"The Amazing SpiderMax!"

-Chloe Price

CHAPTER FIVE: Long Time, No See

*MARK APPEARANCE*

I walked in, looking around the building. A line of doors followed each side of the walls, the sound of muffled music and laughter being heard throughout the hallway. I spotted mine all the way down the isle, waiting for me. I sighed, starting to walk down the hallway.
    I quickly moved out of the way as two of Victoria's friends came sprinting down the hallway. They ran past you, carrying an armful of paper towels for her. I rolled my eyes, watching them push past the door and out to the queen.

"Victoria is going to be pissed we took so long!" One of them cried out, shaking their head. I turned my attention back to the hallway as I made my way to my room. I felt more relieved when I stood in front of my door, my hand pushing it open.
    I looked on my bed, spotting my worn out teddy bear resting against one of my pillows. My other shoes lay in a mess on the ground, my desk cluttered with junk I didn't bother cleaning off. I smiled softly at the many pictures I had taped on my wall, the one exactly from my picture I had taken.
    My big lights were still strewn across the wall, turned off at the moment. My guitar lay against the couch, yearning me to play it. I took a deep breath, rubbing my aching head.

Home Sweet Home..my favorite cocoon..

I walked across the room, over to one of my small houseplants sitting by the window. It looked a little wilted and dry, making me feel guilty. I snatched up a water bottle on the sill, opening it up and pouring it into the pot.
    You are thirsty, I am the worst baby momma, drink up. I turned back, going over to my drawer and opening it up. A picture slid out of it, a picture of me and my best friend. I sighed a little, holding it up in my hands.

Max and Mark. Best Friends Forever. Who even says that anymore?

It was a picture of me and Mark, dressed up as pirates. I had a black eye patch around my right eye, Mark having a black pirate hat placed on his head. We were both smiling, something I haven't done in awhile.
    We looked so young and happy, not a single care in the world. If only I could back into pictures. I set it back in the drawer, shutting it away so I wouldn't have to keep looking at it any longer.

I'm going to have to call Mark back eventually and find out what he'll say..

I knew the longer I waited, the worse it was going to be when I finally do decide to call him. Idiot. I walked over to my computer, turning it on. I smiled when it came up to a website of my camera gallery. I sighed dreamily, if only I could have these beauties.
    I switched over to my email, giggling at the message Warren had sent me earlier before. I read his words again, snickering at his corny jokes. Warren makes me laugh. It's nice to feel like I already made a real friend here.
    I started looking around for the flash drive, not seeming to find it. Upon closer inspection, I spotted a yellow sticky note hanging on the side of my computer. I plucked it up, reading the words that had been scrolled onto it.

"Hey girl, I borrowed your drive so I could watch flix while I study. If you need it back, just track me down in my room. XOXO, D."

Great, now I have to get the flash drive from Dana's room. I went over to the door, but stopped when I saw my guitar in the corner of my eye. I sat down on the couch, pulling it into my lap. My fingers automatically went to their places on the strings, my other hand ready to strum.
    I started playing, letting the music filter through the air. I closed my eyes, letting my fingertips pluck at the strings. The sweet and calming notes formed and melted into my ears, relaxing me slightly.
    I played for only a few minutes, stopping to get back up. I headed out the door, leaving my cozy home behind me. I turned my head when I spotted a girl banging on the door by the exit. She was glaring, shouting at the person who was inside the room.

"You can't get out now, Dana! So tell me the truth, or rot in there!" My eyes widened, starting to head down to there. I watched the girl huff out in anger and lean against the door, crossing her arms. Dana, knocked on the door, trying to talk to the girl.
    Oh boy. I made it down there, causing the girl to look up. Welcome to the real Drama Queens of Blackwell. The girl wore a short pink skirt with brown boots. She had on a white tank top with a blue jean jacket over it. Her hair was a brunette, almost caramel color to it.
    It was tied back into a low bun, her bangs framing her pretty and tan face. Her bronze necklaces laid against her collarbone, clinking together as she moved around. She held her phone tightly in her hand, staring at me. I finally recognized her, remembering her from one of my classes.

"Hey Juliet, everything cool?"

"Oh yes, Max. I've locked up Dana inside her room because we're "Cool."

"What did she do?" I ran a hand through my hair, hearing Dana try to talk to Juliet again. Juliet sighed and shook her head, glaring back at the locked door.

"What didn't she do!? Dana's been sexting with my boyfriend." I took a step back, surprised at her words.

"Ouch. How did you find out?"

"Uh, why do you care? Why are you even asking me? You never talk, just zone out with your camera." I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. I could feel the blush crawling onto my cheeks, but forced myself not to notice it.

"That's why I'm talking to you now." She scoffed, shaking her head and looking into my eyes.

"What's my last name?" I froze, gulping. Shit, shit, shit. I cleared my throat, seeing her impatiently wait for my answer. I wracked my brain, hoping for something that reminded me of her name. I decided to take a guess, opening my mouth to speak.

"It's Juliet..uh Juliet..Mason." She shook her head, her frown deepening as she leaned back up against the door. I kicked myself for not remembering.

"That was truly sad. Thanks for your concern, Max Caulfield. By the way, its Watson."

I stick my hand up, rewinding back again. I stopped before she asked me the question, the same frown on her face. She repeated her question, this time I knew what the answer was.

"Juliet Watson, you be nice!" She looked surprised and a little happy as she smiled at me and nodded.

"I'm flattered. I didn't even think you knew my name at all." I nodded, looking down at the floor quickly.

"Uh, of course I do."

"Thanks...I locked up Dana because she was sexting my boyfriend, Zach. Unbelievable." I heard Dana rattle the door knob vigorously, but all Juliet did was roll her eyes.

"How do you know?"

"Victoria Chase, you know her." I sighed quietly and resisted the urge to roll my own eyes.

"You could say that..but, why would Dana go after your boyfriend?"

"According to Victoria, Dana would do anything to date a quarterback." Ah, there's my answer.

"According to Victoria? Oh.."

"She saw the sext, and Zach won't answer his phone. Once Dana admits it, she can go...straight to hell." She leaned back against the door, looking down at her phone. It was obvious she didn't want to talk anymore, so I looked at the door behind her.

"Max, I swear I didn't do ANYTHING. I bet Victoria did!"

I nodded, turning around and heading down the hallway again. I always wanted to go into Victoria's room, now I have a reason. I made it to her door, looking around to make sure she wasn't prowling around anywhere. Once the coast was clear, I pushed open her door and made it inside.
    It was a lot nicer than my small and cozy room. Hers was larger with two couches, a king sized bed, and many more luxuries scattered around it. I started searching for clues, trying to find anything that would help poor Dana be free. I found her computer resting on her desk, my hopes rising.
    I sat down, turning it on. I had the awful fear that she would walk in any minute, so I made sure to be fast. I switched from her Facebook account to her emails, finding one that perked my interest. It read:

Taylor,

I'm sorry to inform you that I just totally tricked Dana and Juliet right now. All I had to do was mention to Juliet that I saw a nasty sext from Dana on Zach's phone.

Dumb ass believed me and so I expect there to be a dorm rampage soon. Juliet deserved this for stealing Zach away from me. As for Dana, who gives a shit?

Get out your popcorn!

XOXO,

VC

This is the proof I need to show Juliet! Now, I have to print this fast and get the hell out of here! I stood up, tapping a button on her computer. I looked back to see her printer lay out the email.
    I quickly picked it up and headed out the door. This better convince Juliet that Dana is innocent. I quickly walked to Juliet, seeing her in her same position. Her glared dropped from her face as her eyes went to the paper in my hands.

"Juliet, read this." I handed it to her, waiting for her answer. We both stood there in complete silence, even Dana seeming to listen to her next words. Her eyes quickly scanned the paper before she groaned and threw her hands down.

"Of course!"

She face palmed herself, shaking her head before turning around to the door. I smiled as Juliet finally unlocked the door and pushed it open. Out came Dana, a little angry but relieved she could get out again.

"I'm an asshole. I'm sorry, Dana." Dana nodded, shooting her friend a glare.

"You are, and I hope so. You really think I'd mess around with Zachary?"

"No, but I get stupid jealous. I owe you dinner, still love me?"

"And you do my laundry." Juliet chuckled and nodded, giving her a big hug. They both smiled at you gratefully.

"Thanks, Max. Your'e like the Blackwell Ninja." Hmm, has a nice ring to it.

"Now, let's see what Zach has to say about Victoria." Dana and I watched Juliet walk out the door, leaving us two alone. Dana placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled.

"You set me free! Thank you. Warren's flash drive is on my desk." I nodded, following her inside. Dana was a sweet and nice girl, always is. She was one of the few to actually be nice to me. She had dark brown hair that was currently pulled into a high ponytail.
    She is a beautiful girl, one with high cheekbones and gorgeous colored eyes. She was taller than me, and had all the right curves. More than I ever had. I was a pole compared to her. I watched Dana lay on her bed, magazine sprawled on her covers as she read through it.

Almost done..get the flash drive and then I'll go see Warren.

I walked over to her computer, spotting it. I kept it in, making sure everything was still there. When it all seemed good, I took it out and placed it in my pocket. I walked out of the building, relishing in the warm rays on my face again. I didn't spot Victoria and her gang anymore, that I was grateful of.
    I walked down the sidewalk, spotting Alyssa again on the bench. I walked past her, getting startled by one of the football players. He shouted angrily, throwing the football down on the ground.

"Fuck this shit!" He yelled, watching the football bounce away. It went straight onto Alyssa's head, nailing her. She cried out, dropping her book on the grass. She rubbed the back of her head, glaring back at the football player.

"Ow! That hurt!" I looked back at her, pursing my lips. I held my hand up, reversing time and watching the football go back into his hand. I ran over to Alyssa, getting her attention.

"Alyssa, move your head!" She looked up at me in confusion, cocking her head. She shrugged, shifting over on the other side of the bench.

"If you insist, Max." She gasped when the football came flying by her, inches from her arm as it sailed into the ground. It bounced back up and cracked one of the dorm windows, finally resting in a bush. She stared at the ball wide eyed, before thanking me and going back to her book.

Now that's what I'm talking about! I actually helped somebody.

Feeling accomplished, I started my way back down the sidewalk. I finally managed to walk through the exit when I stopped myself. Two people were currently fighting in the parking lot, oblivious to me still. I hid behind the wall, peeking out at them.
    Upon closer look, I realized it was Kate and David Madsen arguing. I was already glaring at David as he made Kate back up a few steps.

"...so don't think I'm blind. I see everything here at Blackwell! Do you understand what I'm saying!?" Kate shook her head, her arms held out beside her.

"No, and leave me alone!" Her voice sounded scared and angry as she was ready to push David away from her. I couldn't just stand here and watch this man harass this poor girl. I stepped out from my hiding spot, my eyes locked on David.

"Hey! Why don't you leave her alone?" David's face darkened once he realized it was me. I'm one of his favorite students, can't you tell? He pointed at me, shaking his head.

"Excuse me, this is official campus business and I-" I cut him off, walking closer up to him.

"Excuse ME, you shouldn't be yelling at students or bullying them." He looked slightly shocked before he recovered his composure and looked at the two of us. Kate stood there quietly, her eyes on me.

"Hey, hey, nobody is being bullied here. I'm doing my job." He looked over at Kate, seeing her put her head down.

"No, you're not."

"You're part of the problem, missy. I will remember this conversation." He didn't let me get another word in as he simply turned around and walked away. Kate held her hands together, a slight smile on her face.
    Once he went around a corner, Kate laughed and grabbed my hands. She felt cold and clammy, but this was the first time today she seemed to be happy.

"Oh, Max! That was great! I think you scared him for once..I have to go, but thank you..it means a lot."

"Anytime, Kate." I watched her walk away before I started my way to the parking lot. I felt good for making Kate feel safe now. It felt good to see her smile because of something I did. I finally made it around the school, spotting the parking lot. Officer Madsen can bite me, I thought angrily.
    I spotted Warren leaning on a car, looking down at his phone. I walked over to him, waving at him. He waved back, smiling brightly at me. He pushed off the car, waiting for me to meet him. Warren was a silly guy who had a lifetime supply of jokes to offer. He had shaggy brown hair that sometimes got in the way of his brown eyes.

He was a skinny kid, but with a built form. He always wore long-sleeves that were rolled up to his elbows and baggy blue jeans. He had a sweet face and was the first person to actually talk to me when I moved here.
    I reached in my pocket to get the flash drive, seeing Warren out of the corner of my eye. I saw him try to hug me, then stop once he saw I didn't see him. He scratched the back of his neck, clearing his throat. I smiled at him and placed the flash drive in his hand.

"Here's your flash drive, thanks." He nodded, smiling back.

"No problem. Hey, check out my new wheels!" He stepped aside to show me his blue car.

"Cool. Very old school." He chuckled, leaning against the hood of the car.

"1987, to be exact. Now we can go to the drive in! There's one in Newburg, just 60 miles away." I laughed lightly, crossing my arms.

"You're in the wrong time, Warren. But then, so am I.." He noticed my change in tone, staring harder at me. He stepped forward, smiling a little at me.

"You okay?" I uncrossed my arms, sighing.

"It's been one strange, fucking day." He nodded, running a hand through his hair.

"I bet. Victoria got a faceful of paint..I'd pay money to see a photo of that."

"I wish I would've known." I smirked secretly, holding in a giggle.

"So, did you get a chance to get out the movie booty on my flash drive?" I didn't want to say I didn't, and I didn't want to hurt Warren's feelings.

"Yeah, thanks. You had some cool shit on there, from "Akira." to "Twilight Zone." Which seems apropos today." He chuckled and stuck out his tongue at me, shaking his head. He shrugged, smiling at me.

"Speaking of hip and cool, which that is all I am, we should totally cruise out in my car to an actual movie this week..but you seem distracted." I sighed, my shoulders slumping. I rubbed my arm, looking down at the ground. Warren looked at me with concern, his eyebrows raising.

"I need to talk to somebody..to just get it out of my system." He nodded, giving you an encouraging smile. He stood up, dusting his shirt off and striking a pose.

"Dr. Warren Graham is in da house! I won't even prescribe you any meds. Tell me everything." I gave him a small smile, but it fell off my face as soon as it came. I sighed and walked over beside him, resting myself on the hood of his car.

"For reals, Warren..this is between you and me, not social media." He nodded, his silly expression gone and serious now.

"Don't insult me, Max. Go on."

"I had this incredibly bizarro experience in Mr. Jefferson's class today..I mean, life changing. Have you ever had a dream, so real it was like a movie?" He went to open his mouth when we were both cut off by someone else's voice. I turned my head to see a very angry Nathan Prescott walking towards us.

"Max Caulfield, right?" He spat out, boring his glare into my face. He didn't wait for me to answer, and kept walking closer up to me. Warren stepped up, looking at him curiously.

"You're one of the Jefferson's photo groupies." He said, pushing Warren to the side. I looked up at Nathan, glaring right back. I already knew why he was here, he found out who ratted him out.

"I'm one of his students." I leaned back as he got in me face, his finger pointing at me. Warren stood there, his face getting angrier by the second.

"Whatthefuckever! I know you like to take pictures, especially when you're hiding out in the bathrooms. You best tell me what you said to the Principle. Now."

"What are you talking about?"

"I know you're new here, but don't even try to play stupid with me."

"I'm not new here. I've lived here for years."

"Then you should know that the Prescotts own this shit hole." I continued glaring at him, getting up in his face now.

"Then you don't have to worry about me..worry about yourself." He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. I always knew he had a temper problem, but this was ridiculous.

"Do not analyze me! I pay people for that. Worry about yourself, Max Caulfield."

"Take a step back, Nathan Prescott." He surprised me by laughing and shaking his head.

"Oh, man. You're telling me what to do?" Warren stepped up, pushing his shoulder hard.

"Get away from her, dude." Before anyone could do anything, Nathan head butted Warren. He stumbled back, falling to the pavement. I gasped, gripping the back of his shirt tightly.

"HEY! Leave him alone!" He spun around, grabbing my neck. He forced my chin up in the air, shoving me against the car. His eyes were wide and crazy, his sneer as angry as ever.

"Nobody tells me what to do. Not my parents, not the principle, or that prick in the bathroom." He was inches from my face, my panic setting it. I wrestled around with him, frantically trying to get out of his choke hold.

"Stop that! Right now!" I clawed his cheek with my free hand, sinking my nails into his face. He yelped, shoving me away from him as he cradled his face. I fell to the ground, my palms stinging from catching myself.
    I turned my head just in time to see a liscence plate heading for me. It screeched to a stop inches in front of me, the steam rolling out from under the hood. I gripped the grill tightly, hoisting myself up. I placed both my hands on the hood, breathing heavily.
    I lifted my head to see..the red haired man. Except this time I could finally stop and look at him. A familiar feeling came as I stared at him harder, my mouth dropping open. He looked back at me, his eyes going wide with shock.

This was Mark..

"Max!?" He shouted, his face of disbelief.

"Mark!?" I said back, shaking my head. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, staring at me.

"No way. You again?" Nathan called out. He started to walk towards me, his cheek imprinted with three scarlet scratch marks. Before he could touch me, Warren tackled him to the ground, both grunting as the fight began.

"Go! Go! I got this!" He yelled, getting pinned to the ground by Nathan. I gasped as Nathan punched him in the face, Warren groaning.

"Max! Get in!" Mark shouted, motioning towards him. I hesitated, wanting to help Warren. Finally, I hopped into the truck, shutting it quickly.

"Get your punk asses out of there, now! Don't even try to run! Nobody messes with me! NOBODY!" He screamed, kicking the side of my door violently. Mark tore off down the parking lot, leaving Warren and Nathan in the dust.
    Nathan shouted some more at us, his fist raised in the air. Before we went around a corner, I was able to see Officer Madsen sprint towards the two boys. I sat back in the seat and took a deep breath, my head reeling. Finally, I looked over and saw Mark. My heart dropped.

Mark is here..