The Christmas Star CC/Adult COMPLETE Ch6 & Epil pg6 1/8

[Dream Weaver]

Banner by Behrsgirl77

Title: The Christmas Star
Author: Dream Weaver
Category: CC (All couples)/Adult
Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

AWARDS RECEIVED FOR THE CHRISTMAS STAR



Runner up for Best Over All Story and
Best Drama


A/N: This is a story I am writing for Roswell Heaven Winter/Christmas Writing Challenge. The underlined parts are the required words or phrases in the story.

Summary:
Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess all left in Departure. Maria, Liz and Kyle were unable to stop them before they left. They had to continue on with their lives without them. How will this affect the group? Four years later Liz Parker goes back to Roswell when tragedy strikes during the Christmas season during her Junior Year at Harvard University to see her family and friends.

Chapter 1

I am Liz Parker, mild mannered college student. That’s the best possible way to describe myself without being harsh. I am your average run of the mill girl, except I have a secret. I am a former member of the “I Know an Alien Club.” Yes, I know it sounds like I should be locked up with the keys thrown away, but I now know and am proof that aliens do exist. After all, I have the powers to prove it. So I guess average isn’t really a word I can use to describe myself.

To make a long story short, I was healed by an alien. Max Evans was his name. He saved me after I had been fatally shot at my family’s restaurant, The Crash Down. So, I Liz Parker, average small town girl was changed forever. You would think, ok how bad can that be?

Not only was I healed by an alien but I also fell in love with him. He then broke my heart by sleeping with another alien Tess, in turn getting her pregnant and along with the others: Isabel, Michael and Tess, left me and my friends Maria and Kyle behind when the baby was not capable to live on earth. We were unable to stop them in time and to give them the horrible news that we had the proof that Tess had been the one who had killed my best friend Alex. We just stood there and watched our lives crumble as they departed earth, and our lives, the three remaining members of the “Alien Abyss”, have never been the same.

Maria tried and tried to hold the three remaining members together but with each passing day, more distance grew between us as we tried to forget that our hearts were on some distant planet that we would never see. It was too hard to be around each other because all it brought to us was painful memories that none of us were ready to cope with.

My powers then began to surface. So not only had Max destroyed my happiness, he had left me on earth with powers that I couldn’t understand and I was alone. I began to isolate myself from my friends and family in order to protect them. I didn’t want to burden Maria and Kyle with the cross that Max Evans had left for me to bear. They both were now free of the “Alien Abyss” and could try to move on and lead normal lives.

After graduation, Kyle went away to Arizona State with a full football scholarship and Maria began attending NYU. I headed into the direction of Harvard University in Boston. We hardly even speak anymore. We send occasional emails, but in turn our friendship circle was shattered the day the Four Aliens left us behind.

I am walking towards the Children’s Hospital, where I am interning while I pursue my medical degree in pediatrics. School keeps my mind off the misery that is my life. Because of now being “different” I am unable to get close to anyone. I can now see how Max, Isabel and Michael had felt growing up. But at least they had each other to lean on. I had no one. I was alone.

The Boston chill freezes the end of my nose. I am still not used to the Massachusetts winters and it makes me miss the warm weather of New Mexico. The streets are decorated with glorious Christmas lights and wreaths, dawning the beginning of the time of year I have grown to loathe. I sigh as I think back to the wonderful times that used to be called the Holiday season. But how could anyone enjoy the holidays with a life as empty as mine?

“Merry freaking Christmas”. I think to myself as I walk by the student square where the University’s 12 foot and colorfully decorated Christmas tree sits.

I sigh as I approach the coffee shop where I stop every morning for my double chocolatte before heading into the hospital. As I reach for the door, I notice a man sitting at a table with the ugliest Christmas sweater I have ever seen. It’s actually got a huge reindeer head that sticks out in the middle. I chuckle to myself at the ridiculousness of the sweater as I approach the counter to order my drink. Anna, the barista smiles at me and turns to make my usual.

My cell phone rings, startling me out of my thoughts and I reach to pick it up. I recognize my parents’ number instantly and groan to myself. I already know that it’s going to be my mother trying yet again to invite me home for Christmas. It’s been three years since I have made it back to Roswell. I just can’t bring myself to go back and fight through the many sad memories that I have left behind there.

“Hi mom.” I say as I pick up the phone and pay for my latte. I am already preparing myself for the speech I am about to receive about holidays and families and Christmas. I open the door and exit the coffee shop and head down the block as my mother begins to speak.

“Liz, we need you to come home.” Is all that she says. I can hear the sadness in her voice and I am taken back. I feel the panic in my gut as I answer.

“Is everything ok, mom?” I am holding my breath.

“It’s Maria. She was in a car accident…..”

I stop dead in my tracks. Tears instantly burst through my eyes and I drop my coffee as I reach out for something to hold me up. I am leaning up against a tree and my breath has already begun to quicken as I feel the overwhelming panic building up inside my chest.

I push the words from my quivering lips, “Is she, mom, is she……” I can’t even bring myself to finish my first thought as try to pull myself together. People are beginning to stare at me.

“She’s hurt pretty badly, Lizzie. You need to come home.”

“I’ll get the next flight out.” I say as I cut the call short and start to run back towards my dorm room.

“Please God, not Maria.” I say as I make it back to my building and unlock the door to my room.

I grab my suitcase and begin to throw clothes into it. As I walk over to my dresser to grab my keys, I notice the picture of my past that I have kept. It’s a picture of the “Alien Club’s” last happy Christmas together. Sitting next to me on one side is my Max and the other side, my best friend Maria. We are all smiling. Tears filled my eyes and I collapse to the floor. How could the holiday get any worse?

[Dream Weaver]

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

Hey guys! Sorry, Christmas got more hectic than I anticipated. There will be three maybe four more chapters of this story. Warning! This part is a little sad, but will get better, Promise! We all know that I can't just kill Maria during Christmas, right? Question is, what kind of miracle will occur

Thanks for reading and the great feedback:
Sprayadhesive
LairaBehr4
alizaleven
Emz80m
ayznshorti
xmag
begonia9508
rie482
thetvgeneral
RhondaAnn
Luna_Seer
roswelldreamer4life
darkness_within_me
LovinGuerin2Much
and all you lerkers too!


Chapter 2

My plane ride was long and nerve racking. All my life I was always known as the problem solver, the brave one. Well, at this moment all I find myself doing is panicking and worrying.

I am terrified of returning home to the life I had left behind. I am no longer that small town girl. I hardly even recognize myself when I look in the mirror at times. I am petrified of facing my past and there are too many sad memories lying dormant in my small home town, memories that could destroy my already shaky psyche causing a complete nervous breakdown, if unlocked.

I am also terrified that I am on the verge of loosing the only person I have ever called, Best Friend. Yes, we haven’t been close in a long time, but it’s still Maria. The same Maria that had been there and stood by me through all the good times in my life and the most traumatic times, my grandmother’s death, the Czechoslovakian club, (as she would call it), and the death of our Best Friend Alex. There was no way I could stand to loose her. She had been and always would be my rock.

I can now feel the temperature change as I walk through the airport, searching for my parents, but I am still fearful to remove my gloves and expose my tingling hands. I have found over the last several years that the more panicked and upset I get, the more my powers tend to surface. I still have no clue what my powers even are. And of course I have no one to help me find the key to unlock them, so I do my best just to hide them.
I’ve even taken up yoga just to stay calm and at peace with my inner torment. Kyle and Buddha would be so proud of me.

I am heading towards the front of the airport, still scanning the crowd around me, hoping to see anyone I recognize. There are so many happy faces here today. Probably many are on their way to visit their families for the holidays and excited about Christmas Day and all the presents they might be anticipating. I do have to smile at the thought that crosses my mind from my past holidays, a time when all of us would run from a Miss Isabel Evans, screaming, “The Christmas Nazi strikes again!” Man, did she know how to throw around Christmas spirit. I guess I have even grown to miss that part of my life, too.

But then the realization hits me and I am saddened once again. My visit home is not going to be filled with holly, egg nog and presents, it’s only destined to be filled with sadness and pain. God, did I mention I have really grown to dislike the holidays.

“Liz.”

I hear my name being called from behind me. That husky voice from my past makes me smile a little. Anticipation fills me up as I turn around to find Kyle Valenti walking towards me. He still looks the same, with his short, brown hair and football player build. I remember many times drooling over that body, but now I only see my dear friend The man that is now approaching me carries himself with a confidence that I never thought I would see from Kyle Valenti. He was always the jokester or “third” wheel of our group. But that’s what made us love him. That boyish charm was now gone and replaced by the experience of the world. His face is tired and sullen, but he cracks the tinniest smile for me.

“Hey Kyle. “ I say as he wraps his arms around me for a long overdue hello. I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I wrap my mind around the idea that I truly am only miles away from Roswell. It has been so long since I have been around friends that I am overwhelmed with emotion. He releases me and reaches up to gently wipe away the tears from my cheeks. I swallow hard and finally find my voice.

“It’s been a while hey Valenti.” I say, trying to lighten the mood as I gather my discarded bag next to me.

“Too, long Parker.” Kyle cracks another smirk as he squeezes my shoulder and continues. “Your parents got caught up at the Crashdown so I offered to come and rescue you from the awful cab ride you would have had to incur. Plus Maria would never forgive me if she knew that I didn’t come and pick you up.”

Hearing her name causes the emotions to build up again. I swallow hard, holding back the tears. “How is she Kyle?”

“Well, it was touch and go for a while. Amy has been a nervous wreck. It’s taken everything in my dad to hold her together. She had just gotten into town for the holiday and had volunteered to go and pick up supplies for Amy. She was hit head on by a drunk doing 80 on the highway.”

My stomach lurches. “Oh God, Kyle.”

He takes my bag from me and we start towards the exit as he continues. ”Luckily she was wearing her seatbelt or she would have been thrown from the car. It’s the only thing that saved her life. Bad part was she hit her head hard on the steering wheel and has major internal bleeding, including in her head.”

Kyle’s eyes began to tear up and I reach over and take his hand. He squeezes it lightly. “Kyle, how bad is she, please tell me.”

“She’s in a coma, Liz. They’re not sure if she’s ever going to regain conscious. Even if she does, she may be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life.”

Anger mixed with utter despair fills my body. I feel like I am drowning and I can’t seem to catch my breath. I speak softly, trying to stay as calm as possible to control the growing energy on my hands. “Please take me to the hospital, Kyle.”

“That was my plan.” He says as we climb into his SUV, destination Roswell Hospital.

[Dream Weaver]

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

Thanks to all of your wonderful feedback!

thetvgeneral: sorry ...but cliffhangers are fun
Emz80m: thanks, maybe wishes can be granted...it's the holiday season after all!
begonia9508: sorry....but maybe they might make a return visit?
Flamehair: this part should answer your question...
roswck: hope you like this part, too
kittens: Yep, but that would be too easy...
darkness_within_me: your wait is over...hope you like it!
youre my dreamgirl: this part should answer your question...
sprayadhesive: no miracle yet...but keep the faith!
greywolf: don't worry, I got the Christmas Nazi's memo.. I should be done by then....glad you are reading!
nibbles2: Glad you found my story...this part should answer a few questions

And thanks to all you lerkers, too!

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

The hallways are a continuous blinding white. My head hurts from the brightness and sadness that continues to build as we approach Maria’s room. How does someone prepare for possibly one of the worst moments of their life? Before I muster the courage to enter Maria’s room, I briefly stop at the nurse’s station to give Amy a quick hug. She is a woman literally beaten. The light is gone in her once vibrant and full of life face, knowing that there is little hope that Maria is coming back to us.

I stand at the doorway, number 512. Kyle grabs my shoulder in comfort, “I’ll wait out here so you have time alone with her.”

I take a deep breath and push open the door. The door is heavy steal and I am shaking like crazy. I can feel the panic building in my gut. And then I see my worst nightmare come to life. The tears fall like a waterfall down my check when I see Maria. She is only recognizable to me by the blonde curly locks on her head. Her face is completely swollen and badly bruised. She has several gashes across her face and a small incision on her forehead, probably where they tried to relieve the pressure on her brain.

I collapse in the chair beside her and sob uncontrollably. My resolve is gone and replaced by utter despair. I take a deep breath and calm myself enough to speak to her, my best friend. I take her lifeless hand gently, praying that she might squeeze it or open her eyes to laugh at the joke she has played on me.

“Hey ‘Ria.” My voice is almost unrecognizable. It shakes violently as I try to hold my resolve in place.

“It’s Liz. God……” I pause to fight back the sob trying to escape my throat. The anger I feel towards myself is frightening.

I speak again. ”Maria, why did this have to happen to you? Why have I stayed away so long? Did I waste the only time we have left over something that you would’ve understood? ”

I can feel the energy on my hands. It’s almost to the point of burning my skin because I have no energy left to keep in under control. An idea crosses my mind as I remove my gloves to reveal the green flickers across my skin. Maybe my powers are like Max’s…..maybe I can heal her. I remove my jacket and turn down the blanket covering Maria, taking note of all the cuts and bruises on her body. I gently lay my hands down on her and close my eyes and begin to concentrate on her.

“Liz?”

Kyle’s voice startles me and I jerk my hands back, trying to hide them behind my back, but it’s too late. He walks over to me and pulls my arms out to reveal to him the green energy now pulsing lightly across my hands. He signs and more tears gather in my eyes.

“Why didn’t you confide in me, Parker?”

“I didn’t want to burden you guys. They were gone and you guys were free from the alien abyss. I didn’t want to drag you back in.” Tears are again streaming down my face.

He didn’t answer with words but raised his hand to mine and took a deep breath as a red flicker flashed across his palm. I was speechless. He swallowed hard and took a jagged breath to speak. “You’re not the only one with the burden.”

Relief overwhelms me. The realization that I am not the only one shatters my walls and I grab Kyle in a tight hug. He holds me as I release the last few years of overwhelming loneliness.

He kisses my forehead lightly before he speaks. I can see the sadness in his eyes.
“I have already tried to heal her. I guess I didn’t get that ability from Max.”

I back away and walk back over to the unconscious shell of my best friend and again place my hands on her. I concentrate on healing her. I have to heal her! I picture all the cuts and bruises mending and her eyes opening. I can feel the energy collecting in my hands and pray that I am healing her.

After what seems like hours, I feel my energy draining and my knees give out. Two strong arms brace me as I collapse into the chair next to Maria’s bed. I open my eyes quickly, hoping to see Maria looking up at me, but nothing has changed. He eyes are still closed, her body still lifeless. I didn’t even heal any of the small cuts and bruises.

I scream in frustration as my anger begins to build. “Damn!”

Kyle pulls me close and we both cry together as the realization hits us that we will not be able to heal our friend. I pull away as my breath shortens and my heart races. The blinding white walls come alive and seem to try and swallow me. I need air. The urge to flee is instantaneous.

“Kyle, can I borrow your car? I need to go for a drive, to clear my head.”

He scratches the top of his disheveled hair. “Are you sure you’re up to driving, Liz. You are really upset. Maybe I should drive you.”

I swallow hard and compose myself to show Kyle I will be ok. “I just need a little time to let this sink in. Please, Kyle?”

He rolls his eyes and reluctantly hands over his keys. “I know I can’t stop you when your mind is made up. Just be careful and call me if you need me.”

I lightly squeeze his hand and head towards the door. I quickly walk back down the long corridor towards the exit. The agitation in the pit of my stomach is crushing and I am at the point of crumbling to pieces any minute.

I climb in Kyle’s SUV and start the ignition. The urgency is overpowering to just drive and I am alarmed that I am not even remotely sure where I am headed. I turn the car towards the highway heading into the desert. I glance up at the sky. The sun has almost climbed out of sight and twilight is approaching. Where had the day gone? Maybe I can find my serenity in the silent hills of the desert.

[Dream Weaver]

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

Emz80m and thetvgeneral- you'll find you're correct.....
katydid and alizaleven-hope you like this part
darkness_within_me-glad you love the story.
nibbles2-I think you'll be happy with this part
Flamehair- I too loved the interaction between Kyle and Liz in the previous chapter.
aussietrueblue-glad you found my story Hope you find this part great too!

I am thinking there will be one more chapter and an epilogue......hope you enjoy!


Chapter 4

I don’t know why I have found myself here. Something started me out of my troubled sleep and has drawn me here. Pictures of her have been bombarding my mind all day, horrific pictures of her. Pictures of her hurt, bleeding and dying. I am panicked and terrified that something bad has happened to her and there is no way for me to get to her. God, I hate this! Leaving was supposed to keep her safe. But my mind says something so normal is threatening to take her away.

I have thought of her every day. Pined for her every minute and prayed for the miracle that would take me back to her, my angel; my heart! Now I can feel her slipping away and I am distraught and determined that if I have to die doing it I will find a way to get back to Earth!

Many nights after we left I came to this chamber in hopes to somehow find a way back to her. I place my cold hands on the cold heartless metal that sucked my life away the day it brought me back to this place and I bang my fist hard, completely frustrated that it won’t work yet again! God, I can feel hot tears streaming down my face and my heart is crumbling. Please let a miracle take me back!
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I watch in the doorway, quietly as to not disturb my friend. He is utterly beaten. I am torn and don’t even know how I can possibly comfort him. I have tried to dream walk all three of the friends we abandoned, but as always I can form no connection. It’s so frustrating to me that I can’t use my powers to ease his mind, since we have no way back to check to see if his nightmares are real or just the figment of his mind due to his guilt at leaving her behind. He is still trying to mend a broken heart and I see no hope of him ever moving on.

I enter the room and I can see the tears shining like glass on his face. His face shows the lines of utter desperation and the need to escape. We all have had those thoughts every day since we left our home and family to only return to this home that we don’t remember, with people we don’t love and duties we don’t feel obligated to fulfill. All of our hearts were left in Roswell, New Mexico.

I place my hands on his shoulders and he reaches up to lightly squeeze them. I place a hand next to his. We both stand in silence, in the still of the cavern hoping that we can find a way back home.

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Something has awoken me from my uneasy slumber. I walk to my balcony to stare up at the midnight sky. The stars sparkle like diamonds and are even more beautiful than the ones back home. Home, it’s funny that I am back on my planet but I don’t feel that it’s my home. My home lies with a petite girl with chocolate brown hair and eyes to get lost in. My heart is with her and always will be with her. That’s home to me.

When the four of us left Roswell, we had no idea what was in store for us. We thought we were leaving for the good of my unborn child. We thought we were sacrificing our life and happiness for him. Little did we know that Tess had mind warped all of us into believing that she was pregnant.

Once we arrived here, we soon learned that she had plans with Kivar, set up by Nasedo, to turn us over to him for execution so that she could live. She also had been the traitor in our other life, we later found out. It did ease my sister’s mind to finally know she had not betrayed us.

Lucky for us, my birth mother had felt us arriving and had intercepted us and was able to save us and arrest Tess before Kivar got to our location. Tess still sits in a jail cell, paying for all that she cost us.

Once we settled in, I realized that my connection to Liz was gone. Michael found his to Maria gone as well. Isabel tried on several occasions to connect to the others to let them know we were ok, but her powers didn’t work. They were forever lost to us.

We begged my mother to allow us to use the Granilith to go back, since the original transport chamber still remained on Earth with our pods. But our hopes and dreams of returning to our lives were soon dashed when we found out that one of us was needed to activate the chamber residing on Earth and it would take five “earth” years to travel back by alien transport. The three of us knew that we couldn’t expect them to be waiting for us after that long, without any contact from us, so we made a pact to try and live a decent life here.

I am now standing at a very familiar door. I sigh as I realize that my subconscious mind has brought me to the Granilith chamber yet again today. I have found myself being pulled here by something inside myself that I can’t seem to identify. I feel the need to be here, yet I know that there is no way that we can use it to return to Earth. I open the door and find Isabel and Michael standing next to the metal chamber used to teleport us back to our lives here and they both have there hands on it as if they are willing it to take us home.

I walk over and place one hand on Isabel’s arm. I glance over at Michael’s tear stained face and I can hear his fears. He still believes that his dreams are true and Maria is dying. I place my hand on the chamber along side theirs. I close my eyes and silently pray. If there is such thing as a miracle, please grant one now.
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I have been driving for what has seemed like forever. The hills of the desert run together after a while and you could get lost if you don’t know where you are going. When I frantically left the hospital, I had no idea that I would end up here. I stop my borrowed SUV and climb out. The stars were always so beautiful here, away from the town of Roswell.

I am saddened by the painful memories this place now holds for me. They have replaced the once joyous times in my life that this place held so long ago. But those times were shattered the day when my heart left me standing here in this desert. I grab the flashlight that I notice in the back seat and decide to face my demons and free myself of the memory that still haunts my dreams and the hope that my heart will come back to me.

I climb the familiar rocky path that I never thought I’d see again. Kyle, Maria and I made a pact that we’d never return to this place. Too much pain was left here that I am almost suffocated by it. You can feel the loss in the air around this now abandoned place. I have to climb over several boulders now in my path to get to my destination, probably from the explosion when they left.

I step to the edge of the cliff and stare up at the sky. I find the brightest star on the horizon, which many call the Christmas Star this time of year. For the past three years I have made the same wish and each year I am again let down. I sigh as I come to the realization that all the wishing in the world is not going to bring them back and the pain in that thought rips at my soul. I curse the star as the overwhelming loss I feel finally breaks me.

“Damn you Max! Damn you for leaving us behind!” I scream as hot tears stream down my face.

I angrily turn around to meet the rock barrier that used to open to the pod chamber. I can feel the green electricity burning my palms. I place my hot hand on the rock to try and cool it off when something unexpected happened. As I place my hand on the rock, a handprint appears.

“What the hell?” I think to myself. I remember that Max used to enter the chamber by this seal. “Why would it appear for me?”

I swallow hard and pull out an ounce of courage and waive my hand over the handprint. The rock begins to move and I am found standing at the entrance to the pod chamber. I close my eyes and shake my head wildly. “This can’t be happening.” I think to myself.

I open my eyes to find the opening still there. I turn on the flashlight and shine it into the black abyss of the chamber and enter. The pods are still hanging on the walls, unharmed. But after glancing around it looks to be the only area that has survived. I steady my legs and walk towards the pods. I can see a slight pale light illuminating the entrance to the former Granilith Chamber from the hole in the ceiling of the cavern. I climb through the opening.

The chamber is badly damaged with rock and debris lying all over the small cavern. I shine my flashlight and see that the metal housing that I believe protected the Granilith still stands, but a large boulder blocks my path. I reach out my hand and concentrate my power at the boulder and find that I am able to blast it out of my way.

I approach the now dormant chamber housing. This chamber is the cause of all my heartache. This chamber took them away from us and with them the only change Maria has to live. My fists are balled tightly at my side and I can no longer control the anger that has built up inside me. I punch hard on the metal chamber again and again as I cry hysterically, finally allowing myself to feel; to feel the loss of my soul mate and the imminent loss of my best friend. As I lash out, the energy builds in my hands, looking for an escape.

I place my hands subconsciously on the chamber and speak softly through my tears. “God, I beg you for a miracle. Please help me find a way to save her.”

Before I realize what I am doing, I feel the energy release out of the palm of my hands and into the metal chamber. A hear a slight hum right before a blinding flash pushes out and I am thrown backwards against the wall.

I slowly sit up, rubbing the back of my aching head. I look up and through blurred vision, I see the metal chamber now glowing blue. “What the hell did I do?” I say out loud to no one in particular.

I slowly stand on my now wobbling legs, trying to make sense of what has just happened when I hear a voice that I never thought I would hear again. The voice was pained with emotion and disbelief. “Liz?”

I quickly turn in the direction of my name and standing next to the now humming Granilith chamber is Max, Isabel and Michael. I blink in disbelief. Am I dreaming?
I find my voice and it’s almost inaudible. “Ma…x?”

None of us move. We are all four silenced and in utter disbelief. Max finally makes the first move towards me. My body is in overload and I can feel the world begin to swirl around me. He is inches from me and he reaches out and lightly touches my cheek. The tears well in his eyes as he catches my gaze and our connection is brought back to life.

Images begin to bombard me all at once, crowding my mind. Images of Antar, his life the past few years and lastly Tess’s betrayal. As our connection breaks, my knees buckle. It’s just too much for my body and mind to handle. I hear my on voice call out her name as I loose consciousness. “Maria.”

[Dream Weaver]

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

begonia9508: I am glad you like the way Liz brought the aliens back!
Luna_Seer: Glad you like the story. I am sure they all were surprised; you’ll see the reaction in the next few chapters.
Aussietrueblue: Glad you liked the last part!
Lou: Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long…:oops:
Flamehair: Glad you were touched by the last part….yes it’s really great that Liz “accidentally” activated the Granolith…. Happy New Year to you too!
darkness_within_me: Thank you Chica!
Katydid: Yep, I think it was the perfect way to bring them back too!
nibbles2: Yep, it’s a great coincidence that they were there at the exact same time as Liz…I guess those connections weren’t lost after all huh?
Emz80m: Well perhaps the humans haven’t moved on either….huh?
TheOtherWillow: Thank you so much Amy! Glad I can bring you to the dreamer side, even if it’s only temporarily….
Erinkatie: Glad you are caught up and that you like the story so far!

And thanks to the lurkers also!

A/N: Ok guys. I know I said last time I’d have one more chapter and the possibly an epilogue but I have good news…I am adding one more chapter in before the epilogue. I just couldn’t rush the plot as I felt I was doing. I know I have went past December (The Christmas Nazi will be very disappointed) but I figured its better to work with the story than end it too quickly.

The beginning of this chapter is going to give you all a quick glimpse in all three minds of the returning Aliens because I felt it was kind of lacking in the previous chapter so I added it in here. Hope you all enjoy it. I have the final chapter and epilogue almost done so they will both probably be up this weekend!

Now on with the show!

Chapter 5

Our connection breaks and I watch as she collapses to the ground. God, am I really here? Is this really Liz? My head is pounding from all the memories I have just received from her. How unhappy she has been. I am saddened by the fact that I have caused her so much pain. But how am I here? Isabel and Michael are standing behind me also. Are we really home?

I am afraid to move, afraid to blink, afraid I am going to wake up any minute from this wonderful wish come true. I drop to my knees and call out her name, hoping to God that she’ll wake up.
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The bright flash dissipates and my vision returns as I try to get a bearing on my new surroundings. I raise my hand in protection, an automatic reflex for me. My mind is all jumbled and I am completely confused. I feel an instant pull to this place and realize after a few moments that we have somehow been transported back home. How the hell did we get back here? Then the realization hits me hard, God, I am home! Tears of happiness well in my eyes and I look over in time to see my brother kneel next to an unconscious Liz……. Liz? Now I am totally confused.

I look over with a questioned look to find Michael staring out, eyes fixed on the blackness of the cave. I touch him and get no response. I call out his name, “Michael?”

He turns to me and looks into my eyes. I can see pain. His heart is breaking. He opens his mouth to speak.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am completely overwhelmed. Panic is filling my body. My instant connection to her reforms as soon as the flash dims. I now realize where I am. We are in the old Granolith Chamber, but how? I see Liz and watch for a split second as Max walks towards her. She is in utter shock, but then again so am I. I feel a pull towards something I cannot see as I glance into the darkness and begin to see flashes of her. She is hurt and I can feel her fading away from me. Oh God, not Maria! I hear Isabel call my name,

“Michael?” I turn to her to speak but the only work I can form is “Maria.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

I can feel a slight pain in my head and my arms and legs feel weak. I am completely unaware of how I have ended up here lying on the hard rock floor. The last thing I remember is placing my hands onto the metal shell that used to house the Granolith. I try and move, but my body rejects that idea. I groan slightly as I shift my body, trying to sit up.

It is then that I feel two strong arms reaching down to cradle me. I frantically try and pull out of the unknown grasp until I feel a very familiar touch. “Liz?” I hear my name and I remember why I passed out. I open my eyes and find myself blinking twice before it registers to me that I am looking into the hazel eyes of Max Evans. He lays a gentle hand on my cheek and gives me a small smile. His eyes show the overwhelming emotion that threatens to escape them as his hand softly strokes my cheek.

I feel the hot tears trailing down my cheek and onto his cool, calming touch. Realization finally hits home and my mind is screaming, “Max is here!” I am overwhelmed with thoughts. I can touch him, feel him; he is real and not some sick figment of my imagination! I reach up and touch his cheek to reaffirm that he is really in front of me and can feel the tears fall gently on my now shaking hand. Then, in almost an automatic reflex for me, I collapse into his arms.

His embrace sets my soul free and I feel alive once again. The empty place in my heart is now full again and I can’t help but pull back from his embrace long enough to place a long overdue kiss on his lips. He returns my kiss with a passion and intensity I have never felt from him before. The emotions that ignite inside my body are enough to take my breath away and I actually feel like our bodies have been suspended in time.

I am lost in this incredible intimate moment with Max until Maria again crosses my mind.
I pull away from Max gently. If Max is back then maybe there is still time to save Maria! I turn my head to the right side of the cavern and lock a gaze with Michael. I can see the frantic mood playing across his face. I know in an instant that he somehow knows that something is very wrong. I reach my hand out to him and he kneels beside me before clearing his throat to speak.

“Liz, where’s Maria?” I can hear the torment in his voice and it breaks my heart to have to answer his question.

I slowly sit up, with Max’s help, and take both of Michael’s hands in mine before I pull in a deep breath to answer. “She’s hurt, Michael. She is a coma. They don’t have hope that she’ll come out of it.”

Michael’s eyes turn instantly into pools of utter despair. He covers his face and the most eerie sound escapes his lips as he sobs uncontrollably. Isabel makes her way over to us and takes him into her arms as I watch Michael, the man I remember as the strongest person I knew, crumble into a million pieces.

Max pulls my hands into his and speaks, his voice cracking with the pain he is feeling for his brother. “Is it too late for me to…..to……?”

I place a finger to his lips to stop him in mid sentence. “I think there’s hope now that you are here. Thank god you are back.”

Isabel looks over into my direction, still cradling a now quiet but miserable Michael. She smiles slightly before she speaks. “Yes we’re back, but how did we get here is the question.”

Max stands up; before he reaches down to help me up. “We have time to discuss that. First let’s go help Maria.”

Michael rises slowly, with Isabel’s help before reaching out and taking my hand gently. He quickly pulls me into a tight hug. I am completely thrown off guard to see Michael so vulnerable. I guess his heart has never forgotten or let go of Maria. He regains his composure and lets me go. He looks into my eyes as he says, with more emotion than I have ever heard from him, “I don’t know how you brought us back home, Liz Parker, but I will be forever grateful to you. Hopefully we are not too late.”

“Well, let’s go to Maria.” I say as I give his shoulder a squeeze before I turn to lead the three returning members of the Pod Squad to the SUV.

[Dream Weaver]

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

A/N: Well, this is the final chapter and the Epilogue I promised. This was a really hard challenge for me but I am happy I have finally completed a fic! Thanks to all of you who have taken this journey with me and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writting it.


Thanks for all the feedback guys!

Chapter 6

The discouraging machine beeps as I enter the room to find Kyle asleep in the chair beside her bed. I have told the others to wait outside so I could prepare Kyle for the definite shock he was about to encounter. I walk over to Maria’s lifeless and spiritless body and take her hand. I again pray for some sign that she is with me in that room, but the silence is almost too heart wrenching to bear.

I swallow my tears and speak to her, hoping that in some way she is able to hear me.
“Hey Ria. I have such a surprise for you. I only hope you are going to wake up for it,”

A rustle comes from the chair and I realize Kyle is waking up. “Liz?” His voice is groggy from sleep. “Any change?”

I place Maria’s hand back on the hard bed and walk around to Kyle. He watches me and a curious look spans his face. “Why are you looking at me that way, Parker? I believe you are almost smiling. Shouldn’t this situation be a sober one?”

A voice that I am still not used to hearing speaks. “Well, maybe she’s just hopeful that we can still save her.”

Kyle jumps straight up and spins around so quickly that he trips over his chair and lands hard on the floor right before Max. He looks up and I swear he believes he is seeing a ghost. He reaches up and rubs his eyes frantically twice before he can even speak.

“Evans…..holy shit!”

“Looks like Liz found the jackpot in the desert huh?” Isabel walks in behind Max and I can’t contain the small giggle in my throat as she speaks, “Man Valenti, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you rendered speechless before.”

Kyle’s jaw hits the floor and Max reaches down to help him up. Isabel smirks lightly, “Ok, I know we are royalty and all, but I am so damn tired of people throwing themselves at my feet to last a lifetime.”

I turn to address Max when I notice Michael has not entered the room. I glance over Max’s shoulder and find him frozen at the door. I glance back at Max who has now noticed my gaze and turns to his friend who is on the verge of loosing it again.

“We’ll fix this Michael.” Max says lightly.

Michael doesn’t answer. He just passes Max and walks over to Maria’s side. We are all silent as we watch him lean in and lightly lay a small kiss on her forehead. He swallows hard and I can see the tears forming in his eyes. “Hey angel.”

My heart is breaking and I reach for Max’s hand and he is there and takes it lightly. I have forgotten how wonderful it feels to just hold his hand. I walk towards Maria with Max and I call over my shoulder, “Kyle, has Amy and Sheriff Valenti gone home?”

“Yep, I was left for the night shift. They both were wiped.” Kyle stood up and headed towards the door, already well aware of what I am implying. As he passes by Max, he grabs his shoulder and answered my question before I have even asked it. “I have the door Max, do your magic.” He glances up and meets Max’s eyes as he adds, “Bring her back to us. Life will not be the same without her.”

“I’ll do everything I can for her.” Max answers as he squeezes Kyle’s shoulder as he walks over and shuts the door and locks it.

Isabel and Michael both stand to the right side and Max approaches Maria. I glance up to see the welling up tears in the corners of his eyes as he places a shaking hand on her chest. “Hey Maria.” Max says. His voice cracks a little and I silently pray for him to heal her.

Max gently pulls back the blanket and places both of his hands on Maria. He closes his eyes and I watch as his hands glow green. A light illuminates the room and only intensifies the longer Max works at saving Maria. I can see the strain on him and sweat beads down the side of his face as he focuses all his energy on her.

I glance at the clock on the dismal white wall. I find that what has seemed like hours has only been five minutes. I turn and see Max straining to keep at the task in front of him. He is growing weak quickly and his legs are shaking slightly as he is trying to keep from falling.

I reach out to touch Max lightly on his shoulder. I suddenly hear his voice in my head. “I can’t keep this up much longer, Liz.”

“Take power from me Max.” I answer back and I swallow hard and remove my hand from his shoulder and place it on his.

I can hear the confusion in his voice as he weakly answers back. “But Liz, you don’t have powers. I can’t risk hurting you.”

“Yes I do but I don’t have time for explanations, just let me help you.” I am looking him in the eyes now and he nods in understanding. He places his hands over mine and I am instantly drawn into his power. The intensity I feel is overwhelming as the power rides up from my arms and into Maria. I hear Max’s voice again. “Concentrate on my hands Liz and I’ll control the power.”

I feel a sudden surge of power radiate out and I am suddenly pulled into flashes. But they are not mine or Max’s, they are Maria’s. Tears are forming underneath my eyelids as her life flashes before us. I see us as little girls playing at recess and playing dress up in my room. I see us a teenagers waiting tables at the Crash Down and laughing like we used to.
I am saddened when I am pulled into the memory of how she felt as we watched the alien’s leave Earth and I can feel how broken she was without Michael and then finally when she felt she had lost me.

I gasp as her final memory of the car crash hits me and then I am thrown out of her mind with such force that I am thrown backwards and onto the floor. The tears burst from my eyes and I am unable to move due to the lack of energy remaining in my body. I feel two arms lifting me up and I look up to see Kyle’s eyes. He cradles me as I weep.

“She thinks I abandoned her Kyle. She thinks I gave up on her.” I am now on the point of hysterics and my sobs are uncontrollable. “I should have told her about the powers. I should have been there for her. She had lost someone she loved too. She was my best friend and I should have trusted her.”

Kyle wraps his arms around me and holds me close. I can feel his hot tear stained face.
“You both were always too stubborn for your own good, Liz.”

I glance up and see Michael and Isabel helping a semi-conscious Max Evans to a chair. He is physically and mentally drained. I stand up with Kyle’s help and he helps me to the chair beside Maria.

I reach out and touch her hand lightly before I grab it up and speak to her hoping she might wake up. “Ria? It’s Liz. Can you open your eyes Chica?”

Maria doesn’t respond to me and her hand still feels lifeless. I am crushed. “Ria? Please come back to us. If you can hear me squeeze my hand.”

You can hear a pin drop in the room as we all wait. When she doesn’t respond, I am devastated. “She’s not responding, Max.” I say as I lay my head down on her hand and weep.
“We you able to heal her Max?” Michael stated flatly. But we can all hear the anticipation in his voice as he waits for Max to answer.

“There was so much damage Michael. I healed what I could, but I don’t know if the damage to her brain was repairable. I’m so sorry”

Max is on the verge of tears and Isabel holds her brother as tears are now visible on her face. She speaks softly,” We’re too late, aren’t we Max?”

Before Max has time to speak, Michael is by Maria’s bedside. “NO!” he yells. “We are not too late. We can’t be.”

We watch as a devastated Michael takes Maria’s other hand in his. He speaks only to her and the room silently cries as we watch, still praying for a miracle.

Michael brushes back her hair and leans in for a chaste kiss on her forehead. “Hey Angel, it’s your Space boy.” He pauses and chuckles nervously before continuing. “Remember how I used to hate it when you called me that….” He is fighting back the sobs that now threaten to escape. “God, I would give anything to see those beautiful lips call me that again. Angel, I would give you the world if you would just open those breathtaking eyes of yours and look at me.”

Everyone in the room is holding their breaths waiting for a response from her. When nothing happens, Michael looses it. His sobs ring though the hospital room. Isabel tries to rise, but Max holds her next to him, letting Michael feel his pain and grief.

No one but the two of them exists to him and he swallows hard and speaks to her again. “Please Maria. I know you want to punish me for leaving you like that and I know that I broke your heart, but I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you will only come back to me………” He leaned in to kiss her lips as he whispers, “Come back to me.”

Their lips meet and a light radiates from them and is almost blinding. Michael pulls away, dazed as he watches on bated breath for Maria to respond. Sobs of joy escape me as I watch Maria’s eyes slowly open. She blinks twice before a slight smile appears on her face. “I was wondering what was taking you so long Spaceboy…..did you think I was going to wait around forever?”

Michael answers her with a kiss and the room jumps up and around her bedside. Michael pulls away and looks at me. “Well, I think you should thank Liz for bringing us back.”

I am by her side and she slowly turns her head to me “Hey Chica, I’ve been wondering when you might drop by.”

I lean in and wrap my arms gently around my friend and my weeping starts again. “God, Maria, I’m so sorry.”

I feel her weak hand on my back. I look up to find her eyes sparkling with tears. “I’ve missed you Lizzie.”

I wipe my cheek and take her hand, smiling. “Not as much as I’ve missed you.”

Maria glances over at Michael before again speaking. “And don’t think you bringing me back and all lets you off the hook Michael Guerin. You’ve got a lot to make up for.”

Michael smiles and takes her hand. “It will be my pleasure to spend the rest of my life doing just that.”

[Dream Weaver]

Epilogue

…………So journal, that, in a nutshell is how we brought Maria back and how I finally arrived home for the holidays. It’s been two days and the doctors are still completely baffled. Medically, Maria should be brain dead and possibly dead. They are trying to get her to go through bunches of tests, but she is adamant that she is through with their tests. Hopefully she’ll be out in a few days or so.

It turns out that Kyle had filled Maria in on the powers thing when he began to develop them, but she was not going to pry with me. She said she figured I’d come around sooner or later; something about me being too damn stubborn or something. But she says one good thing came from her almost “demise”. We got our friends back.

Isabel, Michael and Max got a message sent through from Larek through Brody. Yes, he still is over at the UFO Center. Larek is sending a ship with a team of body guards and a few workers to try and help figure out a way they can use the granolith so that they can travel back easier. As long as I am here on earth, I can get them back. We found out that because of my connection to Max and him healing me, I have part of his essence in my DNA so I was able to activate it because it recognized his essence on me.

Michael has not left Maria’s side. Of course she keeps telling me it’s going to take a lot more that him hanging around her like a lost puppy, but we all know that’s just Maria’s way of busting his chops. When she thinks no one is looking, she watches him and the love that fills her eyes is enough to tell me that it won’t be long before forgiveness comes.

As for me, it’s been a long road. I spent Christmas Eve with my parents, who were overjoyed and I really haven’t seen Max since that night. I told him I kind of needed time to get my head straight. I am not really sure how I am supposed to feel, but I know they say time heals all wounds…..hopefully that’s true in my case.

I close my journal and place it on my side table. I stare up at the starry night and sigh to myself. It really has been a long couple of days. I hear a familiar sound by my ladder and I turn my head to find Max Evans standing on my balcony. He has his hands behind his back.

I can’t help but smile. “What brings you to my balcony this fine night Mr. Evans?”

He walks over to me and a smirk is apparent on his face. He kneels down beside me. “I know you said you needed time, but you never said how long. I figured what the hell.”

He brings his hidden hand around to reveal mistletoe. “I also didn’t get my Christmas kiss.”

He holds the mistletoe over my head and I begin to protest, “Max….” I giggle and open my lips to speak but he silences me with his index finger. His eyes grow dark with passion and I feel my cheeks warm and my want for him to kiss me grows strong. When I don’t protest he leans down and we kiss.

He pulls away gently and places his hand to caress my cheek. “So Miss Parker, do I still have a chance to show you that I made the biggest mistake of my life when I left and show you how I intend to spend the rest of our lives making it up to you?”

I look into his hazel eyes and know that there will never be another one to fill my soul up like Max Evans. I take his hands in mine and answer him with a kiss that tells him all he ever needs to know. So I guess my Christmas Wish finally came true, huh?