As the summer breeze was rolling by, and spring was near its end….I took this time to finish setting up my new place. After hearing the urban legends that was mentioned by Gwen, Amanda, and Selene; we all decided for the best to put on hold this urban phenomena. Hoping that it would help limit the strain of my mentality, and avoid from having to face another rhetorical dream like the one I had dreamed of. Where I saw the old approaching storm that destroyed Arcadia Bay; only this time it was tearing off the fabrics of reality.
After doing a deep cleaning of my new home and putting away items that I brought from Lakeport, I decided to set up my Polaroid display board. Looking at it I felt mesmerized of the pictures that I had taken during my freelancing years with Chloe and the places that I had been. The most intriguing part of my photo displays was the recent once I had taken with all of my peers, including the one of me and Safi embracing one another….
"Oh Safi, I wish you could have stayed with us….your mom worries about you. And yeah she regrets what she did to you and Maya. But, wherever you are….please be safe out there." Looking at this image, I understood what Safi's intention was and why it had to come to this of her seeking Justice for her reputation being ruined, and at a cost of almost wiping the entire town of Lakeport.
Looking back, I wondered if I did the right thing of preventing the second storm by channeling my powers with Safi's only for us to create an alternative new Timeline; where the Living world and the Dead world fused as one….rendering my powers useless. Obviously, I didn't want to think about it, and decided to step out and take more photos of the environment. Plus, I been bored out of my mind, since everyone was busy and had other commitments they had to do. I didn't want to be a bother to them. I walked past all the rebuilt homes, and not a trace of the old one's where left behind. Not even my old home, where I grew up as a child.
Strolling down memory lane, I decided to take the bus straight to the Center Square of Arcadia Bay. The buses here in this old town are new, and still crowded as always with passerbies. I took in the scenery of a crowded bus, putting away neatly my camera onto my small travel back for safety and begin to put in my wireless headphones. One of the old songs that popped into my mind was that of Jose Gonzalez soundtracks, a classic to say the least called "Crosses". I slowly sat down at the edge of one of the windows and admired the sceneries of all what nature had created, listening to the soothing sound of the song itself. As I smiled I remembered the good times I had as a teenager, when I arrived back to Arcadia Bay as a freshman and was attending Blackwell for the first time, and away from home. I had my ups and downs, but was able to make fond memories of it all before everything fell to shit.
Sitting on that bus for nearly 30 minutes, felt like forever. Filled with crowded people, I tried to keep my own thoughts occupied. As I stared out the window, I began to admire the wonderful sceneries of the outside world. Thankfully, the songs help to drown out the shouting and the shoving of the all the nearby passengers. It was indeed crowded that my claustrophobia was getting to me, and just when I thought things could get any worst; the screeching of the bus's tires as they came to a complete halt gave me a sigh of relief. As I regain my composure, I gather my things and slowly got off the bus.
The summer breeze was warm, and I thankfully was traveling light…. meaning wearing nothing but a simple shirt and jeans. My eyes jotted everywhere, looking for anything that gets me in the mood for that perfect shot. What came into my mind was the Two Whales Bar, where Amanda is currently working….
"Now! Where to look? Where to look?... AH! I know….The Two Whale's Bar. That's a place to start and I'm sure Amanda wouldn't mind if I stop by and pay her a visit; hoping to get a couple of good shots there." As a photographer, one must have a visual mind when it comes to projection and getting the lighting right.
I need to get that perfect lighting at a precise angle; otherwise the image is rendered dull, and wouldn't capture that feeling from within the image. As I crossed the street, making my way to the bar, where Amanda works; I heard someone scream….
"Young Lady, LOOK OUT!!!"
"Oh my GOD!!!" said another passerby
I heard the screeching of a car as it swerves its way towards me at rapid paste. The screeching sounds of an approaching vehicle made me jump, as I looked at the direction of where the vehicle was coming from; I stood there….frozen in fear and not being able to move at all. All I could do was raise both of my arms up, slowly in front of me, while trying to at least limit the impact of this vehicle. Even though that wasn't going to do me any good at all in a critical moment like this? Things were popping in my head, and I began to reflect on the things I wanted to do, places I wanted to be at, or the people I would want to spend the remainder of my life with; only to meet a tragic end….
"Is this how my life ends? What did I do to deserve this? Someone….Anyone….Please save me," I stood there, with my eyes close and hoping for all of this to end soon.
It felt like forever, as I stood there waiting for the impact to occur. But, nothing….it was all silent. I slowly open my eyes, and scanned the area around me. Everything around me stood there….frozen. Almost as if, someone where to hit the pause button on a TV remote. Not wanting to wait for this un-pending doom, I moved out of the way, while I still could. Due to my clumsiness I tripped and landed hard on my ass.
"What just happened here? Did I do all of this?" I said, feeling shocked and confused.
While studying my surroundings, I notice a pattern of this time freeze. It was the same power I had temporarily used when Kate was in her wits end back in Blackwell all those years ago. I got curious as I finally realized that this was my new powers. I tried to see if I could rewind time again….only to be met with disappointment.
"Ok, Max. You can stop time, but you can't rewind. So, what else can I do with this new power?"
I tried another way to see what others things I can do with them. While walking down a few feet away from the approaching vehicle that stood there immovable, I began to close my eyes, and took a deep breath. Sensing a jolt of energy as it ran through my veins, I started to convulse and have gotten myself a sharp headache, understanding that having my powers fully active can be painful. Knowing the painful experience I had with these powers, I notice a trail of bright yellow footprints that a led a trail from the forest and disappearing into a crowd full of people.
However, before I could examine further my new powers, everything around me shifted back to normal, creating confusion amongst the crowd as they analyze what just happened. To my shock, once they notice no sign of danger has occur they all decided to proceed with their daily tasks; forgetting about the accident that was happening in front of them.
Meanwhile, the same vehicle that nearly ran me over came to a halt; allowing me to see who the driver was. Only to be met with a young man in his early 20s, semi-Latino looking, and having messy hair as he stares at me with those menacing eyes. We locked eyes with one another, as we tried to process what had happened, not knowing whether or not it was intentionally or on purpose. As we stood there facing each other, we heard the approaching sirens. The young man didn't want to be caught, and was forced to flee. Before he left….I saw him raising his arm and aiming it towards me like a rifle. In just a matter of seconds, I felt this strong force push me backwards….I could have swore I was being lifted off the ground and felt as though I was thrown 10 feet like a football.
"Ouchy! What the hell was that all about?" feeling dazed as I notice the young man, who was driving the vehicle speeding away; with police trailing behind him.
As soon as I regain my composure, I noticed that my travel bag that had my camera inside was gone. Worried of losing a precious momentum, something that was given to me by Safi and Yasmin….I couldn't live myself if something were to happen to it. Plus, cameras these days are pricey.
"NO! Where is it? Where did my bag go?" as I was panicking, I spotted it next to the trash bins near the "Two Whale's bar".
Praying for my camera that I have stuffed inside the bag to be safe, hoping to find it not damaged. As I picked up my bag, I carefully unbuttoned the strap, and to my shock spotted my camera in disarray. To my horror the lens was cracked and pieces of the camera flash were shattered and was dispersed everywhere inside the bag. Sounding frustrated, I got my camera out of the bag, and threw my bag across from me, not knowing what to do next. I sat down on the shade and away from the warm rays of the sun, all crouched in sitting position with my head down in shame. I didn't even care if the pavement of the ground was hot like the Sahara Desert, all I wanted was some alone time; wanting to have a clear mind and reflect on today's incident.
I looked down to my busted camera, and having those Déjà vu thoughts…. "Oh Man!!! Are you serial?"
"….Are you ok? I….saw what happen today." said the mysterious stranger, who approached me out of nowhere.
I felt embarrass and not wanting to sound rude, I carefully shifted my gaze towards the person who called out to me. To my shock, it was…. Allen. He didn't say much and just stood there in front of me handing back the bag I just threw across.
"Oh!? You're the guy that I saw at the Diner last week. You were fixing Ms. Maggie's Jukebox."
He was indeed very shy, but preceded to hand me my bag, back to me…. "You Drop this. Thought you might need this back?"
"Oh! Um…Thank you. I am truly sorry about that, of you catching me causing a scene like that." I replied, looking all embarrassed.
After trying to figure out who he was and where to locate him, he winds up finding me here instead, and talking to me for the first time. But, what's interesting about him is the way he was dressed, almost like a person who has been through many homeless shelters throughout his life. Why do I say this? Well it has to do with a large travel bag that he has carrying around with him. Not to mention how burned down he looks, but his eyes tell me a different story….a story of sadness and loneliness. Plus, the kind of clothing he wears, looked all worn down with their color texture fading. However, he looks well dressed and descent looking.
Although he is stranger to me, I decided to take a jab at him and spoke to him directly as he decided to sit right next to me….
"It's ok, we all been through there. Especially me…. But what's most important is that you are alright. And I hope those police officer catch the perpetrator soon," he said, as he sat down next to me to catch his breath.
"You don't mind, if I sit here for a while? I just need to catch my breath."
"No, not at all…." I said, gesturing him to sit down and rest.
"So what is your full name? If you don't mind, telling? I am Max Caulfield by the way…"
Allen hesitated at first and seeing how curious I was, he caved and finally gave me his name….
"It's um…. Allen…. Allen Zelonsky."
The name Zelonsky sounded familiar, but wasn't sure if his last name is similar to the one that was on the duffle bag that I found in the junkyard, and whether or not it belonged to him at all. Not taking any chances I decided to shift tactics, and decided to change the subject completely.
"So, what happened out there?" He said, with sympathy in his heart.
"I had a rough day today, for I nearly got ran over. But, thankfully, I was able to dodge the approaching vehicle out of the way….only to drop this by accident, and shattering my camera in the process." As I showed him the shattered parts of my camera,
"….And now my camera has taken a shit."
"Ouch! I am so sorry about your camera." Allen replied, while showing me a peaceful smile…. "If you don't mind, can I take a look at it?"
"Um, yeah, knock yourself out….it's broken anyways, and has gone to camera heaven…." I laughed, while trying to think positive for a change.
Meanwhile, Allen, who was sitting next to me begin to inspect the camera thoroughly. He looked amazing in how well he handles the camera, almost like a lost kitten. What surprised me next was how odd it was to see him walk around carrying a big travel bag, almost looking like a homeless person. Until, I notice his gaze looking right at me, with a smile….
"Your camera isn't too damage, just needs fixing."
"Wait!? Really?...." I said, while gazing at his positive tone, and the way how he looks at me with Joy in his heart.
"I can fix it…. If you want?"
"Can you really fix it?" I replied, feeling ecstatic…. "This camera is very complex, and has some unique parts that require small precise tools."
"Yeah, I know. It is no problem, and I so happened to have with me small tools for this kind of job; that I do of course." He said, giving me a glimmer of hope…. "But it will be best for me to work on this in a place where there is not too much noise, and in a nice environment."
Without second guessing myself, I decided for us to go inside the bar, and find a nice booth where he can work in peace. Thankfully, the bar wasn't crowded and only a few people where in the stools chatting amongst each other. Meanwhile, I spotted Amanda who seems to be enjoying herself while cleaning the counter tops near the beer dispensaries. She then, spotted me and just like that, she dropped her rag and immediately saw me and embraced me tightly.
"….Max! Oh my God, I am so glad you are ok."
"Hey, Amanda is nice to see you again." I replied, while giving her a hug.
While Amanda and I were catching up, we started talking about the incident that had occurred to me today. Allen on the other hand, didn't hesitate to stick around, and proceeded to go on to one of the quiet booths to begin working on repairing my damaged camera.
"Wowsers! Max, I heard from one of my employees that they had spotted you almost getting run over by an approaching vehicle."
"Its fine, the only thing hurt around here is my camera." I said, holding in my laughter.
Amanda didn't hesitate to react and took my humor seriously,
"Max, that isn't something you can laugh about. Your work is on the line here, and like you said, taking pictures is your life…."
Amanda was right about taking things seriously, and I need to better myself in at least keeping myself safe. It's almost like final destination, all over again. To be fair was indeed an awkward movie, but fun to watch. Maybe, I should re-watch it again tonight; right after Allen….hopefully fixes my camera soon.
"Anyways Max, I am glad you're ok. And for peek sakes…. Please stop being some sort of a chick magnet." Amanda said, while laughing hysterically.
I followed as well, and knew that what she said was indeed funny, and it at least helped me to forget about the tragedy that has occurred to me today.
"No promises, though…."
"Ok, I have to get back to work, but please be careful out there…." She said as she placed her hand on my shoulder, and showing sincerity in her eyes.
But, before she left, she got curious and asked me about Allen; who was with me a few minutes ago.
"By the way Max, how did you and Allen met?"
I had no idea that Amanda knew Allen, so I replied honestly as to where I met, and how she knew him…. "Wait, you know Allen?"
"Why of course, he so happened to have fixed the Bars A/C since it wasn't working properly and the bar was relying heavily on fans that where no help at all, and where shooting nothing but hot air." She said, with a sigh of relief….
"But, thanks to him, I asked him if he knew anyone who can help fix the A/C itself…. so, he approached me with a sigh of relief that he can fix it; although I wasn't going to be able to repay him for his hard work. But I offer him a free drink and some Italian food, to which he gladly accepted."
"Actually, he approached me as well, and asked if I was ok? And we just talked for a few minutes, and he offered to fix my camera as well. What's most intriguing about him is that his full name is 'Allen Zelonsky'…. And based on what Ms. Maggie said back at her diner; he is just an ordinary handyman who seeks work and doesn't charge you much, and sometimes accepts other sorts of payment of gratitude."
"Oh that is so sweet of him, offering you his time and effort to fix your camera up…." Amanda said, with a sweet smile.
"Hey miss! Can we get two more rounds here?" said one of the customers who flirting with his guy friend.
"Yeah, yeah, I am coming…..Well that's my cue, and please call me once you had made it home safely. Other than that, please feel free to order anything if you want….you know where to find me."
Amanda retreated to the counter to attend the annoying customers who was calling for her. Leaving me to go check up on Allen and see about the camera, he promised to fix it for me. Could this day get any worse? For my sake, I hope not…..