Everything To You Series (CC/Mature) (Complete)

[sylvia37]

Winner - Round 8







Winner Round 7



Tess









Winner Round 6




Title: Everything to you
Author: Sylvia P.
Category: Max/Liz with a little Candy action
Rating: Mature for language and some sexual situations/ Adult later on
Disclaimer: I don’t own them, but I’d like to borrow them for a while just to fix things.

Synopsis: Set after "Control". Liz can't handle Max's seeming indifference to her feelings so she breaks up with him, but Max's life starts to spin out of control and discoveries are made that change everything. It follows along with the show for a few episodes but then goes off on it's own tangent.



I'm reposting the last part of this since it was only out for a few days. I'm working on the next part and I hope to have it by the end of next week. Thanks to everyone whose already commented .

Oh and just a note. I am re-posting my first fanfic, "The Conversation" on the repost board. Check it out. It's a post "Departure" fic and it's only 10 parts long, but it was my first try at this.

Here's the link to the first 1-42 Parts in the archive:

http://www.roswellfanatics.net/archive/ ... 46211.html

Everything to You Part 42


Liz looked in the mirror to check her hair as she straightened her apron. It was up in a high pony tail and she adjusted the antennae a little before exiting the bathroom and heading out onto the restaurant floor. Saturday morning breakfast rush was over but soon, lunch rush would begin and Mark was coming in for his promised meal today.

Making the rounds of her tables, Liz couldn’t help but be a little preoccupied, and it didn’t have anything to do with Mark coming in. No, as usual, it had to do with love life or lack thereof. Liz sighed, then berated herself for it. The ache in her chest was not going to go away that easily. If it was that easy, the mountain of sighs she’d let out in the last month would have worked already.

A month. One very long, very frustrating, very worrisome month had gone by since the night that Michael had demonstrated an alien’s lack of tolerance for alcohol and there had been no change in her relationship with Max. No, scratch that. There had been a change, but it wasn’t for the better.

Liz didn’t know what happened to send Max running out the door that night, but whatever it was, it had caused a severe setback in his progress. At least before, he would speak when spoken to and make an attempt to interact with Liz and his friends, sitting with them at lunch and occasionally meeting them after school.

But since that night, Max had withdrawn almost to the point of rudeness. He rarely spoke, and when he did, it was only because he was asked a direct question. He didn’t socialize at all now, and he’d even quit sitting with them at lunch.

The day after Michael’s incident at CowPatty’s, Liz tried to talk to Max about what happened but whenever she tried to reach him, he either wasn’t home, or Mrs. Evans said he was in his room napping, or so she thought. Liz thought he was just avoiding her. When he didn’t show up for lunch at school the following day, she knew it. So she went looking for him. It wasn’t until she’d almost given up that she finally found him running around the track. Her heart had ached at the sight. The aura of loneliness that surrounded him at that moment was almost a tangible thing, but when Liz tried to talk to Max about it, he said that he just wanted to get back in shape because he’d been letting his exercise routine go and that he needed to get to class. Liz tried not to be hurt by his abruptness, but the ache in her chest had become permanent when he continued to avoid talking to her and she knew now that he ran every day during lunch.


Patience is a virtue, or so Liz told herself, and after all, you don’t get over losing your child in just a couple of months and that was just part of the baggage Max was carrying around, but patience had never been Liz’s strong suit. And even though Max wasn’t talking, she could tell that his withdrawal was taking a toll. Circles remained beneath his eyes, and they’d lost most of their luminescence. He never smiled and any spark of life that had previously been there, seemed to have died with Zan. It was as though by burying his feelings, he’d buried himself. And Liz could understand up to a point. He was terrified of allowing all of his bottled up emotions out, but this was getting serious. She was afraid for him.

And she wasn’t the only one. Diane Evans had come to see her yesterday during her evening shift.

“I can’t seem to get through to him, Liz. Except for a long talk Phillip and I and Isabel had about their powers and some of the things that have happened over the last few years, Max has barely spoken to us. He comes home from school, does his homework, goes to work on the nights he’s scheduled, eats with us occasionally, but that’s it. When Phillip and I try to get him to talk, he answers us in one or two word sentences.” Diane Evan’s brow wrinkled in concern as she looked at Liz. “And he’s still not sleeping. I hear him almost every night. I don’t know what to do. Has he spoken to you about any of this?”

“No, Mrs. Evans,” Liz was forced to answer. “but I’m sure he’ll get better. He just needs time.”

Liz wished she could say the same. With Graduation only a little more than a month away, college was looming on the horizon, and despite receiving several college acceptance letters, Liz couldn’t muster much enthusiasm. How could she think about leaving Roswell without Max? Especially the way things were right now.

The door jingled and Liz looked up to see Mark striding in. He smiled when he saw her, and Liz smiled back, pushing her depressing thoughts to the back of her mind as she walked towards him. “Hey.”

“Hi. I’m here for my consolation lunch,” Mark’s eyes sparkled at her, his lips curving as he took in her lifted eyebrow.

“Poor baby. It must have been so horrible that you had to take Laurel to Prom instead of me. And be named King and Queen too. My heart aches. Really.” Liz teased him. “Besides, I’ve see you and Laurel together. Don’t tell me you’re sorry about that.”

Mark acknowledged her statement with a shake of his head. “You’re right. Laurel’s great and if you hadn’t said no, I wouldn’t have found that out.” Mark sat at the counter. “But that doesn’t mean that you don’t owe me still.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t go back on my word. A deal’s a deal.” Liz pulled out her order pad. “So, what would you like, Sir.”

Liz took his order and excused herself to get his drink and work her other tables before coming back to chat. They talked about finals and what they had planned for summer and Mark told her about his acceptance to Cornell and how now that he and Laurel had started dating, it was going to be harder to leave. Liz nodded in understanding, the ache in her chest intensifying for a moment as all of her previous thoughts came rushing back.

Just as she was about to shake them off, she felt a hum in the air and looked up to find Max and his parents entering the front door. Mrs. Evans waved and Liz waved back as her eyes were drawn inevitably to Max. He glanced her way and his steps faltered slightly when he saw Mark sitting at the counter, but his expression didn’t change as he acknowledged her with a slight nod.

Liz’s heart sank a little lower as she took in his stoic features. This is why she hadn’t confronted him yet. His whole demeanor screamed “keep your distance” and Liz admitted to herself that she was afraid. Afraid that she wouldn’t be able to get through the walls he’d erected and that her already tattered heart would get trampled beyond repair if she allowed herself to open it up to him. They were both protecting themselves and it was getting them nowhere.

The Evan’s had chosen a table that wasn’t in her section, and Liz was relieved. She wasn’t sure that she could hide her feelings at Max’s seeming indifference from his parents. She tried instead to concentrate on her and Mark’s conversation and ignore the humming in the air as her connection to Max intensified with his close proximity.

At their table, Mrs. Evans took in the atmosphere of tension between her son and Liz as Max seemed totally indifferent to his one time girlfriend. Diane held back her sigh of frustration with her son’s stubbornness. She knew it was exactly the opposite, but she also knew that he wouldn’t admit to his feelings. She’d had to practically turn on tears to get him to come to lunch with them today, hoping that seeing Liz and getting out of the house would do him some good, but obviously he’d cut himself off from everyone, not just her and Phillip.

Max for his part, tried his best to ignore the two people at the counter. He hadn’t wanted to come here in the first place, but his mother’s expression when she asked him to come to lunch had made him bite down on his automatic negative response. His father’s worried expression had added to his guilt until he’d given in. Now, if he could just get through this meal without throwing up, he’d be doing good. His exercise equipment was calling his name and he just wanted to go home and lose himself in his workout routine.

Cringing inwardly as he heard Liz laugh at something Mark said, Max swallowed as he stared at the menu. Since the night in the park, Max had spent all of his time physically…. going to school, working, eating when he had to…and working out. Everyday, he ran during lunch and every night, he worked on his strengthening equipment until he exhausted himself enough to at least get a few hours of sleep without nightmares. It was the only way he managed to get any sleep at all. Mentally…it was basically the same story. While he hardened his body… he fortified the walls surrounding his emotions, the rote of his workout routine helping to alleviate the stress of constantly keeping his feelings in check.

He was too afraid of letting go of his control. The few times he’d let any of his emotions get away from him, Max had been shocked at the amount of violence they’d demonstrated. His grip on his alien energy became tenuous during those moments and he was terrified he might hurt something…or someone. The thought of Liz being within 10 feet of him if he lost control…... That’s why he physically as well as mentally kept his distance from her. That and the fact that his guilt over the things he remembered was eating him alive. The only problem was, it was getting harder and harder to ignore the signals Liz was putting out. Max knew he was hurting her…he just didn’t know how to stop.

Seeing her with Mark was like a dagger in his heart, but he dismally reminded himself that he was the one pushing her away. If she wanted to start a relationship with another guy, what could he possibly say about it? Max ran a finger along his upper lip, not surprised to see it tremble. This was going to be the lunch from hell, he just knew it.

Liz served Mark’s lunch and quickly checked on her other tables before going back to have a soda while he ate. They were talking about his move to New York when her father came bursting through the kitchen door.

“Liz! You’ve got a letter from Northwestern.” Heads turned in their direction as her father enthusiastically announced it loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear. One head in particular jerked in her direction at the mention of college but Liz didn’t notice. This was actually one letter she’d been waiting for. This was the college she really wanted to go to and despite all of the unknowns in her life right now, she couldn’t help but be excited by the prospect of getting into her first choice and by her father’s enthusiasm.

“Don’t keep us in suspense, Liz. Open it.” Mark said, smiling encouragingly.

Liz ran her finger under the flap and pulled the letter out. The smile that spread across her face was all the answer they needed, and her father pulled her into a bear hug, lifting her from the floor.

“Congratulations Sweetie.” Liz hugged him back excitedly. When he put her down, Mark slid his arm around her shoulders, hugging her lightly.

“That’s fantastic, Liz. Congratulations.”

Liz turned to Mark intending to thank him, when she was hit by a wave of jealous emotion so intense that she almost doubled over with it. Her body tensed with the effort of resisting it, and her breath came out in a gasp. It left almost as quickly as it came, but Liz was left breathless by it’s effect and she ignored Mark’s anxious inquiry as she turned her head just in time to see Max bolting for the front door. His parents sat at the table in stunned surprise at his abrupt departure and Liz was suddenly furious. Damn it, there was no way he was doing this again.

“I’m sorry, will you excuse me for a minute. I have to do something.” Liz ran to the glass doors and yanked them open, seeing Max striding quickly down the sidewalk.

“Max!” Liz called running after him and she saw his steps falter then stop as he heard her coming up behind him. His instinct said run, but Max couldn’t do it. It would be like slapping her in the face.

Liz circled in front of him, a little breathless, taking in his tense features. Her fury abated a little at his expression, but it didn’t go away and she cut right to the chase.

“I felt it Max. You can’t keep hiding from me.”

Max felt his cheeks redden at her directness and his automatic denial died on his lips. “I….I’m sorry. I didn’t….I’m sorry.” He said again. Max looked down into her own flushed face and he was mesmerized momentarily by the becoming color in her cheeks and the way her dark eyes snapped at him in worried irritation.

“I don’t want your apologies, Max. I want you to admit what happened back there.”

Max looked away from her, unable to say anything. He was hanging on by a thread.

Liz waited and watched as his struggle to remain in control showed on his face for a moment, but when he didn’t say anything, she plunged forward, determined to make him admit his jealousy.

“I won’t let you do this, Max. I know what I felt. Why can’t you just admit that you’re jealous of Mark.” Liz saw him wince, and the air crackled for a moment with energy before Max’s jaw tightened in control.

“Okay…”Max finally conceded, knowing she wasn’t going to let it go. “I….I saw him touch you and I…..but it doesn’t matter.” Max looked her in the eye and opened his mouth to utter the stupidest words he’d ever said.

“I have no right to feel ….that way….and if you want to be with…..”

“Don’t you even think about finishing that sentence.”

Max’s teeth snapped closed as Liz’s furious words cut him off punctuated by the accompanying emotion penetrating their connection, and he looked away from her, ashamed. She was right. This wasn’t about her wanting to be with someone else because deep down where Max allowed his emotions to live, he knew that Liz wanted to be with him and that Mark was only her friend. It wasn’t fair of him to pawn his inability to express his feelings off on her. Max also kept his apology to himself, knowing that she already could tell how sorry he was.

Liz’s heart softened as Max’s miserable expression told her that he knew what he’d been about to do. She wanted to pull him into her arms and kiss away the crease in his forehead and tell him it was okay …..Liz took a deep breath. No. No more wishing. No more waiting. It was time for action.

“Max, will you do something for me?”

Max nodded hesitantly, still not looking directly at her. He could feel that her anger had abated but he was afraid he knew what she was going to ask him, and he wasn’t going to like it.

“Can I meet you later at your house? I want to go for a drive.” Liz watched as his head finally came up and he looked at her in puzzled wariness.

“Uh….”

“I’ll come by your house after my shift….around 3:00.”

“Why…”

“Don’t ask questions. Just…will you do this for me?”

With everything in him screaming that this was a bad idea, Max nodded slowly. He couldn’t say no to her after what happened today. Something had to give and either way, it had to be today.

Liz felt her shoulders relax as he agreed. “Good…..I have to get back. I’ll see you later.” Liz turned towards the CrashDown.

“Liz….” She turned back towards Max as he stood on the sidewalk with his hands in his pockets.

“Congratulations on the letter.” Liz smiled, surprised by his words, grateful for them even if she wasn’t sure he actually meant it.

“And..uh…. will you tell my parents that….”

“Don’t worry about it, Max.” Liz watched as he nodded and turned away, and she hurried back to the restaurant.

As she entered the CrashDown, Liz immediately headed to the Evan’s table to reassure them that Max was okay and that he was sorry he’d worried them. She didn’t tell them in detail what was going on, but Liz did tell them that she would be by this afternoon to get him and that she had a plan to try and help him. They were concerned and relieved and offered their thanks and encouragement and Liz was grateful that they were so understanding.

Luckily, she’d only had one table left when she’d ran after Max, so Liz quickly apologized to them, telling them that she’d had an emergency, but they were fine so she finally went back to where Mark was watching her curiously. She felt slightly embarrassed, knowing how it had looked to see her rushing out the door after Max, but first she had to talk to her father.

She found Jeff Parker at the grill, and Liz quickly explained that she and Max were trying to renew their relationship and that he’d gotten the wrong impression from Mark’s affectionate gesture and she’d run after him to reassure him that they were just friends. If her father thought that Max’s reaction was a little extreme, he didn’t say so, but he did admonish her for running out on her customers to chase after her boyfriend and Liz apologized and told him that she’d already apologized to her customers.

Mark was just finishing his meal when Liz reemerged from the kitchen.

“So…you and Max are…..”

“No…yes….I don’t know.” Mark raised an eyebrow at her and Liz felt herself blush.

“Max is….having some problems and….I’m trying to help him.”

“Yeah, I noticed he was out for that week a while back and then he seemed…I don’t know….I mean he was never a bundle of laughs anyway but……”

“He’s….he went through some stuff and …..he’s having a hard time.” Liz didn’t want to talk about this with Mark. No one outside their inner circle could possibly understand.

“You’re still in love with him.” Mark’s stated bluntly.

Liz looked at him wide eyed, but nodded after a moment, seeing no reason to deny it. “Yeah.”

“Does he love you?”

“Yes,” Liz answered truthfully. There was never any doubt in her mind that Max loved her.

Mark nodded thoughtfully at her firm answer. “Well….I hope he deserves you, Parker.” Liz heard the faint note of regret in his voice, but he quickly hid it and stood up, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket. Liz stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Hey, I owe you, remember?”

Mark smiled. “I know. I was just going to leave a tip.”

“It’s on the house,” Liz smiled up at him and walked with him to the door. More people were coming in and she was about to get busy again.

“Thanks for lunch, Liz. I’ll see you at school on Monday.”

“Bye.”

Liz returned to her tables, taking drink orders but as things began to pick up, her mind was only half on her work.

“I hope he deserves you, Parker.”

She had to admit that when she’d finally broken up with Max after his trip to LA, Liz had felt used and betrayed, but now that she knew the truth…it wasn’t a matter of who deserved what.

Max needed her…. and she wanted him back to the way he was before Tess got her claws in him. Maybe that was unrealistic of her considering all that he’d been through, but Liz was determined to give him a chance to find himself again. The Max that had saved her life was still there. Afraid….scarred….but not gone. And if it had to be a matter of what was deserved, then they both deserved the chance at the happiness that had been stolen from them and to start their relationship over with a clean slate.

This afternoon would be the start and now that she’d taken the plunge, Liz felt relief as well as apprehension. She needed to make some calls.

Liz didn’t have any illusions that Max would instantly be back to his old self, but hopefully she could help him face his past, and get beyond it. Either that or push him right over the edge, that nasty little negative voice in Liz’s head taunted her.

No! No this was the right thing to do. From what she’d seen and felt today, Max was riding the edge of a very thin line and she’d allowed her fear to let it go on for too long. Max needed help facing his demons and if he wasn’t going to ask for it, then she was going to have to force him to confront them whether he wanted to or not. Liz just hoped that they would all come out better in the end, because she wasn’t just fighting for their relationship…Liz was fighting for Max’s sanity and possibly for his survival.


TBC...
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[sylvia37]

Well guys, I debated putting this out here now, but I needed a place to stop or it wouldn't be out this week. Thanks for all the comments and bumps and I hope you like the new part.

I guess I should give an angst warning so consider yourselves warned. Let me know what you think.


Everything To You Part 43

“We should have brought lawn chairs,” Maria said, sitting awkwardly on the ground. Her new jeans were getting dusty. Michael didn’t acknowledge her comment as he rested against the rock formation, not really caring that his cloths were getting dirty. He was too preoccupied by what was about to take place.

When Liz called and told him what she was planning, he’d immediately said yes to her request, although he was a little skeptical about the results. Basically, he and Maria were just supposed to wait by the ruins of the pod chamber and watch as she tried to get Max to…..Michael wasn’t sure what she was trying to get Max to do.

Words like, “expressing his feelings” and “releasing his stress” just didn’t seem adequate for what Max needed. Michael was not normally sensitive to other people’s feelings but even he could tell that if Max didn’t get rid of some of that pent up rage and grief he was going to lose it. Liz was basically going to try and goad him into letting it out. She wasn’t afraid that he would hurt her, but she was afraid he might end up hurting himself or not be able to control himself once he started.

Michael hadn’t voiced his opinion on that matter, but he remembered very well what it felt like to have Max strangling the life out of him when they fought about Khivar. Liz didn’t think she needed protection, but Michael wasn’t so sure. Maria was of the same mind. The minute she heard what Liz asked him, she’d insisted that she was coming in case Liz needed her. She was worried about Max too, but she was more concerned for her friend.

Michael and Maria were stationed on one side of the pod chamber, somewhat elevated so they could see over the top of the jagged wall where the top had exploded away. Liz had said she was going to Max’s house and drive him out here and then….she seemed unsure at that point. She really didn’t have a set plan, just a vague idea of getting Max alone and making him face the terrible things that had happened to him.

Michael had a small idea of what that was like, having had to admit to Max and Isabel and eventually Maria what his home life with Hank had been like and that had been excruciatingly hard for him. He couldn’t imagine facing the things Max had bottled up inside. This was going to be a painful process not matter how it went, but if it went badly….Michael didn’t want to think about what he might have to do if Max couldn’t handle it. And God forbid that Liz got hurt in the process. Max wouldn’t survive. It was that simple.

“Do you think she’s doing the right thing?” Maria asked as she shifted again. Oh shit, forget it. The jeans would wash, she thought as she finally sat crossed legged on the ground.

Michael was silent as he contemplated her question. “Yeah,” he said finally. “I just hope she’s ready for it.” Maria nodded, knowing he was talking about what had happened when he’d stopped Max from leaving the planet with Khivar. They both heard the sound of a car at the same time, stood up and looked over the edge of the wall. The Chevelle’s tires kicked up dust as they churned the dry earth and they watched as Liz pulled to a stop. She wasn’t extremely close, but they could easily see the two of them and their voices would carry in this wide open area.

The moment the car stopped, Liz noted how quickly Max exited, stepping several feet away from her. The ride over had been made in uncomfortable silence, the tension in the air like a blanket over the two of them. Liz had been relieved when Max actually showed up to come with her. She’d been afraid that he would change his mind during the hours after she’d spoken to him, but he was there waiting for her, albeit reluctantly.

Max shoved his hands in his pockets. The car ride over had ratcheted up the tension he’d already been feeling about this trip since Liz had asked him to come. He’d debated almost up until the last minute whether or not to be home when she got there, but he couldn’t let her down. Not again. And something inside him knew that this…whatever it was….could make or break his future with Liz.

Yes, some small part of him still thought that future might be possible but it regularly got it’s ass kicked by the parts that knew he wasn’t worthy of such a thing. And if this discussion was what he thought it was going to be, then Max was pretty sure that his future was set. Alone and miserable for the rest of his life.

Liz got out of the car and shut the door, watching as Max stood away from her, his eyes avoiding hers as he looked at the pod chamber. She was nervous as well, and she wasn’t really sure how to start now that she had him here. She rubbed her palms against her thighs, and walked towards him, but Max saw her and moved further away. Liz stopped and looked at him trying not to show how much his reluctance to be near her hurt, but it also galvanized her into action.

“Why do you do that?” Liz asked him, and Max stiffened slightly at the question.

“What?”

“Why are you afraid of being close to me, Max?”

Catching the underlying hurt in the question, Max looked down avoiding her gaze. How could he explain how afraid he was of his own reactions? How his emotions manifested themselves physically if he let them out? How his body had become a prison he was living in because it couldn’t handle the amount of pressure his mind was under? Max knew she could feel it when he lost control, and being close to her was hell on his will power.

“Is it because of what happened this afternoon?” Liz knew the answer but she wanted him to admit it. “I’m not afraid of you, Max.”

“You should be,” Max said quietly.

“I could never be afraid of you. You would never hurt me.” Liz said it with as much conviction as she could muster, but Max’s defensive stance didn’t change. “You know I felt what you felt today. And I felt it the day of Zan’s funeral in your room.”

“Liz…I…” Max shook his head. “You said you wouldn’t……”

“I told you that I wouldn’t push you to talk, but it’s been two months Max and …..this can’t go on. If what I felt today was only a small portion of what’s going on inside you….” Liz stepped closer, but Max backed away again so she stopped. “Please Max…let me help you.”

Max’s body was stiff with the effort of maintaining his control. God, he’d knew he shouldn’t have come here with her. She only wanted to help, but she didn’t understand what could happen.

“I’m afraid of them…”Max finally confessed, still not looking directly at her. “My feelings….they’re….I can’t control them.”

“I’m afraid of them too.” Liz said, but she rushed on when she saw him blanch. “No! No…not for myself. For you, Max. You can’t keep something like this inside. It’s killing you.”

The quiet words reflected Liz’s fear for him, and Max’s automatic response was to reassure her, but he couldn’t. He knew his fear was controlling him, but he was more afraid of letting go. Liz saw his struggle, but when he didn’t respond, she closed her eyes and let out a frustrated breath. It was time to play dirty.

“Tell me about Tess, Max.”

Over behind the pod chamber, Michael and Maria watched as Max shook his head and stepped farther away from Liz. Michael could sense, perhaps more than Liz or Maria, how close Max was to losing it. He could feel the tension even from here. He looked at Maria who was watching with worried fascination.

“I’m not sure about this,” she said.

“Me neither, but we promised we’d only interfere if things got hairy.”

Maria nodded reluctantly and turned back to the scene below.

“Okay, then I’ll talk about her.” Liz was saying. She took a deep breath.

“I hated her. Almost right from the beginning.”

Max seemed surprised by her vehemence, and Liz nodded decisively. “I did. I never thought I’d feel that way about another person, but I felt that way about her. And not just for the obvious reasons. I hated how she came into our lives just when you and I were just getting started. I hate how she made you do things and how she made you doubt yourself. I hate how she made me feel like I was the outsider. And I hate how she made me do things I wouldn’t normally do.”

“What do you mean?”

“She made me doubt myself…. and you. Like doubt that we should be together. I’d never doubted that before she came. That day in the pod chamber when you got the message from your mother? She and Necado made me feel like I shouldn’t be there…and I let them.” Liz took a deep breath. “I’m not sure I ever told you….you know….how sorry I was that I ran off.”

Max shook his head. “Liz…..”

“You had been through….the white room….and….I mean I saw it and I felt it…and we finally told each other how we felt…you said that you loved me,” Liz felt tears prick her eyes as she re-lived the moment he’d told her that for the first time, but when she looked at him, her eyes were full of regret. “And then at the first sign of trouble…I left you.”

“No Liz. No. You saved me that night….”

“But you needed me and you told me that….,” Liz paused and looked down at a moment, “you told me I was everything to you and I left you there.” She shook her head. “I was just so afraid….”

“And you had every right to be,” Max interrupted her. “You had every right to feel that way because I felt the same. How could I expect you to deal with what we’d heard, when I could barely understand it myself?” Max’s eyes reflected his own regret. “I’m just sorry that I didn’t follow you. I wanted to, it was just that….”

“…you had to choose between me and your family,” Liz finished for him, nodding in understanding. “It wasn’t fair of me to make you do that. Michael and Isabel already thought you were choosing me over them…if you had come after me…”

“Yeah….but I still wish I had found a way to make you stay. Maybe if I had, none of this would have happened.”

Both of them stood there in reflective silence for a moment, sharing the thought. Liz looked down, hiding her tears. They were talking…actually communicating about their feelings…and she suddenly knew with certainty that this was right. No matter how painful it got, they had to get these things out in the open…for both their sakes.

Max felt his tension ease a little as well. He’d never realized how much he’d wished he told Liz why he hadn’t followed her that day. How had they been together this long and never talked about these things?


Liz saw him relax a little and regretted what she was going to say next.

“It’s your turn.”

Max’s body stiffened as he met her determined, compassionate gaze.
“I…..I….you already know what she did.”

“I do know, Max. I remember the things that happened last year.” Liz paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “You said that you hurt me, Max, and you did. But no more than I hurt you.

Max’s head shot up and he finally looked her directly in the eyes for the first time since they’d arrived. “No….Liz….”

“Yes Max. I’ve hurt you. And I did it deliberately. Can you say the same?” Liz watched him shake his head, but whether it was to answer her question or from denial of her statement, she didn’t know.

“When Future Max came….”

Max shook his head again, not wanted to rehash that whole debacle. “There’s no need to talk about that.”

“Why Max? Why don’t you want to talk about it?”

“Because….we’ve already been through that. We talked about it at Isabel’s wedding. We’re both sorry and…..”

Liz could almost see the tension radiating from Max’s body as he spoke, and she knew she’d hit a nerve. Stealing herself against the pain her words were going to cause, she spoke deliberately.

“I came to your house and I stood in your room and I told you that I wanted to date normal boys and that I didn’t want your children because they wouldn’t be safe with you as their father.”

Liz’s words had the desired affect as the color drained from Max’s face, and he staggered back a step as though her words struck a physical blow, the correlation to Zan unmistakable. Liz swallowed past the lump in her throat and forced herself to continue.

“I took what I knew about you, and I said things that I knew you feared the most about our relationship. But you still loved me, Max. Even those harsh words didn’t stop you, so I let you see me in bed with Kyle…a normal boy….a boy who wouldn’t put me in danger…a boy who could give me a normal future.” Liz could see Max’s hands clenching and unclenching as he listened to her speak, but she didn’t stop.

“I deliberately found the worst way that I could hurt you and I did it, Max.”

“You…you….”Max took a shuddering breath, trying to maintain and still speak. “You did it because I told you to.”

Liz shook her head. “That’s not the point. The point is that I hurt you on purpose…knowing what would happen….and it didn’t make you stop loving me, did it?”

The slight negative shake to his head was all the answer she needed.

“Then why do you think the things that have happened since then would make me stop loving you?”

“It’s…it’s different.”

“How is it different?”

“It just is. You were sacrificing your happiness for others. Tess…Tess…made me….”

“She made you what?”

“I…remember after Alex died…”

Liz swallowed waiting for him to continue. So he remembered. She almost wished he didn’t because she certainly wished she could block out the memories of that horrible time. Not just of Alex’s death, but her own bad reaction to it and Max’s hateful response.

“I…hurt you….I…grabbed you in the hallway at school and…and…”

“And what?”

“I don’t want to talk about this. You know what…I did.” The skin around Max’s lips was white with tension and his agitated movements were painful to behold.

“No Max! You didn’t do it. Tess did. She got inside your mind and she made you do things and say things that you wouldn’t have on your own.”

Liz took a deep breath to calm herself, as her voice had begun to rise, but she could see Max’s façade beginning to crack. God, this was so hard. She hated hurting him this way, but it had to be done. Max’s brow was creased with pain and she promised herself when this was all over that she would spend a long as it took making it up to him.

“Tell me what you’re thinking Max. What are you feeling? Are you angry?” Liz shook her head. “You should be. She used you. She used you to hurt all of us and we didn’t even know it. You were acting like a complete jerk and no one even realized that it wasn’t you!”

“Stop!” Max lifted his hands as though to cover his ears, but he forced them back down, Liz’s harsh words stabbing him like a knife.

“Stop what Max? Stop telling you the truth? It’s time for the truth. We can wish all we want that it wasn’t, but the reality is that you were being manipulated by an alien force last year that caused a severe change in your personality, and not one of your so called friends or family realized it. You told your sister that you would tell your parents that she was on drugs so she wouldn’t leave Roswell. You told me that if I left for Sweden that our friendship was over. The day you grabbed me in the hallway…the mark you left….”

Liz saw the green energy crackling in Max’s palms right before he turned towards the pod chamber and threw up his hands, a hoarse shout of anger accompanying the blast of light that shot from them. Dirt and rocks spewed from the face of the rock formation, showering down the side in a small landslide.

“Shit!” Michael grabbed Maria and pulled her down, but the blast wasn’t hard enough to penetrate. Michael peered over the side and saw that everyone was still okay, although he could see that Liz was shaken and Max was visibly trembling.

“We’ve got to stop them now,” Maria said, levering herself up, but Michael grabbed her.

“No. It’s working.”

Liz’s heart was pounding, as she tried not to let her wobbly legs give out from underneath her. She’d known she was pushing him hard, but she wasn’t sure that she’d expected that. His anger had shot through her like a lightening bolt, and she could still feel the aftermath even though Max was back in control for the moment. Shaky, but in control. He was still facing away from her, and she could see remnants of the green energy still emanating from his palms, his body trembling. Liz didn’t say anything as she tried to get her own breathing back under control.

“You have to go.”

Max’s quiet voice broke the silence and Liz swallowed painfully at the sound of his hoarse words.

“Max…”

“Get in the car and go…Liz….” Max’s voice broke and his hands clenched at his sides. “Please…..”

“No, Max. I’m not leaving you here.” Liz’s voice trembled but the stubborn conviction in it was unmistakable.

“Liz…please….I can’t…..”Max’s voice pleaded with her now, even though he still wouldn’t face her. “You have to get away from me.”

“No. You won’t hurt me Max. Can’t you see? This pain inside you has got to come out. This isn’t you.”

Max didn’t say anything. He felt like he was going to strangle on his own pent up anger and pain and his fear of hurting Liz was like a living thing inside him. Why did she have to be so fucking stubborn? His palms crackled green energy again and he gasped out a harsh breath as he struggled to control it.

“We were talking about Tess.” Liz forced herself to say the words, wincing as Max’s whole body jerked at the sound of her name. “I….I want you to tell me about the night at the observatory.”

Max’s sharp intake of breath was followed by his immediate denial “No….” He could barely get the word out between his clenched teeth.

“Yes,” Liz said, her insides churning in nervous uncertainty. She knew it was harsh, but she also knew that the shame of that night was the crux of Max’s guilt and anger. If she could get him to talk about it…..

“We argued about me going to Sweden and you went to the observatory. Was she already there? Were you expecting her?”

“Liz….”

“Was she waiting for you or did she show up after you got there? Tell me Max.”

A negative shake of his head was her only answer, but Liz persisted.

“What did you talk about?”

“She doesn’t want you, Max. Liz doesn’t trust you. She thinks you’re to blame for killing Alex.”

“No. She’s upset. Her friend is dead. You’re wrong.”

“No, I’m right.. I’m the one you can trust. I love you. I'll always be here for you.”

Tess’s voice sounded in his head. Max grabbed the sides of his head in an effort to stop it.

“What is it Max? What did she say to you to get you inside the observatory?” Liz asked, stepping closer without him being aware. Max’s eyes were tightly closed and she ached to touch him but she knew that would be a mistake. Volcanic emotions were thundering below the surface, and she could feel his efforts to control them, but it was a losing battle.


“Why are we inside? What are you doing? “

“You want me, Max. We were married. I’m your wife.”

“ I don’t want you. I never wanted you. Only Liz.”

“Liz doesn’t love you anymore. I love you.”

“Liz doesn’t love me.”

“That’s right. I’m the one you want. I’ll always be here. Take your shirt off.”

His breath coming out in harsh gasps, Max opened his eyes and saw that Liz was closer, and he shook his head desperately. Suddenly, Liz felt herself being propelled backwards as Max forcibly moved her away from him with his powers. Liz tried to fight, but he was determined even in the midst of his turmoil that she stay away from him.

“Max…..”

“No! No….You don’t understand….”

“Then help me understand. Tell me what she did. Tell me what you remember.”

Please. Don’t touch me…..

“Why don’t you want me, Max? I’m your wife.” Her lips moved against his neck and he shuddered.

“You’re not Liz.

Tess’s cold, blue eyes glittering with contempt.

“I love you, Max. I’ve always loved you. Make love to me.”

“Liz. What are you doing here? Where’s……”

“I came back to you, Max. I need you. Touch me…”

Something’s not right…..can’t think……lips running over his chest….

His shirt coming off……then hers….

Kissing…..hands running over soft flesh….

“I need you, Liz. Please don’t leave me…”

“I won’t leave, Max. I love you. I’ve always loved you.”

“No!” Max suddenly sobbed out as he saw the two of them sinking to the floor in the observatory, looking lovingly down at the girl he thought was Liz and her own response as he touched her reverently. But instead of Liz…it was Tess he saw wrapped in his arms…underneath his body….

“Max…it wasn’t your fault. She forced you….” Liz stopped as Max violently shook his head.

“She didn’t…she didn’t force me. She ….she….”


Max felt the energy inside him gathering and he was helpless to stop it. Suddenly everything he’d been trying to suppress for the last few months seemed to want to come out all at once. He felt like he couldn’t breath and he was unaware of his hands and eyes beginning to glow an unearthly tone.

“She did Max….whatever she did to make you have sex with her…it was the same thing. She took your virginity and made a baby without your consent.” Liz tried to get closer, but it was like some invisible force field was holding her back. When she moved forward, her body was pushed backward and she fell to her knees.

At her words, Max finally turned to face her and she gasped at the look on his face. His eyes were fluctuating between their normal color and a glowing golden color as his control over his emotions slipped further from his grasp. His face was a mask of anguish, and Liz realized with dreaded clarity that she’d finally pushed him to the edge.

“She…she made me think…it was you!”


TBC......

[sylvia37]

Wow, I can't believe you guys are waiting for me. That's so cool. Thanks so much for all the bumps.

Realistic Dreamer: You are too funny. I dragged my husband to the computer so he could see what you wrote. Thanks for making me smile.

All of you do, and I appreciate each and every comment and bump. I hope it was worth the wait. Let me know.


From Part 43....

Max felt the energy inside him gathering and he was helpless to stop it. Suddenly everything he’d been trying to suppress for the last few months seemed to want to come out all at once. He felt like he couldn’t breath and he was unaware of his hands and eyes beginning to glow an unearthly tone.

“She did Max….whatever she did to make you have sex with her…it was the same thing. She took your virginity and made a baby without your consent.” Liz tried to get closer, but it was like some invisible force field was holding her back. When she moved forward, her body was pushed backward and she fell to her knees.

At her words, Max finally turned to face her and she gasped at the look on his face. His eyes were fluctuating between their normal color and and a golden glowing color, as his control over his emotions slipped further from his grasp. His face was a mask of anguish, and Liz realized with dreaded clarity that she’d finally pushed him to the edge.

“She…she made me think…it was you!”



Everything To You Part 44


The last vestige of Max’s control slipped away as the words he’d been afraid to utter finally left his mouth, his shame and rage suddenly too much for him. Liz gasped as Max cried out, his arms outstretched on either side of his body, energy shooting from his hands. His whole body seemed to glow as he threw his head back with the force of it. He cried out again, more energy forcing it’s way to the surface, shooting from his body, his emotions raging out of control.

Liz barely had time to process the implications of his words as the force of his emotions hit her. The breath left her body, their connection flooded with his tumultuous feelings, and she could do nothing but take the onslaught, watching as Max’s body expelled the bottled up pressure in the only way it could. Liz grabbed her head, sobbing as the force hit her again.

Michael and Maria came tearing down the side of the rock formation, Michael in Max’s direction, Maria in Liz’s, when Max’s body suddenly dropped to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut. His hold on her broken, Liz crawled toward him, struggling for breath. When she reached him, she could see his shoulders heaving as wrenching sobs tore from his throat.

Feeling every bit of his torment, Liz was unaware of the tears streaming down her face as she pulled Max into her arms. Michael and Maria had stopped several feet away holding each other, watching as Liz held his shaking body.

“Max…”

“She…she…told me…that….you blamed me for Alex….and …and…” Words tumbled from Max’s lips in between his sobbing breaths as though now that he’d unleashed his emotions, they all had to come out at once. Liz listened to his words, feeling every one of his feelings of humiliation and pain through their connection.

“She….she …..Oh God….she touched me….and…and… I wanted her to stop….but I couldn’t…make her…..she was…controlling …..but…but….when I…didn’t…didn’t…respond…..she….she….”

“I know what she did Max, I know,” Liz whispered, his guilt and remorse flowing like a river through to her.

“I’m sorry….God….I’m so sorry……” Max clutched at her, burying his face in her neck as his tears flowed in an unending downpour.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. She did it, Max. She did it….” Liz tightened her arms around him as sobs shuddered through his body in small intervals. Her own head was pounding with the force of his emotions, but she ignored it as she sent as much love and comfort through their connection as she could. Michael and Maria had moved off, not wanting Max to feel even worse knowing that his friends had witnessed his breakdown, but they stayed nearby just in case they were needed. Slowly, the tears dissipated, small shudders still racking his frame and as the connection began to waver, Liz pulled away slightly to find Max’s eyes closed. She grew concerned as he slumped to the side when she pulled back more.

“Max…..”

Michael hurried forward and dropped down beside them, helping her to lay him on the ground, running his hands over Max’s prone form trying to detect anything abnormal.

“I think he’s just asleep. He expended a lot of energy and his body needs to catch up.”

Liz could believe it because she was feeling like she’d been run over by a truck herself. Running her hands through his hair, she took in his pale skin and shallow breathing. He looked almost as bad as when they’d rescued him from Hardwell Ranch.

“Let’s get him in the car, and we’ll take him to your apartment.”

Together, Michael and Liz managed to get Max into the back seat of the Chevelle, and Maria drove to Michael’s shooting worried glances into the rearview mirror as Max remained unmoving. Liz held him tightly, afraid of his sudden unconsciousness.

What if making him face what Tess did to him was too much. Liz had felt certain at the time that pushing him to let go was the right thing to do, but she was no psychiatrist. She’d just gone on her instincts, trying to get him to let out his grief. But this situation wasn’t just a normal case of assault. Max’s free will had completely been stripped away, and he’d not only been hurt, he’d been used to hurt other people. People he loved. And that was only part of it.

Liz felt impotent rage shoot through her as she thought about the things she’d learned today. Not only had Tess deceived Max into having sex with her, but she’d used his own weakness against him to do it. The amount of guilt Max was carrying because of it was not only crushing in it’s weight, but far more complex than Liz had realized.

It wasn’t just the guilt of having had sex with someone other than her, but deep seated feelings of inadequacy at not having been able to fight Tess’s control over him and a deep down belief that somehow he’d brought this on himself. That he’d wanted and needed Liz so much that he’d allowed himself to be fooled by Tess because he wanted to be, not because she forced him.

Closing her eyes, Liz leaned her head back against the seat, tired but too worried to sleep. When they finally reached their destination, she was debating whether or not to call Isabel and have her try to dream walk her brother.

Liz and Maria watched as Michael stretched Max out on the couch. “Do you think we should call Isabel?” Liz asked as she sat next to him. He didn’t stir in the slightest, even when she took his hand.

“Yeah, but not to have her dream walk him. I think we should give him a little while. You said he hasn’t been sleeping, and he let off a hell of a lot of energy out there today.” Michael tried to sound confident, but he wasn’t really sure either.

Liz nodded reluctantly. “You’re right. I just….what if I….you know….pushed him too far….”

Maria knelt down beside her friend where she was perched on the edge of the couch. “Liz, you did the right thing. I mean….look at that light show he put on. No one…I don’t care what kind of alien royalty their supposed to be, can keep that kind of garbage inside of them without going crazy. Max wasn’t going to do it on his own. He would have just kept burying it deeper and deeper until he…”

“I know….I know…” Liz cut her off before Maria could voice her deepest fears. Liz didn’t want to believe that Max’s mental condition would have caused him to do something drastic, but thinking about what she’d felt from him as well as what he’d said….she didn’t know. What she did know was that she wasn’t going to let him get to this point again. If she had to bully him all the way, he was going to realize that suppressing his feelings was not good for him. Hopefully after today, Max would realize that for himself.

Getting up for just a moment, Liz reached for her phone to call the Evans. She didn’t want to lie to them because she felt like they’d been lied to enough, so she gave the bare bones without specific details.

“So he still hasn’t woken up, but…”

“Should we come over Liz?” Mr. Evans asked. He and Diane were on speakerphone.

“I don’t think so right now, Mr. Evans. He’s just sleeping and….I’m not sure how he’s going to feel when he wakes up so….”

“We understand. He doesn’t need everyone waiting and worrying. Just let us know if we can help. We’ll wait to hear from you.”

“Thanks. I’ll take good care of him.”

“We know you will, Liz. And thank you.”

Getting up from the counter, Maria came over to the couch as Liz hung up from the Evans’. “Listen Petunia. Michael and I are going to go to my house tonight. Max doesn’t need anyone around but you when he wakes up. If you need us, call and we’ll come. Isabel said the same thing, although the only reason I think she isn’t here right now is because Jesse convinced her not to come. Do you want us to get you something to eat before we go?”

“ I’m not hungry. Thanks Maria.” Liz hugged her best friend. Maria headed towards the door, affectionately ruffling Max’s hair as she went by.

“Thanks Michael,” Liz said, “for letting us have the apartment tonight.” Michael nodded and looked down at his friend one last time, before following Maria out.

Liz got a drink from the kitchen and went to the restroom before coming back to the couch and kicking off her shoes. Drawing her knees up to her chest, she stared at Max. His face was so vulnerable, so beautiful to her, and her heart contracted at the thought of anyone hurting him. If she could help it, that would never happen again.

Unbidden tears fell as everything that had happened today caught up with her. Liz turned her face inward against her knees as she released her fear…her anger… her hatred for what Tess had done and her pain for the hurt she herself had inflicted on Max. Remembering the horrible things she’d had to say, the look of pure anguish on his face as he’d admitted what Tess did, Liz’s heart ached with the pain of her own hurtful words as well as Max’s suffering.

She cried for the loss of his innocence, and the feelings of self-loathing and guilt that ate at him. The physical release of his pent up emotions today was just the tip of the iceberg. He still had so much to deal with. She just hoped he’d let them deal with it together instead of pushing her away.

Wiping at her eyes, Liz’s brow creased with the incessant pounding, the headache brought on by her exhaustion and tears. Unable to resist, she lay down next to Max on the couch, her body curled against his side, the reassuring sound of his heart in her ear. The tears wouldn’t seem to stop and Liz clutched his shirt in her hand, wishing with all her heart that she could somehow wipe out the pain of what Tess had done to him. Finally unable to fight her fatigue, Liz’s eyes drifted shut and she fell into a troubled sleep.


********************************

Michael and Maria sat on her couch eating pizza. Michael was quiet and absently ate his food, not seeming to enjoy it with his usual relish. Maria hadn’t expected him to, but he hadn’t said much of anything since they left Liz alone with Max.

Poor Max. And poor Liz. She and Michael had had their issues along the way, but this was….Maria couldn’t think of a word to describe it. Crazy….bizarre….inhuman….Watching Max explode like a rocket then hearing the things Tess did to him…no wonder he was such a basket case. It almost made Michael’s cobweb covered out of body experience seem tame.

Sighing, Maria wiped her hands and looked at her boyfriend who’d thrown his piece of pizza, half uneaten, on his plate and was staring at nothing. Maria cleaned up the leftovers and came back to sit next to him.

“I’m sure that Liz can handle Max when he wakes up,” Maria ventured, trying to sound reassuring as much for herself as for Michael.

Michael nodded, but didn’t speak. He seemed disinclined to talk about what he was feeling, so she left it alone and pulled his head down until he was pillowed in her lap, her hands running soothingly in his long hair. He’d taken to using a shampoo that her mother had in her shop, and it made his hair really silky and touchable. They sat in silence for a while, until Maria felt something drop onto her leg. She looked down and saw a wet spot right underneath where Michael was lying and her heart squeezed painfully in her chest as she realized that he was crying.

“Michael….do you want to talk about it?” She whispered quietly as her hands kept up their caresses.

He didn’t answer for a while, just lay there, his shoulders tense, then he spoke haltingly.

“I always wanted….what I didn’t have. Isabel and Max….they had a family here….I had Hank. I always thought that if we made it home or found out where we came from, it would…magically make everything okay. But….but it never worked out that way. Necado turned out to be a killer….Tess….the skins….our duplicates……no one and nothing from our planet has been anything I thought or….hoped…..”

“I know,” Maria said, her heart breaking at his words.

“Max never wanted to go home. He never wanted…anything….but Liz. He wanted to find out about us…but I think he did it mostly for me and……he’s been the one to pay for…everything we’ve found out.”

“You know that Max doesn’t see it that way,” Maria said gently.

“I know….but…I led Necado here …and…Max warned me that he was a killer and that we should be careful but I didn’t listen…..and now…..”

“Michael, listen to me. What Max is going through is horrible, but in no way is it your fault. Yes, maybe you should have listened to Max about Necado, but….he and Tess would have found there way here no matter what you did. It was only a matter of time.” When he didn’t answer, Maria tugged on Michael’s shoulders until he sat up, wiping his eyes with the back of his hands.

“Look at me, Michael. Max saved Liz’s life because he loved her and that’s what started this whole chain of events. He didn’t stop to think about the consequences first, he acted impulsively for the only time in his life, and it’s led us here. Do you honestly think that he would change that…that he would let Liz die in order to have spared himself what’s happened?”

Michael stared at her for a moment before looking away with a shake of his head.

“Then stop blaming yourself for what you can’t change. Max is doing enough of that for all of us.” Maria pulled him back down and they both lay on the couch, Michael’s arms wrapped securely around her.
They held each other, hoping that whatever was happening at Michael’s apartment would bring the Max they knew and loved back to them.


**************************

Liz woke up the minute she felt Max stir. Pushing her hair back, she leaned up on an elbow to look at him. As she slid a hand through the hair on his forehead, Max opened his eyes, staring up at her, his expression clear, as though there was nothing strange about the two of them waking up together. Liz started to smile at him, when a dawning look of comprehension came over his features and Max’s whole body stiffened under hers. Feeling his need to move, Liz sat up. Max quickly did the same, running his hands over his face, before looking at her worriedly. He remembered what happened very clearly.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Max’s voice was slightly hoarse from his earlier use of it.

Liz sat back and shook her head. “You wouldn’t let me near you.”

Relief colored his features for a moment before Max slid back on the couch, his legs drawn up protectively against his chest. He wiped his brow against his knees before looking down at them, avoiding her gaze. Their connection seemed to be restored to it’s original state, with the two of them aware of each other, but not completely open to the others thoughts and feelings.

“How can you even look at me?” Max’s voice was muffled against his knees but Liz could hear the wealth of humiliation that accompanied his statement.

“Because you’re beautiful to me.”

Max closed his eyes as the purity of her words tried to penetrate the shell of self-loathing he’d built around himself. Liz could see his brow creasing with the pain of it, even though he still wouldn’t look at her.

“How can you say that?” The question came in a voice cracking with uncertainty.

“Because it’s true Max. I’m not just talking on the outside. I’ve seen your soul, remember? You’re still the same person you were back then.” Liz stopped as he shook his head, but she pressed on. “Yes, you are. Tess took your body, and she tried to take your mind….but she didn’t get your heart or your soul.

Max didn’t answer, but he shook his head again and Liz could see that her words were hurting him. She knew that Max thought that he was somehow tainted by what Tess had done, but she needed to make him see the truth.

“Max…..I know you think that because Tess made think that it was me…that you betrayed me. That you should have realized or….or….known and been able to stop her, but it isn’t true. You’re right that you weren’t strong enough to fight her mind warp…but that isn’t your fault. She was so much more advanced than you and Michael and Isabel. She had years to perfect her abilities. You spent those years suppressing them.”

“But…I’m supposed to be the leader….the king….It’s my responsibility……”

“No!” Liz interrupted vehemently, and Max lifted his head to look at her. “Zan was a king. You are a teenage boy who has lived his whole life as a human. Yes, Michael and Isabel look to you for guidance because you have natural leadership qualities, but you aren’t superman, Max. Tess used all of us…it doesn’t make you less of a person because she did it to you too.”

Liz could see the conflict reflected in his eyes. Max wanted to believe her, but the weight of the responsibility that he’d always demanded of himself, wouldn’t let him off the hook that easily.
Doubt was winning the battle and Liz decided there was only one way to fight it.

Before he could react, Liz got on her knees, pushing his legs down to the floor, and pulled Max’s face to hers, kissing him hard on the mouth.

Max sat paralyzed for a moment, taken completely off guard. Liz’s soft lips caressed his and before he realized what was happening, their connection flared to life. He tried to pull away, but Liz held on tightly, letting him feel her love and forgiveness, her sorrow and her fear for him. The force of her feelings rushed over him and before he could stop them, his own feelings flooded back. Flashes came then, and although Max stiffened with the need to keep her from seeing his memories, Liz welcomed them, absorbing them into her soul, sharing his pain.

The flashes were a kaleidoscope of their time together, interspersed with Max’s time in the White Room, his recent captivity….and his time with Tess. The observatory flashed in their minds and Max wrenched himself away from her….but Liz would have none of it. Still holding his face, she looked into the tormented amber eyes, and shook her head.

“No,” Liz whispered, and leaned in to kiss him fiercely, letting him know with her mind and body that she wanted to share everything with him…the good and the bad. Max remained unresponsive for a split second before he suddenly reached up to the back of her head, kissing her back just as fiercely, unable to resist the offer of her redemption. Flashes started again, and this time, Max held nothing back, letting his feelings and pain pour through, allowing her to see his own soul laid bare. When the observatory flashed again, Max’s hand tightened almost painfully around her head, but he held on, letting her see his sin in all it’s ugliness.

<flash> Tess walking up to Max as he stood looking at the stars outside the observatory

<flash> Tess kissing Max’s chest as he stood there dazed, not moving to stop her.

<flash> Tess’s face creased in concentration, then Liz was suddenly standing there in her place.

<flash> Max kissing Tess/Liz as they removed each other’s clothing

<flash> Two bodies sinking to the floor of the observatory, Max’s larger frame covering Tess’s smaller one.

Even as the flash of watching Max join his body with Tess made her heart wrench in pain, Liz’s feelings of horror over Tess’s violation, her sorrow over Max’s despair, and her guilt in the part she’d played in Max’s betrayal were the only ones that came through. If he was expecting condemnation or blame, Max didn’t get them, just sorrow for his suffering and overwhelming everything else, a complete and total love and faith in him that shook him to the core.

Their lips parted, foreheads touching as tears ran down their faces. Max’s hands were running through her hair, and his eyes were closed, tears still trickling from beneath the lids as he shook his head against hers.

“How…..how can you still feel that way about me?” He asked brokenly.

Liz waited for him to open his eyes before answering, her own eyes alight with the truth of her feelings, her smile a familiar balm to his soul.

“How can I not?”

Max’s breath came out in a small sob as he pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair, his body trembling from the aftermath of their joining.

“I love you so much.”

Liz tightened her hold on him, her heart singing as the words that they’d rarely said to each other washed over her. Their connection was still simmering and Liz was getting bits and pieces of his feelings as the touched. He was overwhelmed by her loyalty and humbled by her love, but his fear and uncertainty about what was to come along with his feelings of unworthiness were still prevalent. Liz lifted her head and pulled away slightly.

“Max….”

Max looked into her eyes and saw her knowledge of his feelings and he dropped his gaze. Liz slid back just enough to be comfortable talking, but kept hold of his hand as she looked at him.

“I love you, Max, but I’m not expecting things to change overnight. The things you’ve been through….it’s going to take time. All I’m asking is that you don’t shut me out again. Your family…Maria ….me….we’re here for you and the only thing we want is for you to let us help when you need it. Don’t let your feelings become so….bottled up again that…..”

“I light up like a Christmas tree?” Max’s mouth lifted at the corner, and Liz grinned in return.

“More like a firecracker,” Liz teased back, glad to see his mood lighten a little. “And as for you and me…”

Max shifted on the couch, squeezing the hand still in his, and looked at her seriously. “Liz….the fact that you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you is….incredible….but I don’t know…if I’m ready…..to…”

Liz hushed him with a finger to his lips. “I’m not expecting us to pick up where we left off Max. I know you’re not suddenly going to be over what happened just because we’ve talked about it….but I wont go back to the way things were either. Tess is dead and gone and we are here and alive. We have a second chance. I want my life back and you are the only person I want to share it with.”

Max pulled her close, unable to voice his feelings, but the intensity of them came across clearly through their connection as well as the force of his embrace. He pulled her with him as he sat against the back of the couch still holding her in his arms.

God, he didn’t deserve her. For a moment, all of his negative feelings came crashing back on him, but Max ruthlessly pushed them aside. Right now, he was holding Liz in his arms and she was holding him tightly in return, as though afraid that this moment of peace was going to disappear. Max could relate. Facing his demons and sharing them with her had been a start, but even though he felt lighter in spirit then he had in a long time, the demons still waited in the shadows watching for their moment to torment him.

Liz felt the tension in his body, before feeling him relax again, knowing that his thoughts weren’t completely pleasant. She also knew that they still had things to talk about. During their flashes, she’d seen pieces of Max’s dreams….and they were ugly. No wonder he didn’t sleep. They hadn’t talked about it, but Liz knew that they would eventually have to. This was just the beginning of his recovery. They had a ways to go.

But right now, they were together, touching and feeling the peace that only came from being in each other’s arms. That was all that mattered at this moment.

“Are you hungry?” Liz asked a little while later, lightly running her hand over his tee shirt clad chest.

“Actually, I am. But what I could really use is a shower.” They sat up together.

“Why don’t you go take one, and I’ll order us a pizza.” Liz said, overjoyed to hear the he had an appetite.

“Okay,” Max answered, getting up from the couch. Liz got up to get the phone, but found herself pulled into a hug. She returned it, wrapping her arms around Max’s neck, her breath catching at the fierceness of his hold. It felt so good, so right to be held like this by him. It was her home and she’d missed it desperately.

She pulled back and looked up into his eyes, seeing the expression on his face that matched the fullness of her heart. “Go take your shower. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Liz thought her heart would burst at the smile that graced his face at her words, and she reached up to place a soft kiss on his lips. Max returned it, their lips clinging for a moment. As they pulled slowly apart, Max ran a loving hand through her hair before heading into the bedroom and Liz stood for a moment watching before looking for the phone. Pizza, then Maria’s to let her and Michael know that Max was all right. Liz smiled to herself. To let them know that they were both all right.


TBC.....

[sylvia37]

Hey you guys. I was shooting for Friday, but didn't quite make it. I wanted to say thanks for all the feedback and bumps. I'm trying to come up with a way to express what I felt when I read your comments but I've had to erase it about five times because I can't find the words. Thank you so much. So here we go with the next part. Let me know what you think.

Sylvia


Everything to You Part 45

Fitting his key into the lock, Max opened the front door of his parent’s house and allowed Liz to precede him inside. “Mom….Dad……,”he called as he and Liz walked into the living room.

“Max,” Mrs. Evans came hurrying in followed by Mr. Evans. “Honey, are you all right?” she asked, her eyes anxiously roaming her son’s lean form for signs of damage.

“I’m fine, Mom.” Max said, returning first his mother’s relieved hug then his father’s.

“When Liz called and told us…we were just so worried…..”

Max stepped back and Mr. Evans gestured. “Let’s all go into the kitchen,” he said, noting his son’s nervousness. The start of his parent’s breakfast sat on the table, and Mr. Evans sat down and leaned forward as Mrs. Evans poured coffee for her son.

“So tell us what happened, Son. Liz told us a little but…..”

Max dropped his gaze away from his father’s and glanced apprehensively at Liz who looked back encouragingly. She accepted a glass of juice from Mrs. Evans who sat down next to her husband to listen.

Taking a deep breath, Max fingered his coffee cup a moment before speaking. “Uh…first off I want to say that I’m sorry. I know that I’ve been…kind of….withdrawn lately….and I….know you’ve been worried. I didn’t mean to do that….worry you I mean.” Max looked up into his parent’s sympathetic faces and his tension eased a little. “Since I got back from….being held…I’ve been having a hard time…dealing with everything.”

“That’s understandable, Son,” Mr. Evans interjected and Mrs. Evans nodded as well. Getting up she got the coffeepot and refilled cups, then checked on breakfast. Pulling biscuits from the oven, she put everything on the table and sat back down. “Help yourself, Liz.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Evans.”

Max took a sip of his coffee and continued. “Well uh…yesterday….Liz….um….”

“I decided that he needed a push,” Liz interrupted. She smiled at Max as he raised an eyebrow at her euphemism.

“What kind of a push?” Mrs. Evans asked.

“Um…..”

“I bullied him until he exploded,” Liz supplied as she jellied a biscuit. Glancing up at Max, she saw the slight curve to his lips and smiled as she bit into her biscuit.

“Exploded?” Mr. Evans looked back and forth between the two of them.

“I…uh….I guess I’d just let everything build up a little too much and when Liz forced me to let it out….it kind of came out in a physical way.” Max finished lamely and it was Liz’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

“She told us that you passed out,” Mr. Evans said, noting the expression on Liz’s face. “How physical was it?”

“Let’s just say that I….released a lot of energy….. and when it stopped…I passed out.”

“Has this happened before?”

Max glanced at Liz’s now more sober expression before answering. “No. I….there’s a lot of stuff that I haven’t told you about what happened with Tess and….”

Max hesitated. He wasn’t sure he could tell his parents about the night Zan was conceived. They deserved to know why he’d been acting the way he’d been, but talking about Tess’s treachery was hard enough without having to explain to his parents that he’d had sex against his will.

Sort of, Max qualified, the picture of Liz’s face as Tess lay beneath him suddenly causing the bile to rise in his throat. He jumped, feeling Liz’s hand slide over his on the table, and he looked up to see her gazing at him in sympathy. She silently shook her head at him, telling him without words that she could tell what he was thinking and that he needed to stop dwelling on it. Max’s eyes flashed his pain starkly at her for a moment before he closed them and took a deep breath.

Seeing the misery on his face before he could hide it, Mr. and Mrs. Evans looked at each other.

“Max…Honey…you don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to, but…Isabel explained that Tess was….mind warping you I think she called it. She told us that Tess could make you see things and believe things were happening that weren’t really true, so…whatever happened…you aren’t to blame.”

Tears pricked Max’s closed eyes at his mother’s compassionate words. If she only knew. Opening them, Max saw the faces of the people he loved looking back at him with love and sympathy and he swallowed against the lump in his throat. That voice in his head that told Max he didn’t deserve their love was vying for his attention, prodding him to retreat, making him want to run to his room and hide, a habit he’d developed over the last month to deal with things he couldn’t handle.

But a tiny part of him…the part that was trying to dig it’s way up through the layers of guilt and shame…the part that had been born when Liz’s soul touched his during their connection last night to show him that he was still worthy of her love and faith…that part of him lifted it’s face to the light of their acceptance and love.

“Zan was conceived without Max’s knowledge and against his will, Mrs. Evans,” Liz finally said, seeing Max’s struggle. His feelings were very close to the surface right now and touching him had tuned her into them. “Tess had been mind warping Max for months before that so…by the time it happened, Max wasn’t himself.” Looking at Max’s humiliated face, Liz squeezed his hand, sharing his pain and letting her love flow through their connection.

“But how…could she do that? I mean….” Mrs. Evan’s face had paled at the implications of what Liz was saying. Somehow this…girl….had been using her alien power to hurt her son and had made him have sex with her? The thought was too horrendous to believe.

“Tess’s powers were more advanced then Max’s and Isabel’s and Michael’s because she’d been raised by the man that was supposed to be their protector when they landed here. He wasn’t like them…he didn’t have a human side so she didn’t have anyone to teach her how to…treat people.” Liz frowned. What an understatement, she thought. Mr. and Mrs. Evans already knew most of what had transpired regarding Necado and the deal with Khivar for the royal teens as well as how Tess had killed Alex, so Liz didn’t go into that.

“She knew that Max would never willingly…give her a child so….she used her powers to…get what she wanted,” Liz finished quietly, still feeling Max’s shame in front of his parents through their connection. Tears gathered as she felt his urge to flee to his room and lick his wounds, the pain of having admitted Tess’s betrayal still fresh. Liz sent as much comfort as she could through their connection without physically taking him in her arms, and she was rewarded by the slight easing of the intensity of his emotions.

“Oh, Max. Sweetheart….I don’t….” Mrs. Evans covered her mouth at the horror of it, unable to believe that this terrible thing had happened to her son right under their noses. Mr. Evans was silent, but the intense frown on his face bespoke of his own feelings and Max realized that they were feeling guilty.

“No…Mom…Dad….” He forced himself to speak hoarsely through his tight throat. “Please….don’t…it’s not your fault.”

“Honey…we’re so sorry. We’re so sorry….” Mrs. Evans got up from the table and came around, hugging Max tightly to her.

Mr. Evans looked at Liz. “And this girl is dead, now?” Liz nodded. The tension between Mr. Evan’s brows eased somewhat and he nodded as well, looking at his son’s tightly closed eyes as his mother held him. Wiping a hand over his suddenly burning eyes, Mr. Evans turned his head as he heard a noise in the living room. A moment later, Isabel and Jesse walked into the kitchen.

“Mom…Dad…what’s going on?” Isabel asked anxiously as she saw her mother and brother’s tearful embrace. Max pulled away and got up from the table, turning his back on the suddenly too small roomful of people. Liz, sensing his unease, got up as well and went over to stand next to him, taking his hand in hers.

“Nothing, Honey, we’re just….Max and Liz were telling us about yesterday.” Mrs. Evans said, wiping at her eyes before giving her daughter and son-in-law a hug hello. She glanced over at Max’s stiff back, looking at the way Liz talked quietly to him, seeing the tension ease, and her son take a fortifying breath before turning back to face the room. She could see that Max’s hand was trembling as he clung to Liz’s and her heart ached for him.

“Max….are you all right?” Isabel asked as she came forward to hug her brother. Max let go of Liz to return her embrace, but he immediately took her hand again afterward.

“Yeah…I’m all right Iz. No scorch marks,” he said, deliberately reminding her of one of the first times they’d discovered they had powers. They’d been in Isabel’s room and had gotten into an argument. Isabel had gotten so frustrated with her brother that she threw up her hands in anger and a small blast of energy had actually hit him square in the chest. It hadn’t really hurt or done any damage, but his shirt had sported a black hand print where she’d gotten him. Scared out of their wits, they’d called Michael and the three of them had vowed then and there to never tell a living soul about themselves.

Isabel’s mouth curved at his attempt to deflect her worry, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes as she gazed at him anxiously. “That’s not what I heard,” she said, but before Max could ask her what she meant, a knock sounded at the front door, and when Mr. Evans came back from answering it, he was followed by Maria and Michael.

Max looked down at Liz, puzzled by his friend’s sudden appearance He knew that she’d talked to his parents last night and his Mom had called Isabel. Had she called Michael and Maria too?

Liz bit her lip and avoided his gaze. She was going to tell him that Michael and Maria had been at the pod chamber yesterday, but she hadn’t gotten around to it yet. She didn’t want any secrets between them, but she also knew Max would be embarrassed knowing they’d witnessed his breakdown, and she hadn’t really had a chance this morning to break it to him.

“I’m gonna…go up and change,” Max said, pulling his hand gently away from Liz’s. He suddenly knew why everyone was here. Of course Liz would have had Michael and probably Maria at the pod chamber. She wouldn’t have put herself in danger like that without a back up. Avoiding everyone’s stare, Max retreated from the kitchen and headed for the stairs, but he stopped as he felt a hand on his arm. Turning, he looked down into Liz’s apologetic gaze.

“Max….I was going to tell you…I just didn’t have time…you know.. because I knew you’d be upset….and…”

“I understand,” Max interrupted her. “It’s okay…I’m glad you had someone there to protect you from my….”

“No!” Liz shook her head, her dark hair swinging with the emphatic movement. “I asked Michael there to protect you,” she emphasized. “I told you…you wouldn’t hurt me.” Liz turned as she saw Max’s eyes lift. Michael and Isabel had come into the hallway. Tucking her hair back behind her ear self-consciously, Liz turned back to Max. “We’ll talk about it later.”

Max nodded, but his eyes were on Michael. They stared at each other, and Max knew he’d heard what Liz said. Their gazes remained locked for only a moment but the mutual understanding that passed between them was clear. Michael hadn’t only been there for Max’s protection no matter how much Liz wanted to protest, and although Max was humiliated to know that he’d had witnesses to his display, he was beyond grateful to know that Michael would have protected Liz if she’d been in danger from him.

Max turned to go to his room, but not before looking back at Liz, his expression reassuring her that he wasn’t upset with her decision. Liz sighed in relief and went back into the kitchen where Maria was eating a biscuit and talking to the Evan’s. Jesse had left, having some work to finish up.

“It was pretty spectacular,” she was saying as Liz entered. “but Max is a strong guy and I don’t think he was ever in any real danger, do you Liz?” Maria looked at her meaningfully. They both knew the suppression of Max’s feelings has pushed him dangerously close to an edge that they didn’t want to think about, but his parents didn’t need to know that.

“No,” Liz said, shaking her head. “His system is just different from ours and….keeping his feelings bottled up….just caused him to react differently then us. One of us might have developed an ulcer or….hypertension….but… but….Max and Isabel and Michael…they don’t get sick like we do so….” Liz stopped, knowing she was babbling. “um….anyway….I don’t think he was in any danger.”

“Well, I’m just glad you girls and Michael were there to help him. And I can’t believe what this girl..Tess…did to him. I hate to say it, but I’m glad she isn’t around to hurt anyone else. To die in a fire….she certainly got what she deserved,” Mrs. Evans shook her head as she got up to clear the table.

You don’t know the half of it, Liz thought as she and Maria got to help as well. Remembering those pictures on Dr. Hardwell’s hard drive, Liz shuddered.

“I understand that Max had to physically release this pent up…tension he was feeling, but after everything we’ve learned today….I don’t think it’s going to be that simple. You know, we sent him to a therapist once a while back when he seemed so depressed and he wouldn’t open up to us….” Mr. Evans reached up into a cabinet to put dishes away as he spoke, “but I don’t think it helped much. Of course, we didn’t know anything about him at the time so I guess that’s understandable. He can’t exactly open up to a stranger about some girl mind warping him can he?” Sighing, Mr. Evans leaned against the counter as he thought.

“No…that’s why I pushed him,” Liz said. “He just…wasn’t talking to any of us about it. And you’re right. He can’t open up to a stranger so it’s up to us to help him deal with it, not just what Tess did, but losing Zan too.”

“Well, he obviously trusts you the most, Liz. I’m so glad he has you, and I’m so grateful to both of you and Michael for doing what you did. First, rescuing him from that evil doctor and now this. I hope Max realizes how lucky he is to have friends like you.” Mrs. Evans stood in the shelter of her husband’s arm as she looked thankfully at the two girls.

“He’s lucky to have you as parents, too,” Liz told them. “You guys are so calm. I doubt my parents would be so understanding.”

“Are you kidding?” Maria exclaimed. “Tell my Mom I’m dating an alien? There are not enough herbs in the world.”

“I don’t think you girls are giving your parents enough credit,” Mr. Evans told them, amused by their looks of skepticism. “And eventually, if you plan to stay with Max and Michael, they’ll have to be told. I know that if I were them, I would want to know. You’ve all lived by your lies these last three years. Doesn’t it feel better having it out in the open now?”

Liz and Maria looked at each other before nodding reluctantly, but the thought of telling her parents that she was in love with someone not of this earth filled Liz with dread. It was bad enough that her father thought Max was a criminal. She doubted that telling him he was an alien instead would help matters.

Meanwhile upstairs, Michael and Isabel sat in Max’s bedroom while he changed in the bathroom.

“I can’t believe what that little bitch did to him, Michael. How could we have been so blind?” Isabel angrily paced Max’s room.

“We just were. I don’t have an excuse,” Michael said bluntly. He was angry too. He and Isabel had fucked up. They were supposed to protect each other, and instead, they’d allowed their selfish wants to blind them to what was happening to one of their own. Michael doubted that Max would have turned a blind eye if one of them had been acting the way he had last year. But Isabel and especially he himself had always resented Max’s seemingly natural authority over them and when he suddenly turned dictator, neither one of them questioned it, they just let it piss them off and went on their way…and Tess had moved in for the kill.

Max walked into his room and was immediately confronted with two extremely guilty looking people. He sighed and sat down on the edge of his bed.

“Would you two stop? Please? It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Yes it does,” Isabel protested. “Max…you should hate us. I mean….we should have realized what was happening to you.”

“Isabel…..”

“No, man she’s right,” Michael agreed. “Tess played us, and we were too stupid to see it.” He stared down at the carpet for a moment before turning back and looking at Max in resigned apology. “I’m sorry.”

Looking at their remorseful faces, Max realized that they were all suffering from an excessive amount of guilt and although he felt that he was mostly the one at fault, he decided to be honest with them.

“I forgive you, okay? I have to admit that I…when I started to remember some of the things I did last year….I was angry that no one seemed to notice that…that it wasn’t normal. But….seriously….it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I’m just so sorry for everything Max. For being so selfish, for what Tess did….” Isabel looked at him pointedly. “You aren’t to blame for what she did, Max. You know that, right? No one blames you.”

Max nodded although, in his heart he knew that wasn’t true. He blamed himself, and it was going to be a long time before he came to terms with it.

“And this thing that happened yesterday at the pod chamber. My God, Max. You could have been seriously hurt or….or…..”

“….hurt someone else,” Max finished for her. He ran a hand through his hair as he looked at Michael. “Thanks for…..being there,” he said, even though part of him still cringed inwardly at the thought.

Michael shook his head, dismissing his thanks. “Next time you feel the urge to light up Roswell, come get me. We’ll go blast some rocks instead.”

Max’s lip curled at the comment. Just then, Maria appeared in the doorway. “Isabel, Jesse’s back.”

“Okay.” She got up and hugged her brother. “Take care. Call me if you need to talk.” Max nodded.

“Mrs. Evans is downstairs wrapping up enough food for an army for you to take home, Spaceboy.”

“Cool,” Michael said. “Later, Maxwell.”

“See ya,” Max answered him as he headed out the door. There was a moment of awkward silence as Maria stood in his room not saying anything, and Max was suddenly embarrassed when he realized that he hadn’t spoken to her since before yesterday’s debacle. Actually he’d hardly spoken to her for the last month. Noting his avoidance of her gaze, Maria sighed.

“Look Max, it’s okay. We’re friends. We bonded over ice cream and soaps that summer while Liz was gone, didn’t we? The only thing that matters now is that you survived. A little the worse for wear, but intact. And Tess is gone and hopefully rotting a hell made up of little Tess’s who keep telling her it’s her destiny to burn for eternity.”

Max’s lips curved in spite of himself and Maria smiled back, reaching up to give him a hug. “Don’t let what Tess did ruin the rest of your life,” she said as she pulled back. “You’ll be condemning Liz too and she doesn’t deserve that.”

Liz walked in just in time to hear Maria’s words, and Max looked up, his eyes locking with hers as Maria walked to the door. “We’ll be waiting, Liz.”

“Okay,” Liz answered her, finally pulling her gaze away from Max’s. “I…uh…have to go. My shift starts in a little bit.”

Max nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’ll….come by later….that is if…you want….”

“Yeah…that’s good. I’ll be there.” Liz said, then she looked down, feeling stupid. What was wrong with them? It was like they couldn’t hold a normal conversation all of the sudden.

“It’s going to be weird for a while, isn’t it?” she finally asked, glancing up at Max’s hesitant expression.

“Yeah,” he agreed, feeling just as strange.

Last night… this morning, comfort had been the main focus, Liz’s natural instincts to care for the one she loved overcoming everything else. But now, it was different. It was almost like those days right after Max first told her his secret. The uncertainty….the newness of it. Like they were starting over at the beginning. How weird was that when they’d been as close as too people could get without physically joining their bodies.

“Well., we’ll just have to spend as much time together as possible. To get over the hump,” Liz clarified, teasing him.

“It’s a dirty job…..” Max retorted, and Liz smiled rolling her eyes as she turned towards the door, but Max stopped her, gently pulling on her arm until she faced him. “Seriously….thank you. For everything. You saved my life. Again. And I….I’ll never…...”

“I didn’t do it just for you,” Liz said, staring up into Max’s eyes, seeing the shadows….but for the first time in a while….seeing a tiny spark of hope too. They got lost in each other’s gaze before the sound of Maria’s voice calling her forced Liz to pull away. She took Max’s hand and pulled him towards the door, smiling again as she felt him squeeze hers back as they went down the stairs together. She said a quick goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, giving Max one more quick smile before hurrying to the Jetta.

“Let’s talk for minute, Max.” Phillip Evans said, gesturing towards his study door after Liz left. Max followed, somewhat warily, not sure if he was ready to hear what his father had to say. He sat down in the chair opposite his dad’s desk, watching his father perch uncomfortably against it. He looked troubled and pensive, and Max was sorry that he’d been the one to put that look on his face.

Phillip Evans finally looked at his son’s wary face. “I’m not really sure what to say to you, Max. Your mother and I have had a lot to deal with these last couple of months, but hearing this story about Tess today….” He shook his head.

“Dad…..” Max started to apologize but his father held up a hand to stop him.

“No, Max. Let me finish. You’ve been through so much. Unbelievable things that no one your age or any other for that matter should have to go through. Most people on this earth live their whole lives without experiencing a small portion of what you’ve experienced, and yet, here you are, only 18 years old and you’ve lived a lifetime.” Phillip shook his head again.

“I’m proud of you, Son.”

Max’s head shot up at his father’s words, his face a mask of shock.

Seeing Max’s reaction, Phillip realized that this was just what Max needed to hear.

“It’s true, Max. I can’t pretend to understand what your going through…no one who isn’t…what you are…. could. But having lived through the loss of a child, I can at least understand that much, and added to that all of the other things….Son, you’re remarkable.”

“How can you say that?” Max exclaimed, jumping up to turn towards the window that faced the yard. “I’ve lied to you my whole life. Caused you to worry that your son was a criminal…put you and Mom in danger…how can you think that?”

“Because it’s true. Look at yourself, Max. You’ve been chased and kidnapped by the FBI. Tortured and abused…lost a child… most people would have gone completely off the deep end by now.”

“I…did,” Max answered him quietly. “I…when Liz said the things she said to make me…face what Tess did…I lost it. Normal people don’t shoot light energy from their bodies.”

“That’s true, Max. But you survived. I know that you still have a lot to deal with that I probably don’t know about, but…your mother and I will do everything we can to help you. Your sister and Michael….Liz…Maria…..you are surrounded by people who love you, Son. You’re not alone.”

Tears gathered in Max’s eyes at his father’s words, and before he knew what was happening, the words were spilling from his lips. “She…was controlling my mind, Dad. She made me….do things….bad things to people….to Liz.” Max dropped his head, as the tears fell. “I hurt Liz.”

Phillip walked up to his son and put an arm around his shaking shoulders, feeling his own eyes water at the broken confession. When the tears quieted, Phillip spoke.

“She’s still here, Max, and from what I’ve seen, she still loves you very much. Whatever you did to hurt her…Liz has forgiven you. You need to forgive yourself.”

Liz had told him the same thing a while back. The trouble was, Max wasn’t sure how.

“Just know that I’m here if you need to talk. Your mother and I both are.”

“Thanks,” Max answered, feeling embarrassed at having broken down in front of his father, but grateful for his father’s words. They left the study and Max headed upstairs to his room, lying down on top of the spread.

So much had happened in the space of a few hours. Max went over the events in his head, from the moment he’d seen Liz in Mark’s arms to his talk with his father. Twenty four hours and his whole life had changed. All because of Liz.

It wasn’t the first time she’d changed his life for the better, saving him from himself. He still vividly remembered the night they’d stood together on that hill during the Crash festival, staring into her eyes as the fireworks went off around them.

“Liz…it’s not safe…for us to…it’s not safe.”

“I don’t care.”

As long as he lived Max would never forget how he’d felt at that moment. Accepted…loved…in spite of who he was. And yesterday, after learning what he’d done…what had been done to him….she still looked at him that way. With her heart in her eyes….for him.

Somehow, he had to be worthy of that look. Whatever it took, Max had to find a way to be the person she thought he was. The person she deserved. The person his father was proud of.

It didn’t occur to him that he was already that person.

Max closed his eyes, counting the hours until he could see Liz again letting sleep claim him.

TBC......

[sylvia37]

Well, I didn't quite make it by the end of the week, but it's Monday so that isn't too bad. I was overwhelmed once again by your comments and of course all of you who bumped me. I love hearing from all of you. This next part is a little short, but I had to end it where I did or the next part wouldn't be out until sometime next week. Let me know what you think.


Everything to You Part 46

“Why did I let her talk me into this?” Max wondered as he stood against the wall watching the chaos in front of him. Okay, he knew why. Because he couldn’t say no to Liz, not when she was determined.

But still, parties were not his thing. Never in his life could Max remember a time when he’d wanted to attend a party, especially one full of people who’s only goal was to get as wasted as possible before graduation. But Liz had insisted in her oh so subtle way, that he needed to rejoin the human race and that this was a step in that direction. He thought back to this afternoon at the CrashDown.

“You gonna finish those fries?” Michael asked Max as he reached for more Tobasco.

“No,” Max answered, giving his plate over so Michael could scrape the fries onto his plate.

Maria was just getting off her shift and Liz was coming on. They both looked up as they saw them come through the kitchen door, Liz with an expression of misery on her face as she listened to Maria emote about the party they were going to tonight.

“Would you stop with the pouting? You’re coming after your shift is over. Hell, the party won’t even warm up until then.” Maria sat next to Michael as Liz slid in next to Max, who had to duck in order not to be thwacked in the face by an antenna. Liz looked at him in apology and quickly pulled the headband off. Max smiled and shook his head, indicating that it was okay.

“You could poke somebody’s eye out with those things,” Max said.

Liz grinned at him, threatening him playfully with the antennae. Max looked around quickly, and not seeing anyone nearby, reached out to touch one bobbing end. The little ball disintegrated.

Liz gasped, gaping at him, but Max couldn’t help the smug smile that pulled at his lips as he saw her expression. Michael choked on a fry, looking at Max like he’d lost his mind.

Starting to giggle, Liz observed her mutilated headband. “You fried the evil alien,” Maria sputtered and she and Liz giggled helplessly while Max studiously avoided looking at them, sedately continuing his meal, but a smile still played around his lips as he listened to the girls laugh. Michael shook his head at all of them.

“Are you going to fix this, mister?” Liz asked Max, frowning in mock accusation.

“Yeah, but not here,” Max answered, gesturing for her to get up from the booth. People had started to come in. They headed towards the back and when they were sure they were alone, Max touched his finger to the intact end of the antenna, then touched the mutilated one. A ball appeared that matched the other.

Liz slipped the headband on, smiling up at him, and Max shrugged his shoulders, stuffing his hands in his pockets feeling weird about his silly behavior suddenly.

“So, you’re going to the party with Maria and Michael right? Liz cut to the chase, knowing the answer to her question.

“Uh…no. I’m not really a party guy, Liz.

“When was the last time you went and had fun at a party? These are people we’ve gone to school with our whole lives”

“Which is why they won’t expect me to be there. Seriously,Liz. I’d rather wait until you get off. Then we can go together.”

“There’s no reason for you to wait around for me, Max. You can go with Michael and Maria and I’ll be there right after my shift.”

“I’d feel like a third wheel.”

“No, you’d be a guy hanging out with his two best friends and you’d be having a really good time.” Liz reached up to kiss him, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled back. “Do it for me, okay?”

So here he was, at a party full of people he’d barely spoken to for most of his school years, and a bunch of people he didn’t recognize. Max had to admit that the party wasn’t bad. They were having a decent enough time, even though neither he nor Michael could drink. They’d gotten into a Foosball competition earlier and had managed to whip their opponents without the use of powers and it had actually been sort of fun. But he’d much rather be sitting in a booth at the CrashDown waiting for Liz to get done, then standing here waiting for Michael to get back from tracking down Maria.

The last couple of weeks had been difficult but progressive for Max. He’d have never believed it before, but having everything out in the open, especially with his parents was incredibly freeing. It was such a load off his shoulders to know that he didn’t have to hide who he was from them and that they loved him anyway. He still had their safety to consider, but the burden was considerably less. And they were also wonderfully understanding of his occasional lapses into depression. Although he was substantially less withdrawn then before, there were times when his insecurities still got the better of him and the nightmares, though less frequent, had not dissipated.

Max knew that his parents and Liz would listen to him if he needed to talk, but the nightmares were a private hell that he just couldn’t open up about yet. He also knew that Liz was aware of his sleeplessness and that she wanted him to share with her, but…..Max wasn’t sure why he was reluctant to talk about them.

Maybe it was because it was humiliating to admit that he dreamed of scary things at night like a child …or maybe it was that during the day, no matter how normal he seemed, at night, he was still the Max who’d been too weak to stop Tess from turning him into a minion of her evil plan. No matter how many times Liz or his family told him that he wasn’t responsible and they forgave him, Max knew the truth. It was going to be a long time, if ever, that he forgave himself for being used by Tess. His weakness had hurt the people he loved and had created a child that was destined to die. There was no forgiveness for that.

Max shook off his depressing thoughts, but the residue lingered as he watched his classmates talking and laughing…and dancing. He spotted Maria in the middle of a group of dancing couples, and his lips curved as he finally saw Michael, his friend’s long suffering expression showing just how much he was enjoying himself out on the dance floor.

Glancing at his watch, Max shifted restlessly, wishing that Liz was already there. He hated being away from her as it was, but in an uncomfortable situation like this, her presence was doubly missed. Her shift was over in about 10 or so minutes. That meant she should be there within a half hour. Max sighed, resigned to wait out the time impatiently.

Even surrounded by people, Max felt isolated, and he wondered somewhat dismally if he would ever feel like anything but an outsider. Before Tess came, Max always felt wary and removed from people, he and the others, hiding in plain sight. But now, he felt his own differences even more acutely. Maybe it was because Michael had finally allowed himself to integrate with others, making friends at his job, and Isabel had always attracted a slew of other girls interested in the same things she was. They were both trying to have a normal life here on earth….which was what Max wanted too with Liz, but…..

Irritated by the downward turn his thoughts had taken, Max mentally shook his head to try and dispel the negativity that had begun to take over when he felt a prickling sensation that made the hair on the back of his neck rise. Casually glancing around the room, Max tried to determine the cause, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Michael and Maria seemed to have disappeared. Just as he was about to go look for them, someone bumped into him and he automatically reached out to steady them.

“Oh,” a feminine voice said, and Max found himself staring down at a petite blond girl. He stiffened slightly as his eyes took in the mid length hair, curling around her face and the blue eyes staring up at him. She wasn’t Tess, but the resemblance was close enough to cause his stomach to tighten.

“You can let go now,” the girl said smiling up at him knowingly. She’s been watching him across the room for a while now and was gratified to see that he was even better looking close up. Her eyes slid down his tight body, and even with her senses clouded with the tequila she’d consumed, she could see he was quite a specimen.

Max pulled his hand away from her arm as if burned, but the girl didn’t seem to notice as she blatantly stared at his body. His skin crawled and he stepped back, but the girl followed, stepping closer.

“I’m Larissa,” she said, brushing up against him with the pretense of moving out of someone’s way. Max didn’t respond, looking around rather desperately for Michael and Maria.

Larissa noted that he seemed to be looking for someone, but in her alcohol induced self-absorption, she didn’t really care. She wondered if this guy could really be in high school.

“Are you graduating from Roswell High? You don’t look like you’re in high school. I’m going to be a sophomore at ENMU next year,” Larissa said, wanting to get his attention. What high school guy would turn down the chance to have a college girl, especially one like her. She knew she was hot and normally she wouldn’t be going after one of her brother’s high school buddies, but a few days ago, she’d found her boyfriend in a compromising position with one of her best friends and she needed a little ego boost. She’d have this guy begging her for it before the night was over.

What was wrong with this girl, Max thought as he tried to wrest his arm from where she’d grasped it. He could tell she’d had too much to drink, but the way she kept brushing her breast against his arm was making him ill. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Max knew he was overreacting, but he couldn’t seem to stop the shudder that ran through him as she clung to him.

“Uh….I’m waiting for my girlfriend,” Max said, getting ready to pry her fingers from their grip if need be. Admittedly, he hadn’t been around many college girls, but this one just didn’t know when to quit.

“Your girlfriend,” Larissa said, disappointed, but undeterred. “Well, we’ll just have to be quick then won’t we? Let’s go get a drink and we can go upstairs.”

Max gaped at her for a moment, not believing this was happening to him. He’d been minding his own business and now he couldn’t pry this girl off with a crowbar. She looked up at him hungrily and his stomach lurched. Desperately, Max reached up and wrapped his hand around her wrist, pulling on it firmly but gently to get it loose. Larissa took the opportunity to grab his hand, thinking that he was ready to go, and she turned to drag him with her towards the kitchen. Max pulled back and she turned around.

“Come on…..what is your name anyway?

“I….told you I’m waiting for my girlfriend. She’ll be here in ……”

“Well, what’s her name will have to wait in line, won’t she?” Larissa pressed herself up against Max’s hard body, and she let out an “mmm” as she felt muscles in all the right places. “Whoever she is, she’s one lucky girl, but I know I can make you forget all about her.”

Max froze as the words that Tess had said to him came out of this girl’s mouth, and his face grew pale as his stomach churned. What was wrong with him? Just because some drunk girl came on to him was no reason to panic. But he could suddenly hear Tess’s taunting voice in his head and a flash of the two of them standing in the observatory, Tess insinuating herself on him while he stood there helplessly unable to move, had him locked in place, his body trembling. Oh God….he was going to be sick.

Reality finally seemed to break through Larissa’s alcoholic haze as she realized that the guy she was trying to drag upstairs was standing like a statue, staring at her with eyes that were dark with something akin to terror. She finally let go and stared up at him in sudden anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Are you some kind of freak?”

“What’s going on, Maxwell?” Michael came up just in time to hear the girl’s words and he quickly intervened when he saw Max frozen in place, looking panicked.

Larissa eyed the tall, long-haired guy that asked her that question, noting the blond girl that came up next to her now lost cause, watching as she took his arm, looking at him worriedly. “I think your friend here must be gay or something.”

“Or maybe he just knows trash when he sees it,” Maria said rudely, glaring at the petite blond. “Why don’t you find some other guy to screw before you embarrass yourself anymore.”

“Who the hell……” Larissa started to step forward, but Michael stepped in between the two girls, taking Larissa’s arm and steering her away from his pissed off girlfriend. “Trust me …you don’t want any of that.” Michael took her into the kitchen and spoke to one of the guys who was standing there making drinks. “Get her a rum and coke, will ya?”

The guy nodded and when he handed the drink to Michael, he surreptitiously used his powers to get rid of the alcohol before handing it to the girl. She was already engaged in conversation with another guy standing in the kitchen, so Michael quickly left to go find Max and Maria.

They were standing outside on the large porch when Michael found them, Maria sitting on the swing, Max standing by the railing with his hands in his pockets, staring out at the night.

“Where’s slut girl? Did you zap her into next Tuesday?” Maria asked hopefully as Michael sat next to her.

“She’s working on her next victim,” Michael answered her, eyeing Max’s stiff posture. “How’s Max?”

“How should I know? He’s not talking other than to say he’s fine. I don’t know what that girl did to him, but he’s pretty shaken up.”

Michael got up from the swing and went to stand next to his friend. “So…..”

“I’m fine, Michael,” Max interrupted before Michael could finish his sentence. “Thanks for…you know….”

“Stopping the brawl? No problem.” Michael glanced at Max’s expressionless face.

“Actually, I was going to say getting rid of her, but thanks for that too.”

“So what happened back there?” Michael asked.

“Nothing….just a misunderstanding, that’s all,” Max dismissed his question, not willing to discuss his humiliating behavior at the moment. God, he wished he could just crawl in a hole right now. He was pathetic.

Maria joined them at the rail. “Do we need to leave Max because I’m sure that Liz would understand….”

“No!” Max said somewhat more forcefully than he meant to, and he sighed, softening his voice. “I mean….we don’t need to go. Liz was looking forward to this and I….I’m fine. Please don’t make a big deal out of this, okay? I appreciate you both….stepping in…like you did…but….there’s no need to tell Liz….”

“Tell Liz what?” Liz said as she approached the three figures on the porch. They turned around at the sound of her voice and Liz immediately noticed the guarded expressions on their faces, particularly Max whose blank expression did not bode well.

“Nothing,” Max said stepping forward to take her hand. “We were just waiting for you.”

Liz nodded, but looked at Maria who shook her head slightly, indicating in their silent language that they would talk about it later. “So…how’s the party?”

Maria answered, “It’s great. Really great. We were just getting some air….you know…away from the beer haze and waiting for you. So…..let’s go in.” The four of them headed inside. The noise level had risen to deafening and they moved until they found a corner where all four of them could stand. Michael gestured to Max.

“Let’s get some drinks then see about another round of Foosball.”

Max, who was still holding Liz’s hand tightly in his, started to shake his head no, but Liz intervened. “That sounds good. We’ll wait here for you guys to come back.” She looked up into Max’s reluctant eyes, but he quickly hid his expression and nodded, letting go of her hand to follow Michael into the kitchen.

“What happened Maria?” Liz said as soon as they were out of earshot.

“ I don’t know exactly. Michael and I were dancing and talking to Kyle and Jenna for a while. We hadn’t really been gone all that long, when Michael sees this girl hanging off of Max apparently trying to get him to go with her. And Liz….this girl was short and blond and slutty, you know what I mean….like a certain dead alien queen we know.” Liz nodded frowning, definitely not liking the sound of this.

“She was all over him, but we could see that Max was handling it….trying to get her to get off him so…we didn’t do anything at first …I mean … it seemed harmless…but then…Max kind of…I don’t know….starts to look freaked out and that’s when Michael went over there and broke it up. The girl was trashed and obviously desperate, but…when I got Max outside, he completely clammed up. You came up when we were talking about leaving.”

“Where is she?” Liz asked, worry etching her brow. What had the girl said to him, she wondered. Maria looked around the room for a few minutes before finally spotting the girl dancing with some poor guy who was completely loaded. He was falling all over her and she was just as trashed, laughing and letting him hang off of her. Maria pointed them out and Liz looked at her, seeing the slight resemblance to Tess. There had to be more to it, though. Liz glared at the girl across the room, wishing she could have been here to stop whatever happened. She’d had enough of blond bimbos hitting on her boyfriend to last a lifetime.

The guys came back with the drinks and Liz looked at Max who attempted a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes as they all headed to the basement where the Foosball table was set up. Kyle was already down there with Jenna and they greeted one another, the girls looking on and talking as the guys played.

Liz watched Max out of the corner of her eye as they talked, and her heart grew heavier as she observed him attempting to have a good time, all the while carefully keeping up his blank façade. No one would know there was anything wrong, but she could feel his quiet despair through their connection, even though they weren’t touching, making it obvious to her that his feelings were very close to the surface. It was taking everything he had to stay here and she knew he was only doing it for her.

Finally, Liz couldn’t stand it another second, and she quietly told Maria that she and Max were leaving. Maria nodded in understanding and Liz waited until a lull in the game before she approached Max.

“Let’s go, okay?”

Max looked down at her grim expression and his heart sank. He knew that she’d been able to feel his feelings because he could feel her worry., knowing Maria would have given her an abbreviated version of what happened. Not wanting to have a discussion right there in front of their friends, Max followed her upstairs and allowed her to lead them outside, but he stopped her before she could descend the stairs.

“Liz…we don’t have to leave.”

“Yes we do, Max.” Liz looked up at him.

“No, we don’t,” Max reiterated, starting to feel desperate. He wasn’t ready to talk about what happened, and he definitely did not want to be the reason Liz missed the last party she would get to attend with all of her high school friends before they graduated. He’d spent enough time being the reason she missed out on normal high school life.

“Max….we can go somewhere and talk about….”

“No….Liz….look….I’m going to go….by myself.” Max suddenly needed to get away from there…..and he didn’t want Liz to come with him. He mentally and physically stepped back from her, and Liz felt it like a blow to her stomach. She stared at him in hurt bewilderment, but Max was backing away, avoiding her gaze.

“I….you should stay and have a good time. I’ll….I”ll call you tomorrow and we’ll…talk….”

Liz stood in silence, tears making her dark eyes shimmer as she watched him turn. Part of her wanted to protest and make him talk to her…..but some small sense of self preservation kept her quiet, too hurt by his sudden withdrawal to be the co-dependent girlfriend, begging her boyfriend to let her come with him when he clearly didn’t want her to.

Moving quickly down the stairs, Max couldn’t prevent himself from glancing back as he headed to his car, and his gut twisted at the expression on Liz’s face as she watched him leave. But before he could rethink his decision, she turned away and walked back inside the house, leaving him alone with his misery…just as he’d wanted.

Making it to his car, Max sat, fists clenched, leaning his head against the steering wheel, feeling Liz’s hurt right down to the depths of his soul. Finally lifting his head to stare at the house a moment, Max started the car and pulled away numbly, knowing he was leaving his heart behind.

TBC........

[sylvia37]

Well, hi everyone. Wow, this took me a lot longer than I thought it would and I have to be honest, I'm still not sure I'm happy with it, but I decided to go ahead and post anyway. Please let me know what you think because I'm a little paranoid about it.

Realistic Dreamer,

I'm sorry to say that I guess I was a little heavy handed and mislead you into believing that Tess had something to do with Larissa's words. I didn't mean to do that and I will assure everyone that Tess is really dead. Hope that isn't too much of a disappointment.

Thanks for all the bumps and comments.



Everything to You Part 47


“Your father’s an idiot, Zan.”

Max sighed as he sat leaning against his son’s headstone, idly playing with a leaf that had fallen there. It was past midnight and he’d been sitting there for a while after driving out in the desert trying to clear his head. He hadn’t really been out to the cemetery since Zan’s burial, but tonight, Max had felt the sudden need to be close to his son. He’d been feeling guilty about not visiting it for a while, as though by not going to stand at his son’s grave he was dismissing his existence, but the truth was….Zan’s death was still hard to accept and just one more thing in a long list of things he’d been avoiding.

Grimacing in disgust at his thoughts, Max threw the leaf down and stared out into the night. He was a coward. Tonight’s little episode proved it. It wasn’t even the fact that he’d gone into flashback hell when that girl….what was her name….Lawanda…Loretta….whatever….had said the things she’d said to him. No, it was the fact that afterward, he’d let his inability to deal with things affect his actions with Liz.

“I hurt her again, Zan. I didn’t mean to but…I guess I never mean to. She’s so good….she loves me….and I ran out on her. You should have seen her face.” Max closed his eyes as though to block out the image, but it remained.

Why was this so hard for him? What was it about him that made it so difficult to confront his feelings….and let Liz in? Max knew that more than anything else, Liz wanted to help him deal with his demons. She had demonstrated that at every turn…so why couldn’t he let her? She’d seen inside his soul…she knew every horrible thing he’d done and felt when Tess was controlling him and she was still here…loving him…wanting him in her life. What was there left to be afraid of?

Thinking about that, Max decided it wasn’t exactly fear holding him back. At least, not fear of Liz’s reaction. He vividly remembered back when they were still tentatively feeling their way towards each other in the beginning of their relationship. The night on her balcony when they first kissed was, of course, one of his most cherished memories. But it wasn’t only the kisses they’d exchanged that made it so. It was the words Liz had said to him.

“…It just hit home for me, you know? How much knowing me has ruined your life.”

“No, it’s just the opposite.”

How often after that had she proved that she still felt that way. Max may have saved her life that day in the CrashDown, but Liz had repaid him a thousand fold since then, putting her life in danger…saving his life more than once… lying to her parents… giving up a normal existence for the alien abyss. She had proved time and time again that she was willing to lay it on the line for him. It was only when he’d finally pushed her too far, finding out he was going to leave the planet without even a goodbye, that she’d tried to step back from him. But that hadn’t lasted long either. The minute he’d needed her, she was there.

So why was this different? Max ran a hand over his face, feeling the slight growth of his beard as he rubbed his chin. He knew why. He’d always felt like a burden in Liz’s life, but since the revelations over the last few months, the feeling had increased a exponentially.

He wanted to stop being a burden in her life. He wanted to stop being the one who caused her heartache and pain and worry and made her miss out on a normal existence. He was tired of being that person. He wanted to be the person he was before Tess came into their lives. The one who made her face light up with a smile just because he came into the CrashDown while she was working. The one who put that sexy look on her face right before he kissed her. The one who made her laugh like he did earlier today being silly. He wanted to be the one who made her happy, not the one who put that look on her face and those tears in her eyes that he saw as he left her tonight.

“How do I do that?” Max wondered out loud.

He thought back over what had happened at the party, trying to analyze his reactions with an objective eye. He shuddered when he thought about the feel of the girl brushing up against him, but he tried to look beyond that. After Michael and Maria had intervened, Max’s first reaction had been immense relief….then complete humiliation. He’d felt stupid and embarrassed for having to have his friends rescue him from a situation that under other circumstances would have been laughable. The girl was drunk, for God’s sake and he was twice her size. It wasn’t as though she’d been holding a gun to his head forcing him to go with her. Her words had just triggered something inside him that brought Tess’s treachery back and he’d panicked.

Max’s face burned as he thought about it, and even though Michael and Maria had only demonstrated concern for him, he’d just wanted to ignore the incident and not let it affect their and Liz’s evening.

“I royally fucked that up, didn’t I?” Liz’s evening had been ruined the moment she got there and was able to feel what he was feeling.

That was the problem, wasn’t it? He’d gone to the party hoping that he and Liz and their friends could have one normal, non-alien related evening, and he’d managed to ruin that for all of them, first by his overreaction to the girl’s overtures, and then by trying to ignore it. If he had just admitted to Liz what he’d been feeling rather than trying to cover it up, and making her feel like she needed to take care of him, then they might have been able to at least deal with it there and maybe salvaged some of the evening. Instead, as usual, Max had tried to deal with it on his own and ended up bringing Liz down with him.

If instead of pretending nothing was wrong, he’d actually admitted to Liz that he was what….upset by the flashbacks….humiliated by his own reaction….embarrassed that he’d had to be rescued….would they have been able to deal with it and still maybe stayed and had a good time? Max didn’t know for sure. But he did know that running off was not the answer. It was his first instinct every time and every time it only made things worse.

He had to go apologize to Liz. Even if she was too upset to talk to him, he needed her to know that he was sorry. He got up from the ground and looked down at the headstone in front of him.

“I’ve got to go, Zan. I messed up with Liz and I’ve got to go make it right. I promise I’ll come back soon. I love you.”

Max turned and headed for the Chevelle, hurrying before he lost his nerve and changed his mind. He hoped she was still awake, or even home, but it didn’t matter. He would wait as long as it took.


***************************


Liz wiped her face with a towel and reached for the moisturizer. Doing her nightly routine gave her some measure of comfort after the night she’d had.

Right after she’d gone inside the house, leaving Max to go to his car, she’d been half way down the stairs to the basement when she almost changed her mind about letting him leave and started to rush back outside, but she stopped herself. The weight on her chest grew heavier as she walked all the way down stairs to drop forlornly on the old couch in the corner. Maria spotted her immediately and had come to sit next to her, wordlessly pulling her against her shoulder when she saw the tear tracks on her friend’s miserable face.

“Tell me,” she said without preamble.

“Max left.”

“I figured that part out on my own,” Maria said gently with a smile in her voice. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” Liz answered her, sniffling slightly as she looked down at her lap. “I was going to try and get him to talk to me, but he said that he wanted to leave by himself and that I should stay and have a good time.”

Maria absorbed this bit of information, reading between the lines. “So basically, he didn’t want to talk about his encounter with slut girl so he ran off…just like he always does when he can’t deal, right?

Liz nodded, feeling more tears gathering. “It just hurts. I know he’s been through a lot, but I thought we’d gotten past all this.”

“Apparently not. Look Liz, I think you did the right thing,” Maria said. Liz sat up and turned to face her, looking at her with indecision all over her face. “I do. Max has got to figure out that he can’t keep doing this. And I think he’s got to figure it out on his own. All of us…especially you, have shown him that we’re here for him and that we care about him. It’s up to him now.

Liz finished in the bathroom and turned off the light. She entered her room and sat on the bed, her head propped on the headboard.

Maria was right, but it didn’t make it any easier. It might hurt that he couldn’t open up, but she was more concerned about him being alone while he tried to deal with his feelings. She also knew that part of his reasons for running were because of his guilt over burdening her with his problems. He couldn’t seem to get it through his head that she wanted him to come to her with them. That continuing to try and hide his feelings was only going to put holes in the new foundation they’d begun to rebuild in their relationship. Liz wasn’t ready to give up, but tonight had been a reality check for her.

A tapping noise on her window made her jump, bringing Liz out of her reverie. She had been so preoccupied by her thoughts that she’d failed to notice the increase in the energy of her and Max’s connection. She slid from the bed and crossed to the window.

Max sat crouched outside, his eyes downcast, waiting for her to acknowledge his tapping. When he saw her face in the window, his gut twisted at the sad look she wore. Her eyes were shiny with tears and her lips were turned down as she tried to suppress them. Unaware of the revealing expression on his own face, Max stared at Liz in supplication, the misery in his eyes breaking her heart. She lifted the sash of the window and backed away for Max to climb in, sitting on the edge of the bed.

The moment he was inside, Max crossed the room going to his knees to bury his face in lap.

“I’m sorry.”

Liz hands automatically buried themselves in his hair as his broken words stabbed her heart. Her fingers moved soothingly through the thick strands as she breathed a sigh of relief. “Max…..”

“I was wrong. I shouldn’t have left…..I know you were trying to help…..I just……” Max stopped as he rubbed his damp face against her flannel clad legs. She smelled like lotion and he breathed in the familiar scent.

“You can’t keep doing this Max.” Liz said it gently, but with a hint of steel in her voice that made Max’s stomach tighten.

“I know. I know….but…..”

“No, Max. No buts. I love you and I understand….but you can’t keep running away every time something happens.”

Max closed his eyes at the worry and hurt in her voice and his arms tightened around her. “I know….it’s just….my first…instinct is to be alone when I can’t…..when things happen.” The confession seemed torn from his throat and Liz knew how hard it had been for him to admit. Her fingers continued to caress his hair as she spoke gently.

“I know it is, Max. But instead of running away from me…..why don’t you try running towards me. I’m right here…and I’m not going anywhere. You can tell me anything. It won’t make me love you any less. There’s nothing you could tell me that could make that happen.”

“I know that,” Max whispered. “I just….have trouble convincing myself that it’s real sometimes.

Liz pulled his face away from her legs and tugged until he was up on his knees facing her. She framed his face with her hands and looked determinedly into his eyes. “It is real, Max. This is real. You and me…together the way we’re supposed to be.

Liz leaned forward to kiss him, and after a brief hesitation, Max returned it, his hands reaching up to encircle her small waist, bringing her flush against him. Her forgiveness and love flowed through their connection and he basked in it for a moment even as his guilt over his actions still lingered. The fact that she kept forgiving him even when he continued to do the wrong things was not lost on him and he vowed that this would be the last time.

As he suddenly touched the bare skin of her back, Max became aware of her lightly clad breasts pressing against his chest and he forced himself to ease back from her, breathing shallowly. His hands moved over the smooth skin of her arms and shoulders, his eyes taking in the abundance of flesh that her small tank top failed to hide, and his cheeks burned as his body reacted to the sight.

Liz, who’d been staring into his eyes, drinking in his features, realized suddenly that they had strayed from her face and she followed his gaze down. Her cheeks pinkened as she saw herself through Max’s eyes, their connection still heightened by their close proximity and their raging emotions. He thought she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, and he couldn’t stop touching her, but at the same time, he was embarrassed and afraid of his body’s reaction.

Liz slid out from under him and pulled until Max was seated on the bed, then she went to her closet to pull out a sweater. Putting it on, she smiled at his mingled look of relief and disappointment and went to sit down next to him, gratified when he immediately took her hand.

“I want you to tell me what happened at the party.” Liz steered them towards the main topic of discussion.

Max stared down at their clasped hands and nodded, somehow needing her to know and reluctant to confess his humiliating reaction at the same time. “She was drunk and….she came on to me. I told her that I was waiting for you but….she wouldn’t take no for an answer and she kept…rubbing up against me….” Max paused, his hand tightening around Liz’s at the memory, but he had to smile as he heard the word “slut” whispered underneath Liz’s breath. He could feel her outrage on his behalf and he felt a little more of his self imposed tension slip away. Now was the hard part.

“She…looked a little like Tess and she….said some things that reminded me of her and…..I….panicked. I…was just frozen….like….like……”

“Like when Tess was mindwarping you,” Liz finished for him, feeling his revulsion and his embarrassment.

“Yeah…accept she wasn’t really doing anything…I just…didn’t handle it very well. Michael had to come over and stop her.” This last part was said with a wealth of humiliation, and Liz’s heart twisted in sympathy.

“I know that must have been hard for you, but Max. You need to give yourself a break. What Tess did to you was…..horrible and it’s understandable that you might have some extreme reactions to things that…don’t seem that….”

“It was just so stupid,” Max interrupted, pulling his hand away to get up and walk around her room. “All she did was…say stuff and I… couldn’t handle it.” He spoke quietly, aware that her parents were probably home, but the contempt in his voice for his actions was clear.

“She didn’t just say stuff, Max” Liz pointed out forcefully. “She touched you too. Without your permission. Under normal circumstances, you might have been able to blow that off, but these aren’t normal circumstances.” Liz took a deep breath, knowing her words might hurt, but also knowing they had to be said. “You were violated, Max. Tess forced you to do something you didn’t want to do, and the fact that she was an alien and able to make your body helpless while she did those things is no different then a person who is tied down and forced. You’re a victim of a crime and you’re reacting like one. It’s going to take some time to get over that.”

Liz got up from the bed to wrap her arms around his trembling shoulders, her words piercing through his protective armor, and Max immediately responded, holding her tightly against him, burying his face in her shoulder. “I hated being helpless,” he whispered, and Liz tightened her hold on him, her heart wrenching at the tremulous confession.

“I’m so sorry, Max.” Liz said, her voice husky with empathy.

Max continued to hold her against him, absorbing the comfort she was offering, but Liz could feel his pain over Tess’s treatment, his fear that he would never be normal…and his anger at his own bodies reaction to the girl at the parties touch. An idea began to form in Liz’s mind, but she bit her bottom lip, wondering if it was a good one. Her parents weren’t that far away and she wasn’t sure that it wouldn’t backfire on her. Making a decision, Liz pulled gently away from Max and led him to the edge of her bed.

“Take your jacket and shirt off.”

Max stared at Liz uncomprehendingly, dumbfounded by the request. Liz reached up to ease the jacket from his shoulders, then went to pull the hem of his tee shirt up. The feel of her fingers grazing the skin of his abdomen galvanized Max into action.

“What are you doing?” Max asked, taking hold of her wrists, effectively stopping her from undressing him.

“Just trust me, Max.”

He stared at her for a moment, knowing instinctively that this was not what it seemed on the outside, so Max let go and allowed Liz to help him pull his shirt over his head.

“Lay down.”

Max hesitated a moment, then removed his shoes and lay back against Liz’s pillow. Liz watched, still nervously working her bottom lip, trying to decide how to proceed.

“Close your eyes.”

Max had been staring at her, mesmerized by the sight of her removing her sweater, but he obediently closed his eyes when she asked. He felt the bed give under her slight weight and he nervously crossed and uncrossed his legs, wondering why she was doing this. He suddenly felt her hair brush lightly against his cheek, jumping as Liz’s warm breath caressed his ear.

“I could feel how you felt when that girl at the party touched you.” The whisper was soft in his ear, and Max shivered at the sensual sound. “And sometimes, when we’re touching or kissing, I can feel you struggling with yourself because you’re remembering how it felt when Tess was touching you and you couldn’t stop her.”

A line of pain appeared between Max’s brows and his eyelids fluttered, but Liz ran a gentle finger over the crease and it smoothed out beneath her soothing touch.

“I want you to let your mind relax and just feel me touching you. Don’t think about anything. Just feel.”

Her fingers skimmed lightly across his forehead, brushing the bangs that lay there before moving down his temples, over his cheeks. Max tried to relax, but the feel of her fingers tracing his skin was making it difficult. The silky strands of her hair brushed his lips and he felt the touch of it go straight to his groin. He shifted nervously, afraid Liz would stop if she knew, but their connection was heightened by their close proximity and his churning emotions, and Max felt her love and her desire to help him get past his aversion…and her satisfaction at his reaction. He was finally able to relax a little with the knowledge and he gave himself up to her ministrations.

Her fingers were tracing his cheekbones now, scraping lightly back and forth over the smooth/rough surface, then skimmed over his lips. “I love these,” Liz whispered, pressing the softness, leaning over to kiss them lightly, unable to resist. “I love what they do to me.”

A sound escaped Max’s throat at her words, and Liz smiled, kissing him again before moving to the slight cleft in his chin, running over the small indention.

As Liz watched her hands move over his throat and across the wide expanse of his shoulders, she shivered with her own reaction, wanting desperately to trace her lips over the skin her fingers were caressing, but she knew that wasn’t where they should go right now. Max couldn’t hide his body’s reaction to her touch but even though they were both feeling the effects of her actions, this wasn’t so much about sexual excitement as it was about helping him to overcome his fears.

Feeling the effect that touching him was having on Liz through their connection, Max felt his own sexual tension ratchet up a notch, along with a sudden urge to pull away.

“Do you like what I’m doing?” Liz asked, seeing the increase in tension around his mouth and feeling his sudden shift.

“Yes.” Max answered hoarsely.

“But it’s making you afraid too.” Max nodded, knowing that he couldn’t hide it from her through their connection.

“What are you afraid of, Max?”

Max shook his head slightly, not really knowing, but as Liz gently moved her fingers over his chest, he had a sudden flash of Tess leaning over, kissing his bare chest as he stood helplessly by, and he jerked. Liz immediately stopped her motions, seeing and feeling what he saw.

“Open your eyes, Max.”

He did so slowly. “Watch me,” Liz said repeating her actions, running her fingers lightly over his chest, fascinated by the ridges in his stomach. She felt him shiver, and quickly looked up to find him watching her with mingled longing and fear. “Did Tess touch you like this?”

Max nodded again, swallowing as he closed his eyes. “No, don’t close them Max. Watch me.” He did as she said.

“I want you to see me and feel me touching you. Concentrate on the way it feels to have me touching you.” Liz stroked his arms lovingly before coming back to run her fingers over his chest and stomach. Her hair brushed his skin again and Max’s muscles clenched, his passionate response obvious.

“Tess is dead, Max.” Liz kept stroking him, leaning forward to look directly into his eyes, their lips almost touching. “She can’t ever hurt you again. She may have looked like me, but your body knows the difference. No one will ever touch you this way except for me from now on.” She took his hand and held it against her heart. “This is real, Max. Believe it. Believe in us the way I do.”

Liz covered his lips with hers. A strangled groan emerged from Max’s throat, and Liz suddenly found herself beneath him as he kissed her with an edge of desperation, the wash of her love cleansing him of Tess’s lingering taint. Liz returned his kisses passionately, accepting his need, welcoming it. Max felt the healing balm seeping through the layers of guilt and self doubt to the wounded soul beneath, and the walls began to crumble under the assault.

When he finally came up for air, there were tears on Max’s cheeks, but his eyes only conveyed his gratitude and his undying love. He pulled her against him, rolling them over, luxuriating in the feel of Liz’s feminine softness pressing against him and the fact that it felt so right, giving him courage to believe that there was actually a light at the end of this tunnel. He pulled away slightly to lift his hands, framing her face.

“You’re so unbelievable, “ he said shaking his head. “Thank you. For listening to me….for loving me… for not giving up on me.” His eyes pleaded with her. “I’m through running. I promise. I can’t live this way anymore. I want us to have that life too. So much. I can’t promise that I won’t still have doubts but….” Max dropped his eyes, knowing that his insecurities were far from purged, but finally willing to believe that he might some day be worthy of the faith she had in him. Her actions tonight and her belief in him had given him that gift.

“I don’t mind if you have doubts as long as you don’t hide them from me. I can handle anything as long as we do it together,” Liz said with conviction, her heart singing as Max looked at her so lovingly that it brought tears to her eyes.

“I promise. I love you,” Max said, leaning up to kiss her lips tenderly, lovingly, for the first time in a long time, being the one to initiate the intimate contact. It was a significant step for him and Liz wanted to laugh and cry at the same time as she felt his overwhelming love for her. It might have been too much for one person to handle if she hadn’t returned it with equal fervor. She felt the tears sliding down her cheeks and had to finally break the kiss so she could breath, smiling at him so he would know they were happy tears. Max ran his thumbs gently over her cheeks, wiping the moisture away, feeling her happiness wash away the last vestiges of any doubts he had over their ruined evening.

Pulling her down into his arms, Max felt more relaxed then he could possibly have imagined. Liz snuggled against him, her arm wrapped around his hard frame holding him securely. Max ran his fingers lightly through her hair, never able to resist the feel of it. He sighed in contentment, thinking about earlier in the evening and how the night turned out to be so much better than he’d imagined it would. It seemed hard to believe that a few hours ago, he’d been at a party.

“I really am sorry about the party, Liz. I know you were looking forward to it.”

Liz’s arm tightened around his chest briefly as she contentedly rubbed her face against his chest. “I was,” she said honestly, not trying to hurt his feelings, but wanting them to be completely open with each other.

Max winced at her comment, but knew she wasn’t trying to hurt him. “Part of the reason I left was so you could stay and…..” he stopped talking when he felt her body shaking against him, and he realized she was laughing. “What?”

“Did you really think I would have a better time staying at a party after my boyfriend ran out on me then I would have coming with you?”

Max smiled ruefully. “Okay, it sounds really stupid when you say it like that. Forget what I said except for the sorry part.”

“You’re forgiven…this time.” Liz said, propping herself up on an elbow. “Next time, I might not be so nice.”

“There isn’t going to be a next time. I promised, remember? No running. You’re stuck with me.” Max raised his eyebrows in challenge. “Think you can handle it?”

Liz caught the underlying vulnerability in the statement even though he said it in jokingly, and she leaned down to kiss him lightly. “Try and stop me,” she whispered against his lips, smiling when the kiss deepened. Max’s arm tightened, bringing her more firmly over his chest as he lost himself in the feel of her lips, finally allowing himself to enjoy his body’s reaction rather than letting his fears reign, and he explored her mouth with a thoroughness that left Liz gasping for breath. Their lips and tongues caressed, the kisses going on and on, neither of them able to get enough of what they’d been missing since their breakup, Max’s hands running sensuously through the silky strands of her hair, while Liz gripped his shoulders tightly. It had been so long since they’d been this way together, that it felt new and familiar at the same time. She never wanted it to end.

Eventually however, they both felt the need to stop, realizing how late it was and that they were lying in her bed with her parents a few feet away. Max eased his hold on her slender body, reluctantly kissing her one last time before sitting up, bringing her with him. Liz smiled at the disheveled state of his hair and reached up to smooth the wayward strands.

“I should go.” Max said, still unable to stop smoothing his fingers over her skin, watching as he did so.

“I know,” Liz answered, enjoying the feel of it too much to stop him.

Finally Max sighed and forced himself to get up from her bed, searching for his shoes. Liz watched him silently, then walked to the window with him, their hands naturally lacing together as they went. Max lifted the sash and lifted one leg over before turning back to her, his eyes conveying his love and gratitude as they gazed at her one last time.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Max said leaning for one last quick kiss.

“Bye,” Liz answered. She stayed by the window until he went over the railing, returning his wave before falling on her bed, and grabbing her pillow, hugging it to her, breathing in the lingering scent of her love.

She stayed like that for a while, basking in the happy glow, before the night finally caught up with her and sleep began to creep up. She yawned and turned over, snuggling into her pillow, hoping that she dreamed about Max.

Liz’s eyes suddenly flew open as she thought about that. Dreams. She looked at the telephone, wondering if she should call him. They hadn’t talked about Max’s dreams and she hoped that tonight would be a dreamless one for him. Turning over onto her back, Liz decided against calling. One hurdle at a time. Max said he was through running and she believed him, so she had to believe the he would eventually open up about his nightmares as well. At any rate, Liz intended to spend as much time as possible with him, so maybe that would help.

Relaxed once again, Liz closed her eyes, still feeling the effects of Max’s kisses on her lips, and the reassuring strength of his arms around her, looking forward to tomorrow with an anticipation she hadn’t felt in a very long time.


TBC.....

[sylvia37]

Just a quick note to say hi and thanks for all the comments and bumps. I actually finished this one sooner than I expected so here it is. Let me know what you think, good, bad, or indifferent. I love hearing from all of you.


Everything to You Part 48

Liz balanced the tray full of drinks skillfully as she walked over to the table where her friend’s sat. Max immediately stood up to help her with it, but she waved him back down and set the tray down on the table to let everyone get theirs.

Max, Maria, Michael and Kyle were all there celebrating the fact that they were all graduating in two days, and although no one admitted it out loud, they were especially celebrating that Michael managed to make it with a C average. He’d really pulled out the stops towards the end, asking for a leave from his job at Meta Chem so he could study for his finals. He told Max that he wanted Maria to be proud of him and not have high school drop out as a boyfriend, and it worked because Maria was thrilled for him and showed it. Liz grinned at Max as she saw Maria whisper something in Michael’s ear, watching as Michael’s jerked around to look at her intently before hauling her closer to his side and uncharacteristically, leaning over to kiss the side of her neck while he whispered back. Max returned Liz’s smile with a rueful one of his own, pleased for his friend.

Max slid over to let Liz sit down, happy when she came close enough to let her leg rest against his. He looked down at her smiling face, glowing inside at the relaxed happiness that she radiated, knowing that it was at least partially due to him. They’d practically been joined at the hip since the night of the party a week ago, except for when he or Liz were working. Even then, Max came to the CrashDown to sit if Liz let him know that her parents weren’t going to be around. They were making up for lost time and it was doing both of them a world of good.

Liz looked up to find Max staring at her with that look of love that warmed her from head to toe, and suddenly wished they were alone so she could show him how much she liked it when he looked at her that way. As if reading her thoughts, Max’s eyes dropped to her lips and it was though some unseen force drew them together, because suddenly, Max couldn’t not kiss her. His head dipped just as Liz tipped her head back, and Max kissed her softly, their lips clinging as Max’s hand came to rest on her shoulder, drawing her closer and Liz’s slid onto his thigh.

“Excuse me. Some of us are trying to eat. Could the four of you refrain from the face sucking long enough for me to finish my food.” Kyle’s voice cut through the romantic haze that had begun to permeate the table, effectively ruining the mood. Liz pulled back from Max, smiling up at him before turning to Kyle apologetically.

“Sorry Kyle. So um….where’s Jenna?”

“She’s working today.”

“You guys are coming to the party here after graduation, right?”

“Yeah.” Kyle looked over at Maria. “You know Dad asked your Mom?”

Maria grimaced. “Yeah. She’s giddy. It’s disgusting.”

Liz grinned at the matching expressions on Kyle and Maria’s faces at the thought of their parents hooking up. “Look at it this way, Maria. When it’s time to tell your Mom about Michael’s otherworldly status, you’ll have someone there to back you up.”

Michael’s face whitened a little at Liz’s words and Max couldn’t help the small smile that played around his lips at the thought of Amy Deluca’s reaction to that news, even though he was just as paranoid about letting anyone else in on their secret as Michael. Michael saw his smile and shot him a pointed look.

“I wouldn’t be looking too smug Maxwell. I just saw Liz’s Dad pull around the corner to park in the back.”

Max’s head jerked up and his arm fell away from Liz’s shoulder. “I though you said he was going to be gone all day.” Max looked at Liz.

“He was. He must have gotten done early.”

Just then, Mr. Parker came through the swinging door, looking around to observe the restaurant’s activity when he spotted Liz and her friends sitting at a booth. He frowned when he saw Max, and Liz started to drop her head guiltily, then stopped, lifting it back up to look at her father steadily as if challenging him to say anything.

“Slide out so I can go,” Max said to her, his hand pushing slightly against her hip.

“No, Max. This is ridiculous. My Dad knows we’re back together, and he’s just going to have to get used to it. I’m not hiding you from my parents.”

“I don’t want to cause a scene. And your Dad has every right to be angry at me. I got you involved in a convenience store robbery and you almost went to jail. Hell, you did go to jail. I can’t blame him for not wanting you to be involved with me.” Max looked down at her, noting the stubborn look on her face, and sighed inwardly. He hated being the cause of a rift between Liz and her parents.

Liz looked back at him, feeling his guilt even though his face didn’t show it. “First of all, no one forced me to go with you to that convenience store, and secondly, you and your Dad got the charges dropped. There’s no reason for him to keep acting like this.” She turned to glare back at her Dad who was talking to one of the cooks. He glanced her way and returned her look with a pointed one of his own.

“Look at me,” Max said softly. Liz turned her mutinous face to his and Max smiled down at her. “If my daughter was involved with a guy who got her mixed up in something like what we did in Utah, I wouldn’t want her ever seeing him again no matter what the circumstances. He wants to protect you and I can’t blame him for that.”

Liz tried to hold on to her anger, but couldn’t under Max’s loving stare. She gave him a small smile of her own. “Okay, but he’s going to have to get over it, because I’m not giving you up.”

“That’s good to hear.” Max nudged her hip again and she finally sighed and slid out of the booth, walking with him to the door and deliberately reaching up to kiss him goodbye. Max looked at her Dad’s thunderous expression out of the corner of his eye and quickly returned the kiss. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Six thirty,” Liz confirmed. She was going to the Evan’s for dinner.

After he left, Liz turned to trudge back to the table, when she saw her Dad indicating that he wanted to talk to her. She sighed, biting back her irritation and walked over to him. Mr. Parker noted her long suffering expression as she came forward.

“Thank you for doing as I asked,” he said, trying to make peace.

“Don’t thank me. Max is the one who wanted to leave. He didn’t want to cause a scene. I told him to stay.” Liz said matter of factly. “He’s a good guy, Dad. You can’t hold one mistake against him forever.” Liz looked up at her father with conviction. “We love each other, and we’re going to be together. I love you and Mom, but please don’t make me choose, because…..” Liz paused, not wanting to hurt him but wanting him to understand her point. “….Let’s just say that the choice has already been made. Max is in my life to stay.” Liz reached up and kissed her father’s cheek before going back to sit with her friends.

Jeff Parker watched her go with a strange mixture of pride and irritation. His stubborn daughter was going to make him crazy.


***********************

“Can you hand me that salt, Liz?” Mrs. Evans asked as she poured hot vegetables into a bowl.

Liz did as she asked, returning to finish cutting up salad. Isabel was pulling bread out of the oven.

“So, are you excited about graduating?”

“Yeah. It seems like it’s taken forever but at the same time, it’s a little scary. I mean…now I kind of have to be an adult, you know?” Liz blushed as she realized how candid her statement must have sounded to Mrs. Evans. It was just that Max’s parents made her feel so comfortable, she forgot sometimes that she should be trying to impress them.

Diane smiled at the expression on Liz’s face. “I know what you mean. It’s hard for us to adjust to the fact that both of our children are more or less adults now. Among other things,” she finished looking sideways at her daughter who wrinkled her nose at her mother’s comment Liz grinned and the three women picked up the dishes and headed into the dining room, where Max, Jesse and his Dad were finishing setting the table.

They all sat down and the meal started. As dishes were passed, Mr. Evans said to Jesse, “Tell me a little more about his offer from Boston.”

Jesse explained as Isabel glanced over at Max. He tried to look reassuring even as doubts about Isabel leaving and a small ache in his heart started at the thought of how much he was going to miss her. For so long, the two of them had relied on each other for comfort and support before they’d finally found their mates, and it was going to be hard to let go of that. Max felt Liz’s hand on his leg, and reached down to squeeze it, thanking her silently for her offered comfort.

“I saw the flyer for the after graduation party at the CrashDown, Liz. That’s really great of your Dad.” Isabel said, oblivious to the look that Max and Liz exchanged.

“Your Dad is having an after graduation party?” Mrs. Evans asked, noting the exchange.

“Um……” Liz was at a loss. How did she tell these people that everyone graduating from Roswell High and their parents and relatives were invited, but that Max hadn’t said anything because of her Dad’s lingering anger at him. Her face reddened with embarrassment and anger at her Father.

“Mom….Mr. Parker is still upset with me about the Utah thing so…..” Max squeezed Liz’s hand again and she smiled at him even though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh….Liz….I’m sorry. I didn’t know….I mean…..” Isabel looked at her brother and Liz apologetically, but Liz just shook her head.

“It’s okay. I’m just sorry for…you know….my Dad’s attitude. I told him today that he needed to let it go, but…..he’s stubborn.”

“It’s completely understandable,” Mr. Evans stated looking at his son’s contrite face. “No man wants to see his daughter involved with someone he thinks isn’t good for her.” He held up his hand as his wife started to protest. “I’m not saying that I don’t think Max is good for Liz. I’m just saying that Liz’s father doesn’t know all of the circumstances and he’s reacting completely normally for someone who thinks the man his daughter is seeing is willing to have her help him with what looks like a crime.”

Max dropped his gaze away from his family’s eyes, his appetite suddenly gone. His father looked on sympathetically, but didn’t waiver from his statement. “We all know what happened Max and that you were not yourself, so I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m just stating the facts. Jeff isn’t the one at fault here.”

“I know Dad, and I agree. I told Liz practically the same thing this afternoon.” Max lifted his eyes to his father’s face and Phillip Evan’s saw the resigned regret written plainly there. His heart went out to his son and he decided that he might have to have a little chat with Jeff. See if they couldn’t clear the air about a couple of things. He knew that he himself had contributed to the problem with his own investigation into his son’s activities, so maybe he could help change Jeff’s mind.

Mrs. Evans changed the subject and they continued the meal. Afterward, Liz was in the kitchen with her helping with the last of the clean up while the others set up the Monopoly board.

“I don’t know if I’ve thanked you,” Mrs. Evans said as she put food away in the refrigerator.

“For what?” Liz asked.

“The changes in Max. It’s obvious that he’s a lot happier and I know it has mostly to do with you. He’s so much more relaxed now and I can tell how hard he’s trying to not let everything eat him up inside the way he was.”

Liz nodded. “Yeah, he’s really doing much better,” she said but then she frowned. “But I can still tell when he’s had a bad night. Do you still hear him getting up sometimes?”

“Not as often, but yes, I hear him leaving his room sometimes in the middle of the night. Has he spoken to you about it?”

“No…not yet. He’s made so much progress….I want him to tell me on his own.” Liz looked over at Mrs. Evans worried face. “I just don’t want to push him anymore than I already have. It’s only been a few months since Zan’s death and everything else….and he’s finally starting to accept…you know….our support and know that we don’t blame him for what happened. I just….want him to feel like he has some control over how he feels and how he handles it.”

“Well, you’ve done such a good job of helping him so far…I’m sure you’re doing the right thing. Phillip and I haven’t interfered either. I don’t think it would do him any good to think that he’s keeping us up or worrying us so I haven’t said anything. But….”

“I know. You also want to help him when you know he’s having a bad time.” Liz nodded her understanding. “I feel the same way.”

The others came in to the kitchen to help finish up and then they all headed out to the living room to play the game. It was a fun, relaxed time and about half way through, Jesse was winning, and the others were teasing him unmercifully when it was decided that cake was needed. Everyone stopped and the girls got up to help Mrs. Evans with the dishes.

“How did you get so good at this game, Jesse?” Mrs. Evans asked as she sliced cake.

“My brothers and I played quite a bit when I was growing up.”

“Just a word of advice,” Max said accepting a slice of cake from his mother. “Let Isabel win once in a while or she gets really cranky.” Isabel gasped in outrage, balled up her napkin and threw it at her brother. Max ducked grinning and as he did, he accidentally knocked his mother’s hand just as she was slicing another piece of cake. The knife blade slipped and sliced deeply into her hand between her thumb and forefinger.

“Mom!” Isabel gasped standing up to take the knife from her mother. The others stood too, as Mr. Evans quickly grabbed a napkin to staunch the flow of blood. “Hold this while I go get the first aid kit.”

Max looked at his mother’s hand and quickly glanced at Liz. She looked at him encouragingly and he took a deep breath before silently moving to the other side of the table and taking Diane’s bleeding hand in his.

“You have to look at me, Mom,” was all he said, and Diane stared at him, partly in surprise, partly in apprehension. Max stared back and a moment later, a warm sensation started to radiate from the wound. She gasped startled and when she looked down, it was gone, the skin smooth as though it had never been.

Her eyes slowly looked up into her son’s face, his expression somewhere between shyness and fear.

“My God, Max. That was amazing,” Mr. Evans said, breaking the silence that had suddenly taken over the room. Hearing about it and seeing it in action were two different things.

Diane’s eyes filled with tears and she pulled Max into a hug. He returned it hesitantly and her heart overflowed with thankfulness to God again for having found these children. She pulled away to lift her hand to Max’s face. “You are such a gift, Honey. Thank you.”

Max dropped his eyes, not wanting her to see how much her words affected him, and Diane hugged him again. When she let go, he took a shuddering breath and immediately went around the side of the table to stand next to Liz, taking her hand tightly in his. Liz could feel his mixed emotions, his desperate need for her, as well as the slight fatigue from having healed his mother’s hand. It wasn’t a huge cut but it was deep and had taken a toll on his energy.

Liz hoped he could feel her overwhelming love for him as well. Max was truly amazing, but he just couldn’t see it. He’d been afraid of his parent’s reaction, but the relief he felt when it was positive was tempered by his own belief that they really didn’t know the real him and if they did, they wouldn’t be so forthcoming with their praise. Liz cursed Tess’s name silently again for having caused this wonderful person to doubt himself so much.

By the time everyone finished their cake, it was decided that the game was a wash and they all gracefully forfeited to Jesse. Liz said goodnight and Max lead her out to the Chevelle for the ride home. The short trip was made in silence until they got to the CrashDown.

Max turned the car off and turned towards Liz, leaning over to kiss her lingeringly. Their lips met again and then again as they said goodnight, and when they parted, Max reached up to smooth a silky strand of her hair away from her face as he stared into her eyes. Liz could see the strain on his face as she gazed back.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just tired I guess.”

Debating whether or not to say more, Liz opted not to. “Go home and get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She leaned up to kiss him one more time, making sure he could feel her love and how much she wished they didn’t have to be separated. Her thoughts were echoed by his as their lips finally parted and Max watched as Liz made it safely inside before sighing tiredly and heading back home.

When he got there, he found his mother still sitting up in the living room, watching television. At least that’s what he thought until he actually entered the living room and saw that she was watching that old video of him and Isabel at the park again. Max started apprehensively at the sight, but when he made to leave the room his mother noticed his presence.

“Oh, Honey. Come sit down.”

Reluctantly, Max did as she asked avoiding looking at the pictures on the television. He wasn’t sure exactly what made him so tense about his mother’s choice to look at this tape, he just was.

“I’m seeing this with new eyes,” Diane said as she watched her little son heal the wounded bird. Sighing, she turned off the tape and turned to her now much older son seeing some of the same sweet innocence that drew her to want to love and protect him in the first place so long ago when she and Phillip found him and Isabel on the side of the road. So lost….so afraid. They needed love as much as she had needed to give it after they’d lost their own son. Things hadn’t changed much, she thought as she noted the apprehensive look on Max’s face.

“Uh…where’s Dad?”

“He went out for a while,” Diane answered him. Max’s brow wrinkled at her answer, but she quickly continued, wanting to make a point with him. “I meant what I said earlier, Max. You are a gift.” She watched as her son dropped his gaze away from her compassionate one. “And not just to me and your father. I’d venture to say that Liz feels the same way as well as the Valenti’s….all of your friends.”

“Mom……” Max shook his head, uncomfortable with her comments. He wasn’t a gift. His presence in those people’s lives had been a menace, practically right from the start. Except for healing Liz, his life had done nothing but bring danger and heartache to just about everyone he touched. Kyle wouldn’t have needed healing if he hadn’t been involved in the danger that surrounded Max and God knew poor Alex was a complete casualty. He wasn’t a gift. He was a curse.

Diane could see the play of emotions across her son’s expressive face, and she knew that he didn’t believe her. “You don’t believe me,” she stated out loud. Max avoided her gaze, not answering her although his silence was answer enough.

“You were the one who saved all of those children in that cancer ward in Phoenix weren’t you?” Diane had only just figured that out tonight. Even though she knew her son could heal, it hadn’t clicked for her until she’d really given it some thought.

Max nodded, still not looking at her. “And you don’t think that the parents of those children think that it was a gift from God that their children were miraculously healed by an unknown person?” Diane knew that Max had a hard time believing in God, and now at least she knew why, but the fact that her children had turned out to be aliens had not shaken her faith. That was what she was trying to get across to Max. That he was a gift to this world as all people were.

“Max…aside from all of the obvious reasons why having the ability to heal is a miraculous gift, you also have the nature to be a healer. Some people are meant to be nurturers and some aren’t. Did you ever wonder why Michael can’t heal like you can?” Max nodded, curious about where his mother was going with this. “He doesn’t have the nature for care taking that you do. I don’t know Michael all that well, but from what I’ve seen, he’s more of a protector..a…a defender. What are his powers?”

Max’s lip quirked at the accuracy of his mother’s guess. “He can blow stuff up.”

Laughing, Diane nodded. “See? That’s what I’m saying, Sweetheart. A healer is what you are and most gifts worth having can be a blessing as well as a curse. Being able to heal made you able to save Liz’s life, but it also exposed you to the FBI, so I can see why you might be afraid of it.” Diane could see that she really had his attention now.

“I know you don’t really know why you were put on this earth, Max other than what you were told by your mother. You said that you were sent here to use what you learned about yourselves to free your planet, but that isn’t possible now because this….Granolith…is that what you called it….was destroyed?” Max nodded.

“ Well, I believe that you were put here for a different reason. Maybe you were meant to save Liz Parker’s life so that she would give you the courage to come out of hiding and be the person you were meant to be. Healing isn’t just a physical thing. It can be something that’s needed on the inside too….as you well know.” Max looked up at his mother, seeing her loving gaze on him. “You have that gift inside of you Max, and it’s a wonderful thing. Maybe you haven’t developed it because you’ve been hiding what you are for so long, but it’s there waiting to be used. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, Honey.”

Diane watched as her words sunk in, and she hoped that Max would take them to heart. Sitting up, she stretched just a little from her cramped position on the couch then stood up. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight Honey.” Max stood too, and Diane leaned up to kiss his cheek.

“Night Mom.” Max waited until she had gone upstairs before picking up the remote and flipping on the TV. As tired as he was, Max knew from experience that he would most likely have a nightmare if he went to sleep right now. The combination of exhaustion and the turmoil he felt about tonight’s events were enough to cause it. His guilt feelings over the rift between Liz and her parents because of him combined with the apprehension over showing his healing ability to his parents did not make for a good night’s sleep.

Thinking about his mother’s words, Max struggled with himself over them. She saw his presence on earth as having a meaning that he just couldn’t comprehend at this moment. How could he possibly be what she thought when his presence had caused so much misery for others.

Rubbing a tired hand over his eyes, Max tried to focus on the TV but everything was boring and he couldn’t concentrate. He was so tired. Finally unable to keep his eyes open, Max turned off the TV and headed up to his room. After he brushed his teeth, he went into his room and removed his clothing, suddenly realizing that his mother hadn’t actually told him where his father had gone.

Sliding under the covers, Max closed his eyes, getting a mental picture of Liz in his head, trying to focus on what she looked like lying in her bed, her hair spread out on her pillows, eyes closed in sleep. He did this every night, using it to help him keep the dreams at bay, and as he focused, Max felt himself relax, letting the thought of his love put him to sleep.


TBC.....

[sylvia37]

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the comments and for the bumps. I love hearing from all of you and I hope you'll let me know what you think of this next part.


Everything to You Part 49

Jeff Parker entered the bar, squinting through the cigarette smoke haze as he scanned the place for the man who’d called him. Stepping forward, he finally spotted him at a table towards the back, acknowledging Phillip Evan’s wave as he came to sit down.

“Jeff,” Phillip said by way of greeting. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“I was surprised to hear from you,” Jeff acknowledged. The waitress came up and he ordered a beer before turning back to his companion. “So…what’s this all about….although I can probably guess.”

“I’m sure you can,” Phillip answered him with a rueful smile. “I want to talk to you about the kids.”

“Did Max ask you to talk to me?”

“Actually, no. He hadn’t said anything to me until tonight when Liz was over for dinner.”

Jeff frowned at that, not realizing that his daughter had been eating dinner at the Evan’s. Now that she was eighteen and getting ready to graduate, he knew that he couldn’t exactly question every move that she made, but he hadn’t realized that she was spending time at the Evan’s.

“Liz came to your house for dinner?”

“Yes. She comes to the house pretty frequently.”

Jeff’s frown deepened, but he didn’t comment. “What did Max say?”

“Isabel mentioned the party for the graduates that you’re throwing and Max told us he hadn’t said anything about it to us because you’re still angry about Utah.” Phillip decided to be as honest as possible. He could empathize with Jeff’s distrust especially in light of the fact that until a couple of months ago, he himself had been as much in the dark about his children’s activities as Jeff and Nancy were.

“I’m sorry if you felt slighted, Phillip and I wasn’t necessarily excluding you….but I’m not going to apologize for how I feel about Max. I know he’s your son, but…..you have a daughter too so I’m sure you understand my point of view.”

“I do understand,” Phillip said when Jeff paused, “and I know that I haven’t exactly been helping Max’s case by coming to you with my suspicions, but I will tell you that since that time, I’ve gotten some information that helped me understand what was going on with Max….and Liz for that matter and…..”

“What type of information?” Jeff asked as the waitress set his drink down in front of him.

Phillip gazed at him contemplating how much to tell him. He didn’t want to break Max and Liz’s confidence, but he also felt like Liz’s parents deserved to know a little bit about what their daughter had been up to.

“How much do you know about Max and Liz’s relationship….I mean over the last several years.”

“Well…..there was that incident when they spent the night out in the desert together a couple of years ago, and I know that they seem to have broken up and gotten back together several times since then, although I don’t know why. Liz doesn’t talk to us much about that sort of thing.”

Phillip sighed, realizing that Liz had gotten just as good as Max and Isabel at hiding her clandestine activities from her parents. “Do you remember Tess Harding?”

Jeff thought for a moment. “Blond girl….staying with the Valenti’s for a while. Why?” Jeff leaned over, resting his elbows on the table.

“She was one of the reasons…actually the main reason behind the problems that Max and Liz have had over the years. Now before you jump to conclusions, let me finish what I have to say.” Phillip waited for Jeff to acknowledge his words before continuing.

“Last year…while Max and Liz were broken up….Tess became pregnant with Max’s child.”

“What?” Jeff exclaimed sitting up straight in his chair. “He got another girl pregnant? And Liz knew about this? What the hell is she thinking?” Jeff would have gone on in righteous anger if Phillip hadn’t stopped him.

“Just wait a minute, okay? Let me finish.”

Jeff closed his mouth although he was seething, unable to believe that there were any circumstances that would make what he’d heard better.

“I know it sounds bad, but there were mitigating circumstances, which I can’t tell you all the details of because it’s Max’s business….but I will tell you that Max didn’t sleep with Tess because he wanted to and that Tess used Max to become pregnant completely against his will.”

“What….did she drug him or something….I mean….” Jeff couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Like I said…I can’t give you the details but the point is that Max was not responsible for what happened, and afterward, Tess left Roswell taking his unborn child with her. The incident in Utah happened because Max had obtained some information about the baby’s whereabouts and he’d been frantically trying to locate him and Tess for a while.”

“And Liz was helping with this…this search?” Jeff shook his head, unable to comprehend how all of this had happened without his knowledge.

“Yes, she was helping him.” Phillip watched Jeff absorb the information with compassion.

“But wait a minute. They broke up again later….months after Utah. She told us.”

Phillip nodded. “They did for a while because….the search was taking a toll on their relationship plus…Max didn’t remember the details of what Tess had done to him until later. When Liz found out that Tess had….used Max….she started helping him again. Max finally managed to locate his son….Zan was his name….but by the time he found him….it was too late.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tess had been….in an accident while she was pregnant and Zan was not fully developed when he was born. He died along with his mother in the hospital.” It was as close to the truth as Phillip could get.

“Oh my God,” Jeff said, sitting back in his chair in disbelief. “When….when did you find out about all of this?”

“A few months ago. We didn’t even know Max had a child until…after he left to find him. He was there in the hospital when he died. When Max got home….he was devastated.” Phillip shook his head, still shaken by the events that led up to Zan’s death and Max’s condition when he’d gotten home. He looked over at Jeff’s shell-shocked face.

“I’m sure you can imagine our surprise to find out that not only had we had a grandchild but that our own son had kept what happened to him a secret from us and had been trying to deal with it on his own for months.”

Jeff nodded, feeling a kinship with Phillip that he previously hadn’t. The secret lives their children had been leading was a devastating revelation to him and he saw the same mixture of disbelief and humiliation reflected Phillip’s eyes. How had this happened?

“One of the main reasons I’m telling you this, Jeff is that I wanted you to know just how much your daughter means to our family. When Max came back after Zan’s death…..even before that…..if it hadn’t been for Liz….I can tell you without exaggeration that we would have lost him.” Jeff looked over at Phillip in surprise, seeing the truth of his words in the revealing look on his face. “Max wouldn’t have survived without Liz’s support this last year. Your daughter is an exceptional girl and we owe her more than we can ever repay.” The waitress came up to their table, but the two men refused a second round.

“Now I know that I’m probably not presenting Max in the best light,” Phillip continued once they’d received their bills, “but with Liz’s help, he’s recovering from what’s happened, and I can tell you from watching the two of them together that what they have is real and it’s permanent. You only have to be around them for short while to see how much they love each other and I couldn’t ask for a better person to share Max’s life. I hope that you’ll consider giving him a chance and I think we both know from experience that they’re going to do what they want to do regardless of how we feel. I would much rather be involved my children’s lives than left in the dark like we have been.”

Phillip acknowledged the waitress returning his change, then looked over at Jeff’s contemplative face. Standing up, he waited for Jeff to do the same before following him out to his car. They stood outside for a moment before Jeff spoke. “Thank you….for taking the time to explain all of this to me. It’s been….a revelation. Obviously I’ve been completely blind to what’s been going on.”

“Trust me, I know how you feel. They’re obviously very smart kids and they know how to take care of themselves, but it’s been tough realizing that we really have had no control over them in a while.” Jeff nodded in agreement to Phillip’s words.

“I hope once you decide what you want to do, that you and Nancy will come over and have dinner with Diane and I. I think we’re going to be involved in each other’s lives whether we want to or not, but I hope that we can become better friends.” Phillip reached out to shake Jeff’s hand and Jeff returned it strongly.

“Nancy’s been gone to her sister’s on and off for the last several months taking care of her while she’s been sick, but I’m sure she’ll be just as shocked as I’ve been by this.” Jeff said, shaking his head as he started to get in his car.

“Phillip,” he said suddenly looking over at the other man who turned back inquiringly. “Why don’t you plan to bring the family to the CrashDown after graduation? It’s going to be one hell of a party.” The two of them exchanged a look of understanding, and Jeff smiled at Phillip’s nod before they left to go home to their wives.

*******************

Max was in the midst of a dream that was rapidly deteriorating. It had started off pleasantly enough, he and Liz happy, going to school together, getting married, contemplating the birth of their first child, but now….

“Dad….please…we’re having a baby….don’t you want to even know….” Liz begged her father to listen while Max held her, his arms protectively around her and their child.

“No! I told you he was no good from the start but you wouldn’t listen…now I find out he’s an alien! You’re having an alien baby and you want me to be happy? Get out of here. I never want to see you again.” Jeff Parker closed the door to the CrashDown in their faces while Liz sobbed brokenly against his shoulder.

“Liz…I’m sorry….I’m so sorry…..” Max looked down at his wife’s devastated face and suddenly the dream changed. He was lying on a table, metal cuffs holding him down, his chest bare. Dr. Hardwell was standing next to a tray full of instruments while an orderly pulled plastic gloves on to his hands.

“Welcome back Mr. Evans.”

Max’s heart was pounding frantically as his head jerked around to the sound of a door opening and two men in scrubs wheeled in another table. Max gasped as he saw the occupant.

“ No! No……please. Let her go. She’s human. It’s me you want. Please…..please don’t hurt them.” Max begged for Liz’s life and the life she carried inside her as he watched while the doctor prepared to operate. Liz lay on a cold steel table, her rounded stomach obvious under the sheet that covered her, as she stared at him pleadingly.

“Max….our baby….” Liz sobbed frantically, fighting the bonds that held her to the table and Max jerked and pulled at the metal cuffs holding him down. One of the orderlies put a mask over Liz’s face as the doctor lifted a knife from the tray, poised over the mound of his unborn child.

“Noooooooo….”

Max jerked awake, the sound of his own voice screaming in his head, yanking him from his horrifying dream. He gulped in frantic draughts of air as reality finally seeped in and he realized he was sitting up in bed, his bare chest slick with sweat, his heart beating frantically in terror. It was a dream….oh God….a dream…..

Putting his head in his hands, Max shuddered, unable for a moment to get his pounding heart and heaving stomach to believe that it wasn’t real. When he finally managed to get his trembling limbs to cooperate, Max swung his feet over the side of the bed and stood, making his way into the bathroom. Turning on the shower, he removed his shorts and stepped in, making it as hot as he could stand it.

Max soaped and washed the sweat from his body and hair, trying desperately to blank out his mind, but as he ran his washcloth over his abdomen, it welled up in his chest and harsh sobs began to escape his throat. He leaned his head against the arm that held him braced against the tile, trying to muffle the sounds he was making, and after a few torturous minutes, he was finally able to get himself under enough control to turn off the shower and get back to his room. His body continued to tremble uncontrollably as he dressed in street cloths, running a hand through his hair to dry it with his powers.

Grabbing his car keys, Max climbed out of his window with one thing in mind….one destination….

When he reached the CrashDown, he climbed quickly, blindly up the ladder, almost stumbling as he made it over the ledge. He was about to knock on the window, when it opened to reveal an anxious Liz.

“Max….what….

Not speaking, Max climbed through the window and fell to his knees, clutching Liz around the waist as he buried his head against her, just breathing in and out steadily, finally feeling the tightness in his chest starting to loosen.

Liz held him, her heart pounding. She’d woken from sleep feeling an overwhelming sense of urgency and fear. It had taken a few minutes to figure out that the feeling was coming from Max and as it became stronger, Liz realized that he was almost on her doorstep.

Max was rubbing his cheek against her abdomen now and Liz could still feel mingled with his anxiety, relief at being in her presence and something about keeping her safe. His arms hadn’t loosened their hold around her waist and as she continued to sooth him, she thought she heard him whispering.

“It won’t happen….I won’t let it happen….”

“Max….Max…..” Liz gently pulled until he finally loosened his grip and she managed to get him to sit on the bed.

“Tell me….” Liz looked up into his haunted face, but Max just stared at her, not able to verbalize the terror that had gripped him during his dream.

“You had a nightmare.” Liz could see it in his face.

“Lay back with me,” she said, sliding backward on the bed until she was at the headboard. Max didn’t question her, just kicked off his shoes and slid back with her until they were facing each other, lying on her pillows.

Liz brought her hands up to frame his face and stared into eyes, opening her mind, reaching out to him. Their connection was already heightened by their close proximity and raging emotions, so it was easy for Liz to form the bond she was looking for. She could feel Max’s desire to block her from seeing, but after a brief hesitation, he gave in, needing her to know as much as she needed to understand.

The images came vividly along with the accompanying emotions, and Liz gasped as they got progressively worse. Seeing herself lying on that table was bad enough but feeling Max’s terror as he lay helplessly watching the doctor prepare to forcibly remove their child from her womb caused her to jerk away from the connection, her eyes finding Max’s, wide with the horror of it.

Max pulled her close to bury his face in her hair, as much to give comfort as to get it, feeling Liz’s body trembling in his arms, and he guiltily wished that he could take it back now. This was why he hadn’t shared the nightmares with her before. Why should she have to share this hell with him?

“Is this….is this how they always are?” Liz whispered, her voice muffled against his neck.

“Not…..not always….but….the others are….bad too.”

Liz took a shuddering breath, feeling the words stabbing her stomach with aching dread, her throat tightening with tears. How had he kept these things inside for so long? Witnessing just one of the nightmares was going to haunt her, but they had been plaguing Max for months. She could feel his remorse at having finally given into his need to share his fears, and Liz reached up to caress the side of his face, shaking her head before kissing him softly, conveying through the horror she was feeling, that she wasn’t sorry he’d showed her.

Max took his own deep breath, feeling the peace and comfort her presence always provided steel over him despite his lingering reaction to the dream Liz rolled slightly, and he took the hint, lying on his back so she could rest on his chest. They were still clinging to each other tightly and their connection was so wide open that they could practically read each other’s thoughts. Liz knew there was nothing she could say that would make it any better, especially because she was just as affected by the images in his dream as he was. She could only hope that eventually with time and love, that Max’s fears would fade.

They stayed, lying together like that for a while, just absorbing each other’s nearness, giving and receiving love and comfort through their connection as well as through small loving caresses. Eventually, Max could feel sleep pulling at him, and he made a small movement as if to leave. Liz immediately tightened her hold on him.

“Don’t go.” She lifted herself up on an elbow to look down at him, the curtain of her hair sliding forward, begging for his fingers to sift it back away from her face. “Stay with me.”

Max looked up at her and nodded, feeling no desire to leave her side. Liz shifted away to pull the covers back and she and Max got underneath them, taking up their previous position, his chest a natural pillow for her head. The rightness of how it felt to be sharing her bed was not lost on either one of them, but no more words were exchanged. Max kissed the top of Liz’s head and closed his eyes, opening them a second later as she leaned up for a real goodnight kiss. It was gentle and sweet and full of love. They relaxed together under her covers, sliding easily into sleep in each other’s arms.

It was only a little while later that Jeff Parker decided to finally go to bed. He’d spent a couple of hours down in the CrashDown going over the books and mulling over Phillip Evan’s words. As he started to pass Liz’s closed door on his way to his room, he paused, suddenly feeling the need to look at his daughter, the revelations tonight making him realize how little he really knew about her.

Startled did not begin to cover how he felt when he eased open the door and found Liz being held in the arms of her boyfriend in her bed, but as he opened his mouth to raise hell, several things jumped out at him that caused him to pause.

Max was dressed. Jeff could see his shirt and the outline of his pants under the covers, and he quickly took in the fact that Liz was wearing her pajamas. Second was the way they were laying, clinging to each other as though their lives depended on them touching while they slept. Jeff knew that Max couldn’t have been there that long because he would have seen his car when he got back from meeting Phillip.

The things Phillip said to him earlier came back as Jeff gazed at his daughter’s face. Liz and this boy loved each other to distraction, and if what Phillip said was true, then Liz had been instrumental in helping Max recover from the death of his child and whatever this Tess person did to him. Pride mingled with the uncertainty he felt as he continued to stare at his daughter’s sleeping figure.

Liz had always been a smart, independent girl and he’d never questioned her judgement until the incident in Utah and now he realized that she’d been living a life that he knew nothing about. If he wanted to start being a part of it, alienating himself by maligning the person she loved was not the way to go about it. Besides, she was graduating in a couple of days and would be going off to college in a few months. This was the last little bit of time he would have to truly be her father before she was gone. He didn’t want it to be fraught with the tension that had been between them.

Reluctantly making the decision not to cause a scene tonight, Jeff closed the door quietly and took a deep breath before heading to his room. It was late and he had big day tomorrow. There would be time enough then to confront Liz with his concerns.

TBC......

[sylvia37]

Another quick thank you to all those who are reading. I'm missing some of you who have commented in the past, and I hope that doesn't mean you've given up on me. Anyway, thanks again for reading.

And finally, here's the next part.



Everything to You Part 50

Max awoke with a sensation that he’d only felt a few times previously in his life; the incredible, warm feeling of Liz snuggled against him as she slept. The previous times it had happened, he hadn’t really had time to enjoy it, but today, Max lay still, savoring the feelings. Even though they hadn’t fallen asleep until late, it was one of the best sleeps he’d had in a while.

His arm was draped over Liz’s waist as she lay with her back to him, her body firmly pressed against his. Her knees were bent and one small foot was pressed against his calf. A slender shoulder showed above the covers, and Max couldn’t resist pressing his lips to it as he smoothed her hair away. Liz shifted a little at the light touch, but didn’t awaken, curling forward slightly, unconsciously bringing her backside more firmly against him, and Max froze as his body reacted to the pressure, nearly making him groan out loud. For a few precious moments, he didn’t move, just lay there taking in the feel of her, but when he began to fight the urge to press more tightly against her, Max forced himself to pull back, carefully turning onto his back to try and get himself under control. Liz didn’t need to wake up feeling man-handled and being in her bed together was dangerous enough without adding uncontrolled urges into the mix.

Suddenly feeling the lack of warmth against her back caused Liz to wake slowly. She uncurled and stretched her toes, then turned over. Her eyelids fluttered open and she looked up to find Max staring down at her lovingly. A small smile graced her lips as happiness at finding him still there curled through her stomach. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was around 6:30.

Good. She didn’t start her shift for another hour, which meant she could stay here for a few more minutes enjoying the fact that she’d gotten to wake up with Max. Sliding forward a little, Liz lay her head on his chest, smiling again as his arm came naturally around her shoulder to bring her closer. Her feet rubbed against his leg, noting absently how much longer they were then hers. Feeling his clothing reminded her why he was there and a small frown suddenly marred her brow. They needed to talk about his nightmares.

“Morning,” Max’s voice sounded husky, whether from sleep or for some other reason, she didn’t know but the sound caused a small shiver down Liz’s back. She unconsciously snuggled closer.

“Morning.”

Liz felt Max’s lips in her hair and rubbed her cheek against his chest before placing a small kiss there in return. Neither one of them seemed inclined for conversation as they lay together, enjoying the unusual phenomenon of waking up together. Max’s other hand came around to stroke her exposed arm bringing her more firmly against his chest, and the sensation of her thinly clad breasts pressing into him made Liz suddenly want to kiss him. She lifted up to do so, but stopped as she saw the expression on his face, the affect of their close proximity obvious. The fact that they were in her bed suddenly seemed more significant….and enticing. Resuming her intent to kiss him, Liz leaned down, unconsciously bringing her leg up over his, and as their lips met, she felt rather than heard the rumbling groan in his throat as she inadvertently rubbed against his now more prominent flesh.

For one heart stopping moment, neither one of them moved, barely breathing. Then they were throwing caution to the wind as they turned over, Max’s lips descending as he pushed her hair out of the way seeking hers. Liz was just pulling him closer, her leg coming up to curl around his hip when a knock sounded at her door causing the two of them to break apart, their breathing shallow.

“Liz,” her father’s voice sounded through the door. “It’s almost time for work.” There was a pause for a moment as though he was going to say something else, but they both breathed a sigh of relief as they heard the sound of footsteps walking away. Liz frowned, vaguely wondering why her father, who normally didn’t bother her in the morning was suddenly knocking on her door to wake her. Max quickly slid from the bed, looking for his shoes.

“I’d better go,” he said glancing at her, noting the way her arms now wrapped around her as if suddenly realizing how little she was wearing. Quickly putting the shoes on, Max got up from the bed and deliberately came close, pulling her into his arms, bringing a hand up to lightly cup her cheek. “Thank you….for last night.”

Liz stared up at him, nodding slightly, her eyes closing as his head descended for a thorough kiss, both of them still feeling the effects of their earlier encounter. Finally lifting his head, Max gave her cheek one last sweep with his thumb before pulling away.

Max,” she said, stopping his departure. “We need to talk about…..you know….”

“I know,” Max answered her, knowing what she was talking about. “We will…I promise.”

Liz nodded and watched as he climbed out the window, smiling as he mouthed, “love you” before disappearing over the wall. She headed into the bathroom to get ready for work.

Meanwhile downstairs, Jeff Parker went over the day’s specials with the cooks, glancing every once in a while out the front doors of the CrashDown. He unconsciously relaxed when he saw the Chevelle go past, Max Evans at it’s wheel. Finishing with the cooks, Jeff sat at the counter to finish his coffee, reading the paper.

A little while later, Liz appeared in her uniform, hair still slightly damp from her shower. She went behind the counter for her own cup of coffee, then leaned into the window to ask Jose for some toast and an egg for breakfast. He waved in acknowledgement and she sat down at the counter.

“Sleep well?” Liz missed the ironic note in her father’s voice as she looked up from her cup and nodded.

“You?”

“I got to bed late.” Jeff answered.

“Doing the books?”

“Some,” he said a little evasively, then sighed, not knowing whether to put off the conversation he needed to have with her or not. Glancing at the clock, he made his decision and turned to face her. “I actually got a call from Phillip Evans last night.”

Liz’s eyes widened at the statement, her stomach tightening. “Um….what did he want?”

“He wanted to talk to me about Max….and you.”

“Me…what….”

“He asked me to give Max another chance and he told me a little about what’s been going on in his….both your lives.” Jeff shook his head. “I couldn’t believe some of the things he said.”

Liz thought she might actually faint as she felt the color drain from her face. Jose chose that moment to ring the bell and tell her that her breakfast was ready and she numbly rose to go get it, although her appetite was now completely gone. “What…..did he tell you?” Liz forced herself to ask.

“He told me a lot more about your life than you are willing to evidently,” Jeff said in frustration seeing his daughter blanch at his words. His frustration was with her as well as himself. Was he such an ogre? What had happened to them?

“Dad….I know it sounds crazy….” Liz began, unsure exactly what Mr. Evans had said, but relatively sure that any explanation would sound bad.

“I have to admit it did. I mean, it’s one thing to get a girl pregnant. But to claim that he was forced….”

Liz almost dropped off her chair in relief. She hadn’t thought that Mr. Evans would say anything about Max’s alien status, but her father’s words had scared the wits out of her. Suddenly his words really registered.

“Mr. Evans told you about Tess and the baby?”

“Apparently he thought explaining would help me to understand what’s been going on with you two.” Liz could hear the underlying hurt through the slight sarcasm of that statement. “ He told me that Tess had become pregnant with Max’s child but that she’d somehow managed it against his will. He wouldn’t tell me how. Then he said that Max found Tess and the baby after she’d run off, but they both died in the hospital.”

Liz listened to the words, seeing how Mr. Evans had given him the pertinent facts without actually revealing the whole truth. No wonder he was such a good lawyer.

“It’s true, Dad.”

“And you believe him? That this girl somehow managed to get pregnant with his child without his consent?”

“Yes. If you knew Tess and what she was capable of…you wouldn’t have to ask that question.”

“I’m not talking about her. I’m talking about Max. What is he capable of?” Mr. Parker looked down at his coffee cup. “I know he’s capable of holding up a convenience store. I know he’s capable of convincing you to do it with him. Is he capable of lying about this to get you to take him back?”

“Is that what you think of me?” Liz asked, her voice husky with unshed tears.

“I don’t know what to think anymore, Liz.” Mr. Parker shook his head. “ I thought you were a smart, ambitious girl with a good head on her shoulders, but then I had to bail you out of jail in Utah after a convenience store robbery.” He held up his hand to forestall Liz’s heated denial. “I know now that you weren’t robbing the place, but at the time, I didn’t know a damn thing. Because you wouldn’t tell us anything.” He looked at the tears shimmering in his daughter’s eyes and relented, softening his tone with a sigh. “I’m not saying that I completely doubt what Phillip told me. I’m saying that I want to know why I had to wait so long to hear it and why I had to hear it from him.”

Liz looked down at her uneaten food. “I guess I didn’t think you’d understand,” she said. “You already hated Max for what happened in Utah. I guess I thought if I tried to explain the truth about Tess and everything….”

Mr. Parker gazed at his daughter’s young, vulnerable face and his chest tightened with love and the fierce need to protect her. “I can see why you might have been afraid to tell me after the way I reacted, but do you see that I only wanted to protect you? That I didn’t want to see you get hurt? And even though I feel sorry for Max and what he’s been through, can you honestly tell me that he hasn’t hurt you? That he won’t do it again?”

Liz looked up at her father’s face, the need to tell him that she could make her own decisions trembling on her lips, but she could tell that he was really trying to allow her to express her feelings even though he had serious doubts about her relationship with Max. It was something they hadn’t managed before, mostly because they were both fiercely stubborn. So Liz bit back her first impulsive reply and thought about his question.

“No. I can’t say that Max hasn’t hurt me or that I think he won’t do it again,” Liz answered after a moment, “but I hurt him too, Dad. The things that happened…..we both made mistakes. And people hurt each other without meaning to, even when they love each other.” Liz looked at her father meaningfully, and he knew that she wasn’t just talking about Max. “But one thing that hasn’t changed even when Max and I weren’t together was how much we loved each other. I want to be with him, Dad. And I want you to accept that and be happy for me.”

Jeff Parker gazed at his daughter’s determined face and finally shook his head. “I think “happy” would be stretching it, but…..” he smiled resignedly at the hopeful look that crossed her features. “I might be willing to give Max another chance. I already told Phillip to bring the family to the party tomorrow night. Whoa!” Jeff exclaimed, smiling as Liz launched herself into his arms, hugging him hard.

“Thank you, Daddy. I love you.”

“I love you too. But listen….” Mr. Parker extracted himself from Liz’s embrace to look at her sternly. “No more sleepovers.”

“What….I mean….. how….” Liz sputtered.

“I looked in on you before I went to bed last night.”

Liz’s cheeks burned. “Dad….uh we didn’t….I mean…..it wasn’t….like that. Max had….a bad dream and……”

Mr. Parker let her off the hook. “I could tell there was nothing going on, but I still want you to abide by our rules. Boyfriends are not allowed to sleep over.”

“Okay,” Liz said nodding solemnly, suppressing a smile at how ridiculous it was to have to affirm that. Like she didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to share her bed with her boyfriend. The smile came through a moment later when she could see by her father’s expression that he was thinking the same thing. They grinned at each other, but then Liz thought of something. “What about Mom? I mean….did you tell her….”

“I told her. She wasn’t happy but….I’ll talk with her. You should too. I know you both don’t always see eye to eye but….”

“I know,” Liz said, nodding. “We haven’t…really talked much since…..” Liz paused, thinking back to their arguments about Utah. “…in a long time,” she amended.

She and her mother had drifted farther and farther apart over the years, mainly since she had become a teenager. Liz just felt like her reserved mother wasn’t the type of person who she could confess her secrets and dreams too. Not like Grandma Claudia or even her father. And since Nancy Parker had been gone so much these last few months taking care of Aunt Beth, they’d barely spoken to each other except for an occasional phone call.

“I know she’d like that,” Mr. Parker said, seeing the doubtful expression flitting across Liz’s face. He knew his wife wasn’t the easiest person to confide in, but he didn’t want her and Liz’s relationship to deteriorate any further. He’d speak to Nancy in just a little bit.

“I have to get ready for my shift,” Liz said, glancing at the clock again. She hurriedly downed the now cold piece of toast, then got up and put her dirty dishes in the dish tub at the window. Jeff watched her head to her locker, then he got up and went into the kitchen. He quickly put together another breakfast for her, and when Liz reappeared, he insisted she sit down and eat it. He took her first couple of tables while she finished and after turning in their orders, he came back to the counter.

“So…Max had a bad dream?”

Liz sipped her coffee before answering. “Yeah….he’s had them since….the baby’s death. Last night…this one was really bad and….he needed to talk.” Her statement was only partially true because, of course, they hadn’t really talked but she couldn’t exactly explain to her father that Max had shown her the dream through their mind connection.

“It sounds like he’s having a pretty rough time. Have Phillip and Diane thought about taking him to a doctor? You know, a psychiatrist?”

Liz paled a little, swallowing the last of her breakfast heavily as she tried to come up with an answer. “Um…..I don’t…….”

She was saved from the lie by the swinging door opening to reveal her mother coming into the café.

“Mom. Hi…..” Liz got up from her chair and hugged her Mom a little more enthusiastically then she might have normally. Nancy Parker returned it, staring at her husband with a question in her eyes over Liz’s shoulder, but Jeff just shrugged.

“Hi, Honey,” Nancy said after they’d separated. “I was just coming down to get your Dad so we could go over the plans for tomorrow one more time.”

“I was just about to come up,” Jeff answered, starting to move around the counter, but he stopped as Liz reached up to kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks for breakfast, Dad.” He smiled down at her knowingly.

“You’re welcome.”

Nancy watched this exchange with a reserved expression on her face, then spoke to Liz as she turned to go. “We need to talk later about Max, Liz.”

Liz felt her hackles rise at her mother’s tone, but only nodded. “I know.”

Nancy gazed at her daughter’s somewhat rebellious face. “Good,” she said, not allowing Liz’s obvious irritation to phase her. “I’ll see you after your shift.”

Liz watched her leave, wondering why she let her mother irritate her. They’d never been able to discuss things easily and she’d known this time wasn’t going to be any different so why did her mother’s usual resigned façade bug her? Liz promised herself when the time came to talk, she would try to curb her automatic bad response. She’d managed to have a mature discussion with her father, now it was time to try it with her mother.

Some new customers came in and Liz put aside her thoughts as she plastered a smile on her face and went to greet them.

“Welcome to the CrashDown. Would you like a table or a booth?”

*********************************

Max came down the stairs and found both his parents at the kitchen table. A plate of toast and bacon were sitting there and he helped himself to both after getting a cup of coffee.

“Do you want more coffee?” He asked his parents before he sat down, but they both shook their heads. His mother was looking at him with a strange expression on her face and he looked down at his plate uncomfortably wondering what was up. His father put the paper down.

“How’s Liz?” Phillip Evan’s said, watching as Max’s eyes widened a little before he dropped his gaze.

“Uh……” Nothing intelligent to say came to mind so Max shut his mouth, feeling his cheeks redden.

“You didn’t think we’d hear you last night when you got up to take a shower at 1:00 AM?” Phillip’s ironic tone was tinged with amusement and Max relaxed fractionally, knowing his parents weren’t really mad.

“We aren’t trying to embarrass you Son, but we know you left last night. I realize that you’ve lived on your own and we know you’re very used to taking care of yourself, but sneaking out to see Liz in the middle of the night is not really acceptable. I’m sure her parents would not appreciate knowing that their daughter had her boyfriend spend the night.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Max said. He hated being reprimanded by his parents. It hadn’t happened very often over the years, but since their falling out last year, he felt ultra sensitive about it. “I didn’t go over there to….it wasn’t what you think.”

“Did you have a nightmare?” Mrs. Evan’s asked gently, her gaze sympathetic as she watched her son’s embarrassed expression. “We know you have them, Max. You don’t have to hide. We just want to help.”

“You can’t.” Max said more forcefully then he meant to. He was immediately sorry and looked at his mother apologetically. “You can’t help me with this. It’s just… going to take time.”

Max knew that answer was not what they wanted to hear, but he just couldn’t tell them about the dreams. He was just being able to open up to Liz about them and that was only because the one he’d had last night was so horrible he’d had to see her…to make sure she was okay. Sharing it with her had helped and he felt that eventually, they would lessen over time. Sharing them with his parents would only be painful for all of them. But seeing his mother’s worried face, he relented a little.

“You’re right….I mean….about the nightmares. Sometimes…..they’re bad but….I’m handling them and I it’s gotten a little better over time.” He looked down at his uneaten breakfast. “You’re right about Liz. Her parents wouldn’t be happy about us….being together in her room, but nothing happened. I just….needed to see her. It….helps,” Max finished quietly.

“We understand, Max,” Mr. Evans said. “but I don’t think you’re going to make many points with Jeff by being in his daughter’s room in the middle of the night.”

Max nodded, knowing his father was right, but hating the thought of not being able to see Liz when he needed to. It wouldn’t be so bad if he was at least on speaking terms with her parents. This situation was getting intolerable.

“I spoke to Jeff last night, Max.” Phillip had been watching the frown that had taken over his son’s features.

Max looked up in surprise, his stomach growing tense.

“I decided to try and help him understand a little about what’s been going on since I know how your mother and I felt finding out about all of this so far after the fact. Now, I’m not criticizing,” Mr. Evan’s assured his son as he saw the guilty expression cross his face. “But as a parent, I know what Jeff is going through and I felt like he might be a little more inclined to give you another chance if he had a little more information.”

“What kind of information?”

“I told him about Tess and the baby.”

“What!” Max’s voice was raised in spite of himself. “Dad…..”

“Hold on a minute, Son. I didn’t tell him anything about aliens.” Phillip went on to describe the conversation. “He was very appreciative and when we finally went out to our cars, he invited us to come to the party tomorrow night.”

Max sat in silence, his thoughts in turmoil. He wasn’t angry at his father for telling Mr. Parker the things he had, but he felt equal parts relief, embarrassment and fear about Liz’s father’s reaction. As he sat there, embarrassment became prominent.

“What, Max?” His mother’s voice broke through his thoughts. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that if he didn’t think I was a loser before, he does now. Not only did I get his daughter arrested, but now he thinks that I cheated on her and got some other girl pregnant too. Some prize, huh?”

“You’re being too hard on yourself, Honey. Any girl would be lucky to have you and if the Parker’s can’t see that then…..too bad for them.” Mrs. Evan’s voice was ripe with indignation at the thought that someone might not think her son was good enough for their daughter.

“I hate to say it, but the Parker’s have a good reason for being wary,” Mr. Evans said, ignoring his wife’s frown. “But like I said, Jeff was relatively open minded about the explanation considering that I didn’t really give him any details and he did invite us to the party. I think he’s willing to consider giving you another chance, Max, but you’re going to have to convince him that you’re worth it.”

Right. Worth it, he thought, but Max only nodded, his expression still somewhat forlorn.

Quickly eating his breakfast, he went back upstairs to finish getting ready for work, wishing that he could talk to Liz. Maybe he’d see her at lunchtime. The thought of facing Mr. Parker knowing that he knew at least some of the sordid details of his chaotic life did not have Max looking forward to the graduation party with anticipation. Dread would probably be a better description. His mother and father might be optimistic, but it wasn’t their daughter who wanted to be with a delinquent with a criminal record and a need for massive doses of therapy.

No, he was not looking forward to this party at all.

TBC..........

[sylvia37]

Hi all. Where to start? First of all, I loved hearing from all of you! I love hearing your opinions. Some of you thought Jeff was being a little harsh, but since I'm writing this from the view of a parent (although not the parent of a girl), I had go with it.

All of the bumps and comments/opinions are very welcome so keep them coming. Also, as a side note, I'm leaving on vacation this weekend so it might take me a little longer to get the next part out. Thanks for reading.

Note to Zan Da Man: Thanks for your comments about my other fic "The Conversation" I'm glad you liked it.

Note to Gigo: That first part was a little incoherent, but I think I got it.


Everything to You Part 51

“Congratulations to the Roswell High Class of 2001!”

Applause and cheers sounded loudly in the auditorium as the graduating seniors stood and flung their caps in the air. Liz ducked as hers almost hit her, managing to catch it by the edge at the last minute. She looked up laughing, her gaze automatically looking forward a few rows ahead of her to where Max was standing. He was looking in her direction too, and they grinned at each other. As the commencement music started, Liz put her cap back on and moved the tassel appropriately, standing in line impatiently waiting for her row to exit. She glanced towards the back of the auditorium, seeing her parents faces, her Mom smiling at her as her Dad immediately raised the camera to take a picture. Liz smiled back and they both waved.

She couldn’t believe that high school was finally over. What a strange, wonderful, terrifying time it had been. She and Maria had looked at each other sadly as they’d skipped over Alex’s name when they were calling the seniors up to the stage and she wished with all her heart that he could be there with them. Some of her sadness must have communicated itself to Max because he’d glanced back at her, and seeing her expression, his own had changed to one of understanding and remorse.

She knew her parents were not going to be waiting for her when they finally got outside because they needed to be back at the CrashDown before the graduating class and their relatives showed up, but it was okay. She could tell how proud of her they were. Her Dad in particular had practically glowed with pride when her name was called and she’d almost cringed when she heard him whoop above the applause of her other friends. Her mother was more subdued but just as proud. Thinking about their conversation the day before, Liz could honestly say she was glad they'd talked about Max.

They sat on the couch in their apartment facing each other.

“I know your Dad already told you that he was willing to give Max another chance so I’m not here to debate with you about that.”

Liz nodded, noting the almost nervous way her mother spoke. It was always that way when they talked about things that were uncomfortable, as though her mother was afraid to say something that would alienate her or…Liz wasn’t sure. But it always made her even more uptight herself and she found herself equally irritated and placating.

“I’m more concerned with what Phillip Evans had to say about Max and this girl that he was involved with.”

“He wasn’t involved with her.” Liz said, trying not to bristle at her mother’s tone. She didn’t want this to turn into a pissing contest between them but it took everything she had not to point out the fact that she wasn’t going to stop seeing Max no matter what her parents thought about him.

Nancy Parker looked at her daughter’s mutinous face. “The point is…..finding out that he had a child with someone else, regardless of the circumstances, and the fact that he’s having emotional problems doesn’t make me feel any better about him.” She looked away resignedly. “I know that you’re eighteen now and graduating, and I’m also now painfully aware that you’ve been doing what you wanted to for a long time. But, I’m still you mother and I’m…..worried about you and in spite of what you may think….I want what’s best for you.”

“Max is what’s best for me,” Liz said decisively, then she sighed and looked down at her hands. “Look, I know I haven’t been completely honest with you guys about….things….but I told Dad that I was afraid after Utah that you wouldn’t understand. You were so mad and …..I was being….stubborn too.”

“You broke up with him while I was away, didn’t you? Your father said…..”

“Yes….I did. At the time…..Max was spending a lot of time trying to find his son and I….he needed to concentrate on that….but when we found out what Tess did to him….Mom….if you only knew.” Liz looked up at her mother’s face, seeing her concerned gaze as she listened. “She hurt him so much and I just couldn’t let him go through all that alone. I know it seems like from your point of view that he’s…reckless and a bad influence. But that is so the opposite of Max. He’s responsible to a fault and he puts my safety and my feelings above everything else. You’ve never really gotten to know him, but if you did, you would see why I love him so much. Please Mom…..”

This impassioned speech was one of t he hardest Liz had ever had to give. Talking about this stuff with her mother was so hard for both of them, but Liz could see that her mother was seriously considering what she said.

“Okay,” Mrs. Parker finally said, “You’re right that we’ve never really gotten to know Max very well, but to be fair, after the trouble in Utah, you can see why we might not want to.”

“ “I…..do but you also told me that Dad was reckless when he was a teenager and made mistakes and you still married him.”

Nancy stared at her daughter’s face and finally nodded with a sigh. “I just want you to be happy, Honey.” She smiled when Liz reached up to hug her, and for just a moment, they both felt the bond that a mother and daughter should feel for each other before letting go.

“About Max spending the night…..”

“I know. Dad and I already talked about that.”

“That’s…..that’s good.” Nancy looked away, not wanting to bring up another uncomfortable issue, but knowing as a parent that she should at least attempt to give her daughter some advice. “I know that you don’t like to talk about sex with me…..”

Liz felt her stomach tighten uncomfortably although she should have known this was coming. “Mom….”

“Just let me say this one thing and then I won’t say anything else.” Seeing Liz’s reluctant nod, Nancy continued. “I don’t know if you are sleeping with Max…..”

She let out a silent, relieved sigh as Liz shook her head. “Okay…well….I just wanted to say that I know we’ve talked about this before but…..you’re older now and you’re going to be out on your own soon. And from what your Dad told me about Max’s situation, he’s been through things that…will make it even more difficult on both of you. Just…..be sure your ready…when the time comes. It’s an important step in a girl’s life…in anyone’s life….and just…don’t rush into anything. If Max is the one for you…he’ll wait until your ready.”

Liz had wanted to say that she didn’t think she was going to have to worry about that. Even if she felt a hundred percent sure that she was ready to make love with Max, he was the one who needed the time. Yes they kissed and touched frequently now and he didn’t react negatively, even initiating it……Liz thought about their encounter in her bed and she shivered as a stab of desire shot through her at the remembered feel of their bodies pressed together for those few precious moments before her father had knocked……but she could still feel Max’s hesitation when his body reacted to her touch. Her touch therapy the night of the party had helped, but she could tell that he was still afraid to give in to his desires. And Liz was okay with that. She would give him as much time as he needed…and when the time was right…they would both be ready together.

Not that she was a saint, Liz thought as Max’s row walked by and he gave her that shy, sexy half smile that turned her insides to goo. Good Lord, sometimes she thought he could make her go up in flames with just a look. Some of what she was feeling must have showed in her eyes, because Max’s cheeks flushed and his gaze stayed with her as he walked by until he had to stop craning his neck. Liz smiled to herself. No, she was no saint, especially when it came to Max. They would definitely wait until the time was right…but until then….she could still try and help him get over his fears with a little more touch therapy. Hopefully, it would be mutual.

A few minutes later, the senior class was crowding around outside, hugging and congratulating each other. As the parents finally got to exit it was chaos for a bit, while everyone found their children and pictures were taken.

Liz and Maria found each other first and hugged excitedly. A few minutes later, their whole group, parents and graduates, managed to congregate and exchange congratulations. It was particularly funny to see Michael’s nonplussed expression when both Mrs. Evans and Amy Deluca hugged him. Mr. Evans slapped him on the back good naturedly and Michael managed an uncomfortable smile, unused to expressions of affection from adults. His relief was tangible when he finally managed to pry Maria away from her mother.

Liz and Max had practically collided when they finally found each other, neither noticing that their caps fell off when Max swept her into his arms to twirl her around before putting her on the ground to kiss her breathless. She smiled up at him in a haze of happiness.

Mrs. Evans insisted that the graduating seniors pose for a picture, and they crowded together, the guys behind the girls, Liz and Max, Michael and Maria, and Kyle, who pulled Jenna over to be in the picture with him. They had to stay that way when first Mrs. Deluca and then Jenna’s parents insisted too. Finally they were done and Liz told them she had to get to the CrashDown just in case her parents needed help with the last minute stuff for the party.

“You go ahead and ride over with Liz, Honey,” Mrs. Evans said when she saw Max hesitate. “Your Dad and I have to go by the house before we come to the party.”

Max nodded and everyone headed to their cars. When they made it to the CrashDown, Liz was relieved to see that no one else had arrived yet. There was a closed sign on the door next to the sign that said “Welcome Roswell High Class of 2001” and Liz couldn’t believe her parents had gone to all this trouble and expense just because she was graduating from high school.

They entered the CrashDown to see her father helping the waitresses set up the food. The tables and chairs had been rearranged to make room for people to mill around. Jeff Parker looked up when the door chime rang and he smiled as his daughter and her friends entered.

“Liz!” He came over and hugged her. “I’m really proud of you.” Liz smiled up at him as she pulled away.

Mr. Parker looked at the others. “Congratulations to you guys too.” He reached out to shake hands with Kyle and Michael, giving Maria a friendly hug but when he got to Max, he noted the nervous way the young man stood back from the group. “Max,” he said, holding out his hand. “Congratulations.”

Max stepped forward to take the preferred hand, his expression still wary, but he managed a small smile. “Thanks.”

“Are your parents coming?” Mr. Parker asked the group in general.

Everyone nodded. “Good. Well…sit down…relax…I’m sure people will start piling in any minute.”

“Is there anything we can do, Dad?” Liz asked.

“No. You guys just enjoy the evening. I have enough help.”

A little while later, the place did start to fill up. Not everyone from the graduating class was coming, but a substantial amount of people had decided to stop by and soon, the CrashDown was milling with students and parents. Isabel and Jesse had come along with the Evans and Amy Deluca was with Jim Valenti. Maria grimaced at Liz as she watched her mother flirt with Kyle’s father.

“Oh my God, did you see that? I think he has his hand on her thigh. I’m hyperventilating.” Maria started to breathe hard.

“Calm down Maria. His hands are on the table now. I’m sure he was just looking for a napkin or something,” Liz said, trying to placate her friend.

“Under her skirt?” Maria said, still staring hard at her mother. “Look at them Kyle.”

Kyle actually looked semi relaxed about the whole thing, although he did turn to look at his father. “Yeah, I see them.” He turned back to the group, his arm around Jenna’s shoulder. “I’m taking the Zen approach to my father’s relationships now. After his liaison with Shelby Prine I decided that I couldn’t deal with my father’s second childhood so I’m not dealing with it at all. You should try it Maria. Denial is a good way to live.”

Liz smiled at their conversation and snuggled closer under Max’s arm. He squeezed her shoulder and she looked up, the expression on his face causing her heart to flip. She’d rarely seen him this happy and it never failed to affect her. Seeing the look she was giving him, Max smiled down at her.

“What?”

“Nothing….just….you.”

His smile deepened and Max couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her sweetly.

Nancy Parker had been watching Liz from across the room, noting the way she’d rarely left Max’s side. The two of them were always touching, even if it was just to hold hands while sitting at a table.

Her daughter’s face shone with happiness and as good as it was to see her that way, it caused a little ache in Nancy’s heart to know that she was losing her little girl. She knew it was selfish, but she couldn’t help it. She stared at her, seeing a maturity there that hadn’t been there even just last year. Liz had obviously grown up a lot since she’d been gone, and she felt guilty and saddened that her daughter didn’t seem to need her anymore. She felt their lack of closeness more acutely then ever.

“They make a beautiful couple, don’t they?”

Nancy looked up to see Diane Evans standing next to her. She didn’t acknowledge her comment, but she did smile noncommittally.

“Phillip and I really appreciate you inviting us to your party Nancy,” Diane said, feeling a little awkward, but wanting to make peace with Liz’s parents, if only for Max’s sake.

“I’m glad you could come,” Nancy answered sincerely. She hadn’t liked it when she found out from Jeff that the Evans had not felt welcome at the party. It was for the whole senior class and they shouldn’t have felt like they were excluded.

“It was very generous of you and Jeff to throw it.”

“Well, Liz will be leaving for college soon and Jeff and I wanted her to feel special. This may be the last chance we get to spoil her.”

“I know what you mean. With Isabel already gone, it’s only a matter of time now with Max.” Diane sighed as she watched her children talking with their friends. At this moment, it was hard to believe they weren’t actually completely human.

Nancy nodded and the two women sat in silence for a moment. Nancy wanted to ask Diane so many questions, but she wasn’t sure if it would be appropriate to pry. Still, she hoped that Diane would understand her concern was for her daughter’s well being so she turned to the other woman and spoke.

“Do you mind if I ask you something?” She paused for a moment. “Something about Max?”

Diane shook her head, slightly relieved that the conversation had finally come around to this.

“Did you know the girl…Tess….that he….” Nancy paused awkwardly, not really knowing how to proceed with her question.

“It’s okay,” Diane said, “And yes. I did meet her. She was Isabel’s friend first and then she sort of insinuated herself into their group.” The lines around Diane’s mouth deepened as her anger at what Tess had done to her son struck her again. “What did you want to know?”

“I’m sorry,” Nancy said, seeing how talking about Tess had affected Diane. “I didn’t mean to bring up…it’s just that….”

“You’re worried about Liz. I understand how you feel. I feel the same way about Max.” Diane paused, seeing Nancy’s eyes flick away skeptically. “It really isn’t any different with boys then it is with girls. He’s my child and I don’t want to see him hurt anymore than you want to see Liz hurt.” Feeling Diane’s eyes on her, Nancy returned her gaze, nodding in acceptance to her statement.

“That’s why it’s so hard for me to accept what Tess did to him.” Diane stopped for a moment before continuing, the hurt and anger openly displayed on her face. “I don’t know if you can imagine how it felt to hear that my son had been…used…against his will by this girl. I know it sounds hard to believe but it’s true.”

Nancy felt her throat tighten at the look and obvious distress Diane was showing. She wanted to ask how it had happened, but she didn’t feel comfortable. “You’re right. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if Liz had been….”

“Raped?” Diane shook her head at the surprise on Nancy’s face. “That is what happened. This girl…this monster…used my son’s innocence and naivete and had sex with him without his consent. I can’t explain it to you but….Max was not aware of what he was doing until it was too late.”

“I’m sorry,” Nancy said, reaching out to touch Diane’s arm in sympathy. The story was strange but she didn’t doubt the truth of it judging by Diane’s distraught reaction. “It must have been horrible for you…and Max.” She reached for a napkin and held it out to Diane, who took it gratefully, wiping delicately at her eyes, trying to save her makeup. She looked at Nancy’s sympathetic face.

“Liz was there with Max when he told us.” Diane shook her head. “In fact, she was really the one who explained it. Max was too humiliated and ashamed. He couldn’t even get the words out.” Diane reached out to touch Nancy’s hand. “Nancy, I don’t know if you realize how extraordinary your daughter really is. She has helped Max so much. When we found out about little Zan….it was so heartbreaking to see Max so devastated. But Liz has been right there for him every step of the way and I know it’s because of her that he’s managed to recover as much as he has.”

“Liz seems to love him very much,” Nancy said, staring across the room at her daughter. Liz had a smile on her face, laughing at some remark on of her friends had made and Nancy was struck again by how happy and relaxed she looked.

“And your wondering if Max is going to hurt her,” Diane said.

Nancy returned her gaze to Diane. “I’m not trying to disparage him, it’s just that….Liz is so young. She has her whole life ahead of her and Max….he has so much to deal with. What he’s been through is terrible and I have nothing but compassion for him but…I’m afraid that Liz is doing all of the giving and not getting anything in return.”

Diane tried not to be offended by Nancy’s remarks, knowing why she would be concerned with her only daughter’s happiness. “I can understand your concern but I think if you get to know Max, you’ll see that that isn’t really the case. He would do anything for her, and no one on this earth will try harder to make her happy, then he will. I hope that you’ll give them a chance…that you’ll try to get to know Max before you pass judgement.”

Rising from her chair, Diane smiled. “At any rate, I’m afraid in the long run it really isn’t up to us. I think they’ve made their choice, and we’re just going to have to live with it. I for one, am extremely happy with the choice Max made. I hope that eventually, you’ll feel that way too. Thanks again for inviting us.”

Nancy watched Max’s mother make her way over to where he husband was conversing with one of the other parents and thoughtfully continued to watch her daughter’s interaction with her friends before getting up to go to mingle.

“I start in a couple of weeks and they said that I would be able to work around my new schedule when I register for school,” Kyle was answering Maria’s question. “I like working on cars so…..”

“That’s great Kyle,” Liz said. She slid out of the booth they were occupying. “I have to use the ladies room. I’ll be back in a minute.” Liz smiled down at Max before turning to go.

“I’m going to talk to Lisa,” Jenna told Kyle, getting up. “I’ll go with,” he answered her sliding out as well. That left Max, Maria and Michael at the table. Maria looked at Max. “So it looks like Mr. and Mrs. Parker are easing up on you guys.

“Yeah,” Max agreed, glancing over towards the ladies room. He didn’t see Liz, but there was a line so he wondered if she ran up to the apartment to go. “My Dad had a talk with Mr. Parker the other night so….”

“That was good of him,” Maria said. “Looks like it worked.”

“Sort of. He actually told him what happened with Tess….a non alien version anyway…”

“Were you okay with that? I mean….”

“I wasn’t angry if that’s what you mean. My Dad just felt like he might be more willing to give me a chance if he knew the circumstances a little better. I can’t say that I would have volunteered to tell him….but…if it helps ease things for Liz then….” Max scratched behind his ear. “I’m just not sure that telling him about Tess helped my character at all. I mean….he already thought I was a loser...but….”

“No man thinks anyone is good enough for their little girl. Admittedly you have a few extra strikes against you…like dragging his daughter off to help in a convenience store robbery for instance…but compared to the way he was treating you before….this is definitely a step in the right direction.” Maria took a sip of her drink.

“Yeah…” Max nodded thinking about the time he came into the CrashDown to try and reason with Liz’s father while Liz was working. He’d ended up beating a hasty retreat when Mr. Parker had literally pushed him to leave. It had upset him, but it was so much harder on Liz. He really wanted to find a way to fix this for her sake, and if it meant baring his sins, Max would gladly do it…no matter how hard it was for him to know that others knew about what Tess did to him. Liz’s happiness came first.

“I’m going to get another drink. You guys want something?” Max asked, getting up from the table. Michael and Maria shook their heads and Max headed over to the counter.

“Can I have another coke, please?” Max asked the waitress behind the counter when it was his turn. After taking his cup, he turned back around and ran right into Mr. Parker, his drink sloshing over the side to spread a stain across the man’s shirt. Max stared at the stain in horror before lifting his eyes to find Mr. Parker looking at him with an inscrutable expression on his face.

“I’m uh…really….” Max started to apologize, but Mr. Parker cut him off.

“Come in the back with me while I change my shirt, Max. I’ve been wanting to talk to you anyway.” Jeff Parker headed towards the swinging doors expecting Max to follow, which he did, swallowing against the sudden sick feeling in his stomach. He suddenly wished he had the ability to vanish into thin air. Why couldn’t he have that alien ability? But no…he got the ability to heal, which did him absolutely no good at this moment when he really wanted to disappear. Life was so unfair. Thank God the man couldn’t read minds or Max would really be screwed. Oh God, he was going insane…

“Relax, Max. I promise I won’t bite.” Mr. Parker’s voice was tinged with amusement and for one wild moment, Max wondered if he actually could read minds. But he finally managed to get his wayward thoughts under control, comforting himself with the fact that Jeff Parker would not risk killing him with all these people around.

They stopped in the laundry room where several shirts were hanging on a line, and Mr. Parker removed the one he was wearing and threw it in the hamper.

“I’m sure by now you know that I had an interesting talk with your father the other night.”

Max nodded hoping his churning stomach would calm down long enough so that he wouldn’t hurl all over Liz’s Dad. That would make a good impression. Not that he’d made one so far, what with spilling Coke all over him and standing here like an idiot and…okay Max FOCUS!

“First of all, I wanted to say that I’m sorry for your son’s death. It must have been very difficult for you.”

That wasn’t at all what Max had expected to hear. He was unaware of the fleeting expression of sorrow that crossed his face at the mention of Zan’s death as he answered Mr. Parker. “Thank you.” However, Liz’s father saw it and felt his heart go out to this young man who shouldn’t have had to deal with such a tragedy at such a young age. He buttoned his shirt and leaned back against the washer.

“I know that we’ve had our share of bad moments in the past, Max and I admit that maybe I haven’t been exactly….willing to hear your side of things. You told me before that you love Liz and I wasn’t particularly moved by that fact, because I know what it’s like to love someone and still not treat them the way they should be treated or to be the person that is best for them.”

Max knew Jeff Parker was referring to the story that Liz had told him about how her father’s girlfriend had died while he had been driving drunk. Max also knew that Liz’s father had probably never forgiven himself for that.

“But, I’m also aware that Liz is an independent girl and it’s more than obvious that she’s going to be with you whether I want her to or not.”

Max’s expression didn’t change, but those words made his heart sink. Apparently Mr. Parker’s opinion of him hadn’t really changed since Liz’s conversation with him.

Liz was coming down the stairs when she heard voices. Recognizing her father’s she looked around the corner and was surprised to see Max standing there talking to him. She started to interrupt but was stopped short by her father’s next comment.

“But that doesn’t mean that my concern for her happiness and well being has changed. I asked you before if you could promise me that being with you wasn’t going to hurt my little girl and you couldn’t do it. Has anything changed?”

Max hesitated and Liz decided to rescue him from having to answer that question. She already explained to her father that she had a realistic view of how sometimes people hurt each other in a relationship so why was he asking Max…..

“No,” Max said, stopping Liz in her tracks. “I still can’t reassure you that being with me won’t hurt Liz. It’s something I worry about day and night and in the past, I used that fear to push Liz away.” Max looked Jeff Parker in the eye. “ But I can’t anymore. I’ve loved her since the third grade, Mr. Parker. I knew from the minute I saw her that she was the only girl I would ever feel this way about, and I know that I don’t deserve it…but she loves me too. She’s smart and beautiful and loving and….she’s seen the worst of me and she still loves me. I can’t throw that away. Could you?”

Staring at the sincere expression on Max’s face, Jeff shook his head.

“I will do everything I can to protect her and love her the way she deserves for as long as she’ll have me.” Max glanced away from Mr. Parker’s gaze. “That’s all I can do. If that’s not good enough then….”

“It’s more than good enough,” Liz said, stepping out from the stairs to take Max’s arm. He looked down in surprise and found her staring up at him with tears in her eyes. Liz turned to her father. “Isn’t it?”

Jeff Parker gazed at the two of them, seeing the fierce devotion towards each other and he had to admit that Max’s heartfelt words had moved him. He sighed and nodded his head, sticking out his hand. “You’re welcome here anytime.” He smiled at the relieved expression that came over Max’s face as he returned Jeff’s handshake. “But use the front door from now on.” Jeff repressed a laugh as the young man’s face paled.

“Uh…..yes sir,” Max managed hoarsely. Liz frowned at her father, who just smiled at her before turning to go.

“Coming?” he asked them when they made no move to follow.

“We’ll be out in a minute,” Liz told him.

There was barely a hesitation as Liz’s father nodded and left.

Liz threw herself into Max’s arms the minute her father was out of sight, hugging him tightly.

“Liz….”

Max barely got the word out before Liz started kissing him and he had no choice but to return them, not unhappily, but in surprise. When she started planting them all over his face, he tried again.

“Liz….<kiss>…..what…<kiss>….Liz….” Max’s breath came out in a rush, and he barely managed to keep his eyes open as she began to kiss behind his ear, then sucked his earlobe into her mouth. “Unnn…..” was all that came out and Max finally gave up, lifting her to his level so he could take her mouth in a fierce kiss, which Liz returned wholeheartedly.

“What was that for?” Max asked when they finally came up for air, his hands still running over her shoulders and arms. He leaned down to kiss the side of her neck, still not ready to give up the taste of her.

“Because,” Liz said breathlessly, her eyes closed as his lips scorched across her collarbone. “You’re so..<kiss>….wonderful.” She opened her eyes, looking up at him, loving the way his lips were wet and red from her kisses. “I heard what you said.”

“I meant every word,” Max said, his heart ready to burst at the way she was staring at him. He bent his head to kiss her again, but Liz stopped him.

“Let’s go somewhere tonight,” she said breathlessly.

Max stared down at her. “Go somewhere?’

“After the party. I want to be alone…with you.” Liz reached up to kiss the side of his mouth, running the tip of her tongue teasingly along his lips before pulling back.

“Okay,” Max answered hoarsely, only partially aware of what he was saying. The half of his brain that still worked was processing her request, while the other half had shut down due to lack of blood supply.

“We better get back out there before my Dad sends a search party,” Liz said, smiling at the slightly dazed look on his face.

Breathing deeply to clear his head, Max nodded and let her pull him towards the front.

Alone…with Liz. Eighteen-year-old high school graduate Liz. Max ‘s eyes helplessly drifted south, watching her hips sway in front of him. Beautiful, sexy, dressed in nothing but a short, gauzy sundress Liz.

Swallowing convulsively, Max let her lead him through the swinging door, wondering what he’d just agreed to.


TBC......