Choices and Conseqences teen M/L CC Chapter 9 11/15/17
Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:53 am
CC
Rated: Teen
Max and Liz story
I don't own anything of Roswell and have not claim to the characters.
This story takes place after Max and Tess return from NYC. Its my what if story I shared a long time ago but with some major rewrites.
Choices and Consequences
Nicholas was beyond angry as he climbed down the stairs. He was disgusted with this planet, with these stupid limitations this body offered, and most of all with his inability to get what he desperately needed to be done. How was it possible that someone like Max Evans, a shadow of his former self could possibly be the one keeping him from getting off this backward planet and back home where he belonged. He took in a deep breath as he walked through the storm drain. “That I have been reduced to this is beyond ridiculous,” he mumbled in frustration as he walked through the doorway and saw his two least favorite hybrids in the universe sitting there before him.
"So did you find out where the Granolith is?" Rath asked Nicholas. “When do we get out of this rat hole.”
"That stupid, half-human, inferior girl was actually able to block me out. I don't know how..." he said as he paced back and forth, "but she was able to block me out of her head completely."
Rath narrowed his eyes just a bit, "So what's that supposed to mean?"
Nicolas did his best to remain patient. He rolled his eyes and shook his head in disgust. “It means that I couldn't tell where the Granolith was located, you idiot. She used her mind warp powers and just kept blocking me," he told them trying to keep his anger under control. “If only I had more time I could have broken her.”
Lonnie laughed at his frustration, “So a tiny little girl stopped the big bad Nicholas from getting what he wanted,” she mocked him.
"So now what, if we don't have the Granolith, then we got nothing," Rath told him. "This whole thing was a huge waste of time, and Khivar ain't gonna be so happy.”
Nicholas glared at him, "No it was not a huge waste of time. There still might be a way to get what we want," he said as he stopped pacing.
Lonnie grew annoyed. She didn’t like playing games. She took in a deep breath, "So just tell us already!" she demanded. "Did you find anything out that can help us or not?"
Nicholas smiled, "Tess may have been able to keep me from finding the location of the Granolith, but she was not able to keep me out of her head completely. She is strong, but she isn’t impervious to me. A few well-chosen words and I was able to get her thinking about some information I believe will be able to use," he told them.
Lonnie threw up her hands in frustration, “Why do you have to do that every single time!” she yelled at him. “I’m sick of it, just drop the creeping bad guy monologue routine and tell us what yous found out!”
Nicholas rolled his eyes. The very fact that he had to work with these two moronic dopes little to help him accomplish his task. He looked over at Lonnie and patiently said, "I found out that Max Evans has one real weakness, a weakness we can use to our advantage."
Lonnie walked over toward him, "Yeah so what’s that?" she asked him.
Nicholas narrowed his eyes, "He can be influenced by that other girl. The one with the dark hair, the human girl, Elizabeth Parker." Nicholas told her.
Lonnie looked over at Rath, then back to Nicholas, "Ok so what’s the plan then?"
"The plan," he sneered at her barely able to hide his revulsion, "The plan is both brilliant and simple all at the same time."
“Nicky, I told you. I ain't impressed with this bad guy routine of yours. Stop with the monologue. Sheesh, this ain't flippen batman, you ain’t the joker!” she yelled at him. "Just tell us what yous wants us to do?"
Nicholas scowled at her. She was a pathetic version of her former self. It was clear both Rath and Lonnie had gotten the worst parts of their former selves. Rath who was once a brilliant warrior, capable of impressive tactical planning and supreme leadership ability; was now nothing more than a common street thug. Valandra who was once the most gentle, well-bred, beautiful, and eloquent Princess of Antar was now nothing more than a cold, distrustful, manipulative common human. She was no better than any other human tuff girl who thought too highly of herself. At the end of the day, she was just so much trash that hadn’t been swept away. He looked around at the sewer they called home and shook his head, "This place is disgusting! Why do you stay down here?" Nicholas asked them, completely disregarding her question.
Lonnie glared back at him. "It’s all we got!" she yelled at him as she shoved him. "Now instead of insulting us, why don't you tell us what you want us to do and then you can get out of here since you find it so disgusting," she told him as she clenched her fists.
Nicholas knew better than to get into a fight with Valandra. She was no longer the vulnerable young girl who was so easily deceived back on Antar. Years of living with the guilt and betrayal of what she had done to her brother had hardened her. He knew when she was about to explode that it was time to step back. He smiled and cleared his throat, "I want the two of you to stay here out of my way while I get the Granolith from our friends in Roswell. I have a plan, but it doesn't require your help at this time. I will get the Granolith, and then I will be back for the two of you."
"You better not be lying to us, Nicholas!" Lonnie warned him. "You should know, I still have allies back home. Even though I may not be the Valandra, Khivar wants back by his side; I still can make things really difficult for him."
"Is that a threat?" Nicholas asked her.
She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Its more than a threat Nicky, it’s a promise." she told him.
Nicholas swallowed hard and smiled, "Let’s play nice, shall we. We both want the same things. After all, once we have the Granolith we all get what we want, you two have a way home and Khivar, and I will finally take control of what is ours."
Lonnie smiled, "Fine, but don't take too long, Nicky boy," she told him as he walked toward the door. “Cause I know a few of your weaknesses too, and I ain’t afraid of exploiting them!”
Nicholas feigned a smile; he did so love pushing her buttons and watching her react. It was such fun being the puppet master and having the power to make others do exactly what you wanted them to. Valandra might talk tough, but he had no doubt that he could bend her to his will if it chose to. “You would do well to remember Lonnie,” he said in very cold and calculated voice. “I hold your future in my hands, not the other way around.” He laughed as he walked out the door, he could he hear screaming expletives at him, but he didn’t care. Lonnie was nothing, she was just yesterday’s trash, and that was all she could ever hope to be.
Zan sat quietly as he hid in the shadows watching and listening to everything that was said by Nicolas and the others. It was to his advantage that they all naively believed that their plan to kill him had worked. None of them had any idea of the true nature of the healing power that he and Max shared. Killing him was not such an easy task as Lonnie and Rath thought it was. Once Zan was sure Nicholas was gone, and it was safe he quietly made his way up out of the sewers. It took every ounce of strength he had not to go back down and kill both of them for their betrayal, but he had a mission to do. There would be time for revenge later. Once he was topside, he made his way to the airport. It was about time he went to Roswell to see Max Evans, the true King of Antar.
Liz waited with Ava as the bus pulled up, "So where are you going to go?" she asked her. She did her best not to sound too motherly. She couldn’t help herself she was going to miss her friend.
Ava shrugged her shoulders, "Not really sure. I thought maybe I might head out to California for a while, live on the beach and just kind of chill. You know take life one day at a time."
Liz smiled, "Sounds like a really good plan," she told her.
"Yeah well, I figure sometime in the sun could be just what I need," Ava told her. “I kinda feel like I need some peace and quiet for a while. You know less alien stuff. I thought I would see what it was like to live like a human for a while. Who knows maybe I’ll even get a job and a place of my own.”
“I think it’s a really good idea, Ava. You deserve a chance to start over with all that you have been through,” Liz told her.
"So you think I look all right?" She asked as she stepped back, gone were the tattoos' piercings, and strange clothes. Ava looked like a whole new person. She was ready for a new life and a new beginning. The only thing she kept was the strikingly dark black hair. Although, she did grow it out for a softer more toned-down look.
Liz smiled, "I think you look amazing. Really, this new look really works for you," she told her. Even though Liz had not known Ava for very long, it was clear she was completely different from Tess. This girl was strong and determined with a real softer side. There was a certain duality to her personality that Liz didn't expect she would have.
Ava smiled, "You don't think the hair is too much, do ya?" she asked as she brushed the long dark hair away from her face. "Zan always used to say I should let it grow out, so I figured why not give it a try, ya know."
Liz could see how much Ava still missed Zan. "It’s perfect. I really like your new look. It’s like your discovering who you are for the first time and you’re ready to start a whole new life. Your hair is beautiful; you look beautiful."
She took in a deep breath and did her best to stead her nerves, "Ok then, I guess it’s time,” she said as she took away from Liz. She looked over at the bus and then back to Liz. "I ain't ashamed to admit; I'm slightly afraid to be on my own. Zan was always there with me from the moment I came out of the pod, ya know. He was always there,” she told her as she tried to hold back the tears.
Liz could see how hard this was for her. She walked over and wrapped her arms around her. “It will all right, you will be all right. Just remember that you are always welcome here," Liz told her as she hugged her goodbye.
Ava laughed, "You’re such a goofball," she told her as she hugged her back.
Liz smiled, "I mean it, Ava. You helped me save Max. I owe you everything, anytime you need anything just call or come here.”
"I didn't do so much," Ava told her. "It was all you, Liz. Max changed ya. I promise things will be different from now on. I know you’re not really ready for it, but things are gonna be real different. So just try and hang on for the ride."
“I will be ok, and I won’t forget what you said,” Liz hugged her one last time. "Now, you have my number to call me and let me know how you are doing, right?"
Ava nodded her head, “I got it.” she told her. “Don't worry; I will be fine. Living on the beach in San Francisco has got to be better than the sewers of New York City.”
Liz wiped the tears from her eyes, “It will be amazing for you,” she encouraged her.
The driver stepped out and called for the passengers to begin boarding, "Well I better go," Ava told her as she turned and walked to the bus. She stopped for just a minute and turned back to Liz. "Don't make the same mistake I did," Ava called out to her. "Tell Max the truth, tell him ya love um and just work it out," she told her just before she got on the bus. “Ya just never know when you won't get that next chance.”
Liz didn't say anything more, but she smiled and waved as the bus pulled away.
Max stood at the airport looking through the crowd for Michael and Maria, while Tess grabbed her backpack. He still couldn't believe everything that had happened. He couldn’t help but blame himself for how Lonnie and Rath had tricked him into thinking that Isabel had turned against him. He took in a deep breath; it felt good to be back in Roswell. He looked over at Tess and smiled, "You doing ok?" he asked her again.
She shook her head, "Yeah I'm ok. I just have few bumps and a minor lingering headache." she told him.
"I'm just glad you’re all right," he told her. "Michael should be here anytime," he said as he glanced down at his watch.
Tess nodded her head, "Good cause I am so looking forward to getting home and crashing in my own bed. The sewers of New York City are not exactly my thing. "
Max smiled, "Yeah, well, all I can say is I am really glad I woke up in Roswell all those years ago and not New York."
Tess’s expression changed as she thought about him and Liz. "So, are you going to go talk with Liz?" she asked him.
Max shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know," he said reluctantly. "I was pretty cold to her when I left for New York."
Tess tried to stifle a yawn. "She did save your life, Max. If she hadn't appeared to you as she did, you would have walked right into their trap. I know, I for one am really glad that you’re all right. I owe her for that much at least.”
Max didn't say anything more as Michael and Maria came up toward them. "I am so glad you decided to wise up and came to your senses. It’s good to have you back here in Roswell where you belong," Maria told Max as she walked up and hugged him.
Max laughed, "Yeah, well the big city is not all it’s cracked up to be," he told her.
Maria smiled, "It never is." she told him as the four of them headed toward the car. “Just so you know, Liz was pretty brave doing what she did.”
Max looked over at her. “I know,” was all he said.
Michael raised his brow, “So things got pretty crazy in New York.”
“That they did,” Max told him.
“What about Lonnie and Rath? Do you think we are going to have trouble from them again?” Michael asked him.
“I don’t think so,” Max told him. “I mean they could have killed Tess, but they didn’t.”
Tess cleared her throat, “That’s only because you showed up. If you didn’t come when you did, Max, I might not have been able to hold them off and then Nicholas would have the Granolith.”
Michael took in a deep breath, “Ok, so, for now, we call this one a win and keep our heads up for any future troubles from those nutjobs.”
Max nodded his head, “That’s exactly what I was thinking,” he said as they reached Maria’s car.
Liz walked back into the Crashdown after dropping Ava off at the bus station. In a very strange way, she felt connected to Ava. They both shared a deep loss in their lives and in many ways, it bonded them in friendship. Ava had lost Zan, and she lost Max. It was like they both understood what the other was going through.
Ava made it easy to like her; she was completely different from Tess. She behaved all hard and distant. But on the inside, where it matters most, she was really a sweet and caring person. It was odd because of the two; Ava was so much more human than Tess ever seemed to be. With Ava she was real, she was genuine. There were no doubts to how deeply she loved Zan. When Ava finally broke down and told Liz how Lonnie and Rath killed Zan her heart ached for her. Having to watch the only guy she ever loved die right in front of her was not something you could just let go of. It would be a long time before she was truly able to move on with her life.
Tess was an entirely different story. She was the exact opposite of Ava; as hard as nails on the inside but always pretending to be so sweet and caring on the outside. Liz thought about the two of them. It was possible, being raised by an alien had hardened Tess to the point that all she knew was self-preservation. Tess professed to love Max, but Liz doubted that she ever truly cared about anyone else in her life except herself. A realization that made it that much harder for her to not say anything to Max about what really happened between her and Kyle.
Liz took in a deep breath and let out a small sigh, so much had happened over the past few days and she felt really drained. Maybe now was not the time to make any major decision’s one way or the other about telling Max what happened. Right now all she really wanted to do was climb into her bed and go to sleep. As she walked through the door of the Crashdown, that plan quickly faded away as she saw the look on her mom’s face. "Hey, Mom, what are you still doing home?”
"I was just finishing cleaning up before we leave for our trip," Nancy answered.
"Mom, it’s your anniversary. You and dad don't want to be late for your flight. Go now, get dad and your suitcase and leave this to me," Liz offered.
"Are you sure honey, because I can finish if you want me to?" Nancy said.
Liz smiled, "Mom I can handle this. You and dad go and have fun," she assured her.
Nancy hugged her, "All right, make sure you lock up before going to bed and just double check to make sure the grill is turned off," she told her then said, "Oh and the sheriff told your father he would have his deputies check things on their patrol just to make sure everything is all right."
"Ok Mom, don't worry I will be fine," she told her.
"Oh and don't forget to put the sign up that we will be closed for the next week while we are away," she reminded her again.
Liz pointed over to the door, "Dad already put it up yesterday," she told her. “Mom, trust me, I am going to be fine.”
Nancy hugged her again, "Oh, all right, I guess I am just being worried over nothing," she told her, "You will be fine."
"Yes, Mom I will. Now please go have fun. Dad springing for this trip to Hawaii is an amazing gift. Please promise you will let everything here go and enjoy yourself for once," Liz told her.
Nancy took in a deep breath, "I will," she said as she began walking toward the kitchen door. "Oh, did your friend get off all right at the bus station?" she asked.
"Yeah, she did," Liz told her.
"I'm glad; she seemed like such a nice girl. Funny how much she looked like that other friend of yours, Tess," Nancy commented. "You said they aren't related at all?"
"Nope, two completely different people," Liz answered trying to think of what to say next. "But then, you know what they say about everyone in the world has a twin somewhere.”
"Yeah, they do say that, don’t they," Nancy laughed as she turned to leave. "All right, I will call you in the morning. Our flight will be getting in late, and I don't want to wake you. Love you."
"Love you too, Mom, have fun," Liz called out as she went back out into the restaurant. She stopped and looked around at the mess. "What I wouldn't give to be able to wave my hand and have all of this disappear," she mumbled to herself. She walked over and began clearing the tables and tried to keep her mind off of Max. She glanced up at the clock; it was already past eight, Michael and Maria probably already picked Max up from the airport. She thought again about everything that had happened, and how Ava told her she was different. The way she had been able to connect with Max was nothing short of amazing. The truth was she was finding it that much more difficult to keep the truth from him now. As she finished clearing the tables, she looked over toward the door and saw Max standing there. She took in a deep breath and walked over to let him in. "I heard you were coming back from New York."
"Yeah, we got home just about an hour ago," he told her, then said, "Listen, Liz, I just wanted to say..." he started but stopped mid-sentence.
"What is it Max?" she asked her voice filled with concern.
He searched her eyes, "I wanted to thank you for saving my life."
Liz smiled, "Yeah, well I guess it makes us even now," she told him, attempting to lighten the mood.
Max took her hand in his. "I also wanted to say that I didn't mean what I said before I left for New York. I was angry and what I said was way out of line. I really do want us to begin again as friends."
Liz could feel her heart racing, "I'd like that."
"I've missed you, missed talking with you," he told her honestly.
Liz looked down at the floor, "I missed that too," she said softly.
Max reached over and lifted her chin, "Liz I have to ask ..." he started to say.
She looked into his eyes, her own shimmering with tears. She took in a deep breath, "Max I..." she began but then stopped and looked away from him, "I can't tell you anything different than I already have," she whispered softly. "Please don't hate me. I don't want to lose you. I can't bear the thought of losing you completely. I’m just not ready to tell you everything."
Max could see she was hurting and he knew deep down that she was keeping something from him, but he decided not to press further. "But will you be ready one day?" he asked her.
She looked back at him and slowly nodded her head, “Yeah, I think so,” she said.
He gently brushed the hair from her face and gazed into her eyes for a moment then leaned over and kissed the top of her forehead. “I will let it gone. I won’t ask again,” he whispered softly before getting up to leave.
She watched as he walked away, her heart breaking a little with each step that he took. Just for a moment, she felt a surge of panic well up inside of her. It was strange feeling like she would never see him again. She couldn't explain it, "Max!" she called out to him, but he just kept on walking unable to hear her. Once he was gone she let the tears flow freely, she wanted to tell him more than anything, but there was just so much at stake. If the events that future Max told her about did become a reality, she would never be able to live with herself for causing Michael and Isabel's death.
Max walked over to his jeep and thought about going back inside, about trying one last time to get her to tell him the truth. He felt like she was so close to telling him what really happened that night but at the last moment she held back. He knew in his heart deep down she loved him still. He knew that she could never have slept with Kyle, but still, the images of the two of them together filled his mind and tormented him. The thing that troubled him the most was he knew Liz was keeping secrets from him, that was something that they had promised one another they would never do. Knowing Liz would break that promise to him, hurt as much as the betrayal he felt over her sleeping with Kyle. He took in a long deep breath and tried to clear his mind. If he was going to be her friend, that part of their relationship had to die forever. He could still feel the battle inside raging over what to do, but he had to find a way just to let go. It was over, and he needed to look to the future, it was the only way he could stop being angry.
(Author note: This is a rewrite of an old story. Is anyone interested in reading or having me post more?)
Rated: Teen
Max and Liz story
I don't own anything of Roswell and have not claim to the characters.
This story takes place after Max and Tess return from NYC. Its my what if story I shared a long time ago but with some major rewrites.
Choices and Consequences
Nicholas was beyond angry as he climbed down the stairs. He was disgusted with this planet, with these stupid limitations this body offered, and most of all with his inability to get what he desperately needed to be done. How was it possible that someone like Max Evans, a shadow of his former self could possibly be the one keeping him from getting off this backward planet and back home where he belonged. He took in a deep breath as he walked through the storm drain. “That I have been reduced to this is beyond ridiculous,” he mumbled in frustration as he walked through the doorway and saw his two least favorite hybrids in the universe sitting there before him.
"So did you find out where the Granolith is?" Rath asked Nicholas. “When do we get out of this rat hole.”
"That stupid, half-human, inferior girl was actually able to block me out. I don't know how..." he said as he paced back and forth, "but she was able to block me out of her head completely."
Rath narrowed his eyes just a bit, "So what's that supposed to mean?"
Nicolas did his best to remain patient. He rolled his eyes and shook his head in disgust. “It means that I couldn't tell where the Granolith was located, you idiot. She used her mind warp powers and just kept blocking me," he told them trying to keep his anger under control. “If only I had more time I could have broken her.”
Lonnie laughed at his frustration, “So a tiny little girl stopped the big bad Nicholas from getting what he wanted,” she mocked him.
"So now what, if we don't have the Granolith, then we got nothing," Rath told him. "This whole thing was a huge waste of time, and Khivar ain't gonna be so happy.”
Nicholas glared at him, "No it was not a huge waste of time. There still might be a way to get what we want," he said as he stopped pacing.
Lonnie grew annoyed. She didn’t like playing games. She took in a deep breath, "So just tell us already!" she demanded. "Did you find anything out that can help us or not?"
Nicholas smiled, "Tess may have been able to keep me from finding the location of the Granolith, but she was not able to keep me out of her head completely. She is strong, but she isn’t impervious to me. A few well-chosen words and I was able to get her thinking about some information I believe will be able to use," he told them.
Lonnie threw up her hands in frustration, “Why do you have to do that every single time!” she yelled at him. “I’m sick of it, just drop the creeping bad guy monologue routine and tell us what yous found out!”
Nicholas rolled his eyes. The very fact that he had to work with these two moronic dopes little to help him accomplish his task. He looked over at Lonnie and patiently said, "I found out that Max Evans has one real weakness, a weakness we can use to our advantage."
Lonnie walked over toward him, "Yeah so what’s that?" she asked him.
Nicholas narrowed his eyes, "He can be influenced by that other girl. The one with the dark hair, the human girl, Elizabeth Parker." Nicholas told her.
Lonnie looked over at Rath, then back to Nicholas, "Ok so what’s the plan then?"
"The plan," he sneered at her barely able to hide his revulsion, "The plan is both brilliant and simple all at the same time."
“Nicky, I told you. I ain't impressed with this bad guy routine of yours. Stop with the monologue. Sheesh, this ain't flippen batman, you ain’t the joker!” she yelled at him. "Just tell us what yous wants us to do?"
Nicholas scowled at her. She was a pathetic version of her former self. It was clear both Rath and Lonnie had gotten the worst parts of their former selves. Rath who was once a brilliant warrior, capable of impressive tactical planning and supreme leadership ability; was now nothing more than a common street thug. Valandra who was once the most gentle, well-bred, beautiful, and eloquent Princess of Antar was now nothing more than a cold, distrustful, manipulative common human. She was no better than any other human tuff girl who thought too highly of herself. At the end of the day, she was just so much trash that hadn’t been swept away. He looked around at the sewer they called home and shook his head, "This place is disgusting! Why do you stay down here?" Nicholas asked them, completely disregarding her question.
Lonnie glared back at him. "It’s all we got!" she yelled at him as she shoved him. "Now instead of insulting us, why don't you tell us what you want us to do and then you can get out of here since you find it so disgusting," she told him as she clenched her fists.
Nicholas knew better than to get into a fight with Valandra. She was no longer the vulnerable young girl who was so easily deceived back on Antar. Years of living with the guilt and betrayal of what she had done to her brother had hardened her. He knew when she was about to explode that it was time to step back. He smiled and cleared his throat, "I want the two of you to stay here out of my way while I get the Granolith from our friends in Roswell. I have a plan, but it doesn't require your help at this time. I will get the Granolith, and then I will be back for the two of you."
"You better not be lying to us, Nicholas!" Lonnie warned him. "You should know, I still have allies back home. Even though I may not be the Valandra, Khivar wants back by his side; I still can make things really difficult for him."
"Is that a threat?" Nicholas asked her.
She leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Its more than a threat Nicky, it’s a promise." she told him.
Nicholas swallowed hard and smiled, "Let’s play nice, shall we. We both want the same things. After all, once we have the Granolith we all get what we want, you two have a way home and Khivar, and I will finally take control of what is ours."
Lonnie smiled, "Fine, but don't take too long, Nicky boy," she told him as he walked toward the door. “Cause I know a few of your weaknesses too, and I ain’t afraid of exploiting them!”
Nicholas feigned a smile; he did so love pushing her buttons and watching her react. It was such fun being the puppet master and having the power to make others do exactly what you wanted them to. Valandra might talk tough, but he had no doubt that he could bend her to his will if it chose to. “You would do well to remember Lonnie,” he said in very cold and calculated voice. “I hold your future in my hands, not the other way around.” He laughed as he walked out the door, he could he hear screaming expletives at him, but he didn’t care. Lonnie was nothing, she was just yesterday’s trash, and that was all she could ever hope to be.
Zan sat quietly as he hid in the shadows watching and listening to everything that was said by Nicolas and the others. It was to his advantage that they all naively believed that their plan to kill him had worked. None of them had any idea of the true nature of the healing power that he and Max shared. Killing him was not such an easy task as Lonnie and Rath thought it was. Once Zan was sure Nicholas was gone, and it was safe he quietly made his way up out of the sewers. It took every ounce of strength he had not to go back down and kill both of them for their betrayal, but he had a mission to do. There would be time for revenge later. Once he was topside, he made his way to the airport. It was about time he went to Roswell to see Max Evans, the true King of Antar.
Liz waited with Ava as the bus pulled up, "So where are you going to go?" she asked her. She did her best not to sound too motherly. She couldn’t help herself she was going to miss her friend.
Ava shrugged her shoulders, "Not really sure. I thought maybe I might head out to California for a while, live on the beach and just kind of chill. You know take life one day at a time."
Liz smiled, "Sounds like a really good plan," she told her.
"Yeah well, I figure sometime in the sun could be just what I need," Ava told her. “I kinda feel like I need some peace and quiet for a while. You know less alien stuff. I thought I would see what it was like to live like a human for a while. Who knows maybe I’ll even get a job and a place of my own.”
“I think it’s a really good idea, Ava. You deserve a chance to start over with all that you have been through,” Liz told her.
"So you think I look all right?" She asked as she stepped back, gone were the tattoos' piercings, and strange clothes. Ava looked like a whole new person. She was ready for a new life and a new beginning. The only thing she kept was the strikingly dark black hair. Although, she did grow it out for a softer more toned-down look.
Liz smiled, "I think you look amazing. Really, this new look really works for you," she told her. Even though Liz had not known Ava for very long, it was clear she was completely different from Tess. This girl was strong and determined with a real softer side. There was a certain duality to her personality that Liz didn't expect she would have.
Ava smiled, "You don't think the hair is too much, do ya?" she asked as she brushed the long dark hair away from her face. "Zan always used to say I should let it grow out, so I figured why not give it a try, ya know."
Liz could see how much Ava still missed Zan. "It’s perfect. I really like your new look. It’s like your discovering who you are for the first time and you’re ready to start a whole new life. Your hair is beautiful; you look beautiful."
She took in a deep breath and did her best to stead her nerves, "Ok then, I guess it’s time,” she said as she took away from Liz. She looked over at the bus and then back to Liz. "I ain't ashamed to admit; I'm slightly afraid to be on my own. Zan was always there with me from the moment I came out of the pod, ya know. He was always there,” she told her as she tried to hold back the tears.
Liz could see how hard this was for her. She walked over and wrapped her arms around her. “It will all right, you will be all right. Just remember that you are always welcome here," Liz told her as she hugged her goodbye.
Ava laughed, "You’re such a goofball," she told her as she hugged her back.
Liz smiled, "I mean it, Ava. You helped me save Max. I owe you everything, anytime you need anything just call or come here.”
"I didn't do so much," Ava told her. "It was all you, Liz. Max changed ya. I promise things will be different from now on. I know you’re not really ready for it, but things are gonna be real different. So just try and hang on for the ride."
“I will be ok, and I won’t forget what you said,” Liz hugged her one last time. "Now, you have my number to call me and let me know how you are doing, right?"
Ava nodded her head, “I got it.” she told her. “Don't worry; I will be fine. Living on the beach in San Francisco has got to be better than the sewers of New York City.”
Liz wiped the tears from her eyes, “It will be amazing for you,” she encouraged her.
The driver stepped out and called for the passengers to begin boarding, "Well I better go," Ava told her as she turned and walked to the bus. She stopped for just a minute and turned back to Liz. "Don't make the same mistake I did," Ava called out to her. "Tell Max the truth, tell him ya love um and just work it out," she told her just before she got on the bus. “Ya just never know when you won't get that next chance.”
Liz didn't say anything more, but she smiled and waved as the bus pulled away.
Max stood at the airport looking through the crowd for Michael and Maria, while Tess grabbed her backpack. He still couldn't believe everything that had happened. He couldn’t help but blame himself for how Lonnie and Rath had tricked him into thinking that Isabel had turned against him. He took in a deep breath; it felt good to be back in Roswell. He looked over at Tess and smiled, "You doing ok?" he asked her again.
She shook her head, "Yeah I'm ok. I just have few bumps and a minor lingering headache." she told him.
"I'm just glad you’re all right," he told her. "Michael should be here anytime," he said as he glanced down at his watch.
Tess nodded her head, "Good cause I am so looking forward to getting home and crashing in my own bed. The sewers of New York City are not exactly my thing. "
Max smiled, "Yeah, well, all I can say is I am really glad I woke up in Roswell all those years ago and not New York."
Tess’s expression changed as she thought about him and Liz. "So, are you going to go talk with Liz?" she asked him.
Max shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know," he said reluctantly. "I was pretty cold to her when I left for New York."
Tess tried to stifle a yawn. "She did save your life, Max. If she hadn't appeared to you as she did, you would have walked right into their trap. I know, I for one am really glad that you’re all right. I owe her for that much at least.”
Max didn't say anything more as Michael and Maria came up toward them. "I am so glad you decided to wise up and came to your senses. It’s good to have you back here in Roswell where you belong," Maria told Max as she walked up and hugged him.
Max laughed, "Yeah, well the big city is not all it’s cracked up to be," he told her.
Maria smiled, "It never is." she told him as the four of them headed toward the car. “Just so you know, Liz was pretty brave doing what she did.”
Max looked over at her. “I know,” was all he said.
Michael raised his brow, “So things got pretty crazy in New York.”
“That they did,” Max told him.
“What about Lonnie and Rath? Do you think we are going to have trouble from them again?” Michael asked him.
“I don’t think so,” Max told him. “I mean they could have killed Tess, but they didn’t.”
Tess cleared her throat, “That’s only because you showed up. If you didn’t come when you did, Max, I might not have been able to hold them off and then Nicholas would have the Granolith.”
Michael took in a deep breath, “Ok, so, for now, we call this one a win and keep our heads up for any future troubles from those nutjobs.”
Max nodded his head, “That’s exactly what I was thinking,” he said as they reached Maria’s car.
Liz walked back into the Crashdown after dropping Ava off at the bus station. In a very strange way, she felt connected to Ava. They both shared a deep loss in their lives and in many ways, it bonded them in friendship. Ava had lost Zan, and she lost Max. It was like they both understood what the other was going through.
Ava made it easy to like her; she was completely different from Tess. She behaved all hard and distant. But on the inside, where it matters most, she was really a sweet and caring person. It was odd because of the two; Ava was so much more human than Tess ever seemed to be. With Ava she was real, she was genuine. There were no doubts to how deeply she loved Zan. When Ava finally broke down and told Liz how Lonnie and Rath killed Zan her heart ached for her. Having to watch the only guy she ever loved die right in front of her was not something you could just let go of. It would be a long time before she was truly able to move on with her life.
Tess was an entirely different story. She was the exact opposite of Ava; as hard as nails on the inside but always pretending to be so sweet and caring on the outside. Liz thought about the two of them. It was possible, being raised by an alien had hardened Tess to the point that all she knew was self-preservation. Tess professed to love Max, but Liz doubted that she ever truly cared about anyone else in her life except herself. A realization that made it that much harder for her to not say anything to Max about what really happened between her and Kyle.
Liz took in a deep breath and let out a small sigh, so much had happened over the past few days and she felt really drained. Maybe now was not the time to make any major decision’s one way or the other about telling Max what happened. Right now all she really wanted to do was climb into her bed and go to sleep. As she walked through the door of the Crashdown, that plan quickly faded away as she saw the look on her mom’s face. "Hey, Mom, what are you still doing home?”
"I was just finishing cleaning up before we leave for our trip," Nancy answered.
"Mom, it’s your anniversary. You and dad don't want to be late for your flight. Go now, get dad and your suitcase and leave this to me," Liz offered.
"Are you sure honey, because I can finish if you want me to?" Nancy said.
Liz smiled, "Mom I can handle this. You and dad go and have fun," she assured her.
Nancy hugged her, "All right, make sure you lock up before going to bed and just double check to make sure the grill is turned off," she told her then said, "Oh and the sheriff told your father he would have his deputies check things on their patrol just to make sure everything is all right."
"Ok Mom, don't worry I will be fine," she told her.
"Oh and don't forget to put the sign up that we will be closed for the next week while we are away," she reminded her again.
Liz pointed over to the door, "Dad already put it up yesterday," she told her. “Mom, trust me, I am going to be fine.”
Nancy hugged her again, "Oh, all right, I guess I am just being worried over nothing," she told her, "You will be fine."
"Yes, Mom I will. Now please go have fun. Dad springing for this trip to Hawaii is an amazing gift. Please promise you will let everything here go and enjoy yourself for once," Liz told her.
Nancy took in a deep breath, "I will," she said as she began walking toward the kitchen door. "Oh, did your friend get off all right at the bus station?" she asked.
"Yeah, she did," Liz told her.
"I'm glad; she seemed like such a nice girl. Funny how much she looked like that other friend of yours, Tess," Nancy commented. "You said they aren't related at all?"
"Nope, two completely different people," Liz answered trying to think of what to say next. "But then, you know what they say about everyone in the world has a twin somewhere.”
"Yeah, they do say that, don’t they," Nancy laughed as she turned to leave. "All right, I will call you in the morning. Our flight will be getting in late, and I don't want to wake you. Love you."
"Love you too, Mom, have fun," Liz called out as she went back out into the restaurant. She stopped and looked around at the mess. "What I wouldn't give to be able to wave my hand and have all of this disappear," she mumbled to herself. She walked over and began clearing the tables and tried to keep her mind off of Max. She glanced up at the clock; it was already past eight, Michael and Maria probably already picked Max up from the airport. She thought again about everything that had happened, and how Ava told her she was different. The way she had been able to connect with Max was nothing short of amazing. The truth was she was finding it that much more difficult to keep the truth from him now. As she finished clearing the tables, she looked over toward the door and saw Max standing there. She took in a deep breath and walked over to let him in. "I heard you were coming back from New York."
"Yeah, we got home just about an hour ago," he told her, then said, "Listen, Liz, I just wanted to say..." he started but stopped mid-sentence.
"What is it Max?" she asked her voice filled with concern.
He searched her eyes, "I wanted to thank you for saving my life."
Liz smiled, "Yeah, well I guess it makes us even now," she told him, attempting to lighten the mood.
Max took her hand in his. "I also wanted to say that I didn't mean what I said before I left for New York. I was angry and what I said was way out of line. I really do want us to begin again as friends."
Liz could feel her heart racing, "I'd like that."
"I've missed you, missed talking with you," he told her honestly.
Liz looked down at the floor, "I missed that too," she said softly.
Max reached over and lifted her chin, "Liz I have to ask ..." he started to say.
She looked into his eyes, her own shimmering with tears. She took in a deep breath, "Max I..." she began but then stopped and looked away from him, "I can't tell you anything different than I already have," she whispered softly. "Please don't hate me. I don't want to lose you. I can't bear the thought of losing you completely. I’m just not ready to tell you everything."
Max could see she was hurting and he knew deep down that she was keeping something from him, but he decided not to press further. "But will you be ready one day?" he asked her.
She looked back at him and slowly nodded her head, “Yeah, I think so,” she said.
He gently brushed the hair from her face and gazed into her eyes for a moment then leaned over and kissed the top of her forehead. “I will let it gone. I won’t ask again,” he whispered softly before getting up to leave.
She watched as he walked away, her heart breaking a little with each step that he took. Just for a moment, she felt a surge of panic well up inside of her. It was strange feeling like she would never see him again. She couldn't explain it, "Max!" she called out to him, but he just kept on walking unable to hear her. Once he was gone she let the tears flow freely, she wanted to tell him more than anything, but there was just so much at stake. If the events that future Max told her about did become a reality, she would never be able to live with herself for causing Michael and Isabel's death.
Max walked over to his jeep and thought about going back inside, about trying one last time to get her to tell him the truth. He felt like she was so close to telling him what really happened that night but at the last moment she held back. He knew in his heart deep down she loved him still. He knew that she could never have slept with Kyle, but still, the images of the two of them together filled his mind and tormented him. The thing that troubled him the most was he knew Liz was keeping secrets from him, that was something that they had promised one another they would never do. Knowing Liz would break that promise to him, hurt as much as the betrayal he felt over her sleeping with Kyle. He took in a long deep breath and tried to clear his mind. If he was going to be her friend, that part of their relationship had to die forever. He could still feel the battle inside raging over what to do, but he had to find a way just to let go. It was over, and he needed to look to the future, it was the only way he could stop being angry.
(Author note: This is a rewrite of an old story. Is anyone interested in reading or having me post more?)