The Owls Are Strange

by j0shdotc0m

Summary:

One day, Amity Blight, an 18-year-old photography student at Blackwell Academy, discovers she has the power to reverse time. Coincidentally reuniting with her childhood friend, Luz Noceda, at the same time, the two discover that there is a hidden dark side to their hometown. Can they rebuild their friendship and solve the big mystery in their town? One more thing, Amity keeps having visions of a great storm destroying everything they know. Probably means nothing, right?

Notes:

A Life is Strange AU with some (major) plot changes for those familiar with the story of the first game.
Of course, big spoiler warning for those who haven't played the game.
Happy reading!

Chapter 1: "Oblivion" by Grimes

Nothing. 

It’s all I feel. 

It’s all I see.

It’s all I hear. 

Then, total sensory overload.

 I first hear the loud booms of thunder above me. Then I feel the wet grass beneath me. 

I slowly stand up. As I look around, I’m surrounded by shifting trees and see countless broken twigs on the ground. I realize I’m in a forest. 

How did I get here?  

And where is here?

I try to take big steps toward… somewhere. But the bitter wind pushes me back, threatening to sweep me away. As I resist the wind, I see a dark path ahead. 

Continuing my fight against the storm, I follow it. As the number of trees begins to thin, I spot the lighthouse in the distance, the same tower that looms over my town every day. 

Maybe I can find help there? 

As I walk, I see unnatural colors in the corners of my eyes, and I can swear some of the trees are moving in a human-like way. I near the lighthouse, but the cries of wind and thunder grow even louder as I find their source. 

Over the cliff, I see a hurricane–

a hurricane taller than a skyscraper and longer than a freight boat–

a hurricane dangerously close to the town of Arcadia Bay. 

Arcadia Bay, my childhood town, is about to be destroyed. 

It can’t be— it shouldn’t be. 

This must be a dream, right?  

I force myself to look away from the terrible sight and keep moving toward the lighthouse.

Almost there. 

Nearly giving up and letting the wind carry me away, I press forward, but suddenly the storm throws a large fishing boat towards the lighthouse. 

The boat strikes the tower, breaking into two massive pieces. I then hear the sound of splintering wood and the sight of one part of the boat nearing me. 

I’m immobile, only able to cry out, “Wait!” 

As it falls on me, the world plunges completely into darkness once more.

 

---

 

 

 

I wake with a start, scared of what could be awaiting me. 

Am I still dreaming?  

But as I focus on my surroundings, I find myself somewhere … normal. 

Somewhere unlike the very surreal dream I’ve just had. 

I’m in Mr. Wittebane’s classroom.  

A very warm-looking room with brown and white plaster walls.

The dirty floors from years of use make the room more authentic

The late afternoon sun shines through the windows. 

I swear I don’t remember falling asleep. 

That dream felt too real.  

The room is quiet, except for the lecture being given. 

Mr. Wittebane, a tall man with light blonde hair and an outfit somewhere between hipster and professional.

I begin to calm down as my hearing focuses on his lecture. “Infamous director Alfred Hitchcock once called film, ‘little pieces of time.’ As this is a photography class, we’ll assume he was talking about photography as a whole,” He says with a smirk, leaning on the table in the front of the class. 

Although quiet, the class is alive with movement. I see Mary’s pen fall to the ground. As she reaches for it, Cat throws a ball of paper at Viney when Mr. Wittebane has turned away. Viney simply looks away from the teasing. Boscha’s phone vibrates, and she takes a peek at it. 

Mr. Wittebane clears his throat to grab our attention and asks, “Class, which photographer we discussed was able to capture the human condition in monochromatic colors? Anyone?” 

Boscha raises her head and answers, “Diane Arbus, of course.” 

“Thank you, Boscha, now class, if you don’t remember, I would hope you at least know that Arbus was known for her photos of humanity in its darkest moments. Now, for you to lecture me, I’m assuming everyone memorized the chapters given to them last week, right?” 

The silence is interrupted by abrupt groans from students. “I hope those are groans of excitement.” He says jokingly. 

“So, who can tell me the process that led to the idea of self-portraits?” 

Of course, he asks a question about that.  

I barely had time to study that chapter.

Taking pictures can help me think. 

I take my camera–an old Polaroid–off my table to take a quick picture of myself. I click and see the small and somewhat nostalgic photo come out with a little sound. 

“Speaking of self-portraits,” I look up to see Wittebane eyeing me. “I see that Amity has taken one. Well, these days everyone calls them ‘selfies’. Nonetheless, Amity, since it looks like you want to join our conversation, can you answer my question?” 

I feel the whole class looking at me now as I search for the answer in my brain. My search provides nothing however, and I’m forced to mumble, “I did know… but I forgot.” 

Wittebane sighs and sternly tells me, “Amity, in my class, you either know it or don’t know it. Now, does anyone else know what I’m talking about?” 

As if on cue, Boscha answers with, “It was Louis Daguerre who created the process known as the Daguerreian Process.” She turns to me and whispers, “Still stuck in the Retro Zone, aren’t you?” 

I do my best to ignore it as Wittebane continues. 

“Yes, Boscha. The Daguerrian Process can bring out the tiniest details in the human appearance, and it was then used from the 1800s onwards.” 

The bell rings, and immediately the whole class stands up to move on with their day. Wittebane stands to get one more lecture in quickly.

“Now, class, remember that the deadline for the ‘Everyday Heroes’ is approaching. Keep in mind that the winner will get to fly to San Francisco with me to show off their work to the entire art world. So, Mary, I need you to get it together. Cat, don’t hide. And yes, Amity, I see you pretending not to see me.” 

The rest of the class quickly leaves as Boscha stays behind to talk to Mr. Wittebane. 

Leave it to Boscha to be a professional ass-kisser. 

I find the photo I’ve just taken has developed, and of course, I see myself in it. 

I pocket the photo to add to the collection later.

As I gather my things, I notice Viney still sitting in her spot, unmoving. 

Viney was a loud and tough girl who could make friends with anyone. 

That’s who she was up until a week ago; now she doesn’t approach anyone or even say a single word. 

I wonder what happened to her?

Maybe I could cheer her up.

I finish packing up, pick up my bag, and walk over to Viney. 

“Hey, Viney,” I greet calmly. 

She suddenly jumps, surprised by my appearance, but quickly relaxes at the realization of who surprised her. 

“Oh, hey, Amity,” she quietly responds. 

“I’m sorry to ask, Viney, but you seem quiet today. You okay?”

 She takes a moment to respond. “Sorry, I just have a lot to think about.” I notice how she hasn’t met my eyes during this. 

I give her a small smile, “I hear that. Would you maybe like to get some coffee with me sometime? We could talk about life all we want?” I ask confidently. 

She finally meets my gaze, and I notice a somewhat sad feeling in her eyes. “Sorry, but not today, I got a lot of homework.” She says somberly. 

“Hey, that’s okay. There’s time for that later.” I quickly comfort her. “You have a good day, alright?” 

As I finish our short conversation and walk away, I hear her whisper, “You too, Amity.” 

So much for cheering her up.

I decide to bite the bullet and ask Wittebane about the competition, and notice he’s still talking with Boscha. 

I approach the two of them, “Excuse me, Mr. Wittebane, can I talk to you for a moment?” Boscha quickly turns towards me, “Yes, excuse you.” She says in an annoyed tone. Wittebane points a finger at her and looks towards me as he says, “No, Boscha, excuse us.” 

She walks away with a groan and shoots me a weird look. 

Sorry, I interrupted your moment, Boscha.  

“I’m assuming you’re here to turn in your photo, Amity?” He asks with a smile. 

“Sorry, but do I need to turn it in? It doesn’t seem like a big deal to me.” I respond begrudgingly. “Amity, I think you would fare better taking pictures than lying,” he says with a smirk. “You have a gift that I think you're ignoring. Every photographer has a way of seeing the world. But not all of them have the bravery to share their vision with others. I want you to remember that as you come up with your picture, okay?” He finishes with a serious look on his face. 

I nod silently and walk out of the classroom. 

I need to wash up. 

 

---

 

 

 

I walk through the hallways of Blackwell, where stark, modern walls are beautifully mixed with red and blue lockers that evoke a sense of nostalgia. I see couples together, whispering sweet nothings to each other. I see groups of friends walking through, cracking jokes, and asking each other questions. All of this together creates the very light-hearted atmosphere that I associate with Blackwell.

I don’t know many people here, but the few I do get along with are enough to make me feel less lonely. 

Arcadia Bay is a fine town that I moved away from years ago, but came back three weeks ago to attend Blackwell. The school is known for producing the most successful people in all fields around the country. The kinds of people you would see on talk shows and magazine covers. 

I mainly came here because of my parents wanting to guarantee some success for me, because for some damn reason, everyone in my family has to be successful. Don’t worry, I’ve already been told to get some therapy. At the very least, I got to pick what I major in and have been able to develop some comfort here. 

Although one thing has been stuck in my mind ever since I got back here. I had a friend here once. Well, we were the best of friends, her name was Luz, and it’s been years since we’ve spoken. The few things I remember about her were that she was sweet, she was sometimes chaotic, and my first true friend. I regret ever leaving her.

We don’t have the same classes, but I’ve heard of her name around campus sometimes, and I wonder if I will ever gather up the courage to find and talk to her. I wonder if she forgives me for leaving her in this town, at what may have been the worst time in her life. 

I finally make it to the bathroom and thankfully find no one in it.

The bathroom, illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights, with cold white tiles making up the floor, and the temperature of the room was low enough to give me goosebumps on my skin.

I walk up to a sink and take a moment to examine myself in the mirror. 

Who am I?  

In the mirror, I see Miss Amity Blight. The eighteen-year-old photography student at Blackwell Academy. Right now, she’s wearing a pink and white t-shirt, a dark unzipped jacket over it, and ripped dark blue jeans with old black Converse shoes. She has pale skin and light brown hair, short and straight, with a little bun in the back. 

As I evaluate myself, I find myself asking this question numerous times.

Can I find that ‘bravery’ Mr. Wittebane was talking about? 

I take out the photo I planned to turn in for the contest, a photo of me in my dorm room standing in front of a wall of photos I’ve taken over the years. 

Would people like the way I see the world?

“This won’t work,” I say to myself. 

I proceed to rip up the photo, then watch the fragments of my project fall slowly to the ground, like nothing. As they reach the floor, I see a peculiar sight nearby.

A small brown owl. 

In broad daylight. 

Just standing on the janitor’s bucket in the corner. 

I look at the small window above the bucket, seeing it left open. 

Must be how you got in. But it’s the day?

Well, you don’t take a photo like this every day. 

I take out my camera and slowly crouch down near the owl, trying my best not to disturb it.

I wait for the perfect moment to take the shot.

Have patience, young Blight.

Right as it looks at me, I take the picture, and for a moment, we stare at each other, as if we had developed a deep connection. Then it flies out through the window. 

I hope you find your way home, little owl.

As I stand on the side of the bathroom stall near the janitor's supplies, I view the photo I’ve just taken. 

The photo comes out exactly as I’d hoped, with the mysterious owl contrasting with the common and dull surroundings beautifully. I hold the photo to my chest and smile to myself. 

Could this be the vision I can show the world?

Maybe I do have the guts for this after all.

My thoughts are interrupted as I hear the bathroom door open. 

A pale boy with disheveled blonde hair steps in quickly. It looks like he just ran hundreds of miles; he’s sweating and breathing harder than anyone I’ve ever heard.

As I’m hidden by the bathroom stall, I watch him get in front of a sink as he looks at himself in the mirror. “You’re okay, Hunter, it’s okay, you don’t need to stress.”

He looks strangely familiar.

The door opens again, and a tan-skinned girl with a green jacket and orange beanie covering her long, brunette colored hair enters.

Wait

Is that … her?

 “Hey Hunter, you okay?” She calmly asks as she puts a hand on his shoulder. The boy, supposedly named Hunter, quickly recoils from the girl. 

“I’m fine, Luz, I just need a moment, okay?” I almost can’t recognize her now, but her kind words easily give her away.

That’s the Luz I grew up with.

 “No, it’s not fine,” she proclaims. “Your dad doesn’t deserve to treat you like that. You’ve been talking to me about him for years now. I’ve always respected your privacy, but someone needs to know. This is something that the police need to know about!” 

He looks away from her. “No, Luz. I don’t need help, I can handle this myself.” He says this while staring at his pocket. 

She forces his head up to look at her, “No, you need to listen to me!” she snaps. “Look, it doesn’t have to be the police, but someone needs to know about this!” She says with a worried look on her face. 

“No, you need to listen!” He yells as he suddenly pulls a gun out of the pocket he was staring at.

Holy shit.

Should I help?

“I don’t need more people telling me what to do! I can handle this!” he says while his hands begin to shake violently. Though not aimed at her, the gun is close to falling. 

She backs away. “Hunter, where did you get that?” She asks with a dead serious tone. “This is how I’m handling this!” he says, even more carelessly waving the gun. 

If he keeps shaking it, it’s going to go off.

I try to move over to help, but I feel frozen.

Why can’t I move?

I need to help them.

“You’re going to get someone hurt if you wave it like that, just give it to me and I can help you!” Luz pleads. She grabs the gun while Hunter is still holding it. She attempts to pull it out of his hands. 

“Luz, let go! I said I can handle this!” 

“No, Hunter, you’re going to get someone hurt -”

BANG

She is suddenly interrupted. The loud noise leaves an echo across what seems like the whole world. For a moment, nothing happens. 

Then blood starts to seep through her shirt, and as she begins to collapse, I finally move and leave my hiding spot, only able to yell “No!” and I reach out with my right hand out of instinct.

Instantly, everything freezes, Luz falling, Hunter reaching to catch her, and me, standing there like an idiot with my hand out. I find that even the air itself froze.

I then feel as if time is unraveled–a million different things are happening at the same moment.

I quickly see the last half hour, me walking to the bathroom, my conversation with Viney, all being rewound to the moment I woke up from my dream.

Notes:

I've had the idea for this fic in my head for months, and I finally got the energy to write it.

Chapter 2: "Hope" by Daughter

Summary:

After witnessing Luz getting shot and somehow now thirty minutes in the past, Amity must come to terms with her newfound power.

What the fuck.

Did I just …

I saw Luz, my once-best friend, get shot. And now I’m back in Mr. Wittebane's class?

I hear Mr. Wittebane speak again, “Infamous director Alfred Hitchcock once called film, ‘little pieces of time.’ As this is a photography class, we’ll assume he was talking about photography as a whole.”

No

That couldn’t have been a dream.

It was too real.

Can I …?

No, it can’t be.

I look around the room and see familiar events: Mary’s pen falling on the ground, and Cat throwing the ball of paper at Viney. 

If Boscha checks her phone, this is real.  

The second her phone vibrates, I suddenly shake my table out of pure shock, and my camera falls to the ground, destroyed. No one looks over at me. Good, I might have a panic attack.

This is real.

I’m going to go for it.

Can I rewind time?

I held out my right hand to trigger it, right?

As Mr. Wittebane is talking about Diane Arbus again, I put my right hand out, and suddenly.

Everything freezes again, like in the bathroom. I then see my destroyed camera begin to rise off the ground, once in pieces, now in good condition. It's moving right back on top of my table, right before it fell off.. Boscha quickly puts her phone down again, the paper ball thrown at Viney is pulled through the air and back into Cat’s hands, and Mary crouches down to pick up her pen, leaving it there instead. Everything is moving in reverse.

I pull my right hand back, and immediately I feel the air moving again; I can feel time moving normally again. Then, I start to have a strong headache, forcing me to put a hand on my temple, and it takes me a moment to start thinking again.

I…

I really can reverse time.

Who, no, what am I now?

Should I use this power?

Wait.

If everything is happening again, then ...

Luz will die.

Now that I have this power, I can ...

I have to ...

No, I need to.

I need to get to the bathroom.

I need to save Luz.

I raise my hand, “Mr. Wittebane, I feel sick. Can I be excused?” Mr. Wittebane sighs and tells me, “Amity, every lecture in this class is important; you have to listen. Besides, the bell rings soon, I think you can survive a couple more minutes here.” He jokes like always. As he goes back to his lecture, I take a deep breath and put my head down.

He’s right.

Luz doesn’t get ... hurt until after the bell.

I’ll have to wait.

As not to draw any more attention to myself, I don’t take a selfie again, hoping Mr. Wittebane doesn’t call on me to answer his question. Luckily, he doesn’t, and the rest of the period goes by quickly. As the bell rings, I quickly pack up my things. I guess I was moving too quickly, as when I finished and started to walk out, I dropped a couple of papers from my bag.

I get down on the floor to pick up the papers, but I receive an unexpected helping hand. Viney, up from her seat, unlike last time. 

“Hey, Amity, are you okay? You look like a ghost.” She tells with a curious look on her face. “Yeah, I’m okay. Could you please help me with this, Viney?” She smiles at me and helps pick up the mess I made.

Viney has a concerned look on her face when she asks, “Amity, is something wrong?” I quickly respond with, “I’m just a little stressed out right now, nothing more.” I try to cover my nervousness. “I’m too familiar with the feeling.” She says with a crooked smile. 

I need to get there now.

“Sorry, Viney, I have somewhere to be. Could we talk another time?”

Please answer quickly.

“Sure, Amity. Another time.” I give her a small smile as I quickly walk away. 

Almost out of here.

I suddenly hear a voice from behind me, “I see you trying to leave Amity Blight. We need to talk about your entry to the contest,” Mr. Wittebane says behind me.

Fuck

I turn around and silently approach him. Boscha is near him and gives me a little smirk.

“I hope you’re not trying to avoid me, Amity. This contest could be very important for your future.” He says with a sad tone. “I’m not avoiding, I just,” I pause, my mouth moving ahead of my brain during this stressful time. 

“Waiting for the perfect moment, right?” He questions. “Yeah, exactly.”

Please finish your lecture.

Mr. Wittebane looks at me with a serious face, “John Lennon once said, ‘Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.’ I simply hope you’re not too busy, Amity. You can go now.” 

Finally.

I quickly turn and make my way out of the classroom. Desperately hoping that I’m not too late. Determined to save the girl I once called a friend.

As I walk through the hallways again, I have immense feelings of dread and fear, the light-heartedness of Blackwell gone. The warmth of the building, replaced with a deep chill, combined with my fear, makes the whole world feel like a deep winter. When I reach the bathroom door, I stop in terror, unaware of what I could walk in on. I take a deep breath and open the door.

I find the bathroom empty of all life. No yelling, no guns, and no dead friends.

I’m not too late.

My heart stops beating a thousand miles an hour as I slowly step inside the bathroom. I close the door and take a moment to think. It feels even colder here now.

They’re not here yet.

I need to relax before then and figure out what to do.

Wait …

The owl.

I turn my head towards where the owl was last time. Exactly like last time, I see the little owl perched on the bucket in the corner.

I could take its photo again.

It’ll help me relax.

So once again, I take out my camera, then cautiously approach the owl, crouch down in front of it, and wait for it to look at me. 

When it does, I take its picture again. However, instead of flying away, it's still perched there. Just staring.

Why aren't you doing anything?

You moved last time.

I pocket the photo and put my camera down. I then attempt to scare the owl away, but nothing happens.

Never mind, it wouldn't be the weirdest thing to happen today. 

I refocus on the current situation.

I need to make sure that they both leave the bathroom

I can’t barge into the argument.

Too many possibilities of anyone, including me, getting hurt. Maybe worse than last time.

I know I can reverse time, but I can’t stand to see her get hurt again.

I began to examine the corner I’m in to find anything that could cause a distraction. While doing this, I hear Hunter enter the bathroom. I’m on the clock now.

Wait.

I see a small red box on the wall. How did I miss this?

A fire alarm!

But it’s the kind you have to break to use.

What could I use?

Luz then enters the bathroom. Immediately comforting Hunter.

I look at the janitor’s cart in front of me.

There has to be something I can use in there.

As I start rummaging through the cart, Luz and Hunter begin to escalate. I must hurry.

While trying my best to search without making noise, I quickly look for anything to use.

“No, you need to listen!”

The gun is out now.

My heartbeat begins to rise again, and I search as fast as I can.

All I see are bottles, rags, and spray cleaners. My heart is pounding against my chest.

I’m searching so fast now, I knock over a bottle.

Shit!

Fortunately, I catch it before it hits the ground.

Too close.

They can’t hear me.

I put the bottle softly on the ground and continue searching the cart while their argument nearly reaches its climax.

Until finally, I find a small hammer hidden among all of the other tools.

Yes!

“You’re going to get someone hurt if you wave it like that, just give it to me and I can help you!”

“Luz, let go! I said I can handle this!” 

“No, Hunter, you’re going to get someone hurt -”

Instead of being interrupted by the sound of being shot, Luz is cut off by an abrupt alarm.

I peek my head to the left of the stall to watch the two.

Hunter, distracted by the alarm, safely lowers the gun away from the two of them. Luz sees this and, without hesitation, quickly takes it out of his hands.

She then pushes him to the ground and says, “Hunter, I’m going to help you, starting with this.” She pockets the gun and runs out of the bathroom.

Hunter immediately scrambles back up, “Luz! Wait!” He, too, then runs out of the bathroom.

I stand for a moment as the alarm screeches around me.

I did it.

I saved her.

And she doesn't even know it

 

---

 

 

 

Don’t freak out yet, Amity.

I need to evacuate the building like everyone else.

I emerge from my hiding spot, after what seems like a lifetime, finally back in the present instead of reliving the day.

Suddenly, I remember the little owl.

I look back at the bucket, and I'm greeted by the sight of the owl still perched there, staring at me.

You're still here?

Then, it spreads its wings out, jumps off the bucket, and silently flies away from the bathroom.

What are you, little owl?

Doesn't matter.

I turn back around and head towards the bathroom door.

I then cautiously leave the bathroom, and as I look around, I find no one in the building.

Guess everyone already left.

“Hey, kid!” I hear a gruff voice call out from behind it.

I turn to see a campus security guard walk towards me.

She raises her eyebrow at me as she questions, “Didn’t you just hear the fire alarm? You know the one that means you need to leave?”

“Sorry, ma’am, I just came out of the bathroom. I haven’t been feeling well today.” I quickly blurt out.

She looks at me from head to toe and says, “Yeah, I can tell by your face, but there are-

A voice from the left suddenly says, “It’s alright, Edalyn, I can handle this.” I instantly recognize the voice, however, as we both turn to see Principal Whispers approaching us. 

“You can keep watch of the students outside,” they turn to look at me. “I’ll question this one.”

“You got it, Rainstorm.” With a smirk on her face, the guard named Edalyn jokingly salutes them as she walks towards the exit of the building. 

The principal shakes their head at this comment and focuses back on me.

“Well, as she was going to say, Miss Blight, we have protocols in place during evacuations. Every student needs to leave at the same time, in an organized manner, of course.”

I suddenly find it hard to look at them in the face when I say, “Sorry, Principal Whispers, but as I told the guard, I haven’t been feeling well-

They interrupt me when they say, “Sorry, Miss Blight. But I’ve been a principal for a while, and I can tell when a student is hiding something.”

Oh no.

I feel as though the whole world has a grip on me when they calmly demand, “If there’s something you need to say, I’d recommend telling me.”

Should I lie to them about Hunter and Luz or tell the truth?

If I lie, how long before something bad happens, and someone figures out that I lied?

If I tell the truth, would anyone believe me? Would it even help at all?

I force myself to make eye contact with them, as I say, “Honestly, it’s nothing. It’s just my time of the month, if you get what I mean, and I’m a little embarrassed by it.” Principal Whispers seems unimpressed by my lie, so I also sputter out, “And I’ve been a little stressed out lately, and it seems like more and more things are being added to it.” I finish with an awkward smile.

They look at me for a second, pondering what I’ve said, and finish with a sigh.

“Alright, Miss Blight, you can leave now. I suggest taking a break from your studies if you are stressed. Okay?”

Don’t worry, your words alone alleviate nearly all my stress.

“I will, thank you, Principal Whispers.” I quickly turn towards the exit and make my way out of the building.

When I exit the building, I’m absorbed in the warmth of the now late-afternoon sun. A nice contrast to the cold bathroom I was just in.

Being in my dorm could help me make sense of all this, and a little walk wouldn’t hurt.

I slowly walk around the campus, taking in the sights and sounds of Blackwell.

Like in the hallways, I spot friend groups hanging out in their usual spots, couples holding hands, and loners sticking to themselves at more isolated places. Seeing normal people nearly helps me forget the nightmare I just walked out of.

As I walk, I approach a message board and examine some of the notes on it. They range from missing laptop, swim team try-outs, and club meetings, but one poster catches my eye:

 

MISSING

Willow Park - Age 19

MISSING FROM: Arcadia Bay

DATE MISSING: Tue - April 22, 2025

OTHER:

Age: 19 Years Old

Height: 5’8”   Weight: 154 lbs

Hair: Navy Blue   Eyes: Green

Tattoo of a green leaf on the inside of the left wrist.

PLEASE CALL WITH ANY INFORMATION

CALL: Arcadia Bay Sheriff’s

(555) 388-6020

 

Next to the information is a picture of the girl mentioned. She’s wearing glasses and smiling at whoever took the picture. Ever since I arrived here, I’ve seen this poster numerous times. It's October now, and whoever’s putting them up really doesn’t want the story to die. 

On the right of me, I see Matt with a stack of posters under his shoulder, about to place one on the message board. He, too, notices me.

With a smile, he says, “Amity, the retro-selfie master!”

I let out a small chuckle, “That’s me alright.” I point to his posters, “What are you putting up?”

He pulls a poster out from under his shoulder. “Just some posters for the Vortex Club.” He shows me the poster, a picture of a silhouette falling into a spiral, all beneath the words, ‘Enter the Vortex Club’.

“I’ve heard talk about the club, but what is it really?” I ask

“Why don’t you come hang with us one night and find out? You’re the type of people we’ve been looking for.”

I raise an eyebrow at that comment, “And what type of ‘people’ am I?”

“Sorry, a poor choice of words, but you seem chill, and that’s the vibe we’re going for. At least, that’s what Hunter says.”

Hunter?

The mention of Hunter grabs my attention, and I ask, “What do you mean?”

He frowns a little as he says, “Hunter’s kind of like the leader of the club. He’s responsible for us and plans what we do. Like parties. Speaking of, we have one planned here on Friday. “

“The school lets you guys have parties here?”

“Well, we tell the school that they’re ‘group study sessions’ so they won’t get wise.” He says while making a quotation mark with his free hand.

“Thanks for the invite, Matt. I’ll think about it.” 

“Don’t take too long to think about it.” He clips the poster to the board. “You never know when the world might end.” He smiles at me and walks away.

The end of the world?

As if this week wasn’t already strange.

A breeze picks up, and the poster of Willow tears loose from the board. I watch it fly away with the wind like a feather, and the sight of this gives me a chill crawling down my spine.

 

---

 

 

 

As the sun lowers, casting a golden light all over the campus, I continue my walk to the dorm, making conversation with friends and acquaintances along the way.

When I do make it to my dorm - a well-maintained two-floor red brick building with a black wooden gabled roof and a tall tower rising above the entrance - no one else is around the building except for a small group sitting on the steps leading inside.

Unfortunately, that small group was made up of Boscha and her cronies, Amelia and Cat.

Please don’t start anything, Boscha.

I just need to get to my dorm.

I walk up to the front of the steps, hoping they’ll let me by. But of course, they don’t.

They’re having a conversation when I walk up, but Boscha immediately ends it to focus on me.

She looks up at me, “Oh, Amity Blight! The bravest photographer in Blackwell.” She sneers. She then stands up to look me in the face, “How can someone even want to be a photographer if all they do is dread the moment they have to take a picture?”

I defend myself by saying, “It’s not that I’m scared to take a picture, it’s just -

“That you wait for the perfect moment?” She says, mimicking Mr. Wittebane.

She smiles as she says, “Now, Mr. Wittebane may be the type of person to lead people on, but I’m the type of person to give the ugly truth.” She points a finger at my chest.

“If all you do is wait to take a picture, you’ll never take a picture. Real photographers, like me, take pictures in the moment.”

She mischievously smiles as she says, “Now if you’re just going to wait all the time, you’ll have to wait for us to get up. And speaking of ‘in the moment’, hold that pose.” She takes her phone out and takes a picture of me. 

She waves her phone as she says, “I’ll show people this as an example of what fake photographers look like. Don’t worry, I’ll post it with a vintage filter for you.” Her friends laugh at that comment.

She sits back down and says, “Now go, and have fun waiting.” 

I walk away from the group and get lost in my thoughts.

Why did I just stand there and let her humiliate me like that?

Why do I let everyone walk all over me?

I sit down on a bench to collect my thoughts, but a girl yelling interrupts my thoughts. 

“This is a cashmere jacket! Does anyone know how expensive it is? Now it’s covered in water!” Boscha proclaims.

I glance over and see that a sprinkler went off and soaked the three girls. 

Behind them, a painter climbs up a ladder to repaint windows, and I notice his paint can is just barely hanging on to the hook it was put on.

Sounds like Boscha cares about that jacket a lot.

It would be a shame if paint got all over it

But how would I do that?

I immediately remember the solution and look at my right hand.

Should I go back and sabotage the paintcan?

Who am I kidding? 

Of course, I have to do that.

I have this power, I might as well use it to its full potential.

I stick my hand out again, prepared for the uncanny feeling of time reversing. With the air frozen again, I then see myself walking in reverse, back to the spot in front of the stairs. Back to Boscha embarrassing me.

I pull my right hand away, and everything resumes immediately.

“-You’ll have to wait for us to get up. And speaking of ‘in the moment’, hold that pose.” She takes her phone out again and snaps a picture of me.

I’ll let her finish.

“I’ll show people this as an example of what fake photographers look like. Don’t worry, I’ll post it with a vintage filter for you.” I hear the laughter ring out again.

She proceeds to sit back down and tells me to have fun waiting.

We’ll see who will have fun after this.

I walk away, and instead of being trapped in my thoughts, I plan my way of humiliating Boscha.

As I walk, I see the paint can near the ladder. I look around for anyone watching, and thankfully, no one is.

Perfect.

Quickly, I tamper with the handle of the paint can and walk away with a smirk on my face.

After, I’m back on the bench and waiting for the fireworks to go off.

Right on cue, I watch the sprinklers turn on and soak the girls.

“This is a cashmere jacket! Does anyone know how expensive it is? Now it’s covered in water!” Boscha snaps again.

From behind, the painter picks up the can and climbs up the ladder, hooking up the can.

Here we go.

This time, the paint can handle gives up and crashes down, with Boscha in its path.

White paint rains all over her, and for a second, all is silent. It’s almost peaceful. Until Boscha shatters it with her shrieks of rage.

“Are you shitting me!”

It worked!

Don’t mess with Amity, bitches.  

The painter comes down to apologize, but is forced to back away by Cat and Amelia.

Boscha, fuming, grabs Amelia. “Get me a towel!” 

“Y-Yes, Boscha!” Amelia says out of fear. 

She and Cat run inside the dorm to carry out Boscha’s demand.

I start walking over to the steps to mess with Boscha more. But I pause.

Should I?

I feel like the paint was already enough.

And I would rather not have Boscha hate me even more.

I approach Boscha.

“What do you want, Amity?” Her voice sounds like she’s on the verge of tears.

“I just want to say I’m sorry. You do have a nice coat.”

Surprised by my sympathy, she takes a deep breath to relax. “It was nice. But I have others.

I smile. “You do have a lot of nice outfits.”

She looks lost in her thoughts. Like she’s debating something in her head.

Finally, she responds, “I get what you mean by waiting for the right moment. A lot of my photos are crap.” Her eyes drop to the ground.

Wow, something we got in common.

“Don’t say that. I’ve seen your photos.” I rest my hand on her shoulder. “You have a good eye. Your photos remind me of Richard Avedon.”

She gives a small chuckle. “Yeah.” She lifts her head and meets my eyes, “He’s one of my heroes. Thanks, Amity. I’m sorry about blocking your way. And the picture, I won’t post it.”

“What you said was mean, but you were right,” I admit. “I shouldn’t wait for everything. I just need to be braver.”

She smiles, a tired one, “It’s just one of those days, you know?”

“Yeah,” I nod. “I know exactly what you mean.” I start going up the steps, “I’ll see you later, Boscha.”

“Be seeing you, Blight.” 

Perhaps it would be nicer not to be at odds with Boscha for once.

 

---

 

 

 

When I make it to the girls' dormitory, I see Amelia and Cat rushing out with a pile of towels.

“Hurry, Amelia!”

“Boscha is going to be so pissed we took a while!” 

Why are they so desperate for her approval?

Ignoring this, I continue towards my room, a small space on the right side of the hallway, near the edge of the building.

When I reach the door to my room, I take my room key out of my bag and insert it into the lock.
I then turn the key, hearing the click in the door, and open it.

I enter my room and close the door behind me. 

My home away from home.

I put my bag down on the ground and take a deep breath.

Finally, it’s quiet.

Notes:

Thank you to those who read last week's chapter.
I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Also, there's a change of plans in chapter releases, expect the next chapter on 8/13 at 5 PM PST.

Chapter 3: "WILDFLOWER" by Billie Eilish

Summary:

Amity finds herself on a crash course with destiny when she reunites with an old friend.

Notes:

Got too excited and posted this early.
Enjoy!

I collapse onto my soft bed and close my eyes.

I wish I could just lie here forever …

Not having to worry about anything.

The sound of my phone vibrating breaks me out of my daydreaming

Of course.

I open my eyes and sit up, grabbing my phone to see the notification.

It’s a text from Gus -

Gus (4:16 PM) AMITYYYYYY

Seems urgent.

Well, the Gus kind of urgent.

Could be anything.

Amity (4:16 PM) yes?

Gus (4:16 PM) huh

Gus (4:16 PM) didn’t think you’d respond quick

Me (4:17 PM) hey!

Gus (4:17 PM) doesn’t matter

Gus (4:17 PM) i need a favor

Gus (4:17 PM) can you get my flash drive from skara?

Guess relaxing isn’t in the cards today.

Who am I kidding?

I’d still help a friend even if I hadn’t slept for a month.

Me (4:17 PM): yeah, give me a minute

Gus (4:17 PM): thank youuuuuuuu

Gus (4:17 PM): meet me in the parking lot when you’re done

With our conversation over, I put my phone in my pocket and pick up my bag again.

I get up from my bed and take a look at my room.

I’ll be back soon, my sweet cocoon.

I open the door and exit my room. I close my door on the way out and head towards Skara’s room. 

When I cross the quiet hallway and make it to her door, I knock on it, waiting for a response. 

Seconds later, I hear a response from the other side, “Come in, it’s unlocked!”

I invite myself in and find Skara sitting on her couch, staring at the floor.

She looks up to see her visitor, “Oh, hey, Amity. Are you here for Gus’s flash drive?”

“Yeah,” I notice her mood. “But, are you okay?”

She gives a nervous chuckle, “Maybe?” She loses the small smile, “Maybe not.”

I sit down next to her, “Want someone to talk to about it?”

She looks at me, “Are you good with handling boy problems?”

Oh.

I forget that people have normal problems.

“Uh,” I take a second to think of a response. “Well, I’ve never dated anyone and I’m not into boys, but I could try to help.”

She snickers, “You think I should date girls instead?”

I feel my face go red, “Not really, but if you’re fine with it …”

Skara suddenly bursts into laughter, and it’s very infectious. For a moment, we’re both laughing like we have no worries in the world.

After what seems like minutes, our laughter fades away. Skara wipes away tears of joy and sighs. “I needed that, thank you, Amity.” I sit up, “So, you want to talk about your ‘boy’ problems now?”

“Yeah. My boyfriend, Brad, I just have a bad feeling he might be cheating on me.”

“Not necessarily a boy problem, but what makes you think that?” 

She takes a moment to think, “Recently, he’s just been distant and takes forever to respond to my texts. I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he’s somehow always busy. This all started when he joined that Vortex Club.” 

I perk up at the mention of the Vortex Club. “I don’t know whether someone in that club is causing this or if he is cheating on me, but I just want to know the truth.” She stares at the ground with a sad expression again.

“Well, I think you should confront him. Maybe at a time when he’s got nowhere else to go.”

“I’ve always thought of that idea, but I never did it.” She turns to me, “I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else.”

I hold my arms out, “Hug?” She accepts my hug and pulls away after a moment.

“Thank you, Amity. The flash drive’s on my desk.”

I get up from the couch and take the drive off the desk.

As I head for the door, I turn back, “See you later, Skara. Good luck with Brad.” 

She smiles at me, “Thanks again, Amity. Could you close the door on the way out, please?”

I exit the room and close the door as asked.

I hope Skara can handle her boyfriend.

I wonder if the Vortex Club does have something to do with this?

 

---

 

 

 

I leave the building, the front of it now completely devoid of life. The white paint from earlier has already been cleaned off the ground, giving the impression that no one has been here in a while. 

I walk away from the building and proceed to the parking lot, but an argument nearby has caught my eye.

“A lot of weird things have been happening here at Blackwell, and I know you’re a part of it.” A tall girl with wild, faded green hair is interrogating …

Viney?!

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Just leave me alone!” The shy girl desperately pleads.

Whoever this girl is, she can’t talk to anyone like that.

I walk up to the two to intervene.

“Hey, she said to leave her alone!”

The girl whips towards me, “This isn’t any of your business. I’m conducting an interview, so leave us.”

“Going by the way you’re talking to her, this is an interrogation. Clearly, she doesn’t want to answer any of your questions!”

She pauses, stunned by what I’ve said. She then looks at the two of us and says to Viney, “This isn’t over.” She looks at me, “And next time, Missy, don’t get in my way.” She storms off from us, muttering under her breath.

Viney, who seems moments away from a breakdown, says, “Amity, that was … Thank you.”

“No problem, Viney. Who was that anyway?”

“She says she's some journalist or something. Whoever she is, she got out of Blackwell a while ago.”

Why the hell would a journalist hang around a high school?

As far as I know, the strangest thing to happen here-before today, of course-was Willow disappearing.

“Sorry, Amity, but I can’t talk now. I have something to get to.”

Viney quickly turns and walks away from me.

I call to her, “See you later, Viney!”

I feel my pocket vibrate.

Another text from Gus, probably.

I pull out my phone to check

Gus (4:24 PM) where are you?????

Me (4:24 PM) sorry!

Me (4:24 PM) got caught up in something

Me (4:24) coming to you now

I need to take a vacation after all of this.

 

---

 

 

 

I enter the parking lot a few minutes later, and I can see Gus standing in front of his car.

Gus, a short, dark-skinned boy, might be my best friend here.

He sees me and excitedly waves at me, “Yo, Amity!”

I return his wave and walk towards him.

As I approach him, he offers me a fistbump, and of course, I take it.

Gus is the kind of person you can’t seem to ignore. It’s pretty easy to get along with the guy.

“You brought my drive, right?”

I take it out of my pocket. “You think I went through all that trouble for nothing?”

He chuckles, “Of course not, just messing with you.” 

I hand him the drive and ask, "What's on this anyway?”

“Just my vast collection of movies that I definitely legally downloaded.” He takes the drive and puts it in his backpack. “Speaking of movies, have you ever been to the drive-in?”

“No, why?” 

He pulls two tickets out of his pocket. “I won these recently from a radio show. Everyone I’ve invited has said it’s ‘too old-school’. I figured you’d go because you’re the retro girl.”

“Does everyone call me that now?”

“Who else calls you that?” With an inquisitive look on his face.

“Matt called me the ‘retro-selfie master’ earlier.”

He suddenly stands up straight, “Matt?”

He always gets flustered when I mention Matt.

I think I know why.

I pester him further, “How do you know Matt actually?”

“We’re just … rivals. Yeah, rivals.” He’s trying his hardest to keep a straight face.

“Really?”

He loudly clears his throat, “But enough about me, how was your day?”

I’ll let him change the discussion.

I need to talk to someone about today anyway.

But would he believe me?

I take a deep breath, “Actually, it’s been a very strange day.”

“You can tell me. I’m a good listener.” He says with a serious look on his face.

“Well, it started in Wittebane’s class. I had this dream, but it felt so real.”

I hear quick footsteps behind us and a familiar voice asks, “You’re Amity Blight, right?”

I turn around to see who’s questioning me.

Oh shit.

It’s Hunter.

Hesitantly, I answer, “Yeah. Who’s asking?”

“Oh, you know exactly who’s asking. I know you were in the bathroom. I saw you leave after us.”

Gus gets in the middle of us. “Hey, man, I think you need-

Hunter shoves him, “You stay out of this.”

“Don’t push him, he’s not a part of this.”

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do!” He snaps suddenly.

I whisper to Gus, “Get security.”

He quickly nods and runs away.

“I told him to leave. It’s just us now.” I lie.

He gets closer to me, “Alright, now tell me, what did you see? I know you saw something.”

I just have to keep him here until security arrives.

“I didn’t see anything. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you dare lie to me!” He sounds angry, but his eyes show that he’s … desperate. He needs this to go his way.

"My father is a very powerful man," He threatens. "A few words with the principal, and he can get you kicked out of here."

"Hell, he can even-"

I hear the steps of someone else walking up to us.

They get in front of me and …

It’s Luz.

“Hunter, back off.”

With a scared expression, he says, “Oh, Luz. I told you to stay away from me.”

“Yeah, and I told you to calm down and talk to me. You just ran off, scared.” She points to me, “ And now you’re bringing her into all of this. So you either deal with me now or you deal with them.” 

Hunter turns around to see Gus returning with a guard. “Shit.” He takes one last look at me and mutters under his breath as he runs off to talk with the guard.

“Let’s go.” Luz takes my hand and pulls me towards an old truck parked nearby.

“Wait, where are we going?”

She turns around to look at me, “You’re not safe here right now, Ames. I’m taking you home.”

I forgot about that nickname.

I loved it when she called me that.

Wait, what?

I shake away my thoughts and follow Luz to her truck. We pile in, and Luz immediately pulls out of the parking lot. The last thing I see before leaving Blackwell behind is Hunter confronted by security.

 

---

 

 

 

We’re far from the school now and nearing the suburbs of Arcadia Bay.

I can’t believe it.

After all this time, I’m sitting next to her.

Now that we’re closer, I can get a better look at her.

She looks older than her age, and her eyes, once youthful and full of energy, seem so tired now.

Luz interrupts my thoughts when she says, “So … we’ll just sit here in silence the whole way, or are we finally gonna talk about the elephant in the room?”

“Luz, I’m sorry. For a lot of things.”

She gives me a small smile, “Don’t worry, Amity, I forgave you a long time ago. I didn’t think you would ever come back, so I had some time to think.”

“No, Luz. I left you at the worst time in your life. Then I completely ignored all of your attempts to contact me. I’m not saying you shouldn’t forgive me, but I know that it wasn’t easy to forget about me.”

She’s deep in her thoughts for a second. Finally, she says, “You’ve matured, Blight.” She turns to me, “Maybe we can fix this friendship after all.” She has a smile even bigger than before. The kind of smile that warms my heart.

I forgot what her smiles do to me.

She turns back to the road. “Anyway, what did Hunter want with you?”

“Did you hear anything he said?”

“I heard him talk about the bathroom. You were in there with us, right?”

I sigh before saying, “Yeah, I was in there before you two. I saw the whole thing.”

“That’s it?” We stop at a red light, and Luz turns to me again, her eyes directly at me.

My heart begins to pound, and I hesitate.

Should I tell her the truth? 

That I practically saved her life?

Yes. 

I have to.

I want to fix all of this.

I want to fix us .

“No,” I finally say. “That’s not all that happened.” 

The light turns green.

“I was the one who pulled the fire alarm.” The car suddenly brakes in the middle of the intersection.

Luz is frozen in her seat, her hands holding on to the wheel tightly. Her voice cracks as she says, “That was you?” Her face is a mix of shock and fear.

I slowly nod as Luz begins to move the car forward again.

“Wait.” She says breathlessly, “We’re here.” 

I look at our destination and see that we’re at her house.

A modest two-story home, once loved, but now a bit rough around the edges.

Luz steps out of the truck, and I follow a moment later, but when I step out, I’m suddenly embraced by Luz.

I feel her soft voice on my skin when she says, “Thank you.” 

We stay like this for a bit, just enjoying each other's company. 

I needed this.

When she eventually pulls away - I found myself yearning for more - she tells me with a quiet voice, “You probably saved my life.” I can see the genuine happiness in her sweet brown eyes.

With her loud and confident voice back again, she says, “Jeez, we reunited only half an hour ago, and we’re already getting emotional? Let’s head inside now.”

I was always fond of her ability to make the best of situations.

We approach the door, and Luz takes out her keys and unlocks the front door.

She gestures towards the open door, “Ladies first, of course.”

I give a small bow, “Why, thank you, dear.”

As soon as I step inside, I’m bombarded by echoes of the past - memories of days gone by. 

I remember Luz and me chasing each other around the house playing tag.

Our ambitious pillow forts in the living room during sleepovers.

The night when Luz got the phone call that…

Why did we have to move when she needed me most?

I walk further into the house, and as I glance around the space, I see the living room to my right. An old sofa, slouched from years of use, and a new armchair, notably cleaner than the rest of the furniture. Both are in front of a smooth wooden coffee table and a flat-screen TV older than anyone I know from school. To my left is the dining room, where there’s a round wooden table with plenty of condensation rings and wrinkled magazines on top of it. An empty brick fireplace behind it. The space was once filled with souvenirs and trophies from Luz’s family.

It’s barely changed over the last three years.

But there’s something in the air that’s … missing.

I hear the door close behind me, “Like all the renovations we’ve done?” Luz says, being sarcastic once again.

“I actually like how nothing’s changed. Makes me feel like I never left.” I say as I imagine what could have been if I had never moved.

I peek at the kitchen, “Where’s your mom?”

“Oh, she's taking a night shift at the diner,” Luz calls out.

I think of Luz’s sister, “And Vee?”

She’s at my side now. “She moved out after graduating. She’s in Seattle now, working for some newspaper.”

She puts her hand on my shoulder, “I … don’t want to stay down here.” Luz awkwardly says to me. “Could we go to my room instead?”

“Yeah, that’s fine. I can reminisce later.” 

She smiles, “Come on up.”

She begins to go upstairs, and I follow her. 

In the second-floor hallway, I see that the walls are full of memories. I see pictures of Luz’s family, a mother, sister, and … a father. There are also pictures of the two of us. Pictures of us from different ages. I see us when we were fourteen, eleven, nine, the photos go all the way to when we were six years old. Each one gives a viewer a hint of our friendship.

Luz clears her throat, “Here’s my room.” She gestures towards the open with a nervous laugh.

“Scared to show someone your room?” I tease.

She stands up straight and in a deep voice, “I’m not scared of anything!”

I chuckle and walk towards her door.

I take one quick look at her room and remember that time has passed.

Her room, which was once a stereotypical girl's room, is now decorated for a kindhearted rebel.

With the curtains drawn, the room is lit up by the soft glow of Christmas lights hung around the room. The room in total is, albeit a little messy, with some clothes and drawings littered here and there. But for Luz, messy is organized. 

“Pretty different, huh?” I hear Luz ask from behind me.

“I can easily tell it’s your room,” I say with a laugh.

I hear the door close behind me, and Luz slips by me quickly to dive face-first onto her bed.

Her voice, muffled by her blankets, “I missed you, beautiful.”

While she’s on a date with her bed, I take a second to further examine her room.

On her desk in the corner, little trinkets and old sketchbooks are cluttered around in uneven piles. Next to her desk is a small table with a vinyl player and albums of all types of genres under it. Above her bed, I spot a collage of posters, old drawings, and faded photos. It’s pretty but somehow chaotic at the same time. On the other side of her room, her closet showcases her punk style and boxes full of old toys.

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket again.

I check the notification and find a message from Gus.

Gus (4:48 PM) ARE YOU OKAY??????????

Should've told where I was.

Probably worried sick about me at this point.

Me (4:48 PM) yes, i'm fine!

Me (4:48 PM) i'm with a friend

Gus (4:49 PM) ohhhh

Gus (4:49 PM) thought you got kidnapped for a bit

Gus (4:49 PM) also you have other friends?

Me (4:49 PM) of course i have other friends

Gus (4:49 PM) then why do you always hang out with me?

Me (4:49 PM) >: (

Gus (4:49 PM) its the truth!

Me (4:49 PM) can we talk later?

Gus (4:49 PM) alright alright

I put my phone back in my pocket and continue my examination.

Moving towards a bookshelf on the left of the closet, I find dusty children’s books. Books that Luz and I read all the time. Most notably, “The Good Witch Azura” books.

After all this time, she kept them.

Why?

As I poke around her bookshelf further, I find a small and unfamiliar box on the top shelf.

Standing on my tiptoes, I carefully pick it up. It feels like it's been held a thousand times.

I open the lid of it to peek inside and find many weird objects: a smooth pinecone, a silver earring, and a small piece of paper with a phone number on it.

I put the box on the ground to further look through it. I then find a photo at the bottom.

A photo of that missing girl, Willow. Someone’s arm is around her.

It looks folded.

I unfold the photo and … I see the person next to her.

She’s missing the beanie and jacket in this picture.

But that beaming smile gives her away.

It’s … Luz?

Suddenly, the photo is snatched out of my hands by Luz. 

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to be nosy,” I mumble out while looking at the ground. “You two look like you were good friends.”

Her eyes linger on the photo, “That’s … putting it mildly.” She says in a quiet voice, her thoughts somewhere else.

“That’s Willow Park, right? The missing girl?”

“Yeah,” she takes the box off the ground, putting the photo back in it. “Except everyone thinks she’s … dead. Even her parents."

“Then what’s with the -”

“Posters around school? I put them up.” She admits as she places the box back where I found it.

They're everywhere around school.

“You care a lot about her, don’t you?”

“Amity, after my dad died and you moved away, I had no one except my family. I needed someone like you. Someone who could make my worst days into my best days. Then I met Willow and … I didn’t feel so alone anymore. Things felt normal again.

“Luz, I’m sorry. If only I knew what you were going through -”

“Amity, please, don’t be sorry.” With a little smile, she says, “I said I’ve forgiven you for what you did. I don’t think it matters now since you’re back in town.”

I take a moment to process what she said. 

Has she really forgiven me?

I abandoned her for three years.

No.

I can’t think about that right now.

I clear my thoughts and continue the conversation.

“You said everyone thinks she’s dead. What do you think?”

She takes a moment to respond, “I honestly don’t know. But I do know that she’s out there,” She finally looks me in the eyes, “and no matter what, I’m going to find her.” She finishes with a determined look on her face.

I firmly grab onto her hand with both of mine, “Luz, whatever you’re going to do, I’ll help you.”

She seems honestly startled by what I’ve said and stares at me for a second.

I can see a lone tear come out of her eye before she wipes it away.

She quickly recuperates and says, “I know a place where we can clear our heads.”

 

---

 

 

 

“Come on! We’re almost there.” 

We’re hiking up the same path I took in my nightmare this afternoon. This time, the sun is out, the ground is clean, and the air is calm. It’s only peaceful and nothing more.

“How many times have you been here?” I ask, slightly out of breath.

“At this point, too many to count.” Her happy demeanor is back after what happened at her house. Our conversation has clearly made her day.

We finally make it to the edge of the treeline and are greeted with the entirety of Arcadia Bay beneath us. The lighthouse nearby enhances the area.

Luz grabs my hand and pulls us both to a bench in front of the cliffside.

We both sit down and take in the view in front of us.

The town doesn’t seem to be in despair and dark like in my nightmare. In the sun, Arcadia Bay is bathed in gold and seems alive.

“You know from far away, Arcadia Bay actually looks liveable.” Luz jokes, a small grin forming on her face.

“How’d you find this place?” My eyes are still on the town.

“Willow showed me. We came up here all the time to get away from everything.”

Instead of being distant when talking about Willow, she’s excited to be sharing more about her friend. She seems … hopeful.

“How about this, let’s ask each other our burning questions,” Luz says, breaking the silence. “It’s been a weird day, and I think we both have a lot we’re not saying.”

She’s right.

I have a lot of questions, but one has been at the forefront ever since I saw him.

Who is Hunter?

“Alright, ask away.” 

Luz studies me for a second - probably thinking of a question. 

She then asks, “The school year started about a month ago.” Her eyebrow raises. “Did you know I was attending Blackwell?”

She’ll understand, right?

I take a deep breath, “I did know.” I admit. “I debated with myself whether I should approach you or not.” I can’t bear to look at her. “Now I know I was just scared of what could have happened.”

“First of all,” Luz says in a mock-wounded tone. “I find it personally offensive that you’d think something bad would’ve come from it.” 

In a relaxed voice now, “Second, I get why you’d be scared. To be honest, I got a little nervous when I got between you and Hunter. I wondered if you needed my help at all.”

“Well,” I say with a small laugh. “I’m glad we were both wrong.”

“Me too.” She says with a smile. “Now your turn.”

I hesitate before asking, “Hunter … who is he exactly?”

The smile on her face is gone now, and Luz takes a second to respond; she looks conflicted.

Finally, she says, “He’s … a lot. I met him through Willow. Her disappearance hit us both hard. The two of them were really close.”

“I feel sort of … protective towards him. If you really get to know him, he’s a good guy.”

“I didn’t know good guys held guns up to their friends,” I say flatly.

“Can you listen to what I say before you judge him?” She sounds frustrated, like she’s said this before. “Everyone thinks he’s some weirdo, but they don’t know what he’s gone through. Only Willow and I know.” 

"I know he could've killed me, but he needs help. I'm the only person he trusts right now. Besides, I took the gun from him."

“What has he told you about his dad?” I think back to their conversation.

“You heard about that, too?”

I nod.

“His dad is - he’s a mons-

The whole world is drowned out by the sound of a piercing ring in my ears. My vision begins to blur. I feel Luz’s hand on my shoulder, an attempt to steady me. I try to stand, but my knees give out and I fall hard onto the ground. 

For a moment, I lay there.

It feels like I’m dying.

Then, as sudden as the ringing, all my senses come back. The familiar sound of a storm overwhelms me again.

The cold wind, the booming thunder, and the hard rain. It’s all back.

I struggle to get back onto my feet, and as I do, I find the storm in front of me.

Like last time, it’s destroying Arcadia Bay.

I turn around to seek Luz, but she’s gone; there’s no one here.

Except, there’s one living thing I can spot. An owl.

No, it’s the owl.

The one from the bathroom.

Perched on the bench behind me, exactly where I sat, and stares at me, unblinking, like before. Like it was waiting for me.

It then slowly perks its head up, and I follow its gaze. 

Above me, a newspaper is dancing in the wind.

It slowly makes its way towards me.

Maybe it’s important?

When the wind dips for a second, I jump in the air and snatch the newspaper. It’s nearly soaked through, but I could still make out the text. I then open it to the front page to examine it.

The main headline means nothing - something about a girl at Blackwell - but the date catches me off guard.

Its publication date is Saturday, October 11th, 2025.

That’s …

Today is Monday, October 6th.

This means … 

My grip on the paper tightens.

I take a look at the storm again.

What if … this isn’t a dream?

What if this is a vision?

No, a warning.

If I’m right, then …

Five days from now …

Arcadia Bay will be destroyed.

Notes:

Thanks for reading again, people!
I appreciate the comments and kudos from some of you!
Expect the next chapter on 8/23 at 12:00 PM PST

Rest of the story in a nutshell

Chapter 4: "Space Song" by Beach House

Summary:

After seeing another vision of destruction, Amity has to figure out how to prove her ability to Luz. However, something bad is beginning to brew at Blackwell.

I lose grip of the newspaper, and it’s carried off by the wind. It doesn’t matter - I don’t need it anymore. 

Five days.

In five days, I’ll lose everything.

I fall to my knees, forced to see the future of my hometown.

Why …

Why here?

Why me?

Wait …

I lift my right hand and study it.

My power … 

Could I use it to stop this?

Was I meant to have this …

The first time I used it, I saved Luz.

Maybe I can save all of Arcadia Bay.

While trapped in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the owl fly over until I felt it on top of my thumb.

“You were in the bathroom,” I say out loud. “Now you’re here.”

The owl continues to stare at me. It’s like it understands me.

“What are you?”

Its eyes shine gold for a second - a little like mine .

The wind continues to roar around us as we stare at each other.

However, before I can ask more, the owl spreads its wings out and launches into the sky. My question goes unanswered again.

I watch the owl fly towards the storm, and it disappears into the gray clouds.

The owl.

It felt …

I feel tired all of a sudden, my limbs are heavy, and the sound of the storm is fading. I can’t resist the urge to lie down on the ground and close my eyes.

However, when I close them, everything stops. I no longer feel the cold wind on my skin, the sounds of thunder cease, and the ground starts to feel dry, but everything is dark now.

“Amity, wake up!” I hear a familiar voice call out to me from afar.

“Amity, please!” Her voice sounds louder now as I’m pulled from my vision.

I blink my eyes open and find Luz above me. She’s trembling and looks like she’s on the verge of tears.

‘Holy shit!” She wraps me in a tight hug. “I was so scared, you weren’t breathing. I … I thought you were dead!” She pulls back to look at me. I can see tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“I’m not leaving you ever again. Don’t worry about it.” I say to comfort her as she begins to cry into my shoulder.

I need to tell her about my power.

But would she believe me?

I wait for her to let out all her tears.

 

---

 

 

 

Her breath is shaky, and she’s still clinging to me like I might disappear, but no longer crying. 

I take her hand, “Are you okay?”

“Are you okay?!” Her voice cracks. “You just passed out and-

“I’m sorry, but I need to tell you something. Something even I can’t believe.”

She releases me, but we’re sitting on the ground now. She sniffles her nose, “Alright, talk to me.”

I take a deep breath, “When I passed out, I saw something. A vision, I think.”

She has a listening face and nods for me to keep going.

I gesture towards Arcadia Bay, “I saw Arcadia Bay being destroyed by a great storm. There was a newspaper, and if I’m right, this storm will hit us in five days.” My voice is soft now.

Her expression is the same, but she’s quiet. 

Her arms are crossed, and finally, she says, “I've gotta feeling there’s more to this story.”

“Do you believe me?”

She closes her eyes, thinking of an answer. “I need to hear more first, okay?”

“This wasn’t the first time I had this vision. I had it this afternoon, and then I discovered I could …”

I feel a heavy weight on me as I hesitate to finish. It takes all my might to utter the words, “I can reverse time.”

The look on her face clearly tells me she doesn’t believe me.
“Luz, I’m not crazy!” I’m desperate for her to trust me. I need to tell someone about all of this.

She places her hands on my shoulders. “Look, I want to believe you, but this is real life. No one has those powers, Amity.”

“But I do!” 

She tries to calm me down, “Amity, I’m sorry, but you’re not thinking straight. You don’t just imagine time powers or whatever out of the blue.”

“Luz, you have to believe me!” I’m hysterical now. It’s not helping my case.

She looks away from me. She doesn’t want to hear me anymore.

I need to tell her the truth.

“Do you want to know how I saved you in the bathroom?” I begin to tremble. “I saw you get shot by Hunter!”

She immediately looks back up with a concerned expression.

“I saw you … die .” Her face is a mix of shock and disbelief. 

She softly says, “Amity, are you absolutely sure about this?”

I nod and continue, “I saw you die, and then I went back and stopped it.”

I feel sick now. “I’ve been trying to ignore it all day, but the truth is …” My eyes begin to tear up. “I’m scared, Luz. No, I’m fucking terrified of all this!” My heart is pounding and my whole body is shaking now. I feel like a piece of glass about to burst.

“Ames, calm down, please. I know you’re scared, but you need to relax.”

With slightly shaky hands, she wraps me up in a tender hug once again to calm me down.

Close to my ear, she tells me, “Look, I don’t believe you yet. But I’m willing to try.”

My heart skips a beat at that answer.

I can work with that.

I pull back to look at her, “Thank you, Luz.”

She smiles at me and is about to say something, but she stops.

She looks confused, and her eyes are looking up. “Is it snowing?”

I follow her eyes and see little specks of white falling from the sky.

“What?” I say, mystified by the sight.

We both watch the clear dots stand out against the yellow sky.

Luz slowly stands up and holds her hand out.

I stand with her and watch a tiny snowflake slowly fall onto Luz’s hand.

“It’s like seventy degrees right now.” She looks at me with a smirk, “Climate change, am I right?”

I chuckle at the joke, but a dark thought enters my mind.

Or a storm is coming.

I think back to the vision.

Could I really stop the storm?

Luz interrupts my thoughts of doomsday when she tells me, “I can tell it’s been a long day for both of us. So how about I take you back to Blackwell, and tomorrow morning we’ll meet up.”

Luz gives me a thumbs up with both of her hands and has a sweet smile on her face.

I want to protest, to tell her there’s no time, but her smile easily warms my heart.

Maybe I need a night to breathe before I start playing hero.

“Alright,” I say with a sigh. “You can take me back.”

Luz beams at me, taking my hand, and we make our way back to her truck.

When we buckle up and are already driving back to town, a question enters my mind.

“How come you don’t have a dorm room?”

Her eyes on the road, “Oh, you have a scholarship, right?

“Yes?

“I’m on tuition, and it’s already expensive enough as is.” She turns to me, “Sorry, we can't have a slumber party tonight. Though maybe you can bunk down at my house soon.”

I smile at the thought of that, “We’ll see.”

“I’m surprised you weren’t offered one,” I comment

“Yeah, we were also,” She says with a sigh. “I worked really hard for it, too. But, I have no hard feelings about it now.”

“Where did you want to meet up tomorrow?”

“Do you have any classes in the morning?” As we’re approaching a red light, she looks back at me.

I shake my head. 

“I wanted to meet at the Two Whales for breakfast.”

We used to eat there all the time.

The Two Whales Diner is probably the best restaurant in Arcadia Bay, mostly because Luz’s mom works there.

“Yeah, that’ll be fine,” I say as the light turns green.

We’re quiet for a bit, which gives me a chance to think.

I stare at the quiet world outside.

It’s a nice warm day, but …

It’s still snowing.

Is this connected to the storm?

I think back to my conversation with Luz. She’d said she would “try” to believe me. 

“What did you mean by ‘try’?” I suddenly ask.

“Amity, I …” She’s hesitant. “I need time to think about what you told me. But tomorrow, “ She looks at me with a serious face. “I want you to prove that you can reverse time, or whatever you said.”

She looks back at the road, and I contemplate what she said.

How can I prove this to her?

I can’t just show it.

Wait …

I spot the familiar brick building that is the main hall of Blackwell Academy. We’re entering the parking lot Luz sped out of hours ago.

The truck pulls to a stop at the curb, and we step out of it.

“So, here we are.” Luz nervously says.

“Oh, wait, tell me your number!” She pulls out her phone.

We quickly exchange numbers, and we look at each other for a moment. Neither of us know how to break the silence.

Finally, I say, “Thank you, Luz. It’s been a weird day, but you helped me relax.”

She chuckles, “I aim to please.” She spreads her arms out, “Hug?”

I accept her hug, surrounded by the falling snow and setting sun.

We slowly pull away from each other. She gets back into her truck, waves once, and drives off. I watch her taillights fade into the white-speckled evening.

I’ll prove it to her.

Somehow…

I then begin the long walk back to my dorm again.

 

---

 

 

 

I wake with a start. Minutes before my alarm goes off.

It takes me a moment to remember where I’m at.

My room.

Of course.

I slowly look around my room and make a note of everything.

If I could define my room, I would say it’s simple, but you could tell it’s mine.

At the front of my room, two windows barely let in sunlight, and there’s a short bookshelf and a desk in between the windows. At the other side of my room is a small couch littered with books (mainly about quantum physics and time travel) from last night. And to my right is the biggest project I’ve ever made.

A collection of every photo I’ve taken. Each moment from a different place, a different time. The same collection I planned to show for the Everyday Heroes contest. That afternoon already seems like a lifetime ago.

I look back at the scattered books.

All night reading about anything related to my power and …

Nothing.

It doesn’t matter.

I just need to prove it to Luz.

I need to take a shower first.

I slowly get up from my bed (even though I would much rather spend the day in it) and gather my clothes and a towel.

As I open my door, I already hear the sounds of the other girls going about their business.

At the other end of the hall, I see Boscha at the front of Amelia’s door, “You better have that cheat sheet ready for me!” 

I spot Skara and Mary in front of the shower room, their heads down, looking at a phone.

I attempt to walk by the two of them, but of course, I’m stopped by Skara.

“Yo, Amity, have you seen this video yet?” She quickly asks me. 

“What video?”

She takes the phone out of Mary’s hand and restarts the video, giving me a view of it.

The video is grainy, obviously recorded by a student, but I can tell it’s a party. I can hear laughing and yelling when the camera is turned towards a couple making out.

I’ve seen this kind of thing a million-

Wait …

Is that?

The girl making out with the guy is … Viney . I can barely tell, but her hair is a little wild and her clothes are disheveled.

I didn’t know she had a boyfriend.

Why is this wrong?

My question is immediately answered when another guy walks up to the two, and Viney pulls away to start kissing him.

In the background of the video, I hear someone say, “That’s the fifth one, people!” Many cheers follow it.

Oh my god.

Viney pulls away and just stands there; she looks drunk. She’s never the type of girl to get drunk at a party.

I need answers.

“When was this taken?”

Skara pauses the video, “I think at a Vortex Club party recently.”

“Yeah, the one from last week.” Mary quickly chimes in.

Last week, Viney was her normal self …

Does this party have something to do with her being quiet lately?

“Have you guys seen Viney?”

I hear a door open behind us. 

I already know who it is before the three of us turn, it’s Viney.

She’s in pajamas and carrying a toothbrush, and for a moment, she stares at us.

She suddenly looks away and begins to walk towards us. 

As she nears us, she says in a small voice, “Excuse me.”

We move and let her walk past us, into the shower room.

Skara begins to whisper, “That was weird, but I gotta go.” She quickly walks away.

Mary follows suit, “See you later, Amity.”

I give the two a little wave and stand there.

Has she told anyone about that party?

And there’s even a video of what she did.

I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now. 

I look towards the entrance to the washroom.

I need to find out more.

She needs help.

I enter the shower room and find Viney staring at herself in the mirror; there’s no one else in here.

I calmly approach her, “Hey, Viney, how’s it going?”

Her breath hitches for a second, like she didn’t expect me to say anything.

“I’m fine, Amity,” She says slowly

It looks like she needs time to herself.

I give her a smile and a nod as I turn towards one of the showers to wash up, but Viney suddenly grabs my arm.
“Wait!” Her now desperate tone of voice matched her face.“When you’re done, can you come to my dorm?”

I softly pat her back and say, “Of course.”

She lets go of me, her face back to its gloomy expression, “Thank you.” 

She turns back to the sink and begins to brush her teeth.

I turn back around and walk into the shower, pulling the curtain to hide myself from the world.

I gingerly take my PJs off and hang them up while I turn the shower handle.

I let my hair down and step under the shower head, and the warm water on my cold skin instantly refreshes me. 

If no one else needed to shower, I might as well just stay here all day.

I feel so dirty after yesterday.

Minutes go by as I slowly wash myself, trying to soak in as much water without overstaying. It feels like the world outside doesn’t exist. 

But when I twist the handle off, the cold rushes back, and reality with it. I dry myself quickly and pull on the fresh clothes I picked up.

This helped.

Has Luz texted me yet?

But I need to check on Viney first.

I step out of the shower, steam curling around me, and I approach the nearest sink. 

As I look around the room, I find no one else there. Even Viney is gone

I wipe the fog off the mirror and take a look at myself.

Judging by the bags under my eyes, someone can tell I've spent hours up at night. It was already a common occurrence for me, but last night I researched and read through so many books, articles, and anything that could help me make sense of this power.

So much is happening right now.

This power, the storm, Luz …

This drama with Viney and hell, even Willow’s disappearance.

Is it a coincidence that all of this happened at once?

Or is it something bigger?

I shake my head to clear away my thoughts.

No, I need to stick to one thing at a time.

After declaring that, I start to brush my teeth and put my hair back up in a small ponytail.

When done, I take my old clothes and towel back to my room and pick up my bag while there.

Before leaving, I quickly check my phone and find a text from Luz a few minutes ago. 

Luz (8:34 AM) HEY!

Me (8:41 AM) hi!

Luz (8:41 AM) what took you so long? :(

Me (8:41 AM) sorry!!!

Me (8:41 AM) i was in the shower

Luz (8:41 AM) nah its good

Luz (8:41 AM) i was just messing with ya

Me (8:42 AM) what did you want to talk about?

Luz (8:42 AM) oh yeah

Luz (8:42 AM) meet me at the two whales at 9:30

Luz (8:42 AM) i cant be your chauffeur right now

Me (8:42 AM) are you getting your ‘limo’ washed or something?

Luz (8:42 AM) no just a little busy right now

Luz (8:42 AM) wait

Luz (8:42 AM) cant text right now

Luz (8:42 AM) see you in a bit! <3

My eyes linger on the last text longer than normal.

For some reason, my face warms up a bit at the heart.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket out of embarrassment and head over to Viney’s room.

I take a deep breath and knock on her door.

Nothing happens for a second until I hear the lock on the other side click.

The door creaks open, and Viney exhales a sigh of relief at the sight of me.

“Come in, sit.”

She moves out of the way and lets me walk. As I enter her room and sit down on her couch, she quickly locks the door again and starts pacing around the room.

She’s never been like this before.

“Viney, are you okay?”

She starts to breathe heavily, “No, Amity, I’m not.” She turns towards me, “You guys were watching that damn video, weren’t you?”

“Yeah. You seemed really drunk,” I say with a curious tone.

“You and the whole school think that. Now I can’t walk around here without getting asked for a kiss or called a slut by people I’ve never met.” Her hands claw at her scalp.

“Ever since that night, nothing's gone right for me. And it seems like you’re the only one who cares.”

If she thinks that, then I need to help her as much as I can.    

“Viney, can you tell me what really happened that night?”

“That’s the thing, I can't remember a thing about that night!” Her guarded self doesn’t exist anymore. She’s on the verge of a breakdown.

“Can you sit with me?” I pat the spot on the couch next to me.

She’s still breathing heavily as she sits near me.

“Can you try? Please?”

She takes a deep breath before answering, “Look, I know I get a bit wild at parties, but that was not me.” She says while squeezing the life out of a cushion. “And I admit it, I drink at parties. But never to that extent.”

I place my hand on her shoulder, “So you’re saying you only had a few drinks?”

Suddenly, her eyes light up. Like she just made a revelation.

“Hunter …”

Oh shit.

“What about him?” I question.

“He … he gave me a drink that night. Just one drink.” She looks pale as a ghost as she tells me all of this.

“Just one drink made you drunk?”

“I can … remember some things now”

I lean closer, “What?”

“After, I … Hunter found me. He told me he would take me to the hospital.”

“And then …” Her eyes strain as she tries to remember more.

“We drove for a long time. Too long.”

What the hell …

“Then I heard a voice later on. They were comforting me, I think.”

“The room I was in was so white and bright, I thought it was the hospital, until I heard Hunter's voice.”

Tears start to roll down her cheeks, “Then I felt a sting at my neck, and I woke up in my room in the morning. But I felt like I’d been … violated, defiled even.”

She starts to fully break down, and the tears rain from her.

Her story … 

Luz needs to know about this.

But Viney needs me first.

I move closer to Viney and calmly tell her, “I believe you. And I want to help you.”

She sniffles her tears away, her eyes show disbelief. “R-really?”

“Of course, Viney.”

Notes:

Sorry for the delay, junior year's already kicking my ass.
I don't have a definitive release date for the next chapter, but expect it within the next three weeks.
Once again, thanks for reading!