Hard Rain (UC,Mi/L,MATURE) Pt 8 - 05/05/04 {WIP}

[citrustwisted]

Title: Hard Rain
Author: citrustwisted aka hauntedd
E-mail: citrus_twisted@yahoo.com
Couples: um it will go polar eventually and I don't know about the rest but it is Tess centric
Rating: MATURE
Disclaimer: not mine, um "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is a dylan song
Summary: Based on a challenge by Littlebit over at fanatics, um it's a different spin on Tess' arrival in Crazy which I made even more different b/c well, i'm cool like that.

Oh and I have about 10 pages of a new part of tonight done, but it hasn't been workin for me with all my rl business, but hey, I think posting this may help my creative juices. -G

And much love to my beta, Joia, even though she sometimes has dreamer tendencies.
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Pro
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Have you ever had the kind of love where you can just look each other in the eye from across the room and have this amazing connection? It’s the kind of love where you can just come together out in the rain, smiling and kissing with such passion that bystanders can just watch and be entirely envious of your ability to forget about everything but one another. It’s like a movie and people don’t think that it exists, until they witness it.

Yeah, well, guess what? Neither have I, but I’d imagine that if I were to soundtrack it, it would be to “A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan. I love folk music, especially Dylan. But my dad, well, he hates that I like it. It makes me stand out, or something.

Yep, that’s me: Miss Ordinary Harding. Well, technically it’s Tess. And I was named after a character played by Katharine Hepburn. But oh wait, my Dad never saw the movie and neither have I. Apparently that would make me too “un-normal” in my dad’s eyes. Yeah, oh wait, he kind of forgets that NEITHER of us is normal, given that we are not of this earth and he’s not really my dad. Yeah, oh hi, did I mention that I’m an alien and was born from a pile of green goo and that my “Dad” is really my protector and I have this fucked up destiny that has guided my entire life? How rude of me. I can’t believe that I forgot to mention that, seeing as my entire life is CONTROLLED by it.

Yeah, we’re now driving – yes, driving – from Chicago to Roswell friggin New Mexico, because apparently some girl got “healed” by some boy with a magical silver handprint in September. So, regardless of the fact that any Alien in their right mind would get the fuck out of dodge, Daddy dearest and his darling daughter are on their way to the alien capitol of the world. It doesn’t matter that hmm I had my first actual friends there, or that I was sort of getting serious with a boy, since my life on earth doesn’t matter. Right, because we so totally don’t have a way home and will probably be stuck here forever.

Not that I’m bitter or anything.

Actually, I would not care at all, if it were not for the fact that I was getting comfortable in the Windy City. Nasedo err Dad and I had not moved in, like, three years and I let myself believe that maybe we were giving up and settling down. I mean, before I let myself get comfortable, I was consumed with this idyllic vision of my sister, who is out there somewhere, and how she would be the best friend that I never had. I became obsessed, learning everything I could about the past of a girl I knew in this life only for a few moments. I think I know more about her past than I know about my own, if that’s possible, given that Nasedo forces it down my throat.

The general gist of it is that my sister (Aixa) and I (Ava) lived on this planet (Antar) before, where there were two warring parties: that of the royal family (Zan and his sister Vilondra) and that of the other wealthy family (ours). And they hated each other, because we used to be, like, the power holders, but the current royal family kind of overthrew our family forever and a day ago. Long story, really boring and unimportant (can you like totally tell that I hate history? Because, I do.) But what is important is that some people from my family, like our second cousin, Khivar, made a play to retake the throne. And he eventually was successful (go us) my sister and I kind of died in the process (boo). And Zan kind of killed us, which sucks, obviously. Oh and did I mention, my sister was secretly romancing someone from Zan’s side? Because, oh yeah, she was and everyone thought that she was going to betray us; everyone but me. Because I mean, come on – blood is like, totally thicker than boys. And she ended up not taking some deal that Zan offered her, because it involved betraying the fam.

Does that make any sense? Yeah, didn’t think so. That’s because good ole Nasedo has actually told me jack shit and I have to piece all of our history together, because he’s supposed to wait till we find my sister, which will happen… never. And, we’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to spend an hour emoting over what could have been, since Nasedo HATES emotion and I can’t talk about it without getting misty-eyed.

Although, from what Nasedo is saying, she may be somewhere around Roswell. Yeah, then again, she was supposed to be in Chicago, too. I don’t get excited anymore; my heart can’t take it.

So, yes, just for the record Roswell=suck.

And now that I’m done with my longwinded spiel about nothing and everything, it’s onto my favorite topic, me. Wow. That sounded so, like, totally valley girl, I have been spending way too much time pretending to give a shit about N’Sync and The Backstreet Boys. But yeah, I truly do not understand myself; I guess that’s what happens when you are forced to relive a life that you only remember bits and pieces of. And the only one who is anything like you is a frigid man who is annoyed with any attempt to explore the humanity that his charge possesses. I gave up after I turned twelve. And seriously, it was the smartest thing I ever did, if that makes any sense. So now I just flow with the status quo. I’m popular, but not too popular; date, but never get too close; and I look like every other bored blond teenager that you see parading around the hallways.

But I wasn’t bored in Chicago. I actually liked it, or at least I think I did. It’s hard because I don’t know exactly what comfortable is, but I think that was it there.

Then Nasedo will say something, like, I’ll see what home truly is when I meet my sister. And immediately I’m 5 again, coming out of my pod of goo and looking around, realizing that my sister is no where to be around and feeling this huge emptiness. And I still feel empty, despite the fact that I DON’T know this girl and who knows where she is in the world and I may never find her.

I just hope that maybe she misses me too.

Shit, I’m about to cry and Nasedo hates emotion.
Three more hours in this car; three more hours until I start all over again. Here I am, the stupid blond girl with no home to call her own. Big-breasted airhead or seductive Abercrombie pinup model – I have a choice to make. I can be Britney or Mandy, tramp or girl next door, girls’ girl or the girl who steals your boyfriend.

Oh, the choices I have to make and I hate both of them.

[citrustwisted]

Wow thanks for all the fb guys I'm glad that you all like this so far, I've been wanting to try something from Tess' pov for a while and I'm excited that it's being so well received!
-G
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Part 1
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Staring at blue and yellow for long periods of time should be considered a health risk. I have been staring at this stupid Roswell Comets sign for five minutes and I think I’m about to die. I hate this place already and the only townies I’ve met are the secretary who looks like she popped one too many pills and this sad excuse for a woman.

She is fat, and by fat, I mean Jerry Springer fat, and wears clothing that is three sizes too small. I have nothing against fat people, but seriously, even skinny bitches need to dress in clothing that hugs their curves, not squeeze so tightly that rolls are bigger than the cum stain on Monica’s dress. This woman, who looks like she’s constipated as hell, seems to be a tight-ass and a total douche. Plus, she actually is wearing mauve lipstick, I mean hello, mauve is ugly on everyone, which is why they offer that lipstick as the free sample in those gift with purchase things.

“So, Tess…Harding, is it? I am Mrs. Rudder and I will be your guidance counselor here at West Roswell. I can see from your transcripts that you move around a lot, but here at West Roswell, we have standards that we seek to uphold” she drawled, her arms flailing as she glanced up and down at me, her poop brown eyes looking bored and tired. I think she hates her job but has given up trying to make anything of her life and thus she is content with destroying the lives of impressionable youth.

Whoop-di friggin do, it’s not like I haven’t heard this all before, this school prides itself on this, it is all bullshit. Jeez, she’s giving me the look over. Um, if she actually looked at my transcripts, she would see that I’m a solid B+/A- student. What a cunt.

“Yeah, um as you can see from my transcripts, at my last school I constantly made honor roll and took honors level classes. So while I’m sure that West Roswell will be challenging for me, I believe that I can rise to the occasion.” I love lying through my teeth; it’s amazing how good I am. Then again, it comes with living a lie.

“Well, Miss Harding, I can see that your academic record is perfectly fine, but I was talking more about your outfit” she snapped, her eyes venturing downward, pausing on my cleavage. Hey, don’t be a hater because I happen to have big breasts, it’s not my fault that you ate too many hohos for breakfast this morning, so don’t insinuate that I am a ho ho, too. Bitch.

“Um, I don’t see a problem with what I’m wearing, but then again I’ve never lived in a small town before.”

Seriously, this bitch is full of it. I am wearing a halter and jeans because I am hot, another thing about Roswell that sucks. There is nothing provocative about this outfit; it’s not my fault that I was genetically engineered or whatever to have big breasts.

It must be sad to be forty years old, three hundred pounds and living with a husband who is either double her size or cheats on her. Plus, this woman looks like trailer trash, I hope to god that this is a one time thing. Because if it’s not, then I’m getting the fuck out of dodge, Nasedo be damned.

“Yes, well, I’m sorry that we are not as liberal as Chicago, but we try to promote a healthy learning environment and low cut tops like that are not appropriate at our school.”

I seriously want to ask her if I’m enrolling in a high school or a convent, but I figure that I shouldn’t burn any bridges on the first day, especially when she’s got piss and vinegar running through her veins. But instead, I’m just sitting here with my legs crossed, twirling a stray curl between my fingers.

“Oh, well, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Bitch. That’s a lie and if I were not all that classy, I would work my magic on her and mind warp her into thinking that shit is like chocolate cake. That would be funny as hell. Too bad Nasedo has this deal about keeping a low profile. But man, I want to do something to get her, because calling me a whore is not a smart move, especially when I’m packing alien powers.

“Alright, I will take your word on that. Anyway, your sunshine committee member should be outside to take you around school.”

God what is it with this stupid fat woman who obviously did not go as far as she would have liked in her life. Hating those who are better than them is not exactly proactive. 1-800-96-Jenny could work for her if she dared to lift her flabby finger for the ten seconds of exercise.

“Um, what exactly is a sunshine committee?” Please God, don’t tell me that it’s the school’s welcoming committee. I think that I may just jump out the window. I hate this school. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

“It’s the school’s welcoming committee, we’ve assigned one of our best and brightest, Isabel Evans, to help you get adjusted to school.”

Oh, fuck. Evans – that sounds familiar. Like, as in the name of the guy who is silver-hand-print-guy. But, um, it’s a common name. So, like, who knows. This is so dumb and it’s probably small town gossip cracked up in between cow tipping sessions. All I want is to go back to Chicago. That’s all I want to do.

“Great, do you, like, want me to go outside and meet her or do you want to introduce us?”

She is giving me this look like I have two heads, heaven forbid that I suggest that she get up from her throne of bitchiness and actually do her job, not sit there berating innocent students of this fine establishment. And by fine, I mean, stupid high school stuck in the middle of bumble fuck that does not have my pseudo-boyfriend walking the halls.

“Why don’t you go outside?” she stated with more artificial sweetness than a Costco box of sweet-n-low. Who in the world does this woman think that she’s fooling? I may be blond but I’m not dumb. Well, not that dumb anyway.

Casting my eyes downward as I pick up my backpack. I made damn sure to pause just at the right moment to give her the money shot. Yes, she is the first person in this town to get a full view of my buried treasures, and it’s all because she dared to call me a whore. Wench.

“Oh, ok. Um, thank you for all your help.” I stumbled over my words as I made my way out of the office, hoping that I don’t do what I secretly want to do, and laugh in her face.

“You’re welcome,” she called after me, but it was not sweet. It sounded ominous; like this was my last moment of freedom. Welcome to West Roswell High School, jail from 8 to 3 every day. This was going to be one long year, all I can do is hope that my sunshine committee member is half as cynical and fun as I am, because I can’t deal with much more of this crap today.

There she is. At least, I’m guessing that’s her. She’s like an Amazon, but blond and she decided to not cut off one of her tits to show how tough she is. Honestly, this girl is gorgeous and everything that I wish I was, because I am this runty thing with huge breasts. Seriously, I think I’m like walking boobs. Oh, and now she’s indifferently flipping her hair back – I hate her already. Stupid bitch is flaunting that she’s hot shit; doesn’t she know that no guy goes for that? All she will ever be, if she keeps this attitude, is jack-off material for the football team.

“Um, hi. I’m Tess and you must be Isabel.” I’m faking a smile, trying to act all nice and shit, even though I hate snobby bitches, despite the fact that I am one. This is so fake. She hates me and I hate her, but I’m sure we’ll become the best of friends. Stupid high school politics – she’s already sizing me up.

“Yeah, I love your shirt - Express?” she asks, her eyes growing wide at the sight of my shirt. Yes, I did go to Express last night. No, I bought this shirt a week ago. And, yes, I think that this girl destroys men with one perfectly manicured finger. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t jealous. I hate and admire girls who are so aware of the power that they wield over men. It is such a twenty-first century take on the old adage, “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman.”

Nodding my head and making sure to flip my hair back behind my shoulder with my right hand to showcase my Tiffany’s bracelet, I suppress the urge to run out of here screaming.

I know what her next move is going to be, something like ‘oh my god I can’t believe you shop at Tiffany’s, my daddy is going to buy me a great necklace for my birthday’. Please, I went to a ritzy private school in Chicago and trust me – she is playing in the minor leagues.

I can play the bitch card, I usually just chose not to, despite what Nasedo says is proper behavior. Excuse me for getting friendly with the humans, it’s not like I see a huge alien contingent on this planet.

“Thanks, so is Roswell as boring as it looks or is there actually something to do on the weekends?” Hey, ok, she did not do the Tiffany’s squeal yet; maybe she will be alright. And come on, she’s blond, so she must know what to do on the weekends.

Shrugging her shoulders she gives me a half smile before hiding it behind her icy exterior, obviously she’s not as two dimensional as I originally thought, the bitch is probably planning something. Dirty whore – she’s moving those French manicured nails to her neck to prominently display a hanging diamond necklace, hey she’s good.

“No, Roswell is the most boring place on earth, my girls and I go to the mall because it’s the most civilized place within driving distance.”

Oh my god, she did not say the mall, Isabel just lost ten points on the Tess Harding coolness scale. I so have been spoiled by city life, because now I’m going to spend the rest of my teenage years as a mallrat, grow up to be a soccer mom and raise my 2.5 alien hybrid babies with a husband who cheats on me – it’s like a dream come true. Nasedo will be so proud of my transformation into a townie; I always wondered what it would look like to actually see him shit himself. And that might just do it.

Forcing some nervous laughter, despite the fact that she’s so unfunny, I quickly reply, “Wow, that really sucks.”

Hey, it does, I’m not going to lie to this poor disadvantaged girl and if that makes it impossible for me to play nice with the princesses of West Roswell High, so be it. I could still steal any of their boyfriends real quick, not to mention that I’m more princess than they’ll ever be.

And excuse me, Is-a-Bitch, I perfected the hateful glare. So don’t even try. Whatever. Hopefully, Nasedo will get his brain back real quick and move on to some place more civilized, like Orange County. “So, are we going to get this over with or what?” I ask while returning her icy gaze with one of my own, to which she frowns slightly, then lowers her eyes in defeat, score: Tess 1 Isabel 0.

Rolling her eyes, she smoothes out her hair while trying to hide the fact that she’s pissed that she lost at the super-bitch game to me. “Yeah, since you missed the first three periods, this is your first class of the day: History. Before that you had, um, Advanced Biology, Gym and Art. I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to go to my English class, so have fun.”

She then turns and promptly walks away, and I feel this icy gust of wind hit me. She’s such a rich bitch wannabe. Too bad she was born a hick and will die a hick. Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?

So, now it’s do or die time. I’m staring at this door and deciding whether or not I actually want to go in, because I hate the first day at a new school. Everyone, including the teachers, is so fake nice, and those introductions are so lame. But I guess I don’t really have a choice, since I have to make a good impression on all the hicks.

I hope to fricking God that people were more civilized on Antar. Because right now, I’m guessing that everyone here listens to country music and line dances while wishing that they were part of Texas. I would rather die than be caught dead listening to anything by a country singer. And if Nasedo makes me do that to look normal, the alien population on this planet will be reduced to one: ME. Oh well, it’s now or never. Plus I’m better than all of them; well, unless my sister got stuck in this stupid town. Then the two of us would be better than the rest of them.

“One foot in front of the other,” or something similar comes out from underneath my breath as I push the door open and make eye contact with some older man, who, according to my schedule, is named Mr. Cooper. He looks nothing like the cool Mr. Cooper from TGIF. But he seems like he actually enjoys his job, sort of, since he’s half smiling. He turns towards me, as do all the bored students, their eyes sizing me up as I plaster on a fake smile. They all look kind of bored, but I’m really not paying all that much attention, because suddenly there is this like little shock coursing through my veins. Holy Shit. Wait. Ok. It’s probably a bunch of bull, but I can’t help but look at this blond girl with short as fuck hair and her nerdy looking friend.

Oh my god. Oh my god. There is no way that this is possible, but it’s kind of like Nasedo described, I’d feel drawn to her or whatever. Ok, so this girl has a bad haircut, but she looks enough like me, with the blond hair and the similarly bored expression on her face. Hey, we both hate history, so it’s bonding material.

Wait. Okay, teacher’s mouth is moving; he’s talking to me. Way to make a first impression, Tess.

“Um, hi, I’m Tess Harding. I just transferred here from Chicago and…” He cuts me off with this curious look then hands me a textbook, wow and it’s fucking heavy!

“Good to have you, you are going to be partnered with Liz Parker until you catch up.”

The girls who I was staring at look up and exchange pained glances. Obviously, they do not want to be split up. I hope to God that I get stuck with the blond who I think is my sister, but judging from her hateful gaze, I guess it’s the nerd. How in the hell did they ever become friends in the first place?

“Liz, why don’t you raise your hand?” Ah shit, it’s the nerdy looking girl. She probably orgasms to history and getting tested. And hell-o, plaid shirts are so three years ago. But hey she is wearing American Eagle; there is hope for her yet.

Flashing the teacher a smile and taking the free seat on the other side of my new partner, it takes my last nerve not to burst out laughing at the sight of the ‘M.E. + L.P. = TL4E’ written on her notes. What a loser. I bet you that they’ve been dating for like three months and the furthest she’s let him go is to first base. She seems like a tight ass, she’s got way too many notes and they are all so disgustingly organized.

“So, Liz, what are we doing in here?” I ask, ignoring the hate filled gaze of her friend. What is it with blonds being bitches at this school? Oh well, she’ll change her tune when she realizes that she’s my sister and shit.

“Um… going over the Vietnam War. It’s really interesting” she replied, looking over at her friend, probably hoping that she was not going to rip me a new one. Oh, man, this is going to be one long school year.

“Maria and I were going to do this big project on counterculture and all that” she added, her voice is so low and airy, it take a moment to realize that she’s spoken.

Idly, I wonder if it’s because she was picked on as a little girl because she was too nerdy for her own good. But, oh, well. She is kind of annoying because you know that she’s the type of person who merely exists and never really lives life. I feel bad for her, sort of, but it’s not my job to bestow my coolness on the less fortunate. She has good ole “M.E.” for that. Fricking weirdo.

“Yeah, I came up with this awesome topic that like relates the music of the time period to how all the hippies got high and stuff,” the blond girl, who I’m guessing is Maria, adds.

You know, she’s not so bad, but she’s more hyper than I thought that she would be. Maybe she is kind of like what I would have been like if I had not been running across the country with Nasedo all my life. Yeah, that’s exactly who I would have been like, but with a better cut. She is definitely the fun of this duo and probably hangs out with Liz to get better grades. That must be it, because there is no other excuse for being friendly with a girl who still draws initials and hearts.

Fuck, no way. “M.D. + M.G.” is all over her notes and not just in one spot. I swear this girl probably has it tattooed to her ass. I have officially entered the twilight zone and hell all at the same time.

Whatever. I don’t care. I can teach her the proper way to display your love for your boyfriend, by properly timed public displays of affection. She’s my sister, at least I think so, anyway. I have to accept her faults even if they are technically unforgivable. Hey, maybe that spark was total bullshit since I haven’t really felt another one since I sat down, Nasedo will know for sure.

“Oh that’s cool, I love the music from the sixties. Bob Dylan is one of my favorites, but I have a soft spot for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Cream.” Hey, it’s not a lie, I love the music of the sixties.

“Paul or John?” Maria fires at me, like it’s a life or death question. Well, technically it is, because John is so much better than Paul.

“John,” I answer without hesitation. There was just that much more power in his lyrics and he actually seemed to be saying something, unlike Paul’s new group Wings. Liz is just kind of staring at us with this annoyed expression; the whack-job is probably praying that we get back to work.

“John? Paul was so much better,” she states, like I’ve just committed a cardinal sin. Ugh, how can this girl like Paul? I will have to put her through such musical therapy. I mean Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep?” was pure art. What in the hell has Paul done after The Beatles? That’s right – nothing but stupid love songs.

Opening my mouth to respond, I’m cut off by Liz, who obviously felt the heated gaze of our teacher and like a good little student she decided to cut off a heated discussion before it started.

“Can we get back to work?” she asks with this air of authority, like she is suddenly a mother ending a fight between two warring siblings. I would so die if this girl were my mother. She has her panties all up in a twist over nothing.

Not to mention she would probably disown me if she knew what kind of clothes I wear on the weekends. Black miniskirts and deep blue shirts are so awesome on my body. Black is slimming and blue brings out my eyes. Maria probably would look good in greens and pinks. And Liz, if she would ever dare try it, would look elegant in burgundies.

Oh my god I’m not thinking about clothes shopping with these girls, they are obsessive teenagers with boyfriends who are so totally whipped. But Maria may be my sister, given the hair and the sparky thing, so I need to get used to this.

“Fine,” we jointly grumble and she shoots me a look like we’ll continue this later. Great. Can’t wait. Hey at least we can bond over the fact that The Beatles were one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. But the bell rings before we have a chance to say two words about the topic.

Thank God.

[citrustwisted]

Thanks for the FB and the bumps guys... I really do appreciate it.

I know that I said there would be a moritorium on all my stories till mid december because of school and term papers and all the joys that college entails, but Joia kind of inspired me to write sooner (the wench may hate tess, but she's damn good at inspiring me to procrastinate huge amounts of research)... I hope that no one minds.

But yeah, I really do think that this will be a one time thing... so dont get your hopes up that i'm going to like... drop out of school or something and write more often, but who knows.
-G

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Part 2
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It’s 3:00 pm. Want to know how I just wasted the past 6 hours of my life?

I was at school. Yes, school, that god-awful factory that teenagers are thrown into for hours on end and eventually graduate from, knowing nothing more than they did when they first were enslaved twelve years ago. It’s a sadistic torture that Nasedo likes to inflict on me for only god knows why. The jackass doesn’t get or doesn’t care that ever since he taught me how to scan books for information using my powers, I haven’t done any work. Period.

Maybe, he does know, and he thinks that by forcing me to go to school, I am learning some valuable lesson on how people here act. Hell, if that were the case, I would hop back in my little space ship and fly right on back. Yeah, uh huh, that’d be what I would do.

High school students are disgusting; especially the boys. My ass was grabbed, by three – yes, count them people – three football players. Yes, ok, so the one was cute… in a stalker-ish kind of way. And yes, I kind of liked it. But still, who knows where else his hands have been? If I weren’t a different species, I’d be worried that those hands had just been helping to satisfy a need and his little swimmers somehow crawled up through the fabric and into me to make me a statistic! Yes, ok, I know that’s not technically possible, but it would happen, to me, because that is my luck.

Yeah, just like how, because I am the luckiest, I am sitting in a fucking alien-themed restaurant with my alien protector aka father. And – get this – it’s called the CRASHDOWN. Yes, people, yuck it up. But when your people were, like, killed or whatever in the 1947 crash, leaving you as the one of the sole aliens on this planet, it’s not exactly funny. Well, ok, so me sitting here is, but not the event. And, oh yes, it does get better. These waitresses are dressed in sea-foam green with tacky silver alien-shaped aprons and, yes, you guessed it, antennae.

I am BLONDE and I have curly hair – NOT antennae.

I hate this town because not only do they have shitty alien restaurants, but at this restaurant there is something called a “blood of alien smoothie.” Now, seriously, people, what is that? Funny? Because, oh yeah, it’s not. And judging from Nasedo’s disgusted face, he doesn’t find that beverage funny either.

Finally, something he agrees with me about. Too bad he won’t just drive on back up to Chicago.

Because if that is Maria (you know, the girl who I think is my sister?) in this god-awful uniform talking to Liz (aka the bland princess of nerdville, currently in an equally disgusting and offensive uniform), then Maria is being disowned.

Aliens wearing that shit – a big no-no.

“So how was school?” Nasedo asks, his voice interrupting the plethora of thoughts going through my head. This is kind of strange though, he hardly ever makes idle conversation unless he has something important that he is building up to. Maybe he recognizes her, like some alien homing device or something. And now he’s going to be, like, “this is your sister,” like some fucking Hallmark movie special.

Or maybe Lifetime, because that channel has more fucked up movies.

“Fine. It was school, you know?” I reply, twirling a curl between my fingers as I stare apathetically at the menu. I’ve decided that the thing that I’m eating is going to be the least offensive thing on the menu, even if it is disgusting. I’m protesting on behalf of the alien brotherhood, or sisterhood, or whatever, even if there are only TWO of us; well, two that I know of, anyway, and Nasedo is more a douche than anything else.

Yes, I am one eloquent son…er, daughter of a bitch.

I can feel his eyes boring into my flesh, his eyes may be cold as hell but they burn when they are focused on you. He is very intense, and he is looking for something; something that I’m not just going to tell him. Jeez, the way he’s looking at me, it may be like I killed the preacher’s wife or something, when all I did was meet the girl who I think is my sister.

Yeah, and I’m not going to tell him that, because I know I will be disappointed when I find out that I dreamt it up again. He takes pride in that; at least I think so anyway. Because that is the only time that he ever smiles. Granted, it is a sympathetic smile, or at least the closest to one he can muster, but I don’t know… it just seems so artificial.

I feel sometimes like I’m this big thing that he’s been burdened with and he’s just doing this out of loyalty to Khivar, or maybe hatred of Zan. Like, times like this, when we’re at a restaurant bullshitting, I really wish that I had a normal life, a mother and a father who like honestly gave half a shit about how my day was going, instead of Nasedo just keeping up appearances.

And I mean, I do honestly understand that he is not Antarian, like me…and my sister. He’s a shapeshifter and they don’t necessarily show emotion. They are born and groomed to be extremely intelligent and skilled spies and informants, and as such they are taught that emotion and personal loyalty should be ignored.

But I just wish I had someone who genuinely cared.

“Right, school,” he sighs with a kind of annoyance that I’ve come to accept from him. He’s either aggravated that I don’t play dutiful daughter as much anymore or maybe that I play up the role of apathetic teenager too much.

Whatever. I don’t care. I’ve finally decided on my meal of choice, the flying burger and fries. I refuse to eat onion, er, Saturn rings, and I refuse to call french fries “alien fingers.” That’s disgusting; plus, my fingers aren’t nearly as fatty or delicious as french fries.

He looks up from his menu as he realizes that I’m not going to bother honor his comment with a response and disinterestedly asks, “So how were your classes? Do you think you will need assistance catching up with your studies?”

He knows for a fact that I don’t need assistance with school. He TAUGHT me how to cheat for Christ’s sake. This is so annoying and so incredibly retarded.

“They were fine. No, I don’t think I will need help. But I hate it here and want to go back to Chicago.” It’s the truth. I do want to go back; like, NOW. And I do hate Roswell and everyone in it, with the exception of my sister, if she does, in fact, exist and live in this town.

There we go, yep anger, which momentarily flashes across his face only to be covered by a façade of indifference and understanding. It’s always reassuring to know, that while I can never manage to please him, I can aggravate him from time to time. It makes me feel somewhat more normal. Wow, that is incredibly sadistic; but, hey, it’s my life.

Nasedo opens his mouth to reply, then purses his lips together as Roswell’s resident ass-kisser, makes an appearance at our table. And while I am grateful for the reprieve, I can’t help but watch the damn antennae bounce around atop her pristine mane of dark hair. I bet she doesn’t have to straighten it either, bitch.

“Can I take your order?” she asks. Her boredom is subtle, but I can tell it’s there. She must hate this place more than I’d guess, because she looks completely uncomfortable in that outfit. Then again, she probably just doesn’t like having it all put on display, and with that skirt, there really isn’t much that is left to the imagination. But I do find her boredom interesting, because Maria definitely does not look nearly as unhappy as she does.

Maybe there is more to her than straight-A student, hardworking teenager and girlfriend of the mysterious M.E.

Yeah, and maybe, aliens are going to land and walk the earth… Okay, bad example; but I hate the phrase “when pigs fly.”

But you get the idea.

“Yes, I will have the Plutonian Platter and Saturn Rings” Nasedo states, already eying the tabasco.

Way to be subtle, Jackass. But seriously, I don’t get why he eats anyway, because he can barely taste anything, and all the hot sauce does is add the slightest bit of taste to his pallet. He actually told me that once, when I was like eight or so, and I had to beat it out of him.

I cared then, I really don’t anymore. And I’m more of a salt person than anything else.

She looks at me, with those dark eyes and smiles slightly, it’s awkward, because I know she wants to say something, but what is she supposed to say. I hate nice people, especially nice people who annoy me greatly. It means I have to be nice to them. And when I am nice to them, it means that I am fake-friends with them. Which means, in this case, my social status just dropped about 5,000 points. But hey, if she doesn’t say anything, then I can pretend that it never happened.

“Hi… Tess, right?” I nod, hoping that my silence will be a hint that I don’t want to talk, but oh no, she may be intelligent, but she is socially dumb as fuck. “What can I get you?”

“Hey, Liz, I’ll have a hamburger and fries. And can I have a cherry coke, with lime?” I answer. Fuck it, I don’t give a shit about alien names for things that are incredibly common in dives like this. I know I’m going to get ripped a new asshole for not playing along. But you know what? I don’t care.

Have you noticed yet that apathy is a constant thread in my life? Because, oh, yeah, it is.

“Yeah, no problem” she says with a shrug of her shoulders and flashes me a small smile, as if she understands that I think these names are retarded because she does, too. Okay, but then, without a word, she takes our menus and turns on her heel and leaves, her ponytail swishing perfectly from side to side.

But, oh, yeah, it gets better. Because she’s going over to the counter, where some dark, brooding guy who is way too skinny for his clothing, but cute in an “I like to slit my wrists and listen to emo while wishing I played football” way. And, she gently kisses his cheek, but turns away when he tries to get more P.D.A. friendly.

How fucking perfect. I bet this is the mysterious M.E. that she doodled about. And I bet you he’s like, oh my god, the babe that every single girl wants because they can’t have him. This, of course, makes this union even more disgusting because the only thing she has sex with is her biology book. And from the looks of his feet, he has a really small penis, so I don’t really blame her.

And just like that, I hate her again.

She is just too damn Miss Suzie High School.

Seriously, that kind of relationship is just absolutely disgusting, I completely disapprove of it. The next thing I’m going to find in this town is some asshole wearing their boyfriend’s class ring on a chain or something else completely out dated. I swear to god, not only is this the ninth circle of hell, but also a fucked up fantasy-land for people who want the simpler times.

I open my mouth to say some snide comment about the UFO shaped saltshaker when Nasedo clears his throat.

Great, time to get ripped a new asshole. I always wondered what anal sex would feel like, and I’m sure that I will get a verbal rendition by the end of the hour. God, I hate this shit.

“Tess, you know full well that we cannot just go home whenever you please,” he states, his tone laced with a mixture of annoyance and anger. I wonder if he knew me in my past life, and if he did, did he hate me as much then?

“My job does not allow for me to consider your needs as much as you would like, but you certainly reap the benefits,” he hisses, his anger growing more palpable by the second.

I want to say something, tell him how full of shit he is and then storm right on out of here, into the streets and then run till my lungs collapse. His job is to protect me, which he does, in his own sort of way. But his human “job” is bullshit. And he uses his powers to make money for us. So unless he is keeping up appearances in case the fat-ass star trek worshipping people sitting behind us find out our secret, he is full of shit. Not that anyone would believe them anyway. Besides, they seem to be too busy using their tongues to probe one another at the moment to care. Damn, I didn’t know that double chins could move like that.

Opening my mouth to make a snide comment about our tongue-happy duo, I shut it just as Liz sets down my drink and leaves, promptly falling back into the arms of one M. E. Sometimes, I think I am jealous of the normalcy that everyone else has. But then again, being a little mind-warping bitch has its benefits.

Closing my eyes, I focus on the two people sucking face in the booth behind Nasedo and force down a giggle that threatens to bubble up from within me. Come on, it will be funny; make the girl think that she’s making out with an obese green thing with antennae. But right as I perfect the image in my head, I hear a loud crash and lose my concentration. Great, just fucking great, thanks a lot.

I hate Roswell.

It ruins my fun regardless. But anyway, there is now yelling and screaming and the name “Michael Guerin” being yelled over and over again with obscenities laced about.

And that voice, it sounds strangely familiar. And if that flair of short blond hair running around in the kitchen is any indication, then yeah, that’s Maria and, I’m guessing, Michael, who is probably, M.G.

Wow, ok, so now the friendship between Liz and Maria makes a ton more sense: Liz is a little too realistic, and Maria is fucking psychotic. Lay off the drugs sweetheart. Drama queens, even if they are supposedly related to me, are annoying.

Fucking great, I hope that stupid thing was a fluke now, because God knows I’m crazy enough as it is. Being related to THAT would be hell on earth. And I say this with all the genuine compassion in my heart: if she acts like this, and is an alien, we will be dead. Straight up no questions asked, six feet underground dead.

I can tell Nasedo wants to say something, but he isn’t and this is making me grow even more concerned. Honestly, just say something. Anything. Yes, open your mouth. Say anything, even if you are making fun of me.

“That was impressive, these beings never cease to amaze me,” he says finally, in a voice hardly above a whisper. I let out the biggest sigh of relief in the history of man… err alien kind.

“Um, yeah,” I reply while bobbing my straw up and down in my drink. I’m hoping that the food comes soon, because I can’t really force conversation now. And since those two fat-asses finally left, I have no one else to mindwarp. I could play with M.E., but eh, I really doubt he would be interested in anything other than the kind of skivvies underneath Liz’s uniform. Knowing Pristina Parker, they’re granny panties. And I bet that she does not maintain her bush either, ew. It’s a jungle down there.

And now, of course, since I have grossed myself fully, the queen of the jungle, herself is back, and this time, bearing food.

Yes, and now I am SO hungry, I swear to god, I don’t understand why I do these things to myself sometimes. Hello, asshole of the year, right here please!

Delicately, Liz lays down my plate in front of me and brushes the stray bangs off her head with the back of her hand. “Um, here Tess. Sorry about the wait, we’re kind of backed up in the kitchen.” Then, turning to Nasedo, she smiles politely and lays his plate down in front of him, while saying five words that shock the hell out of me “Here you go, Mr. Harding.” She did not, could not, just, like, remember my last name like that. Dude, this is one small-ass town.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” she asks, and I just shake my head no. But, Nasedo, who is being an ass, and is probably interested in looking for a reason to fuck with her, gently grazes her hand with his fingertips. It’s feather light, but I know that touch. He’s looking for something.

Instinctively, my eyes flicker up and meet his, searching for any sort of reaction, despite the fact that I know he never reveals a damn thing. I bet you he’s upset that she called him Mr. Harding. Fuck. Stupid small town girl, with your stupid high school sweetheart and your stupid perfect hair; you just pissed off the wrong guy, and honestly, I’m kind of sad for you. Oh well, nice to know you, Prissy Pants!

But instead of watching Liz disintegrate into alien mush, he just looks up at her with an indifferent sigh. “Water, if you don’t mind. Tess, it is so great that you are making friends so quickly.”

“Um, yeah sure” she replies and walks away no different from how she was only moments ago.

And now, I can’t help but wonder; what in the fuck did he do?

I bet you now she’s going to fucking go down on her psychotic best friend and claim that she is now finally a liberated woman. I bet you Nasedo likes girl-on-girl action, especially with humans who are not big breasted. Ew. Jungle fever baby.

But, before I have a chance to theorize any further, he looks me dead in the eye and goes “Sweet Home Roswell, New Mexico,” with a satisfied smirk on his face.

Choking on my burger, I sputter out, “What… no… HER?”

“Yes.”

“HOLY FUCKING SHIT” I begin, just as Liz comes back, “… is this food spicy.” Nice cover Tess, way to be subtle. You could win a foot in mouth award with the way you act. Now not only is Perfect Parker your fucking sister, but she thinks you’re psycho.

What a perfect end to a perfect day.

[citrustwisted]

Thanks for all the FB and for Joia betaing this!!!!!

-G
***
Part 3
***
Elizabeth Parker. Elizabeth. Liz Parker. Liz. L.P. No matter which way you say it, it still sounds like the worst, most generic name ever. Trust me, I've said her name in a variety of different accents while laying across my new bed for the past hour and a half. Yes, I do realize that this is extremely unproductive, but I have no homework other than a project with Maria and Liz, which we are going over tomorrow. After school. So, currently, I am just prolonging the inevitable - a nice chat with Nasedo about how we break it to her that she has antennae and comes from a galaxy far, far away. And with my luck, she's probably a science geek who will want some scientific explanation for all of this.

Please allow me to introduce myself
I am a man of wealth and taste
I've been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man's soul and faith

If there is anything that I hate more than history - it's science.

I was around when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure the pilot washed his hands
And sealed his fate

"Tess, I believe it is time we discuss our next move," Nasedo shouts over the Rolling Stones. Their song "Sympathy for the Devil" is currently blasting out of my stereo.

Pleased to meet you hope you guessed my name
But what's puzzling you is the nature of my game
Stuck around St. Petersburg when I saw it was time for a change
Killed the Tsar and his ministers,
Anastasia screamed in vain.

"Fuck" I whisper and lower the volume as I open the door. It's time for a discussion, which really is just a lecture on why humans are inferior beings and we must save sister dear from them. But, judging from first impressions of good ole Elizabeth, they can have her. She just looks like such a downer all the time, totally wrapped up in her boyfriend; an annoying, kiss-ass girl.

Yes, folks, a girl… and one that dresses badly too.

"So…what do you think we should do?" I ask as I sit back down on my bed, deciding it's just better to focus our discussion before Nasedo gets a chance to begin another lecture on why we are better. Plus, it's just better to pretend that he has something of value to say at all times, he treats you better that way. "I mean, it's not just like I can be like, 'Hi, my name is Tess… you're my sister.' I mean, she'd laugh in my face."

Nasedo turns toward me and looks at me with a bemused smirk, probably imagining just how distraught she would get. He enjoys human emotions, when others express them; they amuse him because they are so foreign. It is why he values emotions so little: because they are expressed by inferior creatures, they are amusing.

Purebred Antarians, which I am not, feel emotions, but they are never expressed physically. It is one of the things he hates about me and has spent years trying to rid me of. I am of noble blood, so in his mind, it is ridiculous that I express how I feel as Khivar is king of Antar. "Well, yes, but I have already begun the process for you."

That stupid hand thing, I knew he was up to something, that sneaky bastard. "How?" I ask, my ears perking up a bit. I cannot help but be curious about this process, there is a mysticism to our powers that I still am not privy too because Nasedo wants to wait for my sister.

"In time, Avaria, in time, but there are more important matters afoot," he replies and I can't help but groan inwardly.

Whenever he calls me by my full Antarian name, not Ava or Tess, I can tell that something is up or he is really pissed at me. When I was younger and acted too human for his preferences, he would call me Avaria to remind me that I am 'better and more refined' than the humans I emulated. I wonder what he would think about all the thoughts running through my head all the time, too bad he is not a mind reader.

Pursing my lips, I look up at him with feigned interest. It is probably something ridiculous that I really could not care less about, like how this town of loonies suspects that Elvis is an alien. Or maybe I am about to be reprimanded for my outburst at the diner this afternoon.

"Oh? Like what?" I question, wondering what in the hell is more important than, oh I don't know, finding out my long lost sister is a fucking weirdo and that he is doing something to make her realize that she is you know, an alien. I bet you he made her turn silver, get bug eyes and shrink to three feet tall.

Actually, that would be fucking funny. I want to see that!

"I sense him," he answered in a condescending tone, smirking and reveling in my confusion. "Zan, he is here, in Roswell, how…fortuitous for us." He slid his arms behind his back and watched me for any visible sign of shock to dance across my face.

Zan…Zan as in, you killed my family, you son of a bitch Zan. Zan, as in, the reason that I am an alien on an alien planet Zan. Zan, as in, the bringer of lies and evil and hatred Zan.

COULD MY DAY GET ANY WORSE? This is the fucking Twilight Zone, I swear to God. First, I find my sister, but she is a total waste of life, and now, I find out that the rat bastard son of a bitch that killed us the first time is happily cavorting around Roswell.

"Zan? But shouldn't he be dead?" I question quietly, refusing to grant Nasedo his wish to see yet another outburst today. Plus, I am honestly too shocked to burst out into a long song and dance over why this sucks. "And how can you sense his presence, I never really understood that." Yeah, I know I am in for a long lecture, but now that the stakes are rising, I best be somewhat informed.

"Avaria, come now, you cannot expect that the insipid little brat and his whore of a mother did not know of your resurrection. After Zan, his second, Rath, and Vilondra died, she invested the rest of her family's money into recreating the royals and pledging to retake the throne," he explained, while examining one of my stuffed animals - a teddy bear I bought in Chicago to remind me of the windy city and its football team.

"As for your second question, I know this may be hard to comprehend, but before I was given the task to raise both you and Aixa I was a high ranking spy and informant for Khivar. He trusted me with his life, which is why he trusted me with the lives of you and your sister. A reason for this trust was because I was always blessed with the ability to sense the presence of others over great distances. Not that Zan would be hard to find, his foul presence is unmistakable over thousands of miles."

"So…what are you going to do about it?" I ask, biting my lip as I look up to him with curious blue eyes. The fact that Zan is around town is not exactly the best news I've ever heard, then again, I'm sure that anyone else would be delighted to discover that their murderer is just waltzing around the same town that they moved to.

"No, child, the question is not what am I going to do about it, but what are yougoing to do about it," he mocks, dangling the carrot dangerously close to my face, probably praying that I'll bite. But I'm not stupid, I know better than to tempt him with interest, when all I want is for him to handle it.

"You, Avaria, will seduce the young king and deliver him to me by any means necessary. Upon such time as you deliver him to me, I will dispose of him in a manner appropriate for such vile scum."

Wait, seduce…and by any means necessary? He does not mean that I…like sleep with him, does he? I…I'm a virgin, and I know that this is completely juvenile, but I would like to…you know, lose it to someone other than the reincarnated version of the man who killed me…or at least ordered my death…I really never paid attention.

"You…you don't mean…!" I stammer, failing to form the words that I do not dare speak in his presence. Nasedo does not need to know that I care about stupid girly things that he has taught me not to care about.

"If it comes to that, then yes," he stated coldly, frowning while noticing the visible disgust that danced momentarily across my face. Jesus Christ, It is really happening, I am being reduced to a mere whore. I used to be a princess, or so I have heard, and now I get to sleep with the enemy if it means his destruction.

Excuse me if I am less than thrilled.

Suddenly, this whole alien thing isn't fun anymore. Not that it really was before, but I had a genuine appreciation for my powers. They made my life easier. But I never really thought about what they meant, I scoffed at history, the fact that I was not human, ignored Nasedo at every turn.

I really never believed that this whole being an alien-human hybrid part of my life had implications. I just knew I had a sister, someone like me out there in the world. You know, like a friend to paint my toenails with and share secrets with, but I don't even get that. Instead, I get to fuck the king of lies and my sister already paints her toenails the most virginal shade of bubble gum pink that sparkles when the sun hits it in just the right light.

It was another thing that I had noticed and annoyed me about her in class today, but now I wish the only problem in my life was bad taste in nail polish.

"I…I can't!" I choke out as I feel the tears well up behind my eyes.

I don't care if Nasedo sees me cry over this, because this is ridiculous. I am a sixteen-year-old girl playing make believe. I don't even know why we died. I mean I should, but it never mattered to me. I always thought that someone else would take care of it; that we would just find my sister, she would love me and we'd fly back home.

I guess Nasedo was not exaggerating when he called this a war.

"You can and you will," he replied curtly. I can feel his eyes on me, filled with disgust and hatred. I know he is disappointed, he hoped he raised someone stronger than this. But, the thing is, I am not nearly as strong as I appear to be. I am no princess thinking about the good of her people back home. All I have ever thought about is myself, even now, that is what I am doing. How can he expect me to change overnight?

I am coming to a hard realization very quickly. I may have alien powers, but I am much, much more human than I ever imagined. No Antarian, especially not one of royal blood, would ever balk at a challenge. But, Earth is all that I truly remember, I have very vague memories of Antar, but he has not allowed me to see everything yet.

Maybe…

Standing up from the bed as I wipe the tears from my eyes, I stare at him defiantly with all of the authority that I can assemble. "I want to know why he must be destroyed. If I am to do this, then I demand to remember Zan, his ruthlessness, his cunning, all of it. I want to sense him like you do, so that I can easily pinpoint him in a crowd."

Laughing, he turns toward me, his skepticism apparent. Yeah, I agree that it is warranted, but I believe that in this situation, it is unnecessary. "You are in no way ready to know yet."

"Yeah, but, I believe that recent developments require me to be ready. How am I supposed to seduce Zan if neither of us know who he is in this life? When things get rough, what will keep me focused on the cause other than fairytale versions of the past? I need to know, whether I want to know or not," I argue, daring him to contest me even further.

"Fine, but do not claim, Tess, that I did not warn you." He snapped. His voice hung ominously as he stated my name, like something vile, hissing as he reached the s's and causing a shiver to involuntarily go down my spine.

Without warning, he then snaked his hand behind my head, the ice-cold flesh only intensifying the nervousness that was bubbling beneath my cool exterior. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fear this. It would only prove that I am not ready for whatever is to come.

Gasping, I feel the coldness intensify, spreading through my veins, eating at every last bit of warmth, the icy feeling burning me from the inside. And just when I think I cannot take it anymore, that I am going to cave and let out the scream that threatens to escape from my lungs, everything fades to black.

[citrustwisted]

Thank you all for the FB and thank you Joia for beta-ing this, even if it wasn't at 2 am.... hahaha. -G Lyrics are from Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze"

----
Part 4
----
“I don’t like the new girl” Michael stated as he entered the back room of the Crashdown, where Liz and Maria were sitting on a ratty old couch looking over the track listing of a Jimi Hendrix album. He had been eying the petite blond all day, watching for any indication that she was either an alien or a plant from the special unit.

“Yeah, she’s a bitch, but that doesn’t make her a threat to anything but Isabel’s reputation as Ice Princess,” Maria scoffed, and then turned back to the album, wondering which track they would put on the CD that would accompany their paper.

Michael turned toward Maria in disbelief, completely blown away that she could be this unconcerned with the newest possible threat. For all they knew, she could be another spy for the special unit or the fourth alien, which came with a guaranteed ticket home and all the answers that he had spent his entire life searching for. “Maria, people do not just up and move to Roswell from places like that. It just does not happen.”

Glancing up, she turned toward Michael with venom in her eyes. She had no desire to get into a deep, philosophical discussion on the blond bitch at the moment, not when she had to work on a paper that would determine whether she got a C or an F in the class.

“How do you know? I just think you want a reason to investigate her so you can get in her pants,” she stated, pondering the thought for a moment, then cringing. For all the credit that she gave Michael, that was the most likely conclusion.

“I do not want to get into her pants,” Michael said, emphasizing every word. He was in no mood to deal with her this afternoon, not when he was still wondering when exactly he was going to make it home tonight. Hank had a tendency to go out to the bar late on Wednesdays.

“Well you sure as hell don’t want to get into mine, so I figured you liked cheep and easy!” Maria snapped, trying in vain to hide the hurt in her voice. She hated to watch how Liz and Max would publicly display their affection while Michael would say that he cared for her but never bothered to show it.

She had always thought she was not the type of girl who needed constant affection, which was part of what attracted her to Michael in the first place. But the more time that they were together, the more she realized how she valued a traditional relationship with traditional standards of what was supposed to go on within it.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Michael shot back, his arms across his chest. He honestly did not want to have this conversation with Maria right now, or ever, for that matter. He did not like blondes, bottom line, with the exception of Maria…and right now he was questioning that fact. He liked her, he did, but sometimes, like right now, she pushed his every last nerve with her constant need for attention.

Maria open and shut her mouth, unable to come up with a reason for her fears other than the fact that Tess was prettier than her and more deserving of a boyfriend than she was. Deciding to stay with a vague approach, so as to conceal her genuine hurt and fear that he had a wandering eye, she huffed ”I believe you know exactly what I am talking about.”

“If I knew, I wouldn’t ask,” he retorted with a tinge of arrogance latched to his tone. He was in no mood to let her just walk all over him with declarations of how he did not care and all of that bullshit. He wondered where she got that idea anyway; probably the same place that she conjured up the fantasy that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. As far as he was concerned he never signed off on that assumption, yet here he was with his daily verbal abuse on why he was not like Max Evans. If she did not have such a damn good mouth, he would have showed her what’s what long ago.

Well, that and he genuinely did like the attention she gave him.

“I believe your subscription to Juggs says otherwise,” she replied, a satisfied smirk painted across her face. She was proud of herself for calling him out on that fact, as he was probably about to go into a long discussion about how he only needed a handful. And she was not in the mood for that type of discussion at the moment.

“Hey, I need something to remind me of what I’m missing!” Michael retorted, cringing at the crude nature of his words, he knew the second that they left his mouth that they were exactly what he was not supposed to say in this instance. If he hadn’t been in the doghouse before, he definitely was now. Maria was going to rip him but good for his comments.

“MICHAEL GUERIN” Maria yelled, finding no other words acceptable for her rant. She wanted to tell him exactly what she thought of that comment, but she had no way to go about it.

“GUYS” Liz interjected, not at all interested in dealing with another fight between Michael and Maria. Especially not in her father’s restaurant, because she knew that her father was growing sick and tired of losing customers to newer restaurants. And, she assumed that outbursts like these did not help things. “Customers can hear you two,” she explained, hoping that they would temper their argument, if not for her sake than for their jobs.

“Sorry,” they both replied, flashing Liz guilty looks, as neither of them really remembered where they were; they had been too caught up in the moment.

Liz let out a sigh of relief as she smoothed out her hair and met their eyes. “Look, you two, just, talk about the real issue here. If it matters, I don’t really think that she is a threat, she seemed nice enough to me today…but I think her father is kind of…weird,” she said, hoping that they would at least take her opinion into consideration, instead of just restarting World War Three.

Michael scratched his eyebrow and let out an exasperated sigh. “Nice enough” did not necessarily mean nice. And for all they knew, she could be using Liz to get closer to the group. Liz was always nice to everyone, so it would make sense that Tess would latch on to that.

“She could be Nasedo,” he supplied, hoping that if he mentioned that line of thought again one of them would listen to him.

“Or, just a bitch,” Maria shot back, not at all interested in entertaining Michael’s latest alien related craze. He thought that everyone and everything was alien related, and it was getting a little tiresome. She did understand that his alien heritage was an important part of who he was, but so was his humanity, and that involved him being her boyfriend. At least, she hoped it did; but it was getting less and less likely that this was the case.

“Guys, did you even hear what I said?” Liz asked, already knowing the answer to her question was no. She hated how whenever they tried to talk about something serious, it would veer completely off course and into another argument.

“I say we go to River Dog,” Michael said, hoping that Liz would at least side with him on this. She was the one who had found River Dog in the first place, and she might be more inclined to listen to him if they got a third opinion. Plus, River Dog would know better than any of them who Nasedo was and could at least end the speculation once and for all.

“About a teenage girl? What are we supposed to say? ‘River dog, there is this girl with implants…we think this silicone is grounds for her being an alien…’ Damn, I guess Pam Anderson is a damn SPECIES of aliens then,” Maria responded, trying her best not to laugh in his face. The whole idea was completely ridiculous, and River Dog would just tell them the same thing and then not volunteer to help them when they actually needed his help.

Michael cocked an eyebrow as he contemplated what she was saying; maybe Maria had a point after all. Isabel had big breasts, Tess had big breasts. Isabel was blonde, Tess was blonde. Isabel was kind of abrasive, and apparently, so was Tess. So it was not so hard to believe that she “Hey, Isabel has big ones. So, you know…”

Maria opened and shut her mouth in shock; she certainly had never heard Michael bring up another girl – especially another girl’s breasts – in front of her. That was just something that no good boyfriend ever did, even a halfway decent boyfriend ever did.

“YOU LOOK?” she barked, hoping that she had just misheard Michael, or he would say something flattering about her small chest.

“Kind of hard not to notice…they could poke someone’s eye out,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders as he tried to pass off the comment as the unimportant response that it was and not as some ridiculous pot shot at her breasts. But judging by her face, she did not see eye to eye with him on this and he was in for an earful.

Liz clenched and unclenched her fists, as she grew more and more aggravated by the way that the two of them were just fighting for the sake of fighting. Breast size had absolutely nothing to do with Tess and whether or not she was an alien.

“Guys, for the last time,” she warned, hoping that just this once the two of them would pick up on her annoyance with their fighting.

“Michael…she’s like your sister sort of, ew that’s incest,” Maria responded, forcing down the bile that was rising up her in her chest.

“Just because I look doesn’t mean that I touch,” Michael quipped, somewhat disgusted at the mental image that created. He definitely did not like Isabel like that, she was his sister – just his sister. And this was New Mexico, not Arkansas, and things like that did not fly in this state.

“Look guys, I don’t want to be in the middle of this. So I’m leaving,” Liz said, then quietly walked up the stairs, so as to not draw attention to herself. She found it pointless to continue to sit idle while they fought over the newest little argument, especially when it was completely ridiculous.

Maria rolled her eyes in annoyance, not even paying attention to Liz’s departure. “You are such a pig!” she stated, completely disgusted with Michael’s current behavior. She knew that he said certain hyper-masculine things, but this was getting ridiculous.

“Maybe because you are such a bitch,” Michael shot back, wondering what sort of reaction Maria would have to that. He knew it was a big no-no, but there was no other way to describe the way that Maria was acting. She was being a bitch, and he called them just like he saw them.

Maria’s eyes grew wide in anger as she forced down the urge to slap Michael straight across the face. No one ever called her a bitch, especially not the guy that is supposed to be dating her. For her, this was a deal breaker and she needed to do something drastic in order to keep her respect.

“OOOOH, IT’S OVER MICHAEL GUERIN!” Maria screamed, secretly hoping that he would cower at her feet, beg her to take him back – anything, just as long as he admitted that he was an asshole.

“Fine.” Michael agreed, deciding that it was just best to end things instead of continuing this screaming match. He never did anything right when it came to Maria anyway, so why continue to get a verbal lashing for everything he did do?

“FINE!” Maria shouted as she turned on her heal and stormed out of the Crashdown, leaving a frustrated Michael in her wake. She was in no mood to do anything other than go on home and eat ice cream, seeing as her relationship was over once and for all.

Liz cringed as she heard the door to the employee area slam shut from her bedroom. She wondered why Michael and Maria continued this dance with one another when all they were doing was growing more and more miserable. All the two of them ever did together was argue, and yet they continued to test their failed experiment at a relationship.

Sighing, she looked down at the mound of homework before her, wondering what to do first, but found none of it appealing. Usually there was some sort of science-related homework that either was thought-provoking or relatively easy, but not tonight. All she had to do was work on that paper with Tess and Maria and read for her English class, and that was not due for another week.

Deciding to do the unthinkable and put it off for a few hours, she kicked off her shoes and lay down on her bed. Yawning, she pulled the covers over her head and shut her eyes, too exhausted to even bother with pajamas.

***

Darkness enveloped her as she looked around at her new surroundings. She could tell that wherever she was, it was relatively secluded as well as poorly ventilated, given the moisture and musty smell that permeated the area. She blinked her eyes, adjusting to the darkness, and looked around, noticing an eerie, green light off in the distance.

Curious, she walked forward, instinctively knowing that there was something important to be found there. Her fingertips traced the outline of the small area, the surface rough and ridged against her skin – if she dared to guess, she would assume that she was in a small cave, given the abrasive surface, the musty smell and the overwhelming darkness.

She opened her mouth to speak, deciding that the best way to determine whether or not this was a cave was to see if there was an echo, but found that she had no voice. Frowning, she silently walked toward the light, searching for any other clues to determine where she was, but found none.

Shivering slightly, she wrapped her arms around her body, shocked to find that she was completely naked. Looking down, she noticed how small and childlike her hands were, as well as the rest of her body. She knew that she naturally was very short, but this was bordering on ridiculous. It was like she was a small and very naked child. Raising a hand to her chest, she found that she was flat and undefined, much like a young child.

Confused, she made her way toward the light, hoping that this would all make sense. Her feet paddled across the cold floor until she came face to face with the source of light. Blinking, she looked around, discovering a translucent membrane that reflected a soft lime colored light. Curious, she stared at it, catching sight of a small body lying within it. Her small hand delicately brushed away a thick film of residue that encased the pod like shell, and inspected the contents of the shell.

It was a girl – that much she was sure of, given her petite features, as well as distinctively female characteristics. But, it made no sense that this in any way a human child, given that she appeared to be living in an environment that would be hostile to a human. There was only a limited supply of oxygen, and this small pod would definitely run out of it fairly quickly. Furrowing her brows, she inspected the facial features of the sleeping child – she looked sort of like a younger Shirley Temple, given her blond curly hair and rosy cheeks.

She opened her mouth in awe as the blonde girl’s eyes flickered open, her azure eyes meeting her dark ones with a sort of understanding. She wanted to run, but found herself instead held in place by the girl’s intense gaze. As she stared, she thought she heard a soft voice in the background whispering, “I’ll show you, and you’ll remember.”

Waking up with a start, Liz wiped her brow of the sweat that had formed there as she heard Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” in the background. Yawning, she wondered exactly how long she had been asleep, as her dad, a fan of Jimi’s, would normally play that at night after the Crashdown closed. She glanced over at the clock and groaned, it was 10:30, much later than she had anticipated. “Wonderful, first I have a weird dream, now I completely overslept.”

She quickly got out of bed and changed into her pajamas, deciding that at this hour, she had nothing better to do than sleep and get up early tomorrow. So she got back into bed, Jimi Hendrix singing her to sleep.

Purple Haze all around,
Don't know if I'm coming up or down.
Am I happy or in misery?
Whatever it is, that girl put a spell on me.

[citrustwisted]

Thank you for all the fb I'm glad that you all are enjoying this so far Also I want to thank my beta Joia b/c she puts up with me hahahahaha. Yes I know there is a point of view jump, but there is a reason for it. Snaps to the person who figures it out.

-G

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Part 5
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She frowned as she watched her sister gavotte around the palace with an air of indifference. There was a war going on and she was supposed to be the serious one out of the two of them. After all, she had spent three years studying with the priestesses of the Granolith, high up in the mountains, learning whatever it was people there learned.

Aixa never talked about her time there, as was custom for those sent away to learn. The teachings and the knowledge gained were both secret and sacred, and those who studied were highly revered.

“Aixa, what are you doing?” she questioned, growing more and more interested in the peculiar freedom being exhibited by her older sister. She had always been the pragmatist; the one with the level head. She was very much like their father in that way, which was a rarity among first born, as they tended to be much more like their mothers. But then again, their whole family was different from most.

Most Antarian families have two children. The eldest is usually a female and acts much like the mother, while the younger of the two is usually male and takes after the father. However, their mother birthed two girls, a rarity that she credited to the will of the Granolith. Like Aixa, she had studied the inner workings of the Granolith as they both possessed the gift of foresight.

“Nothing,” Aixa replied, a mischievous smirk painted across her face.

“Then why are you dancing around without a care in the world?” Ava asked with her hands placed at her hips in a challenge. She did not believe her sister in the slightest, she was not the type to just prance around for no reason.

“I feel like it,” she answered curtly and resumed her movements, hoping that her sister would just go away. She was not in the mood to face twenty questions from her

“Oh, you feel like it?” she questioned with an air of suspicion. She knew her sister, and this was completely atypical. She was often times too serious, always reading or studying up on something. She rarely took time to just act rash, especially not at such a critical time in the history of Antar.

Aixa threw up her hands and spun around to meet her younger sister’s gaze. She wanted to just spend the next few moments reveling in the moment without thinking of the ramifications. “Yes, I do feel like it, Ava.”

“Aixa, forgive me for being doubtful, but you do not just dance around for no reason. You did something, what is it?” Ava pushed, twirling her hair as she eyed her sister for any sign that her front was weakening.

“No..Nothing.” She stammered, biting her lip as she realized that she had just revealed herself. Meeting her sister’s knowing gaze, she sighed, “Fine, promise you won’t tell a soul?”

“I won’t,” she stated, catching the glimmer of a conspiratorial gaze in her sister’s eyes. Whatever it was, it was daring, dangerous and completely out of character for her sister. But then again, it was similar to how she was when she was younger, before she had been sent away, before their mother had died.

“I got bonded,” she whispered, her eyes darting around the room to make sure that no one else was around to hear. It was not something that she was embarrassed about, it was more something that she had to keep secret, as her father would not be too pleased.

“AIXA what are you thinking…you’re betrothed” Ava shouted, wondering just how many different ways their father would kill her. This was ridiculous, absolutely asinine. Her sister had had a betrothal agreement ever since her mother died, and while neither of them knew who this man was, as was in accord with Antarian tradition, it was assumed that he was the son of some well to do man. This meant that whoever it was had a lot of power at his disposal and would not be happy with Aixa’s decision.

“I…I know, but I mean I met someone and he is just amazing,” Aixa replied, deciding not to go into the technicalities of why she did what she did. She was not at liberty to discuss the reasons for her actions, and even if she were, her sister would not care. Her sister was much too straightforward to interest herself with details.

“So? Aixa, bonding…it’s forever and Dad will kill you when he finds out. And what is he supposed to say to the man you’re betrothed to?” Ava hissed, knowing that the penalties for not abiding to an agreement of this sort were stiff and the family of the man that she was betrothed to would probably publicly shame the family.

“Mom would never approve of a betrothal. In fact she was vehemently against it and I wasn’t betrothed until after she passed away,” Aixa argued, hoping that the trump card of their mother would just end this argument.

“So? You’re still betrothed now,” Ava shot back, wondering how in the hell Aixa was going to argue against that one.

“Well, technically I’m not because it can’t happen,” Aixa shot back, smiling as she watched her younger sister get more and more aggravated. She had forgotten just how fun it was to be herself and poke at her sister.

“Aixa, he’s going to kill you” Ava stated with an air of severity hinged to her words. Frowning she smoothed out her hair, hoping that she would find a good way to break the news to their father, as this was a matter he best know about sooner rather than later.

“He will never know,” Aixa replied, determination and foresight behind her words. She knew that she could not explain herself, but she merely hoped that Ava would drop it. She was in no mood to argue, especially about something that would end up being a trivial matter in a few weeks time.

“Yeah…he will” Ava drawled, thinking about just how livid their father would be with her. He usually stayed somewhat distant from the two of them, especially after the sudden death of their mother, but this sort of thing would drive him over the edge. He was already angry enough that Aixa had turned down the priestess position without reason. And now she had just killed any attempt at a political marriage, again without explanation. She could just see the fighting now. At least last time Aixa was young and still agreed to study for a few years. But now she was older, and supposedly more mature, so this would send him straight over the edge. Not to mention, this was probably the biggest gaffe that she could pull.

“No…trust me, he won’t,” Aixa stated, emphasizing each word before turning and walking away. The spark was dying from her eyes as the severity and importance returned to her tone.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Tess blinked, turning toward the source of her annoyance, the loud hateful noise that continued to ring in her ear. Disoriented, she shot her head up, wondering where the noise was resonating from. She felt like she felt like she had been sleeping for a hundred years and had no real desire to wake up from it. Frowning, she grabbed her pillow from underneath her and clutched it to her head, hoping to drown the sound. She was in no mood to leave the tranquility of sleep, especially not due to some offensive noise. Slamming her eyes shut, she forced the noise out, settling back into sleep.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Liz groaned as she dragged herself out of bed wishing that instead of Wednesday it was Saturday. She had not slept well last night, as she kept on waking up and thinking about the million and one things on her mind. Of course, it did not help at all that she had that project to deal with, the same project that she had conveniently forgotten about last night when she passed out in bed. But right now, that did not matter, as she had all of forty-five minutes to shower and get ready before Maria came to pick her up.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Blinking and lifting the stupid pillow off my head, I know that I can’t deny the inevitable any longer. It’s that time of the day again – school time. Just what I don’t want to deal with today, it is a hateful building that brings the promise of eight periods of hell. I abhor it, I detest it, and yet I am forced to go. If it weren’t for the fact that I had a reason to go, I wouldn’t.

Yeah, and dear god my head still hurts. I swear, I hate that aspirin is completely ineffective for aliens right about now. But I do feel…I don’t know, more aware. But it’s still kind of jumbled, like I know things, but I still need like a while to sort them out. It is like sometimes, I think I am Ava, and other times I know I am not. It probably doesn’t help that I feel like I could seriously sleep for like a bazillion more days.

But yeah, so anyway, school and my sister. Today is the start of whatever the hell Nasedo did, and I’d assume that what he did was force a reawakening process. Wow, it feels so weird to know what that is, and yet it feels like I’ve always known. But basically, he jumpstarted her memories, but he did it more gradually than my own.

Like, it’s weird though, because I mean, we both came from pods or whatever the hell they are called and I don’t know, it would seem likely that she would remember that. I sure as hell did.

But yeah, so how in the hell am I supposed to break it to her that she is my sister, and to go even further, that she is not human? I don’t have a damn clue. But I am still holding out hope that Liz will just, I don’t know, get a clue and confront me. Honestly, it would just be easier that way because then it would be like she kind of already knew. And if she is anything like Aixa that is exactly what she will do.

Dear god, I hope she is like Aixa. But then again, I don’t because then she’ll want all the answers to every single question and honestly, I don’t have them for her. I always went to Nasedo for them, and like now I don’t have that option. I have to start taking an active role in all of this, and now is the time to do it. Yay hurray.

But anyway, it’s 7:15 and I have to get to school, which starts promptly at 7:25. Yep, 10 minutes, thank God I live close. And like I know that I have to go to school and be serious; but seriously, it is all still a mess inside my head.

God, that sounds so woe-is-me-teenage-angst-cry-me-a-river-emo-whining or I-hate-my-life-pop-punk-shit.

How…stereotypical.

But I have no boyfriend to whine about and I have a justification for my muddled thoughts. I just got memories of an entire lifetime over the last 10 hours or so. I don’t know how I am going to make it through the day. Like, I am tired, frustrated and my head hurts. Half the time I don’t remember a damn thing of what happened last night and then I do. And other times, like now, I am just trying to make sense of it all.

What in the hell is happening to me?

[citrustwisted]

Thank you for the wonderful fb and to joia and stacie for betaing this for me!!! -G
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Part 6
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School glorious school. Yeah, I wish. But oh well, I have to go. It’s retarded, unfair; whatever you want to call it. (I prefer the term “bullshit.”) But at least I know what I am doing. I mean, err, I don’t know what I mean anymore…it’s a fight for control, I wish I knew what I was getting into, ok. I need to stop rambling. The plan. Yep, the plan.

The plan is very simple: find Liz.

Yes, that is my brilliant plan of the day. And while a retard could have come up with that one, I believe that, upon further examination, it is actually very hard to come up with a concrete plan of attack. This poor girl has no idea that aliens exist, let alone the fact that she is one. So I have to be subtle.

Great.

Subtleness is a quality I don’t possess. Sarcasm? Yes. Wit? Yes. Bluntness? Yes. But subtlety? HA. And it doesn’t help that Ava was no better at that… Which means, I couldn’t have divined that quality in the process of whatever Nasedo did.

Instead, all I got was an ass-load of memories, a headache and even more confusion.

I hate Nasedo.

But anyway, yeah, so right. I think people are looking at me funny. Probably because I’ve been sitting in my car with this very attractive dead look on my face. Because my head really fucking hurts. Glorious.

I wish I were a healer right about now, because even though I’ve never been drunk, I would imagine this is what a hangover feels like.

And the only way I have heard to kill one of those is to drink.

And, of course, we can’t do that…school and all. Hmm, I wonder what kind of drunk I would be…?

Okay, not helping.

I swear that this mental psychobabble is ridiculous, I sound like a crack whore…or possibly Liz’s best friend, Maria. Maria Deluca. M.D. M. D. + M. G. Yes, that M.G. fellow, poor, poor misguided M.G., also known as Michael Guerin. He must be pussy whipped, or at least he was until that public scene yesterday.

Yeah, so my head may hurt, but I am not nearly that dramatic. I just like to sit in my car and postpone the inevitable eight hours of a killer headache and useless knowledge. Great, it’s 7:22, which means I have all of 3 minutes to get to homeroom on time…ugh.

*****

“Michael, trying school today?” Isabel questioned, making her way over to the taller alien. She was surprised that Michael was in class today, especially since there was no real reason that he had to be there.

“I thought I could use some sort of stimulation,” he mumbled, catching Maria in the corner of his eye laughing with Liz and Alex. Maybe it wasn’t so smart to break up with Maria; she was good for a few things, even if she constantly provoked him.

Isabel rolled her eyes as she met Michael’s eyes. She knew that he was referring to his ex-girlfriend, and while he would never admit it, she knew he liked Maria at least a little more than just for sex. Otherwise, he would have never put up with her absurdity for so long; plain and simple. “Whatever, Michael, but last time I checked you don’t have health or human anatomy, so why are you really here?”

“New girl,” he admitted, just as the short girl made her way over to Liz. He had no idea what it was, but something about her unnerved him. Granted, he did get a little apprehensive about every new person in Roswell, but this was different; almost like Topolsky.

“I’m guessing it’s for other reasons than stimulation?” She asked, playing idly with a stray piece of hair as she hoped that one of her friends didn’t come by right now. She really did not want to get into a philosophical discussion with them on why it bad for their image for Isabel to be hanging out with her brother.

“Something’s up with her,” Michael replied, noticing how effortlessly Liz and Tess had begun a conversation. While he did not know Liz as well as he would like, he knew that she was usually wary of strangers. Also, Liz had never been the greatest conversationalist. She tended to be kind of quiet, only chiming in when she had something of importance to add to the discussion.

“Michael, you don’t trust anyone. I talked to her, there’s nothing wrong with her – she’s just a bitch,” Isabel hissed, watching as more students started walking past; obviously it was getting close to time for homeroom. “But, look, if you’re concerned, talk to Max. He’ll probably want to call a meeting or investigate her or something. Anyway, I have to go to class,” she concluded before rushing off to homeroom, knowing that she had all of a minute to make it across the school.

“Fine,” he muttered and walked toward his homeroom, hoping that he wouldn’t hear a huge lecture from the teacher about his selective attendance record.

*****

“Hey, Liz, can you believe it’s Thursday? Only one more day of class until the weekend!” I whispered making sure that Mr. Cooper was not looking. I seriously need to talk to Liz, and if class is the only time that we can have a semi private conversation, I’m doing it. See, I would have just had this conversation this morning, but her friend was watching me with a look of hatred in her eyes. And, well, after her outburst yesterday, she scares me a little.

“Yeah, this week went by fast,” Liz replied while not even looking at me. She had decided instead to keep a careful eye on their teacher. What a kiss ass. Oh well, at least she’s dressed better than she was the other day.

“So what are you up to tonight?”

Smooth Tess, real smooth, right when Maria is looking too. Oh well, I could take her, alien powers and all. But, like, that would be bad for good family relations or whatever. Yeah, like the whole, entire scenario isn’t messed up already. And it just keeps on getting more and more confusing as more and more of it is becoming clear in my head.

“Nothing… probably studying a little.”

Great, a bookworm, but I knew that already. Let’s just hope that maybe the good ole fashioned guilt trip will work, because other than that, I got nothing. Well, technically, I have powers, but I’m not the type to use them to get a girl out of studying.

“Oh, because I was going to say that if you wanted to, we could watch movies or something. I know that you’re busy, but I just don’t really know many people yet and I thought it would be cool to, you know, have a girl’s night.”

I am rambling. I never ramble. Well, yeah ok, I do ramble, but not that badly. But if it works, then I really can’t complain that much.

“Sure,” Liz replied without hesitation, and I can’t help but wonder where that quick reply came from. Like, either her life is really that boring or she knows something. But, judging from her nonchalant reply and her genuine smile, I’m guessing it’s the prior of the two.

“Great!” I answer and flash her a smile just as our teacher turns back toward the class. Today is turning out to be much better than I thought.

*****

Michael yawned as he listened to his fourth period teacher drone on about Shakespeare. He had no real interest in Much Ado About Nothing, let alone Claudio’s love for Hero. Something about iambic pentameter made his eyelids droop.

Dust and dirt surrounded him as he looked across the expanse of emptiness that was everywhere. It was like he was in the desert, much like he had been when his friends healed him, but this was different. The sun was definitely brighter for one, he could barely see anything at all – the light was so bright against the desert sands. But before he got a good look at his surroundings he felt a thin arm snake around his neck.

Turning toward the sun, he felt supple lips against his own. Without another word, or the ability to see anything in the harsh light, he gave into the moment, his tongue entering her while his hands ran through her soft curls, pressing her body closer to his own. He let out a soft moan as he continued his exploration of her mouth, memorizing the feel of her lips on his own.

Shooting up from his seat as the bell rang, pulling him out of his dream. He was not sure what had just happened, but he knew that it was not human. He could feel everything, from her soft breasts against his chest to the silkiness of her hair. And while he had not had a lot of experience with women, one thing was for sure, it was definitely not Maria.

“I have got to talk to Maxwell,” Michael muttered as he made his way to the door, only to feel Ms. Brady’s hand on his shoulder. Tensing, he turned toward the teacher, hoping that whatever it was, it would be over quickly. He had four minutes to talk to Max, and this woman was eating up precious time.

“Michael, I’m concerned about your attendance record,” Ms. Brady began, watching in amusement as the boy’s face fell. She knew lots of kids like him; apathetic, uninspired yet intelligent children, but he was a little rarer. Given his upbringing in the system, and the gossip that was flittering around the teacher’s lounge, he never got a real shot at a good life.

“So, in an effort to help you pass this class, I have made you extra credit assignments to help you with your attendance points. You may get help from your fellow students, but all the work must be your own,” she explained, ignoring the icy glare Michael was giving her. She had dealt with students far worse than him, and in the end, she always won, because of how forceful she could be.

Ignoring the outstretched pile of papers, he looked at the clock – he was already down a minute. And with the rate that this broad was going, he was not going to catch Max at all. This was important, more important than winning some brownie points with some new age teacher.

“Yeah, well I’m not the school type. Can I go now?” he questioned, hoping to God that this would be the end of the discussion. He had little time, and he had to get to Max. That dream or whatever was too important, and he really did not have any desire to hear what this woman had to say.

“No, you may not go now,” Ms. Brady snapped, trying to hide how deeply concerned she was for Michael. She knew that he was intelligent, and she was going to make sure that others knew that as well.

"Let me put it this way, Mr. Guerin. If you repeat this class next year, I will be on your case the entire year. And every time you miss class, I will show up at your home to find out why.” She watched with a satisfied smirk as the boy’s eyes grew wide, even if for a moment. He was intimidated by her, probably because he did not want to see her smiling face at his door all next year.

“Alright, then,” Michael stated, snatching the pile of papers from her hand, then made his way toward the door. He had two minutes; maybe he could still catch Max if he ran fast enough.

*****

Max watched as Liz and the new girl sat together at lunch, talking and laughing about nothing in particular. He would normally love to see that smile on her face, but Michael had mentioned something in passing about being skeptical of her as well as the need for a meeting, and for once Max was inclined to believe his paranoia. Something was a little different about her, and he certainly did not want Liz to be around whatever it was.

Also, it was sort of suspicious that Maria and Alex were noticeably absent. But that may have something to do with Maria’s accusation that Michael was into Tess yesterday. Sighing, he decided to make his way over to the table. Liz needed some protecting, after all. Who knew what this girl was?

“Hey Liz,,” Max greeted her, while wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He then sat next to her and gave a shy smile. He wanted to show Tess, should she be an alien or a plant from the FBI, that he would protect Liz from her.

“Uh, hi Max,” Liz acknowledged, somewhat taken aback by his rather forward display of affection. She knew that he was affectionate, but he really never made such a point of it before. “Um, Tess, this is my boyfriend, Max. Max, this is my friend, Tess,” she said, trying to hide her reddening cheeks as he pressed his lips to her head.

“Pleased to meet you,,” Tess replied, a fake smile plastered across her face to hide her discomfort.

“So, Liz, I was wondering what you were doing tonight?,” Max asked, hoping that Liz would take the hint. He wanted to have a meeting with the six of them tonight to discuss Tess, but he could not just announce that in front of her.

“I already have plans,” Liz confessed, flashing Tess a smile. She did not want to make her new friend uncomfortable, or let Tess think that she was one of those girls who put her boyfriend above her friends.

“Yeah, girls’ night, you understand. Liz I’ll be right back,” Tess interjected, getting up from the table. She felt sick all of a sudden and she needed some air. Not to mention, the way that

"That was odd," he remarked, following the blonde girl’s retreating form with his eyes before turning toward Liz, wincing as he caught wind of the annoyance laced in her gaze.

“Max, you were all over me, right in front of her. She was probably uncomfortable,” Liz suggested, hoping that he would just leave it alone. She knew that Michael suspected something was a little off with Tess, but from what she could tell, just from being around her, was that this girl was nothing more than a transfer student looking for a friend.

“I don’t think that’s it,” Max admitted, meeting her dark eyes. He wanted her to see that he was genuinely worried about the new girl, despite Liz’s willing trust of her. The fact remained that she was new; and new usually meant bad for their small group.

“Oh? Then enlighten me Max,” Liz snapped, annoyed with his condescending tone. Granted, he would have classified it as concern, but she thought it was asinine. She was allowed to have friends; and contrary to popular belief, not all new people were bad for them.

Max sighed and ran a hand through his hair, realizing that the more he talked the more he was frustrating his girlfriend. But he felt that what he had to say needed to be said. It was for her own protection after all. “Liz, Michael is suspicious of her. I mean, who is she really?”

“She’s my friend, Max, and she has a name by the way, it’s Tess,” Liz shot back, hoping that he would just quit before he dug himself even further into a hole.

“Look Liz, I just want to take care of you, be there for you. I mean, a girls’ night? You and Maria have never really had one of those.,” Max argued, trying to remember the last time Liz and Maria had spent time alone together.

“Yes, we have; we have a lot of them,” Liz sighed, inching further from his grasp. She was growing more and more aggravated with each passing second. He was her boyfriend, not her father, and she did not have to justify her friendships to him.

“What about you and Isabel?” Max questioned, knowing the answer was already going to be never. Isabel and Liz hardly ever talked outside of alien matters, and while he did not necessarily understand it, he tended to leave it alone.

“Max, Isabel doesn’t want anything to do with me,” Liz explained, hoping that this was not about to become 1000 reasons why she and Isabel were merely acquaintances.

“Not true, in fact, I’m sure that she would love to go to your girls’ night tonight.,” Max argued, realizing that if he asked nicely enough, Isabel would be more than willing to watch out for Liz.

No, she wouldn’t, and even on the off chance that she would want to, it wouldn’t be my place to invite her, since Tess invited me,” Liz objected, clenching and unclenching her fists underneath the table. It was all that she could do to not go off on him. She knew that his intentions were good, but this was extremely aggravating. She was beginning to feel smothered and if he did not stop soon, she would say something that she would regret.

“See? She’s singling you out.”

“No, Max, she is not. I’m her only real friend here; she has only been in this school for two days,” Liz contended, piling her garbage onto her tray. She had only a few minutes to get to her next class, and she wasn’t going to waste those minutes on this inane argument.

“But…”

“But nothing, Max. I have to go to class” Liz interrupted as she got up from the table, leaving Max alone to deal with the consequences of his actions.

*****

Wow, it seriously feels like the room is spinning. I don’t know what just happened, it was like this huge rush and for a moment, I almost did not even feel like myself. And now, I am making my way to the bathroom, because I seriously feel sick.

And like, honestly, I have never been sick like this in my life, it’s good that I know what nausea is, I suppose. My stomach is seriously knotting itself together up inside as the colors of the halls blur together into a nonsensical grey.

Oh god, I hope I can make it to the toilet.

Wonderful, the door it’s right there.

Pushing my small body against the frame, I feel the door swing open, and I make my way to the nearest stall, ignoring the disorganized peach that is dancing around, impairing my vision.

Bathrooms seriously should never be painted peach. It’s a horrible color to begin with, and it honestly reminds me of vomit.

Oh god.

Here it comes.

With the cool porcelain beneath my hands, I feel my body begin to convulse, my throat drying as I await the inevitable.

This is so incredibly degrading.

And I seriously am starting to feel lightheaded again, wonderful.

I think the only thing that could possibly make this worse is for the nurse to come in and try to examine me.

Oh god.

Dark eyes burned into her flesh as she felt his cold hands on her naked flesh. She wanted to fight him, but she was shackled against a pole, her powers had long been stripped away.

“Avaria, so nice of you to join us,” Zan spat, watching the rapid rise and fall of her chest. She was afraid of him, what he could do to her, and he reveled in it. He loved to watch how vulnerable she had become; the girl who more than once had mocked him publicly was now at his disposal. And he would break her, punish her for her derring-do.

“What do you want Zan?” she questioned, trying to hide the fear from registering on her face. She knew that he enjoyed fear, and she was not going to give him enjoyment, especially if what her sister had said would end up coming to pass.

“Your sister,” he admitted, encircling the small girl, watching as she followed his motions with wide eyes. He could smell her air, like a rare perfume wafting through the air, enticing and exciting him.

“I… I don’t know where she is, she left a week ago without a word,” she lied, remembering the last conversation that the two of them had. Granted, she did have no clue where on earth her sister was, but she had left two days ago, right after that big speech. Fighting back the urge to cry, she glared at her captor, daring him to challenge her.

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you, Avaria,” Zan breathed, his mouth only inches from her own. “You and I both know that Aixa would not just leave, given her position in all of this mess.”

“Her what?” Ava questioned, wondering what in the world Zan was talking about. Aixa had no real position, she was a priestess of the Granolith, but they really did nothing of importance. They just had high-ranking positions in society, due to archaic laws.

“Don’t play stupid with me Avaria. We both know that Aixa is the high priestess of the granolith and is instrumental in this war!” Zan bellowed, gripping at her hair, pulling it backwards. He enjoyed watching her head snap backward; it made her breasts arch that much more.

“Look, I don’t know where she is, or what that even means, you can search my memories if you want!” she screamed, growing tired of this exercise. She was sick of being treated like a child, and if he was going to continue with this charade, he could at least bother to get his facts straight.

“Don’t you think that has been done already you foolish little girl? I suppose you are just as stupid as everyone says, no matter, my guards will get their reward regardless,” Zan replied, a malicious glint in his eye. Turning toward the guards, he commanded, “Fuck her then slaughter her,” before bursting into a fit of laughter and leaving the room.

Oh god.

I feel sick all over again. Why do I have to remember shit like that?

Oh… Oh god.

I know those eyes.

Oh god, those fucking evil amber eyes.

I know… I know those eyes.

Oh god.

Oh. god.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

Aixa couldn’t have… wouldn’t have…

Oh. God.

Aixa bonded herself to Zan; that has to be it.

There is no other excuse for why Liz and Max are together.

Oh. God.

Oh. God.

I wish I could make sense of all my memories right now… I need to clear this up, she couldn’t have…

But… those eyes… that veiled hatred…

I’m going to be sick.

Oh God.

What have I gotten myself into?

[citrustwisted]

Sorry for the delay, but here's part 7
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Part 7
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“I don’t like the new girl at all” Max hissed across the table, watching as Liz moved about her father’s restaurant. She was supposed to be off today, but her father had convinced her to cover until Tess got there.

“You too?” Isabel questioned, wondering if there was something that she had missed about Tess. To her, it seemed fairly obvious that the girl was just a spoiled rotten brat with a mean streak. There was nothing wrong with that, it was the same role she had perfected long ago. The only thing that seemed odd to her was the Tess’ decision to become friends with Liz Parker, but that may have had something to do with the fact that she completely trashed the blonde after their encounter.

“Yeah, something was different today with Liz. She was upset that I was concerned for her safety.” Max explained, brushing his bangs off his face as he watched her from the corner of his eye. She was ignoring him, obviously still annoyed about what had transpired earlier, because normally she would have stopped over by now.

Isabel rolled her eyes, noticing the way that Max continued to look at Liz like he was wounded, just because she was too busy working to talk to him at the moment. This relationship was getting ridiculous, from what she could tell. “Max, just because your girlfriend got mad that you tried to control her doesn’t mean Tess is at fault.”

“Yeah, it just means she’s sick of you.” Michael interjected, growing tired of how every single intelligent discussion that they had about the aliens became another sob story about Liz Parker.

“And you know so much about women, Michael? And I thought you didn’t trust her either,” Max retorted, hoping that this comment would steer the discussion back on course, and not into a discussion on his relationship.

“I don’t, but I also don’t think that she has affected your girlfriend’s annoyance at you being overbearing” Michael replied, scratching his eyebrow as he watched the annoyance appear on Max’s face.

“I am not overbearing!”

“Oh really Max? When was the last time that you weren’t around her for a day?”

“Boys.” Isabel said pointedly, watching as the petite blond made her way to the entrance of the Crashdown. She looked a little disheveled, like she had just come from the gym or something, but otherwise, entirely human.

“What is she doing here? I thought she was going to be by later on tonight” Max asked, remembering that the only information about Tess’ and Liz’s night together was that it was supposed to start later, as Liz referred to it as a girl’s night.

“Max, they are doing a project together” Isabel explained, rolling her eyes as she watched the shorter blonde from the corner of her eye. She hardly looked dangerous, and even though she was bitter about being upstaged by Tess, she was too sick of listening to Max’s moaning to care anymore.

“But she said girl’s night” Max argued, and then turned his focus onto his french fries, which were currently soaking in tabasco sauce.

Isabel cocked an eyebrow and waited for Michael’s witty reply, but instead he had elected to watch the scene unfolding before them. She assumed that Michael was just sick of arguing with Max over something so trivial, but he did seem awfully interested in the new girl, maybe all of this analyzing had gotten him thinking. “It is 5:00” Isabel retorted, watching as Max’s face fell slightly.

“Wonder what’s in the bag?” he mumbled, frowning as he realized that no one else thought that Liz’s behavior and the immediate acceptance of this girl was strange. He knew that Liz had a tendency to warm up to people, it was one of the things that he admired about her, but they had to be careful.

Michael rolled his eyes and turned his attention toward the scene unfolding in front of them. Tess and Liz were just saying hello to one another, but he could not help but feel drawn to the exchange. Yawning, he rubbed his forehead with one hand and focused his attention on Tess. Her blonde hair was shoulder length, maybe a little longer, and she looked normal enough. Blanching as he watched her brush a piece of hair over her shoulder, he remembered his dream from earlier; the way that the curly hair felt in his hands, her soft lips on his. “I uh… I got to go” he stated and quickly got up from the table, determined to warn Liz about Tess.

“That was unlike him” Isabel observed, wondering how Max was going to gauge that reaction. They were already at odds over how to go after the new girl, and this would just make it worse.

“Yeah, I know… I think there’s something he’s not telling us” he replied, wondering just what exactly had caused Michael to leave. He knew that Michael had wanted to figure out whether or not the girl was a threat, but he had seemed to want to quietly observe the girl, at least from his appearance at school that morning.

“I’ll talk to him Max” Isabel rushed out, hoping that Max would just accept the fact that he was not the person to talk to Michael at the moment. It seemed that ever since Max and Liz had gotten back together, the two of them had fallen back on worse terms.

“Ok” Max replied and let the issue drop, knowing tat there was nothing else that he could really say at the moment.

*****

“Oh my god have you seen the latest pictures of Josh Hartnett, he is so hot” I scream, it’s not the first time I’ve faked excitement over a boy, but it is the first time I’ve faked excitement over a boy as a conversation starter… I think anyway.

“Tess, I have a boyfriend” Liz replied, a subtle annoyance in her tone. I am trying everything I can to not roll my eyes. Yes, I know she has a boyfriend, and he is the vilest thing alive, but that doesn’t mean that she can’t look at other boys. I mean, that’s part of the fun of these magazines.

“I know, I know, but you can still look, as long as you don’t touch.”

Hey, it’s true. As long as you are a dutiful girlfriend, call out his name in bed; keep your hands, lips and vagine to yourself, then who is ever going to know. And I mean it is better than what all guys do, which is straight out cheat.

“That…that’s just foul” she stammered, a look of disgust on her face. It’s like I just suggested that she murder someone, and all I did was mention that she was able to look at other guys, as long as she stays faithful to her boyfriend.

God, she’s so typical in her mannerisms, like she could star in an after school special about puppy love or something. Oh well, hopefully I can rid her of that, first of all, it’s disgusting, and secondly it's Zan.

“Oh please, like you haven’t ever fanaticized about someone other than Max.”

“I haven’t! I don’t… you know… do that” she whispered, obviously she thinks I’m talking about masturbating, because no one could be that disturbed by thinking about guys other than her boyfriend. Unless, maybe she has thought about other guys, and doesn’t want to admit to it, out of guilt or something else. “Can we change the subject please?” she pleads, obviously the talk about her boyfriend has put her off.

“Fine, one more question though” I ask, because despite knowing that this is such a wrong, wrong question, I just have to know. From what I can remember, I… err Ava used to always think that Zan had a little pecker, which caused him to be so mean. Ugh, she’s going to hate me, but whatever, she’s nodding her head. “How big is his dick?” there, I said it, and with a straight face too. I wonder if part of what Nasedo did was to make me less feeling about certain things, because I never used to be someone to ask about these things unless they were first brought up. Oh well, no use in wondering about it now, what’s done is done, I guess.

“TESS! I can’t believe you just asked me that” she shouts with a mixture of shock and amusement in her tone.

“Well?”

“I refuse to answer that” she answers, the mirth fading from her eyes. I wonder what exactly she isn’t saying, as she brushes her hair off her face.

“Oh, he’s a small one is he, that’s ok, width is much more important” I replied without thinking. I need to learn to stop that whole diarrhea of the mouth thing, because first of all, it’s rude, and secondly, I am trying to make nice with Liz.

She frowns and crosses her arms across her chest. She’s mad or annoyed or something, like I’ve hit a nerve with her. “He’s not small, ok? I don’t know what he is, because I haven’t seen it yet, you know, not everything is about sex Tess” she snaps and shifts away from me. Yeah, I’ve really done it.

You know, if we were talking about anyone else, I would be like oh that’s a tell tale sign he’s gay, but since we are talking Zan, err new Zan here, I can’t help but feel happy about it. The only thing that sucks is I can tell that she’s not happy about it, just from the sad little look in her eyes. I have to stay calm, I have to, because I can’t make it seem like anything is wrong.

“Look, I… I’m sorry Liz, I still have to get used to the more conservative lifestyle in Roswell, all my friends in Chicago talked about this stuff all the time” I choke out. It’s not a lie, so hopefully she will just accept it and move on. I really don’t want to hear a long soliloquy about how wonderful “Max” is, especially when she does not have the whole picture to make that assertion.

Her eyes grow wide for a moment, and she stares at me, studying my face. I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in her head. “So you’re not like a virgin?” she asks finally, and I can’t tell if that is just curiosity or a mixture of that and a value judgment. I hate how veiled people are here; it makes it so difficult to read what people are thinking.

“No, I am, but… I’ve done, you know, stuff” I whisper, my voice dipping lower as I mention the last word. Granted, stuff would just be a hand-job or two, because I don’t know if everything is the same down below, but it’s more than what Liz has done, obviously.

“Oh” she replies, and grows quiet for a moment. I can’t even think of something to say after this revelation. She’s very guarded, and hardly ever lets her true emotions play out on her face, which can be a good thing, but when I’m trying to gauge her reaction to what I’m telling her. “Do you miss Chicago?” she asks finally, probably in a last ditch attempt to return this conversation to her comfort zone.

“Yeah, I mean this is a big shock to me, you know, living down here. I have lived in the north for as long as I can remember, and, I don’t know, it’s just so different there than it is here.” Hey, there’s no problem in being honest, I mean it’s true, I really wish I was back north, I just feel more comfortable there, more able to be myself.

“Wait, so where did you live before Chicago?”

“A bunch of places, my dad moves around a lot for his company, my favorite place to live though has to be either Pittsburgh or Boston.” Well, it’s a toss up, Boston has the better shopping and Pizzeria Regina, but Pittsburgh has the waterfront and Primanti Brothers.

“Really? That’s so weird; I want to study to be a molecular biologist at Harvard.”

Are you fucking SERIOUS? Out of everything fun in the world that there is to do with one’s life, she picks biology. I know that I am supposed to be nice; she is my sister and everything, but honestly, biology? What a loser. I mean, if I had the option to choose, I would pick something more glamorous, like a music critic, or a famous journalist. I like the news, I do, it is better than most of the crap that is on TV.

“Oh, really? Man, I need to get on that huh? We are juniors after all and I have no idea what I want to do with my life.”

That’s a lie and a half; I know what I’m doing with my life, saving the world or whatever. It must be nice to have dreams and aspirations that don’t include a destiny that has been set out for you since before you were born. As much as I hate to admit it, I can’t help but feel jealous of her, how innocent she is, how secretly hopeful that her life plan will work out. I wish I had that, the ability to dream

“Hey do you want something to drink?” Liz asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Sure” hey, I can go for a soda right now, plus it gives us a little break, so I can figure out what in the hell to say to her now. I mean, we’ve exhausted pleasantries, and obviously she is not too keen on talking about her personal life. Plus it’s not like I can just launch into the alien talk, I mean, she will probably think that I am even crazier that she already thinks I am. Why do I get the feeling that this is going to be a long night?

*****

Liz pushed the door open to the kitchen, intent on finding some soda in the fridge. She was pretty sure that her parents had just bought some at the store, but it was difficult to tell, her father had a tendency to put groceries downstairs because of how small their fridge was, much to the annoyance of her mother. Opening the fridge, she felt a strong hand on her shoulder spin her around while another hand covered her mouth, rendering her unable to scream.

“Shh” Michael hissed, watching Liz’s pupils dilate in shock before narrowing her eyes in anger. He knew in coming here that he would not be welcomed with open arms, Liz was already annoyed with the group’s speculation of her newest friend’s entrance, but the newest revelations required some sort of warning. Max would have killed him if he didn’t try and stop Liz from hanging out with the new girl, and he really did not want to hear another rant tonight. “We have to talk” he whispered, lowering the hand from her mouth, thankful that Liz had not bitten his hand, like he was certain Maria would have done.

Liz frowned as she pulled away from Michael, putting her hands on her hips as she glared up at him. “Did Max send you?” she hissed, the aggravation evident in her tone. She was tired of how overprotective Max could be over something so small, and it was ridiculous that he felt the need to send Michael instead of coming himself.

“No” he admitted, watching as Liz raised a curious eyebrow. Obviously she thought that Max had sent him as a sort of way to reinforce that Tess was bad news. “Look Parker, I think she’s one of us. She could be Nasedo, and I don’t think it’s smart to be alone around her.”

“Michael, I know that this is important to you, but you’re overreacting. She’s harmless, trust me, if she was Nasedo, she would have done something by now” Liz argued, touched by the veiled concern he was displaying. Michael had never been one to appear concerned for the others, at least not at first, but he had begun to warm up to the three humans in their group.

“Parker, believe me, something is different about her” Michael replied, scratching his eyebrow as he remembered his dream from earlier in the day. That was definitely not a normal dream. He could feel everything that was going on, from the silkiness of her hair to the perkiness of her breasts against his chest.

Liz pursed her lips together before frowning slightly, “Michael, she’s perfectly normal” she said finally, brushing a stray piece of hair off her face.

“No, she’s not” Michael insisted, emphasizing every word as he stared down at Liz, hoping that if he continued to highlight how put off he was by Tess, she would give up and end this slumber party with Tess before something bad happened.

Liz groaned and walked toward her liquor cabinet, pulling out a bottle of apple flavored vodka. She knew it was not going to be received well by him, but she knew that it would show just how determined she was to end this argument. “Michael, if you’re that concerned, I can just spike her drink or whatever. Max had an immediate reaction to alcohol and if Tess is an alien, she will have the same reaction.”

“That’s too dangerous Liz, getting a her drunk may make her violent, I mean, Max acted on his desires when he was drunk, and what if Tess’ ultimate desire is to kill you” Michael retorted, shocked that Liz would even suggest to use alcohol as a means to find out the truth about Tess. She was always logical, and should see that it is dangerous to introduce foreign chemicals into a spy mission. If Tess were a human, she would notice the difference in taste in her drink, and if she were an alien, she could lash out at Liz. Plus, he knew first hand that the effects of alcohol were never good.

“Well then I’ll just kiss her” Liz countered, growing tired of Michael’s inability to grasp the fact that she normally had a good sense about people and she did not feel that Tess was anything but a new girl who needed a friend.

Michael frowned, and then raised an eyebrow in surprise as he tried to hide his arousal that the mental image of Liz Parker kissing another girl, an attractive girl at that, gave him. He knew that it was so not the point of this argument, but he was a man, one who had needs, needs that were not currently being fulfilled given that he had just ended things permanently or at least for the week, with Maria. “Parker, something tells me that’s not going to work” he replied, pretending like the whole idea disgusted him, when in fact it excited him. He did not want to show her a potential weakness in arguing this point about Tess.

“I’m kidding… but I thought all guys liked that sort of thing… and it worked for Max!” she shot back, slightly put off that Michael would think that she would actually consider kissing someone, especially another girl while she was dating Max.

“Yeah… except she’s not trying to get into your pants” he argued, the mention of the other boy erasing the image of the two girls having naked pillow fights around the apartment after he left.

“Whatever Michael, this whole idea is just silly, and I’ve been in here too long… and you… you need to leave!” she huffed, staring down the taller boy as she pressed her palms into her hips in a challenge. Liz was not about to let this argument go any further, because if it did, she was sure that Tess would pick up on it and then come in here and witness them arguing over whether or not she was an alien, hardly the welcome that she deserved.

“What if she’s Nasedo?” Michael questioned, unable to just give up on the prospect.

“She’s NOT! Ok? God, Michael. If you’re that concerned, we can put that stupid camera of Alex’s up. But I’m warning you, it doesn’t record sound.”

“Do it” Michael interjected, willing to accept any concession Liz was willing to give at this point. He knew that he was not going to win this argument; he saw the stubbornness and determination in her eyes and was sure that if he continued to press things, Liz would be even less willing to compromise with him.

“Ok, whatever Michael, but I want an apology when you realize that this was all for nothing” Liz insisted as she opened a drawer in the kitchen where she had hidden the camera. She would have kept it in her room, but her parents would have thought it was for some weird sex thing with Max. Her mom was already wary of the relationship, and this would cause her to go insane, even though Liz would never have done anything like that with it.

“Fine” Michael huffed, then turned and walked away, feeling a little better about the situation than he had before. At least now, if something did happen, they would be able to do something about it before it was too late.

Rolling her eyes, she noticed the bottle of alcohol that she had pulled out during the fight with Michael moments ago. She had always wondered what it tasted like, and it wasn’t like anything bad would happen. If Tess indeed was an alien, then she would be too inebriated to do anything to her, as she would only be slightly affected, if at all, after one drink. But, if Tess was human and Liz was fairly certain she was, then it would not look right if only Tess’ drink was spiked. “Well here goes nothing” Liz muttered as she cracked two cans of soda and poured them into glasses, following that with some alcohol. She then exhaled and stirred the drinks before leaving the room.

[citrustwisted]

Thanks for the feedback haha yay for the semester being over so I can actually update -G

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Part 8
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Ugh, what is taking so long, I'm bored out of my mind as it is and I really don't want to watch another stupid girl movie. I don't understand where my annoyance has stemmed from really, in that I mean I have come to accept that she is not my ideal fantasy of a sister or anything, but the more I sit here, the more I feel that I should be like, I don't know… doing something, I don't know what though, to start accustoming her to the fact that she is well… not human.

How exactly do you do that?

I mean obviously, it's not like "hey guess what, the last 15 years of your life have been a lie" sort of situation. Because, that would just be weird, and I mean, who knows if she even knows that there are "aliens" among us.

Ugh, it's just frustrating because I know she is dating the bad guy, but what if she can't tell that he's alien?

Who knows, I just know that I have to figure it out, because I mean, Nasedo's probably not going to be too fond of the idea that Liz is dating Zan version 2.0 and for whatever reason bonded herself to him… at least I think anyway. Who knows, maybe he will throw a party.

Hah, just the mental image of Nasedo in a party hat blowing a streamer is enough to make me want to laugh.

What is taking her so damn long! I know, I should be reveling in the few moments of sanity, but like, just sitting her on her couch clenching and unclenching my fists and growing more aggravated with the inability of my sister to fix a drink. I mean, come on, how hard is it to get a soda out of the fridge and bring it here?

But at least her tardiness is allowing me to not think about the ridiculous task I have before me. Or about my stunning display of gastrointestinal gymnastics earlier, yeah, that was definitely not fun.

Ok, so Tess, hmm, if you were utilizing your time wisely, you would be thinking of a plan.

Yeah, and also, if I were creative, I would be able to come up with a plan. Basically, what we have here is a lose-lose situation. WONDERFUL. Ok, well, things that are being ruled out - mental manipulation because it is wrong, honesty because that would never work, emoting, because this girl doesn't open up completely and talking about her friends, because since she is dating Zan and has a psycho best friend, she definitely has friends in low places.

God, this girl needs like a whole life makeover.

Ok Tess, not helping, hmm… well I guess I could ask her dumb generic stuff… that could work. Yeah, that sounds like a plan, especially since Liz has finally decided to come back, with cups of something in tow. God, this seriously has the potential to be a disaster, because I have absolutely no idea what to say to her - great, just fucking great.

*****

"Hey Isabel, I need to ask you a favor" Michael began, not waiting for Isabel to say hello after picking up the phone. He had just gotten off the phone with Mrs. Evans and much to his relief; Isabel was not home, but instead out with Alex. This made his job much simpler, in that Isabel was already at the Whitman's, and all she had to do was convince Alex to use his spy kit to check up on Liz.

"Michael where are you?" Isabel asked, secretly wondering what had possessed Michael to call her cell phone. She had gone over the importance of her phone with him before, and made sure to include a very pointed lecture about only calling for emergencies, because her minutes were her own and she did not want them used for alien business, enough of her life had been taken up by the fact that she was different.

"Crashdown, give me five minutes and I'll be outside Whitman's place" he rushed, hoping that Isabel would just accept his desire to get this over with and not question him at the moment, because ever second they wasted was one that put Liz in more danger.

"Well, that's nice, but I'm not there" she lied, hoping that Michael would just leave her alone, because she could tell from the tone of his voice that there was something afoot, and she certainly did not want to deal with it tonight.

Frowning he scratched his eyebrow as he stared up at the clock; a minute had passed since he had been on the phone with her. He knew he should have just headed over there, but he felt compelled to give her a little extra time to work on Alex. "Don't lie to me. I know you're not home, I just called there."

"Fine, ok I'm on my way there, what do you need?" Isabel snapped, she was actually supposed to have time for herself for the night, and here was Michael ruining that for her. She felt guilty for always doing this to Alex, she had no idea what she felt for the lanky teen yet, but he must be growing tired with how quickly she would throw his needs to the backburner.

"I need you to get Whitman to set up this computer thing for me" he admitted, deciding to be vague, he had no idea what Tess was capable of, or what the patrons of the restaurant could hear from his end of the conversation.

"Michael, you don't even have a computer" Isabel sighed, hoping that this would just cause him to drop the issue, or at least explain it.

"Yeah, but he does, and Parker is doing a little reconnaissance for us" he added, looking at the clock, three minutes and counting, he was close to just hanging up the phone but he knew that if he did, he would have to face the full wrath of the ice princess when he got there.

"How did you get her to do that?"

"I negotiated with her" he answered smugly, hoping that Isabel wouldn’t press him on the methods he had used to get what he wanted out of Liz. She would probably launch into some whole discussion on civility and how just because they were aliens did not mean that he had free license to act how he pleased.

"Yeah, ok Michael, too bad I don't believe that" she replied, rolling her eyes as she pictured the smug smirk on that came with that comment.

"Fine, but I’m going to be there in 5 minutes" he snapped, hanging up the phone before she had a chance to get in another argument with him.

"Ok, whatever Michael, I'm almost there so I'll talk to you about this later" she shouted into the phone, throwing it in the passenger seat when she realized that the line was dead.

*****

"Sorry, I had to run downstairs to get soda; we didn't have anything up here" Liz rushes out as she hands me a cup. Hey, that explains why it took forever to get soda, and I mean, if I lived with a restaurant downstairs, I'd use the perks too. She brushes a stray strand of hair out of her eyes and I can't help but wonder how wonderful it must be to have straight hair. It just seems so effortless, and yet so beautiful. Great, just what I need, another thing to envy her for.

"Oh, ok, cool thanks!" I smile, and try to ignore the nervousness that flashed momentarily across her face. I wonder if she is secretly afraid of me, I was hardly nice to her earlier, so I mean I can’t really be offended by it. I move the cup close to my mouth, but see that she is raising hers in a toast, so I pull the glass away, have to be nice to the hostess and all that.

“Here’s to new friendships” she states and taps her glass gently against mine. I smile politely and nod my head, it’s all I can do to stop myself from laughing at her, or hugging her I’m not sure which. I mean, honestly, it is corny and silly and well, kind of lame, but it I don’t know… makes me feel kind of special too.

Without another word, she puts her cup to her lips, and I follow suit, taking a sip of the beverage. All of the sudden, I feel…different, like the room is spinning and everything just looks a little brighter.

Something tells me that wasn’t just soda in that cup. “Did you spike the drinks” I slur, watching the dopy grin spread across Liz’s face. Haha I think I’m drunk, and I think she is too, that’s the only reason that I can come up with for why she looks so blissfully unhinged.

“Yesss” she answers as she rushes back to the kitchen, returning seconds later with a bottle of alcohol. “But… but we shouldn’t be drunk yet” she stammers before bursting into laughter, “we… we must be aliens or something!”

“Yeah, yeah we are aliens!!” I shout, happy that she is finally getting it. We are aliens, we are sisters and we are drunk.

“Not uh, I don’t… I don’t believe you. I have red blood cells not gr…green” she stammers, looking down at her hands for a sign that what I’m saying is true. I want to use some sort of power to show her, but I don’t think that I am capable of using powers right now without like, exploding the apartment. Haha but that could be fun… and probably would scare her shitless.

“But it’s true!” I shout the drunken indignation evident in my tone. I can’t believe she actually thinks I’m lying, I’m telling her the truth, for once. “We’re aliens, I…I came here to find you” I explain, giggling over how easy all of this is, and to think I spent all this time stressing out about it. Honesty is always the best policy, I guess.

“Wh…why?” she stammers, inching closer to me, her eyes wide with curiosity, acting as if we are sharing secrets like old friends. I had always thought that she would run screaming when I told her this, but it only seems to make her more willing to get to know me. Maybe she’s always thought she was different too.

Biting my lip, I meet her dark gaze and decide that it’s just best that I come out and say it. I mean, clearly, she’s already absorbing what I am telling her, so what’s the harm in a little more honesty. “’Cause you’re my sister” I slur, watching as she absorbs this information, my stomach tying itself in knots as I take another sip of my drink.

“Wait, you… you’re my sister? Not uh, I’ve always wanted a sister” she squeals, then wraps her arms around me and I can’t help but cry. This is what I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember, my sister to hold me.

“Yeah” I answer, choking back a sob as I feel her hold me tighter. She’s so open, trusting right now and I love her for it. Even if she was dumb and caused this blissful night with alcohol, I can’t blame her for it. Haha we’re alienholics!

“Why are you sad, be happy we… we’re sisters now!” she stammers, trying to find a reason to cheer me up. I don’t know what to tell her, other than I am happy and well content for one of the first times in my life.

“B…B…Because I…I’ve missed you” I answer, the words sputtering out of my mouth as fresh tears come to my eyes. I can’t help the overflow of emotion that is coming out of me, the alcohol and my happiness is just too much and I can’t help but cry. I watch as Liz stumbles closer, her face warm and inviting as she takes me in her arms again.

*****

"What in the hell are they doing?" Michael snapped, watching as the two girls embraced yet again from Alex’s computer screen.

"Looks like they're saluting communism… that's a bottle of flavored vodka I do believe.” Alex answered curtly, taking notice of the glass bottle standing uncapped on the living room floor. He could not help but feel annoyed about the situation; he had a whole romantic evening planned with Isabel that had to be scrapped because Michael thought that Liz was in danger. But instead all they had seen for the past half-hour was Liz and Tess drunkenly falling all over one another.

"Wonderful, first, Liz does exactly what I tell her not to do, and decides to get Tess drunk to see if she's an alien, and second, she got herself drunk too, so when Tess is found out to be an alien, she is completely defenseless" Michael bellowed, staring down the lanky boy for making a joke about this. It was a potentially dangerous situation just to have Liz alone with her, and the alcohol was only lowering Liz’s defenses.

"You know, Michael, they look completely harmless to me, all they are doing is falling over one another and dancing out of tune" Isabel interjected, sending Alex an apologetic look as Michael continued to stare intently at the computer screen, searching for some sort of

"We don't know what they're saying, and this thing is so grainy, how do we know if she’s using her powers on her or not.” Michael argued, never removing his eyes from the computer screen.

"Michael we would see it" Isabel refuted, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear as she contemplated ways to make Michael pay for ruining her evening. If it weren’t for his visible concern, she would have kicked him out ten minutes ago.

"They’re doing an awful lot of hugging, and how do you know Isabel? We barely understand our powers” Michael countered, crossing his arms firmly across his chest as his frown deepened. For all they knew, Tess could be slowly be torturing Liz with powers that neither of them knew that they had.

"Look Michael, if Liz or Tess acts anything like Maria when she's drunk, it's probably a bunch of I love you-s slurred together and declarations of being friends forever” Alex said, the exasperation evident in his tone.

"Yeah, but how do we know if we can't hear" Michael asked, turning his head to look at Alex, who was trying to hide a small smile from creeping across his face. Scowling, he turned back to the computer screen and noticed how nothing was showing up. “Shit” he shouted, feeling a pit grow in the bottom of his stomach.

Isabel and Alex exchanged glances, both wondering what Michael had noticed. "What?" Isabel asked finally, noticing how quickly Michael had tensed up in his seat.

"The camera went black” Michael explained as he shot up from his seat and raced out the door, determined to get to the Parkers’ before anything bad happened.

*****

“Wait, there’s a… a problem here” Liz slurs as she fumbles with her shirt, leaving her in just a pink pushup bra. “Take off your shirt!” she demands and I oblige her, wondering what in the hell she is doing.

“What’s wrong?” I slur, giggling as the cold air hits my nipples, it’s definitely cold in this apartment, and our boobs definitely illustrate that fact. “Ha ha it’s COLD” I shout, reaching for a blanket, which is immediately ripped away by Liz.

“We can’t be sisters, you… you have boobs!” she screams, her eyes fixated on my breasts. I just want to laugh at her, but I feel that if I do, she’ll never give me my blanket back and I’ll die of cold nipples.

“So do you” I argue, wondering what in the hell her argument about breasts has to do with anything. I have breasts, she has breasts, and depending on the day, Nasedo has breasts!

“No but see yours are biig” she argues, marching closer and putting her warm hands on my boobs to illustrate her point. Oh warmth, hah no more death by cold nipple syndrome! This situation has definitely just gotten better, because my boobies were hurting.

“Yeah but yours are nice too” I reply with a smile, wondering why she cares so much about her chest size anyway. They’re just breasts, they are a pain in the ass, she can have mine if she cares so much.

“Aww thank you” Liz replies with a smile, then frowns, dropping her hands from my breasts, there goes the warmth. Great, back to freezing, just what I want. “MICHAEL!” she screeches and I spin around to see good old M.G. staring at the two of us in awe, and I wonder how in the hell he got in.

“Oh, don’t end the display; I like the touching you two are doing” he begins, a smirk plastered on his face. What an ass, a cute one, but an ass none the less.

“Michael, go to my room!”

“But Parker” he argues, and I wonder if he realizes that there is no way to argue with a drunk girl, especially drunk alien girls like us. Ha, we are just a different breed of special and he needs to realize this.

“Move it mister” Liz huffs and I just want to smile as she pushes him toward the bedroom. Yawning, I flash Liz a smile before sitting down on the couch and flipping on the TV, might as well give them some time apart, plus the way he was looking at me kind of put me off.

*****

“Are you spying on me?” she hissed, glaring at Michael, trying her best to illustrate that she was mad at him for coming over and spying on them. Not to mention, catching her comparing her breasts with Tess.

“Parker, you let me spy on you, well until the camera shut off” he answered, scratching his eyebrow. He watched the petite brunette pace around her room, narrowly avoiding her desk chair, which would have caused her to fall flat on her face.

“I shut it off because she’s just like mee” she stressed, daring him to argue with her point. Michael just did not understand, Tess was not a threat, Tess was nice, and happy, which made her happy.

“Yeah, ok Parker.” Michael rolled his eyes; he was just going to let her talk, because there was no way to reason with her now. He knew all too well from his nights with Hank that it was pointless to argue with a drunk person.

“Michael, I’m serious!” she shouted, marching closer to him before catching her foot behind the desk chair, stumbling into his arms.

“You’re seriously drunk” he grumbled, growing annoyed with the way that this was progressing. She should have listened to him, alcohol was never the answer, and she looked about ready to pass out.

Liz blinked and looked up into Michael’s eyes, giving him a dopy smile as he continued to hold her. “Hah! I know.”

“Liz, you’re lucky she didn’t hurt you” he argued, tiring of her amusement over the fact that she was completely annihilated. She should know better, she had seen how Max had behaved under the influence, and for her to just laugh it off was so un-Liz-like.

“She’d never hurt me, we’re sistas!” she shouted, struggling to get out of his arms, feeling the need to walk around some more. Liz felt lightheaded, and maybe if she just kept walking, it would go away.

“You’re really drunk” he argued. Whatever sisterhood loving prophecy they had discovered in their inebriation would be long forgotten in the morning, and she was just being stupid at the moment.

“Thank you captain obvious, but I can handle myself” she snapped, wrenching herself out of his arms before her knees caved in, causing her to stumble once more.

“Keep telling yourself that Parker” Michael mumbled as he caught her in his arms again. Brushing the hair off of her face, he noticed the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She probably needed to feel that she was able to be in control, because in the back of her mind, she realized that she messed up.

Liz smiled slightly as she stared up at him, her dark eyes meeting his own. “You know… youu have really pretty eyes” she slurred, her cheeks growing a little redder as she admitted this. It was kind of silly and juvenile, but she felt like being honest, and honestly, he had nice eyes.

“Th…” Michael began, only to be interrupted by Liz dropping her head and vomiting on his shoes. “anks” he finished, brushing her hair away from her face as she continued to rid her body of the alcohol that had caused this.

“I’m sorry” she cried, the embarrassment and the sickness too much to bear. Liz could not hold it in any longer, she was sorry. Sorry for getting sick on Michael and deciding to spike the drinks in the first place.

“Hey, it’s ok” Michael whispered, reaching for a towel. Gently, he wiped off her face, and then proceeded to clean up the floor where she had left her mark. Ignoring his own soiled clothing, he took note of Liz’s pants, which were covered in vomit. “Parker, we need to take off your clothes” he stated, glad that he had not been wearing his favorite t-shirt today.

“No, don’t.”

“Why Liz, you can’t sleep in that” he asked, noting the dirty clothing that she was wearing. The last thing that she needed was to fall asleep with vomit caked clothing. It was unsanitary and she would wake up with one more reminder of her wild night than she needed.

“Because Michael, you… you’ve already seen more than Max has and that’s wrong” she argued, hoping that statement was enough to quiet him. She took these things seriously, and more importantly Max did as well, and he would be mad at her if he ever found out.

“But…”

“Please” she interjected, looking up at him with wide eyes, trying to blink back the tears so that he would not see just how insecure she was about that fact. Max had never even tried to do anything with her, other than kiss her, and here was Michael, looking at her in merely a bra and pajama pants. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her naked before her own boyfriend.

“Ok, I’ll go ask Tess to do it” he agreed finally, sensing the desperation and need for privacy in her eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was see her cry again, and she looked like she was about to breakdown any minute now. Alcohol had that effect on people’s moods.

“Thank you” she whispered, and then waited for the door to shut before stripping off her clothes and throwing on an old, oversized t-shirt.

*****

“You” he barks from the doorway to Liz’s room and I groan as I flick off the TV. Just what I need, macho man coming to bark at me. Great.

“I have a name” I shoot back, getting up from the couch and walking closer to him, trying my best not to fall. He would probably laugh at me, ass.

“Yeah, I know, it’s Tess” he replies, not skipping a beat. Ugh, he’s so rude, and so… what did Cosmo call it? Hyper-masculine? Yeah, I think that’s it, haha maybe… or maybe I’m making up words, I don’t know anymore.

“How observant of you” I reply, rolling my eyes as I make my way over to him. Who is he, honestly, for knowing that my name is Tess? I mean, it’s not that hard, I know these small towns, gossip spreads quickly. Hah, I bet you that we’re going to be found out to be lesbians tomorrow, now that will be fun… I guess. Ugh, I just don’t care, I want him to leave and I want to go to bed.

“Listen, Liz had an accident, she needs you” he rushes out, then looking at me with his hazel eyes, probably to see just how drunk I am. Hah, little does he know, unlike my sister, I can HOLD my liquor… sort of, we just won’t mention that she had way more than I did… there are things he doesn’t need to know.

“Ok… is she alright?”

“Yeah, she’s actually got good projectile.”

“You’re gross” I state, unable to find any other words to describe what he is. He’s such a boy and such a gross one too. Or maybe he’s trying to make light of the situation, I don’t know. That comment was gross, regardless.

“I try” he replies, a smirk creeping across his face.

“She in there?” I ask, motioning toward the bedroom. Obviously, she is in here, but I’m drunk, I’m cranky, and I just want to have some sort of confirmation before I go in there. Otherwise, I may just pass out in Liz’s bed. Mmm… bed, sweet, sweet bed.

“Yeah” he answers, looking at me like he’s trying to figure something out. Ha, I may be drunk, but I’m not stupid, and I’m certainly not going to tell him that I am an alien. That would be dumb.

I walk toward the door, and feel my knees start to give way, man; walking is hardly ever this hard. Suddenly I feel strong arms behind me, straightening my stride. “Thanks” I state, as I turn to look Michael in the eyes, maybe he isn’t such a perv after all.

“Yeah” Michael replies, his tone is one of indifference, and I can’t help but wonder how he can maintain that level of apathy. Hah, but then again, it’s the same emotion I usually display, or well I do when I’m not drunk. “When you’re done you know, can you let me in”

“Why expecting another private show?” I shoot back, watching as his mouth flies open in shock. I may be drunk but I still know how to push buttons. Winking I stride into her room, hoping to god that I don’t fall again, that would ruin any of my charm or whatever.

“Tess is that you?” she replies looking up at me through watery eyes, a huge t-shirt covering her small frame.

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t feel too good… I got sick on M…Michael” she explains choking back a sob. I want to laugh, because Michael deserves it for the way that he was staring at us earlier, but her sad eyes and embarrassment make me stop. Hah, but it still is funny to imagine him covered in vomit. Serves him right, pervert!

“Shh, he’ll be fine” I state, helping her get into bed. Ha-ha this is so strange to me, being the more responsible one, I was younger on Antar and Nasedo always calls me immature. Hah! If he could see me now, wait, if he could see me now he’d murder me… us... whatever, he doesn’t need to know we’re drunk.

“Ok” she agrees, yawning as she wraps the sheets tighter around her body. “Sis?” she questions, looking up at me with glazed over brown eyes, the alcohol not boding well for her at all.

“Yeah?” I ask, feeling my eyes flutter, the need to sleep is starting to take over and standing up is becoming a hassle.

“Can you… can you hold me?” she asks, her voice soft and laced with a trace of fear, as if she feels that I’m going to reject her. I would never do that, I mean, she’s my sister.

“Ok” I agree and climb into bed next to her, wrapping an arm around her before we both pass out, the alcohol taking its toll on the two of us.