Archive >> Dreamer Fanfiction

Family - Part 43 - 01-09-03
by abbimorgan

posted on 6-Sep-2001 10:56:18 PM by abbimorgan

TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Abbimorgan
RATING: PG - a little bit of swearing.
DISCLAIMER: A lot of people own Roswell but I'm not one of them.
CATEGORY: Primarily a Max and Liz with some M/M and I/A thrown in there too.
SUMMARY: AU - my first in fact. The pod squad meet up with the humans and that's all I’m gonna tell you
FEEDBACK: I will gladly read as much as you want to give me.

PART ONE:

"We're leaving at the end of the week so I suggest you get busy packing your things."

"What!?" A chorus of confusion mixed with protest rung through the four teenagers."

"I told you we couldn't stay in this town forever."

"But this is our home." Isabel noted, hoping to make her protector understand why they didn't want to leave. Tears had already began to form in her soft blue eyes.

"No, this isn't your home, your home is 2 million light years away, earth is just merely a place to hide the four of you until you're ready to return."

"But we don't even remember Antar, Phoenix is all we've ever known."

"Isabel in time you will remember your life on Antar and where we are going will help you achieve that."

"Where are we going?" Max asked, knowing that Nasedo would not budge on his decision.

"To the place you were reborn. Roswell, New Mexico. Now I have to run some errands, I'll be back at sundown." Nasedo picked up his briefcase off the coffee table and left the house leaving behind four very confused aliens behind.

Isabel wiped the tears from her cheeks and faced her brother. "Max, you can't let him take us away from here." Isabel pleaded. "Talk to him please."

"His mind is made up Isabel. He won't listen to me."

"Yes he will, you're his King, he has to obey you."

"I may be his King, but he's our protector. I have to respect that he knows what's best for us." Max sighed heavily upon seeing his sister cry softly in front of him. He didn't want to see her hurting but Max knew he couldn’t stop it. He placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "Isabel, I don't want to leave here either but it's time we learned more about who we are and where we've come from. If I'm supposed to be King of Antar I need answers. We're gonna be okay as long as the four of us our together." Max looked from his sister, to Michael, then Tess, needing to see understanding from them over what he was saying.

Tess moved towards Max and Isabel. "Max is right Isabel, it's time we know everything and we'll learn it together. I'm going to miss Phoenix too, but Nasedo is right, Phoenix has never been our home."

Isabel's head snapped around to look at Tess, taken aback by what she hyour not doing a little happy dance here in the living room, knowing this move will bring you closer to that." Isabel's tall frame stood rigid with anger and frustration.

"And what is wrong with that? There is nothing for us here on earth anyway. Our family is waiting for us on Antar, the only thing waiting for us here on earth is extermination if anyone found out who we really are. I personally don't want to go down that way and I don't think you do either, so just accept the move and go on. I don't want to have to hear you whining about it for the next six months." Michael arms flew around him the ways they always seemed to when he fought with Isabel.

"Michael…"

"Guys stop!" Isabel's words were cut off my Max's plea. Isabel closed her mouth though she continued to glare at Michael. Silently she cursed him for being, in her words, 'such an insensitive asshole', but she would not ignore Max's request. Her brother was the one voice of reason, the one person that she would listen to and do anything for. He was the only person out of the group that understood her and sometimes it felt like he was the only one who seemed to care for her as well.

"It's not going to make this any easier if we fight about this. We're all we have and if we can't get along than we have nothing. Isabel everything will be fine. I can't stop the move but maybe Roswell won't be that bad. I'll talk to Nasedo and see if he will let us take some college classes and maybe get jobs." Isabel nodded in agreement to what Max's was proposing.

"Thank you Max" Isabel wrapped her arms around herself and relaxed her stance.

"You're welcome." Max turned his attention to Michael. "And Michael I understand how badly you want to go back to Antar, but until that time comes, no matter what Nasedo says, Earth is our home. We owe it ourselves to enjoy our life here. "

"That's great Maxwell, when we get to Roswell we'll invite the whole town over to our new place and put on a little alien freak show. We'll be a big hit. I'm sure that will win us lots of friends." Michael fell back onto the couch, shaking his head.

"That's not what I'm saying and you know it. But I do think we can still make some friends without revealing who we really are." Max sighed, closed his eyes and moved his hand through his hair. He hated it when they fought and he needed to bring some kind of peace to this situation. Max sat next to Michael on the couch. "Michael, I know that someday we will return to Antar, when that time comes I will go, willingly, but until then we need to make the best of our time here."

"Why build a life Max when you know it's not going to last?" Tess asked.

"Why not?" Isabel asked in return. "Don't you want to really be a part of this world Tess?"

"Because this world will never accept us for who we really are." Tess replied. "When we move to Roswell it will just be a place to sleep, once we have learned all that Nasedo wants us to we're leaving."

Isabel shook her head, confused over how Tess and Michael could detach themselves from everything on earth. They had always been this way, for the past twelve years, ever since they were born. Tess and Michael we're in so many ways like Nasedo. The three of them wanted as little as possible to do with Earth and the humans that inhabited it. Tess and Michael always viewed themselves as entirely alien, never letting their human appearance or nature take any type of precedence. They refused to get emotionally attached to anyone or anything while Max and her was the opposite. They both desperately wanted to be apart of this world they lived in. They knew that had a mother waiting for them on Antar but they still longed for a family here, longed to make real friends, possibly even find love.

Isabel knew instantly that the idea of finding human love here on earth was forbidden by Nasedo. For as long as she could remember, Nasedo had told them that she was destined to be with Michael and Max was to be with Tess. That was how the were designed based upon their past lives. The truth for Isabel was that she never wanted to be with Michael in any sort of romantic fashion and Max had voiced the same stance towards Tess. The loved them like a brother and sister but there was never a desire to become couples no matter how hard Nasedo pushed them.

Isabel knew that Tess and Michael felt the same way though they kept silent over the issue. They pretty much kept silent over any issue concerning their destinies. Nasedo was the voice of authority until Max took over as King, and whatever decisions Nasedo made in the meantime concerning their life they accepted, something Isabel refused to do, just like she refused to believe what Tess was saying.

"No Tess, I don't believe that. I refuse to believe that every human on this planet is incapable of acceptance."

"Stop being so damn naļve Isabel! You and Max always want to believe the good in these humans but you seem to forget what they did to everyone on our ship and what they would have done to Nasedo if he didn't escape. Stop living in your little fantasy world and start focusing on the mission. We were sent here to save our home planet, not this one. The sooner we can do that, the sooner we can go home." Michael stared coldly at Isabel; he was tired of having this argument with her. Isabel was always trying to be like them and it irritated him.

Isabel stood and stared at Michael. His words and the way that he looked at her were just like Nasedo. Hard and uncaring. They didn't understand her or her need to be human. She always knew Nasedo never would because there was nothing about him that was human but Michael was supposed to be different. He was like her, least physically anyway but as Isabel stood and looked at Michael she wondered if there was anything human about him. Isabel felt the tears begin to come again and this time she would be damned if she let Michael or Tess see her cry. She turned from the group and ran off to the sanctuary of her bedroom.

"Why do you have to be such an ass Michael?"

"Why do you have to be such a human Maxwell?" Michael rose from the couch, not waiting to hear Max's response. He grabbed his keys and left the apartment.

Max looked up to Tess, wondering if she was going to leave the room. When she didn't Max got up and left the living room and went into his bedroom leaving Tess alone.

Part Two:

Isabel stood over her bed, her eyes narrowed, staring intently at the pairs of socks before her. After a few moments of thinking she had come to a decision and began to carry it through. Quickly she lined up the pairs of socks, by color; lightest to darkest, from white sport socks down the line to black dress socks. After the pairs were all in a neat row, organized to her specifications, she moved the tip of her finger over each one, giving each pair a number, counting up as her finger pressed into the material. The last pair of the socks was number twenty-one and as soon as she called it out, her finger moved back to the beginning of the line and she counted again. The second time Isabel achieved the same number when she reached the end and then once again she repeated the act, two more times.

After the deed of meticulously counting the socks, Isabel placed them carefully in the bottom of the empty suitcase that lay on the head of the bed. The appearance of the socks mimicked that of how they laid on the bed just a few minutes before. After a few quick and minor adjustments of position, Isabel felt comfortable with their placement and organization and moved to her next task at hand - the organization and packing of her underwear.

*********

Max zipped up his suitcase and looked around his bare room, though it didn't look much different than it had an hour ago. He had lived in this room for twelve years and over the years Max had done little to contribute to personalizing it. So much of the room had remained exactly how he had first discovered it when Nasedo had brought them here twelve years ago.

Nasedo had been waiting for him and the others when he came out of his pod. Through the confusion of being born, or reborn as Nasedo had always called it, Max understand very little those first few days. The only thing that seemed familiar was the brown haired girl that held tightly onto his hand as they traveled from the pod chamber to Phoenix. The other two children that had shared the same strange entrance into this world kept silent as well on their trip in the car. The only sounds that were made came from Nasedo, though Max and none of the other three were barely beginning to understand what he was saying.

When they had arrived in Phoenix, at the home they still lived in today, Max was apprehensive to go inside. The house was large as well as the grounds that surrounded it. Max stared at the opening of the house, the door was open and Nasedo was waiting for Max to step inside. He couldn't move, the fear prevented him from doing so. Somehow, Max understood that stepping inside was almost the same as going back inside his pod. It felt small; limiting and almost trapping which was a stark contrast to the openness and the actual physical size of house. Max felt the urge to run, though he had no idea where to. This world was strange and unfamiliar.

He felt the hand that had been clasped to his for the past two days tug at him. He looked up to see the girl, her eyes wide and wet. Max could feel her fear like his but hers was mixed with something else, hope. She wanted to go inside, hoping to find comfort, peace, understanding and most of all home. Max knew he couldn't run, and he knew that she wouldn't go inside without him so he pushed down his fear and let her lead him inside.

Nasedo led the four small children through the house, noting each room and the purpose it served. After the tour of the downstairs was complete he took them upstairs, to where their bedrooms were. At the top of the stairway there was a hallway to the right and one to the left. Nasedo led them down the hallway that was to the right of the stairs. He lifted up his hand and with a swish of movement four doors, two on either side of them opened. The four children peeked inside each room, curious to what was inside. Each room was similar in its contents. There was a large bed, nightstand, dresser, desk with chair, and bookshelf lined with books. The only difference in the rooms was the color. Two of the rooms were yellow and two were blue.

Nasedo leaned down and joined the hands of the four children together with his own. Max jerked when the connection first opened. The emotions of everyone around him pelted him at first causing his breathing to become ragged. After a few moments the muddle of emotions started to clear and understanding started to wash over him. Through the connection Nasedo explained to them who they were, aliens sent here to earth to be kept safe. Nasedo then gave each one of them a name; Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess. He told them of their royal status, Max once being a great king and that they had lived before, perished and had been recreated to be able to live again. Nasedo informed them that he was their protector and over the next years he would raise them, guide them and teach them. He noted the severity that their identity must always be kept a secret, how human beings would eliminate them if they ever found out that they were not from this world. They would live in this house, sleep in these rooms like any other human family. The walls of this house would be their sanctuaries, the place where they could explore their powers and grow to be their destinies.

Within minutes the world around them had became clearer for Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess. Words had meanings, and their identities had been sealed. They opened their eyes and nodded at Nasedo, telling him they understood. He gave them a smile, and directed them into their rooms.

Max held onto his suitcase and looked over his room as he had done twelve years ago. It was just like he had first found it. The few pictures he had of Isabel, Michael and Tess were packed away. His science projects had been thrown out, and only the only books he took with him were the ones that he had purchased on his own. All of the books that Nasedo had given him remained on the shelves. He had read each one like Nasedo had instructed and remembered the information. He had found the task interesting but often times but not overly enjoyable or invoking. It wasn't until he was ten that Max realized the impact that some books had. It was Huckleberry Finn; he had stumbled upon it in the school library. The book's cover had caught his eye and Max opened it up and began reading. Two hours later, Max closed the book, having read through it entirely. He became aware of his surroundings and grew worried because he had forgotten everything but the story he was reading. He wondered if anyone had seen him laugh or cry. Could anyone tell that while he read the story he was imagining himself as Tom and Michael as Huck? For a brief time he had forgotten all about his life and the worries that filled it. He had forgotten that he was an alien king and that one day he would have to return to his home planet and save it. That book and many others had given Max sanctuary over the years.

It wasn't that Max hated his life, there were just things about it that were lacking. He knew that based on outward appearances he looked like any other teenage boy though his living arrangements were atypical. Not too many people he knew or saw on television grew up without parents and lived with their "uncle", sister and two "cousins". But no one really questioned it that knew him now. Whenever he met someone new, which wasn't very often, questions were raised about his parents and what had happened to them. He would politely respond that his parent's had been killed in a car accident when he was six and he and his twin sister Isabel were being raised by their uncle Ed Harding. The only truth to that statement was that his sister really was Isabel. He had learned that fact the first time Nasedo had connected with them. In their past life, Max and Isabel Harding were Xan and Vilandra Puline, twins born in third moon, members of the most important family on Antar. They had been brought to this planet with Ava, Xan's wife and Rath Ludar, his trusted second in command and also Ava's brother. To everyone on this planet they were his cousins, Tess and Michael Harding, children of Ed.

Max knew very little about Xan Puline. He knew facts like his family history, military and diplomatic accomplishments, important dates in Xan's life but Max didn't remember any of it. He didn't remember what he or anyone looked liked, he didn't remember Antar or being married to Tess, he didn't even remember the day that he died. To Max, Xan was like a character out of a book, someone real but not tangible. Nasedo promised that their time in Roswell would lead to his awakening. That soon he would remember everything about who he was and who he was destined to be. Nasedo had also told him that his powers would become fully developed and soon he would be ready to return to Antar and take over once again his role of King with billions of beings at his command.

Max hated the way Nasedo had always made Max's position of king sound. Max didn't want to be the most powerful being on Antar and he certainly didn't want billions of people adoring him. Nasedo seemed to light up when he would speak of the wealth and privilege that awaited them. For the past twelve years Nasedo never hid the fact that most people on an Antar and especially this planet were beneath them. Sometimes Max wondered if Nasedo held any compassion at all. He never showed any type of affection towards them or any humans and Nasedo had never once told them he loved them.

His actions or lack thereof had made a significant impression on the rest of the house. Most times Michael was has distant as Nasedo, though there were a few moments that Michael show compassion. Michael usually wore three expressions on his face, dislike, boredom, or solemness. Max missed the closeness they had when they were younger, the times when Michael laughed and opened up with his feelings. The last few years had brought a change in Michael. He became distant, only ever wanting to talk about the alien aspects of their life. He spent the rest of his time going for rides on his motorcycle, watching hockey or fighting with Isabel. The later seemed to be his new favorite hobby these days. Isabel and Michael were always fighting, no matter what the issue. Max remembered last month that they had went two whole weeks of not speaking because Isabel had refused to do any more memory retrieval sessions with Michael or just yesterday morning when Isabel had used the last of the Tabasco sauce on her Cocoa Puffs. Whenever the two were in the same room harsh words ended up being spoken and Isabel would retreat to her room and Michael off on his motorcycle.

Isabel was the opposite of Michael when it came to opening up however she tended to only share her most personal feelings with Max. He was the only one anymore who saw her cry. The tears she shed in front of everyone earlier this week had been something he knew she regretted but Max understood her inability to hold them back. Leaving Phoenix was especially hard on Isabel. This was her home and that was the most important thing to her. From the very beginning Isabel craved stability and family. She had tried to make this large house somewhat of home for them, insisting on celebrating Christmas and birthday's. Every year she made each one of them a cake for the day that their made up birth certificate stated that they were born. Nasedo always dismissed Isabel's actions, calling them silly and human but agreed it was a good tradition to continue seeing that it would keep the humans from being suspicious about them. Max knew how much it bothered Isabel not to have a mother or a father. Though Nasedo filled in as the father role, the only paternal instinct he had was protecting the four of them.

Isabel needed more, and to be truthful so did Max. She longed for the families the kids at their school had or even the ones on television. Isabel never wanted to return to Antar just to be a princess or to rule with Max, the only reason she wanted to go back was to be with their mother and be a family again. But until then Isabel had done her best to make this house a home for her Max, Michael and Tess. She always did the grocery shopping and cooking, put fresh flowers in entrance way and living room, insisted on taking pictures and displaying them around the house and so much more despite the lack of appreciation. Her actions were not lost on Max however and he was grateful for everything she had done. Max didn't now what he would do without Isabel and the connection they shared. Max understood that leaving here to go to Roswell meant leaving behind the small sense of family she had created in this house. He knew that he needed to do what he could to help Isabel adjust to the move. He was grateful that Nasedo had agreed to them enrolling in college and obtaining jobs. Of course Nasedo was unable to see the personal benefits of doing both, only that he would help the four blend into their new surroundings.

Max couldn't believe that this was the last night he would spend in this room. Tomorrow he was beginning the transformation of boy to King. Tess's laughter filtered into his room causing Max to look across the hallway into her room. She was on the phone, again, while she was lazily packing her bags. She had groaned all week about having to do it, not understanding why they couldn't hire movers. She was even more upset when she found out they were leaving all of the furniture and most of the artwork behind. Tess had been very popular in school; based on the illusion that Ed Harding was a successful investor and had money. Their house was nice. Tastefully decorated in the right kind of neighborhood. But it was superficial just like Tess's friendships. She was always going out with kids from school but she kept them all at a distance. She would invite them over for show, and Nasedo would put on a production of the doting father. They all spoke of how much they envied her and how great a friend she was but Max new Tess didn't care one way or the other about their friendships. They filled her time while she was on earth and when it was time to go she would be able to leave them easily behind. Possessions on the other hand were different for Tess. Unlike Isabel she didn't get attached to things for sentimental value rather because the status they held and they way they made Tess look. Tess was very much like Nasedo in that regard. She enjoyed the finer things earth had to offer.

That wasn't all that made Tess tick, but Max found it hard to find anything more and this confused him. In that other life she was his wife, they were in love. He knew he should feel connected to her like he did Isabel but he didn't. Max understood that one day they would marry again and maybe the feelings would be rekindled but for now Max felt only compassion and commonality for Tess.

Max looked from Tess's open door to Isabel's closed one. He needed to check on her, see if she needed to talk or a shoulder to cry on. Max sat his suitcase near the door of his room and walked across the hall and knocked softly on Isabel's door.

"Come in" Max stepped inside and was greeted with the sight of Isabel frantically shuffling through her pants. She was moving folded jeans and slacks from one pile to another, her brows furrowed as she worked. Max knew immediately what she was doing. When you lived with someone for twelve years you tended to pick up certain things. Isabel always reorganized things when she was nervous or felt out of control.

"So how are you doing?" Isabel placed the jeans into her suitcase.

"Fine Max, just finishing up."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, this is the last of it."

"Okay then" He paused, not knowing what to say next. He looked around her room, much different than his own. She had pictures on the walls, plants on the windowsills, her dollhouse, stuffed animals sitting in a chair. Max's head cocked when he realized how full the room still was. "What about the rest of your stuff?"

Isabel looked at Max for the first time since he hand entered her room. "I'm not taking the rest."

"Why, what about your dollhouse?"

"It's staying here."

"Isabel, you love that thing. There will be room in the U-Haul for it."

"I'm not taking it besides, I'm not a little girl anymore."

Max knew immediately that the dollhouse was more than just a toy for Isabel. He remembered how Isabel used to stare in the window at it on their way home from school that first year. Michael and Tess would always complain about her holding them up but Isabel wouldn't budge. Her fingers would gingerly touch the glass as she studied each room of the house. It was far simpler than the house they lived in but Max understood through their connection that this house held more meaning. In this house there was a mom and a dad, a brother and sister, a baby in the bassinet and a dog in the living room. In that house was Isabel's dream of a family.

One day Max had decided that Isabel needed to have the dollhouse for her own. None of them had a lot of toys, Nasedo had passed them off as something human's used to pass the time, a waste of their brain he had always said. For weeks Max pleaded with Nasedo for the money. It was the first real communication they had between the two of them. Everything prior consisted of lessons on how to live as a human being. They were shown how to communicate, eat, to read, write, use the restroom, wear clothes, and use manners; strictly teacher/student. Max pleaded his case over and over that Isabel would be so happy to have it, but Nasedo wasn't sympathetic. 'Max, a princess has more important things to be doing with her time than playing with dolls.' Nasedo had told him. Max saw the logic in what he was saying however Max couldn't let it go. 'Well then I think a princess should be allowed to have something is she wants it and as he brother and King I think she should have it.'

'So be it' Nasedo smiled at Max and reached into his wallet taking out a few hundred dollars and gave them to Max.

'Thank you Nasedo' Max took the money and waited for Nasedo to leave the room before he let himself smile. He had talked Michael and Tess into going to the hobby shop to by it with them and together they presented the dollhouse. He remembered the look on her face when she saw it. Immediately she began to cry and flung her arms around Max, then Tess and Michael. It was the first embrace they had all shared and though uncomfortable at first all four welcomed it. It was one of the few times they allowed themselves to be affectionate with one another.

Everyday Isabel played with her dollhouse, spending hours in her room. Occasionally Tess and Max would play along with her, but most of the time Isabel spent it alone, enjoying every moment. Now that she was older she had indeed played with it less but what it represented was not diminished.

"It's not a matter of your age Isabel, that dollhouse is one of your prized possessions."

"Well I can't take it back to Antar with me so I might as well let go of it now."

"We'll still be on earth a little while longer, please don't leave it behind."

"My mind is made up Max." Isabel took the jeans out of her suitcase and began refolding them.

Max placed his hand over Isabel's forearm. "Stop. Talk to me. Please." Isabel looked at Max and he could see as well as feel the conflicting emotions of fear and sadness.

"I don't want to go Max."

"I know Is, but Roswell won't be that bad."

"No Max, it's not Roswell. I don't want to go to Antar." Isabel jerked her arm out of Max's hand and began to pace around her bedroom.

Max stood confused, why wouldn't Isabel want to go back to their home planet. "Why because of the war?"

"That's what I used to think but now it's something different." Isabel said, still pacing. Silence filled the room. Max knew that if he waited she would elaborate. He sat down on her bed and rested his hands on his knees. He saw Isabel looked at him out of the corner of her eye and then spoke.

"I'm scared of meeting our mother."

"Why? That's what you have always wanted."

"I used to do and part of me still does but I'm afraid of what she'll be like."

"You mean her appearance."

"No, I know that she will be beautiful. In what little memories I have she is always beautiful. It's not what she will look on the outside that I am worried about. I'm afraid she will be like him. Like Nasedo." Isabel stopped her pacing and sat down on the floor in front of Max. Her fingers began picking at the carpet fibers.

"All my life I have wanted to meet her Max, imagined how my life would be with her in it. I've seen mothers and daughters all around me and I've envied them. Angry because I didn't have a mother to do all the things that mothers and daughters do. I kept thinking that one day will be together and we will make up for lost time but the closer that one day has came the more scared I've become. I know that soon I will see her and what if she is different than I have imagined her. What if she is like Nasedo, cold and distant? What if she doesn't hug me when she sees me or tell me she loves me. I would die if she was like him." Isabel choked out the last few words, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Isabel she won't be like him. We're not like him so why would she?"

"We're part human, she's completely Antarian just like Nasedo. What if Antarians are incapable of love? What if the reason we feel things more deeply is because were human?"

Max shook his head. "You can't think that way Isabel. I've always believed that Nasedo is the way he is because it's his job to protect us. He has to keep a certain amount of distance in order to keep a clear head. Our mother wouldn't have given us life again if she didn't love us. I know that."

"I hope your right Max." Isabel wiped the tears away from her face. They both jumped a bit when they heard a knock at the door.

"Come in" Isabel called.

The door opened and the siblings looked up and saw Nasedo standing in Isabel's doorway. "I need you both downstairs. There are some arrangements I need to go over with the four of you." Isabel and Max nodded their head in agreement and followed Nasedo down the stairs into living room. Michael and Tess were already sitting on the couch. Isabel and Max took their seats and looked to Nasedo.

"I'm not going to be able to go to Roswell with the four of you tomorrow. I need to head to Washington D.C. for a few weeks."

"Why?" Max asked.

"I have reason to believe that a skin is serving as a Congresswoman in D.C and is radically pushing for the Special Unit of the FBI to began investigating the New Mexico area for signs of alien life."

"Why would she do that?" Tess asked.

"Because my dear child, she is using the Special Unit to flush the four of you out. Once the special unit has discovered there are aliens among them the skins will know exactly who the royal four are and we can't have that happen now can we?" Nasedo continued on, not waiting for a response from the four of them. "The four of you will moved to Roswell on your own and I will join you at the end of the month. " Nasedo opened up his briefcase and handed a large manila envelope to Max.

"Inside you will find a map, cash, credit cards and the address of where you will be staying. I have already spoken to a Liz Parker, she manages the apartment you will be staying at."

"We're staying in an apartment?" Tess was horrified by thought of moving from a large house to a small apartment.

"Yes, it's important that we do little to attract a lot of attention while in Roswell. A large house in a small town would only make the four of you stand out more. From my visit there last week the apartment is above a restaurant and the entrance is in the alleyway which will make going in and out more discreet. The place is furnished and the rent has already been paid up for the next six months. When I return we will begin the transformation. Now if you will excuse me I have a cab arriving in five minutes. I will call you when I arrive. Remember the rules and you will stay safe during my absence. Goodbye." Nasedo picked up his briefcase and suitcase and exited the house.

The four aliens couldn’t believe he had left for the next few weeks. Nasedo had never left them alone for that long before, his absences were usually only a few days. Most times he always had to know where they were. For the first time the four face three weeks of separation from the only person that had taken care of them for twelve years. Max knew that will Nasedo gone for awhile he would his job to take charge of the situation. "Well I guess we better get a good night's sleep, we'll leave at six, okay" After they all had agreed the four aliens left to spend their last night of sleep in Phoenix. Tomorrow they were leaving for Roswell, New Mexico.

PART THREE

Early Saturday Morning, the black Dodge Durango pulled out of the driveway of the only home that Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess Harding had ever known. Max focused on the road as he steered the car away from the house. In the front passenger seat, Isabel sat, her head turned sideways, watching the house as silent tears ran down her face. Behind her Tess lounged in the backseat, her eyes closed, sighing heavily as she tried to get comfortable. Michael, on his motorcycle, followed closely behind the U-Haul that was hitched to the large sport utility vehicle. Like Max, his eyes never left the road that was laid out in front of him.

After fourteen hours of traveling the two vehicles passed the sign that read - 'Welcome to Roswell, New Mexico - population 46,000'. Tess groaned as she read the sign. "Can this town be any smaller?"

"It doesn't look too bad." Max answered, his eyes constantly surveying each new building and street as they passed them. "Hey look, they got a Krispy Kreme, Michael's gonna be happy. Remember last time when he ate a whole dozen and then got sick. I swear he looked green there for awhile." He looked over his shoulder and shared a smile with Isabel. It was one of the few she had given all day. She had stopped crying when they left Phoenix, but her somber mood had continued most of the trip. Even the stop at IHOP's, her absolute favorite place to eat, had failed to lift her spirits. Of course the fight with Michael over his rude behavior towards the waitress hadn't helped any.

"Oh, look Is, there's the mall." Tess lifted up her index finger off the steering wheel and pointed it towards the large building to the left of her. "I bet they don't even have a Banana Republic."

"It looks kind of big, maybe." Isabel spoke softly as she leaned closer to the window. The sun was disappearing behind the Roswell Shopping Mall and the sky was filled with streaks of warm orange, grays and blues. Isabel rested her head against the glass and stared at the sky. "Wow, the sunset is really beautiful here." Max and Tess both took a moment to look at the sky and silently agreed with Isabel that the sunset in Roswell was beautiful.

"Tess, take a right here." Max instructed. Tess steered the Durango onto Main Street and then glanced in the rear view mirror, checking to see if Michael was still following behind. The reflection of the street lamps bounced off his shiny, black helmet. After a few more minutes of driving they arrived at the address of their new home.

"You have got to be kidding me." Tess let out a sarcastic sounding laugh as she pushed shut the driver's side door. She pointed to the large, metal spaceship that hung out from the front of the tall, two story brick building. The row of light's across the mid-section of the mock ship flashed on and off. A large sign hung directly below it, reading - "The Crashdown Café". Isabel and Max climbed out of the vehicle and looked up at ship.

"From what I've been reading, that's pretty much the theme in this town. Everything centers around the crash and aliens."

"Well I guess since we don't look like those…" Tess pointed at the green alien heads with large, almond shaped eyes painted on the café windows, "that our cover won't be blown."

"Great, We just entered Roswell Freakin' Mayberry", Michael sneered, his helmet tucked under his arm.

"Michael it doesn't look that bad. C'mon, let's go inside." Max said.

"Lead the way Opie." Max rolled his eyes at Michael as the four made their way towards the restaurant.

"Oh look, there's Sheriff Andy now." Michael mocked under his breath. Just a few feet away from them was a middle-aged man in a tan sheriff's uniform.

"Good evening folks" Sheriff Jim Valenti tipped his hat towards them. "Beautiful night tonight."

"Yeah, it is." Max reluctantly returned the invitation to conversation. As soon as he saw the Sheriff his body tensed and he could feel the tension in Isabel as well. Standing right before them was Nasedo's version of the boogey man. His bedtime stories always placed anyone who worked in law or the government as the villain and never to be trusted. They had spent the past twelve years avoiding police and government officials. It wasn't very often that they found themselves standing just a few feet from a police officer or making polite conversation like they did now.

"Are you heading in?" The Sheriff asked, gesturing towards the door of the restaurant.

"Yes." Max nodded his head, his body tightened with worry, making it hard to say the simple word. He forced himself to breathe; knowing how important it was for him to keep the worry inside. Nasedo had been their shield when they had encountered police in the past. He was always the one to speak. But tonight he wasn't here and Max, as the leader, had to step up and take his place.

Jim held the door open and stood back allowing Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess to go on inside. As they past him everyone with the exception of Michael thanked the Sheriff. Once inside they gathered around each other, unsure of what to do next. Jim came up from behind them and noticed the hesitance. The people who lived in this town knew to take the open table or booth that you preferred, it was always the out of towners who waited to be seated.

"So I take it by your Arizona plates, this is your first time here?"

"Yes, we just moved here." Max replied.

"Well then a welcome is in order. I'm Sheriff Jim Valenti." Jim held out his hand to Max. Max stared for a moment at the hand before him and then apprehensively took it into his own and shook. Instantly Max made a light connection with the Sheriff and received a warm vibe from him allowing Max a bit of relief. Max smiled at him, knowing that a least tonight this man posed no immediate threat to them.

"Thank you. I'm Max Harding and this is my sister Isabel and our cousins, Michael and Tess." Max pointed to each one as he spoke. The Sheriff shook each of their hands, offering a 'nice to meet you' to each one. A note of recognition registered in his eyes after the introductions.

"You must be the college students renting the upstairs apartment." Michael raised his eyebrow at the Sheriff, curious to know why the Sheriff knew about them already. Jim noticed the questioning look Michael gave him.

"Sorry, I'm not nosy, I'm just good friends with the owner. She told me you were coming in this weekend."

"Hey Jim." The group looked to see a petite blond girl wearing a turquoise waitress dress walking over to them. "I didn't know you were working tonight."

"We were a little short staff tonight. Came over for a break. I wouldn't suppose there's some Dutch apple pie left?"

"I thought Mom put you on a diet?" Maria questioned teasingly.

"She did. I suppose coffee will do." Jim said in a defeated tone.

Maria grinned widely over the disappointed look on his face. "Don't worry, I won't tell Mom. Why don't you have a seat at the counter and I'll get if for you in a minute? Do you want it ala mode?"

"Of course." Jim smiled at Maria and then turned his attention to Max and the others still standing next to him, watching the exchange. "Folks I'd like you to meet my step-daughter and my secret supplier of pie, Maria DeLuca. Maria this is Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess Harding. They're moving into the apartment."

If possible, Maria's grin spread even wider on her face. "Oh, hey. Lizzie told me you were coming. It's nice to meet all of you." Her voice rose an octave higher when she spoke this time and she seemed to be bubbling with joy. Her eagerness to make their acquaintance was received with mixed emotions by the group. Michael immediately found her exuberance annoying and Tess silently wondered what drugs she was on. Isabel and Max seemed to be taken aback by her too however her grin seemed to be infectious and they both couldn't help but smile back at her.

"It's nice to meet you too. Is Liz Parker here?" Max asked.

"Yeah, she's in back, why don't you guys just have a seat at a booth and I'll get her for you."

"Thanks." Isabel offered needing to say something to the girl before she left. Maria's presence had given Isabel the first real sense that maybe things wouldn't be so bad in Roswell.

Maria turned and made her way through the quiet restaurant and disappeared through the double doors.

"Well it was nice to meet all of you and if you ever need anything just give the station a ring or you can ask Maria or Liz. See you around." Jim smiled one more time at the group and then made his way to the counter.

Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess sat down at the large booth to the right of them. Their eyes scanned the room, noticing all the alien paraphernalia. The walls were painted in southwestern colors of orange and turquoise and a few small murals of alien scenes. Also covering each wall were framed pictures of doctored alien photographs, paintings and newspaper clippings of the 1947 crash.

"Will you get a load of all this crap." Michael jeered, as he continued to look around the room. "And if you say it doesn't look that bad one more time Max, I'm gonna lose it right here in the restaurant." not bothering to look at Max. Before Max could respond, Isabel interjected.

"Nice mood Michael."

"Well if you had to sit your ass for fourteen hours on a bike you'd be a little pissy too."

"Who said you had to bring that piece of crap anyway." Isabel retorted. "And would it have killed you to be polite to the Sheriff. We don't need to be creating any type of suspicions."

"Look, I told you already, I'm not here to make friends."

"Can you two just stop fighting for two minutes?" Max asked looking to Michael and Isabel, hoping to end their latest fight.

"Not a problem Maxwell. Heads up." Michael tilted his head to the left towards the woman that was approaching their booth.

Max whipped his head to the right and noticed the woman walking slowly towards them. Her shoulders were slumped and she drug her feet as she walked. It was evident that this woman had a strong desire not to be here in the restaurant. When she reached the table she sighed heavily, the force of her warm breath causing the hair on Max's head to move slightly. Her tired eyes focused on Max. Max looked up to her, wondering if this was the woman he was supposed to meet.

"Liz Parker?" Max asked.

PART FOUR

"Liz Parker?" Max asked.

"Nope, sorry, I'm Agnes. What can I get you kids?" The older woman said as she took the pen off the top of her right ear, her left ear holding an unused cigarette.

"It's all right Agnes, I got it. Why don't you start cleaning the milkshake machine."

"Sure." Agnes said, rolling her eyes at Maria's request while she tucked the pen back in it's original spot. Everyone's eyes followed Agnes as she slowly made her way to the counter and took a seat at the far end. Agnes gave the shiny, metal milkshake machine a brief glance, sighed a deep sigh, and then began flipping though her latest edition of the National Enquirer. Maria gave out an exasperated groan upon seeing Agnes' latest display of laziness. She resisted the urge to march over to her co-worker and yell, knowing that after years of witnessing her poor work ethic, it would only be a waste of energy. She turned her attention back to her customers, Roswell's newest residents. She plastered on one of her patented Maria smiles.

"Agnes is well, Agnes, plus you'll be thirty by the time you get your order. Liz said she'll be out shortly, she's dealing with a little crisis in the back. So in the meantime can I get you guys something to drink or eat?"

"Okay." Max looks around to the rest of the group. "I don't know about you guys but I'm starving." Max states, reaching for the menu on the table.

"What's good?" Isabel asked.

"Pretty much everything except the Venus Meatloaf Platter. I don't think meatloaf can be edible no matter what planet it's from."

"Funny…" Michael said flatly, his lips turned down slightly. "Look just give me a burger, fries and a cherry coke."

"Do you want a Will Smith Burger or a Sigourney Weaver?"

"What the…? Nevermind, I just want a bun with some meat on it. I'm going to take a leak." Michael let himself out of the booth, ignoring everyone's stares and raised eyebrows. Max and Isabel were ashamed by Michael's rude behavior. Despite how many times in the past he had acted that way in public it still was an embarrassment. When they were out with Nasedo, Michael tended to tone down any blatant displays of ill mannerisms, but now that they were here without him, Michael didn't seem to care for pleasantries.

Isabel saw how taken aback Maria was by Michael's behavior and felt the need to apologize to her. "Sorry, you'll have to excuse my rude cousin. He seems to have left his manners in Phoenix."

"Are you sure he ever had any?" Maria asked.

"He's just tired from the trip. He'll be better tomorrow." Max added. "Can I have a Will Smith burger, um…some Saturn rings and a cherry coke, please." Max closed the menu and looked over to Isabel and Tess.

"Yeah, I'll have the same and could we get some Tabasco sauce." Tess ordered.

"Sure," Maria jotted down Tess' order. "What would you like?", looking to Isabel.

"What they're having sounds good."

"Gotcha, I'll be right back with your drinks." Maria leaves the table, passing by Michael on her way to the order window.

"Why do you have to be so rude Michael?" Isabel asked him after he sat down.

"Get off my back Isabel." Michael glared at Isabel, he couldn't help it. The past few months all he could he feel was anger towards her. When the fights had started happening more frequently he had tried to pinpoint the reason knowing that it was more than just her using the last of the shampoo or being upset about the move. Instead of finding one reason, he had found several; in fact it seemed to be everything. Her hair, her smile, the way she laughed at corny commercials, her insentient need for tidiness and order. All things that when they were younger annoyed him at times but never brought forth the feelings of animosity he was having now. Deep down he didn't want to hurt her. She was like a sister to him. They were all they had, as Max has always pointed out, but Michael couldn't control himself. Every time he suppressed the hurtful comment that he was thinking at the time, another one, with more venom, would come flying out of his mouth. He could clearly see how it hurt her, but he couldn't stop himself.

Michael didn't want to think about it right now and changed the subject. "So Maxwell, are you planning on contacting Nasedo tonight, let him know we made it."

"I told him I'd check in at midnight, our time."

"I wonder if he's found out anything about the skin?" Tess whispered.

"He's only been there a day, I'm sure it will probably take a least a few days. "

"Well let's hope he's not gone too long, I'm ready to start training." Michael added, unaware that Maria had returned.

"Training for what?" Maria inquired as she set four glasses of cherry coke on the table. Max shot Michael a warning look, letting him know he needed to tone down his behavior.

"Uh, running." Michael answered.

"Oh, cool. I'm into running as well. Roswell has a great exercise trail. If you want, I could show it to you?" She offered. Maria was trying very hard to brush off his previous behavior, hoping that he was just having a bad day. She tried to imagine how she would feel moving to a new town, especially a town like Roswell. Most days she didn't like living here and this was where she was born and raised. The people she loved most in the world lived in this town. Coming here, of your own free will, not knowing anybody had to be hard.

"Yeah, maybe. I'll get back to you." Michael looked over to Max, mouthing to him, "Thanks a lot Maxwell." Max, Isabel and Tess all grinned over the idea of Michael running. Michael didn't usually participate in sports. He was a spectator.

"Liz says you guys are from Phoenix?"

"Um yeah." Max answered.

"And you're going to ENMU?"

"Enmu?" Michael was confused.

"Ya, ya know, Eastern New Mexico University. We all call it Enmu." Maria's nose scrunched when she saw Tess began pouring Tabasco sauce into her cherry coke. She shook it off. After four years of waitressing she had seen some strange food rituals. "I gotta ask. Why would you leave Phoenix to come to Roswell? I mean ENMU isn't exactly the epicenter for higher learning?"

"My uncle decided to open up a business here, wanted us to come with him." Isabel answered, wincing slightly from the lies she has just told. Isabel took the bottle from Tess, pouring some sauce into her own glass.

"What does he do?"

"He's an investor." Isabel lied again.

"Cool, well I'm taking classes at the college too so I'll probably see you guys around."

"I hope so." This time, there was truth to what she was saying. Part of the reason she had held back from making friends in the past was because she didn't want to have to lie. Her life was made up of them. She didn't want friendships based on them as well. Isabel shook off the sadness that was starting to overtake her. She passed the bottle to Max.

Max lifted the bottle over his glass, letting the liquid drip into his drink. The door at the back of the restaurant opened and Max felt the pull to look up. When he did he saw a dark, brown haired woman come through the doors. Max, quickly scanned the length of her body. Starting with the top of silky, long hair, down her tiny body. Max's mouth fell open as he watched her walk over to the counter, to where the Sheriff sat. He took in every detail of her face. Her large, dark eyes, the creamy texture of her skin, her beautiful lips as they curved upward forming a smile. He heard her velvety laugh carry through the restaurant, over to where he was, falling over him like a blanket causing his stomach to tingle. Max sat there, motionless, watching her as the Tabasco continued to drip into his glass.

Standing just fifteen feet away from Max, was a woman who had unknowingly captured Max's Harding's heart and soul. Max had never believed in love at first sight even though he had read about the silly notion in a few books. The idea seemed too preposterous - how could you love someone you have only just seen? Someone whose name and everything about them is a mystery. In all of his thirteen years on this planet of never believing in such a concept, at this very moment he was a believer. He felt drawn to her like no other and he could almost feel his soul stir, like it was waking up.

After a few moments of talking with the Sheriff she left the counter and began walking towards the booth where Max sat. When it finally registered with Max that she was walking to where he was, his nerves went on hyper-drive. His stomach twisted, his palms started to sweat and his mouth felt dry, like cotton. The bottle slipped slightly in his hands and he sat it down, the bottle wobbling slightly. The once nearly full bottle of sauce stood empty. Most of its contents were in Max's glass.

"Hey Lizzie" Maria said. "Liz these are the Hardings. Let me see if I got all your names right." Maria pointed at Michael. "Michael, Tess, Isabel and Max" Her finger ending up in front of Max.

"It's nice to meet all of you. I'm sorry I took so long. Do you want to do take a look at the place?" Liz asked warmly as she looked around the table.

Max couldn't take his eyes off of her. He could feel the warmth in his face, feel his chest tighten when her heard her speak. She was even more beautiful up close. Max felt the urge to touch her to see if she was real. Somewhere, beyond the state of awe that he was experiencing, his could hear his sister calling him.

"Max, Max!"

Max blinked his eyes and shook his head. Reluctantly he turned his head to look at his sister. His brows furrowed, trying to concentrate on what she was saying.

"Do you want to go look at place?"

Max opened his mouth to speak, the dryness prevented him from making words. He absentmindedly lowered his head over the straw in his glass and sucked hard, needing the liquid to moisten his mouth. After a few swigs, his throat started to constrict. The heat from the liquid was intense and he could do nothing but let his body take over. Max inhaled deeply and then began to cough. The last of the coke that was in his mouth came spewing out over the table and the people around it.

Michael and Tess gasped in disgust, wiping droplets of cherry coke from their face. Max, breathed sharply, trying to get himself under control. He could feel the heat in his face and he was utterly embarrassed over what had just happened. He turned his head up sharply when he felt a soothing hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked, her voice and face full of concern. Beside her Maria was biting back the laughter over what she has just witnessed.

Max nodded, unable to say anything.

"Did you put Tabasco in your coke?" Liz asked, puzzled to why he would do such a thing.

"Um yeah, I uh, must have um put in too much. Sorry."

"That's just gross Maxwell. C'mon, lets go look at the apartment."

Out of the corner of his eye Max saw Liz looking at him, her brows creased.

Maria and Liz stepped back, allowing the four the get up from the booth. Max kept his head down slightly, unable to look at Liz. Liz led the way through the back doors, to the upstairs apartment.

TBC….

*****
To those of you who figured out that was Agnes at the end of part three you all get a gold star.

"Sometimes fate really sucks" - Liz

[ edited 44time(s), last at 9-Jan-2003 1:10:05 AM ]

posted on 8-Sep-2001 10:22:55 AM by abbimorgan

posted on 9-Sep-2001 12:55:07 PM by abbimorgan

TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Abbimorgan
RATING: PG - a little bit of swearing.
DISCLAIMER: A lot of people own Roswell but I'm not one of them.
CATEGORY: Primarily a Max and Liz love story though this story will involve everyone.
SUMMARY: AU - my first in fact. The pod squad meet up with the humans and that's all I’m gonna tell you.
FEEDBACK: Yes, please!
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask me first.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thanks to honeybee, BelieveInTrueLove, Rostrin, Cookieman1234, CleopatraRoswellEmprass, burntofferings, Blink1lit, Lisa1783, soypet and bhoney for you wonderful feedback. I'm getting a kick out of all the questions. I feel like a little kid knowing a secret and I can't wait to share it with all of you. Have no fear; answers will be revealed soon. Also all the major Roswell characters are in this story, you'll get to meet the rest in part seven. I couldn't even think of writing this story without Kyle or Alex. I hope you like this new part. As always, I would love to hear what you think.

PART SIX:

One by one, the group led by Liz, made their way up the long, wooden stairs. Their footsteps created a chorus of creaks and thuds.

"I can't believe we are going to be living above a restaurant. I bet the whole place smells like grease." Tess whispered to Isabel. They were the last two to climb the stairs. Isabel looked straight ahead, ignoring Tess' comment. For the first time since Nasedo had announced that they were moving, Isabel was actually at peace with being in Roswell. Despite Michael's rude behavior, Tess' snootiness and Max's public display of grossness, she was happy. She couldn't explain exactly why, though she did know that it had a lot to do with Liz and Maria. They both gave off this aura about them giving Isabel the feeling that was a mixture of fun, closeness and safety all rolled into one. Something about them made Isabel feel for the first time like she wanted to be friends with someone, that she could trust them. Isabel knew it was crazy to think that way. They had been raised to never trust a human, that in the end they would only betray you. Nasedo had also told them from the beginning that forming emotional attachments to humans was futile. Their life on this planet was to be short lived. Beyond the stars held a life that was waiting for them. But Isabel didn't know that life and the closer it came to returning to it, the more reluctant she felt. Her heart told her that Earth was where she belonged despite the fact that she had no friends or someone to love. Tonight opened the possibility that she just might get her hearts desire.

Isabel knew it would sound silly to Michael and Tess to hear her thinking like this, however she wondered what Max would think. Before they had left the booth Isabel had received a vibe from Max. Though she couldn't read him clearly since they were not physical touching, she did feel something that could be interpreted as desire. When she saw him staring at Liz, Isabel wondered if her brother was attracted to Liz. In the thirteen years that they had been alive, Max had never been attracted to a girl, including Tess. Also, Max had never made such a seen like he did with his coke. Max was the calmest out of the four of them. He never acted irrational, never tripped or did anything to draw attention to himself. Isabel would tease him about that ability, letting him know on several occasions that his interpretation of a wall was coming along quite nicely. Max's blunders only meant that something was going on with him and Isabel would bet money that their new landlord had something to do with it.

****

Liz waited for everyone to come into the living room before going over the apartment. Michael, Max, Isabel and Tess stepped through the doorway and gathered around Liz. They each looked around the room, taking in their new surroundings. It was a large room with tall ceilings and exposed red brick on the two outer walls. The other two walls were painted in a dark cream that complimented the brick color nicely. There was an olive green sofa and a burgundy loveseat. In front of the sofa was a coffee table and on either side of the sofa were two end tables. Along one inner wall was an empty television stand. The other inner wall opened up into an eat-in kitchen and between the two was the beginning of a hallway. Though the room was void of any personal mementos the colors of the walls and furniture mixed with the lighting made the room feel warm and inviting.

"As you can see this is the living room. I hope the furnishings are okay, I know it's not fancy but the furniture's comfortable. Oh and the cable is hooked up, your uncle said you wanted it." Liz noted all the while trying to interpret their reactions to the room. She hoped they would like it and want to make it their home. Liz was also nervous about renting it out. This had been the home she had shared with parents. A place that she had felt safe and loved for seventeen years. Each room held so many memories for her, causing her to feel a spectrum of emotions. She could feel the tightness of her chest as she breathed in the scent of the room. After eighteen months it still smelled the same, the mixture of vanilla and cinnamon. A scent that was both soothing and saddening at the same time. Liz pushed the memories back at looked at the group. No one had said anything about the room but they didn't seem displeased with it so Liz moved on.

"In here is the kitchen." Liz led them into the connecting room. "There are some dishes and utensils in the cupboard. All the appliances work."

"It's so small." Tess observed.

"I like it, it's cozy. Besides you never cook anyway Tess." Isabel said. She stepped around the room, trying to get a lay of the room. The kitchen was always Isabel's favorite room of her old house and where she spent most of her time when she wasn't in her bedroom. This kitchen was a lot smaller than the other one, but it seemed more personal. Isabel let her fingers slide over the countertops, feeling the smooth tile underneath them. She envisioned where everything would go and designated which spaces she would use for food preparation. She smiled at the thought of being in here cooking. It just seemed right.

Liz peaked over at Max. Ever since they had left to come up to the apartment she had tried not to look at him for fear of making her attraction known. However the pull to watch him was strong. As they walked up the stairs she could feel him behind her, making her legs feel weak as she took the stairs. Once inside she felt her stomach flip, seeing him in her old home, knowing that for a least a little while he would be a part of her life. Now he stood in the kitchen, his eyes watching Isabel walk around the room. He shifted his weight slightly from one foot to the other and Liz wondered if he was uncomfortable with the apartment.

"Are the bedrooms down here." Michael pointed down the hallway, his voice sounding a bit impatient.

"Um yeah." Liz answered, making her way out of the kitchen, brushing by Max.

* ~ * ~

As Liz walked past him in the kitchen, he could feel a small breeze from her passing carrying her scent to him. Max breathed it in, making his stomach rumble. Her smell was the sweetest thing he had ever smelled. He tried to decipher the scent, thinking it was probably strawberries. Whatever it was, Max wanted to breathe it in again and again.

He watched her as she led them into each of the bedrooms, her delicate hands pointing out the particular features for each room. There were three rooms, each having their own bathrooms. The bedroom on the right hand side of the hall was the largest. The one at the end was the smallest, and the bedroom to the left was mid-sized with a window that led out to a balcony. When Max walked into that room he knew right away that Liz used to live here. Her scent was everywhere in the room. He knew at that moment that he had to have this room.

After handing them the keys to the apartment and going over a few more details Liz made her way into the living room, the other four right behind her. "Well that's everything. I hope you like the apartment."

"We do." Max spoke, his head bobbing as he spoke. As soon as he heard himself speak he knew he sounded ridiculous. Max wondered what was happening to himself. He never got excited or anxious about anything. But meeting Liz, being around her made Max feel like he was losing control and he liked it.

"Thanks. Oh, I almost forgot, Maria and I put together this little welcome to Roswell booklet for you. There's a map of the town, where we think the best places to eat are, what to do around town, things like that. Also if you ever need help find anything or have any questions you can call me at home or reach me downstairs. I work Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, all day." Liz handed the folder to Isabel, glancing over to Max as she did.

"Thank you Liz. For this…" Isabel gestured to the folder. "And for making us feel welcome."

"It's my pleasure." Liz said, looking from Max to Isabel then to Max again. "Look if you guys don't have any plans for tomorrow night I would really like it if the four of you came to dinner at my house. It's casual, just family, friends and me. Maria will be there."

"Well we're kind of busy with unpacking, you understand. Thanks anyway." Michael interjected before anyone else could respond.

"We don't have that much Michael." Isabel protested. She shot Michael an annoyed glance and then looked to Liz. "We'll come Liz. Should we bring something?"

"Oh no, just yourselves and an appetite." Liz smiled, glad that Isabel had accepted.

"Okay. What time?" Isabel asked.

"Five. The directions to my house are already in the folder. If you have any questions just give me a call. I'll be home all day tomorrow." Liz began to make her way to the front door. She was hesitant about leaving but she knew it was late and they needed to get unpacked. "Well I have to get home. Enjoy your first night here. See you tomorrow." Liz brought her right hand in the air and gave a small wave.

"Bye Liz." Max and Isabel said almost in unison while Tess made her way to the sofa to sit. After the door closed Michael turned to Isabel, visibly angry.

"Why did you agree to dinner?" Michael asked, shaking his head.

"Cause she invited us Michael." Isabel answered pointedly.

"Well then you're gonna march your butt down there and tell her we're not going!" Michael ordered, his arm raised, index finger pointing at the front door.

"No, I'm not, and you can't tell me what to do Michael!"

"I sure and the hell can. I'm going to be your husband!"

"Don't even pull that husband card on me Michael! We weren't married in our past lifetime and we not married this one either!" Isabel shouted back at him.

"Yet." Michael stated.

"Fine. Well if you're gonna pull rank try this out for size. I'm a princess and whether we are on Antar or Earth I outrank you. I'm going to dinner at Liz's house tomorrow night and you can't stop me."

"I'm not going." Michael shook his head in defiance.

"That's great. The evening is starting to look even better." Isabel said with a smile and stomped past Michael, opening the door that led downstairs. Michael, Max and Tess stood listening to the sound of her footsteps fading down the stairs.

"I can't believe you just stood there and said nothing!" Michael said to Max.

"Michael calm down. I don't see what the problem is about going to dinner at Liz's."

"Yeah, you wouldn't." Michael snorted.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Though Max already knew the answer to the question. He worried that Michael had already figured out his attraction to Liz and he wondered if Isabel and Tess had as well.

"You are a smart guy Maxwell, you figure out." Michael said, glaring at Max.

"What are guys taking about?" Tess asked, shaking her head, then a sense of understanding washed over her face. "Wait, Max are you interested in Liz?" Tess asked, afraid to hear what the answer would be. Even though Max had shown no romantic interest in her, he hadn't shown it towards any other girl either. Tess felt jealous over the possibility that her Max liked Liz.

"I don't even know her." Max said, unwilling to lie but too afraid to tell the truth.

"And you're not going to. You know the rules." Michael stated.

"Let's just drop it. It's late, let's just go downstairs and finish are supper so we can unpack the U-Haul." Max walked out of the room, not waiting for them to agree.

Michael grumbled as he followed Max, while Tess held back. The emotions that she was feeling were somewhat new to her. She had never thought for once that Max would want to be with anyone other than her. After all it was their destiny to be together. In their previous life they had been married and as soon as they returned to Antar they would be married again. Max belonged to her, but for the first time her position in Max's life felt threatened. Tess knew one thing for sure. She was going to that dinner tomorrow night and she would be watching Max.

TBC…
********
I plan on staying up late tonight to work on Part Seven. A lot of questions are going to be answered in that one. I can't wait to read your reactions. For now, it's a secret. Only I and two other people know. I'll try to get it out to you guys as soon as I can.
********

"Sometimes fate really sucks" - Liz

posted on 17-Sep-2001 12:41:43 PM by abbimorgan

TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Abbimorgan
RATING: PG - a little bit of swearing.
DISCLAIMER: A lot of people own Roswell but I'm not one of them.
CATEGORY: Primarily a Max and Liz love story though this story will involve everyone.
SUMMARY: AU - my first in fact. The pod squad meet up with the humans and that's all I’m gonna tell you.
FEEDBACK: Yes, please!
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask me first.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
With everything that has been going on I sort of lost my desire to write. I'm trying to shake off my funk. I hope you like this new part. Please let me know what you think.

Part Seven:

After dinner, Michael and Max unloaded the U-Haul, while Isabel and Tess began carrying boxes and luggage to their designated rooms. Everyone kept silent as they worked lost in their own thoughts.

Max was grateful for the silence. The last thing he wanted right now was a fight with Michael or Tess. There was so much he needed to sort through before he could even begin to explain or defend what he was feeling. Something had happened tonight when he laid his eyes on Liz Parker. He could almost feel his soul stir and his heart beat in a new and different rhythm. He felt captivated by her, which was exciting and worrisome at the same time. Never in his life had he been affected so greatly by another person. There was no denying that he had found other woman attractive over the years, after all he was still a teenage male, but what he felt for Liz was more than typical attraction. He couldn't quite put his finger on exactly what it was about her, but Max felt the urge to find out.

Max could feel Michael's stares as they worked. His constant watch forced Max to pay attention to his actions, careful not to smile or give any indication of what meeting Liz had done to him.

By eleven p.m. the restaurant was closed and empty and the U-Haul was nearly unloaded, only one large box remained. Michael had joined the girls upstairs to unpack leaving Max in the alley behind the café. Max stood there for a few moments and debated on what to do with the box, knowing exactly what the contents were. He knew that he couldn't bring it upstairs where his sister would see it. Isabel's mood had softened considerably but he didn't know how she would receive the box and Max didn't want to find out. Max decided that he needed to find a place to store the box until he was ready to bring it up to the apartment.

Max stepped back inside the building, the backroom of the restaurant illuminated with red light from the exit sign that hung above the door. Max started investigating the room, hoping to find a door that led to a basement. The first door he opened was a closet, filled with brooms, paper products and cleaning supplies. The second door he opened led to a long narrow stairway that went downward. Max reached for the light switch on the wall and flipped it upwards. Light filled the basement, spilling up the stairs to where Max stood. After quick examination of the room, Max found a suitable place for the box in a far corner of the room. A few minutes later the box was placed in its temporary home and Max retreated upstairs to his new home.

Once upstairs Max found Isabel and Tess unpacking their things in the large bedroom. It had been decided over dinner that the girls would share the large room, while Michael stayed in the room at the end of the hall and Max would have the room with the balcony. Michael protested Max's decision, stating that as his second in command it would be safer for Max to have the middle room. The balcony would leave Max too vulnerable. After a few minutes of arguing the decision was made final. Max would stay in that room until Nasedo returned and then he would move in with Michael, giving the room to Nasedo. Max let Isabel and Tess know that everything was unpacked and bid them goodnight.

Max looked to Michael's new bedroom. His door was closed, a light shining through at the bottom of the doorway. Max contemplated talking to Michael about Liz and the dinner tomorrow night but he knew that the only thing Michael wanted to hear about any of it was if Max made the decision not to go and that he had no feelings for Liz. Michael wouldn't want to hear about what Max was really feeling so Max decided to let it be for now. He would talk to Michael later.

The scent of Liz enveloped Max when he entered his new room causing his body to tingle. He looked over the room again trying to imagine what the room must have looked like when Liz lived there. The truth was that Max knew nothing about her, only her name and that she was his landlord. Question after question popped into his head about her. How old was she? Why didn't she live here anymore? What did she like? Did she feel the same about him? Or did she already have someone in her life? Why did she have such an impact on him? Questions that Max needed answers to and hoped tomorrow night would give them to him.

The thought of seeing her tomorrow set his pulse racing. To be able to be in her presence again was all he wanted right now. Max groaned in frustration over this last thought and he let himself fall onto the bed. 'What was happening to him?' He asked himself again. The Max Harding he knew just a few hours ago wouldn't be lying on a bed, thinking romantic thoughts about a girl. It just wasn't like him. And then there was the issue of what everyone would think if they knew his thoughts, even though he already had a pretty good idea that they would not be happy. Nasedo would not be pleased; Max knew that for sure. All Max's life, Nasedo had stressed on numerous occasions that attachments to humans were not allowed and for thirteen years he had dutifully obeyed that request. He never dated, never did things with classmates outside of school and absolutely never shared his feelings with anyone who wasn't an alien. Though the lack on interaction left him lonely at times he filled the void with books and words of self-preservation, both emotionally and physically.

As Max lay on the bed more questions continued to be posed upon him. Why was he feeling the desire to be with a human now, after thirteen years of strong resolve? Why was Liz Parker, a girl he had just met and barely said two words to, tempting him to go against Nasedo's warnings? And if he did, what good could the outcome possibly be? She was human, he was alien. A simple statement with a complex and disastrous definition. One that gave reason to Nasedo's requests and forced Max now to make a decision, a decision he didn't like but must adhere to. He would not allow himself to desire a relationship with Liz no matter how strong the pull to. He would keep his distance from her and dinner tomorrow night would be no more than that and in the future he would avoid her. This was the plan Max knew he had to carry through for the sake of himself and Michael, Isabel, Tess and Nasedo.

For awhile Max continued to lie on the bed, repeating his decision over and over in his mind. Minutes passed and soon it became time to phone Nasedo, informing him that they had made it to Roswell safely. The call lasted only mere minutes and then Max was left with his thoughts again until sleep finally overtook him.

*~*~

Mid Sunday morning Tess stood outside Max's bedroom door. Behind her, in her new bedroom that she shared with Isabel, Isabel was putting the finishing touches on her makeup. From the living room Tess heard the sounds of the television channels changing and Michael grumbling about nothing good being on. Their actions couldn't help but give Tess a sense of normalcy, almost a carbon copy of their behavior in their home in Phoenix. The triteness of the morning activity going on around her would have bored her two days ago, but now Tess couldn't help but find comfort out it. All was as it should be and nothing except a one way ticket home to Antar was going to change that.

Tess' resolve was instantly challenged again as her thoughts shifted to last night. Max's behavior had been strange, choking on his coke, stumbling over his words, staring intently at their new landlord. And then there was his own inadmission of his feelings toward her, though it didn't take Tess long to decipher what they were. Max was attracted to Liz and the attraction had changed him into a person she had never seen, causing Tess to worry. As she feel asleep last night she replayed the events of earlier in the evening hoping to find some sort of understanding to it all. Hoping to convince her ownself that Max wasn't interested in Liz and couldn't ever possibly be. Tess drifted off, doubt still among her.

When Tess woke this morning the doubt had receded considerably and Tess found herself humored by the possibility that Max liked Liz. He was betrothed to Tess and Max had never protested that fact unlike Isabel did with her betrothment to Michael. Max belonged to her. He cared for her and would grow to love her. Right? Of course, Tess told herself. Nothing was going to change their destinies and especially not a human. Even if Max had a silly crush on Liz he wouldn't turn his back on Antar or his commitment to Tess. Liz Parker was not going to be an obstacle. Tess decided that all she needed was to spend some time with Max, connect with him, and see that nothing had changed. Everything was going to be just fine.

Tess knocked on Max's bedroom door, stood and waited for Max's response.

"Come in."

Tess stepped confidently inside Max's room. Once inside she saw Max lying on his bed, one arm over his face, shielding him from the sunlight. He was dressed in the clothes he wore from the previous day and they were wrinkled from the night's sleep. He hadn't even taken off his shoes. The bed was still bare, not even a fitted sheet covering it. Tess felt another pang of doubt. Max never slept in his day clothes. Something was definitely off.

Tess brushed a strand of hair out her face and tried to ignore what could possibly be happening with Max. She focused on the normal.

"Hey sleepyhead, were' going down to breakfast in the restaurant. You coming?"

"What time is it?" Max asked as if rubbed his eyes.

"It's a little after nine. What time did you get to sleep?"

"I don't know, sometime after midnight. Why don't you guys go ahead and go down, I'm going to grab a shower first." Max through his legs over his bed and sat up in his bed.

"We can wait." Tess smiled at Max.

Max shook his head. "No, it's not necessary and besides I'm sure Michael's hungry. I'll be done in a little bit."

"Okay, do you want me to order for you?"

"Sure." Max said as he walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Tess stood alone in Max's new room for a moment, trying to get a sense of what was going on with Max. He had been so vague; of course that was how he always seemed to be with her. Tess wondered at that moment if they had ever had any conversations that lasted more than two minutes. Her and Max had never been ones to share things with each other and Tess knew that needed to change fast.

Max took his time showering, enjoying the warmth of the water and peace it seemed to give him this morning. He could just stand there, close his eyes and not think of anything but the feel of the warm streams of water flowing down his body. Eventually the water started to turn cold forcing Max out of the shower and back to real life. He dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and white cotton T-shirt. After putting on his socks and shoes, Max headed out of the apartment to the restaurant downstairs.

As Max stepped down each stair, he felt the butterflies return. He could almost smell her among the smells of bacon and pancakes. The thought of seeing her again immediately brought up all the feelings he had spent the rest of last night trying to push down. When Max's foot fell onto the floor of the back room, he began looking for her. He was scanning the kitchen when he remembered she had said she was off on Sundays. Disappointment set in and then it was immediately replaced by hope. Maybe she had been called in, Max wondered. He continued to look around, finding no trace of her, so he then pushed open the doors into the café. He quickly scanned the area and again Liz was no where to seen. Max closed his eyes and tried to find the control he had just lost. He had let himself get lost in his feelings for Liz and he couldn't let that happen. When he opened his eyes again, his immediately set them on the booth where Michael, Isabel and Tess sat eating their breakfast. Max walked over the where they were and slid into the seat next to Tess.

"Everything okay Max?" Isabel asked as soon as he sat down.

"Yeah, why?" Max asked while he covered his eggs and bacon with Tabasco sauce.

"Well you never sleep in late and you took like thirty minutes getting ready. Everything go okay with Nasedo?"

"Yeah Is, everything is fine. He said he would get in touch with us in a few days."

"I suppose you failed to mention the little dinner invite?" Max looked up when Michael spoke. His brow still tensed with worry and frustration.

"I didn't think it was important and besides it's not a big deal." Max took a bite of his scrambled eggs.

"Fine. But we're eating and then leaving is that understood?" Michael pointed his fork at the rest of them while he spoke.

"I thought you said you weren't going?" Isabel asked. Frustrated that Michael had changed his mind. Isabel had been looking forward to the night without Michael.

"I changed my mind. 'Sides someone's got to make sure you all don't do something stupid."

"Jeez Michael were not six, we know the rules just as well as you do. It's just dinner so lighten up." Isabel waved her hand in the air, as if to brush off Michael and his sour attitude. "Max, I'm going to the grocery store. According to that map Liz gave us there's one about ten blocks away. I'm going to walk there after breakfast, you think you can pick me up?"

"Sure. I've got to drop the U-Haul off, I'll swing by after that."

"I'll come with you Max." Tess offered with eagerness in her voice and a large smile on her face.

"Okay." Max responded, taking another bite of his eggs, unaware in Tess's change in demeanor.

"Well I've been going through my recipes and I think I found the perfect thing to bring for tonight." Isabel said, unable to hold back the excitement in her voice. She had risen at five this morning and unpack the box that contained her cookbooks. After a couple of hours of filtering through recipes she decided on a dish that everyone might like but also display her ability to cook. Isabel couldn't wait to go to the grocery store and buy the ingredients she would need.

"Why you makin' something? The landlord said we didn't need to bring anything."

"I know she said we didn't need to bring anything Michael but I think it would be rude if we didn't. Of course I can't expect you to understand that."

"Whatever. Look, I'm outta here." Michael rose out of the booth. "I'm gonna take a ride around town, check things out. Later."

"If you're not back by 4:30 Michael we're leaving without you." Isabel called out to Michael. He lifted up his left hand and gave a brief wave before leaving the Crashdown.

"Ugh. Anyway, I'm off to the grocery store. I'll see you both in an hour."

Tess and Max both bid Isabel a goodbye. For the next ten minutes Tess tried to make conversation with Max, only to be unsuccessful. Max ate his breakfast lost in his thoughts and this only made Tess worry more.

TBC…

****I know I promised the beginning of the dinner scene in part seven but this part got so long I had to cut it off somewhere. Next part will have the dinner. I have a lot of it typed and I will try to have it posted on Thursday.

"Sometimes fate really sucks" - Liz

posted on 17-Sep-2001 10:32:53 PM by abbimorgan

TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Abbimorgan
RATING: PG - a little bit of swearing.
DISCLAIMER: A lot of people own Roswell but I'm not one of them.
CATEGORY: Primarily a Max and Liz love story though this story will involve everyone.
SUMMARY: AU - my first in fact. The pod squad meet up with the humans and that's all I’m gonna tell you.
FEEDBACK: Yes, please!
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask me first.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I started working on this story tonight and for the first time in over a week writing it seemed easy. It still may suck but least I didn't pull my hair out trying to write this part.

Thank you to Strawbehrry Shortcake and Molly04 for your feedback. This part is for you two.

PART EIGHT:

"Liz!?" Maria called from the living room.

"I'm in my bedroom!"

"Hey chica, dinner smells great." Maria said as she entered Liz's bedroom.

"Thanks." Liz replied absentmindedly; her attention focused on her reflection in the mirror, her fingers shifting pieces of hair to various spots on her head. Maria raised her eyebrows in response to Liz's behavior. Liz wasn't one to spend a lot of time fussing with her personal appearance. Liz always kept it simple with her hair and makeup. The past year she tended to wear her hair back in a low ponytail and her makeup never consisted more than lip gloss and face powder. Despite the fact of how little make up she wore she still managed to look beautiful.

"Whatcha doin'?" Maria asked in singsong voice.

"Just get ready for dinner. Does my hair look okay?" Liz continued to stare at her reflection.

"Why are you worried about you hair?"

"No reason, just want to look nice."

Maria folded her arms across her chest. "Okay, then answer me this - why are wearing a skirt?"

"Same reason." Liz backed away from the mirror and headed out of her bedroom and down the hallway. Maria followed closely behind trying to hold back a smile.

"So you're not trying to fix yourself up for a certain dinner guest?"

"No." Liz said simply before she opened up the oven door and knelt down to look inside.

Maria hopped up on the kitchen counter. "Who is it, hairboy or spitter?"

"What?!" Liz's eyes grew wide.

"You know, Michael or Max."

"Who says it's either. They're new in town, I just wanted to make a good impression on all of them."

"I think its Max."

"Maria, you're delusional. Hand me the hot pads please."

Maria picked up the hot pads off the counter and handed them to Liz. "I saw the way you were looking at him last night."

Liz opened her mouth to respond when the doorbell rang. Liz looked frantically at the clock on the kitchen wall. "They're early." Liz began pacing in the kitchen. She was stopped by Maria's hands on her shoulders.

"Stop, you're making me dizzy. It's probably Mom and Jim. I'm going to get the door while you take a few deep breaths and try not to have a panic attack."

"Okay" Liz breathed out, trying to regain her composure. As Maria left the kitchen Liz shook her head. She was acting like a silly little schoolgirl. Liz knew if she kept acting like this everyone would know she had a crush on Max before they even sat down to eat.

Liz took another deep breath when she heard Jim and Amy's voices coming from the other room. She was relieved that Max hadn't arrived yet. There were still a few more things she needed to finish up with the dinner and Liz wanted everything to be perfect.

Liz walked back over to the oven and took out the roasted chicken. The skin was a golden brown and the juices in the bottom of the pan bubbled sending up a wonderful, warm aroma. Liz inhaled the tasty scent causing her stomach to rumble in hunger. Roasted chicken was her best dish, her mother had taught her how to make it four years ago. She always made it on special occasions and Liz hoped that tonight would be one of those.

The anticipation of it the evening had made it hard for Liz to fall asleep the night before. When she had arrived home from work the house was quiet though Liz hoped that it was the opposite. She needed a distraction to get her mind off of Max. She couldn't get the picture of his face out of her head. He was beautiful.

After her bath she sat outside on the porch steps and wrote about the experience in her journal. Liz somehow knew that her meeting with Max was something she would want to remember in detail. Five written pages later Liz was able to go inside and fall asleep.

On Sunday being with her family and preparing the dinner had kept her busy, allowing her little time to think about Max. But has the evening approached Liz had began to grow anxious and nervous. Soon Max would be in her house.

"Hey sweetie. You look pretty." Amy greeted Liz warmly, opening up her arms to embrace Liz. Liz eagerly returned the embrace, needing the soothing comfort that Amy seemed to always give.

Amy pulled away from Liz and turned to the top of the oven. "Mmm, dinner smells wonderful. Oh Jim look, she made your favorite, roasted chicken."

Jim stretched his head a bit to get a better look at what was in the pan. "Can't wait." Jim smiled tenderly at Liz and then walked over to her, giving her gentle hug.

"So Maria tells me were having dinner guests and one of them happens to be a handsome dark haired man who seems to have caught someone's eye." Amy winked at Liz.

"Thanks Maria." Liz said sarcastically.

"Anytime babe."

"Don't pay attention to your daughter. She's making up stories again. Kyle and Gracie are out back if you all want to join them. I just have a few things to finish up on."

"You sure you don't need any help." Amy asked.

"No, thanks anyway. Go spend time with Gracie, she's been looking forward to seeing you all day. I'll call you when everyone else gets here."

Amy and Jim walked hand in hand out the kitchen door and into the backyard. Maria stayed in the kitchen eyeing Liz playfully.

"GO." Liz ordered Maria as she pointed to the door.

"No way babe. They'll be here soon and I'm not missing their arrival. You are never like this and I want to have a front row seat."

"Will you stop! I do not have a crush on Max. Yes, he's mildly attractive but I barely know the guy. So just put a hose on your little soap opera fantasy and set the table."

"This isn't over Lizzie Parker. I know you better than you know yourself."

"Then you can tell me about myself after dinner." Liz placed a stack of plates in Maria's arms. "Here."

*~*~

Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess pulled up in front of 502 Mardell Street shortly before five p.m. The ride over had been quiet, each person lost in his or her own thoughts. Isabel fiddled with the covered dish on her lap, silently hoping that everyone at the dinner would enjoy it. Tess sat beside her in the back seat thinking over her day with Max. All day long she had tried to make conversation with him, only to find him mostly unresponsive which in turn left Tess extremely frustrated. Michael sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with the radio during the short ride here. And Max said nothing as he drove the Durango.

"What a cute house." Isabel observed as they made their way up the walkway. Flowers bloomed on either side of the brick walk as well as along the front of the house. The manicured lawn was a bright green and blades of grass glistened with droplets of water.

"I smell a dog." Tess crinkled her nose in disgust.

"Handy skill you got there Tess." Michael said.

"Shut up." Tess glared at Michael.

"Guys lets not fight for once." Max spoke for the first time since they left the apartment. All day long he had grown more nervous about the evening, afraid of what he would feel when he saw her again. He wanted to escape in his room and read the day away, unfortunately Tess had never given him a moment of peace. Her sudden desire to spend time with him made Max wonder what was going on with her. He wondered if she was still suspicious that he had feelings for Liz and that worried him. Max knew if Tess thought he was harboring any emotion for Liz, she would surely tell Nasedo when he returned home. Tess reported everything to him and this made Max feel sometimes uncomfortable under Tess' watchful eye.

"Max is right. I'm sure the last thing Liz and her family wants is to see us fighting." Isabel leaned her body through Max and Michael and reached out her finger to press the doorbell.

*~*~

Liz's back straightened when she heard the sound of her doorbell. She had been glancing at the clock every thirty seconds and she knew that it was almost five o'clock. Goosebumps started to form on her body from the realization that Max was here.

Liz looked towards Maria when she heard her giggle.

Maria looped her arm around Liz's. "C'mon chica, let's go greet our guests." Maria tugged on Liz's arm, causing Liz to jerk out of her stance. She nodded her head in agreement and focused on taking deep breaths as she walked with Maria to the front door.

Maria leaned forward and opened the front door. Before her and Liz stood Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess.

"Hey guys you made it!" Maria greeted enthusiastically. "Come on in." She waved her free arm, gesturing them inside.

One by one, they filtered into the living room. Liz tried to focus on anyone or anything except Max. She knew as soon as she looked at him she would blush.

Max's resolve crumbled as soon as he saw Liz. He had told himself that she was just a human girl the whole ride over but the minute he laid eyes on her again he knew that was a lie. Seeing her right now Max knew that she was more than any human girl he had ever seen. She looked even more beautiful tonight. Her long hair flowed over her shoulders and there was a slight wave to the dark brown strands. Max had no control over his eyes as they moved over her body. He gulped slightly when he saw her exposed skin. Last night her clothing had covered all but her hands, face and neck but tonight her shirt and skirt allowed her smooth skin of her arms and legs to be exposed. Max ached to touch her.

"Here Liz, I brought this." Isabel handed Liz a round covered dish. Liz gratefully accepted the dish and lifted up the lid, peeking inside. "I didn't have a lot of time bake. It's a Couscous Salad." Isabel noted nervously.

Liz inhaled its spicy scent. "Is this what Martha made two weeks ago?" Liz inquired smiling.

Isabel relaxed over Liz's observation, grateful that Liz knew what it was. "Yeah, it looked really good. I made mine a little more spicier, I hope you like it."

Liz nodded in approval.

"You watch Martha too?" Maria asked fearfully. Isabel nodded in agreement causing Maria to throw her hands in the air. "Oh good lord there's two of them now."

"Excuse me?" Isabel asked.

"Isabel, I'd like you to meet Liz, your fellow Martha nazi." Maria said, gesturing to Liz.

"C'mon Maria, I'm not that bad."

"Not that bad? Please Lizzie, not only do you tape her show everyday, but you subscribe to her magazine, visit her website and own anything she's ever published and don't get me started about the time you labeled every single shelf in our house."

"Isabel does that too." Liz looked over to Max as he spoke. It was the first time she had allowed herself to look at him. The sight of him made Liz chew on her bottom lip nervously. Their eyes lingered over one another as Maria and Isabel talked around them. Liz knew she needed to look away but she just couldn't. The sound of the slamming of the kitchen screen door brought Liz and Max out of their gazing. The six looked towards the kitchen. Around the corner came a small, auburn haired little girl running as fast as her chubby legs could carry her. A huge grin spread over her tiny, round face. Chasing behind her was a man with the same large grin on his face.

"I beech you! I beech you!" She called out through giggles. The little girl's eyes brightened when she saw Liz and she clumsily turned her body to run towards her.

Liz laughed at the sight and knelt down, scooping the little girl up in her arms.

"Did you beat Daddy?" Liz asked, her forehead falling forward till it touched the child's.

"Yes." She answered proudly with a tiny lisp.

"She's getting too fast for her ole' man."

"I'd say so." Liz became aware of the Max and the others looking at her, watching the scene before them. "Kyle these are the new tenants. This is Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess." Kyle walked over to the four and shook each of their hands.

"It's nice to meet you. How do you like Roswell so far?"

"It's seems nice." Isabel responded.

"Wait a couple weeks, I'm sure you'll change your mind." Maria said.

"And who's this?" Max asked, nodding towards Liz and the little girl. He was unable to hold back his curiosity any longer.

Liz shifted the little girl to face Max and the others. "This is Gracie, my daughter."

TBC…….

*~*~I debated over adding Gracie since I first started writing this story. I decided to add her because I think her character can add a lot to this story, which you will all find out about. I know you all probably have a lot of questions and I will explain further along in the story so please be patient. *~*~

"Sometimes fate really sucks" - Liz

posted on 18-Sep-2001 6:04:54 AM by abbimorgan

Nikki - I'm sorry but I love writing lil' cliffhangers. I'm evil that way. I apologize if I caused you any stress. I will try to get a new part posted either tonight or tomorrow - depending on how my brain is working.

"Sometimes fate really sucks" - Liz

posted on 22-Sep-2001 11:44:13 AM by abbimorgan

TITLE: Family
AUTHOR: Abbimorgan
RATING: PG - a little bit of swearing.
DISCLAIMER: A lot of people own Roswell but I'm not one of them.
CATEGORY: Primarily a Max and Liz love story though this story will involve everyone.
SUMMARY: AU - my first in fact. The pod squad meet up with the humans and that's all I’m gonna tell you.
FEEDBACK: Yes, please!
DISTRIBUTION: Just ask me first.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Aww, the evil cliffhanger. I hope it wasn't too painful on you. I'm sorry that I couldn't get this part written and out to you sooner but the hubby is on vacation and we've been doing some quality family bonding. I'm afraid this part it's not going to answer all your questions. In time though. If you stick with this story and me all will be revealed. I had to write this part in a hurry. I apologize for the typos.

BelieveInTrueLove: I see Max as a very passive person right now, much like how he was at the beginning of the t.v. show. Every now and then he has stepped up to the plate to assume his role as leader but for the most part he has stepped back and let Nasedo take care of everything - make all the decisions. Michael has adopted Nasedo's "let's hate all the humans attitude" and therefor it has made him a very bitter and lonely person. He takes that out on everyone and feels the need to push Isabel and Max around if they start to go outside the rules that Nasedo made. The reason I see Max passive is because until now he has had nothing to be passionate about to make him want to take charge. He's a guy who reads a lot, has no friends, the only person he opens up to is his sister. He's a man without a life to fight for. Then comes Liz. She stirs up his soul for the first time and our Max will start to come alive. I will explain about Kyle's role in Liz's life soon.

Strawbehry Shortcake: I'm glad you liked the hair color. My daughter's hair is auburn too and she is also the same age as Gracie. I plan on taking a lot of my daughter's speech and mannerisms and giving them to Gracie so in a sense Liz's Gracie is my Sarah.

Lillie: I will explain about Liz's parents later on.

BLS40: I just wanted to make sure Gracie would make the story better. I'm glad you like her.

Thanks to everyone else for the wonderful feedback. To those who just found this story thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope the rest will not disappoint you guys. Okay, on with the show!

PART NINE:

"And who's this?" Max asked, nodding towards Liz and the little girl. He was unable to hold back his curiosity any longer.

Liz shifted the little girl to face Max and the others. "This is Gracie, my daughter."

Liz glanced at Max, nervous over what his reaction was to this news. It wasn't that Liz was embarrassed by Gracie, she could never feel that, but it was from experience that men her age usually didn't take the news that she was a teenage mother very well. From the way that Max stood staring at her, his mouth open, Liz sensed that he wasn't taking the news too well either. Liz hoped that wasn't the case.

Max stood there, his mouth slightly open, trying to process it all. The facts kept replaying in his mind. Liz was a mother, she had a daughter and this man standing next to her was the father of Liz's child. It felt like a giant weight had just landed in Max's stomach. The girl he fantasized and tried not to fantasize about for the past twenty-four hours was no longer available. There was already another man in her life and they had a family together. Max knew he was a fool to think that this beautiful creature wasn't already loved.

Max was at a loss over what to do next. The emotions he was feeling were so new and raw and Max felt like he had no control over anything right now. Jealously and frustration, sadness and longing all thrashed inside of him. It was all most too much for Max Harding to bear. The boy who had tried to keep his emotions under control all of his life was now drowning in them. Part of him wanted to run out of the house, away from Liz and everything to do with her. After all, she had done this to him, he thought. But he couldn't leave; his legs wouldn't let him. All he could do was stand in her living room and watch her with her daughter.

"You have a daughter?" Isabel asked.

"Yes." Liz nodded and then turned her attention towards Gracie, pushing away her thoughts about Max. Liz grinned sweetly at her little girl and immediately Gracie smiled back at her mother. Liz pointed her finger towards Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess. "Gracie say hi to our guests."

Gracie followed with her eyes the direction of Liz's finger and noticed the four strangers.

"Hi." In a soft voice she obeyed her mother's request before turning her head and burying into Liz's chest.

Liz nuzzled her lips into Gracie's neck. "Are you being shy?" Liz's question and the vibrations from her lips on Gracie's neck caused the little girl to giggle and squirm against Liz. Liz smiled against her and then kissed her neck.

The whole room stood silent as they watched the interaction between mother and daughter. Isabel was the first to move, taking small, tentative steps towards Liz and Gracie. Isabel, as well as her fellow aliens, had little experience with babies and toddlers. She had spent years watching them at the mall and at the market but she had never been given the opportunity to be close to one until now.

Isabel couldn't take her eyes off of Gracie. The tiny size of her features and the softness of her skin and hair fascinated Isabel. When she and the others had came out of their incubation pods they were the physical size of six years olds. This fact left them with no memories and of course no photographs of what they would have looked like at Gracie's age or that of a baby.

"Gracie this is Isabel" The sound of Liz's voice brought Isabel out of her trance. Isabel looked to Liz who was smiling at her.

Gracie turned her face towards Isabel and let out another soft sounding greeting before letting her lashes fall downward and a blush creep over her face. Isabel found her bashfulness truly endearing. Isabel reached out her hand and lightly stroked Gracie on her exposed forearm.

"Hi Gracie. It's nice to meet you." As Isabel continued to brush her fingers over Gracie's skin a connection was formed allowing Gracie's pure and gentle nature to flow through Isabel. Isabel had never before received such feelings of innocence and honesty from a person and it brought tears to her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Liz asked, noting the tears in Isabel's blue eyes.

"Um, yeah, she's just really beautiful."

"Thank you."

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you but I'm starving. I'm gonna go get Dad and Amy." Kyle retreated through the kitchen and then out the door.

"C'mere squirt, let's go wash your hands." Maria lifted Gracie out of Liz's arms and into her own. Maria galloped down the hallway causing Gracie to bounce around loosely, giggling the whole way.

Liz and the others watched Maria and Gracie until they disappeared down the hallway. Liz looked back at the group that remained. Isabel was still smiling; her eyes focused on the hallway. Michael and Tess were shifting in place as they looked around the living room. Max stood still; his eyes still on Liz making Liz feel self-conscious. She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, unsure of what to say or do next. Thankfully Isabel took the pressure off.

"Dinner smells great Liz." Isabel noted.

"Thanks. It's roasted chicken, I hope you like it."

"I'm sure it tastes as good as it smells."

"You can sit anywhere you like." Liz offered, gesturing to the large dining room table that was set for ten people with a high chair at one end. Isabel was the first to sit down, with Michael taking the seat next to her. Liz watched Max as he slowly made his way to the dinner table, eyeing the remaining seats. He slid into the other seat next to Isabel and Tess quickly sat next to Max.

"I'm just going to get the dinner." Liz gestured towards the kitchen, backing up slowly.

"Do you need any help?" Isabel asked.

"No thanks." Liz gave a quick smile before retreating into the kitchen.

Once Liz was out of the room Michael began fidgeting with the table settings, Tess rose from her seat and walked around, looking nosily over the room and Max stared straight ahead, seemingly unaware of everything. Isabel could feel the muddle of his emotions as soon as he had taken a seat next to her making her wonder what was going on with him.

"Max, what's up with you?" Isabel whispered as soon as Tess left the table.

"Nothing." Max answered, trying to sound casual about it. He knew by the way that Isabel was looking at him that she could tell that something was up with him. He wondered how he could explain it to her when he didn't even understand everything he was feeling himself. "I'm just feeling a little weird about being here."

"But you wanted to come just as much as I did. What changed?" Her voice still quiet.

Max stared at his sister, unable to answer the question. He silently hoped that the special connection that they had shared would tell Isabel everything she wanted to know and then maybe she could explain it to him. When Isabel spoke next, it was if she had just answered his prayers.

"Is it Liz? Do you like her Max?" Understanding flickered in her eyes.

Max glanced quickly at Tess and then to Michael making sure they were not watching him and Isabel. Michael was picking at the floral centerpiece and Tess was looking at framed pictures that were displayed on the sofa table. Max was relieved that for once since last night their prying eyes were not on him.

"I don't know Is, I just know that I'm attracted to her but now…" Max's words trailed off, he looked towards the hallway where Gracie had retreated.

Isabel understood what Max was trying to say. "Because she has a daughter." Isabel stated.

"Yes and I guess a husband, boyfriend? I don't know." Max shook his head. "I don't know what I'm feeling, I just know she's already with someone else." His voice sounded defeated.

Isabel placed a hand over Max's, unsure of what to say to her brother. She had never seen him like this before. Their heads quickly turned to the kitchen doorway when they heard voices. They saw Kyle reenter the room along with the Sheriff they had met from last night, and walking next to him was a dark haired woman with piercing blue eyes. The three of them were talking and laughing as the made their way to the table.

Almost simultaneously Michael, Tess and Isabel shot Max a worried glance when they recognized the sheriff. It was one thing to meet him in a restaurant but now they were going to have dinner with him and who knew what kind of questions he would ask or what kind of suspicions he would have about them once the evening was over.

Max, Michael and Isabel rose from their seats, as if they were preparing for what was about to come their way. Tess hurriedly made her way back to the table and stood next to Max.

"Hey, I'm glad you all could make it." Jim said cheerily, extending his hand to each of them. He smiled widely as he shook their hands. Again Max felt a warm vibe from the man, dispelling the evil picture that Nasedo had painted about men who worked for the law. Jim took a step back and gathered Amy next to him. "I'd like you all to meet my beautiful wife Amy."

"Hi. Welcome to Roswell. I'm happy that you could join us for dinner." Amy smiled almost matching the one that Jim was still wearing.

The group nodded their own versions of thanks as Maria and Gracie came back into the room, grinning.

"All kean" Gracie said, holding her palms in the air for everyone to see.

Kyle took Gracie's hands and held them up to his nose and breathed in. "Mmm they smell so good I could eat them." He nipped at her hands causing Gracie to giggle again.

"Here daddy, take you daughter, I'm just going to help Liz bring out the food." Maria handed Gracie to Kyle and headed into the kitchen.

"How's Miss Puppy Love doing?" Maria teased when she made her way into the kitchen.

"Stop Maria. Did you see the way Max was looking at me when he found out about Gracie? I was stupid to think anything at all about him." Liz cursed herself as she spooned the mashed potatoes into the serving bowl.

"Aw Liz, you don’t know that he doesn't like you. Granted, he's probably in a little shock. Most guys our age are over this kind of thing but give him a little time. You don't know what he's thinking or feeling."

"That's right. I barely know the guy so I shouldn't even be letting myself get all worked up over this."

Maria watched her friend as she thrust spoon after spoon of mashed potatoes into the bowl, each time a little bit harder. Maria placed her hand over Liz's stopping her from spooning in anymore.

"Wait till after dinner to form your opinion. Maybe the reason he got all weird cause he thinks you with Kyle."

Liz's eyes grew wide. "You think so?"

"Maybe. And if so we just need to let Max know that you are available. So, stop hiding in the kitchen and lets get this wonderful dinner you made out there."

"Thanks Maria." Liz hugged her best friend.

"That's what I'm here for." Maria said, returning the hug. They pulled out of their embrace. Maria lifted up the bowl of mashed potatoes with one arm and with the other she held onto the basket of bread and a boat filled with gravy. With both hands Liz carried the serving platter of chicken and the two friends left the kitchen.

*~*~*

Kyle tenderly placed his daughter in her high chair and then snapped the tray in place. Amy and Jim took their seats, Amy seating next to Tess's place and Jim next to Amy. Kyle took the seat between Michael and Gracie. Max, Michael, Isabel and Tess also sat down. Silence lingered for a moment around the table until Kyle spoke.

"Well everyone's here except Alex." Kyle stated as Liz and Maria reentered the room carrying dinner.

"Well we can't start without them." Liz placed the tray of chicken on the table.

"I don't see why not. We've been having these dinners for over a year now. He knows what time they start." Kyle eyed the food being sat down in front of him, licking his lips. His had reached out to grab a roll only to be met with a slap from Maria.

"Hands off the rolls Valenti! We don’t eat until Alex gets here." Liz chuckled over the wounded and surprised look over Kyle's face. She stepped back into the kitchen to retrieve more food, the sounds of Maria and Kyle's playful bickering following her in. These were the moments that warmed Liz's heart. The people she cared about around her, the love and understanding they all shared. Despite what Max felt or didn't feel about her Liz knew that as long as she had her family everything would be okay. She picked up the bowl of corn and the vegetable tray and walked back into the other room.

Liz looked at Max watching the exchange between Maria and Kyle. He looked amused by their actions and words. His lips turned upward slightly and Liz felt the butterflies return over his beauty. The sound of the front door opening and closing caused Liz to jump and the whole room turned their attention to t