PART TEN
Tom smiled warmly, flashing his pearly whites. "You look gorgeous," he murmured, reaching for her delicate hand.
Liz blushed slightly. It'd been so long since she'd last gone on a real date. Yeah, she'd been going out with Tom for quite some time now - but they'd always been surrounded by his friends and all. Tonight, however, was different. It was just the both of them, going to The Swiss Chalet - a cosy little restaurant in town. She'd rummaged through her closet and had chosen an elegant gown with a velvety surface, slim cut and high slit - it kind of made her look quite sophisticated, actually. But now she felt quite uncomfortable in it, though - she felt so … exposed.
"You look pretty good yourself," she replied. He did, in fact, look great - but he still looked better in a plain ol' T-shirt. You could lose the jacket. And the tie …
He walked her to his car - a shiny, black Porsche. For some reason, the car kind of made Liz feel a little uncomfortable. She was used to jeeps and … and … and … you know - normal vehicles.
As every gentleman would, Tom opened the door for his date and helped her in. He shut the door lightly and took his place in the driver's seat. "So … " he said, searching for something to say as he turned on the engine and began to drive the both of them to the restaurant.
Liz couldn't seem to get any words out either. "So … "
Tom laughed. Somehow, this laugh didn't feel as warm as it usually was. It was more … nervous. Now, why should he be nervous? It couldn't be about the date - she was just an ordinary small-town girl. Besides, Liz knew that she wasn't the first girl he'd dated. And judging by his reputation, she probably wouldn't be his last either. "So … you hungry?" he asked.
OK … Hmm … Mr. Dreamy could only think of saying "You hungry?" to his date - now, that was weird. Yeah, that was weird, all right.
Liz shrugged her shoulders. Lately, she hadn't been having much of an appetite. In fact, that stomach of hers seemed to have shrunk. She'd been eating a lot less nowadays, hence leaving her thinner than ever. "A little, yeah," she replied, though in reality she knew she could go without eating for the whole night and maybe the next morning too. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to last until tomorrow night without a bite.
"Well, I hope it's more than a little," Tom said, grinning - once again showing off his white teeth. Again, he seemed high-strung. "'Cause the food there is really rich."
"Maybe I'll need a little help, then," Liz joked. Well, that was actually quite true.
"Maybe you will, yeah," she thought she heard him mutter under his breath.
"So how was your day, huh?" Liz asked. She really couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Oh, it was fine. Practice went quite well, I'd say," Tom answered. He was referring to his basketball training.
Of course it went well - for you. You're tall and strong and … oh, you've got all the requirements for a perfect player! And more … "That's wonderful."
"Hmm … I guess so," Tom muttered, not sounding very enthusiastic. He usually enjoyed talking about basketball. Instead, he just asked, "What about you?"
"Oh, the usual," Liz answered, lifting her thin shoulders. "The Crashdown was quite quiet today, actually."
"I wonder why," Tom thought aloud. "That place is always swarming with kids and all."
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
"I guess so."
"Yeah."
Silence.
Ugh … This sucks, Liz thought, slumping back against the seat, staring absently at her hands. Since when had her fingers become so skinny? This sucks, too.
They passed by plenty of shops, houses, the school; everywhere … If Liz remembered correctly, The Swiss Chalet wasn't that far off. Why is he taking such a huge detour?
Tom drummed his fingers on the steering wheel when he came to a stop at a traffic light that had just turned red. He stared straight ahead, a frown on his lips. He looked so uptight. What was bugging him? What was wrong with the fellow?
He drove on for a while, and then signalled left. Left? But that's the way out of Roswell! We've been in the car for ages - we should've been there by now! What's going on? Liz thought anxiously, sitting upright again. "Tom, I'm pretty sure this isn't the way to The Chalet," she said, looking at him, alarmed.
Tom smiled - uneasily again. "We aren't going to The Chalet," he told her with a strange expression settled on his otherwise flawless face.
"Then where are we going?" Liz asked, her eyes growing wide with what she could not help but feel - fear. Where is he taking me? she pondered, a lump forming in her throat. This is not good … But then berated herself. She had to trust him! He was a good person - she could swear it. Well, fine - the truth was that she couldn't swear it. OK, Liz, calm down. He's just taking you to someplace nice for dinner - someplace special. There's nothing wrong with that …
"Relax, Liz," Tom advised her, probably sensing uncertainty - or probably trying to hide something. "It's a surprise."
The Last Sunset (M/L) - COMPLETE
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
PART ELEVEN
O … K … OK, Tom was getting really creepy. This whole thing was getting really creepy. Whatever he was up to, Liz could sense that it wasn't good.
"You know what - I don't think I want to know what the surprise is, so just stop the car," Liz demanded. "I'll find my own way home, thanks."
"No can do," Tom said, shaking his head. "Just calm down and we'll be there in no time. Don't you worry, honey."
"Don't - don’t you dare 'honey' me," Liz hissed as they passed a signboard saying 'Deylom View'. "Bloody hell, either you tell me where you're taking me or just stop the damn car now!"
Tom frowned. "Chill out, OK? We're almost there."
I don't want us to be 'almost there'. 'Almost there' practically means 'trouble soon'. What the hell is going on? Why is Tom behaving like this? Liz opened her mouth to speak, but she clammed it shut when she realised that he'd just swooped the Porsche into an alley - a back alley. As the car squeezed through, it approached a dead end.
"Here we are," Tom announced. Was he insane? What kind of a maniac was the guy?
"Where the hell are we?" Liz shrieked, dread crawling up her skin.
"Would you just quit acting like a freakin' whiner?" Tom yelled, throwing his arms in the air. Somehow, his handsome face didn't look all so handsome anymore.
Could he not think of anything better than 'freakin' whiner'? Dimwit … Liz thought. "Why did you bring me here?" Liz asked softly, throwing a sideways glance at him. She was too afraid to move.
"Get out of the car and you'll see," Tom said, a strange glint in his eyes. Whatever happened to those beautiful green ones?
Liz fumbled through her purse, looking for her cell phone. Oh God, how am I going to call anyone now? "Tom, please tell me what's going on. This has to be a joke, right?" she asked innocently, buying herself some time. Her heart was beginning to pound against her chest.
To her surprise, Tom made a very stupid move. He stepped out of the car, attempting to rush over to her side and drag her out. She locked the doors hurriedly and reached for her cell phone. Her first reaction was to call Max - it was, for some reason, instinctive. Instead, she rang Maria. "Maria, Maria - it's me, Liz," she said when her best friend picked up the phone.
"Hey, what's - "
"Maria, I'm somewhere - in - the - outskirts of Roswell," she stammered.
"What - "
Liz suddenly became aware that Tom was banging on the window. A gang of three had appeared out of nowhere. She spoke quickly, "Somewhere around Deylom View or something - in an alley. Lots of shops. Big red sign."
"Liz, tell me what's goi- "
"No time to explain - they look … they look menacing. God, Maria, please … I need your help. There's - there's this gang of … of guys whom I - I don't - don't know, and … " her voice trailed of, tears brimming in her eyes.
"I'm on my way. I'll round up the others. You hold on there, OK?" Maria said on the other side, her voice worried.
"I - " Her eyes grew wide with astonishment when she saw a blonde girl stepping out from behind the shadows. "Tess!" she gasped. The cell phone slipped from her hands, and she could hear Maria still calling her name frantically.
She screamed as one of the guys smashed the window - "Dad's going to kill me!" Tom cried - sending shards of glass piercing Liz's arm and face. Blood splattered everywhere. Before she knew it, she was pulled out of the car and shoved to the ground, her head knocking onto the concrete.
Tess laughed - a shrill, cold laugh. "Finally got you where I want you. No one's going to save you now, darling," she hissed, her blood-red lips curling into a wicked smile.
"What do you want with me?" Liz cried, struggling to get up.
"I want you out of the way completely. Max and I would have been together a long time ago if our … our baby hadn't died," Tess whispered with the slightest hint of pain in her voice. But the very next moment, that sad tone disappeared. "Now I need you out of the way - and then I'll be the only one in his life."
But love comes from the heart, not by force. Whatever is going on in her mind? Jealousy and anger and vengeance combined … "Max and I haven't even spoken to each other in months!" Liz protested, her eyes flashing.
"But he still thinks there's a chance - chance to repent, perhaps. Well, with you gone, there will never be one. He won't have to worry about it ever again."
She's crazy about him. But he … he thinks … he thinks … I mean … after everything, he still … Liz felt her heart shattering into a million pieces. "Don't you know that you'll go to jail for this?" she smirked at Tess, laughing bitterly.
Tess cackled. "Accidents happen, you know. I'm smart enough to get rid of the evidence, mind you. I'm not that dumb, Lizzie dearest."
"You know you'll never get away with this," Liz whispered, still thinking of a way to escape.
"Oh, I have my ways. Don't you worry," Tess said. "So, do you wish to go slowly and painfully - or quick and short?"
Liz glared at her. At this point, Liz really didn't care if she had to die - as long as it wasn't in the hands of this witch - or her cronies. Liz staggered to her feet, only to be grabbed by one of the men and pushed down to the floor again.
Tess smiled sinisterly. "I'll leave this to you, boys. Do whatever you want with her - as long as you kill her in the end," she said, walking away. "Tom, I'll have your cheque out tomorrow."
Liz flinched. She couldn't believe this. He did this for the money? Sure, the Hardings are filthy rich. But I thought Tom had everything he ever wanted. Come on, he has a Porsche! Where did that come from? This isn't just weird … it's getting spooky.
"Liz, I'm so sorry to have to miss this," Tess mocked with a sly grin, then turned around and walked away. "But I guess this is between you and the guys."
Liz stared after her in horror. There was no way she could get past these hooligans! They were ten times her size! Well, considering how small she was now, let's make that fifteen! Oh dear - she was cornered. I'm in serious trouble here …
One of the freaks caught hold of her arm. Ouch! "She looks perfect," he drawled.
Perfect? Perfect - in what way am I 'perfect'? Was this some kind of nightmare?
Tom's face had turned red - so had his ears. "You know, guys - I'm going to take my car, and leave you to all of this, OK?" he stuttered, running to his precious Porsche and slamming the door.
Damn you, Tom!
"Sweet … " another one of them said. He traced the outline of her delicate face with his finger. She yearned to snap at him.
The last guy tugged at her cardigan, pulling it off. When he touched her smooth skin, Liz pulled her arm away. He laughed. "Lovely … " They have a very limited vocabulary bank … Liz realised. It would have been funny if there weren't so much danger.
How am I going to get out of here? Liz bit her lip. She could feel her heart growing weaker by the second. She couldn’t let it happen again.
And then - from the corner of her eye, she noticed a piece of wood lying amongst a pile of junk. She could do nothing else but pounce at it, giving it her best shot. Before she could, however, the guy who'd torn her cardigan off tripped her, causing her to hit her forehead in the same spot - knocking her into a state of unconsciousness.
She descended into pitch-black surroundings - a spinning vortex of darkness inside of her mind.
O … K … OK, Tom was getting really creepy. This whole thing was getting really creepy. Whatever he was up to, Liz could sense that it wasn't good.
"You know what - I don't think I want to know what the surprise is, so just stop the car," Liz demanded. "I'll find my own way home, thanks."
"No can do," Tom said, shaking his head. "Just calm down and we'll be there in no time. Don't you worry, honey."
"Don't - don’t you dare 'honey' me," Liz hissed as they passed a signboard saying 'Deylom View'. "Bloody hell, either you tell me where you're taking me or just stop the damn car now!"
Tom frowned. "Chill out, OK? We're almost there."
I don't want us to be 'almost there'. 'Almost there' practically means 'trouble soon'. What the hell is going on? Why is Tom behaving like this? Liz opened her mouth to speak, but she clammed it shut when she realised that he'd just swooped the Porsche into an alley - a back alley. As the car squeezed through, it approached a dead end.
"Here we are," Tom announced. Was he insane? What kind of a maniac was the guy?
"Where the hell are we?" Liz shrieked, dread crawling up her skin.
"Would you just quit acting like a freakin' whiner?" Tom yelled, throwing his arms in the air. Somehow, his handsome face didn't look all so handsome anymore.
Could he not think of anything better than 'freakin' whiner'? Dimwit … Liz thought. "Why did you bring me here?" Liz asked softly, throwing a sideways glance at him. She was too afraid to move.
"Get out of the car and you'll see," Tom said, a strange glint in his eyes. Whatever happened to those beautiful green ones?
Liz fumbled through her purse, looking for her cell phone. Oh God, how am I going to call anyone now? "Tom, please tell me what's going on. This has to be a joke, right?" she asked innocently, buying herself some time. Her heart was beginning to pound against her chest.
To her surprise, Tom made a very stupid move. He stepped out of the car, attempting to rush over to her side and drag her out. She locked the doors hurriedly and reached for her cell phone. Her first reaction was to call Max - it was, for some reason, instinctive. Instead, she rang Maria. "Maria, Maria - it's me, Liz," she said when her best friend picked up the phone.
"Hey, what's - "
"Maria, I'm somewhere - in - the - outskirts of Roswell," she stammered.
"What - "
Liz suddenly became aware that Tom was banging on the window. A gang of three had appeared out of nowhere. She spoke quickly, "Somewhere around Deylom View or something - in an alley. Lots of shops. Big red sign."
"Liz, tell me what's goi- "
"No time to explain - they look … they look menacing. God, Maria, please … I need your help. There's - there's this gang of … of guys whom I - I don't - don't know, and … " her voice trailed of, tears brimming in her eyes.
"I'm on my way. I'll round up the others. You hold on there, OK?" Maria said on the other side, her voice worried.
"I - " Her eyes grew wide with astonishment when she saw a blonde girl stepping out from behind the shadows. "Tess!" she gasped. The cell phone slipped from her hands, and she could hear Maria still calling her name frantically.
She screamed as one of the guys smashed the window - "Dad's going to kill me!" Tom cried - sending shards of glass piercing Liz's arm and face. Blood splattered everywhere. Before she knew it, she was pulled out of the car and shoved to the ground, her head knocking onto the concrete.
Tess laughed - a shrill, cold laugh. "Finally got you where I want you. No one's going to save you now, darling," she hissed, her blood-red lips curling into a wicked smile.
"What do you want with me?" Liz cried, struggling to get up.
"I want you out of the way completely. Max and I would have been together a long time ago if our … our baby hadn't died," Tess whispered with the slightest hint of pain in her voice. But the very next moment, that sad tone disappeared. "Now I need you out of the way - and then I'll be the only one in his life."
But love comes from the heart, not by force. Whatever is going on in her mind? Jealousy and anger and vengeance combined … "Max and I haven't even spoken to each other in months!" Liz protested, her eyes flashing.
"But he still thinks there's a chance - chance to repent, perhaps. Well, with you gone, there will never be one. He won't have to worry about it ever again."
She's crazy about him. But he … he thinks … he thinks … I mean … after everything, he still … Liz felt her heart shattering into a million pieces. "Don't you know that you'll go to jail for this?" she smirked at Tess, laughing bitterly.
Tess cackled. "Accidents happen, you know. I'm smart enough to get rid of the evidence, mind you. I'm not that dumb, Lizzie dearest."
"You know you'll never get away with this," Liz whispered, still thinking of a way to escape.
"Oh, I have my ways. Don't you worry," Tess said. "So, do you wish to go slowly and painfully - or quick and short?"
Liz glared at her. At this point, Liz really didn't care if she had to die - as long as it wasn't in the hands of this witch - or her cronies. Liz staggered to her feet, only to be grabbed by one of the men and pushed down to the floor again.
Tess smiled sinisterly. "I'll leave this to you, boys. Do whatever you want with her - as long as you kill her in the end," she said, walking away. "Tom, I'll have your cheque out tomorrow."
Liz flinched. She couldn't believe this. He did this for the money? Sure, the Hardings are filthy rich. But I thought Tom had everything he ever wanted. Come on, he has a Porsche! Where did that come from? This isn't just weird … it's getting spooky.
"Liz, I'm so sorry to have to miss this," Tess mocked with a sly grin, then turned around and walked away. "But I guess this is between you and the guys."
Liz stared after her in horror. There was no way she could get past these hooligans! They were ten times her size! Well, considering how small she was now, let's make that fifteen! Oh dear - she was cornered. I'm in serious trouble here …
One of the freaks caught hold of her arm. Ouch! "She looks perfect," he drawled.
Perfect? Perfect - in what way am I 'perfect'? Was this some kind of nightmare?
Tom's face had turned red - so had his ears. "You know, guys - I'm going to take my car, and leave you to all of this, OK?" he stuttered, running to his precious Porsche and slamming the door.
Damn you, Tom!
"Sweet … " another one of them said. He traced the outline of her delicate face with his finger. She yearned to snap at him.
The last guy tugged at her cardigan, pulling it off. When he touched her smooth skin, Liz pulled her arm away. He laughed. "Lovely … " They have a very limited vocabulary bank … Liz realised. It would have been funny if there weren't so much danger.
How am I going to get out of here? Liz bit her lip. She could feel her heart growing weaker by the second. She couldn’t let it happen again.
And then - from the corner of her eye, she noticed a piece of wood lying amongst a pile of junk. She could do nothing else but pounce at it, giving it her best shot. Before she could, however, the guy who'd torn her cardigan off tripped her, causing her to hit her forehead in the same spot - knocking her into a state of unconsciousness.
She descended into pitch-black surroundings - a spinning vortex of darkness inside of her mind.
Thanks for reading, Coley! Sorry for the late update.
---Nicole
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
PART TWELVE
"There it is - Deylom View!" Maria cried, pointing at the gigantic powder-blue signboard.
Max's mind was racing. "And we're supposed to search every nook and cranny of this place? She's in an alley - how on earth are we going to find her?" he demanded, slamming his hand against the steering wheel in his frustration.
"Max, calm down!" Isabel ordered. "She said 'big red sign', right?"
Maria nodded. "Yeah, and - and - and - and - oh damn, what did she say?" she pondered, snapping her fingers. "Yeah! 'Lots of shops' or something like that!"
Alex frowned, looking ahead. "Well, at least that's not too bad. There aren't too many shop lots around."
Michael tapped Max on the shoulder. "That’s the sign!"
There were shops located within an area, where a huge signboard stood tall, bearing the caption, 'Devil's Ditch'. "That thing doesn't sound - nor look - legal," Kyle pointed out with a smirk. "But heck, that sign may just save Liz's life."
Max swerved the car into the 'Devil's Ditch' and began to search through every alley. Sheriff Valenti - as well as a few other cops - checked the other side of the place.
Behind the driver's seat, Maria was explaining to them about her 'conversation' with Liz a little more thoroughly. Something she said caught Max's attention. " … she screamed, 'Tess!' and then didn't say a thing after that."
Tess has something to do with this. She's probably the mastermind! And knowing her … Max grew even more urgent. So it wasn't just Tom … It was a devised plot!
Each and every one of them scanned their eyes through the narrow lanes. All they saw was trashcans, garbage loads, gangsters, stray ca- Wait! Gangsters?
Max brought the Jeep to a sudden halt just in front of the most secluded back alley. All six leapt out and ran into the lane. Three grubby-looking men stood up abruptly when they realised that there were onlookers. They made a run for it, but - luckily - Max and the rest caught them in time. Maria hurriedly dialled the sheriff's number while Isabel helped the guys.
All were caught up in holding the hooligans still. They struggled with all their might, but - strengthened by will and determination - Liz's friends managed to restrain them. Less than a minute later, the sheriff arrived with the rest of the police. The three men were hurled into the police cars and taken away. Sheriff Valenti, however, stayed behind.
Max ran to the thin figure that lay far behind, where the three guys had been. When he neared it, his worst fears were not only confirmed, but also doubled. Liz was not just lying there in a heap, but her body was bloody - covered in cuts and bruises - and her clothes were torn, leaving her half-naked. He felt his heart breaking at the sight of the poor girl who was now weak and defenceless - the poor girl who happened to be the one whom he loved with all his heart and soul and mind.
The sheriff quickly got a towel from his car and tossed it to Maria, who draped it over Liz's cold and shivering limp body.
Gently, Max scooped Liz into his strong arms and carried her to the sheriff's car. Sheriff Valenti asked for two of them to follow him, as he needed someone to watch over her while he drove. Max and Maria volunteered to go along with him.
As the sheriff drove as quickly as he could to the nearest hospital - which so happened to be in the heart of Roswell - Max and Maria were whispering words of love to Liz in the hope that she would cling on to dear life.
Max's heart swelled with worry as he saw the blood flowing non-stop, making her grow paler and paler, weaker and weaker … He grasped Liz's hand in his, overcome by déjà vu.
Her pulse seemed to be racing even quicker than the car. She was fighting to stay alive.
After what seemed like ages, they arrived.
*
Sheriff Valenti had left for the headquarters once he'd dropped them off and seen them through. He had promised to keep them up-to-date on the investigation later on.
Meanwhile, the rest - who'd just been joined shortly by Mr. and Mrs. Parker - were waiting anxiously for news with tear-streaked faces.
Max's eyes were bloodshot. He stared absently out the window, up at the star-studded sky. Before all this, he'd thought that the stars held promises to love and life. Now …
Now … everything was just a lie. Everything was so unfair -
- to Liz, especially. Why did she have to suffer through all of this trauma? What could she possibly have done wrong to deserve this? She was suffering from a fatal illness, had just been beaten up, and nearly got raped. Where was the justice in that?
Time ticked by slowly. It was well past midnight by the time Dr. Wills stepped out again.
*
The words continued to ring in his head, practically killing him. Might not make it … slim chance …
Max lovingly stroked her left cheek - which had no cuts - and felt tears threatening to flow once more. He wished he could make her pain go away. He sobbed uncontrollably, his face resting against her hand that he held tightly in his.
Liz, you can't … you just can't die … You're too young to die! Max's heart cried out.
Around the girl who lay motionless, her friends wept - torn deep in grief and sorrow. Jeff Parker embraced his dying daughter in his arms, unwilling to believe that this was happening.
All were utterly devastated, trying to wish … trying to hope …
But hope was slowly slipping away. Together with hope there was life. And life was, too, fading away.
Like a candle … and like its light that should flicker … and soon die …
---Nicole
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
PART TWELVE
"There it is - Deylom View!" Maria cried, pointing at the gigantic powder-blue signboard.
Max's mind was racing. "And we're supposed to search every nook and cranny of this place? She's in an alley - how on earth are we going to find her?" he demanded, slamming his hand against the steering wheel in his frustration.
"Max, calm down!" Isabel ordered. "She said 'big red sign', right?"
Maria nodded. "Yeah, and - and - and - and - oh damn, what did she say?" she pondered, snapping her fingers. "Yeah! 'Lots of shops' or something like that!"
Alex frowned, looking ahead. "Well, at least that's not too bad. There aren't too many shop lots around."
Michael tapped Max on the shoulder. "That’s the sign!"
There were shops located within an area, where a huge signboard stood tall, bearing the caption, 'Devil's Ditch'. "That thing doesn't sound - nor look - legal," Kyle pointed out with a smirk. "But heck, that sign may just save Liz's life."
Max swerved the car into the 'Devil's Ditch' and began to search through every alley. Sheriff Valenti - as well as a few other cops - checked the other side of the place.
Behind the driver's seat, Maria was explaining to them about her 'conversation' with Liz a little more thoroughly. Something she said caught Max's attention. " … she screamed, 'Tess!' and then didn't say a thing after that."
Tess has something to do with this. She's probably the mastermind! And knowing her … Max grew even more urgent. So it wasn't just Tom … It was a devised plot!
Each and every one of them scanned their eyes through the narrow lanes. All they saw was trashcans, garbage loads, gangsters, stray ca- Wait! Gangsters?
Max brought the Jeep to a sudden halt just in front of the most secluded back alley. All six leapt out and ran into the lane. Three grubby-looking men stood up abruptly when they realised that there were onlookers. They made a run for it, but - luckily - Max and the rest caught them in time. Maria hurriedly dialled the sheriff's number while Isabel helped the guys.
All were caught up in holding the hooligans still. They struggled with all their might, but - strengthened by will and determination - Liz's friends managed to restrain them. Less than a minute later, the sheriff arrived with the rest of the police. The three men were hurled into the police cars and taken away. Sheriff Valenti, however, stayed behind.
Max ran to the thin figure that lay far behind, where the three guys had been. When he neared it, his worst fears were not only confirmed, but also doubled. Liz was not just lying there in a heap, but her body was bloody - covered in cuts and bruises - and her clothes were torn, leaving her half-naked. He felt his heart breaking at the sight of the poor girl who was now weak and defenceless - the poor girl who happened to be the one whom he loved with all his heart and soul and mind.
The sheriff quickly got a towel from his car and tossed it to Maria, who draped it over Liz's cold and shivering limp body.
Gently, Max scooped Liz into his strong arms and carried her to the sheriff's car. Sheriff Valenti asked for two of them to follow him, as he needed someone to watch over her while he drove. Max and Maria volunteered to go along with him.
As the sheriff drove as quickly as he could to the nearest hospital - which so happened to be in the heart of Roswell - Max and Maria were whispering words of love to Liz in the hope that she would cling on to dear life.
Max's heart swelled with worry as he saw the blood flowing non-stop, making her grow paler and paler, weaker and weaker … He grasped Liz's hand in his, overcome by déjà vu.
Her pulse seemed to be racing even quicker than the car. She was fighting to stay alive.
After what seemed like ages, they arrived.
*
Sheriff Valenti had left for the headquarters once he'd dropped them off and seen them through. He had promised to keep them up-to-date on the investigation later on.
Meanwhile, the rest - who'd just been joined shortly by Mr. and Mrs. Parker - were waiting anxiously for news with tear-streaked faces.
Max's eyes were bloodshot. He stared absently out the window, up at the star-studded sky. Before all this, he'd thought that the stars held promises to love and life. Now …
Now … everything was just a lie. Everything was so unfair -
- to Liz, especially. Why did she have to suffer through all of this trauma? What could she possibly have done wrong to deserve this? She was suffering from a fatal illness, had just been beaten up, and nearly got raped. Where was the justice in that?
Time ticked by slowly. It was well past midnight by the time Dr. Wills stepped out again.
*
The words continued to ring in his head, practically killing him. Might not make it … slim chance …
Max lovingly stroked her left cheek - which had no cuts - and felt tears threatening to flow once more. He wished he could make her pain go away. He sobbed uncontrollably, his face resting against her hand that he held tightly in his.
Liz, you can't … you just can't die … You're too young to die! Max's heart cried out.
Around the girl who lay motionless, her friends wept - torn deep in grief and sorrow. Jeff Parker embraced his dying daughter in his arms, unwilling to believe that this was happening.
All were utterly devastated, trying to wish … trying to hope …
But hope was slowly slipping away. Together with hope there was life. And life was, too, fading away.
Like a candle … and like its light that should flicker … and soon die …
PART THIRTEEN
For three long days, and three long nights, the dying girl was accompanied by her family and her friends. She did not speak, nor did she stir - she did not wake. The look that rested upon her face was not one of peace and contentment, but one of pain and distress. And the torment that she was forced to undergo was shared by her loved ones.
Max was still trying hard to let everything sink in. Tess had plotted to kill Liz so that she could win a secure place in his heart. She'd paid Thomas Fairchild to deliver Liz to her, and had given 'orders' to three reckless hoodlums to kill Liz once and for all. And those guys had beaten Liz up - not to mention had nearly gang-raped her in her inability to protect herself. Now Tess and Thomas - as well as the freakin' gangsters - were to face the court. To hell with them all, Max thought.
But none of that seemed important anymore. Yes, Tess and her disgusting cronies should pay for their doings. But would that help Liz in any way at all? She was dying, for heaven's sake!
A strained moan jolted Max back to reality. The fluttering of her eyes brought tears to his own. His heart leapt with what felt like something between joy and fear. He was relieved, and yet afraid. Liz still didn't have much of a chance. No, Max! he ordered himself, mentally giving himself a big kick. As long as there's a chance, you can't give up on her!
All around Liz, her loved ones felt relief sweeping through them. Mixed emotions shook their bodies.
Max looked down at her. But when their gazes locked, his heart sank. He read the look of unbearable pain and exhaustion - both physically and emotionally - that reflected in the depths of her dim, soft-brown eyes. Her friends and family still clung on to the hope that she'd get better - that it was still possible. But even Liz was giving up - Max knew it. As much as he wished that Liz would recover, as much as he wanted her to hold on to life, he knew deep down that she was fighting a losing battle - and that she knew it, too. His heart ached at her misery and distress. She'd tried to hide it before, but she was no longer strong enough to do so - she couldn't hide it from him.
A very small, feeble smile touched the corners of her pale, dry lips. Despite her fatal condition, she tried her best to put on a brave front; concealing her pain with the best effort she could manage. She attempted to speak, but she could only mouth soundlessly. Her body lacked the strength to do any more than that.
Max stood aside to give way to Liz's parents, who were anxious to hold their daughter's hands and kiss her gently, telling her that she was deeply loved.
As he watched, he felt his own soul dying - because if Liz died, everything would just be … would just be nothing. Empty.
For three long days, and three long nights, the dying girl was accompanied by her family and her friends. She did not speak, nor did she stir - she did not wake. The look that rested upon her face was not one of peace and contentment, but one of pain and distress. And the torment that she was forced to undergo was shared by her loved ones.
Max was still trying hard to let everything sink in. Tess had plotted to kill Liz so that she could win a secure place in his heart. She'd paid Thomas Fairchild to deliver Liz to her, and had given 'orders' to three reckless hoodlums to kill Liz once and for all. And those guys had beaten Liz up - not to mention had nearly gang-raped her in her inability to protect herself. Now Tess and Thomas - as well as the freakin' gangsters - were to face the court. To hell with them all, Max thought.
But none of that seemed important anymore. Yes, Tess and her disgusting cronies should pay for their doings. But would that help Liz in any way at all? She was dying, for heaven's sake!
A strained moan jolted Max back to reality. The fluttering of her eyes brought tears to his own. His heart leapt with what felt like something between joy and fear. He was relieved, and yet afraid. Liz still didn't have much of a chance. No, Max! he ordered himself, mentally giving himself a big kick. As long as there's a chance, you can't give up on her!
All around Liz, her loved ones felt relief sweeping through them. Mixed emotions shook their bodies.
Max looked down at her. But when their gazes locked, his heart sank. He read the look of unbearable pain and exhaustion - both physically and emotionally - that reflected in the depths of her dim, soft-brown eyes. Her friends and family still clung on to the hope that she'd get better - that it was still possible. But even Liz was giving up - Max knew it. As much as he wished that Liz would recover, as much as he wanted her to hold on to life, he knew deep down that she was fighting a losing battle - and that she knew it, too. His heart ached at her misery and distress. She'd tried to hide it before, but she was no longer strong enough to do so - she couldn't hide it from him.
A very small, feeble smile touched the corners of her pale, dry lips. Despite her fatal condition, she tried her best to put on a brave front; concealing her pain with the best effort she could manage. She attempted to speak, but she could only mouth soundlessly. Her body lacked the strength to do any more than that.
Max stood aside to give way to Liz's parents, who were anxious to hold their daughter's hands and kiss her gently, telling her that she was deeply loved.
As he watched, he felt his own soul dying - because if Liz died, everything would just be … would just be nothing. Empty.
PART FOURTEEN
Heart monitors were all over the room like monster machines surrounding a helpless young girl. Doctors and nurses came in and out every thirty minutes or so. Liz's condition was still unstable.
The rest of the gang - as well as Mr. and Mrs. Parker - had just left the room to get some dinner after the doctor's coaxing. Max, however, preferred to stay with Liz. He wanted to treasure every single moment with her.
He sat by her side, thinking of nothing else but her well-being and recovery. When he gently brushed her smooth, pale cheek with his lips, her eyes shot open, her voice urgently calling, "Max!"
He calmed her down, stroking her hair. "It's all right. I'm right here, Liz … "
Liz failed to control herself this time. She began to sob, her small body shaking. Max took her into his arms, rocking her gently. She buried her face in his chest, tears seeping through his shirt. All this torture … was clearly too much for her to take. Brave and strong she had tried to be for the past few months - but now everything was falling down on her. Her whole world was collapsing on her …
With assistance from Max, Liz struggled to sit up. Max looked closely at her, taking in every part of her delicate face. There were dark circles beneath her red-rimmed eyes, and her lips were cracking. Her cheeks were slightly sunken, and her skin was between ashen and sallow. But despite all of this, bathed in the moonlight that streamed through the hospital window, - to him - she looked like an angel. A perfect angel …
As even talking could strain her, Max dared not speak a word. But his heart was crying out, "I'm sorry, Liz! I love you!"
To his surprise, Liz - who was smiling faintly - was the one who spoke. Very softly, very slowly, she murmured, "Thank you, Max."
Max leaned forward to kiss her cold forehead. "Ssh … " he whispered - but he actually wanted more than anything to apologise to her, to let her know that he would never stop loving her.
But somehow, someway, he didn't need words to express his feelings. He saw the look of pure love and forgiveness that reflected in her eyes. He continued to lay his arm around her shoulders, unwilling to leave her side - not even for a second.
Her cheek rested against his chest, Liz closed her eyes tiredly. Max affectionately ran his fingers down her long hair. Just when he thought she was asleep, she murmured in a voice softer than sigh, "I love you, Max."
*
At first, she saw Max's troubled eyes. He begged her to stay strong. Familiar faces swirled around her.
Soon, Max disappeared … and so did the rest. Fluorescent lights glaring above her, doctors replaced them, surrounding her - checking her pulse and monitoring her heartbeat, applying cardioversion on her …
She felt the world around her dissolving to nothing. Her mind was growing blank - except for the faint memory of her beloved soul mate. The love in his eyes … the warmth of his smile … the passion in his speech … the mildness of his touch … They flooded her head. But even as she clung on to them with a death grip, they slipped away …
And then pain exploded through her body, just before the world disappeared.
Liz awoke with a start. It was the same recurring nightmare. Not a night had passed since 'that incident' without this dream filling her head.
Was it some kind of sign - that that was going to happen to her? Was it a warning - that she should fight before it was too late?
Liz glanced down at her arm that was now covered with scars and bruises. She looked around the room. All she saw were white walls - she felt trapped in this little enclosure.
A flashing image of Max filled her vision, followed by her loving friends … and her devoted parents …
She didn't want to die. She wanted to fight. She wanted to have a life - a future.
But when she tried to lift her hand and failed due to her lack of strength, her determined resolve vanished from her mind and her heart. This was hopeless.
Heart monitors were all over the room like monster machines surrounding a helpless young girl. Doctors and nurses came in and out every thirty minutes or so. Liz's condition was still unstable.
The rest of the gang - as well as Mr. and Mrs. Parker - had just left the room to get some dinner after the doctor's coaxing. Max, however, preferred to stay with Liz. He wanted to treasure every single moment with her.
He sat by her side, thinking of nothing else but her well-being and recovery. When he gently brushed her smooth, pale cheek with his lips, her eyes shot open, her voice urgently calling, "Max!"
He calmed her down, stroking her hair. "It's all right. I'm right here, Liz … "
Liz failed to control herself this time. She began to sob, her small body shaking. Max took her into his arms, rocking her gently. She buried her face in his chest, tears seeping through his shirt. All this torture … was clearly too much for her to take. Brave and strong she had tried to be for the past few months - but now everything was falling down on her. Her whole world was collapsing on her …
With assistance from Max, Liz struggled to sit up. Max looked closely at her, taking in every part of her delicate face. There were dark circles beneath her red-rimmed eyes, and her lips were cracking. Her cheeks were slightly sunken, and her skin was between ashen and sallow. But despite all of this, bathed in the moonlight that streamed through the hospital window, - to him - she looked like an angel. A perfect angel …
As even talking could strain her, Max dared not speak a word. But his heart was crying out, "I'm sorry, Liz! I love you!"
To his surprise, Liz - who was smiling faintly - was the one who spoke. Very softly, very slowly, she murmured, "Thank you, Max."
Max leaned forward to kiss her cold forehead. "Ssh … " he whispered - but he actually wanted more than anything to apologise to her, to let her know that he would never stop loving her.
But somehow, someway, he didn't need words to express his feelings. He saw the look of pure love and forgiveness that reflected in her eyes. He continued to lay his arm around her shoulders, unwilling to leave her side - not even for a second.
Her cheek rested against his chest, Liz closed her eyes tiredly. Max affectionately ran his fingers down her long hair. Just when he thought she was asleep, she murmured in a voice softer than sigh, "I love you, Max."
*
At first, she saw Max's troubled eyes. He begged her to stay strong. Familiar faces swirled around her.
Soon, Max disappeared … and so did the rest. Fluorescent lights glaring above her, doctors replaced them, surrounding her - checking her pulse and monitoring her heartbeat, applying cardioversion on her …
She felt the world around her dissolving to nothing. Her mind was growing blank - except for the faint memory of her beloved soul mate. The love in his eyes … the warmth of his smile … the passion in his speech … the mildness of his touch … They flooded her head. But even as she clung on to them with a death grip, they slipped away …
And then pain exploded through her body, just before the world disappeared.
Liz awoke with a start. It was the same recurring nightmare. Not a night had passed since 'that incident' without this dream filling her head.
Was it some kind of sign - that that was going to happen to her? Was it a warning - that she should fight before it was too late?
Liz glanced down at her arm that was now covered with scars and bruises. She looked around the room. All she saw were white walls - she felt trapped in this little enclosure.
A flashing image of Max filled her vision, followed by her loving friends … and her devoted parents …
She didn't want to die. She wanted to fight. She wanted to have a life - a future.
But when she tried to lift her hand and failed due to her lack of strength, her determined resolve vanished from her mind and her heart. This was hopeless.
PART FIFTEEN
Max took a deep breath before entering her room, preparing himself to once again look into the troubled eyes of his girlfriend's exhausted face. He couldn't bear to see her going through so much pain - again.
But when he stepped in, and when his eyes met hers, he had to admit that he was completely shocked. He was looking deep into her soul, where he found love and determination.
His heart filled with joy at that very instant. He approached her and wrapped her in his arms, happy tears spilling forth. "I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you … " he murmured repeatedly, eager to let her know that that was indeed how he felt. "And I'm so … so sorry."
"I love you, too … " Liz whispered. "Thank you so, so much … "
When they finally pulled apart, Max looked searchingly at Liz. He wanted to ask her - but how was he to put it all into words?
But it was always the eyes … the eyes always provided the answer - even to questions unasked. Now they said, "I love you" - they said, "I need you". Now they believed in tomorrow.
*
A few days had passed and Liz's condition was steadily progressing.
She had been simply determined to get some fresh air outside. She hated being cooped up in the room. The doctor had agreed that she needed to breathe a little and had suggested the wheelchair to her, in order to prevent her from getting too strained. Liz had protested, but the doctor's word was law - in the hospital, at least.
Max had volunteered to take her. As they walked - he walked, she sat - they chattered a bit. Max explained to her that Tess and the other buffoons were going to stand trial for their doings. Liz shuddered at the vivid memory of that night that had been continuously haunting her ever since.
And then they talked some more - confessing their love and sincere apologies to each other for the umpteenth time.
Soon, they ended up laughing. Liz looked up at Max, giving him a small - and somewhat expectant - smile. He leaned down, and drew his face closer to hers. They became locked in a kiss that took Liz's breath away - well, yeah … literally.
When it ended - which she wished it hadn't - Liz was giggling. For the first time in - uh, how long was it again? - she was feeling at ease. And it felt so good. So, so good.
Too good to be true, in fact.
Indeed, it ended as fast as it had come. She was quickly swallowed whole into a realm of darkness.
*
Once again … her face was pale … her eyes were dull … her lips were cracking … her heart was beating at an irregular pace …
Yes, once again …
Things get worse either way! Liz thought miserably, fighting back tears. I nearly died in there today!
So what should I be? All upset and miserable? Or happy and excited? Either way, I'm just going to die.
Well, it's true. Let's face the facts: I, Liz Parker, am dying.
Liz stared bitterly up at the plain, white ceiling.
But do I really have to die in here - in this … this … this dungeon?
Frustrated, Liz clenched her fists.
Well, she tried to. I guess when you're dying, and when the strength begins to leave your body, even moving your fingers slightly takes a huge effort - and is a huge victory, she thought to herself.
As a tear squeezing through her shut eyelids, she screamed inwardly, completely incapable of uttering a sound out loud, And I can't even do that!
How much longer will I live? she wondered, chewing nervously at her lower lip. Max, I'm so sorry to have burdened you. I wish things could be different. But if I am to die - if that is my fate - what can I do about it? I have tried fighting it - you know I have. But I can't any longer. Death is stronger than I am.
Max took a deep breath before entering her room, preparing himself to once again look into the troubled eyes of his girlfriend's exhausted face. He couldn't bear to see her going through so much pain - again.
But when he stepped in, and when his eyes met hers, he had to admit that he was completely shocked. He was looking deep into her soul, where he found love and determination.
His heart filled with joy at that very instant. He approached her and wrapped her in his arms, happy tears spilling forth. "I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you … " he murmured repeatedly, eager to let her know that that was indeed how he felt. "And I'm so … so sorry."
"I love you, too … " Liz whispered. "Thank you so, so much … "
When they finally pulled apart, Max looked searchingly at Liz. He wanted to ask her - but how was he to put it all into words?
But it was always the eyes … the eyes always provided the answer - even to questions unasked. Now they said, "I love you" - they said, "I need you". Now they believed in tomorrow.
*
A few days had passed and Liz's condition was steadily progressing.
She had been simply determined to get some fresh air outside. She hated being cooped up in the room. The doctor had agreed that she needed to breathe a little and had suggested the wheelchair to her, in order to prevent her from getting too strained. Liz had protested, but the doctor's word was law - in the hospital, at least.
Max had volunteered to take her. As they walked - he walked, she sat - they chattered a bit. Max explained to her that Tess and the other buffoons were going to stand trial for their doings. Liz shuddered at the vivid memory of that night that had been continuously haunting her ever since.
And then they talked some more - confessing their love and sincere apologies to each other for the umpteenth time.
Soon, they ended up laughing. Liz looked up at Max, giving him a small - and somewhat expectant - smile. He leaned down, and drew his face closer to hers. They became locked in a kiss that took Liz's breath away - well, yeah … literally.
When it ended - which she wished it hadn't - Liz was giggling. For the first time in - uh, how long was it again? - she was feeling at ease. And it felt so good. So, so good.
Too good to be true, in fact.
Indeed, it ended as fast as it had come. She was quickly swallowed whole into a realm of darkness.
*
Once again … her face was pale … her eyes were dull … her lips were cracking … her heart was beating at an irregular pace …
Yes, once again …
Things get worse either way! Liz thought miserably, fighting back tears. I nearly died in there today!
So what should I be? All upset and miserable? Or happy and excited? Either way, I'm just going to die.
Well, it's true. Let's face the facts: I, Liz Parker, am dying.
Liz stared bitterly up at the plain, white ceiling.
But do I really have to die in here - in this … this … this dungeon?
Frustrated, Liz clenched her fists.
Well, she tried to. I guess when you're dying, and when the strength begins to leave your body, even moving your fingers slightly takes a huge effort - and is a huge victory, she thought to herself.
As a tear squeezing through her shut eyelids, she screamed inwardly, completely incapable of uttering a sound out loud, And I can't even do that!
How much longer will I live? she wondered, chewing nervously at her lower lip. Max, I'm so sorry to have burdened you. I wish things could be different. But if I am to die - if that is my fate - what can I do about it? I have tried fighting it - you know I have. But I can't any longer. Death is stronger than I am.
PART SIXTEEN
I was overjoyed when Liz changed her prospect of life and decided to take a step forward.
But now … now she's just so distraught again, and … and I just feel …
Well, what I mean is - why should she suffer anymore? I know - it's not 'right' to 'want' her to die. But the thing is that her life now is just prolonging her pain and suffering. It's not fair for her.
I don't know … I really don't know … From now onwards, whatever her decision - whichever road she wishes to follow - I will be right behind her.
Or right next to her.
*
Max watched Liz sleeping not-so-peacefully. He glanced at Mr. Parker. The poor man's eyes were shadowed with worry and grief. Max assumed that, like himself, Mr. Parker had been going through troubled, sleepless nights.
Out of the blue - completely unexpectedly - Liz awoke. Her eyelids shot wide open, and she began to plead, "Max, please … please take me … out of here … "
"What did you say?" Max asked, not quite sure that he'd heard what he'd just heard.
"I don't want to be in this hospital - I … I wish … I wish to be far from it. Anywhere but here … "
"But Liz, you can't leave the hospital. What if something happens?" Had Liz suddenly seen something? Did she feel as though something was about to happen?
Liz shook her head stubbornly. "I … I am going to die anyway. Please … please, Max, please … please don't let … don't make me die in here … "
"Liz, don't talk like that!" Max begged, running his fingers through her raven hair. "You aren't going to die." He tried as much to convince her as to convince himself.
Mrs. Parker came to her daughter's side, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, while Mr. Parker said (in a somewhat fearful tone), "Honey, everything is going to be all right."
Liz just looked up at him, a torn expression on her lovely face.
*
It was strange. She'd just had a dream - or more of a little glimpse at death - and somehow - for some bizarre reason - she knew that this was it … that she was going to leave the mortal world.
"No, it's not, Dad. I am … I … I know what's going on. I know … that I'm dying."
Max could not say anything more. Neither could her parents.
"I want to be alone … with Max … somewhere else … "
Mrs. Parker shook her head, cupping her hand over her mouth, sobbing. "No, honey. I can't … I can't bear to be away from you, dear. Not now … "
Liz knew that she was being selfish - but she wanted to be with Max … to die in his arms. It was impossible for anyone else to understand … it was just so hard to explain, and Liz simply didn't have the strength to do it. Nor did she have the 'time'.
Mr. Parker, on the other hand, smiled warmly at his daughter. Will he not allow his daughter to be granted her dying wish? Liz thought. He pulled his wife aside, discussing with her in a hushed tone. Mrs. Parker was in tears, but finally agreed.
Time is running out.
Although Mr. and Mrs. Parker were sure - or at least, almost sure - that she was going to return, Liz knew that she wasn't. She exchanged hugs and kisses with her friends and her parents, and Liz silently said goodbye.
But she wanted to spend her last few moments alive with the young man whom she loved - to make up for all the time-loss … to mend the broken pieces of their fragile hearts.
She wept at the thought that she'd never see her parents - and friends - again. The doctor was one hundred percent against her request, but Liz stood her ground, saying firmly, "It is my choice."
As Max placed her gingerly in the front passenger seat of his Jeep - Ah … his lovely Jeep, Liz thought - he asked her, "Where do you want to go?"
"Someplace quiet … someplace calm … someplace peaceful … anywhere with you … "
*
If that was her last wish before she died, he wanted to grant her that wish.
After a very long drive - which Liz seemed to be able to withstand - he parked the Jeep and stepped outside, hurrying to help Liz out. He carried her to the beach, and then set her down on the warm sand. He draped his arm around her shoulders, offering some comfort and support. She leaned against him willingly.
"I never knew the meaning of the word 'love' until I met you," Liz whispered, her eyes closed in a blissful smile.
"That day at The Crashdown, when you were nearly killed - "
" - and you risked your life to save me … "
Yes, Max remembered that day only too well. Two men had been fighting over what he thought must have been a drug deal or something of the sort. The bigger of the burly guys had removed a pistol, and they'd fought for control over it. Max had just emerged from the gents, standing just a few feet away from Liz. A sudden gunshot had rung out, and Max had instinctively thrown himself in front of Liz, shielding her from the speeding bullet. It had missed them by inches as they'd gone tumbling to the ground. The memory was still vivid and fresh in his mind.
"You risked your life to save me - more than once," Liz said, appreciation and wonder and love in her voice.
"Ssh … " Max whispered, burying his face in her soft hair.
*
Together, they gazed into the horizon. The red-orange sun began to lower itself slowly. Streaks of gold and crimson stretched across the sky like the Sun God's magnificent chariots of blazing fire. The ocean scent wafted up to them - cool and fresh air embraced them. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, peace filled their hearts.
"Isn't … this … beautiful?" Liz marvelled, though she was getting weaker.
Max had the urge to bring her back to the hospital, but she was more contented than she'd been in ages. He couldn't just tear her away from all of this - this was what she wanted. This was her desire - and he wanted to fulfil that for her … this one last wish.
Max gently stroked her cheek. "Mmm … but you're just so much more."
Liz smiled, gazing up at him with eyes full of passion. She gripped his hand, wincing a little, but continued to look adoringly into his chocolate-brown eyes. Max placed his free hand on her cheek. "Are you all right?"
*
"Are you all right?" he asked.
Oh God …
Her heart began to beat wildly, and she was almost certain that it was about to explode. She held on to him tightly, feeling herself slip away, being swept by darkness. She focused on the faint outlines of Max's handsome - but also haggard - face.
Just like in her dream, pain coursed through her body. But this is different from that horrid nightmare, Liz thought to herself.
She was in Max's embrace, on a beach that was quite far from home, watching the sunset. Death didn't scare her now. Despite all the agonising pain - that had been built up day after day after day - Liz considered herself the luckiest girl on earth. She took one last look at the setting sun, and then turned to face him, gazing deep into his eyes.
She drew one last, quivery breath, breathing her final words, "I … love … you … Max … " Her head lolled against his chest.
The sound of Max anxiously calling her name grew more and more distant - more and more vague - until it finally faded away. She fell into an abyss, never to open her eyes again - never to awake … ever …
*
Max sobbed and sobbed, repeatedly calling her name out in distress. His anguished cries echoed amidst the already-deafening silence. He rested his cheek against hers, gripping her hand, willing her to live. He held on desperately to whatever hope there was left.
But realisation hit him - and it hit him hard. Dread washed over him as he felt as though a bullet had just pierced right through and out of his heart. As he held Liz in his arms, as he stroked her bloodless cheeks, as he kissed her now-chilly forehead, as he whispered, "I love you", reality struck him -
- Liz … is … dead … Liz is dead … My Liz … is really dead …
Tears of grief and sorrow trickled down his stricken face. He'd failed her. And now she was gone … forever.
He made a decision that he knew would not be approved. He lifted Liz's limp form and stood up. Slowly - but surely - he stepped forward, and then went further. At first, the water splashed against his shoes. Soon, the water was up to his knees.
And he continued to venture forward towards the golden sun as it came down in the horizon, sending the last shades of red and yellow across the sky.
*
And when the sun had set completely - when the celestial jewels began to scatter across the velvety blackness of the sky - Maxwell Evans and Elizabeth Parker were gone. Forever … and ever … and ever …
I was overjoyed when Liz changed her prospect of life and decided to take a step forward.
But now … now she's just so distraught again, and … and I just feel …
Well, what I mean is - why should she suffer anymore? I know - it's not 'right' to 'want' her to die. But the thing is that her life now is just prolonging her pain and suffering. It's not fair for her.
I don't know … I really don't know … From now onwards, whatever her decision - whichever road she wishes to follow - I will be right behind her.
Or right next to her.
*
Max watched Liz sleeping not-so-peacefully. He glanced at Mr. Parker. The poor man's eyes were shadowed with worry and grief. Max assumed that, like himself, Mr. Parker had been going through troubled, sleepless nights.
Out of the blue - completely unexpectedly - Liz awoke. Her eyelids shot wide open, and she began to plead, "Max, please … please take me … out of here … "
"What did you say?" Max asked, not quite sure that he'd heard what he'd just heard.
"I don't want to be in this hospital - I … I wish … I wish to be far from it. Anywhere but here … "
"But Liz, you can't leave the hospital. What if something happens?" Had Liz suddenly seen something? Did she feel as though something was about to happen?
Liz shook her head stubbornly. "I … I am going to die anyway. Please … please, Max, please … please don't let … don't make me die in here … "
"Liz, don't talk like that!" Max begged, running his fingers through her raven hair. "You aren't going to die." He tried as much to convince her as to convince himself.
Mrs. Parker came to her daughter's side, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, while Mr. Parker said (in a somewhat fearful tone), "Honey, everything is going to be all right."
Liz just looked up at him, a torn expression on her lovely face.
*
It was strange. She'd just had a dream - or more of a little glimpse at death - and somehow - for some bizarre reason - she knew that this was it … that she was going to leave the mortal world.
"No, it's not, Dad. I am … I … I know what's going on. I know … that I'm dying."
Max could not say anything more. Neither could her parents.
"I want to be alone … with Max … somewhere else … "
Mrs. Parker shook her head, cupping her hand over her mouth, sobbing. "No, honey. I can't … I can't bear to be away from you, dear. Not now … "
Liz knew that she was being selfish - but she wanted to be with Max … to die in his arms. It was impossible for anyone else to understand … it was just so hard to explain, and Liz simply didn't have the strength to do it. Nor did she have the 'time'.
Mr. Parker, on the other hand, smiled warmly at his daughter. Will he not allow his daughter to be granted her dying wish? Liz thought. He pulled his wife aside, discussing with her in a hushed tone. Mrs. Parker was in tears, but finally agreed.
Time is running out.
Although Mr. and Mrs. Parker were sure - or at least, almost sure - that she was going to return, Liz knew that she wasn't. She exchanged hugs and kisses with her friends and her parents, and Liz silently said goodbye.
But she wanted to spend her last few moments alive with the young man whom she loved - to make up for all the time-loss … to mend the broken pieces of their fragile hearts.
She wept at the thought that she'd never see her parents - and friends - again. The doctor was one hundred percent against her request, but Liz stood her ground, saying firmly, "It is my choice."
As Max placed her gingerly in the front passenger seat of his Jeep - Ah … his lovely Jeep, Liz thought - he asked her, "Where do you want to go?"
"Someplace quiet … someplace calm … someplace peaceful … anywhere with you … "
*
If that was her last wish before she died, he wanted to grant her that wish.
After a very long drive - which Liz seemed to be able to withstand - he parked the Jeep and stepped outside, hurrying to help Liz out. He carried her to the beach, and then set her down on the warm sand. He draped his arm around her shoulders, offering some comfort and support. She leaned against him willingly.
"I never knew the meaning of the word 'love' until I met you," Liz whispered, her eyes closed in a blissful smile.
"That day at The Crashdown, when you were nearly killed - "
" - and you risked your life to save me … "
Yes, Max remembered that day only too well. Two men had been fighting over what he thought must have been a drug deal or something of the sort. The bigger of the burly guys had removed a pistol, and they'd fought for control over it. Max had just emerged from the gents, standing just a few feet away from Liz. A sudden gunshot had rung out, and Max had instinctively thrown himself in front of Liz, shielding her from the speeding bullet. It had missed them by inches as they'd gone tumbling to the ground. The memory was still vivid and fresh in his mind.
"You risked your life to save me - more than once," Liz said, appreciation and wonder and love in her voice.
"Ssh … " Max whispered, burying his face in her soft hair.
*
Together, they gazed into the horizon. The red-orange sun began to lower itself slowly. Streaks of gold and crimson stretched across the sky like the Sun God's magnificent chariots of blazing fire. The ocean scent wafted up to them - cool and fresh air embraced them. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, peace filled their hearts.
"Isn't … this … beautiful?" Liz marvelled, though she was getting weaker.
Max had the urge to bring her back to the hospital, but she was more contented than she'd been in ages. He couldn't just tear her away from all of this - this was what she wanted. This was her desire - and he wanted to fulfil that for her … this one last wish.
Max gently stroked her cheek. "Mmm … but you're just so much more."
Liz smiled, gazing up at him with eyes full of passion. She gripped his hand, wincing a little, but continued to look adoringly into his chocolate-brown eyes. Max placed his free hand on her cheek. "Are you all right?"
*
"Are you all right?" he asked.
Oh God …
Her heart began to beat wildly, and she was almost certain that it was about to explode. She held on to him tightly, feeling herself slip away, being swept by darkness. She focused on the faint outlines of Max's handsome - but also haggard - face.
Just like in her dream, pain coursed through her body. But this is different from that horrid nightmare, Liz thought to herself.
She was in Max's embrace, on a beach that was quite far from home, watching the sunset. Death didn't scare her now. Despite all the agonising pain - that had been built up day after day after day - Liz considered herself the luckiest girl on earth. She took one last look at the setting sun, and then turned to face him, gazing deep into his eyes.
She drew one last, quivery breath, breathing her final words, "I … love … you … Max … " Her head lolled against his chest.
The sound of Max anxiously calling her name grew more and more distant - more and more vague - until it finally faded away. She fell into an abyss, never to open her eyes again - never to awake … ever …
*
Max sobbed and sobbed, repeatedly calling her name out in distress. His anguished cries echoed amidst the already-deafening silence. He rested his cheek against hers, gripping her hand, willing her to live. He held on desperately to whatever hope there was left.
But realisation hit him - and it hit him hard. Dread washed over him as he felt as though a bullet had just pierced right through and out of his heart. As he held Liz in his arms, as he stroked her bloodless cheeks, as he kissed her now-chilly forehead, as he whispered, "I love you", reality struck him -
- Liz … is … dead … Liz is dead … My Liz … is really dead …
Tears of grief and sorrow trickled down his stricken face. He'd failed her. And now she was gone … forever.
He made a decision that he knew would not be approved. He lifted Liz's limp form and stood up. Slowly - but surely - he stepped forward, and then went further. At first, the water splashed against his shoes. Soon, the water was up to his knees.
And he continued to venture forward towards the golden sun as it came down in the horizon, sending the last shades of red and yellow across the sky.
*
And when the sun had set completely - when the celestial jewels began to scatter across the velvety blackness of the sky - Maxwell Evans and Elizabeth Parker were gone. Forever … and ever … and ever …
EPILOGUE
After an endless search for the young couple, their bodies had finally been found washed up on the shore. All grieved the loss of the two young individuals. They were missed dearly by Jeff and Nancy Parker, Phillip and Diane Evans, Isabel, Maria, Michael, Alex, Kyle, Jim Valenti … and many others. It had been difficult for everyone to accept the fact that they were dead - but they were.
Tess and Thomas (as well as the other three, identified as Roger, Carl, and Sam) had been sentenced to life in prison - which, to Liz's friends and family, was too light a charge. Our dear Tess was - of course - a disgrace and shame to the well-known and rich Harding family.
Isabel and Alex were later married, and had a son, Jeremy (who was very much like the uncle he'd never known). Maria and Michael, too, got together and became proud parents to two lovely girls, Ana and Beatrice. Much to Maria and Kyle's discomfort, the two had later become stepsiblings. And Kyle? Kyle never married - instead, he remained faithful to the Buddha, following the teachings and seeking nirvana.
It wasn't that easy, however, for Jeff and Nancy Parker. They'd lost their only child. They never had the chance to become grandparents, and grew old alone; living lives so lonely and empty. The only comfort was the frequent visits from Isabel and the rest, who were as concerned about the couple as Liz would have been.
But one thing was for certain - Isabel and the rest never forgot Max and Liz, their memories of them always vivid in their minds. Emotions swept over them every time they remembered their lost friends - more often than not, a stray tear or two would come to their eyes.
Liz died in his arms. Max died for Liz. It was a love that was truly meant to be - for eternity, forever. They were finally together; after all that they'd gone through, they were finally together.
It was destiny that had united the two. Yes, it was indeed. Well, you can say that destiny has its own ways and means of fulfilment.
They died - that's true. But they had died together - and together, they lived on. So what if they'd reached a dead end? They'd reached it together.
At that very same beach, when the sun sets in the horizon, you can still hear them exchanging words of undying love … you can still see them moving away, towards that bright golden sun that had witnessed it all …
When you hear this … when you see this … it is then that you will understand the true meaning of love.
For Max and Liz, it didn't end on that day, when they'd watched the last sunset together. No. It was then that it all began.
THE END
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's all! Thank you all for reading, hope you enjoyed it, sorry if I suck at writing
Keep a look out for my other stories. 
---Nicole
After an endless search for the young couple, their bodies had finally been found washed up on the shore. All grieved the loss of the two young individuals. They were missed dearly by Jeff and Nancy Parker, Phillip and Diane Evans, Isabel, Maria, Michael, Alex, Kyle, Jim Valenti … and many others. It had been difficult for everyone to accept the fact that they were dead - but they were.
Tess and Thomas (as well as the other three, identified as Roger, Carl, and Sam) had been sentenced to life in prison - which, to Liz's friends and family, was too light a charge. Our dear Tess was - of course - a disgrace and shame to the well-known and rich Harding family.
Isabel and Alex were later married, and had a son, Jeremy (who was very much like the uncle he'd never known). Maria and Michael, too, got together and became proud parents to two lovely girls, Ana and Beatrice. Much to Maria and Kyle's discomfort, the two had later become stepsiblings. And Kyle? Kyle never married - instead, he remained faithful to the Buddha, following the teachings and seeking nirvana.
It wasn't that easy, however, for Jeff and Nancy Parker. They'd lost their only child. They never had the chance to become grandparents, and grew old alone; living lives so lonely and empty. The only comfort was the frequent visits from Isabel and the rest, who were as concerned about the couple as Liz would have been.
But one thing was for certain - Isabel and the rest never forgot Max and Liz, their memories of them always vivid in their minds. Emotions swept over them every time they remembered their lost friends - more often than not, a stray tear or two would come to their eyes.
Liz died in his arms. Max died for Liz. It was a love that was truly meant to be - for eternity, forever. They were finally together; after all that they'd gone through, they were finally together.
It was destiny that had united the two. Yes, it was indeed. Well, you can say that destiny has its own ways and means of fulfilment.
They died - that's true. But they had died together - and together, they lived on. So what if they'd reached a dead end? They'd reached it together.
At that very same beach, when the sun sets in the horizon, you can still hear them exchanging words of undying love … you can still see them moving away, towards that bright golden sun that had witnessed it all …
When you hear this … when you see this … it is then that you will understand the true meaning of love.
For Max and Liz, it didn't end on that day, when they'd watched the last sunset together. No. It was then that it all began.
THE END
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's all! Thank you all for reading, hope you enjoyed it, sorry if I suck at writing
Keep a look out for my other stories. ---Nicole