Chapter Text
Chloe Price walked into Blackwell Academy exhausted, annoyed, and ready to go back to the safety of her bedroom. Here, she had to deal with her horrible, privileged classmates and the alcoholic principal. Here, the stepdouche could watch her like a hawk. If she did one wrong thing, she would hear about it at home. Chloe had no freedom, but her room was her sanctuary. All she had to do was get through this day, and then she had the weekend. She looked forward to the idea of escaping for a few hours, either literally or chemically.
Chloe tried to avoid eye contact with anyone. She was able to pass Principal Wells’ office without incident. As she passed, she remembered the last conversation she had with the man. Something about trying harder and there wasn’t any room at Blackwell for people that don’t have sticks up their asses. Something like that.
She wasn’t able to get to the science room without being pushed into the lockers by Nathan Prescott. “Watch it, Price! Stupid bitch!” His posse laughed like hyenas circling their prey. Chloe rolled her eyes, trying to ignore them. She adjusted her hoodie and continued her trek. She wondered if they would ever tire of being assholes. They did this to her almost daily making her wonder if they would ever find a new way to entertain themselves. While most of her peers took this time to talk with friends or catch up on gossip, Chloe had no friends to meet with in the hallway. She used to be friends with a couple of them, but she didn’t have time for that shit anymore. Everybody leaves. Everybody lies, no exceptions.
She remembered when she was friends with Warren, Brooke, and even Victoria, but all of that was over now. Petty teenage shit and a dead father tended to ruin relationships. She occasionally thought it would be nice to confide in someone, but she didn’t want to see that look. The look everyone gave her because they knew her father was dead. They knew that she had changed but were tiptoeing around her wondering what would set her off, thinking she would cry or rage at them if they said the wrong thing. She couldn’t have a normal conversation with anyone so she just…stopped. Chloe found her seat in the science room. She rested her arms and head on the desk, hoping she could nap and no one would wake her during class.
The warning bell rang and students began flooding into the room. Chloe overheard several students talking about a party happening tonight. Chloe probably knew more about what was going on in the school than anyone else because no one bothered to censor themselves in front of her. It paid to be invisible. She knew that Dana Ward was probably pregnant. She knew that Victoria was trying to sabotage the relationship between Dana and Juliet Watson. She knew that Nathan provided the good drugs for parties. She knew everything.
Ms. Grant hushed the class. “Okay, settle down everyone. Yesterday we started discussing different types of chemical bonds. Let’s see how much you can remember.” Chloe rolled her eyes not bothering to lift her head from her arms. She heard Ms. Grant pacing the center aisle between the students’ tables.
“Miss Caulfield, can you please explain to the class, what is a covalent bond?”
The class was suddenly charged with anticipation. Why do teachers like putting us on the spot like this? It makes everyone nervous, so they aren’t paying attention anymore.
Chloe heard the girl clear her throat. Max had always been in Chloe’s class, but she couldn’t remember having had a conversation with her. She was a quiet girl, kind of small and mousy. Geeky. She had friends, though, which was more than Chloe could say for herself. “A covalent bond is where two atoms share electrons.”
The class heaved an inaudible sigh of relief knowing they wouldn’t be called on because Max was correct. “Well done, Miss Caulfield. Mr. Graham, can you please provide an example of a covalent bond?”
Chloe yawned and switched sides of her head so she was facing the wall. Clearly they were not covering anything important today as this topic was so elementary. Napping protocol initiated. She closed her eyes and started to doze off.
“MISS PRICE!”
Chloe jolted upward from her position. Most of the class had already left their seats and were headed out the door. Damn, how long have I been out?
Chloe wiped the drool from her lip. “Enjoy your rest, Miss Price?” Ms. Grant asked.
The question was rhetorical, but Chloe responded, her voice thick with sleep. “Yeah, it was great. Too short, though.” She yawned and stretched.
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that,” Ms. Grant said sarcastically. “I’m also sorry that you found the topic too boring to engage with the rest of the class.”
Chloe had started gathering her things, “It’s nothing against you. Swear it.”
“I’m flattered, Miss Price,” Ms. Grant stated flatly. Chloe admitted the woman had a knack for dishing out as much sass as she was given. “Chloe, I don’t want to be another person that lectures you. I know your record, I know how often you see Principal Wells, and I know how horrible that man can be.”
She’s got that right.
“I just…I can’t let this go on. I know how smart you are, but your grades don’t show it, and you are constantly ignoring me or falling asleep in my class.”
“Wuh…what do you mean? I’m doing fine. I told you I was sorry.” Chloe stood, swing her backpack over her shoulder.
Ms. Grant placed her hands on her hips and pursed her lips.
Chloe ran a hand through her strawberry blonde hair and huffed. “I’ll work on it okay?”
“That’s not going to work this time, Chloe. We’ve talked about this twice this semester! I know that the last few years have not been easy for you, I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a parent at your age. It’s my job to make sure you succeed, and I am going to do whatever it takes to make sure you do.”
Ms. Grant approached Chloe, “I’m here to help you.” Ms. Grant reached forward to touch Chloe’s shoulder. Chloe flinched and quickly moved to avoid Ms. Grant’s hand. After realizing what she’d done, Chloe quickly composed herself, hoping Ms. Grant didn’t notice her reaction. Chloe crossed her arms, angry and embarrassed. She was embarrassed this conversation was happening, and that she had shown weakness in front of a teacher. She had to get out of here before she exploded. She could feel the anger rising within her. “Don’t pretend to know what I’ve been through. I don’t need your pity. I’ll – I’ll do better. I gotta get to my next class. Thanks.” Chloe was shaking, her fists clenched.
Ms. Grant’s sympathetic face broke slightly, worried she was losing control of the situation. She didn’t expect Chloe to be happy, but she didn’t think Chloe would get so angry. Chloe shoved past her to escape, and just then noticed that she and Ms. Grant weren’t the only people in the room, making her freeze on the spot. Nervously, Max Caulfield smiled at Chloe and gave a small wave. Regaining her composure, Ms. Grant gestured toward Max, “Miss Price, have you met Miss Caulfield?”
Chloe took a deep breath, her anger almost boiling over at the sight of Max. Max saw the exchange between her and Ms. Grant meaning the whole school would probably know about it by the end of the day. Now Ms. Grant was asking inane questions. “I’ve only been in classes with her since kindergarten. Yeah, I know her,” Chloe said sharply.
Max started to fidget, obviously feeling uncomfortable. “Well, Max is one of the best students in the class, and I thought she could help you get caught up with your work. If she’s feeling generous, she might be able to help you with other courses as well.”
“I don’t need her. I can do it myself.” I have to get out of here. Now!
Chloe started making her way toward the door. “This is not up for debate. Starting today, after school, you’re going to meet Max in this room to catch up on your chemistry assignments.”
“Sorry, no can do. I gotta head home immediately after school. My step-“
“I’ve already discussed this with Mr. Madsen, and he thought it was an excellent idea.”
She WHAT?! Chloe was furious. Does she understand what she’s done?
“If you do not show up to these sessions, disciplinary actions will be taken. I really don’t want to do that to you. I know you can’t afford many slip ups.”
Chloe was cornered. If David was in on this too, there was definitely no escape. She didn’t need another reason to piss him off. Her eyes went from Ms. Grant to Max.
“S-so you’re trapping me? This is bullshit!”
“We’ll see you after school, Miss Price.”
Chloe stormed out of the room. “FUCK!” she screamed, slamming the classroom door behind her.
She moved as quickly as she could down the hallway toward the bathroom. She could hear students laughing, probably at her. She was seeing red.
Once in the bathroom, she was relieved to see it empty. She walked back to the alcove where the janitor’s cart was kept. “FUCK THIS PLACE!” She punched the stall several times with all of her might and then kicked the cart so it smashed into the wall.
Why does everyone think they know what’s best for me? HOW DARE SHE BRING MY DAD INTO THIS? To top it all off, she went to David behind my back. He’s gonna love this…
“Keep it together, Price,” she walked over to the sink, turned on the cold water and splashed it on her face. Don’t they know everything that happens here at Blackwell has consequences? I guess I haven’t been doing the greatest job of keeping a low profile and skating by. Fine, I’ll play her fucking game. Hopefully stepdick will be in a good mood later.
Chloe looked at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were red. She looked like shit. “You just gotta get through the day. Relax, you’re fine, you’re fine.” She continued chanting to herself until she believed it.
At the end of the day, Chloe shuffled into Ms. Grant’s room, the annoyance from their earlier interaction rearing its head. Logically, she knew that she overreacted, but Ms. Grant had overstepped. Chloe mentally noted that she needed to wall off that feeling; she shouldn’t show her weaknesses. Reluctantly, she plopped into a chair in front of Ms. Grant’s desk.
“I apologize if I upset you this morning, Chloe.”
“It’s fine. Let’s just get this over with.”
With that, Max walked into the science room smiling, holding her books to her chest. She cautiously approached Chloe, gently setting her books down next to her on the table. “H-hey, Chloe. How was your day?”
Chloe swallowed the urge to snap at her. “Fantastic,” Chloe stated sardonically.
Max gulped and sat next to Chloe and began flipping through her books. “I’ll be back in 30 minutes to check on you. You had better still be here, Chloe,” Ms. Grant said. “Max, if you have any issues, come to the teacher’s lounge and let me know immediately.”
Chloe rolled her eyes. Max saw it, and Chloe was pleasantly surprised Max didn’t rat her out. Ms. Grant left the girls alone. Chloe placed her arms on the table and rested her head once more, facing away from Max.
“So uhh…it’s nice to officially meet you,” Max said. She sounded friendly enough, but Chloe was smart enough to know it was likely bullshit. She was probably going to go tell her friends lies about Chloe to earn favor with the popular kids. Chloe decided she should choose her words carefully. Chloe grunted in reply.
“Where do you want to start? Have you done any homework this semester?”
Chloe exhaled loudly and turned to face Max, “Listen. We aren’t going to do this. Just tell Ms. Grant that you did your best, you’ll get your volunteer credit or whatever the hell you’re getting from this, and we will move on. You won’t ever have to talk to me again. Then you can go tell all of your friends how fucked up I am, and everyone can feel bad for you because you had to spend a single second with me.”
Max furrowed her eyebrows. “I’m not here to get juicy gossip. I don’t care about that, and neither do my friends. We aren’t the Vortex Club.”
“Maybe not, but I won’t be anyone’s goddamn charity case.”
“I’m not getting anything for this, Chloe.”
“Psssht. There’s no such thing as a selfless act. Let’s not and you just say you did on your resume.”
“OR maybe I just enjoy doing this because I’m damn good at it!”
“I don’t need your help.” Chloe stared into Max’s eyes. They were blue, filled with innocence. They were gentle but full of conviction. Chloe’s expression softened. Maybe Max was just an innocent bystander who was trying to help. Max didn’t know what trouble she was causing Chloe, and this wasn’t her idea.
“Look, I know what I’m doing, okay? I know this shit like the back of my hand. You don’t need to help me with it. If you want to sit here, that’s fine, but it’s a waste of time trying to help me.”
A spark flashed across Max’s eyes, and Chloe saw her gulp. “Prove it.”
“Excuse me?” Chloe’s eyes widened.
“Prove it. If you’re so good at this then do your work with me.”
They stared at each other, waiting for the other to show a sign of letting up. Chloe’s desire to lay into her with a barrage of insults flared, but extinguished quickly. Chloe laughed, and Max looked at her a little shocked.
“Wow. You’re a scrappy one, Caulfield. I dig it. Manipulating me like that.” She had to admit, she had some chops.
“…Did it work?” She cringed and giggled simultaneously. The tension between them had dissipated almost completely.
Chloe couldn’t help but smile at her. “I’m pretty impressed, but I really don’t want to do this. It’s not worth it. They are just looking for a reason to kick me out.”
“I think you’re worth it. Maybe we can prove them wrong.”
Chloe continued to soften. Is this girl serious? She thinks I’m worth it? Cute.
“I know we’ve never really talked. I’m not trying to invade your life, and we don’t have to be friends. I would really like to help you, though.”
“Why?”
“For helping me,” Max smiled widely.
Chloe squinted at her, “What are you talking about?”
“It’s really stupid,” Max giggled. She continued when she saw Chloe wasn’t going to let up. “Do you…remember that kid, Greg, from 4th grade?”
Chloe scratched her chin while she tried to remember. “Uuuuuh, no. Can’t say that I do.” That was a good few blunts ago.
“I wish I could forget. I was so happy that he moved away that summer. Anyway, he was the one that bullied everyone, even Nathan Prescott.” Chloe still didn’t remember this boy, but Max continued. “I remember this one day he knocked into me making me spill my lunch on the floor. Then he started making fun of my freckles. You rushed up to him and shouted, ‘Leave her alone, you jerk!’ and shoved him back.” She seemed a bit hesitant with the last part of the story, “…and then he pushed you to turn you around and-“
“Gave me an atomic wedgie! Oh my god that was you?!”
Max laughed. “Yes, that was me. I’m so sorry about that.”
“Aw, dude. My crack was sore for like a week.”
“Oh, I bet. It looked painful. I am so sorry, but I also want to thank you. Do you remember what you did after he gave you the wedgie?”
“I…I gave you my lunch money.”
“That’s right. So, here I am Chloe Price. I’m doing something kind for someone who did something kind for me, no questions asked.”
“Why now?”
“Well…you scare me a little, so I never really had the balls to talk to you.”
Chloe snorted, “Okay, that’s fair. Sorry.”
“No, don’t apologize. When Ms. Grant asked me if I’d be interested, I was excited to finally have my chance.”
Chloe hesitated, but she had to ask. “Can I point out that this makes no sense? You’re going to help me by making me work? Doesn’t that mean I’m technically doing something for you? I’d much rather have like…a milkshake! Or cash!”
Max rolled her eyes, “Must you question everything?”
Yes. Chloe stared at Max, not fully believing her motivation. Regardless, she was stuck here. If she improved her grades, it might help with other problems. She remembered it was best to lay low, don’t cause problems. Stay invisible. She wasn’t really sure if Max could be trusted, but as long as they stuck to banter, she couldn’t hold anything against Chloe. She said we don’t have to be friends. Chloe had to admit it was kind of nice having a casual conversation with someone for a change.
“Okay. Fine. I’ll ‘let you help me,’” Chloe said making air quotes with her fingers. “What do I have to do to get you off my back, Caulfield?”
Max pulled out a worksheet that looked vaguely familiar, “Show me what you got, Price.”