This gorgeous banner was created by my close friend Hunter (Monica) I love it sweetie, thank you so much!!
Title: Tender is the Night
Author: jake17
Disclaimer: I own nothing Roswell
Pairing: M/L
Rating: Adult
Summary: Liz Parker is on the run from a crime she did not commit, Living with her mother and her abusive stepfather a terrible accident occurred and her stepfather was killed. Running from the police she gets on a bus getting her as far as she could possible go. Finding herself in the smallest of town’s she finds herself in a dive bar. Hungry scared and alone she captures the attention of a kind local bartender who through a drunken confession finds out why Liz is there. After falling asleep exhausted and drunk Liz awakens to find herself looking completely different. With her blonde hair and green eyes she hardly resembles the girl she used to be. During the night Max decided to take of her in more than one-way, Feeling like he understands what it’s like to have to always hide and keep secrets he uses his alien powers to change her identity. Thinking she is free to start a life where no knows her Liz and Max’s relationship begins to grow into something more. The only problem is they are far from safe, will their love be strong enough to endure life on the run or will the pressure of being constantly hunted come between the only love either of them have ever known.
Authors Note: Before I get tons of questions as to who that blonde girl is in the picture with Max please read or re-read the summary. It is Liz, Max had to change her identity to help her escape from a crime she did not commit.
I know this was a long summary and but I felt an explanation was needed so everyone understood the meaning of the banner and didn’t come after me with torches thinking that I had Max with someone else.
(because I would never do that!) Saying all that I will be starting from the beginning, maybe it will be more interesting reading it knowing what is going to happen…that’s what I’m praying for.
This story is dedicated to my amazing close friend Monica (Hunter), she created this spectacular banner that I am just in love with.
Not only is she one of my favorite writers but I get to have the pleasure of co-writing a story (crossroads) with her which is so much fun. Her talent amazes me not only because she writes completely engrossing sexy exciting stories but she is a true artist who I’ve been lucky enough to have her lend her talent to me for many of my banners. She is completely selfless and always eager to help me out whenever I ask which I hope she knows means the world to me.
Saying all this she has also become a wonderful friend to me which I feel extremely lucky to have. I still remember reading her first fic “A fatal love story” and being completely shocked at finding out that this was her first. She has an obvious gift and we are all lucky to have her here. But I am the luckiest because I get to call her my friend.
So Monica this story goes out to you, it’s about perseverance, love and never giving up. Something I know is very instilled deep in you. You are a very special girl Monica thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I love you sweetie. Carrie
Chapter 1.
Sitting on this broken down bus I smell the stench that is almost as worse as the blood that spilled from my step dad. As he laid with he stomach spilling onto the floor I couldn’t help but feel partly relieved.
It was over. The beatings, the nightly visits to my bedroom, having to listen to the same cries from my mom as he did the same to her. As bad as it sounds I was glad he was dead.
Coming into the house after a night out and seeing this mess I cried out for my mom but there was no answer. Had she finally had enough? Did she finally snap? Who could blame her certainly not me. Gods knows I’ve dreamed about it enough times at night as I prayed he’d get so drunk he’s skip my nightly torture.
Why didn’t I run you may ask? I’m eighteen, definitely old enough, definitely capable of taking care of myself. Well I guess you can see I love my mom. I love her even more alive. Which is how he said he leave her if I did what he said.
He’s beaten me hard enough to convince me that he meant what he said. So I stayed, stayed for her and now I it looks like I’m taking the blame for her too. I’m not saying she did it. I actually don’t even know what happened that night but standing there covered in his blood with my prints on the shotgun I used for target practice all the time what would you think?
The cops took one look at me and thought they had their killer, but I’m just a girl, a girl who’s now on the run, with no where to go.
With little money I had on me it was enough to go cross-country on this wretched bus. The farther the better I guess but with hardly any money left and my face probably plastered on every news channel there is I’m a walking target.
As the loud screeching sound of the brakes jarred me awake I notice I was the only one left. This balding smelly bus driver named Norman was staring down my shirt with a smile I knew too well.
“Last stop girly. Need any help with your bags there?”
“No, thank you. Where are we anyway?”
“My dear you are in the land of enchantment!”
Is he freaking kidding me?
Looking at me like I had three heads he sarcastically replies. “Roswell New Mexico sweetie.”
“Fantastic”
As I step onto the dusty street an almost eerie sensation comes over me. It’s like a ghost town here but maybe that has something to do with it being one in the morning.
Every building in shrouded in darkness except for a tiny red bar with Christmas lights blinking all around it. Interesting since its July.
As I push my way through the door with my increasingly heaving duffle bag over my shoulder I look around to see I am the only one in this dive. I guess that’s a good thing. I’m not one for crowds.
No tv excellent maybe this place hasn’t seen my face a million times in the last half hour.
As I sit at the bar I look around for any sign of life.
That’s when I spot him.
His head is down and he’s reading something that seems to have really captured his attention.
From what I can see he’s absolutely beautiful. Short black hair strong muscular arms but nice and lean every girls dream if that girl didn’t happen to be on the run for her life.
“Umm excuse me sir, are you open? I’m very thirsty.”
I can see him react to me but he still doesn’t look up until he finishes his page.
Slowly he flips the book over and gives me a warm beautiful smile that almost makes me wish I wasn’t carrying fifteen hours of bus on me.
He flips a rag over his shoulder and leans his elbows against the bar.
“What can I get you?”
“A beer would be fine, anything on tap.”
He studies me for a minute I’m guessing trying to decide whether I’m twenty-one or not.
Oh man if you only knew what I’d been through tonight you’d give me the whole keg.
I catch him eyeing my sleeve that is covered with blood and I quickly pull my jacket over it way too late.
He stares at me for a second and puts the frosty mug in front of me.
“I’ll be right back.”
My hands start to shake wondering if he’s gone to call the police, wondering if he knows who I am.
My mind races as to what to do. Do I run? Am I overreacting?
I’m so exhausted and thirsty I can't think anymore, lucky for me he reappears with a plate of grilled cheese and fries.
“The cook make this for me before he left for the night, but I’m really not hungry. Would you like it?”
The smell is making my mouth water and I realize I haven’t eaten anything in almost two days.
Reaching into my pocket I pull out a dollar and some change. Not even enough to pay for the beer I’m drinking.
“Your money’s no good here Miss?
“Umm Monica, Monica Taylor.”
“Well it’s nice to meet you Monica Taylor.”
“I’m Max Evans, now please take this food before I have to make Fred eat it.”
He motions over to a big hound dog that raises his big blood shot eyes at us and barks once before falling right back to sleep.
“Well ok if you’re sure it’s alright. Thank you.”
We both laugh as Fred moans and rolls over.
For the first time I feel myself relax.
I’m not sure if it’s his warm amber eyes or the sweetness in his smile but for some reason I trust this stranger.
And I don’t trust anyone.
~~~~~
should I continue?
So happy you like this! I always love reading your replies, thank you so much Jan!! 