry?" said Max with a playful wink. "Let's just hang here. Our ride will show up any minute now."

Kate opened her mouth, about to ask a question, when a familiar squeal of tires cut her off. Max spun to the right and grinned when she saw a faded navy blue truck cruising down the boulevard. Without warning, the truck wove a sharp path around the slow parade of sea green Prii and other hybrids on the road. The madwoman at the wheel earned herself a few honks from the other cars as she crossed a lane and slid into an illegal parking spot right in front of Max and Kate.

Max opened the passenger door, revealing Chloe Price in the driver's seat. Compared to last October, she hadn't changed her wardrobe, still rocking the same blue jeans, jacket, and beanie. The only additions Chloe had made were swirls of purple in her electric blue hair—almost the same shade of dye as their classmate Alyssa used.

She grinned and waved at the other girls. "All aboard the Portland Punk Express! You geeks wanna a ride?"

"We're sure as hell not walking home." Max turned to Kate and held the door open. "After you."

Seeing Portland from inside Chloe's truck was an unexpected treat for Kate. She'd read up on the city even while she was at Blackwell, dreaming of the new life she could make for herself there—so long as it kept her far away from her bullies in the Vortex Club. However, with Chloe behind the wheel, the serene city became a high-paced blur of colors and sounds that thrilled her to the core. It was an adventure that her parents wouldn't have permitted, but Kate relished this guilty pleasure for all it was worth.

To her surprise, Max held her hand for the entire drive to their apartment building. Kate didn't mind that either.

Minutes later, they'd found a parking spot on the street. Kate followed Max and Chloe through the downstairs lobby and into the elevator. She took the time to admire the Art Deco designs she saw everywhere, all the way up to the fifth floor where Max and Chloe lived. The whole place bustled with other young couples and families. Everywhere they went, Kate heard children playing or someone strumming on a guitar. It reminded her of the youth group she'd worked in at her church.

At least it didn't hurt as much to think about her religion.

"Home sweet home," Chloe declared. She turned the knob and opened a door on the right, leading Max and Kate inside.

It was a nice little apartment, comfortable in shades of white and beige. Chloe wasted no time moving into the kitchen and rummaging through the fridge, while Max escorted Kate to the living room sofa. Kate took a seat, grateful for the thick, soft cushions after sitting on a bus for so long.

"There's a bathroom down the hall if you want to freshen up," said Max. As she dropped Kate's bag onto the floor beside the couch, she added with a wink, "Or how about some tea? We haven't done that in forever."

Kate smiled back. "I'd love some tea. Thanks, Max."

It was as if nothing had changed from the old days at school. From the happier days before the Vortex Club party and the storm, when she and Max would hang out and everything was fine with her parents. Kate had to fight the urge to cry; she was so touched.

From what she knew of Chloe, she didn't want to embarrass her with a show of emotion.

Never apologize for your feelings. That was something she'd learned from her therapist at the hospital. Dr. Grey had given her lots of little mantras and tips during her sessions. Things that Kate wished she'd heard while she was at Blackwell.

At least Max had never doubted her. Even now, Kate was could tell how Max would be gentler around her than she was with Chloe. Every little gesture showed how much she cared.

Chloe reemerged from the kitchen with a bowl of cookies and chips in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other. She set down the bowl on the table in front of Kate and plopped herself down in a nearby armchair. After a long swig of beer, Chloe sighed. Then she took notice of Kate and turned the bottle toward her with a grin. "Wanna taste?"

Kate grimaced. "I'll pass, thanks."

"Haven't changed a bit, I see." Chloe shrugged and waved her bottle at the bowl of snacks. "Well, help yourself. Bon appétit!"

As Chloe resumed her drinking, Kate grabbed a few macaroons from the bowl and began to eat. She was glad to have something in her stomach after that bus ride.

"And for le mademoiselle," said Max, coming over to the couch with a tea tray in her hands, "we have a choice of Earl Grey, chai, and jasmine green tea."

"Ooh, Earl Grey, please."

Max grinned and put the tray down on the table. "Awesome. That means more chai for me."

The next few minutes passed without incident. As the tea brewed and cookies were passed around, the girls swapped stories about the things they did back in Arcadia Bay. They remembered the Bigfoots' rallies that Dana Ward and the other cheerleaders hosted and the projects they worked on in Mr. Jefferson's class. Chloe, of course, had less stories about school and spoke more about the trouble she got into outside of class.

"…And that was when his mom catches me!" Chloe laughed. "So there I am, with my pants over my shoulders, halfway out the window, and all I can think to say is, 'Well, at least I'm using protection!'"

"Gross," said Max, but she was laughing, too. Kate took an embarrassed bite out of a potato chip and looked away, desperate to think of something else.

"So, Max?" Kate began talking without really thinking about what to say. All she wanted was to change the subject before the memories came racing back. Remember to breathe, Kate… "How have you enjoyed your time here?"

Max finished her tea before answering. "Mm, it's been good. I'd hate to admit it, but seeing Victoria's work did inspire me to submit a few photos to the local art galleries." She grinned and crossed her fingers together. "Here's hoping!"

"That's wonderful! Are you working as a photographer?"

"Sorta. I'm freelancing for a few newspapers and on the Web. Getting my name out there. Last week, I took photos for a same-sex wedding downtown."

"Sadly, it wasn't ours," Chloe quipped. She shot Max a meaningful look.

"Down, girl," Max retorted. She glanced at Kate and hesitated. "Um, I'm sorry if talking about that is making you uncomfortable—"

"It doesn't, honestly." Kate sipped at her tea, savoring the taste. It had been too long since she'd enjoyed herself like this. "I mean, I used to be a little more sensitive, but I'm better now." She smiled, hoping to reassure Max. "It took a lot of therapy to get over my issues with sex. I don't think it's wrong if two people are truly in love with each other, even if I could never say that in public."

Chloe took a long drink of beer, avoiding eye contact with Kate as she did. But Max looked right at her and smiled back. "That's great, Kate. I'm so happy for you. And I hope you'll be okay staying with us."

"C'mon, how could she not—?" Chloe paused for a burp. She coughed into her hand before continuing. "We're hella tight, Mad Max. Ain't nobody cooler than us in town."

Kate laughed, but deep down, she agreed with Chloe. When she looked at the quiet confidence that she and Max shared, it was heartwarming for all the right reasons. They looked out for each other and she knew they'd do the same for her.

God delivers us all, her mother used to say. Kate had said it enough to her little sisters, but now she understood what those words meant.

That evening, Max and Chloe took Kate down the street to a Hawaiian burger place. It didn't have the same ambiance of the Two Whales Diner that Kate remembered, but that was all right by her. She'd made a promise to herself to make the most of this trip, from trying new cuisines to having fun on whatever adventure Max or Chloe dragged her on.

They wandered around the street until it got late. When they returned to the apartment, Chloe slid away to the bedroom she shared with Max.

"S'cuse me, girls," she said over her shoulder. "Gotta take a hit before I start counting sheep."

Kate glanced at Max, who chuckled. "Chloe's smoking habits haven't changed much, I'm afraid. I've asked her to keep it to the bedroom, provided she opens a window."

"Oh, that makes sense." Then Kate remembered that they were in Portland and added, "At least no one here will judge her for that."

"Trust me, she still finds a way to gripe about the taxes she pays for it." Max shook her head and laughed as she took Kate's hand. "You must tired, though. Go wash up and I'll prepare your bed, okay?"

"Okay." Kate squeezd Max's hand before she went down the hall.

Her nose tightened when she passed the main bedroom and caught a whiff of freshly smoked weed. Kate ducked into the bathroom and closed the door as fast as she could. She took a few breaths and let them out slowly, waiting for her stomach to settle again.

The weed itself wasn't a problem, but the smell reminded her of the party.

She remembered someone handing her a drink, and then—

Let's not do this now, Kate told herself. She took another deep breath and closed her eyes. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Her second-favorite Bible verse had become a source of comfort during her recovery. Kate opened her eyes and looked at herself at the mirror, letting the words circle through her mind.

The panic attack went away. It was getting easier now. She could still remember waking up in a cold sweat in the hospital or back at her dorm in Blackwell, haunted by all her trials. But it took a lot of love and patience for her to find a way back to feeling hopeful. Kate found her reasons in every note and get-well-soon card she got from her schoolmates.

And she found it in Max Caulfield. Her angel.

Kate smiled at her reflection. "It's safe here."

After brushing her teeth and changing into her pajamas, Kate went back down the hall and stepped into the living room. She found Max waiting for her, already in her jammies. The couch had been converted into a makeshift bed with a heavy quilt, blanket, and pillow.

"Here you go," said Max. She patted a spot on the couch beside her. "Should be comfy enough."

"I can't thank you enough for this," Kate replied. She went over and hugged Max. "I'm glad you invited me out here. I don't think I've said that enough today."

"It's fine, Kate." Max returned the hug, then stood up. "If you need anything else, don't be afraid to ask. And feel free to use whatever's in the kitchen."

Kate nodded. As Max turned away, she crouched on the floor and unzipped her travel bag. Inside was everything she had brought for the trip—including a soft white teddy bear from her stay in the hospital. When Kate pulled it out, she heard a gasp and turned around.

Max stood in the doorway to the living room, her hands to her lips. "You kept it? I didn't realize you liked it that much!"

Kate smiled and hugged the plushy animal to her breast. "He helps me get to sleep. I find I have less nightmares when I have something to snuggle."

Coming back to the couch, Max sat down next to Kate. "I know what you mean." She blushed. "It's the same for Chloe and me, actually."

"You two seem really happy together."

Max looked away, staring wistfully at the floor. "It's been an amazing month so far. I can't imagine being with anyone else. And she's changed, too. You wouldn't know it by looking at her, but Chloe doesn't get so upset all the time. She's enjoying herself more, even if means less 'adventures' like we used to have."

Kate took Max's hand. "You're a wonderful person, Max. You always know how to make us feel better."

"I'm trying, at least." Max looked down at her right hand and frowned. She sat that way for a long time, lost in thought.

Kate didn't know what was bothering her, so she settled for leaning into Max's shoulder and snuggling her. Max resisted at first, but then she slipped her arm around Kate's waist and hugged her again.

"Sweet dreams, Kate." Max turned around and planted a kiss on Kate's forehead. "Give your teddy a nice big squeeze for me, okay?"

"Sure thing. Good night, Max."