Chloe's Letters is a section of Chloe's journal that consists of 28 unsent letters to Max Caulfield which record Chloe Price's experiences in Arcadia Bay throughout the events of Life is Strange: Before the Storm. The letters begin on March 5, 2010, during her sophomore year at Blackwell Academy, and end on May 9, 2010. Certain aspects of the letters change depending on the choices that are made by the player.

Episode One - " Awake

3/5/10

Dear Max,

Dad got me this stationery one day when I complained about wanting to send an email and the internet was down. And tonight I thought: Hey! Maybe it's time to write Max!

The funny thing is, I don't really know what to say. Cause we haven't talked in three months. Despite all my calls, and texts, and... Not that I'm upset, or anything.

Fuck. There's no way I'm sending this, is there?

Chloe, the Unfriended

3/??/10

MAX

Now this is more like it! here I can write to you all I want without wondering or worrying if you'll ever write me back.

Maybe one day, when you return home and apologize for having forgotten all about me and we kiss and make up, I'll show this to you and we can read it and laugh.

Or maybe I'll decide that journal Max is way cooler than reality Max and you'll just live in here forever as my little imaginary former current best friend pen pal. Time will tell.

Chloe, the Journal Boss

3/20/10

max

Ready? So mom suggests taking a road trip next summer and I'm like cool I guess. But then she starts talking about David being there. Yes, that David, the wanna-be drill sergeant who swooped in on mom and has stuck around like a bad zit. David, The Mustache Monster From Planet Dipshit. THAT FUCKING DAVID!!!!!

Anyway, I politely suggested to Mom that perhaps it was too early to assume David would be in the picture by then. Or breathing. Hey, shit happens. As you might imagine, that didn't go over well.

But really, if this guy's still around three months from now then she's got serious self-esteem issues and I've got serious self-immolation (look it up, nerd) plans.

She can do better. That's all I meant. But she didn't want to hear it. Like I'm the asshole.

Chloe the Asshole

4/4/10

MAX

So you know how I stopped going to class so much? Like you stopped talking to me so much?

Funny story: I had trouble coming up with an excuse so I just...didn't. I just didn't show up.

And it was fine. Nobody said anything to me. Crazy, right? It's like I'm invincible all of a sudden. Maybe that's the perk of being the "dead dad girl". No one knows what to do with me, so they're actually relieved when I stay home.

Wish I'd figured this out sooner. Think of all the wasted school time.

PS Pris from Blade Runner popped into my head last time I rubbed one. I mean, at first I was thinking about Deckard and that smolder of his, but then Pris just totally stole the show. Probably nothing there. Think I just want her bangs.

Chloe the Electric Sheep

5/7/10

Max. the Loser,

Yeah, that's right. I called you a loser. Wanna know why? Because you weren't at Firewalk last night. Even Frank was there. He's my dealer. Or, Mom, if you're reading this: he's my dealer and you shouldn't be reading this.

Successfully backtalked the bouncer It was maybe the greatest night of my life. I hiked to this old mill using the train tracks, then verbally abused this dumb bouncer until he let me inside. Found another way in It was maybe the greatest night of my life. I hiked there on the train tracks, then used my ninja skills to get inside this crazy old mill.

Firewalk was the shit. Who knew ragers like that went down in little old Arcadia Bay? Fuck Seattle.

Chloe tried to attack the skeevy guys Plus I have a sweet ass black eye for a souvenir. Chloe ran away from the skeevy guys Plus I almost got my ass kicked.

(NBD but there were these two asshole skeevy guys whose manhood I wrecked.)

Oh yeah, and I got rescued by the most popular girl at school. How was YOUR night, loser?

Firewalk + Chloe > Max

5/7/10

MAX:

You know how things with mom seemed like they couldn't get any worse. Hah! The sad truth is, I suddenly have to choose between being nice or being honest with her, because I can't be both.

Chloe was understanding with Joyce But how can I keep being nice and pretending like she didn't make a horrible choice with Mustache? Chloe said what she felt But how can I be honest with her about Mustache without her lashing out at me for it?

And why am I the only one concerned about this hostile take over of our house? Today it's a toolbox and pot roast, tomorrow it's--

I should stop there, for sanity's sake.

Chloe put money in Joyce's purse It seems like I always have to be sneaky now, even when I'm trying to help, like slipping money into her purse this morning. Chloe didn't put money in Joyce's purse And yeah, I know mom is stressed about money issues, but that still doesn't justify her horrible taste in men.

Also, mom knows I've been skipping. Which sucks but in a way makes me feel better about it. Does that make me a bad person? That I don't feel bad about fucking off, just relieved that I don't have to waste the energy to lie about it anymore?

...on second thought, don't answer that.

Chloe, the No Good, Very Bad Person.

5/7/10

MAX

So The Mustache drove me to school today. Yup, that's what my life's become. Even worse, he thought the ride was like a "tell me how things are gonna be from now on" opportunity.

Chloe stayed silent You'd be proud of me. I kept my mouth shut like a good little girl. Or a good little serial killer. There's more than one way to skin a David. Chloe successfully backtalked David I shut that shit down real quick, but I have a feeling he's gonna run crying to mom about it because that's the kind of little man baby he is. Chloe unsuccessfully backtalked David I tried to shut him up but he powered through with his stupid lecture about life and war and...I don't know...soup? I wasn't really paying attention.

Had a dream about Dad again. The one where I was there when it happened. It seems to get harder and harder after each of these to remember what's real and what's not. All I can remember after I wake up is how much I miss him. I hope that never goes away.

The Chloe Who Wasn't There (Or Was I?)

5/7/10

MAX

Have I ever told you about Nathan Prescott, aka Spoiled Dick Baby?

Chloe defended Nathan Anyway, you know that old question about what if you could go back in time and assassinate Hitler? Well, I worry I just stopped that assassination when I got between Nathan and an ass beating by Drew, football jock and all-around angry teenager. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age? Chloe stayed out of it Anyway, I saw him get bullied by Drew, football jock and all-around sporty douchebag. It was nice to see Nathan get knocked down a peg, though the side effect is that I actually started feeling bad for the little shit. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age?

Spoke to Eliot, too. He was super nice, as always. He wanted to hang out, as always.

Chloe said Maybe And I was noncommital (sic), as always. Chloe said No And I blew him off, as always.

Poor guy. He’s super persistent. It must be hard trying to give a shit about me.

Speaking of giving a shit,

Chloe played the tabletop game I actually played a game with Steph and Mikey this morning. It wasn’t terrible, but I’m not sure I have the energy to consistently care that much about... anything. Chloe didn't play the tabletop game I still refuse to play Steph and Mikey’s nerd games. I mean, they’re cool and all, I just don’t have the energy to care that much about... anything.

I probably should be concerned about how little a shit I give these days. But that would mean giving a shit, wouldn’t it?

Chloe, the Catch-22

5/7/10

MAX

I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking "when is she finally going to talk about Rachel Amber?" Fine, you nosey bitch. Here it is:

Rachel Amber is the most popular girl at school, and she's super into hanging out with me all of a sudden. Like this morning, when she pulled me into the drama lab and asked for my expert opinion about true love in front of the whole class.

Chloe said she believes in true love I told her true love is the best way to get parents to buy tickets. Mr. Keaton, the drama teacher, seemed to agree. Chloe said love is stupid I told her true love is bullshit, of course. Mr. Keaton, the drama teacher, actually seemed to agree with me.

Then Rachel brought me into her dressing room. Gotta say, that was the quickest I've gone from meeting someone to helping them get dressed.

But that's Rachel. She doesn't give a fuck. She just lets it all hang out.

Then Rachel hatched this crazy plan for us to skip school together that involves jumping onto a train. You know, like kids ditched school in the '60s. The 1860s.

Stay tuned, Max. I have a feeling there will be a lot more to tell you soon.

Chloe, Love Doctor

5/7/10

MAX,

Did we ever play "two truths and a lie"? You would've been terrible at it. We would've called it "two truths and oh god can I take it back sorry for lying please the guilt hurts!"

Two truths and a lie should be a class in school. Feel like I learned a lot. For example, Rachel is ambidextrous. She's a Leo. And she's from California. I also learned that I still have lots more to learn about lying. Rachel read me like an open book.

Truths Interest in science Somehow she knew I was actually into science. Hatred for country music She could tell country music really does make me puke. Wanted to be a pirate She totally knew our pirate history was real. Lies Broken hand She saw right through my Yoo-hoo face punching story. Cat allergy She called bullshit on my made-up cat allergy. Lead guitarist She knew I wasn't in an all-female cover band.

Basically, she's a human lie detector.

Have I mentioned that we were on a train? It was pretty cool, sitting there and watching the world fly by. Then we jumped off it and wound up in some crazy-ass park north of town. NBD.

Captain Chloe Bluebeard,

Scourge of Arcadia Bay

5/7/10

MAX

With all this Shakespeare shit going on, I thought I'd write you a sonnet. Then I realized that rhyming is hard, and nothing really rhymes with Rachel. Which seems fitting, given that I've never actually met anyone like Rachel before.

With Rachel, everything is a game of some kind. I had to use my breaking and entering skills to get this viewfinder working just so we could spy on peeps at the park.

Speedwalker Rachel was hilarious making up dialogue for them, and I actually held my own mocking some tight-shorts wearing speedwalker. Grill Dad Rachel was hilarious making up dialogue for them, and I actually held my own riffing on some dad and his son at the grill. Woman on laptop Rachel was hilarious making up dialogue for them, and I actually held my own mocking some business woman on her laptop.

After we watched some old couple suck face, Rachel decided it was high time we unsobered ourselves. So we hatched a plan to steal wine from these yuppie picnickers. And since it's Rachel, the plan involved elaborate acting and more improv on my part.

Successful backtalk I killed it, once again. I'd still never be caught dead on stage, but this type of acting I can get behind. Unsuccessful backtalk My acting fell short this time. Thankfully, I can still snatch and run with the best of them.

Our hard-earned wine in tow, we journeyed forth in search of more fun and games.

Chloe, The Unsober

5/7/10

Max,

Uhhh...

I don't even know. I don't.

First off, was your money on "Chloe blows this and goes back to having no friends again?" I hope so.

How did I fuck it up? One moment I'm having the day of my life.

Chloe told Rachel they were just friends The next moment she's acting all weird and withdrawn, and my awkward attempts to fix it only made things worse, because of course they did. Chloe told Rachel they were something more The next moment I’m awkwardly confessing feelings for her, like some dork asking the head cheerleader to the prom. And she blew me off, because of course she did.

But wait, that's not all, because as soon as Rachel leaves I find a car. My dead dad's fucking car. The twisted, shattered, ugly reminder of what used to be my life.

So I smashed it up, obviously. And then I passed out and had a dream where my dad told me to find Rachel back at the park and Rachel set herself on fire.

But enough about me, how was your day?

Chloe, the Twisted, Shattered and Ugly

5/8/10

Max,

When did you decide you were done with me? I mean, how did you know it was time. To move on.

I ask because Rachel and I have decided we're done with this shit town. We've had it. It's bye bye Bay. But instead of just ghosting it, like someone I know, we're gonna leave a trail of destruction in our wake.

Expelled For Rachel, that means burning a fucking forest down. I know, crazy. But guess what, I'm pretty crazy, too. In not unrelated news, I finally got my ass kicked out of Blackwell. But at least I managed to keep Rachel from getting booted from her play. Suspended For Rachel, that means burning a fucking forest down. I know, crazy. But guess what, I'm pretty crazy, too. In not unrelated news, I finally got my ass suspended from Blackwell. And Rachel got booted from her play, which strangely sucks even worse.

I should probably be more upset about being a high school dropout... but I'm not. It's just another chapter of fuckery in the story of my life.

So yeah, burning bridges literally and academically. THAT'S how you make an exit, woman.

Chloe, the Exit Wounder

5/8/10

Max,

You ever hated someone's guts, but then later felt bad because you found out they're actually cooler than you thought? Yeah, me neither.

David got it inside his douchebag skull that he needs to start "cracking down" on me, which meant demanding I empty my pockets for him in the Blackwell parking lot.

Complied and had marijuana I went along with it. But just so I could wave my bag of herb in his stupid, mustached face. Complied and didn't have marijuana I went along with it. But just to make him look like an idiot in front of mom since I wasn't holding. Refused to comply I refused, because fuck fascists. And if that's what mom needs to trust me, then that's her problem.

I guess it backfired, because now David is moving into my old house. I say old house, because if he's there, I sure as shit am not.

Spoke to Eliot Oh, I also bumped into Eliot. He's super into me still. Everyone wants a piece of Price. Didn't speak to Eliot Luckily I've still got the junkyard, my home away from home.

Chloe, Bane of Facists [sic].

5/8/10

Max,

Ever been to therapy? It's actually kind of awesome. And I don't mean writing down your feelings and hugging and crying and shit. I'm talking about popping open the hood and getting your hands dirty.

Chloe mentioned David, the fire, Blackwell Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about my mom, David, the fire, my expulsion. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. David, the fire Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about my mom, David, the fire. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. The fire, Blackwell Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about the fire, my expulsion. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. David, Blackwell Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about my mom, David, my expulsion. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. Blackwell Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about Blackwell and how I won't miss it. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. The fire Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about the fire and giving too many fucks. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess. David Rachel's awesome at it, because of course she is. We talked about David moving in and how shitty that is. Rachel didn't want to talk as much, but I got her to open up. I'm glad I did. By the end, everything... I don't know. Seemed a little less broken, I guess.

Speaking of, I found this gnarly truck that I started fixing up. Who knows if I'll ever get it running, but for now I'm glad just to have a problem I might actually be able to solve. And maybe an escape vehicle? Stay tuned.

Fixing trucks and fixing brains. Who needs school anyway?

Chloe, The Less Broken Fixer

5/8/10

Max,

How do you know when it's time to take a relationship to the next level?

I'm talking about my drug dealer Frank, of course. He wants me to do a job for him, picking up money from Drew North. You know Drew, Blackwell's premiere jockstrap, and now, apparently, Oxy dealer? Dude's in pretty deep, it seems.

But it should be an easy job, and besides, I could use the money for mine and Rachel's escape fund. Which, speaking of Rachel, guess whose skeezball dad's side piece I saw coming out of Frank's RV?

Chloe successfully backtalked Frank I pressed Frank for info and learned that her name is Sera and she's only been around for a couple weeks. Oh, and she loves the droogz. Weird. Chloe unsuccessfully backtalked Frank I pressed Frank for info but I didn't get anywhere. I guess Frank can be pretty secretive when he wants to be. Still, it's shady as fuck, no?

Alright, off to make my triumphant return to Blackwell. At least I'm getting paid to go there this time.

Chloe, The Criminally Awesome

5/8/10

Max,

FUUUUUCK. Remember that "easy" job for Frank I told you about? Yeah, not quite.

Chloe successfully backtalked Skip First I jacked Samuel's keys then used my Jedi powers to get past Skip into the dorms. By which I mean, talking about my lady bits til he freaked out and let me in. Chloe unsuccessfully backtalked Skip First I jacked Samuel's keys to the dorm but struggled to get past Skip. I actually bummed him out so bad he snapped at Wells. Felt shitty about it, but I had to get inside.

Went into Eliot's room Took a brief detour into Eliot's room and read his poetry. Dude's got... feelings. For me, I think. I'm flattered, I guess? Didn't go into Eliot's room Took a tour of Drew's room. Crazy to learn that Mikey's been living there. Guess shit's worse than he lets on.

Anyway, I found the cash, but then Drew and Mikey showed up, followed by Frank's psychopath boss, Damon.

Have you ever met someone that you just knew never to fuck with? I hadn't, until today. Damon started beating the shit out of Drew for the money he owed.

Gave the money to Damon Drew wanted me to stay with Mikey, but I couldn't take the sound of Damon hurting him. I opened the door and gave the money to the asshole just so he'd leave Drew alone. Unfortunately, Mikey tried to be a hero and got hurt. Stayed with Mikey and returned the money to Drew I stayed with Mikey like Drew wanted. It was HORRIFYING. I think Damon actually broke Drew's knee. After, I gave Drew the money instead of holding it for Frank or giving it to Damon. Felt like the right thing to do. Stayed with Mikey and did not return the money to Drew I stayed with Mikey like Drew wanted. It was HORRIFYING. I think Damon actually broke Drew's knee. And then after, I... I kept his money. I'm not sure why I did it. I need the money to get out of town, but... it felt not great.

It was all so, so, SO fucked. And the most fucked part? That I had anything to do with it.

Gave the money to Damon Chloe, The Peacemaker Stayed with Mikey and returned the money to Drew Chloe, The Regifter Stayed with Mikey and did not return the money to Drew Chloe, Thief and All Around Bad Person

5/8/10

Max,

Just when I thought this day couldn't get any more dramatic... wait, let's back up.

Rachel drugged Victoria Did you really think Rachel would miss the play? Clearly you don't know Rachel Amber. She put some sleepy pills in Victoria's tea and reclaimed her role. Hey, all's fair in love and high school drama. Chloe successfully backtalked Victoria Did you really think I would let Rachel miss the play? No chance. I mindfucked Victoria into realizing she wanted nothing to do with the stage. It was truly some of my finest work. Victoria tried to drug Rachel Guess who tried to drug Rachel and jack her role? Don't worry, Rachel and I turned the tables on Victoria and gave her a taste of her own medicine. Literally.

Sadly, the drama doesn't end there for me. Stupid Juliet got caught in the stupid fire and now I...

Now I...

Let's just say there's exactly one person in the world who could make me dress up in a funny costume and act out Shakespeare in front of an audience of all my least favorite people. And she happened to be next to me at exactly the wrong moment.

Chloe, The FML

5/8/10

Max,

So, I survived. Just in case you were worried about me (you totally weren't). But it wasn't easy. I had to remember what to say and where to go and not to flip off everyone in the audience.

Chloe did perfect Not gonna lie, I totally killed it. Once I got past the stupid makeup and the blinding lights and just let myself get lost in it all. Chloe made a few mistakes Not gonna lie, it wasn't completely awful. Once I got past the stupid makeup and the blinding lights and just let myself get lost in it all. Chloe did not get anything right Not gonna lie, I was terrible. I couldn't remember my lines, or where to stand, or anything. Yet, somehow, none of that mattered in the end.

I guess acting is really about forgetting the rest of the world exists and being completely in the moment. When I'm with Rachel, somehow that becomes easy.

We ended up creating a new story together on stage. A much better story, because this one ends with the two of us escaping the island and sailing off into the sunset together. Take that, Shakespeare.

Will real life turn out so awesome? Time will tell.

Chloe, The Bardest Bitch In Town

5/8/10

Max,

Time has told. And no, it turns out that real life is not like the stage. It is SO much better.

Chloe did not choose We're leaving. Tonight. Boom, peace out Arcadia Bay. Chloe chose Los Angeles We're leaving. Tonight. Boom, peace out Arcadia Bay. We're headed to Los Angeles, home of movie stars, dank weed, and... who cares, all that matters is it's not here. Chloe chose New York We're leaving. Tonight. Boom, peace out Arcadia Bay. We're headed to New York, home of greasy pizza, hipster bloggers, and... who cares, all that matters is it's not here. Chloe chose the open road We're leaving. Tonight. Boom, peace out Arcadia Bay. We're hitting the open road. Destination unknown. But who cares, as long as it's far from here.

I didn't believe Rachel at first. It's not that I don't trust her, but she tends to get swept away in the moment.

Chloe made out with Rachel Let's just say... she erased all doubts. What, you need me to draw you a map? We made out. As awesome as you may imagine making out with Rachel Amber sounds, believe me, it was a bajillion times awesomer. Chloe kissed Rachel Let's just say... she erased all doubts. What, you need me to draw you a map? We kissed. As awesome as you may imagine kissing Rachel Amber sounds, believe me, it was a bajillion times awesomer. Chloe asked Rachel to get a tattoo Let's just say... we created a lasting bond. Well, nearly. I drew a tat on her hand in marker which she promised to get done for real. Then I'll know our decision was permanent. Maybe I'll get one, too. Chloe asked Rachel for her bracelet Let's just say... we're tied together now. She gave me her bracelet. It's her most prized possession in the world, and she tied it around my wrist to show that we're united for whatever happens.

After a quick stop by Rachel's house we're headed off. Next time you hear from me I'll be an ex-Arcadian. Just like you.

Chloe, The So Much Better

5/8/10

Max,

I used to think the strangest thing about the Ambers was how normal they were. They seemed like a bad 90s sitcom family, and I did my best to play the part of the wacky-yet-lovable best friend.

Drew graffiti on the newspaper article Yes, I did tag a newspaper picture of James on the fridge. But only because his face looked so stupid. Didn't draw graffiti I chatted with Rose, Rachel's surprisingly cool mom, and even helped her set the table.

The goal was to get in and out of there without causing a scene. So we could make our escape.

About that...

Tried to calm Rachel It turns out Rachel couldn't sit back and let her cheating father act all high and mighty. I tried to distract her and remind her of our goal. It almost worked. Backtalked James It turns out I couldn't just sit back and let Rachel's cheating father act all high and mighty. I put his smug ass in his place and even turned Rachel's mom against him.

Then Rachel snapped. I guess she just can't stand the lying anymore. She told her mom about James making out with that woman. Everyone was yelling and the next thing I knew Rachel was going full Destruction on the table.

That's when the truth finally came out. Rachel's mom = not her mom. Rachel's real mom = make out woman.

Mind = blown.

Chloe, the Wacky Yet Loveable

5/9/10

Max,

When you think about it, it's kind of amazing that anyone ever trusts anybody about anything. Take the stars, for example. We learn all these things about them in school, but no one bothers to tell us the most important fact of all: some of them are dead.

Yet, somehow, Rachel trusts me with the most important thing in her world. Finding her real mom.

She didn't ask me right away. At first, she didn't even want to talk.

It was kinda like the junkyard a couple days ago. But this time I didn't freak out on her. I gave her space.

Here's something you never learned, Max: when someone you care about is hurting, you do anything you can to be there for her. Even if that means making the stars shine in her bedroom. That's how I got Rachel to open up and ask me about finding her mom.

Chloe said "I've got this." I think my confidence surprised her. But if Rachel wants to find her mom, then I'm making it happen. Chloe said "I've got an idea." I told her I think I can do it. If I can reach Frank and get the truck running, we have a chance.

Chloe, Conjurer of Stars

5/9/10

Max,

I think I want a tattoo.

Yah, I know. It's "permanent", right? But that's the thing though, it's not. Not really. Cause we're not permanent at all.

Funny how much simpler life seems when you keep that in mind. Like my hair. I wanted to see what it would look like blue, so I did. It looks awesome. One day, I'll make it all blue. And if I don't like it then, so what? It'll all fall out eventually. See how that works?

You know what else isn't permanent? David.

He pulled some shit where he acted nice to me in front of Mom, then turned on me when we were alone. It pissed me off, but you better believe that fucker won't have the last word.

David searched Chloe's room Chloe accepted David's photograph The fucker searched my room when I was away, and then gave the world's lamest apology. He tried to connect with me about his dead friend, which... fine. A for effort, I guess. Chloe rejected the photograph The fucker searched my room when I was away, and then gave the world's lamest apology. He tried to connect with me about his dead friend, which I shut the fuck down. No mercy for tyrants. David didn't search Chloe's room Chloe accepted David's photograph He actually tried to be nice to me, in the most awkward way imaginable. Then he tried to connect with me about his dead friend, which... fine. A for effort, I guess. Chloe rejected the photograph He actually tried to be nice to me, in the most awkward way imaginable. Then he tried to connect with me about his dead friend, which I shut the fuck down. No mercy for tyrants.

Eventually I got out of there and headed to the garage, which David is transforming into his own personal asshole cave. At least I got what I came for: Dad's toolbox. I bet he would've liked the idea of me using his tools to fix a ride.

Off to the junkyard, to see if I can get that truck working. I know it's far from permanent, but here's hoping that beast has a little more life in it.

Chloe, the Impermanent Marker

5/9/10

Max,

You ever notice how people in hospitals are always whispering? I think it's because hearing our own voices makes everything feel much more real, somehow. Like writing it down.

Weird how, only a few hours ago, I was the one bringing something broken back to life.

Chloe drew graffiti on David's toolbox I almost can't believe I was able to fix up the truck. Chloe didn't draw graffiti on David's toolbox I snagged one of David's car manuals and fixed up the truck.

I took it for a joyride around the junkyard before Rachel showed up. We chatted for a bit. Then... shit got crazy.

And by crazy I mean Damon Merrick, the psychopath who's super interested in Rachel's bio mom and dad for some reason. He and Frank arrived, demanding to know what we were doing.

Before we could find out why, he pulled out a knife and stabbed Rachel. I might have been able to stop him if I acted quicker, but... I just froze. If it weren't for Frank...

A blazing car ride later and I'm here, at the hospital. Wishing I could make myself believe this isn't really real.

Chloe, the Much Too Real.

PS I hope Frank's okay.

5/9/10

Max,

I don't think you can know how you feel about someone until you almost lose them. Until you sit in a hospital waiting room, frozen in place yet somehow falling, silently desperately pleading to hear their voice, touch their hand, make them laugh...

Then you know.

It was weird being with Rachel's dad. And, actually, kinda nice. We were on the same team, suddenly, and none of the other shit mattered. I think I can see why Rachel loves him.

Drew was hurt Visited Drew Got to check in on Drew, spend some time with him and Mikey. Gotta say, that family's actually pretty amazing. Failed backtalk with Drew Got to check in on Drew, spend some time with him and Mikey. I even cheered Drew up by trying to steal his pudding. Succeeded backtalk with Drew Got to check in on Drew, spend some time with him and Mikey. I even cheered Drew up by stealing his pudding. Win win. Mikey was hurt Visited Mikey Got to check in on Mikey, spend some time with him and Steph. Gotta say, the North family is actually pretty amazing. Played tabletop with Mikey Got to check in on Mikey, spend some time with him and Steph. Oh yeah, and cheer Mikey up with some more hardcore nerd gaming. Chloe didn't visit the Norths Steph, Mikey, and Drew were in the hospital, but I didn't talk to them. Maybe I was just too anxious?

After what felt like forever, Rachel woke up. Even with everything that's happened, she's still focused on finding her mother. So I am too.

Here's the plan: I'm going to dig around James' office, find whatever I can about her, and track her down so they can meet. I don't care how tough it might be.

Chloe, the Bounty Hunter

5/9/10

Max,

I'm starting to think that lying is contagious. One lie leads to another to another, and before you know it, there's an epidemic.

Case in point, Rachel's dad. Remember when I told you all about how he lied to Rachel but then the truth about her mom came out? Yeah, about that...

I guess the hardcore security should have tipped me off. I managed to break into his desk. That's when the lies started to pour out.

Chloe read Sera's letters I found letters from Sera to Rachel. Letters James never showed her, never mentioned. And the checks James has been sending to Sera? Bullshit. She's been sending them back. Chloe didn't read Sera's letters Seems James has all sorts of secret communications he failed to mention last night. I found this cell phone in his desk. A burner phone, the kind only used by shady ass people.

This lying asshole has even been working with Damon fucking Merrick of all people!

I had to lie too by pretending to be James. It was crazy. I burnt actual evidence, which means I should probably burn this journal too.

Accused Sheldon Then I ratted out one of the skeevy guy who harassed me at the Firewalk show. Serves him right. Accused T-Shirt Vendor Spoke to Gerald Then I ratted out the guy who wanted twenty bucks for a Firewalk shirt. I don't know why, I had to find Sera quick. Didn't speak to Gerald Then I ratted out some guy named Gerald. I felt a little bad, but he really was a straight-up criminal and I had to find Sera quick. Accused Bouncer Won backtalk Then I ratted out the bouncer who let me into the Firewalk show. I felt bad, but I had to find Sera quick. Failed backtalk Then I ratted out the bouncer who wouldn't let me into the Firewalk show. I feel kinda bad, but I had to find Sera quick.

Finally I found a stack of money that Damon's been waiting for James to give him, in exchange for... hurting Sera, I think. How can people be so fucked up? I almost wish I could forget everything I found today.

Almost. Because now I know where Sera is. And nothing will stop me from getting to her.

Chloe, Liar of Lies

5/9/10

Max,

You know that poem that goes like "some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice" and fire is supposed to be desire and ice is supposed to be hatred? Yeah, put me down for one of each.

Eliot followed me to Rachel's house. Turns out he's been... I dunno, watching me? Or, at least, paying close attention to what I've been up to with Rachel. And he does NOT approve.

I honestly had no idea Eliot had this side to him. He truly hates Rachel. At one point he literally refused to let me leave until I "saw the truth" about her.

He was psycho-rage angry. I was afraid... and I also didn't have time to talk to him. So I got the bright idea to secretly call 9-1-1 when he wasn't looking.

Succeeded backtalk with Eliot And it actually worked! I was able to tip the cops off to what was happening. Then, when they showed up, I ran off. Poor Eliot will have to answer to them... but also, fuck him. Failed backtalk And it backfired big time. Eliot caught on to what I was doing and got even madder. He cornered me, but I broke the window and set off the Ambers' security alarm. That got him away pretty quick.

Truth is, I almost feel bad for Eliot. He made the terrible decision to become obsessed with me. I just have way more important shit to deal with right now.

Chloe, Evader of Creepos

5/9/10

Max,

So that thin line between real life and dream life I've been telling you about... I think it just disappeared.

I saw my dad again, but this time I was awake. At least, I think I was. One moment I was speeding along in my truck, and the next moment I was standing in a burned out forest. Talking to my dad.

Chloe wanted to know the truth I wanted to know if he'd ever lied to me, the way James did to Rachel. But he couldn't tell me. I suppose that's one advantage dead people have over us. Chloe didn't want to know the truth I thought I wanted to know if he'd ever lied to me, the way James did to Rachel. But then I realized I actually don't. Why ruin the perfect dad in my head?

If dreams can blend with reality, then I guess nightmares can too. That's exactly what the mill feels like now.

Frank's RV is here, smeared with blood. I really hope Frank's okay, but I have to get to Rachel's mom. I don't know what I'll find. But I have to. For Rachel.

Chloe, the Unreal.

5/9/10

Max,

I failed. I was unable to save Rachel's mom. Instead, I had to watch Damon Merrick stab a heroin needle into her neck, see the color drain from her face, the hope from her eyes. And there was nothing I could do about it.

I should probably be dead, but Frank showed up. Attacked Damon, if you can believe. I don't know what happened after that. I got knocked out and woke up to find Sera sitting there.

She seemed desperate to talk to me. But she didn't want to talk about Rachel, or meeting her. She only cared about one thing: convincing me to lie to Rachel about her dad and pretend I never found her.

I desperately tried to change her mind, to tell her that Rachel needs her.

Chloe had Rachel's bracelet Sera accepted the bracelet I gave her Rachel's bracelet. I think it meant a lot to her, but she still walked away in the end. Sera rejected the bracelet I gave her Rachel's bracelet, but she gave it right back to me. She held strong to her argument. Chloe didn't have Rachel's bracelet Chloe convinced Sera I told her how wonderful Rachel is and how everyone deserves love. But she still walked away in the end. Chloe didn't convince Sera No matter what I said, Sera held strong to her argument that Rachel must never know about James.

And now... now I have to decide what to tell Rachel. What would you do, Max?

You can't answer, I know. You don't exist. You're a lie I've used to avoid reality. To keep living in the past. And maybe that's okay?

But... I don't think I want to live in the past anymore. I want to be in the present. With Rachel. No matter what happens next.

Goodbye, Max.

Chloe

Trivia