Into the Lion's Den (AI, CC / Teen) (Complete)

[StargazerUK]

Winner - Round 6



Winner - Round 5





Best Stargazer Fic

Into the Lion’s Den.

Author: StargazerUK.

Email: david.meade@virgin.net

Category: C/C.

Rating: Teen

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these Roswell characters, I have borrowed them.( If I did Alex & Isabel would be living happily ever after. )

Author's Note: This is only a bit of fun and I have no idea how long it will last, could be five chapters or it could be fifteen.

This story is set after Blood Brothers, around the time of Heatwave. Liz and Maria are still keeping the alien secret from Alex, risking their long standing friendship. Something happens to make things more complicated.
I’m not sure how closely I will stick to the shows events, we’ll have to see where my mood takes me. I hope you enjoy it.


Chapter 1

Alex sat at the front of his science class. It was a strange experience being in this class without Maria sitting beside him but as the girls had moved on and found new friends it was something he would simply have to get used to.

He was finding it difficult to concentrate as he couldn’t stop the constant urge to glance round to see what his ex-gal pals were up to. Every time he looked over his left shoulder he could see Liz Parker staring back at him. He knew it was hurting both of his best friends, the fact that they were no longer close, but if they wanted to keep secrets from him that was all well and good but he wouldn’t be lied to.

If he turned to look over his other shoulder he would see Maria gazing back at him from the bench that, until recently, they had shared. There were so many things telling him that whatever was going on with Liz, Maria and their new group of friends was seriously wrong but none was more telling than how Maria was acting towards him.

In the past if he had done something to upset either girl Maria would grab him by the scruff of his neck and give him a good talking to. Even on the very rare occasions when it was one of the girls who had upset him Maria would still find some physically menacing way of sorting things out and getting everyone back talking…but not this time.

The only time Alex could ever get the better of Maria was if she was really feeling guilty about something. In the eight grade Maria had smashed Alex’s favourite Star Trek model in a fit of temper. It had been nearly two weeks after that incident that Alex had managed to Maria to talk to him again and it was only with the help of Liz that he managed to convince Maria that he knew she didn’t really want to upset him and that he forgave her.

When your best friends can’t look you in the eye you know something is desperately wrong.

Even with the benefit of several days worth of contemplation he still wasn’t coming up with anything other than a drug problem and up until recently that was something he would never have believed Liz and Maria could ever be involved in.

If you suddenly receive a call from your best friends, ordering you to the hospital you know something is wrong. When your friends then grab you upon your arrival and take a blood sample from you before telling you to go away, without an explanation, you have moved on from just normal trouble to the illegal variety.

This was Liz and Maria he was thinking about. Up until recently they wouldn’t have said boo to a goose but now they were mixed up in who knows what and it now seemed they weren’t above breaking the law. They had gone from the girls in ‘Little house on the Prairie’ to ‘Thelma and Louise’ in a very short space of time.

Even when Alex turned his attention to the other members of their new gang he wasn’t getting any help. Max Evans was as straight laced and publicity shy as they came and yet he seemed to be the ring leader. Liz seemed to be forgetting about Kyle Valenti and was falling for Max in a big way.

Michael Guerin? Well he was odd but nothing more than that. He wasn’t at school enough to be able to form a coherent opinion about him but even with his antisocial behaviour it still didn’t conclusively point to drugs.

As for Isabel Evans...Alex couldn’t help but let out a sigh. He then silently admonished himself for being so whipped. Sure she was gorgeous and sure she was popular but she was Max Evans’ sister and she was as involved as the rest in their brain washing of Liz and Maria.

If Alex had heard Maria telling him he was like a puppy running round after Isabel Evans once he had heard it a thousand times. Now, all of a sudden, she was good enough to be socialising with and he was no longer a close enough friend to even be seen with his best friends let alone let in on their little secret, whatever it is.

Suddenly a knock on the classroom door bumped Alex out of his mental musings. Alex glanced over his shoulder and was surprised to see sheriff Valenti standing in the doorway with his customary mirrored sunglasses on. “Is it possible for me to speak to Alex Whitman?”

Alex whipped his head round to look at Liz and the look of concern and horror that was spread on not only Liz’s face but Max’s as well did nothing to calm his nerves. The sheriff must think he knew something about what had been going on and by the looks on his former friends’ faces they were worried about what he might tell the police despite Alex knowing he knew nothing of any interest to the sheriff.

“We’re in the middle of class sheriff, can this not wait until after school?” Mr Seligman asked resolutely.

“I need to speak to Mr Whitman urgently and it can’t wait until after class. I’m sorry.” Valenti replied firmly.

“Gather your things Mr Whitman.” Mr Seligman instructed. “I’ll give your homework assignment to Miss Parker or Miss Deluca and they can pass it on.”

Alex slung his backpack over his shoulder and made a point of glancing at Liz and then Maria before looking back at his teacher. “I’ll grab it from Peter if that’s OK Mr Seligman.”

Mr Seligman arched an eyebrow at that unexpected comment but his was not to reason why. “Fair enough Mr Whitman, I’ll give your assignment to Mr Johnson and you can collect it from him.”

All eyes were on Alex as he made his way out of the room with sheriff Valenti waiting for him. Of all the eyes that followed none held more interest than those of Max, Liz and Maria. Once the class had settled down after the disruption the three simply exchanged silent looks.

The remainder of the class seemed to move in slow motion. It took an eternity for the hands on the clock to move round to 3:15pm but finally the end bell rang.

“Don’t forget to read chapters 5, 6 and 7 for next time and Mr Johnson be sure to give Mr Whitman his assignment.” Mr Seligman called as his pupils rushed to get out of his class and out of the school.

The instant the three friends had found a secluded spot the questions started.

“What could the sheriff want Alex for?” Maria asked nervously.

“Well Alex doesn’t know anything so I don’t think we should panic.” Liz tried to remain calm.

“Well if you think changing a blood sample at the hospital equals Alex not knowing anything then I am sure we will be fine.” Maria snapped back sarcastically.

“I think the best thing is to just act naturally until we know what is going on.” Max said in a steady voice. “We can’t start jumping to conclusions or we’ll never make it through the week let alone the rest of term.”

“Sorry Liz.” Maria said regretfully.

Liz grabbed her friends’ hand. “Don’t be silly. We’re all a little worried.”

“Worried?” Said a stern voice. “Worried about what?”

The three friends looked back to see Isabel and Michael standing behind them. Liz could sense Maria take a small step backwards at the sight of Isabel looking ferociously at them. Liz was almost on the verge of laughing. She had heard a rumour circulating about Isabel Evans and now that she saw the Amazonian form of Max’s sister standing menacingly in front of her she could see where it came from.

“Something amusing Liz?” Isabel barked.

Liz smiled at Isabel, trying to convey an air of confidence. “I was wondering why they are calling you the ice princess but now I see you standing there with your hands on your hips looking all aloof and regal I think I know why.”

Both Max and Michael tried not to laugh.

Isabel glared at Liz but rather than launch into an onslaught at the small girl she turned her attention to Max, choosing to ignore the insignificant child.

“Why are you all so worried?” She repeated her question of a moment earlier.

“Sheriff Valenti interrupted our class and took Alex away.” Max explained. “We’re not sure why and that was why we are worried.”

“I told you things would happen!” Michael spat out. “The instant we told these humans the truth about us it was only ever going to cause problems.”

“Hey!” Maria cried, stepping towards the tall boy. “For your information we have done nothing but help you since we found out and the thing you need to remember is although the sheriff has taken Alex he’s actually the one out of all of us who doesn’t even know your secret so you can back off with your accusations.”

This time it was Max and Isabel who were trying not to laugh. It was apparent to everyone that Maria might have been scared of Isabel but it seemed the lumbering giant that was Michael Guerin no longer held any sway over her.

“We can’t keep talking here.” Max glanced about them. “We’ll start to draw attention to ourselves. Let’s meet back at our house and we can decide what we want to do.”

As no one could come up with a better plan they simply nodded and turned to head off towards the parking lot.

Michael and Isabel climbed into the jeep with Max and Liz joined Maria in her Jetta. Max led the way out of the parking lot onto the main road followed by Maria. Within a few short minutes they were turning into the road on which the Evans family lived when Max slammed on his breaks bring the jeep to a shuddering halt.

Maria hit her breaks to ape Max’s actions and she was all set to get out and unload on the young man for such a dangerous piece of driving when she became aware of something further down the street.

Staring past Max’s jeep Liz and Maria could see the sheriff’s patrol car parked up outside the Evans house.

The three hybrids sat in silence as they continued to take in the view. Initially all three had the instinct to run but as the scene slowly unfolded it was becoming clear that whatever was occurring it wasn’t a raid on their house.

“Everyone stay calm.” Max said quietly as he took his foot of the break and started the car towards his house.

With Max seemingly happy to just pull up outside his house despite the presence of the sheriff Maria simply followed suit.

As the friends climbed out of their cars they suddenly realised that Alex was standing in the front garden of the Evans house talking to Diane Evans. Finally Philip Evans stepped out of the open front door quickly followed by sheriff Valenti.

The friends all gave a collective in take of breath as the two men exchanged handshakes. Valenti then walked towards Alex and Diane Evans. After a few unheard words to Alex he tipped his hat to Diane and turned to leave. He gave a smile to the friends that had gathered further down the path before getting in his car and driving off.

It was only now that Max felt his heart, which had been pounding in his chest the whole time, return to a normal rhythm.

“Hey kids.” Philip Evans called. “I’m glad you’re here I need to have a word with you.”

The five friends approached tentatively. It was only when they reached the two parents and Alex that they noticed a large duffle bag sitting at Alex’s feet.

“Kids, I’m sure they won’t mind me telling you that the Whitman’s have had a bit of bad news which means we are going to help out.” Philip Evans began. “It seems Alex’s grandmother has been taken seriously ill and understandably Alex’s mother wants to go and attend to her needs.”

“Unfortunately as Alex’s mom doesn’t drive it makes it difficult for her to get about to look after both her mother, who will be in hospital for a few weeks, and her father who is also elderly and unable to look after himself at home.” Philip continued. “As it would mean taking Alex out of school for several weeks, maybe more, they rang a few friends to ask if we could help out.”

Philip Evans stepped back to place a comforting hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Now the Parkers were only too happy to help out but they don’t have a lot of room. The same goes for you and your mother Maria so Diane and I offered for Alex to stay with us.”

“You what?” Isabel cried.

“Isabel!” Diane Evans gave her daughter a disapproving look. “Don’t you dare be rude to our guest. The Whitman’s have been good friends to us over the years so just because you are worried this might interrupt your social plans doesn’t give you the right not to make Alex feel welcome.”

Isabel suddenly hung her head, finding her shoes fascinating.

“It might only be for a few days but it also might be for a few weeks.” Philip Evans explained. “But however long it is we want Alex to know he is very welcome.”

“Thank you.” Alex smiled at both Diane and Philip Evans before returning his gaze to the floor.

Liz had never wanted to hug her tall friend so much in her entire life. Not only was she in a constant state of heart break due to having to keep secrets from one of her closest friends but now here he stood like a refugee being sent to the one place he wouldn’t want to be.

“Alex, I’ll show you were you are staying and where to drop you stuff.” Philip Evans picked up Alex’s bag and headed inside, followed by his wife Diane and Alex.

“I can’t believe this.” Isabel moaned. “Could the timing be worse?”

“On the contrary,” Max cut in. “I think the timing couldn’t be better. If we want to know what is going on with Alex and he won’t talk to Liz or Maria if we have him under the same roof as us it makes it easier to keep an eye on him.”

“Are you sure this is a good move Maxwell?” Michael questioned. “He might be a little too close.”

Max smiled. “It’s not like we have anything physical to hide. He can’t look under my bed and find my ‘I’m an alien t-shirt’.” Max joked. “If we want to know what Alex knows and what he is going to tell the sheriff I think this is a good thing.”


“Are you sure you’ll be alright in here Alex?” Diane Evans asked.

“I’ll be fine Mrs Evans, thank you.” Alex smiled.

“Please, call me Diane.”

Once Alex was settled Mrs Evans headed towards the kitchen to start dinner. Alex allowed himself to drop onto the couch in the den that would be his bed for the next few days if not weeks.

As he surveyed the room he allowed himself a little smile. If he wanted to know what exactly was going on with Max Evans and his friends there was no better place for him to find out than in their very own home.

Suddenly a thought hit Alex that came from nowhere…he was sharing a house with Isabel Evans. He was truly sorry for his grandparent’s poor health but the thought of seeing Isabel each morning before school and then every evening after school was almost more than he could take. He could hardly contain his glee.

A knock at the door brought Alex crashing back down to earth. “Come in.”

Alex’s heart started to race as the figure of Isabel Evans stood in the doorway. “I just wanted to get a few things straight while you are staying here.”

“OK.” Alex smiled as he stood up.

“You don’t talk to me, you don’t look at me.” Isabel said sternly. “You may be a little friend of Liz and Maria’s but they aren’t my friends and neither are you. If you see me in the hallway at school you are to just pass me by like we have never met, do you understand me?”

“Whatever.” Alex replied nonchalantly before ignoring Isabel and picking up a magazine after he had sat back down.

“What?” Isabel blinked uncontrollably, that wasn’t the effect she was looking for. “Did you hear what I said?”

Alex sighed and dropped the magazine into his lap. “I heard you but it isn’t anything I haven’t seen you do at school before but there’s only me and you here so I don’t know who you are trying to impress.”

Isabel was visibly shaking with rage. She took a couple of steps into the room to make sure she held Alex’s attention. “Who are you to come into my house and start giving me attitude?”

Alex stood up and turned to Isabel. They were both surprised when Isabel took a step back, suddenly she was weary of Alex. “Look…I didn’t ask for this, it’s not exactly my first choice for a place to stay but as my parents don’t want me missing school and your parents were kind enough to offer I will do my best to get through the next few days or weeks with as little hassle as possible.” Alex took a step towards Isabel causing her to take another step back. “I was sitting here, minding my own business when you obviously felt the need to let me know whose boss. The thing I don’t understand is we both know I wouldn’t have said anything to you at school. We move in different circles and we don’t have any classes together so I am wondering why you came in here?”

Isabel suddenly blushed. She was blushing? She never blushed. She tried to think of something to say in return but nothing came to mind, she had gone completely blank.

“Is it too hot in here Isabel?” Alex went in for the kill. “Shall I get you a glass of water? You look flustered.”

Isabel turned and headed out the open doorway, slamming the door behind her. Alex dropped himself back on the couch, suddenly he was the one lost for words and he realised he must have been holding his breath during his argument with Isabel as he was now gasping to refill his lungs.

‘Oh my god!’ He thought. ‘I’ve just had an argument with Isabel Evans and I think I won. What’s more is she blushed, she definitely blushed.’ Alex relaxed back into the chair. ‘This might be fun after all.’



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 2


A few moments after Isabel’s dramatic exit another knock was heard at the door. “Come in.” Alex called, standing up.

The door slowly opened and Max Evans appeared in the doorway. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“No…Not at all.” Alex eyed Max suspiciously.

“Can I come in for a minute?” Max questioned. “For a quick word.”

“You’re welcome to come in.” Alex gestured towards the couch. “But just so you know Isabel has already given me the ‘You’re to stay out of my way’ speech and I told her I will do my best to steer clear of her and make this as easy as possible on all of us.”

Max smiled as he sat down. “I think you did more then that.”

Alex frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

It was all he could do to stop himself laughing. “My sister tries to give an appearance of being aloof and uninterested in other people but I can tell you that it is only a front. Having seen her storming out of here, red faced and mumbling under her breath I think you might have gotten through to her.”

“Look Max it wasn’t my fault.” Alex said defensively. “I was sitting here minding my own business when she stormed in and proceeded to tell me to leave her alone, which confused me no end. I don’t know what she told you but I wasn’t rude and I was only standing up for myself…”

Alex trailed off as he saw the look on Max’s face. “You misunderstand Alex. Firstly my sister is more than capable of standing up for herself, she doesn’t need my help on that front. Secondly what I actually said was ‘You got through to her’. My sister is a very complicated person and she normally assumes the worst and starts out on the defensive. When I just saw her on the stairs she was really pissed at you but the fact that she was also blushing means you more than made her angry, you got through to her. Trust me when I tell you that rarely, if ever, happens.”

“OK.” Alex nodded. “Now that we have that sorted what is it you want? I’m not being rude Max but we both know what is going on with you, Liz and Maria…well in fact we don’t.” Alex corrected himself. “Which is the crux of the matter but I guess you didn’t just come in here to say welcome, if you did I will apologise for jumping the gun.”

Max smiled softly and allowed his head to hang. “I wish I had just come in here to say hello and to make you welcome but you’re right there is something else I want to discuss.”

“Well if you are going to tell me what is going on with you and the girls then fire away but if you have come to inform me that you want to tell me what is going on but you can’t you can save your breath, I’ve heard it all from Liz & Maria and with all due respect if they can’t change my mind I know you certainly can’t.” Alex finished resolutely.

Max let out a long sigh. “I know you are a good guy Alex. I knew that before I got to befriend Liz and Maria but now I do know them the fact that you are their best friend and you are all they talk about speaks volumes for the type of friend you are. Having said that surely it tells you something if they are both willing to risk your friendship rather than tell you what is going on?”

“Yes it does,” Alex agreed. “It tells me that whatever they are into it is something they can’t control. I know it is you who is telling them to keep quiet and hoping this will all just go away. In case you are under some misapprehension I actually don’t care what you are involved in Max. I hope for your sake that it isn’t drugs or God forbid something worse but what I do care about is Liz and Maria. The fact that you seem to be controlling their actions worries me so much I can’t sleep at night. What sort of friend do you think I would be if I just abandoned them and left them to who knows what? I don’t want to make an enemy out of you Max but my first thought has to be about Liz and Maria’s wellbeing.”

“Well at least we have one thing in common.” Max said ruefully

Alex stepped in front of Max so they were eye to eye. “I’ll ask you one last time Max, for Liz and Maria’s sake, what is going on?”

Max allowed his gaze to fall. “If I could tell you Alex I would.” Alex watched as Max visibly stiffened up and he lifted his gaze to match Alex once again. “It’s for your benefit and theirs that no one knows. You have to believe me when I tell you this was not my choice and if I could change it I would.”

“Then we have nothing more to discuss.” Alex stepped back. “Thanks for checking in on me.”

“No problem.” Max smiled and turned towards the door. “If you need anything just let me know.”

“I will. And Max…” Alex called after his visitor. “If Liz and Maria get hurt or you allow them to get hurt you will have me to answer to.”

Max looked sad as he stared back at his tall guest. “Alex if anything happens to either girl I will have myself to answer to let alone anything you will want to do to me.”






Half an hour later Max came into the kitchen to find Alex helping his mother set the table.

“Oh, Hi Honey.” Diane Evans greeted her son. “Will you go tell Isabel that dinner is ready?”

“Sure.” Max smiled and turned towards the hallway.

Isabel heard a knock at her door. “Go away!” Isabel commanded.

A sudden click and the door swung open drawing Isabel’s attention to her visitor. “I’m sure I locked that door.”

“I think you need to get dad to take a look as it doesn’t seem to lock properly anymore.” Max joked as he came in and sat down on the edge of the bed. “How was your visit with Alex?”

Isabel felt her blood begin to boil. Not just at the memory of her visit to Alex but at the smug look currently sitting on her brothers’ face. “I bet you won’t be so smug when he turns us into Valenti.”

The smile fell from Max’s face. “He’s not going to turn us into anyone but if you keep antagonising him it won’t make things any easier.”

“Oh I see.” Isabel dropped the book she had been reading. “I’m supposed to kiss up to him and make him feel at home.”

“Firstly his name is Alex as you well know.” Max said firmly. “Secondly he hasn’t done anything wrong so I don’t know why you have taken such a dislike to him. Was it something he said?”

Isabel climbed off of her bed and stood looking out her window. “It’s spiralling out of control Max. We’ve spent all these years keeping ourselves to ourselves and now not only do you reveal our secret to Liz Parker, with her in turn telling Maria Deluca, but now we have Alex Whitman under our very own roof.” Isabel turned to look at Max. “Maybe Michael was right. Maybe we do need to leave.”

Max stood up and approached his sister. “If we leave now the sheriff will know something is wrong and come looking for us. All Alex Whitman has done is show a willingness to stand up for his friends and protect them, something I would have thought we of all people could understand and respect.”

Isabel sighed. “It’s just…why did it have to be Alex Whitman?”

Max frowned. “What about Alex Whitman?”

“He looks at me.” Isabel almost whispered her reply.

Max frowned again. “Of course he looks at you. All the boys look at you. It’s why you spend an hour in the bathroom every morning getting ready for school and it’s why you date guys from the football team, to get noticed and be seen.”

“You don’t understand.” Isabel shook her head. “He looks at me, I mean right at me.” Isabel turned towards her brother. “Do you know how long it has been since a guy looked me in the eye when talking to me and not at my chest? I can see Alex looking at me in the quad at lunch or when we walk out into the parking lot but whenever we get close or he has spoken to me about school he looks me right in the eye as though he isn’t interested in anything else.”

Max nodded slowly. “Surely that’s a good thing isn’t it?”

“Well...yes.” Isabel confirmed. “But it’s still something I am not used to.”

A knock at the door caused both siblings to turn and look at Alex who was in the doorway. “I’m sorry but your mom asked me to come up and check on you because she sent Max up here to call you for dinner five minutes ago.”

“How long have you been standing there?” Isabel demanded. “What did you hear?”

Alex shook his head and let out a small laugh. “I think you need to get over yourself.” Alex turned to leave but looked back. “I was only here a split second and I didn’t hear anything. You insult me with your accusations.” Alex turned back and left.

Max watched as his sisters face fell and he could see her ice princess demeanour, that had kicked in at the arrival of Alex, disappear as fast as it had appeared.

“Boy, I don’t claim to understand what it is but whatever you have got you have got it bad.” Max smiled.

“What?” Isabel straightened up. “What are you implying? That I have a thing for Alex Whitman? Because if you are there is nothing further from the truth.”

Max shook his head. “That is not what I said. However what I will say is I haven’t seen a boy make you blush or feel guilty…ever! But in the last hour I have seen Alex make you both blush and feel guilty…you tell me what is going on.”

For the second time in the last hour Isabel was lost for words and it was down to Alex Whitman again. As she was unable to think of a reply or a retort Isabel pushed past her brother and headed on downstairs for dinner.

Isabel pushed her way into the kitchen and found her parents sitting at the table with Alex, waiting to start dinner. As there were normally four of them in the house her parents sat at the ends of the table while she and her brother sat at the sides. Now that Alex was here it meant that on one side of the table there were now two chairs set for dinner. She had to make a decision and fast. Did she want to sit opposite Alex, which would mean she would have to look directly at him or did she want to sit beside him so she wouldn’t have to make eye contact with him? The downside was he might read something into her choice of sitting next to him.

“Isabel, are you alright?” Philip Evans broke into his daughters thoughts.

“I’m fine dad. I just need to get a drink of water.” Isabel grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it at the faucet. As she took a drink she tried to steady herself.

Alex had only been in the house a couple of hours and she was falling apart. It was now apparent she couldn’t even sit at a table anymore without second guessing what Alex would think.

She’d spent many years perfecting the ice princess and it had taken some lanky high school boy two hours to dismantle her and it didn’t even look as if he was trying. Isabel made her decision.

Isabel pulled the chair out from the table and sat down. As she slid herself into the table she heard Max come into the kitchen and pulled up a chair to join them. She watched as her brother sat down beside Alex and started to help himself to chicken.

“Can you pass me the carrots please Isabel?” Alex asked softly.

Isabel was conscious that despite making her decision and sitting down opposite Alex she had avoided eye contact with him. Why was she being so silly? It wasn’t like he was going to bite.

Isabel picked up the carrots and as she passed the bowl over to Alex she looked up and was met by the warmest, most honest eyes she had ever seen. When she let go of the carrots she dropped her gaze to her plate for a moment to collect herself.

‘There you go.’ She thought to herself. ‘Max is right. If your heart skips a beat when you pass a boy some carrots you’ve got it bad…real bad.’



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 3


Alex had retreated to his room after dinner to take stock of what was going on. It had all come as a bit of a shock to hear about his grandmother’s illness and although he completely understood his parents desire to go and make sure everything was alright the fact remained that circumstances beyond his control had thrown him into a surreal position.

Not so long ago his life had been uneventful…even boring, as it always had been. In the last few weeks things had changed. Suddenly there were secrets and lies as well as beautiful women and intrigue.

He wasn’t popular at school but he wasn’t unpopular either. He had friends, good friends who were all important to him and he was pretty sure he could survive without pretty boy looks or a linebacker’s physique as long as he had his wit and charm.

Girls…? Girls had never really been a problem but then again he had never gone looking so he didn’t have a great deal of experience to fallback on. As he had always been such good friends with Liz and Maria he hadn’t wanted or needed anymore female friends. It wasn’t like he turned them away or anything but if any girls were ever to look in his direction they would normally discover either Liz or Maria standing not too far away.

“Oh God!” Alex exclaimed leaning forward on the couch. The realisation hit him that he would have to start talking to girls now that he had lost his two closest companions. He didn’t need to be told how big a part of his life Liz and Maria had always been but now that they were gone he was finding out how big an influence they had been on him and how big a void he would have to fill.

It wasn’t like they had died, God forbid, or moved away. In some respects that made things more difficult. He would never wish ill on his friends and he didn’t want them to ever leave his life but the fact that he had the added torment of seeing Liz and Maria on almost a daily basis made a bad situation excruciatingly worse.

He’d tried talking to them…no luck. He’d tried pleading with them…still no luck. He’d even thought about speaking to an adult, whether it was Mr Parker, Amy Deluca or even the sheriff but what would he say? “They’re keeping a secret from me and they won’t let me be part of their gang!” What was he? Twelve!

The more he thought about it the less progress he made. He could see in both Liz and Maria’s eyes that it was hurting them as much as it was hurting him being apart but if they couldn’t or wouldn’t be honest with him how could he be their true friend? The answer was he couldn’t!

Even having spent several hours in and around the Evans household proved less about his theory that it was all drugs related and more about what a safe and comfortable home life Max and Isabel actually had.

Alex flopped back on the couch, shaking his head. Where had it all gone wrong? It was all going fine until the report that Liz nearly got shot in the Crashdown and then things started to get weird. He’d seen a couple of films and documentaries about people who change after a near death experience but as there was never any proof of a shooting and Liz said she had only spilled ketchup on her apron it was unlikely that incident would have altered his best friend so much.

About the only thing Alex could come up with after all his contemplations over the last few days was it was something that tied them all together, not that he knew what that thing was. He even thought about the possibility that Liz and Maria had joined a cult but that was just stupid. They weren’t acting any different towards him or anyone else and it wasn’t like they ever went anywhere other than work or school so he had soon given up on the cult idea.

The only other minor thing that seemed to be occurring was Liz spending less and less time with Kyle, her boyfriend, and more and more time with Max Evans…not her boyfriend. If Alex was honest it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing because even though Kyle Valenti seemed nice enough he wasn’t the type of guy he could see Liz ending up with. Max on the other hand was a different story entirely.

Alex had seen Max Evans around school and if he was honest he knew him more as Isabel Evans brother rather than just as Max Evans but he had seen him enough to know what sort of guy he was. His best friend was Michael Guerin who, other than having a habit of looking scruffy and not attending classes seemed alright, if a little anti-social.

You could describe them as the odd couple in many ways but then if you didn’t know Liz and Maria as well as Alex knew them you could say the same for them. In the simplest terms they were two sets of friends who had certain things in common, that made them friends, and other things that they didn’t have in common, that made them interesting. Of course Alex was guessing about Max and Michael’s relationship but it looked to be similar to Liz and Maria’s so maybe an educated guess would have been a better description.

The next second the door to the den burst open and Alex leapt to his feet to be confronted by an apparently furious Isabel, if the look on her face was anything to go by.

“How dare you go into my room,” Isabel began. “My parents have made you welcome in our home and the first thing you do is start snooping around my room while I am in the shower!”

It was only now that Alex realised that Isabel was wrapped in a towel and still partially wet. He would never have believed he could miss such an important fact but for the furious onslaught Isabel was currently heaping upon him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Alex stated in his defence. “I’ve been sitting in here since dinner.”

Suddenly Diane Evans appeared in the doorway. “What’s all this shouting about? What’s going on?”

“Alex has been creeping around in my room while I was having a shower.” Isabel explained to her mother.

“I haven’t.” Alex added immediately. “I have been sitting in here all the time.”

“Well if you have been here all of the time why did I see you creeping around outside my door?” Isabel continued. “I saw you and if you didn’t visit me or Max and there is a bathroom down here why would you be upstairs?”

“Firstly, I wasn’t creeping around as you say, I was walking normally. Secondly, your mom asked me to get some bed linen from the upstairs closet.” Alex pointed to the couch. “For my bed.”

Isabel turned to look at her mother to find her nodding in agreement with Alex.

“But…but what about my things?” Isabel stammered. “My diary had been moved and the underwear that was on my bed is gone.”

“That was me.” Diane Evans exclaimed. “I was bringing up your clean washing, as I always do, and I found your diary and your underwear on the bed. The fact that you left your door open, bra and panties on the bed and we have a guest meant I picked them up and put them in your wash basket. I simply picked up your diary and put it on your bed side cabinet.”

Suddenly Isabel hoped the ground would open up and swallow her whole but as she waited nothing happened.

“But I asked Max and he said he hadn’t been into my room and as I had just seen Alex upstairs before I went in to the shower I thought…” Isabel trailed off.

“You thought I went into your room, read your private diary and stole your bra and panties.” Alex finished for her. “Well I guess I know what you think of me.” Alex turned and picked up his jacket.

“Isabel, I think you owe Alex an apology.” Diane Evans stated.

Before Isabel could reply Alex brushed past her, heading for the door. “That’s OK Mrs Evans. I’m just out for a walk. I suddenly need to get some fresh air.”

Both women watched as Alex made his way out into the hall. After a few seconds they heard the front door close as their guest left. Diane looked at her daughter disapprovingly. “If it wasn’t for the fact that we have all been caught out a little by having young Alex arrive on our doorstep you and I would be having a long chat.” Diane Evans rubbed her obviously upset daughters arm in a comforting motion. “I know this new situation has thrown us all out but accusing Alex of snooping in your room and stealing you underwear is a bit much Isabel.”

Isabel’s gaze was still firmly fixed to the floor where it had been since she had seen the look of disappointment on Alex’s face. “I’m sorry mom.” Isabel suddenly leaned herself into her mothers’ arms and started to cry.

“That’s all well and good Isabel but I’m not the one who deserves an apology now am I?” Diane gave her daughter a brief hug before breaking away. “Sit down here a minute.” Diane guided her daughter to the couch. “I’m sure Alex won’t mind us using his bed for a moment.”

The two women sat down and Diane allowed her daughter to compose herself before continuing. “So what’s going on? Is it Alex? Do you like Alex?”

“Mom!” Isabel exclaimed raising her head for the first time since Alex left. “Why would you say that?”

“Mothers know these things.” Diane Evans smiled. “You’ve not been yourself today, ever since Alex arrived and your reaction is not what I would have expected from you Isabel. It’s no big deal for us to put up a polite, well mannered young man for a few days or even a few weeks but you’ve been all stuttering and nervous around him and I’ve never seen you like that before.”

“Well I can assure you it’s nothing to do with Alex.” Isabel stated. “Not romantically anyway.”

“Really?” Diane questioned. “Then I must have been reading the signals wrong.”

Isabel frowned. “Signals? What signals?”

“Well the one thing I know is my daughter.” Diane began. “We both know that if you feel threatened or that someone is getting close you throw up a wall around yourself. Some might even say you can be rude at times but not me.” She reassured her daughter. “Max took great delight in telling me Alex made you blush earlier and I could see the looks the two of you were giving one another.”

“He was looking at me?” Isabel asked in hope and then checked herself. “He wasn’t looking at me.” She said firmly.

“Oh he was,” Diane confirmed. “If you don’t mind me saying it was all rather comical because every time you looked at him he was looking down and every time he looked at you you were looking down so you both kept missing each other.”

“Mom I don’t even really know the guy so why would you think I am keen on him?” Isabel asked softly.

“You don’t really know him?” Diane repeated. “So what do you know about him?”

Isabel shrugged. “I know he is Liz and Maria’s best friend.”

“The girls from earlier?”

Isabel nodded. “He’s one of the brightest kids in school and apparently he’s a wizard with computers.”

“What else?” Diane pressed.

“He’s in a band which is meant to be pretty good. He isn’t one of the cool kids but it seems everyone likes him.” Isabel realised her mom was grinning broadly at her. “What mom? Sound like perfect son-in-law material?”

“Your words not mine Isabel.” Diane joked. “It seems you know a lot more about him than you first thought. Forgive me if I would rather a young man like Alex brings you home at the end of a date rather than some big ape who rides a motorcycle.”

Isabel smiled and sighed at the same time. “Mom I have never been brought home on a motorcycle.”

“Only because it would ruin your hair.”

“Mom!” Isabel exclaimed. “That’s so unfair.”

“I’m only kidding.” Diane smiled. “Feeling better now honey?”

“Much.” Isabel rose to her feet. “I’m just going to get dressed and pop out for a while.”

“Anywhere nice?” Diane asked.

“I’m going to see if I can catch up with Alex.” Isabel allowed her head to fall. “I owe him a big apology and the longer I leave it the harder it will be to make so I had better get on with it.”

“How will you find him?” Diane queried.

“Mom this is Roswell!” Isabel headed towards the hallway followed by her mother. “With his parents away there is only one place for Alex to go…the Crashdown.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 4


Alex pulled open the door to the Crashdown and his fears were confirmed before he had a chance to step inside. Liz and Maria had been standing behind the counter chatting when the bell over the door announced the arrival of a new customer. When they both looked up their first reaction was to smile at the arrival of such a close friend but a split second later it was apparent that the memory of their ongoing dispute kicked in as their smiles soon faded.

Both girls watched as a defeated looking Alex made his way over to a booth and slid in to sit down. The restaurant was quiet so Alex was able to find a secluded spot to secrete himself away from his troubles. It may have seemed an odd place to pick, the Crashdown, considering his fall from grace with his two best girls but aside from hoping that they wouldn’t be working tonight he really didn’t have too many alternatives as to where else to go.

Liz and Maria glanced at each other and without a word passing between them Liz turned to head out from behind the counter while Maria returned her gaze to her crest fallen friend.

“Hi Alex.” Liz smiled warmly.

“Hey.” Alex barely lifted his eyes to meet Liz’s smile.

“What can I get you?” Liz enquired.

“Just an Orange soda, thanks.” Alex continued to stare straight ahead.

Liz replaced her order pad into her apron pocket as she turned to head back to the other side of the counter. Alex couldn’t stop himself from looking at his two friends and found Maria grilling Liz about what had been said.

It came as no surprise to Alex when it was Maria who returned with his drink. Under normal circumstances he would have smiled and joked about what was coming next but as these were anything but normal circumstances he held himself in check.

“One Orange soda, as ordered.” Maria placed the glass in front of Alex.

“Thanks.” Again Alex didn’t look at his friend.

Maria’s next action came as some what of a shock. Alex watched as his friend slid into the seat opposite and set her gaze on him.

Alex let out a sigh. “This situation isn’t of my doing Maria and only you and Liz can change it so don’t sit there and give me the evil eye. Even the threat of violence won’t work this time so save your breath.”

Suddenly Alex felt Liz slid in beside him. He had no intention of backing down on his demands to know what was going on with his girls but that didn’t stop it breaking his heart to have them so near and yet so far from him at one and the same time.

“Alex, this isn’t helping any of us.” Liz began.

“I couldn’t agree more Liz.” Alex nodded while staring at his soda. “So why don’t you tell me what you are up to and everything can go back to normal?”

Out of the corner of his eye Alex could see Liz’s head drop at the sound of his repeated demand. “Alex, we’ve told you before…it isn’t our secret to give up. You know Maria and I would never deliberately keep things from you so you must realise it is out of our hands.”

Alex turned slightly in his seat to face Liz. “And we’re supposed to be friends Liz, best friends and yet you two go off to who knows where and get involved in who knows what and you expect me, as a friend, to just ignore that?”

Alex leaned in close to Liz and lowered his voice. “You tell me what I am supposed to think when the two people I trust most in the world phone me out of the blue, demand I come to the hospital and then they take a blood sample from me.”

While still keeping his voice low Alex moved his gaze to Maria. “You can’t tell me that you weren’t up to something unlawful, which means we could all get into trouble…even getting the sheriff involved.”

Both girls sat silently while watching their friend suffer the pain and distress of being shut out of their lives. “You know what hurts me the most?” Alex looked from one girl to the other. “What hurts me the most is you are choosing people you hardly know over your oldest and closest friend! What am I supposed to feel? How am I supposed to react?”

Maria reached out and took hold of Alex’s hand. “Honey, you know I love you more than anything but you have to know that if we could tell you we would.”

Alex fixed his gaze on Maria. “And you have to know I love you more than anything, that’s why I won’t let this go. I can’t sleep at night and I can barely look myself in the mirror at the moment with what is going on let alone how I will be should anything happen to you, whatever it is you are doing.”

Alex pulled his hand from Maria’s grasp. “Now will you please leave me alone as this is very upsetting and I don’t want to leave here as I don’t have anywhere else to go so can we just drop this?”

Liz and Maria exchanged looks again. “Is there a problem?” Liz asked. “Why don’t you have anywhere else to go?”

“It’s nothing.” Alex shook his head. “Isabel had nothing better to do so she accused me of rifling through her stuff and stealing her panties so I can’t go back to the Evans house at the moment.”

It soon became apparent that both girls were trying to stifle laughter but they both failed. At once both girls burst out laughing while Alex, despite his down trodden state, struggled not to smile.

“You’ve only been there a few hours and Isabel’s already caught you stealing her underwear?” Maria asked as her laughter subsided.

Alex shook his head, regaining his composure. “It was all a misunderstanding. Her mom had moved it from her bed to the washing basket but Isabel added two and two together and came up with seventy-six.”

“But everything’s alright there?” Liz pressed. “Other than a misunderstanding?”

“It’s fine.” Alex nodded. “Mr and Mrs Evans are very nice and Max was kind enough to check in on me but to say there is an under current between us at the moment is a huge understatement.”

“Any news on your grandmother?” Maria asked.

Alex sighed and dropped his head. “We can’t do this.” Alex then lifted his head to look at the two girls. “I know what you are doing and it won’t work.”

“What?” Liz frowned.

“The two of you are trying to act normal so I will forget about what is going on between us but it won’t work. If you don’t want to be honest with me then I can’t be honest with you.” Alex’s face took on a sombre look. “I’ve asked you once, please leave me alone so I can drink my soda.”

Both girls started to slide out of the booth to give Alex his desired space. As they started to walk away Maria suddenly turned and advanced on Alex. As Liz watched in disbelief she saw her friend lean in and punch Alex on the arm, hard. Unlike the usual occasions when Maria showed her love and affection for her best friend with a playful punch on the arm this time there were no histrionics and no words of capitulation from Alex.

“You’re being silly and you’re hurting both Liz and me by doing this.” Without seeing her friends face Liz could tell Maria was about to crying. “And if I have to punch you every day to let you know how silly you are being I will.”

Liz watched as Maria turned and the tears that she suspected now came into view as her friend hurried past her towards the back room. A glance in Alex’s direction gave her a split second view of Alex’s glistening eyes before he dropped his gaze to stare at his glass again.

As she made her way back behind the counter the door bell rang again and Liz looked up to be greeted by the sight of Max, Michael and Isabel coming in and approaching the counter.

The three pod squad members each sat on a stool and looked at the obviously upset waitress. “Everything OK Liz?” Max questioned the petit girl.

“Not really.” Liz looked at Alex one more time before visibly straightened up and returning her attention to the new arrivals. “What can I get you?”

Max glanced to his left and then his right at his two companions before looking back at Liz. “Three cherry cokes please.”

“Fries,” Michael growled.

Max looked at Michael before looking back at Liz. “What I think my friend means is ‘A plate of fries please Liz’. In fact can you make it two portions please?”

“Sure.” Liz smiled and nodded. As she prepared the drinks Liz became aware of two things. Firstly, Maria had returned from the back and had started to check on their other customers, apparently having calmed down. Secondly, something was up with Isabel. She wasn’t her normal self and she couldn’t seem to stop fidgeting. “Everything OK Isabel?”

Isabel was lost in thought and hardly heard Liz’s concerned question. “I’m fine.” She whispered having finally been able to focus her thoughts. “Liz, have you seen Alex?”

That question caused Max and Michael to look at Isabel as well as Liz, who the question had been directed at. Without speaking Liz raised her hand and pointed beyond the seated Isabel at the booth behind. Isabel, Max and Michael all turned to find Alex slumped in the booth behind them. It became obvious that none of the new arrivals had seen Alex when they came in.

Liz couldn’t help but notice that Isabel turned back quickly and lowered her head. It was also apparent that Isabel was blushing…she never blushed!

“What’s up Isabel?” Max asked in a lowered voice so Alex couldn’t hear. “Is it the misunderstanding between you and Alex?”

Isabel raised her head sharply to look at Max but when she spoke she too spoke in hushed tones. “Mom told you? When did she get a chance to tell you?”

Max shook his head. “Mom didn’t tell me. The fact that you were shouting your head off let me know something wasn’t right so I came down to see what was going on.”

“And you eavesdropped?” Isabel questioned

Rather than let Isabel’s accusation annoy him Max waited a moment before replying. “You were shouting so as I came down the stairs I knew you thought Alex had been in your room. By the time I reached the door Alex had left and I just heard mom explaining it was she who tidied your room so when I realised there wasn’t anything really wrong I left…I wasn’t eavesdropping.” Max added at the end.

Isabel lowered her head again. “Sorry.” She whispered. “I’m having a bad day.”

“No worries Iz.” Max placed a hand on his sisters’ shoulder. “We all have them from time to time,” Max turned his gaze to Michael who was stuffing his face with fries. “Some more frequently than others.”

“What?” Michael barely managed to choke out in mid-swallow.

“Nothing,” Max smiled at his large friend. “I was only joking.”

Liz stood dumb struck. She loved how she was getting to see more and more of Max and the fact that he was used to having her around meant he was acting more and more naturally around her. That in-turn meant she got to see the side of Max very few people got to see.

“Penny for them?”

Liz blinked out of her stupor when she realised someone had spoken to her. “What?” She said turning to find Maria at her side.

Maria smiled. “I was asking ‘Penny for you thoughts’ but I think I already know the answer. Both girls turned to see Max still in conversation with Michael.

“Are you sure you are alright Isabel?” Liz pressed, trying to change the subject. “Can I get you anything else?”

“A slice of humble pie” Isabel whispered under her breath.

“Sorry?” Liz took a step forward. “I didn’t quite catch that.”

“I was talking to myself.” Isabel shook her head gently before looking directly at Liz. “I’m fine thank you. I just need to speak to Alex.”

Maria leaned in towards Isabel. “You do know he is sitting behind you.”

Despite her sour mood Isabel had to stop herself from smiling at Maria innocent comment. “Yes I know.” Isabel nodded. “But it doesn’t make what I have to do any easier.”

“That’s simple.” Maria smiled. “Alex maybe unhappy with us at the moment but he is forever the gentleman so I am sure he will listen to anything you have to say.”

“Really?” Isabel tried not to have too much hope in her question.

“Really.” Liz confirmed.

At last, with a hefty sigh, Isabel lifted herself from her seat and turned round to face Alex. She didn’t really know him too well but she had been on such a roller coaster of emotions since he first arrived at her house today it didn’t come as a surprise that her heart went out to the young man as he sat alone with his head lowered, staring at his almost empty glass.

Isabel had a quick flash of confusion as she suddenly couldn’t workout what she was doing or why. Then, just as quick, she had the answers. This boy was different, just like she was different. This boy was loved by those who mattered to him but misunderstood by those who didn’t, just as she was. Finally, and probably most importantly, he looked at her how she had longed to be looked at. He didn’t ogle or judge her. He looked at her with nothing but respect and affection.

She knew he had affected her somehow. She knew he was unlike any boy she had come across before despite the short length of time she had spent in his presence. However, most importantly of all, she knew he had gotten through to her. As much as she hated what Max had said earlier about blushing and feeling guilty the fact remainder he had been right. She did feel like she was going to blush every time she looked at him. She did feel like she would regret casting him aside like so many that had gone before. Most importantly she knew…

“Isabel, are you OK?” Alex cut in on Isabel’s thoughts.

“What?” Isabel stumbled out of her daze. “I’m fine.” She said firmly as her defences went up. “Why would you ask?”

“No reason really,” Alex smiled softly and shrugged his shoulders. “It’s just you were staring at me and now you are blushing.”

“I’m not blushing.” Isabel fired back a little louder than she had planned. “I’m just going to the bathroom.”

Alex frowned. “And you’re taking your drink with you?”

Isabel looked down to see she was holding her half full glass. When she stood up she whole heartedly intended to join Alex in his booth but now that he had caught her staring at him she was all flustered and lost for an explanation.

Still lost for words Isabel let out a shriek and headed off towards the bathroom, glass and all. The two boys and two girls at the counter turned to look at Alex. He simply shrugged.

“What did you do?” Liz asked her erstwhile friend.

“I asked her if she was OK.” Alex said matter-of-factly.

Max and Michael turned back in their seats to face the counter again.

“You’re right.” Michael confirmed while taking a drink from his glass. “She has got it bad.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Hi, I'm not sure this is the right place to pass comment but I just wanted to say a big thank you to anyone who voted for me in the recent awards. My last story, "Love and the Single Woman", won best Stargazer fiction which has pleased me no end, as you probably can imagine. Thanks also for all and any feedback, I really appreciate it. David / StargzerUK



Chapter 5


Isabel splashed water on her face and slowly raised her head to look at herself in the mirror. She hoped the feeling of cold water on her skin might knock her out of her apparent stupor because it was now clear that every time she came within ten feet of Alex Whitman her brain stopped working.

As she patted her face dry with a paper towel she tried to find a cause for her disconcertion but other than the fact that this boy was affecting her she couldn’t be more specific than that.

She’d been able to pick up on a couple of things during the day which gave her some sort of insight into this young man and that probably set the whole feeling flustered thing in motion. If pressed she would have to admit that she found Alex’s loyalty and obvious friendship towards Liz and Maria appealing. Loyalty was what she, Max and Michael held above all other traits. Also the fact that Alex would even sacrifice his own friendship as long as it kept his best friends safe was also a quality to be admired. It was becoming apparent that even if Liz and Maria never spoke to him again he would keep doing what he was doing as long as they remained safe.

Suddenly Isabel found herself blushing at the very thought of Alex. “Oh God!” She growled at herself. It was one thing to fantasize about near naked men with rugged looks and muscular bodies, it was understandable in fact, but to her utter consternation she found herself finding all of the qualities of Liz and Maria’s best friend causing her to flush at any given moment and make her heart have palpitations.

“Grow up.” Isabel scolded herself in the mirror. “You profess to be an Ice Princess and the queen of West Roswell High…Prove it!” She told her reflection. “Pull it together and stop your heart ruling your head. He’s just a boy, an unremarkable boy at that so just get on with it.”

With one swipe of her hand Isabel made sure her makeup was back to its normal immaculate state. She checked her appearance in the mirror and when she liked what she saw she turned to leave the bathroom.


Alex watched as Liz came over and refilled his glass with Orange soda. The former friends barely looked at one another but with a split second glance a copious amount of information was passed between the two.

Liz could see that Alex was losing everything he held dear to him. His parents were temporarily out of town so he was forced to stay with a new, albeit familiar and welcoming family. His two closest friends were keeping a secret from him that was so important that they were willing to risk their friendship. She was also aware that the sheriff was paying more attention than usual to not only her and her new friends but also to Alex.

Alex was aware that this must have been tearing Liz and Maria apart. He could respect that the girls felt the secret wasn’t theirs to give up but where was the common ground? Quite simply the answer was there wasn’t any. Maybe they needed the Wisdom of Solomon to sort this out but as it didn’t look like they were going to get it any time soon they were stuck.

“May I sit down?”

Alex managed to focus his attention and was surprised to find Isabel standing beside his booth asking to sit down.

“Sure.” Alex gestured to the seat opposite where he sat. “But if you are going to tell me to keep away again I have received the message, loud and clear.”

Isabel slid into the seat across from Alex but she was surprised at how hurt she was by his defensive remark. Her comment earlier wasn’t intended to be mean, she simply thought if they were going to be living in the same house for any length of time it would be helpful to set some ground rules.

“I haven’t come to give you any more ultimatums or edicts but while we’re on the subject I’m sorry if you misunderstood what I said to you this afternoon, I was simply looking to get things straight, so we would understand each other.” Isabel said firmly, not quite believing her own words.


“Did Isabel just apologise?” Michael asked in a whisper.

“Be quiet.” Maria hissed at the tall boy. “Or we’ll miss what’s being said.”


Alex and Isabel were so focused on their own conversation that they were unaware that they were being watched and more to the point being listened to by the group of four sitting at the counter. Max and Michael were listening intently while still facing the counter, it being too obvious if they had turned round.

Liz and Maria on the other hand had free reign when it came to spying on Alex and Isabel. Both girls were pretending to wipe the surface of the counter top when in fact they were both looking and listening, with interest, at what was taking place.


“I actually came over here to tell you I am sorry for accusing you of going into my room and taking my underwear.” Isabel couldn’t look Alex in the face as she apologised. “I had no right and more to the point no reason to say such a horrible thing and I wanted to let you know I was wrong.”


Michael went to open his mouth but when he saw Maria glaring back at him he thought better of it.


“I’m sure it can’t be easy having a strange boy thrust into the middle of your private home life but I hope you know, with all due respect, I would much rather be in my own home with my own parents and without my grandparents needing medical attention or home help.” Alex explained while playing with the ice in his drink, also unwilling or unable to make eye contact.

For the second time that evening Isabel’s heart went out to the young man. It wasn’t a surprise to her that her thoughts had only been about how this had affected her and her family. It hadn’t occurred to her about what Alex was going through. It was probably the case that as much as he obviously loved Liz and Maria their friendship had most likely taken a back seat to the absence of his parents and the wellbeing of his grandparents.

“I hardly know Liz and Maria.” Isabel confessed. “I’ve seen them around, much like I have seen you. I think we all know that we move in different circles but having spent some time with them recently I can tell they are nice people and I can see why you are all such close friends.”


Liz and Maria stared at one another in amazement. Was this really Isabel Evans the ‘IT’ girl of West Roswell High showing compassion to poor Alex Whitman?


“I’m sure I’m the last person you would want to hear this from but I can only repeat what I know they have already told you.” Isabel continued. “There isn’t some big conspiracy or any illegal activity going on here, simply a private family matter that we don’t want to be known by everyone and anyone in Roswell. It isn’t so much that we want to keep things from you in particular…we don’t want anyone to know.”

Alex sat and thought about it for a minute before replying. “Can I ask you one question? And if you answer you have to promise to tell the truth.”

Isabel looked at Alex for a moment, aware of what a loaded question the young man had just asked her. What if he asked her something personal or something private? More to the point something she wouldn’t or couldn’t answer? Looking up briefly Isabel decided as little as she knew Alex she already knew he wouldn’t ask her anything too intrusive or too private, for some unknown reason she had already decided she trusted him. Isabel nodded in reply to his question. “I promise.”

“If you were doing something illegal, if you were doing drugs or something else equally as stupid…would you tell me?” Alex set his eyes on the tall girl when he finished his question.

For the first time that day Isabel looked back at Alex, directly into his eyes. She never blushed she never baulked from his gaze. “No…I don’t suppose we would.”

Alex dropped his head for a moment while he thought about what had been said. Finally he raised his gaze and looked to the side to see Liz and Maria both wiping the same piece of counter for about the five hundredth time in the last two minutes.

“OK,” Alex said to no one in particular.

Isabel furrowed her brow as he slid out from the booth. Was he talking to her?

All four at the counter and also Isabel watched as Alex dug around in his pocket for some money and dropped it onto the table. He turned towards the exit and slowly started to head out before he came to a complete stop. With his back still turned he reached up and scratched his head while the group that watched him heard an audible sigh.

Alex turned and fixed his eyes on the two girls standing behind the counter. He took a couple of steps forward to bring him closer to the counter. Meanwhile Isabel slid out from her position in the booth and stood by Max and Michael, never taking her eyes off of Alex.

Finally after much apparent thought Alex spoke. “I’m not really sure why, at the end of all this, I feel like the bad guy.” Both girls went to speak but Alex simply continued. “Believe it or not I don’t actually care what is going on…as strange as that may sound, I really don’t. I was only ever worried about Liz and Maria so when they wouldn’t tell me what was going on my mind natural assumed the worst and nightmares of drug induced binges of sex and unlawful acts have been my constant companion ever since.”

Isabel could feel tears beginning to build in her eyes as she watched this young man who had been having such a strange affect on her all day open his heart with regards his concerns for his friends. As she looked to her side she could see both Liz and Maria were suffering the same effect.

“Now the fact that I have actually met Max and Isabel has gone some way to assuage my fears but the fact remains I still worry about you a great deal so although I have no intention of ever stop caring about you both I think it is only fair to tell you I will stop harassing you over not telling me what is going on.” Alex gave his friends a resolute smile. “I might even have gone too far in some people’s opinion but when it comes to the safety of loved ones can you really go too far? For me the answer would be no”

Alex turned again to leave but looked back over his shoulder. “I’m sorry if I have made anyone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed anyone, it wasn’t my intention.”

As Alex finally moved towards the exit Liz and Maria ran round the counter towards their friend. They stopped when he reached the door. “Alex, will we see you in school tomorrow? We can get things back to normal.” Liz called after her friend.

Alex pushed open the door as Liz spoke but stopped upon hearing her question. Without looking back he called over his shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow Liz but I’m not sure things will ever be the same.” With that Alex stepped through the open doorway and let the door closed behind him.

Maria reached for Liz’s hand. “Liz, what just happened here? Are things going to be alright?”

Liz continued to watch the closed door, squeezing Maria’s hand at the same time. “I think he just told us he won’t push the secret anymore but I also think he just said goodbye.”

“What!” Maria exclaimed. “He can’t do that to us?”

While still holding onto Liz’s hand Maria charged towards the door which Alex had just stepped through. Isabel, Max and Michael looked on in amazement as this sudden drama played out before their very eyes. Both boys turned in their seats to look at Isabel for their lead. Isabel thought for a second but decided to go with what her instincts told her. “I need to know what is going on.” With that Isabel headed towards the door with both boys in tow.


“Alex, get your ass back here right now!” Maria’s unsubtle command brought Alex to a crashing halt. They may not have been on the best of terms at the moment but many years of conditioning were not going to disappear over night. If Maria or Liz called…Alex came running.

Alex turned to look at the two girls. Despite the various emotions he was currently feeling towards his two best friends and the fact that he only had eyes for them he couldn’t fail to notice Isabel, Max and Michael come tumbling out of the diner while trying to look inconspicuous. “Maria, what do you want from me? I gave you what you wanted, I’m not going to hassle you anymore.”

Maria stepped forward from her position beside Liz. “Alex, we never wanted you to stop being our friend, we only wanted you to understand we couldn’t tell you what was going on because it wasn’t our secret to divulge. Liz is better at picking up on these things than I am and she just said you were saying goodbye…were you?”

Alex’s gaze fell to the floor, his look defeated. “Not goodbye so much as we’ll need to see where we go from here.”

“Aren’t you behaving like a drama queen?” Isabel couldn’t believe it when Michael butted into their friends’ private conversation in such a bullish way.

Alex stared at the big young man for a moment before walking past his two petit friends, advancing on him until they stood toe to toe. “I appreciate you may have 30lbs on me and you look like you know how to handle yourself but please don’t let my slender frame or my laidback approach to life confuse you. I’m not a violent man by any means but if you think I am going to be intimidated by your comments or demeanour you are sadly mistaken.” Alex turned slightly and nodded towards Liz and Maria. “I’m here for one reason and one reason only…my friends. Now I don’t know what you are up to and as I mentioned earlier I really don’t care but you had better hope no misfortune befalls those two girls or you will be the first one I come looking for.” Alex leaned in towards Michael. “Is that drama queen enough for you?”

Both Max and Isabel held their breath. No one had ever spoken to Michael like that without ending up flat on their back. Isabel was repeating her silent mantra of ‘Please don’t hit him, Please don’t hit him’ when, to her surprise, Michael took a step back. “If I do anything to you it will only bring the sheriff around, which is probably what you want.”

Both Max and Isabel released their held breath and afford themselves a sigh of relief.

Alex turned to leave but stopped momentarily by his Liz and Maria. “I really hope you know what you are doing.” With that he left.

Maria turned to Liz with tears glistening in her eyes. “What do we do Liz?”

Liz pulled her friend into a hug. “Exactly what Alex would do for us…we fight to get him back.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 6


Alex closed the front door to the Evans house and made his way up the hallway towards his room. As he came into the kitchen he found Diane and Philip Evans sitting at the kitchen table with paper work spread out before them.

“Hi Alex, is everything Ok?” Mrs Evans greeted Alex with a comforting smile.

“Everything’s fine Mrs Evans, thank you for asking.” Alex moved closer to where the two parents were sitting. “I’m sorry if I have kicked you out of your den, forcing you to work in here.”

“Nonsense,” Philip Evans scoffed. “I much prefer working out here as it means I am closer to the food.”

Alex smiled at his host’s attempt at humour. It wasn’t lost on him that they had both done everything they possibly could to make him feel both comfortable and welcome. “I just wanted to say how kind it is of you both to allow me to stay here and that if you need me to do anything for you while I am here I’ll be only too happy to help out.”

“Thanks Alex, we appreciate that.” Diane stood up from her seated position and approached the young man. “And remember it isn’t a problem for us having you stay here. I know the circumstances aren’t the best but you are very welcome and we are happy for you to stay for as long as needed.”

“Thanks.” Alex smiled. “If you don’t mind I’ll head on into my room to read for awhile.”

“Oh…Alex,” Diane called, causing her guest to look back towards her. “I nearly forgot. Your mom called to say they arrived safely and that you grandparents are doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Both your parents were sorry they missed you and said if you want to talk to them you can call them on your father’s cell phone.”

“Thanks for letting me know.” Alex smiled softly. “I’m sure my parents will call if there is any real news so I will leave them for a couple of days so they can get things sorted before I start bothering them.”

“Honey, I’m sure they won’t think you are bothering them if you call.” Diane reassured Alex. “And I hope you know that if you want to talk we are here for you.”

“I do.” Alex nodded. “And I will.”

Diane watched as Alex disappeared towards his room. She retook her seat at the table but continued to gaze after Alex. “I do hope he will be alright.”

Philip looked up from his paperwork to his wife. “He’ll be fine Diane. He’s a good kid and he’s not stupid so I’m sure he understands what is going on.”

As he finished speaking the couple heard the front door close and a moment later they were joined in the kitchen by their rather sombre looking children. “Why so glum?” Philip asked.

Max and Isabel exchanged a look before Max turned to his father. “Nothing really. It’s just been a long day.”

“Is Alex back?” Isabel questioned, not wishing to sound eager.

“He got back a few minutes ago.” Diane confirmed. “Did you see him while you were out?”

“Briefly,” Max nodded. “At the Crashdown.”

“Why didn’t you come home together?” Diane sounded a little curious.

“Just because you have us all living in the same house doesn’t automatically make us all friends.” Isabel said defensively.

“Alex was already at the Crash when we got there.” Max cut in. “And he left just before us. We can’t force ourselves upon him mom.” Max explained.

“Just as long as you are both making every effort to make him feel at home,” Philip insisted. “That boy has been through a lot today.”

“We are.” Isabel stated. “I apologised for my mistake earlier.”

“You did?” Philip asked incredulously. “That’s nice dear.” He quickly added when he realised he shouldn’t have been so shocked when his daughter announced she had apologised to someone.

“I’m off to bed.” Max announced. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“So am I.” Isabel agreed. “See you tomorrow.” Isabel kissed both of her parent’s good night and followed her brother upstairs.

“That was eventful to say the least.” Max said as he sat down on his bed.

“I couldn’t believe it when Alex approached Michael.” Isabel wrapped her arms around herself as she leaned against the door frame of Max’s bedroom. “I felt sure one of them was going to hit the other, which is the last thing we need right now.”

“I know.” Max agreed. “I thought Alex showed great bravery for standing up to Michael and Michael showed great restraint not taking it to heart when Alex invaded his space.”

“What do you think?” Isabel asked tentatively.

“What about?” Max frowned, not understanding the question.

Isabel sighed. “About us telling Alex our secret?”

Max looked at his sister for a moment. “Iz, the whole point of a secret is not to tell anyone.”

“You told Liz and she told Maria.” She shot back.

“I know.” Max said nodding. “But Liz only found out as an off shoot of me saving her life. If I could have saved her without revealing our background I would have.”

Isabel lowered her gaze. “What if I want to tell him?”

Max stood up and took a step towards his sister. “Iz, you can’t. Michael was already on the verge of running away and if you tell anyone else it might push him over the edge and he’ll go, with or without us.”

“But we can trust Alex.” Isabel raised her gaze to look at her brother with pleading eyes.

“You can’t know that Isabel.” Max said resolutely. “I know you will get upset if I mention anything that has gone on between the two of you today but the fact remains that for whatever reason, you feel some sort of connection to Alex.”

Isabel went to protest but her heart wasn’t in it so she allowed Max to continue.

“I haven’t exactly been secretive about how I feel about Liz so I’m not going to lecture you or make light of what is going on with you but the fact that you are drawn to this boy doesn’t automatically mean we can trust him.”

Isabel could tell she wasn’t going to get any further with her brother, certainly not at the moment anyway. “I’ll see you in the morning.” Isabel slowly turned and left.

Max watched as his sister headed towards her own room and her own thoughts. It had been a strange day to say the least but most amazing of all was how he had seen his sister open up to the possibility of how she felt for the young man who had been plunged into their lives. It wasn’t easy saying no to Isabel at the best of times and Max had formed his own opinion when it came to Alex but the fact remained, for the safety of his siblings and of those who already knew their secret they would have to keep Alex in the dark. They simply couldn’t risk it.


Isabel sat on the edge of her bed staring at the contents of one of her shelves. Since she had come back to her room she had showered and changed into her most comfortable, cotton pyjamas while trying to think of anything but the tall young man who was sleeping in a room just downstairs.

Not only was she failing miserably when it came to not thinking about him she had been staring at the shelf that held her high school year book for several minutes now. She wasn’t sure what her exact intentions were when it came to the book but to the best of her knowledge she was going to do one of two things. She was going to get the book simply to look at Alex’s picture, which was lame enough in her own opinion but it was the second idea that was giving her cause for concern. If she did get the book and look at Alex’s picture it was only a short hop, skip and a jump to dream walking him and that thought both frightened her and excited her at one and the same time.

Isabel reached up and pulled the book down from the shelf. She knew she was going to do something so she may as well get on with it. She flicked through the pages until she found what she was looking for. It wasn’t the most flattering of pictures, not that it made him look hideous either, but her thoughts were now drawn to why she had never dream walked him before? The only thing that she could come up with was she didn’t see him as anything out of the ordinary and therefore didn’t warrant a closer inspection.

As she settled herself back into her pillows Isabel thought about what Max would say if he knew she was going to dream walk Alex. With the phrase ‘What Max doesn’t know won’t hurt him’ filtering through her mind Isabel allowed herself to start to drift off. Just as she felt herself go she gently touched the picture of Alex Charles Whitman. A moment later…she was in.




Isabel tried to familiarize herself to her new surroundings as quickly as possible but she was finding it difficult as it was so dark. After a few moments her eyes began to grow accustom to the low light and she started to workout where she was. She realised she was in one of the school hallways, leading towards the gym on the other side of the building.

Thanks to countless dream walks before Isabel knew that she couldn’t be seen or affect anything that took place unless she willed it to happen. Unlike her previous ventures into the dream world this was the first one she felt nervous and intrusive about.

Suddenly, off in the distance, she heard footsteps moving quickly in her direction. Her initial reaction was to turn and hide but once she had reminded herself this wasn’t real and she couldn’t be seen she steeled herself for whatever was about to happen.

As the footsteps grew closer her heart beat faster. In a flash three people came tearing round the end corridor and up the hallway towards her. Initially she couldn’t make anything out but as they came closer clues began to emerge. She could see the two in front were much smaller than the one behind. This simple deduction led her to believe it was two women being chased by a man. What she heard next destroyed her theory. “Keep going.” A familiar male voice called. “I’m right behind you.” They weren’t being chased by the man but driven on.

As the trio reached her position Isabel could see who it was. Liz and Maria came hurtling past her vantage point with Alex in close pursuit. Even in the low light Isabel could see the look of terror on their faces and her first reaction was to alter the dream, removing whatever it was that was scaring them. Then common sense took over and she decided against that action. She had come into Alex’s dream to find out what was going on with him and altering his dream at the first sign of trouble would defeat the object.

Her attention was pulled back to the scene that was unfolding when Alex suddenly stopped in his tracks. Both girls stopped when they realised their companion was no longer hard on their heels.

“Alex, come on!” Liz yelled. “We don’t have time.”

“Go on without me.” Alex cried as he turned back in the direction he had just sprinted from. “I’ll be as quick as I can but we can’t leave them. Go on.” He urged. “I’ll be quicker on my own.”

Isabel watched as the two girls looked at one another before following Alex’s request. Then Isabel realised if she didn’t move fast she would lose Alex. With that she hit the ground running at a pace to track Alex. As she rounded the corner she had seen Alex disappear around she could see his tall figure heading straight for the gym.

Quickening her pace she found she was able to close the gap on Alex until she was only a few strides behind. As they approached the closed gym doors Alex slowed to a stop, dropping his hands to his knees as he bent over trying to catch his breath. As Isabel could control herself in a dream she was able to stand and watch without the need to recover.

Almost immediately it became apparent that Alex was building himself up to do something. With a blood curdling scream Alex suddenly launched himself at the two swing doors that crashed open as the tall young man went thundering through. Just as the swing doors went to close Isabel could see Alex come crashing into a figure dressed all in black, sending them both tumbling to the floor.

A moment later Isabel pushed open one of the doors to find Alex wrestling with another hooded figure while the one he had been fighting with as the doors closed lay lifeless on the floor. With a swift upper cut Alex sent the second figure to the floor, also ending up motionless.

While Isabel tried to take all of this in Alex moved to the side wall to what appeared to be a cupboard, if the sign on the door was anything to go by. Alex turned the key that sat in the lock and stepped back, pulling the door partially open.

Isabel’s jaw dropped open as first the figure of Max and then Michael stepped into view. “Quickly, we need to get out of here. There maybe more of them.” Alex instructed. Alex turned back to the half open door and reached his hand out. “Here…let me help you.”

Isabel didn’t know whether to cry with happiness or slap him up side the head for such sexism with what happened next. As she watched a hand cautiously reach out to take hold of Alex’s extended hand. The figure of dream Isabel stepped into the open with a slight smile on her face.

“We’d better get going.” Michael commanded. “We need to get out of here in case someone called the cops.”

Isabel stood speechless as the three young men and dream Isabel jogged off to no doubt join the other two girls she had seen earlier.




Isabel lurched forward on her bed into a sitting position. Despite her dreams never having affected her before she could feel the sweat on her brow and she was suffering from a shortness of breath as though she had actually taken part in the dream.

After a moment to gather her thoughts she allowed herself to drop back on her pillows once again, this time to figure out what she had just seen.

Alex had explained to them earlier that his imagination had been running away with him and that he had been suffering nightmares with regards Liz and Maria’s safety. It was apparent that things had changed or he had kept something from her because he was now dreaming about her, Max and Michael as well.

For the umpteenth time that day Isabel felt her face blush at the thought of Alex but this one had more of a foundation than those she encountered earlier.

“He came back for us.” She whispered. Gradually a selfish thought entered her mind. One she didn’t feel guilty about having as a smile slowly spread across her face. “He came back for me.”


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 7


Isabel was up bright and early the next morning. She had dreamwalked Alex the night before and even though she hadn’t known what to expect from his dream what she did see certainly wasn’t what she would have imagined.

She had lain awake for quite some time afterwards going over every aspect of the dream. Alex had admitted he was suffering nightmares when it came to Liz and Maria’s safety and it was now clear that he had been true to his word.

Alex had no idea what Liz and Maria were involved in so it seemed his subconscious had seen fit to create a scary situation in familiar surroundings. If it hadn’t been such a trying time in the dream itself with her new friends appearing genuinely scared for their own safety Isabel would have laughed at Alex’s invention of faceless figures dressed all in black and holding Max, Michael and dream Isabel hostage.

Isabel stepped back and looked at herself in the full length mirror. She had always taken great pride in her appearance and it was now the norm to make sure she was immaculately turned out but today was different. While still being unable to admit to her burgeoning feelings for Alex she couldn’t deny he was the one thought that was constantly on her mind and she found she was now not only dressing to impress the masses but also one young man in particular, something she had never done before.

A knock at the door brought Isabel’s musings to a sudden halt. “Yes?”

“May I come in?”

The familiar sound of Alex’s voice came drifting through the closed door. On cue Isabel could feel her skin begin to burn as a flush worked its way up from her neck. “Just one minute.” She called, her voice a little more high pitched than she had intended.

For the second time in recent minutes Isabel stared at herself in the mirror. She was relieved to see the red hue on her face was starting to subside. ‘Make up?...check. Hair?...check. Outfit?...check.’ She was ready. “Come in.”

The door opened a small amount and then, very slowly, opened the whole way. Alex was obviously concerned about catching Isabel unprepared after yesterday’s misunderstanding.

Alex stepped into the room holding a small pile of clothing. He looked over at the object of his unrequited love but as soon as he took in the vision that was Isabel he dropped his gaze, fixing it on some imaginary point on the carpet. “Your mom asked me to check if you were ready for breakfast and to drop these up to you.” Alex took a step forward with Isabel’s clean clothes. “Your mom also said for me to tell you this is the last of your washing and to make sure you put it all away.”

Isabel took the clothing from Alex and just as she went to turn away she felt a sudden wave of mischievousness and confidence wash over her. Slowly she brushed her hand down the pile of clean clothes, apparently looking for something. “You haven’t taken any of my underwear have you?” Isabel asked, with a devilish smile on her lips.

Alex looked up immediately, ready to protest his innocence when he realised that despite the fact that it was totally out of character from what he had seen and heard from Isabel the day before she was having a joke with him. Not in a mean or nasty way but in a friendly and dare he believe…affectionate way? The smile on Isabel’s face was beguiling and it was all he could do not to make a fool of himself by believing she was actually flirting with him.

The realisation of what she had just said in jest suddenly hit Alex like a runaway train as he flushed a furious red. At the same time Isabel almost felt faint as she struggled to stifle her laughter. Both stood silent and motionless as the uncertain moment hung over the two of them like a grey mist.

From nowhere Alex suddenly felt a flash of courage, what did he have to lose? “I doubt your underwear would even fit me, you’re too slim.” He said with a nervous smile.

The slightly awkward stand-off broken Isabel felt herself relax as she realised they were having a moment. “Tried on many pairs of girl’s underwear, have you?” She returned Alex’s smile.

Alex tilted his head slightly towards the ceiling as though deep in thought while calculating a figure. Finally he fixed his gaze back on Isabel and gave her his most innocent of looks. “If I am honest I can’t say I have but there’s still time.”

That comment caused them both to blush.

“Shall we go down to breakfast?” Isabel decided to get out of her room while she was still in control, else she could no longer guarantee Alex’s safety.



They entered the kitchen to find Max and Philip sitting at the kitchen table while Diane was busying herself at the cooker. “You two look happy.” Diane said, commenting on the two youngster’s demeanour.

Neither spoke as they sat down but both smiled contentedly.

“Did you sleep alright Alex?” Philip asked.

Isabel turned her head quickly to focus on Alex’s reply. Would he pass comment on his troubled dreams or would he keep his on going nightmares a secret? Isabel wasn’t surprised when she heard his reply…she was starting to understand Alex.

“I slept soundly thank you Mr Evans.” Alex smiled. “The couch is surprisingly comfortable and I slept right through.”

Diane placed two plates of eggs and bacon in front of Isabel and Alex before sitting down to her own breakfast. “Kids, your father and I will be working late so I have left money on the side for you to order pizza.”

“Pizza?” Philip questioned with a smile. “I didn’t know the Crashdown did pizza.”

“Very funny dad.” Max said sarcastically. “I know what you are hinting at and I am not always at the Crashdown.”

“What do you think Alex?” Philip turned to their guest. “Do you see Max in the Crashdown all of the time? Is there a girl he is not telling us about?”

Both Max and Isabel held their breath as they awaited Alex’s reply.

Alex finished his mouthful of food and smiled. “I think Max is like me Mr Evans, he knows good food when he eats it and they make great food at the Crashdown.”

The siblings released their collectively held breath and sighed in relief. Isabel watched as Alex continued to eat his breakfast in relative silence. He was turning out to be exactly what she had suspected, a good person who was the soul of discretion and who only had other people’s best interests at heart.


As the three youngsters made their way out into the morning sun Isabel watched as Alex split from the two of them and started to head for his car.

“Alex, where are you going?” Isabel’s question caused Max to stop and look at Alex.

Alex frowned. “Erm..I’m going to school.” He nodded towards his car. “I was going to take my car as usual.”

Isabel smiled. “Well isn’t it a little silly the three of us going in two cars? Why don’t you leave your car here and come with us in the jeep?” Isabel turned to look at Max, waiting for his input.

Seeing Isabel’s insistent look Max turned his gaze to Alex. “Yeah Alex, Isabel’s right. It’s silly to take two cars, come with us.”

Alex stood and looked at the two for a minute. Unable to find a reasonable argument to turndown their offer he moved towards the jeep. “Thanks.” He smiled an awkward smile. “I appreciate it.”

Isabel climbed into the back as Alex took his seat beside Max. As Max started the engine and pulled out into the street Isabel couldn’t help but smile and shake her head…’So this was how it was going to be.’ She thought to herself. She hadn’t stopped thinking about him since her dream walk and now she found herself dressing to impress him while taking every opportunity to spend time with him. She had even climbed into the back of the car, allowing Alex to sit in the front. Usually she sat in the back to allow the two macho boys to sit up front but this time it was her choice. It was simple…if she sat in the front she couldn’t look at him as she could from the back, which was the thought that sent her smiling and shaking her head. What was she thinking? She never let a boy affect her like this.

The three sat in a comfortable silence on the short drive to school. As Max pulled the car into the school parking lot Isabel could see Alex visibly tense up in the front seat, it was then that she saw Liz and Maria standing by Maria’s car. Suddenly Isabel felt her heart sink. She was enjoying having Alex around so much that she had forgotten about the problems between Alex and his two best friends.

Max pulled the car into a space a couple down from the Jetta and turned off the engine. Alex was out of the passenger seat in a flash. “Thanks for the lift, I’ll see you later.” And with that he was gone, head held low.

Isabel watched as the two girls came to a halt beside the car as they watched Alex disappear off into the distance towards the school entrance. As Max was climbing out Michael came along from the other side.

“How is he?” Liz asked with concern etched on her face.

“He’s alright…I think.” Max said trying to give any crumb of comfort he could to the girls without lying.

“He blatantly misses the two of you.” Isabel added. “I’m sure he will come around.”

Both girls were slightly taken aback with Isabel’s words of reassurance. It wasn’t the sort of thing Isabel was famed for and it certainly wasn’t what they had seen from her since they had found out about the alien secret.

The five friends headed off towards school and the start of their lessons. It was noticeable that Maria was much more down beat and quiet than Liz as they made their way inside. Both girls were suffering at the thought of Alex being estranged from them but it appeared Liz was better at keeping it under wraps.


Isabel let out a hefty sigh of relief as the lunchtime bell rang to signal the end of morning lessons. She had managed to concentrate for most of her morning studies but she had found that if she let slip in the slightest her thoughts were off and away, thinking about Alex.

All of a sudden the gossip and idle chit chat that Isabel and her so called friends had thrived on in school all seemed so immature and unimportant now. Isabel refused to believe this had anything to do with the way Alex was affecting her but it was another sign that things were changing and fast.

With her bag slung over her shoulder Isabel slowly made her way out into the quad for lunch. She spotted Max, Michael, Liz and Maria already camped out at one of the picnic tables off to one side. As she moved towards them she made a point of looking for Alex and was crest fallen when she found him sitting at a table on the opposite side to where the rest were sitting. It was almost an automatic response to change direction and head towards him but she decided the least she could do was speak to the others first.

“Hi.” Isabel greeted her friends as she dropped her bag onto a seat but she didn’t sit down.

“Hey.” Everyone greeted Isabel in unison. “Aren’t you joining us?” Maria questioned.

Isabel didn’t want to make things obvious but there was no subtle way to find out about Alex without asking outright. “What’s happening with Alex? Have you talked to him?”

“Yes.” Liz nodded. “He was his usual, polite self but he didn’t go out of his way to make conversation.”

“Liz and I both had Math and English with him but he made a point of keeping his distance.” Maria added. “I asked him to join us for lunch but he refused, he said ‘Maybe another time’.”

“Well at least that’s something.” Isabel tried to enthuse as she turned to look at him. She couldn’t help but frown at the solitary figure that sat so faraway. “Why is he on his own? Doesn’t he have anyone else to sit with?”

“Alex has lots of friends.” Liz explained. “But for the last five years or more me, Alex and Maria have eaten lunch together.”

“Well I am not leaving him over there on his own.” Isabel said resolutely. “I’m going to sit with him.”

Max reached up and caught Isabel’s arm, a gentle hold on his determined sister. “Isabel, maybe its better we leave him for now.”

“Yeah Iz.” Michael nodded his agreement. “If the guy wants to be on his own he won’t want you crashing his party.”

“Look at him Michael.” Isabel said firmly as she picked up her bag. “Does he look like he is having a party?” And with that Isabel headed over to where Alex was sat.


Alex had been sitting quietly at his table with all of his concentration being taken up with the monster of a sandwich that he was trying, unsuccessfully, to eat. Mrs Evans had offered to make him lunch but he didn’t want to be any trouble so he told her he would make his own. He then set about making a sandwich that ended up being several layers too thick to eat without the aid of a knife and fork.

“Having trouble?”

A familiar voice caught his ear just as he bit down on the monster that was his sandwich. While hoping the ground would open up and swallow him whole to hide the mustard and mayo that was currently running down his chin Alex glanced to his side to find the one person in the world that, under normal circumstances, he would love to see but with half his lunch running down his chin it was the one time he didn’t want to see her.

“Hi, Isabel.” Alex managed to choke out as he swallowed his mouthful of food while scrambling for a napkin.

“May I sit down?” Isabel enquired.

For the second time in two days Alex found himself in the surreal situation of having Isabel Evans keen to join him as he sat alone. He would have pinched himself to check if he was dreaming but he knew he wasn’t. His dreams had been replaced by nightmares and having Isabel wanting to sit with him was anything but a nightmare.

Despite those feelings Alex felt the need to decline her request. “I’m afraid I am not very good company at the moment Isabel.”

“That makes two of us.” Isabel dropped her bag onto the table and slid into the chair opposite Alex.

Alex could only imagine Isabel’s decision to ignore his polite request for solitude was an attempt at being nice, i.e. to save him from wallowing in self pity but even with that thought it was still too much for him. Wrapping his sandwich up and dropping it into his bag Alex went to leave.

“You’re not leaving me are you?”

Alex was about to politely but firmly brush-off Isabel’s question but when he turned to look at her he was stopped in his tracks. He may have lusted after Isabel for many years and he hadn’t known her very long but the look of hurt and disappointment that greeted him was more than he could stomach and it was something he had only seen Liz and Maria able to do to him in the past when he had truly, if unintentionally, hurt them.

Slumping back into his chair Alex averted his gaze. “You’re not playing fair Isabel. I know you are only being nice but I really need to be on my own. If your mom asks I’ll tell her you have been looking after me.”

Isabel reached over and slapped Alex’s arm. Before she could add her comments to the slap she had given Alex she was stopped by the audible intake of breath that could be heard around the quad. Moving her eyes from Alex Isabel glanced round to find that the two of them were the centre of attention.

She could have understood if she had looked up to see Liz, Maria, Max and Michael looking on but most of the people having lunch in the midday sun seemed to be interested as to why Isabel Evans would be having lunch with Alex Whitman. As she looked around people were starting to look away, unwilling to tempt the wrath of the Ice Princess.

Isabel looked back at Alex, who was still shocked by her slap. “How dare you assume the only reason I am being nice too you is because my mother told me to.”

“I’m sorry. That’s not what I…” Alex tried to cut in but Isabel just continued.

“I’m so mad right now I could just get up and walk away.” At that statement Isabel visibly calmed. “But I won’t. I understand you are going through a lot and it can’t be easy for you with your parents away and Liz & Maria not being your favourite people at the moment but if you ever rubbish my attempts to be nice to you again and put it down to an instruction from my parents you and I will be having words.”

Alex blushed and dropped his head. “I’m sorry.” He repeated. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out. I simply meant I know your parents are worried about me and have been telling you and Max to watch out for me. I didn’t mean to imply you were doing it at gun point.”

“Are you keeping that sandwich for dinner or are you up for sharing?”

Alex whipped his head up to look at Isabel with her sudden change in conversation.

Isabel continued. “I have my own lunch but yours looked more fun.”

Alex reached into his bag and pulled out the monster sandwich and laid it out on a napkin in front of Isabel. “I think I got a bit carried away in the kitchen this morning.”

“Do you think?” She asked jokingly. Isabel picked up what she could of the oversized sandwich and tore it in half, handing one piece back to Alex. “Can I ask you a question?”

Alex accepted the half sandwich and nodded in reply.

“Why the sudden change in attitude?” When Isabel saw Alex frown she elaborated. “You were originally saying you would sacrifice your friendship to know what has been going on but last night at the Crashdown you appeared to have a sudden change of heart.”

“It wasn’t as sudden as it may have appeared.” Alex began. “Simply there is a fine line between being a friend and being a jerk. As Liz and Maria’s best friend I couldn’t just let them get involved in who knows what without making sure they were OK. On the other side of the coin if they are truly my best friends obviously I should trust them, shouldn’t I?”

Isabel nodded, unwilling to interrupt Alex now that she had him talking.

“I don’t really know you, Max or Michael. I obviously know of you and I have seen you around but I don’t know what you are into or your deepest darkest secrets so when Liz and Maria started hanging around with you guys I just thought they had expanded their pool of friends. I have to tell you an urgent call to the hospital and the need to take my blood, no questions asked, puts a different light on things.” Alex wiped his hands and took a sip of his drink. “That’s when I really started to get worried and my imagination was starting to runaway with me but I must confess having been thrust into your lives as I have I can’t say I have seen any sign of anything untoward so last night, in the Crashdown, I realised I should trust Liz and Maria to make the right decision and not to do you and Max a disservice by assuming the worst about you.”

Isabel couldn’t help but smile. “Well obviously I am delighted as I know you are right but if you have come to an understanding with what has gone on why are you keeping your distance from Liz and Maria still?” The smile fell from her lips as she finished the question.

Alex shrugged. “It’s not easy to explain without appearing childish but from my point of view I can’t help feeling they chose you over me. I’ve known them most of my life and I would like to think I have proven to them over the years that I am trust worthy and I only have their best interests at heart but when this came about they simply appeared to abandon me to protect you. It was as though you had some hold over them.” Alex quickly held up his hand. “Not that I think you do have a hold over them but you must admit it was all very strange and rather odd.”

“With all that has gone on,” Alex continued. “We can’t just pick up where we left off. I still love them as though they are my own sisters but I think it will take a little time before we are anywhere near to being back to normal.”

“Well I am sorry to hear that.” Isabel confessed. “I know they love you very much and it is hurting all of you being apart.”

“I know,” Alex nodded. “But I am not stupid and I knew this day would come.”

Isabel frowned. “How do you mean?”

“No matter what happens I will always love Liz and Maria but there was always going to be a time when the two of them got interested in boys and I wouldn’t be the influence on their lives that I once was.” Alex smiled ruefully. “One day Isabel, maybe sooner than you think, you will find someone who will hold sway over you, more than Max or Michael ever could…That special someone.”

Isabel felt her skin begin to blush and she needed a subject change, fast. “Tell me about your nightmares.” She blurted out.

Alex looked at Isabel in a calm but confused manner. “How do you know about my nightmares?”

“You said before that you have been suffering nightmares when it comes to Liz and Maria’s safety plus when I went to get a drink of water from the kitchen last night I heard you callout.” ‘Nice save.’ Isabel thought.

It was Alex’s turn to blush. “God! I didn’t realise I had been calling out in my sleep.”

Isabel quickly tried to reassure Alex. “I only heard it the once and it wasn’t very loud. It might help if you talk about it.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing.” Alex let his head drop.

“I’m sure it isn’t anything too bad Alex.” Isabel smiled. “And I am sure it isn’t as embarrassing as you think.”

Alex lifted his head for a moment to look at Isabel. He couldn’t believe what he was about to divulge. “Keeping in mind what I have already told you from my perspective and the fact that I can’t control my dreams.”

Isabel nodded her encouragement.

“As I don’t know what secret you guys are keeping from me my mind has seen fit to make things up of its own accord.” Alex looked at Isabel again and it became apparent that he was deciding whether or not he was really going to do this. “I repeatedly dream that these faceless figures all dressed in black keep coming to town and kidnapping the five of you.”

“Me, Max and Michael included?” Isabel questioned. The pang of guilt didn’t go unnoticed as she lied to Alex to cover the fact that she had been in his dreams and knew what he was dreaming about and probably why.”

“I know it sounds silly.” Alex shook his head. “Even when I was trying to think of you as the enemy my subconscious obviously knew something I didn’t as I could only ever see you as friends.”

“So why do you think you dreamt of faceless men in black chasing you round the school?” Isabel froze.

Alex’s eyebrows knitted across his forehead as he frowned a deep frown. “How did you know I was being chased around the school?”

Isabel’s mind was working overtime trying to think of a passable cover story. How could she have been so stupid to let slip about her dream walk of Alex? “Well it stands to reason.” Isabel said with an enormous amount of fake confidence. “You said they were coming to town and it only stands to reason that you would end up dreaming about them at school. Where else would a high school pupil dream about in town?”

Alex eyed Isabel suspiciously for a moment and started to blush. “I suppose you are right. I only ever seem to dream about the gym these days but the less said about that the better.”

It was Isabel’s turn to be confused but from the look on Alex’s face he had said all he was going to say.


The bell sounded for the end of lunch break.

“What class do you have next?” Isabel enquired.

Alex stood up, collecting his things. “Music.”

Isabel grabbed her bag. “I’m going that way, I’ll walk with you.”

Alex stopped for a moment. “Won’t you friends mind?”

Isabel glanced over to where Alex was looking to find the group of girls she would normally spend her lunchtime with. The thought of spending any more lunchtimes with them sent a shiver down Isabel’s spine. “They’re not so much friends as acquaintances.”


Liz, Max, Michael and Maria watched as Isabel and Alex headed inside. Max couldn’t believe his sister had ignored her usual cronies and spent the entire lunchtime with Alex, not that he didn’t think it was a vast improvement on those vapid girls she normally hung out with.

As they watched their friends disappear Michael turned back to the group finding Maria dumb struck with what she had just seen. “Close your mouth Deluca.” He ordered. “It’s not very attractive having it hanging open and you might catch flies.”

As the sound of the slap reverberated around the quad the friends made their way inside, unsure of what to make of this new development.



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 8


At the end of school Isabel started to make her way out to the parking lot to wait for the others. She hadn’t made any specific plans with either Max or Alex but the fact that they had all travelled to school together this morning in the one car meant it was a reasonable assumption that they would all be going home the same way.

Before she reached the parking lot itself she became aware of some sort of commotion off to the side of the school entrance. People had started to gather round and even though she couldn’t make anything specific out she began hearing whispers and hushed voices talking about whatever was going on.

Suddenly Isabel felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find the concerned faces of Max and Michael looking beyond her worried expression to the crowd that was gathering.

“What’s going on?” Max questioned.

“I’m not sure.” Isabel said turning to look at the crowd once more. “When I came out people had started to gather by the side door.”

“Maybe we should get out of here.” Michael offered. “We don’t know what is happening so we might be better off being away and clear.”

Unexpectedly Liz and Maria came charging through the growing crowd towards the trio. When they reached their new friends they were both so out of breath that initially they couldn’t speak. Max rested a comforting hand on Liz’s shoulder and even Michael had taken a light hold of Maria’s arm as she bent forward, fighting to catch her breath.

“Take your time Liz.” Max said reassuringly. “Whatever you want to say can wait.”

Liz shook her head, apparently disagreeing with Max’s statement. “Alex!” Liz pointed back towards the school.

Isabel took an involuntary step forward, driven by her concern for Alex. “What about Alex? What’s happening Liz?”

It was Maria who spoke next. “We were coming out of our last class when we saw the Sheriff and Deputy Hanson waiting outside.” She finally stood fully upright having caught her breath. “It turns out they were waiting for Alex.”

“This is not good.” Michael said nervously. “This is really not good.” He repeated.

“It will be alright Michael.” Isabel said with more confidence than she could have believed. “Alex isn’t going to say anything and it will all blow over.”

“All blow over?” Michael went to tear into Isabel but an increase in the hushed tones behind them drew all of their attention to the side door of the school.

As they watched the Sheriff made his way out to his patrol car followed by Deputy Hanson who had a firm grip on Alex’s arm.

“The bastards!”

Everyone turned to look at Isabel in astonishment, unused to hearing that kind of language from the young woman. Michael…yes but not Isabel.

Isabel was not paying any attention to her audience, her eyes never moving from Alex as he was taken to the car. “He hasn’t done anything wrong and they are just trying to intimidate him. They don’t have any need to put him in handcuffs it is all just for the benefit of the crowd.”

The Sheriff watched Hanson place Alex into the back of the car and close the door. He then turned his attention to the crowd, finally fixing his gaze on the five friends that looked on in horror. He slowly moved away from the car and towards where the group were standing. It soon became apparent that they were the object of his interest and it was like a scene from the bible as the sea of faces parted to allow the Sheriff to approach Max, Michael, Isabel, Liz and Maria unhindered.

“I just thought you would like to know that we are taking Mr Whitman in for questioning.” The Sheriffs soulless eyes remained hidden from view behind his customary mirrored glasses. “I know he is staying with you.” He said looking directly at Max and Isabel. “And with his parents out of town I have taken the liberty of contacting your parents to let them know what is happening.”

“But our parents are working late tonight.” Isabel blurted out. It was as much to do with the realisation that their parents weren’t close at hand to help them as much as offering information to the Sheriff.

“I know.” The Sheriff nodded. “Your father is coming back to act as guardian for Mr Whitman and in the meantime I will be keeping him at the jail.

“Why are you doing this?” Liz questioned. “Why are you holding him? He hasn’t done anything wrong.”

The Sheriff turned to look at the petit brunette. Max felt the urge to step in front of Liz, to prevent the Sheriff from trying to intimidate her in the same way that he tried to intimidate everyone else but the firm and self-assured look on Liz’s face made him realise that she was not to be brow beaten.

“Miss Parker.” The Sheriff smiled. “I was unaware that you were up to speed with what has been going on with Alex recently. From what I have heard you have had a little falling out and aren’t the three musketeers you once were.”

“I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you but you have been misinformed.” Liz spoke slowly and deliberately with as much confidence as she could muster. Inside she was shaking in her boots but for Alex’s sake she wasn’t going to give anyone, especially the Sheriff, the satisfaction of knowing how she truly felt. “Alex’s friendship is as strong and as important to both me and Maria as it always has been. When you have finished with Alex we will be waiting to welcome him home…you can count on that.”

With a smug smile the Sheriff turned and retreated to his car. He climbed into the driver’s seat and after checking with Hanson, who was now sitting beside Alex in the back, he pull out of the school grounds and headed for the jail.

The show now over the crowd began to disperse quickly, getting on with their own lives, leaving the five friends silent and motionless.

“We need to get out of here.” Michael said breaking the silence.

“Let’s not panic.” Max said firmly. “We need to think this through.”

Despite Max’s words Maria had taken exception to Michael words. “That’s right…run away!”

Michael frowned at the small young woman. “What? Do you even know what you are talking about?”

“Do you?” Maria advanced on Michael. “Firstly, Alex is the most trustworthy of any of us here. Secondly, I’m not sure if you remember but Alex doesn’t actually know anything to tell the Sheriff.” Maria turned and pointed at Liz. “It’s why our lifelong friendship is in ruins because we are keeping our end of the bargain. Finally, how dare you assume you are the only ones who have anything to lose here. If you run away you will only cast suspicion on yourselves and cause problems for those of us left behind.”

“Have you finished?” Michael questioned. “When you have let me know and I will take the time to remind you that we are the only ones who will end up like lab rats if they find us. You’re not the ones who will be experimented on and dissected, we will.”

“Really?” Maria was now right under Michael’s nose. “That’s funny because I would have thought they would have a great deal of interest in the people who have been associating with you, not least one that was healed after receiving what would have been a fatal bullet wound.” Maria lowered her voice for the last part.

“ENOUGH” Isabel shouted. “You’re both right and you are both wrong but now is not the time for this and nor is this the place. More important than anything you have been arguing about is the fact that this isn’t about us at the moment, it’s about Alex.” Isabel lowered her voice once she was sure she had everyone’s attention. “Maria is right Alex doesn’t know the truth about us but so is Michael, it’s us they’re looking for because of what happened that day in the Crashdown.”

Isabel turned to Liz and Maria and offered a comforting smile. “You guys know Alex better than anyone. I know he doesn’t know the actually secret but do you think he will talk to Valenti?”

“Never.” Maria said resolutely causing Liz to smile at her pal’s absolute trust in their absent friend.

Liz shook her head. “The only reason Alex would ever talk to the Sheriff was if he thought we were in any sort of trouble or danger. I think after last night and lunchtime today it’s safe to say he is no longer worried about you guys having any hold over us, he knows what good people you are.”

Isabel turned to Max and Michael. “I think these guys are right.” Isabel could see the exasperation on Michael’s face so she decided to head it off before he blew his top. “I know you are scared Michael but so am I and so is Max but Alex is a good guy and even if he knew our secret I would never believe he would willingly tell anyone. The fact that he doesn’t know our secret only goes to prove that the Sheriff is clutching at straws.”

All four eyed Isabel questioningly at her last comment. “The Sheriff might be suspicious of us but he has no proof of any wrong doing. He’s seen the five of us hanging round together recently and seen that Liz, Maria and Alex aren’t as close as they once were and he had decided to chance his arm, take a gamble and hope Alex might know something or even better that we might panic and do something stupid. Our dad is going to go into that jail and tear Sheriff Valenti a new one.” Isabel smiled at her renewed confidence. “Alex will be home this evening and we will all be laughing about this by tomorrow.”

“What has he done to you?” Max asked out of nowhere.

“What?” Isabel frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Alex.” Max smiled. “Since this has all started you are a changed woman and you are so much more confident and self-assured.”

“Oh please.” Isabel flicked at her hair, trying anything not to blush at what had been implied. “I hardly know Alex and to say he has had a big effect on me is just plain stupid. The fact that he is in our house means I have gotten to know him better than I ever would have and I simply feel he is a good guy who we can trust.”

Isabel looked at her collected friends and decided now was the time to broach a subject she had been thinking about since last night. “And while we are on the subject I wanted to bring up an idea I have had.” She looked from Max to Michael and then back again, knowing this wasn’t going to go down well. “I want to tell Alex.”

“WHAT?” Michael exploded. “No way.” He turned and took several paces away from the group.

“Isabel,” Max started. “I know you are upset about Alex but we agreed…”

“No Max.” Isabel cut in. “We didn’t agree anything you spoke and we listened. But that was then Max and this is now. I’m telling you Max I know we can trust him.” Isabel turned towards Liz and Maria. “And it’s not like I am the only one who thinks that. Both Liz and Maria know we can trust Alex, better than we do, so I don’t know what the problem is.”

Max went silent for a moment as he thought about what Isabel had asked of him. He was also mindful of Michael as he paced backwards and forwards in the background. “Do you want to do this here and now?” Max glanced towards Liz and Maria. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to be rude to our new friends but do you want to do this in front of them?”

Isabel straightened up, ready to fight her corner. “I have nothing left to hide so I don’t mind doing it now.”

“Fine,” Max said resolutely. “I told you yesterday that for whatever reason you are drawn to Alex. I can see he is a nice guy and no one will be happier for you if Alex makes you happy but we can’t keep telling people, else where will it end?”

“What about Liz and Maria?” Isabel countered. “I know that if you could have saved Liz without her knowing our secret you would have but you couldn’t and now they both know. Has our world fallen in? No. Do we have to leave Roswell? No. I’m telling you that just as Liz and Maria say we can trust him so do I.”

“Why are you so sure?” Max asked as he took a step forward. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Isabel allowed her head to drop. She knew Max would read it as a sign she was hiding something but she couldn’t fight him anymore despite the fact that she wanted to keep her actions a secret. She even noticed that Michael had stopped pacing and had rejoined the group.

“Iz?” Max said softly. “What’s going on?”

Isabel let out a hefty sigh. “I dream walked Alex last night.”

“You what?” Max raised his voice to Isabel causing her to pull herself up to her full height, ready to defend herself and her actions. “Why did you do that?”

“Because I needed to OK?” Isabel retorted. “I am not going to stand here and defend myself to you or anyone else. I did what I had to do for my benefit and no other reason. All you need to know is that what I saw in his dream only confirmed what Liz, Maria and now I already believe. That Alex is honest and trustworthy and we will be better off having him know our secret rather than leaving him out in the cold.”

“And this has nothing to do with your feelings for him?” Max asked this as a genuine question as apposed to an accusation.

“How I feel about Alex is no ones business but mine and Alex’s. I know just as well as you do what is at stake with regards keeping our secret safe and I haven’t taken this decision lightly but with or without you I am telling Alex.” Isabel looked from one brother to the other. “I would much rather have your blessings but either way it is my choice to make, just as you made your choice Max.”

“Let her tell him.”

Max whipped his gaze to meet Michael’s. “What? You want her to tell him?”

Michael shook his head. “No, I don’t want her to tell him but what are our choices? It’s not like we can stop Isabel if she chooses to do this and I think it will be better done as a unanimous agreement as we need to be united and strong now more than ever.”

“This is a sudden change of heart on your part Michael.” Max stated.

“You tell me what else we can do?” Michael nodded towards Isabel. “You tell me how we stop her? You’re the one who is always saying she is the only one more pig headed than I am. If I’m honest the guy hasn’t exactly done anything to give me cause for concern. What he said in the Crashdown last night made a lot of sense.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Michael put his hands in his pockets. “Given the choice I would rather not tell him but if Isabel says she is going to do it no matter what we say I think we should all be behind it.”

Max turned to Isabel. “Well it looks like you’re going to get your own way.”

“Don’t even think about trying to guilt me Max.” Isabel fumed at her brother. “You’ll be wasting your time. If I didn’t think I was right I would never have taken it this far.”

Isabel turned to look at Liz. “Please don’t take what I am about to say the wrong way, I am not trying to be mean.” Isabel looked at Max. “For whatever reason you got to tell Liz our secret, I choose to tell Alex.” Isabel looked at Michael. “And if you want you can tell Maria what you really think about her when you aren’t pretending to be annoyed by her.”

With a smirk on her face Isabel tried to ignore the look of embarrassment on Michael’s face and of shock on Maria’s as she turned towards the parking lot. “I think we need to get home so we can wait for dad to get back, hopefully with Alex.”

The four watched as Isabel triumphantly walked towards the parking lot and the jeep. Not only had the girls not seen anything like it from Isabel since they had gotten to know her but neither had the boys. Things were changing and fast.




Isabel was lying on her bed pretending to read when she heard a gentle tapping on her door. It was just after 11pm and she had been waiting most of the evening to hear news from her father about Alex and when they were coming home.

Her father had originally called them on his cell phone to tell them he was going directly to the jail and he would call when he had more news. He then phoned at 9pm to say having finally arrived at the station and questioned the Sheriff for the reasons behind Alex’s apprehension that it was only a matter of time before they would both be home. That news had allowed both Isabel and Max to relax, knowing the Sheriff was none-the-wiser and that Alex was going to be released. After quick phone calls to Michael, Liz and Maria to let them know Alex was safe and would be home tonight Isabel had retreated to her room to ponder how, exactly, she would tell Alex she was an alien.

Two hours later she was no further along in her preparations for Alex’s return when she heard the knock at the door. “Come in.”

The door opened and the smiling face of Philip Evans appeared. Isabel quickly leapt off of her bed and engulfed her father in a hug. “How is he daddy? Is he OK?”

“He’s fine.” Philip smiled at his daughter’s apparent enthusiasm for Alex’s wellbeing as she released her hold on him. “We got back a short while ago and I have told Alex to go straight to bed as it been a long and exhausting day”

“What did the Sheriff say?”

Philip turned to find Max standing behind him in the doorway to Isabel’s room. “Hello son, he didn’t say very much actually. Just that there had been some strange goings on and he thought that there had been some young men involved.”

“And he suspected Alex?” Isabel asked incredulously. Despite knowing the real reason they held Alex.

“I know.” Philip agreed. “I mean a nice, straight ‘A’ student like Alex gets hauled in and questioned when there are numerous delinquents running around unsupervised. Anyway I just wanted to let you know Alex is fine and hopefully no worse off for the experience. Your mother and I are off to bed, we’ll see you in the morning.”

Having given his daughter a kiss good night and having given his son a comforting pat on the back Philip headed down the hall to his bedroom.

Max eyed Isabel for a moment before he realised what she intended to do. “You’re going to tell him now aren’t you?”

Isabel nodded. “There’s no time like the present. The sooner I tell him the sooner he can mend his friendship with Liz and Maria, which has been the one true casualty out of all of this.”

Isabel smiled softly towards her brother and moved past him in the hallway.

“Iz.” Max called softly causing his sister to turn and look at him. “For what it’s worth I think you are right…we can trust him.”

Isabel’s soft smile became a broad grin. Despite knowing that she stood by her earlier comments the fact remained she would be much happier doing this with the boys blessing, which it seemed she now had. She nodded her appreciation to her brother before continuing her journey down to Alex’s room.

As she came to a halt outside the closed door Isabel could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her pulse racing in her ears. Despite her signs of nervousness she was still convinced this was the right thing to do. As she reached up and knocked on the door she could see her hand shaking slightly.

“Come in.” Came the reply from behind the closed door.

Isabel slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open. The room had minimal lighting and Isabel’s pounding heart was made to beat all the more faster at the sight of Alex lying on the couch with a blanket covering most of his body.

At the sight of Isabel Alex went to sit up but thought better of it as he realised he only had his boxer shorts on. “Hi, Isabel. Is everything OK?”

As Isabel was beginning to understand Alex’s first thought was always of others. In this instance he had been frog marched out of school in handcuffs and questioned at the local police station for several hours on end and yet he could only think of her wellbeing.

“Everything is fine Alex but more importantly how are you?” Isabel perched herself on the edge of the chair beside the couch, within easy reaching distance of Alex. She was still nervous and unsure what to do with her hands so she kept them tightly clasped on her lap.

“I’m fine thank you.” He smiled. “You dad came to my rescue and he even phoned my parents to explain to them it had all been a big mistake.”

“A mistake?” Isabel repeated. “How so?”

“The Sheriff told your dad a description of a boy that looked like me had been given to the police with regards some vandalism so I was brought in for questioning.” Alex explained matter-of-factly.

Hearing Alex’s innocent words describe what had gone on only confirmed she was doing the right thing. She and the rest of the group knew the real reason why Alex had been taken in for questioning and it was unfair to continue leaving him in the dark.

Isabel let her gaze fall to her hands. “Alex there’s something I want to talk to you about. I’ve spoken to the others and we have decided to tell you our secret…the one that Liz and Maria have been keeping from you.”

Alex had wanted to know this secret for quite some time but now it was being offered to him on a plate he wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was. His uncertain feelings were made all the worse by Isabel moving from her seat on the chair to sitting on the edge of the couch beside him.

“I’ve been thinking all evening about what is the best way to tell you but I really couldn’t think of one good way as there is so much to tell and you will have so many questions.” Isabel said ruefully. “So I have decided to show you something which won’t explain much in itself but when it comes to my explanation you will be much more likely to believe me.”

Isabel could tell she was confusing Alex and he looked like a dazzled rabbit caught in headlights. She reached out and took Alex’s hand, not taking her eyes off of his face. “I promise you it will all be fine but you must trust me.”

“If you say it will be OK than I believe you.” Alex smiled nervously. “I do trust you Isabel.” He reassured her, his eyes remaining fixed on the beautiful young woman that sat next to him.

Alex’s words gave Isabel the strength she needed to do this.

Isabel took in a deep breath and then slowly exhaled to calm for fraught nerves. She could do this and certainly she could do this for Alex. Letting go of Alex’s hand she cupped one hand against the other and held them out slightly in front of her as she closed her eyes to concentrate.

After a moment Alex could feel a funny sensation occurring in front of him, as though he could feel a build up of static. Isabel opened her eyes and fixed them back on Alex who was sat across from her on the couch, only about a foot away. Slowly, ever so slowly, a light began to emanate in the area between the two of them. Alex pushed himself back in the cushions as the radiance grew stronger, forming into a ball of white light that hovered just above Isabel’s cupped hands.

The glow was now strong enough to light not only their faces but half the room. Isabel was overjoyed to see that the look on Alex’s face had changed from one of fright to one of wonder. He was in awe of what she was doing.

“What are you?” Alex asked breathlessly.

Isabel eyed Alex for a moment before replying. “I’m complicated.”



To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

Chapter 9


Isabel was surprised by Alex’s reaction to her comment. He had remained silent since his ‘What are you?’ question but the look on his face spoke volumes. He had both eyebrows pulled up as high as they would go, confirming the look of utter disbelief on his face. What was confusing Isabel was she was sure Alex’s look was to do with her reply to his question and not the fact that she was performing an impossible feat by creating light out of nothing.

“Alex, are you alright? You look a little…off.” Isabel asked softly.

Alex shook his head to pull himself out of the stupor that he had dived straight into upon hearing Isabel’s reply. “I’m sorry Isabel. It’s just that your reply wasn’t what I was expecting. I may only be young but the one thing I have learnt is that all women are complicated, it’s why men will be forever confused and fascinated by them.”

Isabel smiled at Alex’s insight into women. Most sixteen year old boys are interested in only one thing…girls and if at all possible…naked girls. It would seem that after many years of hanging around Liz and Maria Alex was interested in more than just that. Isabel wasn’t sure if she was disappointed by her realisation.

“Alex, what do you think I am?” Isabel’s curiosity was getting the better of her and his reaction to her demonstration was anything but what she expected.

Alex shrugged. “I’m not sure really. I saw this guy on TV once who claimed he could levitate. Of course there’s that other guy who claims to be able to make an elephant disappear.”

“Alex!” Isabel exclaimed. “Do you think I am some kind of street magician or something?” Her minor outrage at Alex’s claim made her lose her concentration on her little demo and they were plunged back into the near darkness that Isabel had originally found Alex sitting in.

“Well if it’s not a trick what is it?” Alex was intrigued. “I mean it can only be one of a couple of things, a trick of some kind or a special effect.”

“Oh there’s something you haven’t thought of yet.” Isabel said nodding her head knowingly. “It might help if you give some thought to where we are.”

“In the den?” Alex questioned. Seeing Isabel’s nonplussed expression he had another go. “In your house?”

“Alex, are you deliberately playing dumb?” Isabel asked with a slight smirk.

Alex straightened himself up, evidently now taking the situation seriously. “Well we live in Roswell but the only thing it is famous for is…” Alex trailed off, a vague look of understanding became apparent on his face causing Isabel’s smirk to grow into a full smile.

“You don’t mean…you’re not saying that you’re a…I mean that’s just...” It appeared that Alex was slowly getting to the desired answer but was so thrown out that he was incapable of completing a full sentence.

“We’re nothing to be frightened of Alex.” Isabel tried to reassure the young man.

“We?” Alex went wide eyed. “There’s more than one of you?”

Isabel nodded slowly, making a point of trying to analyse every aspect of Alex’s reaction. “Me, Max and Michael.”

Alex was clearly having trouble with this new found information but the only thing Isabel was taking comfort from was he didn’t seemed frightened or anxious…just confused.

“So let me get this straight.” Alex began. “You’re trying to tell me that you, Max and Michael are…extra-terrestrials?”

“Aliens, Martians, little green men…or little green woman in my case.” Isabel joked as she tried to make light of the situation. “I think Max prefers the term ‘Not of this Earth’.”

“Have Liz and Maria put you up to this?” Alex smiled, now convinced this was a practical joke set up by his erstwhile friends. “I know I might have gone a little overboard with my determination to know what has been going on but this is too much.”

Isabel sighed, never thinking she would envy the fact that Max got to heal Liz in a life or death situation. It was beginning to look like that was what it would take to convince Alex that she was telling the truth and not taking part in some kind of elaborate practical joke.

“Alex, look at me.” Isabel instructed. “It’s nearly midnight and I am sitting in my pyjamas on the edge of your so called bed while you are lying in your boxer shorts, partially covered by a blanket and you think the only thing I can think of to play a practical joke on you is to claim I am an alien and to show you a special effects trick?”

Alex had gotten so caught up in what had been going on that he had totally bypassed the scene that had unfolded. Now that it had been brought to his attention he couldn’t focus on anything other than their current circumstances.

He had always found Isabel beguiling and that was from a distance. His feelings had now multiplied ten fold with the fact that she was sitting about a foot away in her pyjamas, in the middle of the night, while he was almost naked.

Not only was he fighting the flush that was creeping up his neck he now didn’t know where to look. As Isabel was so close she took up most of his view and if he turned to gaze anywhere else he would look like some sort of lunatic, and a rude lunatic at that.

Finding a slither of courage from God only knows where Alex steeled his gaze back on Isabel while trying to focus on the situation at hand. “So you are adamant that you, Max and Michael are aliens?”

“Pretty much,” Isabel smiled and nodded. “I can give you another demo if it helps.”

“Really?” Alex couldn’t hide his enthusiasm or curiosity. Despite not truly believing that any of them were aliens he was still mightily impressed by Isabel’s earlier trick.

“What if I change the colour of my pyjamas? Will that prove to you that I am different?” Isabel questioned.

“You can change the colour of your pyjamas?” Alex asked in amazement.

“Well it’s not what I am famous for but if it proves a point to you then I will do it.” Isabel joked. “What colour?”

“RED!” Alex exclaimed a little too eagerly, even taking himself back a bit. “Sorry…I mean red would be nice, if you don’t mind.” He was belatedly trying to act natural.

Isabel eyed Alex for a short moment. There was definitely a story behind that little outburst but now was not the time. “Red it is.” She confirmed.

Isabel sat up straight across from Alex and looked down at her night time outfit. Lifting her hand she touched a part of the collar and almost immediately her navy blue outfit transformed into a deep red.

As with her earlier demonstration Alex went wide eyed and pushed himself back into the pillows once again. This time it was apparent Alex wasn’t taking this so lightly, this was no longer a trick.

“Alex, are you OK?” Isabel was genuinely concerned for him due to the still shocked and concerned look on his face.

Alex nodded his head vigorously while struggling to speak. “I’m…I’m fine thanks Iz.” Alex stuttered.

“Iz?” Isabel repeated as her look of concern was replaced by a broad smile.

“I’m sorry do you not like Iz?” Alex continued to act erratically. “I’m a little nervous and not in full control of myself at the moment…just found out a little something that will probably stop me from ever sleeping again.”

Isabel continued to smile at her companions ramblings. “No Alex I like that you called me Iz, I like it a lot it’s just I don’t think I have ever heard you call me that before so I was a little surprised.”

“I think the first things to go in times of extreme stress or anxiety are manners and formality.” Alex was still babbling. “You don’t shout ‘Excuse me Miss Evans would you be so kind as to get out of the way of that vehicle that is about to run you down”, no you just shout ‘Iz, move!’ and you’re done.” Alex could see the look of amusement on Isabel’s face as she continued to watch him. “I’m rambling aren’t I?”

Isabel pursed her lips and nodded.

“If you want in on a little secret it’s the best way to gauge what sort of state I am in, how much rambling I do.” Alex confessed. “The more rambling you hear the more nervous I am. My English oral exam was only supposed to last four minutes and they had to kick me out after fifteen, needless to say that in that instance it worked in my favour and I passed.” Alex could see Isabel was still watching his every move, listening to his every word. “I’m doing it again aren’t I?” As Isabel nodded, while holding back a laugh, Alex threw his hands up in the air. “I’m sorry I’ll shut up now.”

“Alex, you’re doing fine.” Isabel reassured him. “If I had just found out what you just found out I’m not sure I would be coping as well as you are.”

“Is now a good time to start asking questions?” Alex asked tentatively.

“Well aside from the fact that it is getting late and that we have more questions about ourselves than you do I’ll try to answer anything you ask me.” Isabel confirmed.

“How did you get here?” Alex began.

“We came in the crash of 1947. We were in pods until ten years ago when we broke out and were found wandering in the desert.” Isabel replied, deciding to keep her answers succinct and to the point. “We looked like normal six-year-old children.”

“Do you still have the spacecraft?”

“Not that we are aware of.” Isabel said ruefully. “We don’t know much about who or what we are or where we came from other than the pods and that we have certain abilities.”

“Abilities?” Alex repeated, intrigued. “What sort of abilities?”

“Max can heal injuries, I can go into people’s dreams and Michael doesn’t really have very good control over his powers at the moment. We can all manipulate molecules so we can do neat stuff like the things I showed you earlier.”

“The Crashdown!” Alex suddenly exclaimed. “Liz!”

“Everything’s OK.” Isabel placed a comforting hand on Alex’s arm. “That’s the cause of the secret that Liz and Maria were asked to keep from you. There really was a gun shot that day at the café and Max saved Liz’s life by removing the bullet and mending her injuries.”

Isabel could see Alex was taking this latest revelation hard, he didn’t look at ease. “Alex, we can stop if you want to.”

“Not yet.” Alex placed his free hand over Isabel’s hand that still sat on his arm. “Just a little while longer…just until I get my head round what is going on.”

“OK.” Isabel agreed. “Just a while longer.”

“Why the sudden change in attitude?” Alex continued. “Why are you telling me now?”

“No one knows our secret, not even our parents. Max took a huge risk saving Liz and then telling her our secret as we have always tried to keep it to ourselves, understandably.” Isabel gave an ironic chuckle. “Once Liz knew it wasn’t long before Maria knew something was up. We decided a long time ago not to tell people as much for their own safety as ours. I have to tell you Alex that it was tearing both Liz and Maria apart not being able to tell you but I hope you now understand why they did what they did. It was also why we needed your blood when Max was in hospital. With all of that we finally decided that we would be better off telling you and having you as part of the group…that’s why we decided to tell you.”

A look of understanding crossed Alex’s face. “So outwardly you look the same as us but inwardly you’re different?”

Isabel shrugged. “We’re not really sure as we never get sick. It was only a little bit of detective work on Liz’s part that brought to our attention that they can tell we are different by our blood.”

Alex let go of Isabel’s hand and ran his fingers through his hair while leaning back on the couch, exhaling. “This is the most amazing thing I have ever heard in my life but if nothing else it explains everything that has gone on here in the last couple of months.”

“I know you will have a million other questions but we are going to have to take it slow as I can’t answer them all at once.” Isabel said stoically.

Suddenly a look of anger flashed across Alex’s face. “God, I’m so selfish…what am I thinking?”

Isabel was confused. “Alex, what is it?”

“I’ve just found out this wondrous news and what have I been doing? I’ve been grilling you like this is some kind of interrogation.” Alex was evidently admonishing himself. “This is your life we are talking about and all I can do is prod and poke you for information…I’m sorry you must think I’m some kind of unfeeling monster. We’ll stop now.”

“Alex, its fine.” Isabel smiled softly. “It was my decision to tell you and it is only natural that you would have questions.”

“Thanks Isabel but no thanks.” Alex shook his head. “I find out you are special and I almost open the top of your head to peek inside, it’s unforgivable.” Alex sighed. “I think I have kept you long enough. If your parents find us like this we will have some explaining to do.”

Isabel smiled at Alex’s joke. “So I’ll see you in the morning?” she asked as she stood and moved towards the door.

“Yes.” Alex nodded. “And Iz?”

Isabel turned in the doorway to look at Alex, unable to stop the smile on her face as he called her by her new favourite name.

“Thanks.”

Isabel frowned. “For what?”

“For everything.” Alex replied. “For telling me…For trusting me…And most of all for showing me the real you.”

Alex had risen from his seated position as he spoke to Isabel and closed the gap between them. They were now only inches apart as Alex saw his guest out. He found that he didn’t want this night to end despite it being his suggestion that they should bring it to a close. Alex inwardly shook his head. There were times when he hated being a good boy. Sometimes he longed to be bad, to be the type of guy girls liked the look of as apposed to his usual position of good old reliable Alex.

Isabel eyed Alex as he approached. She would never have believed this normally shy and nervous boy would be confident enough to stand toe to toe with her but here he was doing just that. As she continued to look at his beautiful eyes she found she was fighting the urge to look down. He had obviously forgotten he was only wearing boxer shorts but she hadn’t.

Finally, as a wave of desire swept over her Isabel did the unexpected. Reaching up she cupped Alex’s face and pulled it towards her for an all too brief but fully passionate kiss. As they broke apart she could see the look of utter confusion plastered on Alex’s face.

“Why did you do that?” Alex asked as he struggled for composure.

As Isabel stepped backwards out of the room she began to close the door that stood between them. Just as the bewildered face of Alex began to disappear from view she gave him her most radiant smile before replying. “Because I knew you wouldn’t.”

And with that...she was gone.


To be continued…

[StargazerUK]

A/N. Hi, Just a quick confession, as usual . I have been trying to post on Mondays, which normally isn't a problem, but as I am just about to leave for the airport as I am going to Ireland for a few days I have decided to post the latest chapter despite the fact I haven't checked it as well as I normally would. ( Or try to anyway lol. ) Please forgive any glaring errors. If you do find any I will put them straight when I return. Thanks for your time. Cheers, David / StargazerUK


Chapter 10


For the second day running Isabel was up and ready for school earlier than usual but if the past few days were anything to go by these were anything but usual times. She still couldn’t believe it had only been a couple of days previous that Alex Whitman had been forcibly introduced into their day to day lives. Now a minute didn’t pass where her mind wasn’t consumed with thoughts about the new man in her life.

She had showered and dressed but rather than go down to breakfast she had sat herself down on the edge of her bed while she thought about not only what had transpired recently but also what might happen next. As with her initial feeling last night she was still very glad to have lifted the burden of secrecy from her relationship with Alex but that was just the first step in what she was sure was going to be an eventful day.

Her belief that Alex would keep their secret to himself was unshakable. However, now they had to deal with the consequences of her actions. That meant Alex would have to interact with Max, Michael and hopefully Liz and Maria as well. It was unsurprising that once Alex had got his head round exactly what had taken place that his first thought would be of Liz. Despite the fact that he was aware that Liz had fully recovered from her brush with death it didn’t dampen his concern or anxiety.

When Max had told Liz about their secret she had been a little shaken but to all intents and purposes she had continued to act the same around them, if a little awe struck to begin with. By all accounts Maria had behaved completely the opposite to Liz when she found out. Apparently the words hysterical and screaming were used when Liz described it. Isabel herself had witnessed Maria’s altered behaviour around them but it soon became obvious to the rest of them that the more time she spent around the three aliens the more comfortable she was becoming.

Isabel broke out of her train of thought as footsteps approached her door. There was a slight delay before a tentative knock was heard.

“Come in.” Isabel instructed as she stood up.

The door opened slowly and Max appeared in the doorway. “Hi Isabel, Can we have a quick talk before breakfast?”

“Of course.” Isabel greeted her brother with a welcoming smile. Things had become strained between the two siblings yesterday when Isabel had made known her desire to tell Alex what they really were. There had been a noticeable cooling in their stand-off when Max had finally admitted that he thought Isabel was right to trust their new friend. With Max having made the first gesture Isabel wouldn’t be backward in coming forward when it came to returning their relationship back to normal. “I was hoping to have a word with you myself.”

As Max closed the door he moved over beside Isabel and sat down on the bed. “How did it go last night?”

“It went really well I think.” Isabel nodded as she too sat down on her bed.

“You think?” Max repeated with a smile, making sure to let Isabel know he wasn’t being confrontational.

“Well, keeping in mind I have no frame of reference I would say it went OK.” Isabel quickly thought back to Alex’s mistaken assumption that she was some kind of magician. “We had a couple of moments of misunderstanding but we definitely got there in the end.”

“How did he take it?” Max questioned. “The news I mean.” Max added with a slightly embarrassed smile.

“I think it was understandable that initially he thought it was some kind of practical joke but after a brief display of power he finally realised what he was dealing with.” Isabel knew Max was solely concerned for all of their well being. “Max, for the record, I know I may have forced your hand on this matter but as I said yesterday if I wasn’t so sure about Alex I would have never pressed so hard for this. When you were explaining to me and Michael why you saved Liz I sort of understood but not fully. I know it isn’t the same but if you had asked me a week ago if I ever wanted to tell an outsider our secret I would have said no and laughed in your face. Since I met Alex things have changed, I can’t explain it.”

Max smiled at his sister softly. Even as Isabel’s brother he was unused to her being so honest and open. “I think you are preaching to the choir on that one Isabel. I don’t know what it is about Liz Parker but it isn’t just lust or a need to unburden myself…it’s much more than that.”

Isabel nodded at her brother’s comment. “Until recently I wouldn’t have had a clue what you were talking about but things have changed so suddenly. I don’t know what it is but there seems to be some sort of connection between the two of us.” Isabel blushed and dropped her gaze but continued to speak. “I’ve known for quite some time that Alex likes me, I often used to see him looking at me in the quad at school or in the Crashdown but there’s more to it than that. I’m not even sure if Alex is aware of it in the same way that I am but I just seem to know what he is thinking and how he will react as soon as I look at him.”

“So how do you think things will go today?” Max questioned. “How will Alex act towards us?”

Isabel shrugged. “At a guess I think he’ll want to speak to all of us, whether it is one on one or as a group. Now that he knows you saved Liz in the Crashdown he will definitely want a word with you. I can’t see him continuing to hold a grudge against Liz and Maria now that he knows what truly went on but I think I will reserve judgement on how he will greet Michael.”

“Discretion the better part of valour?” Max offered

“I think so.” Isabel agreed. “Alex isn’t stupid so he will probably know not to run up and wrap Michael in a hug…not yet anyway.” Isabel joked.

Max stood up while still laughing at the mental picture of Alex pulling Michael into an affectionate hug. “I think we had better get down to breakfast before Mom sends Alex up to get us.”

Before they left the room Isabel quickly leaned in to Max and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “What was that for?” Max queried as he touched his hand to his cheek in a reflex action.

“Just a little thank you for understanding why I did what I did.” Isabel explained as they stepped out into the hallway. “It wasn’t something I did to be difficult or to assert myself. It was something that I needed to do for me and something that I thought was the right thing to do, that would benefit all of us in the long run.”


As Max and Isabel entered the kitchen they saw Alex sitting at the kitchen table with their parents. As he looked up from his plate he greeted the two siblings with a warm smile. Isabel fought the urge to blush as she rounded the table to sit down next to Alex while Max made a point of returning Alex’s smile as he continued to make eye contact with the young man. It seems Isabel was right, Alex had taken the news well and it was plain to see that he wasn’t going to shy away from Max in either eye contact or conversation, judging by his next action.

“Hello Max, How are you this morning?” Alex couldn’t stop the broad grin on his face as he greeted his new found alien friend.

“I’m fine thanks Alex.” Max smiled back. “Did you sleep OK?”

“For the most part.” Alex nodded. “I had one or two things on my mind but I soon realised they were nothing to worry about and once I had set that straight in my mind I fell asleep almost immediately and slept soundly until my alarm went of this morning.”

“Oh I am glad you are settling in dear.” Diane Evans enthused despite being unaware of the subtext to the two young men’s conversation. “If there’s anything you need you will ask me or Philip won’t you Alex?”

“Yes Mrs Evans.” Alex confirmed. “But I promise you I am fine.”

“Well you certainly look happy.” Philip added before looking around the table. “In fact all three of you seem exceptionally happy this morning. Diane and I were worried your brush with the law might have dampened your spirits.”

“Not really.” Alex shook his head. “I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong so I knew it must have just been a misunderstanding.”

“That’s good dear.” Diane agreed. “I’m glad you aren’t letting a little mistake by the Sheriff spoil your stay here.”

At mention of the Sheriff Isabel couldn’t help but tense up. “Are you two guys nearly ready as we have to meet Michael, Liz and Maria?”

Both boys nodded while trying to stuff their mouths with the remainder of their breakfast. The three youngsters said their goodbyes and headed out towards the car.

As Max pulled the door closed behind him he turned towards the street to see Alex standing a foot away. As they were leaving the house Max thought Alex had followed Isabel out to the Jeep so he was caught off guard to find Alex standing so close to him. He could see an apprehensive look on Isabel’s face as she took a step back from the car towards the two young men.

“I hope you’ll understand if I am still a little hazy about what has gone on here. I believe everything that Isabel told me last night but I must admit I am still coming to terms with most of it.” Alex explained. “The one thing that was not lost on me was the fact that you saved Liz. I would never, in a million years, have imagined what actually took place but now I know all that I need to know, which is that you risked being found out to save Liz. I’m not sure I will ever be able to repay you but I need you to know that whatever it takes, however long it takes I will repay you. I don’t have any super powers or any type of reward to give you other than my word that I will always keep your secret safe and that I will do anything to help you should you need it.”

Max was somewhat taken aback by such a heartfelt speech. He could even see Isabel was looking a little speechless at the sheer honesty of Alex’s words. He also thought he could detect a slight look of ‘I told you so’ on Isabel’s face after she predicted Alex would want a word with him.

His mind was brought back to the events that were unfolding when Alex raised his hand out in front of him waiting to shake hands. Max couldn’t help but admire the determined look on Alex’s face as they shook hands or the firmness of his grip. Alex was obviously a man of hidden depths and one of them was a steely resolve. Something Isabel must have subconsciously been aware of given her conviction that Alex was a man they could trust and benefit from having in their inner circle.

Handshake over Alex turned and walked towards the Jeep giving Isabel a sheepish grin as he walked past and climbed in. The trip to school was uneventful and taken in a comfortable silence. When they pulled in they could see Maria’s Jetta but there was no sign of the girls. Max pulled up and they all climbed out and headed towards their lockers.

Being able to imagine what was going to take place next Max and Isabel slowed slightly to allow Alex to take the lead. With the direction of travel and the determination in his stride it was a reasonable assumption where Alex was headed. As they rounded the corner they saw Liz, Maria and Michael all standing around Liz’s locker.

Michael was on the other side of the hallway to the girls but it was soon apparent that despite the fact that he was trying to play it cool and look uninterested he was keeping a close eye on Maria. As Liz was head first in her locker, no doubt looking for a book for class, it was Maria, who was leaning with her back against a locker beside Liz, who saw the new arrivals first.

As Maria leaned forward to straighten herself up she must have barked a quick instruction to Liz as her head suddenly appeared out of the depths of her locker and turned towards their arrival.

Max and Isabel slowed to a complete stop as Liz and Maria steeled themselves for what was about to happen. It was plain from the look on their faces that neither knew exactly what this dogged looking Alex was going to do.

Without any preamble Alex marched straight up to Liz and without waiting for any instruction or spoken word he pulled the petit brunette into an almighty hug. With Alex’s height and Liz’s lack of the same she disappeared into the middle of the tall young mans chest. Despite being unable to hear anything specific it was apparent that Alex was speaking to his small captive. After a moment he broke his vice like grip on Liz long enough to grab the front of Maria’s baggy sweater and pulled the diminutive blond into the middle of the continuing hug.

As the three stood in the middle of the hallway they were gaining a certain amount of looks from their fellow students but as Alex’s unusual relationship with his two best friends was known around the school people soon went back to their own business.

Finally Alex released his grip on the two girls allowing them to step back and take a breath. Liz and Maria were both wiping at their eyes after their tearful reunion with Alex but it seemed the young man was no longer focusing on them when they turned to look at him.

Alex had stepped away from the two girls and had moved in front of Michael. Being uncomfortable at being the centre of attention Michael became defensive, standing up from his leaning position and making himself as imposing a figure as possible.

“I know you don’t really know me.” Alex began as he set his eyes on Michael. “And I can guess what has happened was probably the last thing you would have wanted but I just want you to know I don’t take this responsibility I have been given lightly. It can’t be easy for all of you but all I can tell you is that if you need me I am here for you.”

Michael went to speak but Alex continued. “I don’t expect us to be best friends. I don’t even care if you don’t like me because this isn’t about me…it’s about you and what you might need. I know what you all did for Liz and if I can find a way to repay you I will, no matter what it takes.”

As with before Alex offered his hand, to a young alien who had so much to lose, as a gesture to good faith.

Michael looked over at Max and Isabel while he decided what to do. If he had been able to read minds he would have heard Isabel inwardly praying that he would accept Alex’s hand in the manner to which it was being offered and not make a scene. Max was simply hoping his friend would make the right decision.

After a moment Michael refocused his look back on the young man in front of him and came to a decision. As the four other friends looked on Michael finally took hold of Alex’s offered hand and gave it a firm shake. “We don’t have to hug or anything do we?” Michael remarked.

“Not unless you want to.” Alex offered with a broad grin.

“Don’t make me regret this Whitman.” Michael stated as he turned towards his first class…slowly followed by the newly expanded group of friends.



To be continued…