In Love With Max Evans - AU M/L - TEEN - [COMPLETE]

Finished stories that feature the characters from the show, but there are no aliens. All fics completed on the main AU without Aliens board will eventually be moved here.

Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators

Locked
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

In Love With Max Evans - AU M/L - TEEN - [COMPLETE]

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Image
Title - In Love With Max Evans
Author - Ash_maxliz
Couple - M/L ofcourse! (TEEN)
Disclaimer - No, I dont own anything... unfortunately.
Summary (More like background )- No Aliens. Max and Mark Evans are brothers, as well as best friends. Mark is the oldest. They live with their parents. The Evans family is very rich. While Max is a stage-actor, Mark manages his father's company. Liz Parker is Mark's secretary.

A/N: I haven't edited the whole repost yet but I am planning to do so soon. Please ignore any grammar/spelling mistakes... :roll: :oops:

Anyway, on with the show...

Prologue

LIZ

Mmmm... pancakes? Sniff... yes, pancakes! Their smell is enough to wake me up.

I stretch my arms and sit up on the bed. I look around my new room. It isn't as big as the one at Grandma Claudia's but it isn't too small either. Just the right room for me. But it's beauty is hidden. Mainly because it's not clean and that my suitcases are here and there. Awww... what do you expect from me? Oh come on! I just arrived here (In L.A from Roswell) last night. I couldn't have done the unpacking thing when I felt like shit!

No, dont ask me about I managed to survive in the plane. God, I still feel like vomiting and my head still feels like shit. But more importantly, I'm starving! Maybe breakfast will help me feel better.

I stand up from my bed and open the window for some fresh air. Aaah... wait... there's no silence! After hearing the stupid cars, horning like crazy, I doubt my ears. I close the window before my eardrum would burst.

Phew! Now, there's some peace. You must be wondering why I'm so into peace and silence. Well... actually I came from Roswell. My Grandma owns the popular restaurant of Roswell-Crashdown. I used to work over there as a waitress.

Talking about waitressing... I miss Maria and Isabel, my two best friends. They're my life and my chicas. Oh. My. God! I forgot to call Micheal Guerin, Maria's boyfriend. Ria told me to call him as soon as I reach L.A.

Its been 14 hours since I have reached L.A and I still haven't called Mike. If Ria gets to know about this, she's gonna take the next flight to L.A and kick the shit out of me. I should probably call Mike before hurricane Maria gets to know about it.

"Hello?"

"Hello Micheal?"

"Yes, Micheal speaking. Who's this?"

"Yo Mike, it me!"

"Liz?"

"Yes dumbhead."

"LIZ! How are you? When did you reach L.A? How was your flight? What do you think of L.A?"

"Oh God! Micheal, slow down. You are throwing questions on me like tennis balls."

"Sorry Liz."

"You should be. Anyways, I'm just gonna answer your questions first."

"Go ahead."

"Ok. So first of all, I am okay. But I still feel like shit coz you know that me and aeroplanes dont really get along. I reached L.A last night. And my opinion about L.A... I dont know. It's still very early to judge L.A."

"Yeah. So, when're you coming?"

"Dinner? Could you pick me up?"

"Sure. How about 7?"

"Sounds great! Look, I gotta go downstairs. I really dont want Uncle Ed and Aunt Teresa to think of me as a careless bunny."

"Oh yeah! I know what you believe in: First impression is the last impression. Bye Lizzie."

"Adios!"

--

Part 1

LIZ

"Good morning Aunt Teresa, Uncle Ed."

"Good morning, Lizzie. Take a seat." she says.

"Thanks, Aunt Ter-"

"Liz, you can call me Aunt only and your Uncle Ed, uncle only. You dont have to go for the long form."

"Good idea, Aunt... considering I'll be staying with you two for sometime."

"Well... I think more than sometime. Until and Unless you dont afford to buy a house, a car and other needs, you're not getting the hell out of here."

"But Aunt, I haven't even gotten a job yet. And besides, I dont wanna be a heavy burden for you-"

"Stop it right there, Liz. You're not a heavy burden for either of us. Just consider us as your parents just like we consider you as our daughter.We dont have any children... please give us the chance of looking after a young girl... even if she's 25." Uncle says.

I laugh at his last sentence. But soon my eyes fill with tears.

"I dont know how to thank you people. I-I... when I lost my parents 6 years ago, I thought I'll be deprived of love from elders. But you two and Grandma Claudia proved me wrong. Even handing you all the stars from the sky will be less to express my gratitude."

"Awww honey, come here."

Aunt pulls me into an embrace and a sob escapes from my lips. I bury my head in her shoulder and I hear her say,

"You dont have to thank us, Liz. Your prents had done a lot for us... and now we have got a chance to do something for their daughter so dont ruin it."

I pull out of her embrace.

"C-can I call you... 'mom'?"

I see unshed tears in her eyes and soon one tear rolls down her cheek.

"Ofcourse honey."

And this time I pull her into an embrace, showing her how much I love her already.

My uncle gets up from his chair and kneels down beside is.

"Hey! I dont wanna be left out, daughter and dear wife."

"Come here, dad."

And we both join him to the embrace.

"Awww... a group hug!" Dad says.

"More like a family hug." Mom corrects him.

This is what I call life. Even though my real parents, Jeff and Nancy Parker, died 6 years ago... I think they came back to life for me in the form of Ed and Teresa Dallas. I dont know but I guess I will make up for these last years with these guys. And something from the back of my mind tells me that L.A is gonna be fun. Is it just a feeling or is it gonna happen in reality in the near future? Well, lets wait and see.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Mom! I'm leaving!" I yell, walking down the stairs.

As I take my jacket, I hear mom say from the kitchen,

"Dont forget to take the keys, sweetie."

"Thanks for reminding me, mom!"

"And Liz, you are supposed to come back home before midnight, I know that you're 25 and everything but lets follow rules. OK?" Dad says from the living room.

"Got it, daddy!"

After closing the door behind me, I feel like I'm 15... when my parents would say the same things just as my new parents said. Once I blamed God for taking everything from me after my parents died but I thank Him now for giving me everything back in just one day.

"LIZ?!? COME ON!" Micheal shouts from his jeep. Typical Micheal and Maria thing-Impatience.

I run to his jeep and after putting 3 bags on the backseat, full of gifts from Maria for Mike, I hop into the front seat.

After pulling out of his embrace, he says

"Liz! How come you managed to look so beautiful and changed in just two weeks?"

"Top secret, Guerin." I say, grinning.

"Care to share it with me?"

"Maria will kill is both if she gets to know."

"Why?" he asks, making a puppy dog face.

I laugh.

"One thing you should know, I dont fall for puppy dog things. I'm an ass-kicker remember?"

"Ofcourse I remember. Anyway, you didn't answer my previous question."

"Those top secrets were told my Ria, Guerin."

"Ohh... I wouldn't want to know then. I dont want to face hurricane Maria."

For the rest of our journey, we fill each other with the things that happened with us during the last two weeks.

When we reach the restaurant, during the dinner he talks about his acting career. He's a stage-actor and this is his first break in a play. He's playing one of the main roles and I'm happy for him.

His old high school friend, whats his name again? Yeah... Maxwell Philip Evans bumped into him in Alberbeque and from there his career started.

Maxwell recommended Micheal's name to the play's director and the director instantly chose him for the role that Mike auditioned for. So now Mike plays a supporting role against the main lead actor, Maxwell and they have become quiet best friends.

"You should meet this guy, Liz.." he says, "He has to be the bestest friend in the whole wide world."

"Hey! You're letting me down, Mike!!"

"How?" he asks, confusedly.

"I thought I was your best friend!"

"Oh hun! You ARE! Maxwell is my male best friend and you're my female best friend. And you know I care for you more."

"I'm taking those words of yours as a good thing, Guerin."

"Thanks, Lizzie. So, what're your plans?"

"Well, I'll be job hunting. Your acting career thing sounds exciting but I so dont have any experience or potential for that."

"Oh yeah! I have seen that tape."

I was having the greatest day of my life and he just had to ruin it by mentioning that tape? Ok so its not THAT tape, its a tape made by none other than Isabel Jones when I had to audition for the role of 'Juliet' back in my senior year in high school.

That was one of the most embarassing days in my life. And it got more embarassing for me when Iz made that tape and I had to see it. I tried my best to get my audition right but I screwed it up big time.

Pam Troy would have gotten the role if it hadn't been for Iz. The next day she auditioned for the role and the teacher instantly chose her for the role. This is the reason why I didnt break that tape into million pieces...

I threatened Iz that I would break the tape into pieces if Pam Troy got the role and she didn't. Ria and Iz, not wanting to let go of the tape, promised me that Iz would become the 'Juliet'. So the whole night, she practised and practised with a little help from Ria and finally the next day she got the role of 'Juliet'.

I still remember how we three were dancing our ass off in the hallways of WRH. We were not embarassed coz we were known as the ass-kicking girls and guys used to follow us like dogs follow mailmen.

Well, guys still do chase me and not Ria and Iz coz they're involved in serious relationships with Mike and Alex respectively. As for me, I haven't been in a relationship since my parents died in a car accident.

* * * * * * * * * * *

After the dinner, I invite Mike to my place for hot chocolate. And after a lot of persuasion, he agrees.

So right now, we're sitting in my bedroom, on my bed, opening Ria's gifts.

"Phew! At last! Done!" Mike exclaims, after putting the last gift in the bag.

"Yeah. You know Ria."

"I sure do. So Liz, about your job hunting thing... I've got some news about a job that may interest you."

"Really? Tell me about it."

"Mark Evans, Maxwell's brother, is looking for a secretary. The interviews are to be held on Thursday..."

For more 20 minutes, he fills me with the information about this secretary thing and I agree to give it a go. He tells me that he will talk to Maxwell and everything will be ok. He advises me to just care about the interview as he'll handle it till there.

He does not guarantee me any thing and says that Mark Evans is a very strict person and does not go for recommendations. He believes in what he sees and in what he personally knows.

After he leaves, I hop in the bed after changing and brushing my teeth. Phew! What a day! I sure as hell am waiting for the interview. Mike told me that while Max is the south pole, Mark is the north pole. But still, both the brothers are best friends.

Truly speaking, I cant wait to meet these mystery Evans guys.

--

Part 2

LIZ

Aargh! Where is this light coming from??

"Lizzie, wake up!"

I lie on my stomach and bury my head in the pillow.

"No, Mom! Lemme sleep."

"Shut up and get up! Its Thursday, your interview day." she reminds me and sits on the edge of my bed.

I sit up and force my eyelids to open so that I can glare at her.

"You suck." I mumble.

She laughs.

"I heard that young lady. Now go and get your ass in the washroom before I kick the shit out of you."

I look at her with wide eyes and my jaw hung open. Did she just say what I just heard?

She stands up and shakes her head, understanding my reaction.

"What? I do know how to talk in teenage language."

"Mom, we both know that me and you are adults."

"What're you suggesting?"

"Dont call it teenage language, Mom... it's more like 'shit language' coz it's full of shit." I say, while walkinh in the washroom.

"Dont slam the d-"

But before she finishes her sentence, I slam the door. Me and mom have become great friends in these four days. We had ladies day out yesterday and my mom is so cool. And we both were drunk so we did many things the ladies do when they're drunk... except having sex ofcourse! I mean she's a 37 year old woman and I'm a 25 year old womanso 12 years of age fidderence isn't a big deal to us. Hey, did I meantion she's in my 'best friends list'?

I brush my teeth, have a nice showerand apply Hugo Boss... my favourite!

As I walk down the stairs, I see my mom and dad... making out? Oh shit!! No, I have no intentions of seeing my 42 year old dad kissing his wife so I turn around. When I hear my mom moan, I cough loudly to attract their attention.

I hear a shriek from mom, Surprise, surprise momma?

"Are you guys done so that I can turn around?" I ask.

"Yeah." I hear dad say.

I turn around and see both my parents blushing.

"Thanks."

My mom nervously laughs.

"Sorry about that."

"What're you apologizing for, mom? I know you guys are married and making out in your own house is not against the law, you know? So, you guys carry on and I'll go grab breakfast, ok?"

I say, grinning and walk inside the kitchen.

"Bye sweetie." I hear dad say.

"Now go get back to work before I change my mind..."

" MOM!" I yell, reminding her my presence in the house.

"I take my words back." she says, aloud and walks in the kitchen.

"And Lizzie?"

"Yeah dad?"

"Best of luck."

"Thanks, dad! I love you!

"I love you too! Bye!"

"Yeah. Bye!"

And then I hear the sound of door shutting quietly... parents!

"So, I've heard that Mark Evans is a very handsome man?"

"MOM! He's gonna be my boss, if I get chosen, for God's sake!"

"Yeah, but what about Maxwell Evans? Micheal told me he's quite a hottie?"

"Mom, get that thought out of your mind!"

"Liz! You know, I was so shocked to learn that you have no boyfriend. A beautiful and sexy girl like you without a man is quite a news."

"Whatever, Mom. Besides, I've come here to work, not woo guys."

"But didn't you have one in Roswell?"

"I haven't dated anyone since my parents died."

After a minute of silence, she asks

"Why?"

"I dont know, Mom. Anyway, I'm leaving now. Just catching a taxi would take me an hour."

"Okay. Give me a call, ok?"

"Ok, Mom. Bye." I say, giving her a quick hug.

"Bye sweety! Best of luck to you!" she yells from the kitchen.

"Yeah Laterz." I say and open the door.

"Dont slam th-"

But before she finishes her sentence, I slam the door shut. She must have said the same thing like a million times but I do the opposite of it.

My parents were willing to buy me a car but I refused as I wanted a car from my own money. It would make me proud and self-satisfied. The've already done a lot for me and I dont wanna become a burden for them. Its still remains a surprise to me how they put up with me? But then again, I love them and they love me so what the hell?

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

I'm sorry, Mama.
I never meant to hurt you.
I never meant to make you cry,
but tonight I'm cleanin' out my closet.

"I'm sorry, Mama. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you cry, but tonight I'm cleanin' out my closet. "

Yeah! This is what I call life!

Ring, Ring

What? The cell phone just had to ring now??

SHIT! No, DOUBLE SHIT! Its MONA!

I pull over on the side of the road and click

"Hello?" I say, changing my vioce to like I just woke up.

"Hello Max, where're you?"

"At home, was sleeping until you just woke me up." I lie.

"Are you... driving?"

"Uh- No! Ofcourse not!" I lie, again.

"Then why do I hear car hor-"

"Oh well, thats just the T.V"

"I thought you were sleeping?"

"Uh- No, I mean yes! I was watching T.V and slept without even caring to turn it off."

"And where's this music coming from?"

"Stereo! I forgot to..."

"Turn it off?"

"Yeah. Absolutely right."

"You sure you're not driving?"

"Yes darling! Ofcourse!"

Wow! I cant believe I'm such a great liar! Well, you can say experience.

"So, how're you feeling now?"

I lied to Mona the other day that I am suffering from a fever and she actually believed me! She's at San Jose to visit her parents and she told me to come and visit her parents so I lied. And she strictly told me not to leave the house. She was even ready to leave San Jose and come to me but I had to force her to stay there.

"Better." I answer.

Just then, a brunette, dressed... formally?. opens the door amd sits in the front seat.

I just stare at her and she looks at me and asks,

"What? Aren't you gonna drive?"

"Max? Max?" Mona yells.

"Yeah, Mona. Just a minute." I say to Mona.

"Who's Mona?" the brunette asks.

"First you tell ME who YOU are and what are YOU doing IN MY DAMN CAR???!"



TBC....

--

Part 3

LIZ

"First you tell ME who YOU are and what are YOU doing IN MY DAMN CAR???!"

Shit! Why is this guy shouting? He should know that I'm not deaf.

"Im Liz and-"

"Excuse Me, Sir?"

I, as well as this stupid, turn to see who just said that and its the Officer. Great, Thats just freaking great. He just had to come when I'm getting late?

"Oh Officer?" That stupid asks. Cant this stupid see that HE is the Officer?

"Is there some problem? I mean why did you pull over?" the Officer asks.

"Actual-" Stupid begins to say but I cut in.

""Wait, lemme speak. Ok so Officer, I was asking for lift and this guy over here pulled over and I hopped in."

"Oh. Sorry for the inconvenience."

"No problem, Officer."

"Now, you can leave." The officer says and walks to his car.

And that stupid once again stares at me with narrow eyes.

"Mr. Whatever, drive before Officer makes his appearence again."

And he stops staring at me and starts the engine.

Whoosh! He's kinda fast driver but then again he's pissed. When the officer came, he had swirched his mobile phone off.

"So, you were asking for lift?" he asks.

Now I'm 100% sure that he's a stupid.

"Ofcourse. Thats why you stopped the car."

"No."

"What?"

"I pulled over coz I had got an important phone call. I never stopped my car to give you a lift."

"Well then, why didn't you tell me before?"

"Coz you never gave me a chance to speak."

"So you mean to SAY that I'm a CHATTER BOX?!"

"You could say that." He answers, with a smirk.

What does this giy thinks of himself? Being handsome doesn't mean that he has to show his attitude.

"Mr. A, you could have gotten a chance to speak but you never did. And by the way, you should be thanking me for saving your ass from the officer."

"Mr. A?? What does that stand for?"

"It stands for Mr. Attitude."

"So, now I'm a guy with attitude??"

"Well, I suppose you should have known that."

"I dont have any attitude! And you should be thanking me for giving you a lift!"

"You know what. Stop your damn Porsche. I can catch a taxi."

"You wont. Taxi's are very busy at these timings. Its very difficult to catch a taxi out here in Los anegeles."

"Whatever." I mumble.

"So, you didn't tell me where you want to go?"

I look through my purse and hand him the card.

"Hmmm... ok." He says and hands me the card back.

And why is he grinning? There's some serious problem with this guy.

"Anyway, why are you going over there?" He asks.

"Mark Evans is looking for a personal secretary. And I'm going to give an interview."

"At what time are you supposed to be there?"

"At 11."

"10 minutes to 11."

"I know."

"Dont worry. You'll reach there on time."

"Yeah, if you're gonna continue driving fast."

He chuckles.

"You think I'm driving too fast?"

"Not too fast and anyway, I like fast driving."

"Yeah but sometimes its difficult to drive fast coz L.A traffic is bad and the cops..."

"I've figured that out."

"You drive?"

"I do but I dont own a car here in L.A."

"You mean you just moved here?"

"Yes, 5 days ago."

"Oh. So, how do you like it so far?"

"Compared to Roswell, its big."

"You came from Roswell?"

"Yeah, I'm a small town girl."

"Now anymore coz you're in L.A now."

"Yeah. Dont you think that I'm telling you a lot of personal stuff? I mean, I dont even know your name."

"So, you wanna know my name?"

"If you dont wanna be called Mr. A, then I think you better should." I say grinning and he grins back at me.

"My name is M-"

Ring, Ring

"Excuse Me." I say and pick up the phone.

"Liz?"

"Mom! Hy."

"Where're you?"

"I'm on my way for the interview."

"Oh. Well, I just called to ask if you found a taxi ride or not."

"Well, not a taxi ride. Mr. A gave me a lift." I say looking at him and he smiles.

"Huh?"

"I'll tell you later, ok?"

"And remember to call me?"

"Fine. Laterz."

With that, I hang up and Mr. A, who's now become Mr. Ok for me, stops his car in front of a huge building.

"Wow!" I say, obviously stunned by looking at the building.

"I know."

His voice breaks my 'wows' and I turn to him.

"You know what, you're not Mr. A anymore." I say, smiling at him.

He arches his eyebrows questioningly.

"Really? Then what am I now?"

"Mr. Ok with a little attitude but still ok."

"With 'Ok' you mean externally or internally?" He asks with a smirk.

"I guess... both."

And we both chuckle.

"You know, you're not bad yourself." He says.

"So now, I also come in the 'Ok' category?"

"More than 'Ok'."

And I blush at his words. I glance at my watch and gasp.

"5 minutes to 11. I should better get going."

"Yeah. You dont wanna get late. I have heard that Mark Evans is a very strict man."

Why is he grinning?

"Well, I hope I dont screw up."

"I wish you best of luck."

"Thanks."

I get out and stand beside the car.

"If you need a lift or something, stand where you were standing today. I pass from there everyday so it would be my pleasure to give you a lift... if you ever need one."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"Bye and Good luck. You look like an intelligent woman. I'm 99% sure that you'll get the job."

"Why not 100%?"

"Coz I'm not Mark Evans."

I smirk. My mind about him has changed... he's not a stupid anymore.

"Bye." I say and turn around.

As I walk up the steps, I turn around and see him looking at me. I wave at him and he waves at me back. And then, he drives off.

And as he drives off, I realize that I dont even know his name. My mom just had to call when he was telling me his name? But not to worry, to me he's Mr. Ok and I think I'm gonna stand on the same spot, that I stood today, tomorrow so I can get a lift from him. But right now, I think I should better go in if I want this job.

--

Part 4

LIZ

Wow! This thing is big!

I think I should stop with my 'wows' and go to the front counter.

"Good morning. How can I help you?" The red-haired girl at the counter asks.

"I'm Elizabeth Parker. I'm here for the interview for the secretary thing."

"Ok. Just a sec."

She does something with the keys of the computer and turns to me.

"Ok Ms. Parker. 3rd floor and from there, Ms. Troy will take care of everything."

I give her an appreciative smile.

"Thanks." I say and walk to the lift.

Damn the lift! Its not taking the name of coming down! Well then, I'll just go with the stairs. And before I turn around, I stick my tongue out at the lift. And I turn around and bump!

I think I bumped into the pillar. But why is the pillar wearing a tie and an Armani jacket? Wait, this is not a pillar. This is a person. A male. A rich man coz he's wearing an Armani jacket.

And as I look up at him, he looks familiar. Have I seen him somewhere or does he resemble someone?

But forget about that. My things are all scattered on the floor and this guy is just staring down at me. Wait... this guy's got some kinda amber eyes. Yes, I've definitely seen these eyes before!

"What? Are you just gonna look at me or apologize?" He asks.

What the HELL DOES THIS GUY THINKS OF HIMSELF??

"Excuse me, Mr. Whatever. Dont you think you should be the one apologizing out here??"

"No, I dont think so coz you bumped into me."

I'm so pissed at this guy that all I want to do is kick the shit out of him. But I'm getting late so there's no point in arguing with this jerk.

I pick up my things and straighten up.

"You dont have any manners, do you?" I say.

"I dont have any time to argue with you, miss."

"Likewise. And you know what, screw you."

And he just shrugs. Well, to hell with this Armani guy.

I turn around after giving him a glare. He just ruined my perfect day.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Follow me, Ms. Parker."

Ms. Troy... fake boobs, fake smile and blonde hair. I hate her already.

Since I have entered this building, there's only one person I've appreciated so far and thats the counter girl.

Well, all I hope right now is that Mark Evans does not turn out like that Armani guy.

"Here take a seat, Ms. Parker. Mr. Evans has not arrived yet and as soon as he comes, you'll be the first one to go." Ms. Troy says.

"Good." I say and sit down.

"You're supposed to say thanks..." she says.

The nerve of that woman!

"Ms. Troy, I'll do whatever I want to. You're not supposed to tell me what I should do or not coz you cant boss me around. ok?"

I give her a'GET-THE-HELL-OUT-OF-HERE-BEFORE-I-KICK-YOUR-ASS-YOU-BITCH' look and after glaring at me, she stomps out. Good! Now, I can relax!

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

What did that brunette think of herself? Doesn't she know that she shouldn't be talking like that in my own building? I mean, she was the one who bumped inot me and then she expects an apology from me? I dont know whats up with her.

"Mr. Evans!"

Pam Troy... fake boobs, fake smile and blonde hair. I hated her since she came here coz she started flirting with me since that day. Even if a girl looks at me, she'll do something to that girl that will force her to resign. And when I came up with the idea of a personal secretary, she did everything to make me drop that idea. But when I one make up my mind, I dont change it again.

"Ms. Troy, how many girls?"

"Eleven." she says with an unusual look on her face. She looks... uninterested?

"Ok, Send the first one in."

"Sir, the first one is not a very good one. She's a bitch. So, I'll just tell her to leave and we'll just do it with the other ten girls?"

The last time I checked, I was supposed to be giving her instructions, not her!?

"Ms. Troy... firstly, this is an office so lets beahve out here. Secondly, I'm suppose to judge her , not you. And thirdly, sent her in. You got that, Ms. troy?"

"Y-yes Sir."

"Good, Send her in 2 minutes."

"Got it, sir."

And with that, she gets out and shuts the door. Doesn't she know that she's a bitch herself and she's in my office? I do know how to handle these bitches. And I handle her (the biggest bitch) so no problem with the others.

Knock, Knock

"Come in." I say.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Come in."

'Ok Liz, get in and be yourself, unless you suck'

Hey, shut up you stupid mind! I dont suck but yes, I'll be myself.

I open the door, step in and close the behind me.

Mark Evans is sitting and looking at the window. All I can see is his back.

"Sit down." He says.

Is he ever gonna turn around?

"Th-thanks." I say and sit on the chair across him.

WOW! The room is so big and so... mature.

He turns around and...

"So Eliz-"

Oh. My. God! This armani guy is Mark Evans??!!!!!!

All right now, I think there's some problem with my eyes so I rub them again but still I see this Armani guy. By the look on his face, I am sure he's as shocked as I am.

"So, we meet again." He says.

here goes my hopes for the job down the drain.

"M-Mark Evans?"

"Yes, Mark Evans. So, YOU are Elizabeth Parker?"

"Y-yes."

"Look Ms. Parker, lets forget about our encounter downstairs coz it has nothing to do with this interview. I'm just gonna question you and you'll get a call within 2 days if you are selected and if we dont call, then forget about the job. OK?"

"Okay." I say.

* * * * * * * * * * *

For the last 5 minutes, he has been throwing questions on me like tennis balls. And the surprising thing is that he's asking questions ver casually, like I never said 'screw you' downstairs. I'm glad to see that he's not relating our first encounter with this interview. Byt maybe he's not showing his disapproval at all. I am 90% sure that from inside, he's saying things to me that I never would want to hear.

"So Ms. Parker, you ar-"

Ring Ring

"Excuse Me?" he says and I simply nod.

God, bless that person who called. If I ever get to meet him/her, I would shower him/her with 'Thankyou!' balloons. It's not that Mark Evans is the worst man on Earth, it's just that this is my first interview and after our first encounter, I dont even know how I'm facing him and how I'm able to talk to him. It stills remain a mystery to me.

"Max! Where are ya man?... Yeah... So?... Ok... Sure... haha...Ok man... Laterz."

I think that was Mark's brother?

"Ok Ms. Parker, thats all. It was nice to meet you." He says and I accept Mark’s outstretch hand with a smile.

"Likewise, Mr. Evans."

And with that, I leave the room. Phew! It's absolutelt not a perfect day.


TBC...

--

Part 5

LIZ

As I walk to the exit, I hear my name being called.

"MS. PARKER!"

I turn around and see that red-haired counter girl running to me.

"Ms. Parker..." she says, breathing hard.

"Ok, first breath and then speak." I say.

She chuckles and after calming down, she says

"Ms. Parker, Mr. Evans is calling you upstairs."

"What?"

"Yes, Ms. Parker... immediately."

My heart is banging 1000 times a minute. Wht does Mr. Evans want now?

"Oh. Okay." I say and walk to the lift. And after 2 seconds, it comes down. Good, lift came to its brains!!

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

"Oh come on, bro. She's very intelligent. I told you about the lift thing and she proved to be a very smart person."

"Max, I cant give her the job without even giving the other ten girls a chance!"

"I understand, bro. But all I'm saying is that she'll make a perfect secretary."

"Ok, so this is what we'll do. I'll take the other girls' interviews and if they prove to be more capable than her then I am gonna appoint one of them, not her. Is that a deal?"

I grin a 1000 watt grin.

"Deal! I'm telling you, bro, you wont find a more capable secretary than her."

"Max, is all this coz you like her?"

Oh no, that so not the case! Right?

"No way, bro. Are you forgetting the fact that I've already got three girlfriends... Mona, Nicole and Janet."

"Not three anymore, Max. I am sure Mona's breaking up with you now coz she must have heard everything."

"Well then, Nicole and Janet are still here. And, bro, I am just suggesting you something. I am telling you what I think about her and all I have to say is that she'll make a perfect secretary."

"Max, just spending 5 minutes with a girl and judging her does not make sense."

"Well, what about you, bro? You had spent 5 minutes with her, taking her interview... how could you judge her then?"

"Max, your and my case is entirely different. You dont know much about her as much as I do. I had thrown questions on her like tennis balls and there's no doubt in that she's capable. Look, just coz Micheal recommended her and you have met her, does not mean that she HAS to be my secretary. If I choose her without even trying to know about the other girls' capabilities, then I wont be doing justice to anyone."

I sigh.

"You're probably right, bro."

"But that does not mean that I've changed my mind about the deal. The deal is very much alive."

"You sure?"

"100%"

Knock, Knock.

"Come in." Bro says.

And Liz steps in.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"Come in." Mr. Evans say.

I open the door and step in. When I look up, I see a guy with Mr. Evans grinning at me.

OH. MY. GOD!! Thats MR.OK!!!!

"Mr. Ok?"

"Liz. Hey again." Mr. Ok says.

"H-Hy. What're you doing h-here??"

"Well, Liz... this is Max Evans, my lil bro. You have met him before but as Max told me, you didn't know his name." Mr. Evans say.

Mr. Ok-er... Max is grinning.

So Mr. Ok IS Max. Why didn't he tell me before?? So thats why he was grinning everytime I mentioned this job? Now I understand!

"Max! Why didn't you tell me before??"

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Ahem. Ms. Parker and Max, why dont you guys go outside? I have to take interviews..." Mr. Evans says.

"Bro, how much time?" Max asks.

"Two hours and I'll tell you. OK?"

"OK. Laterz. Come on, Liz."

Max takes my hand and drags me out. But before he closes the door, I yell a 'Good Day' to Mr. Evans.

"Max, Care to explain?"

"Sure but I dont think this is a very good place to explain. Why dont we have some coffee and I'll explain as well?"

"Okay."

I'm confused to why the Evans guys called me upstairs. Well, Max is here to explain and thats enough for me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

Wow! She is really beautiful.

"Max, I didn't come here to see you staring at me with a blank expression."

"You know why I'm staring at you?"

"No. But I would like to know why..."

"Coz you look really beautiful when your silky brown hair cascades your face."

God, did I just flirt with her?

"You're flirting." She says.

"Well, all I know is that whatever I just said was the truth."

"So, why did your brother called me upstairs?"

"Well, I recommended you and also that in the car you were telling me how you've got your hopes pinned on this and how you couldn't wait to hear if you would be selected or not so I requested my brother to tell you who's it within two hours."

Thats the truth, right?

"Wow! Thanks, Mr.Ok."

"You still gonna call me Mr. Ok when you know my name?"

"Hmm... not a bad idea, Max."

We both laugh.

"Thats better, Ms. Beautiful."

"Now, let me throw the same question on you... you gonna call me that when you already know my name?"

"Liz, right?"

She playfully smacks my head.

"Sorry. I've got something like amnesia today but now that you've smacked my head, I remember your name! Elizabeth Claudia Parker!"

"Lets not go for the full name. How about just Liz?"

"Liz?... hmm... interesting. I'll call you Liz from now on."

"Good! So, you didn't tell me... who's Mona?"

"My girlfriend whom I think is gonna dump me coz I lied."

"Oh okay."

"Wont you ask me what I lied about?"

"Max, I asked who's Mona coz she was like shouting your name on the phone so I was wondering who was she and now that you've told me, I wouldn't like to know the reason coz I think that it's too personal."

"You Know, Liz, you're a good person."

"You barely know me, Max!"

"I guess so... unless you give me a chance to know you."

"Chance...?"

"Wanna be friends?" I ask, extending my hand to her.

After a very sweet smile, she shakes my hand and says

"Love to."

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

"Son, who's your new secretary?"

"Dad, I'm confused. I've taken 11 interviews and out of them, Elizabeth Parker has been recommended twice."

"But Mark, you dont go for recommendations."

"Yes but, dad, Elizabeth is capable of the job. I'm telling you whatever I think about her... smart, intelligent, beautiful-"

"Beautiful, huh?"

I can just imagine the look on Dad's face when he said that.

"Dad! I'm telling you whatever she's like. You'll say the same thing when you'll meet her."

"Well Mark, if you're self-satisfied then I think you should appoint her."

"Well, I think I'll do."

"Good. Look, you mom's calling me so I'll see you in the evening?"

"Sure, Dad. Laterz"

And with that, I hang up.

I think I'll go for Elizabeth. Yes, it's Elizabeth. But am I giving her this job coz she's capable or for some other reason?

Heck, I shouldn't think about that. She's capable and intelligent and I'm 100% sure that she'll make a good secretary.

I dial Max's cell phone number and after three rings, he picks up the phone.

"Bro, it took you two and a half hours??"

"Yes, Max. I had taken all the girls' interviews and I couldn't make a decision and after that, Dad called so I got a little busy..."

"so, now you've made the decision?"

"Yes, I have."

"So, who's it?"



TBC...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 6

MAX

"So, who's it?" I ask.

After a few seconds of silence, Bro says

"It's Elizabeth."

"Really??"

"Yes, it's... Liz."

"I knew it, Bro! You would choose her in the end and you did!"

"Yes, I did. Are you with Elizabeth right now?"

"Yeah, she's gone to the Ladies room."

"Where are you?"

"Right now, we're in a cafe."

"Where else did you guys go?"

"Nowhere."

"You guys have been there for two hours?"

"Yeah. Anyway, Bro, Liz is coming. Lemme play a little game with her. See ya, Bro."

"But Max-"

Before Bro could continue, I hang up.

"Who were you talking to, Max?" Liz asks while sitting down.

"Liz, can we go the park? I have something to tell you." I say, putting up my serious tone.

Her smile disappears and she asks,

"Is it something serious?"

"Yeah. Lets go the park, Ok?"

"Okay."

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"Max, what is it?!" I ask.

Its been 10 minutes since we have reached the park and we are just walking side by side with Max looking very serious. His eyes are on his shoes and his hands are shoved in his pockets.

It's time for some women power...

"Fine then... I guess I'll just go if you're gonna continue with this kind of attitude, Mr A." I say and turn around but his strong hand grab my arm and spins me around.

"All right. I'll tell you but Liz, it's not such a good news..."

"I dont care what kind of news it is. Either you're telling me or am getting the hell out of here."

He nods and points to an empty bench.

"Lets sit."

I nod and follow him to the bench. See... these threats work! I wonder what the bad news is...

He takes a deep breath and starts,

"Liz... you didn't get the job."

"WHAT?" I practically shout but luckily there are not many people here at this time to hear me.

"Back in the cafe... it was Mark's call. Bro told me that he has selected a girl name Alice Gellar and he is sorry for the... you-know-what."

Hell to his Bro! If that guy thinks that he can crash peoples' hopes by choosing girls named Alice then HE IS SO WRONG!

Just then, a ball comes from nowhere in the air and Max catches it. We turn to see a kid, aged four... I guess, standing there, looking very shy.

"Hey kiddo! Come here and get your ball!" Max yells to the kid.

But the kid, instead of coming to us, turns around and starts running to God knows where.

"I'll be right back." Max says as he stands.

"Max! Where are you going?"

"To give that kid his ball, Liz." He says and before I could stop him, he too runs away.

Mark Evans... I feel like kicking the shit out of him and telling him not to show his handsome-err-ugly face again to me!!

Ring, Ring

Aargh!! Damn Max's cell phone!

I take the cell in my hand and see 'Bro' written on it. So, its Mark Evans. Let me give him a piece of mind.

Click

I open my mouth to speak but before I could start, he says

"Max, Why did you hang up?! And what game are you going to play with Liz?"

Game? What game??

"Game?" I ask.

"Huh? Who's this?"

"Duh! I'm Liz."

"Elizabeth, where is Max?"

"He'll be right back. Mr. Evans, you didn't tell me about that game..."

"I dont know about it too, Elizabeth. I called Max 15 minutes ago to inform him you got the job an-"

"Job? I got the JOB?!" I shout.

Is this guy kidding me?!?

"Yeah. You got the job. Didn't Max tell you?"

"No, instead he said I DIDN'T GET THE JOB!"

Why did Max say so?

"Why did Max say so?"

Wow! Mr Evans and my thoughts are so very similar!

"Are you sure I got the job?"

"Ofcourse, Elizabeth."

Then why did Max...? Wait... the game. I think I get it now.

"Mr. Evans, did he tell you more about this game that he said he'll play with me?"

"No, he hung up before I could ask him anymore questions."

"Well, I think I know about the game."

"What about it?"

"Mr. Evans, I'll tell you later."

"Liz, I want to know whats happening. Why are people hiding things from me these days?!"

I look at my right and see Max standing there with a female and that four year old kid. The girl's laughing while Max is just standing across her, scratching his head. Is she flirting with HIM? Hmph. Bitch. Wait, why the hell do I care if she flirts with Max, or dates him or makes out with him or have s-

"LIZ?!" Mr Evans yells.

"Mr. Evans, look, Max is standing right over there."

"Elizabeth, I am on the phone. I am NOT in the park. I cannot see what Max is doing or where he's standing!"

Huh? Oh yeah.

"Right. He's standing over there so I really need to hang up."

"Fine, Liz. But you better call me later and tell me whats going on."

"Thanks, Mr. Evans. You're the best! Bye."

I hang up and place the cell on the same spot where it was before.

Thank goodness, the tree's here to hide me.

I look at my right again and see Max walking towards me.

Okay, Liz. You can play this game. Use his medicine on himself. Nobody dares to mess up with Liz-The-Devil.

"Sorry about that, Liz. The girl got me a little busy." He says and sits down beside me.

Busy my foot! You're in for a surprise, Mr. Evans No.?

"Girl? She's the mom of that kid, right?"

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

"Girl? She's the mom of that kid, right?"

What is she asking? I expected to hear some very bad words for my brother the second I get here.

"Max, I asked you a question."

"Yeah-uh no! She's not the mother of that kid. She's his sister."

"You sure?" She says, glancing at that girl who is looking at our direction with her eyes full of... envy? But she looks away at that very second.

"Ofcourse, Liz." I answer, turning back to Liz.

"What was she saying?"

"Oh. Well, umm... she... umm.."

"She was flirting?"

My head shots up after hearing her question. How did she know?

"Y-yeah. You could say that."

She grins and shakes her head.

"Liz, about the job..."

She stretches her arms, still grinning and says,

"I'm glad that I didn't get the job. And besides, I was never interested in this job. It was Micheal who told me to go for it so I gave it a try."

Huh?

"But, Liz, you were so enthusiastic about it earlier this day."

"I know. I was enthusiastic coz it was my first interview and everything. But now I've realized that there are many other job oppurtunities out there."

"I know, Liz, but still-"

"Still nothing, Max. And you know, I said I'd love to be your friend before but now, I dont think so."

WHAT? WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY? She cannot break our friendship JUST like THAT after THREE HOURS!!!!

"What? Why?" I ask.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"What? Why?" I ask.

Whoa! Look at the look on his face! He looks so angry and confused. I hope I'm not crossing the limits of this game. But then again, I have the plan in my mind which is going to work and Mark Evans will help me with this. I'm damn sure he will.

"Max, I dont want to be associated with the Evans in any way."

"Is this all because of you not getting the job?"

"Exactly."

"But what does this has to do with me??"

"You remind me of Mark Evans, thats why!"

Yeah, I know, lame answer but I had nothing else in my mind so I just said whatever came to me.

"What kind of logic is that, Liz???"

"You heard me, Max. Bye."

I pick up my purse and start walking.

Max stands up but he doesn't follow me.

"Liz!"

I turn around while walking and say,

"Max, try to forget about your so-called-friend Liz Parker. Bye."

"But, Liz, you cannot just break our friendship in three hours!!"

"I'm sorry, Max. But I have my reasons. Goodbye and have a nice life."

I turn around after observing a very confused look on his face.

Ha! Who said Liz Parker could not act? Hey, I think I was the one who said that. Well, screw me!

After catching a taxi, I dial Mr. Evans office number.

"Hello?" A woman picks up the phone.

"This is Elizabeth Parker. Can I talk to Mark Evans, please?"

"Wait a minute, Ms Parker."

After waiting for a minute or two, Mr. Evans come on the line.

"Hello? Elizabeth?"

"Yeah, Mr. Evans, I need to talk to you."

"You sure do."

"Can we meet somewhere?"

"Why dont you come to my office? In that way, I'll be able to talk about your job."

"Okay, Mr. Evans." I hang up. Well, I hope my plan works.




TBC...


Part 7

MAX

Ring, Ring

Aargh! Who had to call at... eleven in the morning??

I decide not to pick up the phone but after five rings, I get fed up and pick up the phone.

"What?" I say, annoyingly.

"Max, Mark here."

"Bro, I dont have any rehearsels on Fridays, remember? So would you PLEASE let me sleep?" I ask, rubbing my eyes with my vacant hand.

"Sorry, Max. But I had to ask you something important. Liz has not arrived yet. I tried contacting her but no response. Do you know where she is?"

Oh Shit!

I had tried my best to call on her cell phone but got no response. I even took her house numbers from Bro but answering machine. I even tried to take her address but I was too late. So, I tried calling her again but no response. So finally, I gave up.

"Max, you there?"

"Yeah. Bro, she's gonna come uh... tomorrow." I lie.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I told her to join from Saturday."

"But why?"

"Oh come on, Bro. Whats the difference between Friday and Saturday? She's gonna start from tomorrow and now let me sleep."

"Mister, you cant sleep now."

"What?"

"Well, since you have told Liz to join from tomorrow, you can come and assist me today."

"But Bro, Pam is there to assist you."

"She called sick today, Max. You gotta come."

"But Bro, how could I possibly assist you?!"

Shit, Shit, Shit!!!

"Well, you sure can. Get your ass out here before I come and drag you."

Now I regret whatever I did. Sue me.

"Fine! I'm coming."

"Good boy. I knew you'll help your 28 old brother."

Why did he have to be two years older than me and not the other way round?

"What did I do to deserve being two years younger than you?" I ask, frowning.

"I dont know. God knows. I'll see you in half an hour, Max."

"But, it will take me an hour to-"

"I dont want any buts, Max. You're coming in exactly one hour. Got it?"

"Got it. Bye for now." I say and hang up.

There's one thing that I cant win-argument with Bro.

* * * * * * * * * * *

As I enter the building, I decide to greet one of my favourite friends, the red-haired counter girl named Serena Bates.

"Hey, Rena! How you doing?" I ask, hugging her tightly.

"Max! It's so good to see you!" She exclaims, hugging me back.

"Me too." I say, pulling away.

"I heard from Pam that you did come yesterday. You could have come and met me you know." She complains, crossing her arms on her chest.

"Well, I had to escape from some people and go upstairs."

"Why? You're not a criminal, remember?"

"No, I'm not. I'll tell you the whole story some other time. For now, I have to go before Bro decides to take action against me."

"Oh yeah. Mr. Evans told me that you would be assisting him."

I take her hand and caress her engagement ring with my thumb.

"So, how's Ray?"

Ray is her fiance. I tried to ask her out before but when I got to know that she has a serious relationship with Ray Gabriel, ofcourse I dropped the idea. And I supported her in every possible way when she decided to marry Ray. There wedding is next month.

"He's absolutely fine. What about you? How's Mona, Janet and Nicole?" She asks, winking.

"I broke up with Mona yesterday."

"Oh. So, now Mr. Evans only have 2 girlfriends?"

I nod, grinning.

"Well, I did see you with Ms. Parker yesterday. Is she your new girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend. She was just my friend till yesterday, not anymore."

"Why?"

"She said that she didn't want to be my friend in the end so thats it... over." I say, staring at the floor.

"You like her, dont you?"

I look up at her.

"I dont know. Anyway, I'll talk about this later with you. Ok?"

"Okay. Bye." She says and gives me a peck on my cheek.

I smile at her and walk towards the lift.

1, 2, 3. Good, finally here.

The doors open and I see people roaming here and there. Pam comes and greets me. What is she doing here??

"Maxie boy! How the hell are you?" She says, giving me a peck on my cheek.

"I'm good. I thought you were sick."

"Sick? Me? No, I'm not sick. I'm fine."

"You are?"

"Yeah. Why, what gives you the idea?"

"Well, M-"

"Max!"

We both turn to see Bro coming towards us. He lied to me!

"Max, come on." He says and then turns to Pam.

"Ms. Troy, could you excuse us please?"

I give Pam an apologetic look and Pam nods and walks away.

"You lied t-"

"Max, I need you to go and take the blue file from Harry." He says and walks away.

I'll talk to him after taking that blue file. Why did he lie to me?

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

Mr. Evans enters and says,

"Liz. this is the last time we're doing this, OK? Next time, whatever Max does, I dont care. OK?"

"Yes, Mr. Evans."

"Good. He'll be in here any second."

I see through the glass windows and see him talking to Harry.

I close the blinds and say,

"Well, everything's going as planned. Max will get the surprise of his life."

Mr. Evans nods and starts looking through the files. Well, I guess this is the last time we're going to have a little fun coz Mr. Evans is a very strict person.

Ok, here he comes.

I go and sit accross Mr. Evans. Max will only be able to see my back when he'll enter.

"Bro, you lied to me?"

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

I come in and the first thing that comes out my mouth,

"Bro, you lied to me?"

And then I notice that Bro has got a visitor. I can only see her back and her brown, straight hair which reminds me of Liz. Shoo, shoo! Go away! I dont want my mind to be invaded by Liz again, not after what she did to me!

"Max, I'll talk about that later. For now, I would like you to meet someone." Bro says, pointing at the girl in front of him.

Sure but she better not remind me of Liz, again.

She turns around and... and... she's... she's LIZ!!

Liz? Here?!

"Hey Max." She says, grinning.

I turn to Bro who's also grinning while my mouth drops open.

"L-Liz?"

They both crack up laughing. I'm confused!!

After they both calm down, Bro says,

"Max, come and sit down." He points to the seat beside Liz.

I slowly walk to the seat, my eyes on Liz.

I sit down, my eyes never leaving Liz's. I look up at Bro and gulp. Am I screwed? Gulp.

"So, you played a little prank on Liz yesterday?" He asks.

BUSTED! Trouble... thats what I smell.

"H-How did y-you guys know?"

"Well, when you went following that kid, Mr. Evans called. And from there, I got to know that I've got the job. So, I decided to have you taste your own medicine. Thats why my cell phone was switched off, I told my family members NOT to pick up the phone when you call and let the answering machine get it and thankfully, you were not able to get my address. I had talked about this with Mr. Evans and we wanted to surprise you today... Main reasons why Mr. Evans lied to you about Pam and me." Liz explains.

Whoa! I'm impressed!

With that, they both chuckle and I join in, laughing at my stupidity.

"So... I guess, that explains everything. I'm giving you both five minutes to sort things out. And then, Liz, I expect you to go back to your work and Max, you can go home and sleep as much as you want." Bro says.

"I dont think so that things need to get sort out anymore. I'm leaving, Bro. I'll see ya later." I say, not even bothering to look at Liz. Even if breaking our friendship was a part of her plan, I did take that serious and it broke my heart.

"Whatever you want to do, Max. I'll see ya later. Now, I have an important call to make. And Liz, you can still have those five minutes." Bro says and starts dialing a number.

I glare at Liz and walk out of there.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

Oh my! He took that thing seriously!

I run after him.

"Max! Max! Please, wait up!"

He finally stops and turn around. I step closer to him.

"Max, I'm sorry." I say, staring at the floor.

"Oh yeah? You think I'm gonna forgive you?"

"Max, it was just a part of the plan!" I say, looking up at him. Man, he's so angry!

"But, Liz... dont you think you went a little overboard?" He asks, this time in a calm tone.

"I'm sorry, Max. But you have to understand... you cannot imagine how I felt when you said I didn't get the job."

"And you dont know how I felt when you said you didn't want to be my friend anymore. Atleast you got to know the truth in half an hour or so. But I got to know that it was a joke after twenty one hours!" He says and walks away.

"Max! Max!" I call out to him but he does not listen and soon he goes.

Shit! I think I've lost my chance with him. I mean, I like him... I really do. And I'm going to do everything to be his friend again. But for now, I should better go back to work.




TBC...

Part 8

LIZ

A week has passed since I have seen Max. The last time I had seen him was last Friday, when he just walked away and it was my first day at work. He hadn't even come to the office after that either. I tried my best to contact him or meet him but he would refuse either way and finally, I gave up.

Mr. Evans had been... well, Mr. Evans. He hasn't changed his attitude towards the staff, including me. He instructs, orders and expects us to listen to him (which we do actually). Till now, I have got only two lectures about my 'carelessness' [sp?], as Mr. Evans stated. And to me, these two lectures are not enough to get me to the right track. Didn't I mention before that I am a dumbhead?

And it always happened when I got lost in my little 'Max-dreamworld'. Actually, Mr. Evans reminds me of Max. And the other day, I met his gaze while he was instructing me something and I got lost. His and Max's eyes are of the same colour but I am not good in reading what people's eyes are trying to say. So, I kept staring into his eyes, thinking them of Max's, while he dictated whatever he wanted me to write in that business letter. And soon he realized that I hadn't been writing and from there, his long lecture started.

Right now, it's 9 and today's Saturday. Everybody left early but I stayed coz Mr. Evans is still here, doing his paperwork and maybe he would need some help (I doubt he even knows I'm here). I'm just sitting in Harry's cabin. It's so quiet out here and I love the silence-the second reason which helped me to stay here till this time.

Finally, Mr. Evans exits his office and stops, confused and startled when he sees me.

"Elizabeth, what are you still doing here?" He asks.

Tonight, I'm going to tell him to call me Liz coz the whole staff does and 'Liz' makes me feel like home. Like, I'm around people who are not strangers. Yes, the whole staff is my friend now except Ms. Troy ofcourse. I dont know whats up with her. Anyway, as I was saying, Mr. Evans does not call me Liz. In business meetings or something like that, he would call me Ms. Parker and otherwise, he would call me Elizabeth.

"Mr. Evans, I-I was waiting for you." I reply.

"Specific reason?" He asks, raising his eyebrow.

"No, not at all. You were in the office doing paperwork so I decided to stay in case you needed some assistance as nobody's here."

"Oh. Well, thanks. I'm heading home and I think you should too."

"Yes, Sir." I say and pack my things and follow him outside the building.

Crap! Why did I decide to wait for Mr. Evans? Now, how the hell am I supposed to catch the damn taxi at 9?

As if reading my mind, Mr. Evans say,

"I'll drop you."

"Y-you sure, Mr. Evans?"

"Ofcourse. Come on." He says and I follow him to his car.

He opens the door of the front seat for me and closes the door when I sit down. He's such a gentleman and his Mercedes is so cool!

Soon, we drive off.

He's not a fast driver. He drives smooth.

I look at him and couldn't help but admit that he's so handsome. I haven't seen him with a woman. A man as handsome as him should have a woman.

Feeling bold, I dare and ask him.

"Mr. Evans?"

"Hmmm?" He says, glancing at me.

"I know it's very personal but do you have a girlfriend?"

He looks at me and for once, I could see hurt in his eyes but I guess that was my stupid assumption (I did inform you that I'm not so good in telling what others' eyes are saying). And besides, he looks away and in a calm tone, he answers,

"No."

For the rest of the ride, I give him details about the new business deal, recieving only 'Hmmm's' and 'Uh-Huh's and nothing more.

Soon, he stops in front of my place.

"Here we are." He says.

"Ummm, Mr. Evans, would you like to come inside?"

"No, not right now. I should really head home. Max is alone and he says he wants to talk to me about something important."

I look away from him and ask, in somewhat a sarcastic tone,

"Why? Doesn't he have a date?"

Serena told me the other day that Max has broken up with Mona but Nicole and Janet are still available. I wonder what made me think that I could capture a playboy's heart?

"Well, no. He broke up with all his girlfriends."

What? He really did?

I look at Mr. Evans.

"Any reason?" I ask.

"Well, he said that he has to stop this 'too many girlfriends at one time' thing and thats why he decided to even if have a relationship, then try to make it serious and just not for fun."

What happened to Max Evans so suddenly? Did I tell you that he's a dark, handsome, mystery man?

"Oh." Thats all I manage to say after what Mr. Evans told me.

"Anyway, I'll see you on Monday. Enjoy your Sunday, Elizabeth." He says, smiling at me. Thats the first time I've ever seen him smiling like that! Hell must've frozen over!

"Mr. Evans, I would feel really nice if you'd just go for 'Liz' coz I'm used to people calling me that."

He smiles again and says,

"Okay, Liz."

And soon I'm outta his car. He drives off after waving goodbye to me.

After a long time, Mr. Evans and I had a real conversation (even if it was a short one) other than business.

I unlock the door and step in before closing the door behind me.

Mom and Dad are gone to a dinner party. They had informed me about their plans before I went for work today.

Saturday night and I have nothing to do. I cannot even call Micheal because he has a phone date with Maria. Serena, one of my good friends now, would probably be out with Ray. Everybody's out and I'm stuck at home. And unlike Max, I dont have any brothers or sisters to give me company.

Speaking of Max, I dont know what caused him to change so suddenly. Serena usaully talks about him so I have some idea what kind of person he really is.

Anyway, for now I'll just go make myself a sandwich, watch some T.V and retire to bed.




TBC....

Part 9

LIZ

"Oh no, Serena. I'll rather stick at home." I say on the phone.

"Come on, Liz. Dont be such a snob. You wanted to see Ray and he's coming."

"Ray's coming?"

"Yes, he is. Now, would you come?"

She's blackmailing me!

"Ok. I gave up. Pick me up at 7."

"Yeah!"

"Oh no. Dont get your hopes high Ms. Serena Bates. I'm coming because I wanna see who captured your heart that you are going to end up marrying him. Not because I want you to set me up with that friend of yours."

"Liz, you know that I'm not trying to set you up with him. He's just kinda down these days so I thought I'd invite him along to cheer him up a little. Setting you up with him never was my intention."

"Sure, Rena. I believe you." I say, rolling my eyes. Whom does she think I am? Some dumbass?

"Thanks, Liz. I'll pick you up at 7. See ya."

"Laterz." I say and hang up.

In one way I'm glad that she asked me to accompany her coz I'm bored stuff out here. Mom and Dad have gone to take a nap and they suggested the same thing to me but I'd slept for a long time last night till late morning so I dont feel sleepy at all.

Well, it's not like I had NOTHING to do today. Alex called at one and we talked for an hour or so. But trust me, that was the only best part today, besides sleeping till noon ofcourse.

I sit on the couch. Now where did that friggin remote control go?

The doorbell had to just ring now? Well, lets see who's it.

I get up from the couch, straighten up my top and walk to the door.

I open the door and it's...

"Hey Liz!"

"Micheal! Where the hell have you been these days, man?!"

"In L.A." He answers, grinning.

"You jerk. Come on in." I say, stepping aside and letting him in.

I close the door and lead him to the couch.

After settling down, I ask him,

"So, what brings you here to old mousy Liz Parker on one boring Sunday?"

"Well, I was bored so I decided to pay you a visit."

"You're a life saviour. I was so damn bored so it's great to have you here."

"And look what we have here..."

He takes out a DVD from nowhere.

"A walk to remember!" I yell, grinning like a child who just got offered the best chocolates and snatching the DVD from him.

"I know how much you like these chick flicks so I rented it for a day."

"You sure you're going to watch this movie with me?"

"Liz, for the last one year I have been dragged to every chick movie you girls watch. It's no big deal."

"Well, then what are we waiting for? Lets hit it."

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Micheal! Aargh! Not so tight!!"

I shout and he pulls the pin from my hair and puts it on again, this time not so tightly.

"Sorry about that." He apologizes.

"You should be. You know Micheal, it's good that I know you've got a girlfriend. If anybody else must have seen you helping me with my hair, or watching A Walk To Remember with me they would have certainly thought that you're a gay."

"Liz, shut up."

I chuckle and stand up, spinning around in a circle.

"So, how do I look?"

"Like a gay."

"Micheal, I want the truth."

"Okay, okay. Great as usual. Now, come on! Sabrina is waiting for you downstairs."

"Micheal, her name is SERENA. Not SABRINA! How many times should I tell you that?"

"All right, Sabri-I mean, Serena is waiting for you downstairs."

"Thankyou, Micheal." I say, giving him a peck on his cheek.

"Oh you know you dragged me into this."

After watching the movie, I came upstairs to start getting ready leaving Micheal downstairs who started watching football. Mom is in the kitchen, making dinner and Dad is watching football downstairs. Serena had arrived a few minutes ago and when Micheal came to call me upstairs, I dragged him into helping me do my hair.

"Mike, why dont you come along?"

"Cant, Liz. Your parents have already make me agree to stay for dinner."

Even though they're not my actual parents, Mike refers to them as my parents.

I nod and follow him downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"When is Ray gonna come? I wanna see him! And your friend, where is he?" I ask, looking around.

Serena and I have been waiting outside for the last five minutes but these men are not taking the name of coming.

"There they are!" Serena says, pointing to a... Porsche? That reminds me of Max. I miss him! Ok, calm down! Dont start this again!

She leads me to the car and a man comes out. Is he Ray?

"Ray!" Serena says and attacks him.

Oh yes, he's Ray. Not bad. He and Serena make a good couple.

I turn my attention to the other side of the car and... MAX?!

"Max?" I ask, walking a little closer to him to get a better view in the dark.

"Liz." He says and looks away.

So, this is Serena's friend. I should've guessed. She wants to set me up with Max?

"Guys?" Serena calls out and we both turn to her.

"You both dont need an introduction." She says, pointing to me and Max, "So, I'll just introduce Liz to Ray. And Ray this is Liz."

"Nice to meet you, Liz." Ray says.

"Same here." I say, smiling up at him.

"Now, shall we go inside?" Serena asks.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"I'm thirsty. Ray, wanna get a drink?" Serena asks.

We have entered the building for the last ten minutes and it's only Serena and Ray who have been talking.

"Sure. You guys want?" Ray asks, looking from Max to me.

"Uh no. Thankyou." I say.

"Max?" He asks.

"No, thanks." Max answers.

"All right. Come on, Rena. We'll be right back." Ray says and leaves with Serena.

I glance at Max who's staring at the dance floor. This is the time to talk.

"Max?"

He glances at me and sighs.

"What?"

"We need to talk."

"No, we dont."

"Well, we sure do!" I shout, attracting some people's attention but after staring at me for a few seconds, they turn to their own business.

"We've been through this."

"Maybe you are but I'm not."

"Fine. Lets talk." He finally looks at me.

"Not here. Lets go somewhere private."

He rolls his eyes and says,

"Fine. But where?"

I look around and spot the washroom.

"Washroom."

"Washroom?! You gone insane or what?" He asks, looking at me like I'm crazy.

"Well, thats the only private place I can suggest out here!"

"All right. Lets go."

He says and we both stand up. We enter the ladies washroom and luckily, there's no one.

"So, what you wanna talk about?" He asks, shoving his hands in his pocket.

I fold my arms on my chest and look up at him to see him staring at me questioningly.

"Hear me out, okay?"

He just nods.

"Max, I never meant to break your heart. You are my only friend besides Micheal and Serena here in L.A. an-"

"I'm not your friend anymore, Liz. Remember what you said a week ago?"

I told him to hear me out and he... Aargh! Sometimes he really pisses me off.

"Yes, I do remember! But that was just a part of the plan! And you have to understand that even I was feeling really bad when you said I didn't get the job."

"Just forget about that, Liz. What do you REALLY want?"

"Max, I wanna be friends with you... again."

"I dont think so, Liz. Lets just part our ways. We dont get along."

I sigh but I'm not gonna give up.

"You wanna know what I REALLY want?"

"What?"

"Max, all I know is that I... I like you. I really do. When I got to know from Serena that you have three girlfriends, I felt like being one of them so that I can be with you. And just yesterday, I found out from your brother that you've broken up with them. And at that moment I was kinda happy as well as sad. I was sad coz you refused to talk to me. I like you, Max. When I saw you for the first time, I wished that someday I could have a, you know... a relationship with you. But I guess you're not interested in me so lets just drop this. I am sorry for wasting your time."

That is the truth.

"I should probably go now..." I say and the next thing I know is his lips on mine.





TBC....

MAX

She likes me?! And she says she should probably leave now? No, I'm not going to let her go anywhere. Doesn't she have any idea that she had driven me crazy about her since the day I laid my eyes on her?! Doesn't she know that I cant stop thinking about her?! Doesn't she know that I broke up with all my girlfriends coz of her?! Doesn't she know that I ignored her because of that stupid Serena's plan?! Doesn't she know how important she has become to me in just one week?!

I should have so not agreed to Serena's plan!

So, I kiss her. Hard. To show her that I feel the same for her. And she tastes so good... like strawberries. She kisses me back just as furiously and after a few seconds, when our lungs yell for air, we pull away, breathing hard. I rest my forehead against hers but my eyes still remain close.

When our breathing comes back to normal, I open my eyes to look at her.
I pull her chin up, telling her without words to open her eyes and she does. Wow! Her eyes are so beautiful. I kiss her eyelids and stare at her angel face for sometime.

"So, what're you doing tomorrow?" I ask.

But her look changes. Here goes nothing...

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"So, what're you doing tomorrow?"

Not so fast Mr. Evans number 1,2,3,4....? Ah well, lets just stick up to his first name.

I pull away from him and step back while confusion is written all over his face. Well, he should know that I'm more confused with his previous behaviour than he is with my present one!

"What does this all mean?" I ask, folding my arms on my chest and taking a step back.

"What? What does what mean?" He asks, more confused.

"Why're you asking me out?"

"Coz I want to. And... I like you."

"So, what does that 'I dont wanna talk to you Liz' behaviour means? I call that immaturity."

He sighs and looks away.

"I so should have not agreed with her." He murmurs.

"What? Agree with who?" I ask, arching my eyebrows.

Just then Serena enters and says,

"Agree with me."

"Huh?" Thats all I manage to say.

"Serena, I told you this was not a good idea. God, after this much experience I should have known not to agree with you." Max says, somewhat angrily.

"What idea?" I ask.

"I'll tell you, Liz. Max, I want to talk to Liz. Would you mind excusing us please?" Serena says.

What is going on here?!

"Serena, not you again. It's you who should get out." Max says, pointing to the exit.

"Max, this is tha ladies washroom. Get out before some lady comes in." Serena says.

"I dont care! I hav-"

"Max, I know my plan was completely immature but can I please get a chance to clarify things to Liz and make it up to you both?"

"What plan??" I ask. God, these people should rather work in suspense movies!

"I'll tell you, Liz... once Max goes out." Serena says, looking at Max.

Max sighs and nods and then comes up to me.

"I'll be back in 10 minutes." He whispers while I look at him with utter confusion.

And after glancing at Serena, he leaves.

"Serena, what is going on here??" I ask.

"All this 'I dont want to talk to you, Liz' behaviour was a part of the plan." She says.

So, she's been eavesdropping.

"What plan?"

"Last Saturday, Max called me and told me that you had just walked away like that. And he said that when you confronted him in the office, he just ignored you even though you had told him that it was just a joke."

"Yeah, I know. But what I dont know is why he did that."

"Well, he didn't mean anything he said to you, Liz. He was going to ask you out that night."

Really??

"He was?"

"Yep. But he didn't."

"What made him change his mind?"

"Me. I did."

"You? How?"

"Well, so he told me all this stuff and he just wanted to apologize to me---"

"To you? Can I ask for what?"

"Actually, that night we had already made plans about me, Ray and him going to this party. But as he had already made up his mind to come to your place that night and everything, he said he couldn't make it."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Anyway, so I told him this plan."

"This is the 3rd time I'm asking you, Rena! What plan??"

"Okay, here goes. I told him to ignore you for sometime to which he shouted a big, 'WHAT??'. But after a lot of persuasion and a lot of reasons, he agreed."

What the hell??

"Why did you tell him to ignore me??" I ask, throwing up my hands.

"So that I could know if you really like him."

No wonder she talked about Max so much with me.

"And so you guys planned tonight. I so knew when you called me that you were upto something." I say, narrowing my eyes.

She just shrugs and says,

"Liz, I'm sorry. I guess my plan didn't really work out. But you have to know, Liz, how much Max wanted to talk to you."

I just smile and say,

"Get your butt outta here, Serena. Call Max back in here."

"Yes, Sir." She says and leaves.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

As soon as I enter, Liz starts laughing.

"Liz?"

"You and your stupid plans, Max." She says and walks up to me.

"Were you always like this?" She asks.

"No. But after meeting you, yes."

"So, what're you doing tomorrow?"

Phew! She's ok now.

"Hmmm... dancing with you... lets see... ok, that can be counted as a date." She says, grinning.

I grin back.

She gaves me a peck on my lips and leads me outside after taking my hand. As she opens the door, a woman bumps into her and looks at me.

"In case if you dont know, this is the ladies washroom..." The woman says, looking at me.

"Well, we do know that." Liz answers, rolling her eyes. Yep, she's Liz Parker.

"Then whats he doing here?" She asks, pointing at me.

"Thats none of your business. Come on, Max." Liz says and leads me outside, the woman still staring at us.

When we reach the dance floor, we break out laughing.

After calming down, I say

"Hey, it's a romantic song playing. Care to dance with me?" I ask, smiling at her.

She takes my hand and rests her head on my shoulder.

Mmm... she smells so good! I cant believe that I'm with her right now! Oh God, I am acting like I'm in high school.

She lifts her head and we stare at each other.

Wanting to feel her lips once again, I capture her mouth with mine. I dont care what other people think about us right now but they should know that this pretty angel is mine now.

"Heavily making out, huh?"

We both pull away and turn to see Serena standing with Ray next to her, amused smiles on both their faces.

I look at Liz whose cheeks are turning to different shades of pink. Awww! She looks so cute when she's blushing.

"You planned this, Rena. You're a little brat." Liz says, grinning.

"What 'planned this'?" Serena asks, trying to be innocent. Doesn't she know that her fake innocence is not gonna work right now?

"Your plan named 'I am not talking to you, Liz'. Remember?" Liz says.

"I dont see any harm in it. And besides, I guess I succeeded." Serena says, grinning.

"Oh yes, you did." I say, pulling Liz closer to me.

After the club thing, I ask Liz out for dinner.

"You want to come with me to the most romantic restaurant?" I say, my arms around her shoulders while we walk to my car. Serena and Ray had left 5 minutes ago.

"Would I dare to refuse? No." She says, smiling.

When we reach our my car, I lean in closer for a kiss but she pushes me away.

"No right now, Max Evans. I'm hungry." She says.

"For food or for me?"

"Max!"

"You didn't answer me."

"For food."

I put up a disappointed look on my face and sigh.

"Okay. Lets go to that romantic restaurant." I say but before I could move, she pulls me into a kiss.

After pulling away, she says

"Not everytime your fake disappointed look is going to work Max Evans. So dont get your hopes too high." She says.

I grin.

"Whatever you say, Liz."

I take her hand and open the door for her. After she gets in, I run to the other side of the car and hop in.

"Lets go, Ms. Parker."

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"Max... Max... NO!... Max... MAX!"

"Liz? Liz! Wake up!"

I open my eyes immediately and see Mom sitting right beside me, frowning.

"Mom..." I say and then rub my eyes.

"I guess you had a nightmare." She says, caressing my forehead.

"Yeah. You can say that." I say, sitting up.

"But who's Max?"

I immediately look at her and realizing that my eyes will tell her the truth, I look away.

"Lizzie, spill. I want the news."

"God! You sound like Maria." I say, looking at her... finally.

"Maria?"

"She's one of my best friends."

"Oh. Anyway, give me details about this Max guy. You know, these days I'm hearing a lot of Maxs. Like first Maxwell Evans and then your nightmare guy, Max."

She taps her chin and I gulp.

"Hmm... does both of these have some... link?" She asks, studying my expression.

Now I really need to spill.

"Well, Max is Maxwell Evans." I admit.

"I knew it! So, why is Max haunting you in your dreams? Is he that bad-looking?"

Bad-looking?! Bullshit! He's the most good-looking guy I have ever seen in my entire life!

"Mom, he is NOT bad-looking." I clarify.

"Then, why is he haunting you in your dreams?"

"You really wanna know what I dreamt about?"

"You know, for the last two minutes I've been asking you the same question in one or the other way but all you do is look away from me. Lizzie, just consider me as Maria for sometime and spill, woman!"

"Okay! Okay! Max is my boyfriend, okay!"

Mom gasps.

"Max, as in Maxwell Evans, is your boyfriend?!"

I nod.

"When? How? Where?" She asks, grabbing my shoulders.

I just laugh at her reaction.

"Mom, one question at a time."

"No, three at a time. And I'm MARIA, remember? Now answer dammit!"

"Yesterday. I like him and he likes me. At the club."

"Whoa! You hooked up with the Evans guy!" She says, grinning.

"Yeah. No biggie." I say, shrugging my shoulders.

I glance at the clock and... holyshit! I'm late already!

"Mom, I gotta get ready. Max is coming to pick me up in exact 10 minutes!" I say and just as I'm about to crawl off my bed, Mam pulls me back to where I was sitting.

"Mom, whats the damn problem with you?? I'm getting late dammit!"

"No, Lizzie. You're not going anywhere until you tell me what happened in your dream."

"H-He... he kissed me and said 'Goodbye forever' and... and started walking away."

"Thats why you were shouting his name?"

My head bent down, I nod.

She sighs and squeezes my hand.

"Lets just hope that this dream does not come true."

"I wont let it." I say, immediately looking at her.

She nods.

"Now, you better go in and start getting ready. You really dont want Ed to make Maxwell's life hell by throwing disturbing questions on him." She says, smirking.

I chuckle and get off my bed.

"Lizzie, I want every detail about you and Max, from the start, when you'll come back home in the evening."

"You got it, Mom." I say, smiling at her and get in the washroom, slamming the door behind me before she once again tells me NOT to slam the door.


TBC....
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 11

MAX

I stop my car in front of Liz's house. I got to know a lot about Liz yesterday:

1) Her parents... died.
2) She has not dated anyone after her parents died.
3) Her friends circle includes Micheal, Maria, Isabel, Alex and now, Serena.
4) She moved to L.A for a new job coz she wanted to start over with her life.
5) She lives with her Uncle Ed and Aunt Teresa whom she calls Dad and Mom, respectively.

Thats all I know about her. Including the fact that we're a couple now.

I get out of my car and walk to the door and walk to the front door.

Okay. Take a deep breath and ring the bell. You can do this, Maxie boy. I know you can.

I have done this a million times before but with Liz, it looks like its the first time.

I finally ring the bell and shove my hands in my pocket. My nerbous habit.

A woman, a beautiful woman..(What? I assume she's Liz's aunt and so I can call her beautiful in that sense!)

"Yes?" She says, expecting an answer from me while I contemplate what to say to her. In the end, I say this:

"Uh... hello. I'm Max...M-Max Evans."

Get a grip, Evans!

"Max! You came on time." She says, grinning.

"Uh, yeah. I guess so." I say, scratching the back of my head.

"Come on in."

I give her a quick smile and step in.

Hmmm... impressive.

"Why dont you take a sea-"

"Honey, who's it?"

We turn to see a man walking out of the kitchen and stops when he sees me.

"Uh... Ed, this is Max Evans. Remember I just told you about him?" Mrs. Dallas says.

"Good Morning, Mr. Dallas." I say extending my hand and he shakes after giving observing me a little.

"Good morning to you too, Max." He says.

"Why dont you two take a seat while I go and bring a drink for Max." Mrs. Dallas.

"Mrs. Dallas, you really dont have to do this. I'm fine, re-"

"Nonsense. What do you want? Juice, tea-"

"Water. Water will be fine."

"Okay. Take a seat please. I'll be right back." She says and disappears in the kitchen.

"Have a seat, Max." Mr. Dallas says.

I nod and follow him to the couch.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

"Hey, Max! When did you arrive?"

I turn around and see Liz standing in the middle of the room. I give out a sigh of relief inwardly.

"Hey, Liz. About five minutes ago."

And those five minutes have been hell. Hell because Mr. Dallas has been questioning me in those five minutes and the look that he had on his face when I told him I'm a stageactor was not so... satisfying. I doubt he likes actors!

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

Once we say our good-byes to Mr and Mrs Dallas and Liz closes the door behind her, I grab her wrist and pin her to the wall.

After letting out a gasp, she says

"Max?"

"I really needed to touch you..." Isay, while caressing her cheek with my thumb.

I lean in closer and press my lips on hers. Kissing Liz is like heaven.

After our little make-out session on that little public spot, just outside her house, we stand there, breathing hard.

"Max, I'm getting late." Liz says.

I take her hand and lead her to my car and soon we are waiting for the traffic light to turn to green.

After a minute of silence, she finally speaks.

"So, how did it go with my parents?"

"Good. Mrs. Dallas is very sweet and Mr. Dallas is very ummm..."

"Difficult? Hard?" She says, smiling.

"Ummm... yeah." I say, glancing at her to assure myself if whatever I said didn't offend her.

She chuckles and says,

"It's ok, Max. He's like that with others but with me and Mom, he's totally different."

"I believe you."

"Mr. Evans is so gonna sue me today." She says, frowning.

"Sue you? Why? What did you do?"

"I'm terribly late, Max."

"Speaking of my brother, I'm not... ummm... sure that my family should know about our relationship right now." I say.

Phew! I let it out. I have been thinking about this and was nervous to tell Liz.

"What? Why?"

"I want my family to know about us on my brother's brithday."

"But why not now?"

"I want to surprise him."

"Oh. So, now our relationship is going to be a surprise gift for your brother's birthday?!"

Looks like I pissed her off.

"Liz, its not what you think..."

"Maybe you're right. Maybe it's just that you dont want anyone to know that you're dating amiddle=class girl who's actually your brother's personal secretary!"

"Liz, please. Thats not the case!"

"Stop your damn fucking car, max Evans! I can go to the office by myself coz you see I do have money in my purse and something tells me that you dont want to be seen with a girl, struggling to live here in your oh-so-good Porsche!"

I pull over on the side of the road and turn to her.

"Liz, what're you talking about??"

She opens the door and just as she's about to get out, I grab her arm and lock the door while she's struggling to get out of my grasp.

"What's up with you, Liz? Why a sudden outburst?!"

"I know what guys like you do! You just wanna get in girls' pants and then leave her!" She yells, still struggling to get out of my grasp.

"LIZ! I'm not that type of a guy!!"

She stops struggling.

"Lets talk about the truth here, Max. Dont you remember you had three girlfriends at the same time like a week ago??"

I finally let go of her and bang my head a few times on the steering wheel in frustration.

I finally sit up straight and without looking at her, I start speaking.

"You wanna know the truth, Liz? The truth is that i was aplayer until I met you! I broke up with all those girls coz of you! I had sleepless nights coz I couldn't stop thinking about you! And you tell me, Liz... did I try to get in your pants yesterday? We both were drunk and I could have easily taken advantage of you, but did I? Did I, Liz??"

I finally look at her and I can see water in her eyes which soon travels down her cheeks and a sob escapes from her lips but she doesn't dare look at me.

"I'm sorry, Max. I am just... confused. I mean, I'm in a relationship after six years and I dont know who to trust naymore. Everybody just has this thing of leaving me. I mean, look at my parents... they left me when I needed them the most."

By now, she's crying out loud and I immediately pull her into my arms, soothing her.

"Liz, I'm not that type of a guy and you have to trust me. I have feelings for you, Liz. You dont have to be confused. I'm here and everythings gonna work out. You just have to trust me, Liz. Thats all I need you to do and I promise you, things are gonna work out really good."

I feel her nod against my chest. I lift her head to look at me.

"So, are we okay now?" I ask.

She smiles and nods.

"I'm sorry for my sudden outburst. I didn't really mean whatever I said. I misunderstood you." She says.

"You dont have to apologize, Liz. Just know one thing... I dont regret what we have." I say, cupping her cheeks.

"Me neither, Max. And you should also know one thing... I trust you."

"Thats it! Now everything's gonna be fine."

"Max, are you sure about not telling your family about us?"

"Liz, if you want them to know, then we'll let them know. I was saying that coz I wanted to surprise my brother by showing him that even I can be in a serious relationship. But if you dont want this, then it wont happen. We'll just go and tell my brother about us."

"No. I wanna surprise your brother too. I wanna show him that i'm the reason why Max Evans wants to have a serious relationship."

"You sure, Liz?"

She beams at me while nodding.

I place a strand of her hair behind her ear and lean in closer to kiss her. I give her a sweet kiss full of prmises. After we pull away, I start stroking her hair.

"Aren't you getting late now, Parker?" I tease her.

"Ohmigosh! Start the engine, Evans,or get your cute ass kicked by me!"

"Oh sure, Ms. Parker. You know I'll do anything for you." I say, winking at her.


TBC....


--


Part 12

LIZ

Oh God! Mr. Evans is so going to sue me today. What if he fires me? What if he decides to have not anyone give me any job after he fires me? I mean he's an Evan-belonging to one of the richest families here. I mean I wont work as a waitress in some restaurant or coffee shop or something. I love this job!

It's all coz of Max. If he wouldn't have distracted me sexually when he wanted to give me a good-bye kiss (which lead to many things), I wouldn't have been this much late. If Mr. Evans fires me, I'm surely going to sue Maxie boy!

"Rena, is Mr. Evans in a bad-" I start but she cuts in.

"He's very angry, Lizzie. I mean, come on, you're like an hour late and Mr. Evans does not like no punctuality. You should've kept that in your mind, Liz!"

"Its all coz of Max." I mumble, looking away.

"Max?"

"Yeah. He... distracted me."

"Making out and everything?"

"Yeah."

"Aaaah. He's good in that."

"You talk like he's done that with you." I say, narrowing my eyes.

"Oh no! He has NOT done that with me. Max and I have been friends, nothing else. You see, one of his ex-girlfriends happens to be one of my best friends and she told me this when she was with Max which was a long time ago."

"Could you give me more information about Max's ex-girlfriends?"

"Yes, girlfriend. But not right now. Mr. Evans is already very pissed off. You would not want his anger temperature to reach to the maximum."

I chuckle.

"No way! I wouldn't want that. I'll see you later, Rena."

"See ya."

I walk to the lift and press the button but the lift does not co-operate with me this time. It didn't co-operate with me on my interview day here too and trust me, that day didn't turn out to be so good except that I met Max Evans and ended up getting the job which was a very good thing.

Stairs, here I come!

As I run to Mr. Evans office, unluckily, I bump into Ms. Troy. Great! That’s just freaking great!

"Ms. Parker! So good to have you finally here today." She says with a fake smile.

"Ms. Troy, you do know I'm late. So please excuse me."

I take a step forward but she doesn't move.

"What is the hurry, Ms. Parker? Just if you don’t know, Mr. Evans is very pissed off."

"Oh. Actually, I knew that."

"That’s good. Ms. Parker, we'll definitely miss you."

"Miss me??"

"There are many, many chances of you getting fired so 'Miss you' in advance."

She thinks she's the queen of snapping. Yeah right!

"Ms. Troy, I guess you really want to know whether I'm fired or not?"

"You bet, Ms. Parker."

"So, in order to find that out, you have to let me go in there coz you see, if I don’t go in there, we both wont be able to know if I get fired or not. So, lets just cut this crap and mind our own business for sometime?"

"Ms. Parker, you must have heard from the staff that I am a very nosy person. But I'm letting you go in so that I get to know if you get fired or not. Just remember one thing, when you get out of there, I will be the first person to talk to you."

"Whatever, Ms. Troy. Now, let me GO!"

She shrugs, turns around and walks to her cabin. Who does she think she is? Why am I thinking about her, anyway? She's a useless person and I don’t talk about useless people. Right now, I should better get in there if I want to survive.

I knock on the door and a 'come in' is what I hear. I slowly turn the knob and step in, closing the door behind me. He looks up at me and in my opinion, his eyes say, 'You're in trouble!’ I gulp.

"Oh, so you finally decided to come today?"

My gaze falls to my shoes, refusing to meet his eyes or even look at his angry face.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Evans."

I finally look up at him and he sighs, stands up and walks to me. When we are face to face, only then he speaks.

"Liz, I made it very clear last week that I do not like no punctuality."

I nod and once again, my gaze finds my shoes safer.

He pulls my chin up for me to look at him rather than my shoes and this time, I don’t see any anger in his eyes and when he speaks his voice becomes low and calm.

"Liz, I am not going to ask you what made you come so late. You're new around here and you don’t know me as much as other people do. I'm giving you one more chance, Liz. Can I expect you following the rules from this day onwards, Liz?"

Wow. And here I thought, that he's going to fire me the second I enter his office.

"Mr. Evans, I promise to follow the rules from this day onwards. I wont disappoint you again."

"Good. Now, lets get back to work. Where is that file I gave you yesterday?"

"It's with Harry, Mr. Evans."

"Oh. Go and take it from him."

"Yes, Mr. Evans. I'll be right back."

He nods and walks to his desk while I leave his office. As soon as I close the door, Pam comes and stands right in front of me.

"Oh. Did you forget your things in there, Ms. Parker? Do you want me to go and get them for you?"

I smirk.

"No, thanks. My things are where they're supposed to be."

"I think you're forgetting that you don’t work here anymore." She says, smirking.

"I think you're forgetting that I still work here."

Her smile disappears immediately. Look who we have here. A disappointed Pam Troy!

"Just if you don’t know, I didn't get fired."

"What?"

"If you don’t believe me, you can go and ask your boss. For now, please excuse me. I have to go and take a file from Harry." I say and walk pass her.

* * * * * * * * * * *

And so, here I am, sitting beside Mr. Evans, trying to pay attention to what the woman across me is saying but my mind keeps drifting to Max *sigh* Max... I close my eyes and his image comes in front of me.

"Elizabeth?"

I open my eyes and see everyone looking at me... expectantly? I turn to Mr. Evans and he raises his eyebrows.

Shit! Did I just daydream in front of them? In front of my boss and all these people? In a meeting? Did I tell you I'm a complete fool?

"Sorry." I apologize and Mr. Evans turns to the woman who was speaking.

"Please, carry on."

"So, as I was say-"

Ring, Ring

Where is this coming from?

Ring, Ring

Once again, everyone's eyes are on me. What? What did I do now?

Ring, Ring

I turn to Mr. Evans, who leans in closer to me and whispers,

"Liz, you cell phone is ringing."

Oh goodness! So, it's my cell phone!

"Excuse me." I say and leave the room.

Once I'm out of there, I click the button without even glancing at the screen to see who's calling.

"What?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Max?"

"Yeah. Why, were you expecting someone else?"

"No. Actually, I was expecting no call for another half an hour."

"And why would that be?"

"Mainly coz I'm in a very IMPORTANT meeting right now."

"Oh. I guess I should've asked you earlier if I could call you during office hours."

"Max, you can call me anytime you want. But unluckily, I have a meeting to attend. Mr. Evans insisted me to tag along."

"I understand. I just wanted to make sure if our date tonight is still on?"

"Of course it is, Max. Pick me up at 8, okay?"

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

I hang up and switch off my cell phone as I enter the room.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Liz, I need to talk to you. Sit down."

Mr. Evans points to the seat across him and I sit down.

"What is it, Mr. Evans?"

"Liz, didn't you know that you're supposed to switch your cell phone off during a meeting?"

Oops!

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Evans. I forgot."

"Next time, I don’t want this to happen."

"Yes, Sir."

"Now, after two weeks we are going to Phoenix."

"Phoenix? Why?"

"Business."

"Of course, stupid me. But you said 'we'?"

"Yes, you have to come along. We both will be leaving next Monday."

"Wow! My hometown Roswell is near Phoenix."

"I know. In this way, you'll be able to go to Roswell for sometime."

"Thank you, Sir. But for how long will we be there?"

"For a week or two."

"Oh. That’s great."

I lied. As much as I am excited to hear that I'll be visiting my friends and everyone very soon, I know I'm going to miss Max. Well, I guess I only have no option but to go with Mr. Evans. And besides, it does have one benefit. I'll be able to see all my friends. No wonder I'm going to miss Max even then. _______________________________________________________________________

Part 13

MAX

Have you ever felt like you want a particular moment to hold, stop there for the rest of your life? Well, that’s how I feel right now. When I take her hand in mine, something tells me that I want to hold this hand forever and claim her in any possible way.


I feel different when I'm with Liz. Like I'm flying in the air and am in heaven when I am with her. She has created such feelings in me that it's hard to deny them. We have been together for even less than 72 hours and I am already picturing her as my future wife. That’s how she makes me feel.

Right now, having her hand in mine and just walking in the park at 11 at night makes me feel special. The whole day, only she was in my mind. I so wanted to see her that I couldn't control myself and had to drag her out of her house an hour ago. Right now, just staring at her while she's looking at the sky is enough to make my heart beat faster and faster.

I observe her more closely and notice the look on her face. She's looking at the stars with 'Awe' written all over her face. She's looking at the full moon but I am still just watching her. She is my moon.

"Max..."

"Hmmm?" I reply, still watching her looking at the sky.

She glances at me and points to the sky.

"Look..."

I look at the sky and see a shooting star. I glance at Liz who has her eyes closed. I also close my eyes and inwardly wish for one and the only person... Liz.

I open my eyes and turn to Liz who's looking at me with her eyebrows raised.

"What do you want to ask?" I ask her.

She smiles. I guess I know her very well.

"Do you believe in this stuff?" She asks.

"No. But I believe in you, Liz."

"So, that means you closed your eyes and wished for something just because I was doing the same?"

"Exactly."

"That’s the sweetest thing I have ever heard from a guy, you know. Why do you make me feel so special?"

"Coz you are special, Liz."

She leans in closer to me and puts her arms around my waist while my hands travel up and down her arms.

"So, what did you wish for?" She asks.

"Hey, I did hear that you were not supposed to tell that!"

"Duh, Max! It's me! Liz!"

"Ok, ok. I'll tell you. But only on one condition..."

"And that would be...?"

"You have to tell what you wished for first."

"Okay. I wished that my life should always be perfect like it is now. Your turn."

"I wished that this moment would never end. I wished for you, Liz."

Do I see tears in her eyes? Oh yes, definitely. Coz now they are travelling down her cheeks. I immediately wipe her tears with my thumb.

"Liz, don’t cry. I can’t see you crying."

She pulls me into an embrace.

"Max, I don’t know how I'll survive the whole night without you."

"Same here, Liz."

She pulls away and I know I have to kiss her. I ask for entrance by licking her lips. She parts her lips more and soon my tongue is exploring her mouth. After sometime, we pull away, panting.

"I'll miss you." She whispers.

"You're saying that like you're leaving."

"I am leaving."

"What?! Where? Why? When?"

"Mr. Evans is taking me with him to a business trip. He just told me this yesterday. I'll be gone for two or more than two weeks. We are going to Phoenix after less than two weeks from now."

"Oh. For once you made me think you're leaving forever."

She puts a finger on my lips.

"I'm here. You're not going to get rid of me so easily, Max Evans. You know, those two weeks would be like hell. The only best part is that I'll be able to meet my friends and everyone in Roswell. And I'm going to miss you so much. You have no damn idea."

And an idea clicks in my mind. But I'm going to surprise her.

"I'm going to miss you too, Liz. Two weeks without seeing you are sure as hell going to be driving me nuts."

"Lets forget about that right now. Even thinking about that is enough to make me sad." She says, resting her head on my chest.

After a minute or so, she asks,

"Max, what’s the time?"

I look at my watch.

"It's 11:15."

She pulls away.

"I hate to say this but I got to go home. I have to go early tomorrow."

I sigh.

"Okay. Lets get you home."

I take her hand and together we walk to my car.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

"Max, how you doin’ man?"

"Doing good. Michael, I need to talk to you privately." I say.

"We have little time till the rehearsals. How about talking over a cup of coffee?"

"Sounds great. Come on."

After settling down with coffee in our hands, Michael asks,

"So, what’s up?"

"Michael, look, Liz and I-"

"I know, Max. I know you guys are together. I was shocked, man. I mean you having true feelings for a girl is truly surprising."

"Liz told me that she has told you about us. But Mike, how can you tell I've true feelings for Liz?"

"Max, you dumping those three gals for Liz should be in headlines, you know."

I chuckle.

"You know me too well."

"I sure do. But, I'm warning you, Maxwell. If you hurt Liz, that day will be your last day."

I salute him.

"Yes, Sir."

"So, you just wanted to know if I approve of you guys being together and all?"

"Not really. Liz is going to New Mexico."

"She is?"

"Yeah, with Mark."

"Well, I'm going to Roswell sometime during this month."

"You are?!"

"Yep. My girlfriend decided to kill me if I wouldn't go and visit her."

"Maria, right? She's Liz's best friend?"

"Yeah. I'll be there only for a week or two."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I was planning on telling you when everything would be finalized."

"Okay. Well, I am coming with you."

"Huh?"

"I am coming to Roswell with you."

"You are?"

"Yep. It's going to be a surprise for Liz."

"Whoa, man! You’re really serious this time, huh?"

"Your best friend makes me feel things, Michael."

"Everybody's going coz of their girlfriends. I hope Mark isn't."

"You know, bro. To him it's just business trip."

"Roswell, New Mexico. Here we come!"
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 15

LIZ'S JOURNAL ENTRY - OCTOBER 2003

Wow! This is like the first time I'm writing what I think on a piece of paper. Well, I told Max how I used to write a journal and everything and today he gave me a beautiful journal with 'LIZ' written on it with glitter. It's absolutely beautiful!

The only thing is that it's not the first time. I used to write a journal a long time ago. That is, until my parents' death. I don’t talk much about my parents death. Maybe because it upsets me that the only people that I loved so much left me all alone.

You know, after my parent’s death a lot of things changed. That is, until I met Max Evans. I mean, after my parents’ death, I stopped writing a journal. I stopped dating guys but that is a very different story. Even dating Max can be counted as a risk. But I guess, it's time to become completely my old self again.

I did lose people. I lost my parents and the guy that I thought I loved the most. But it wasn't my fault. He walked away. Just after my parent's funeral, I went to his place to ask him why he didn't come and as I was feeling so bad, I decided to gain some encouragement and support from him. But little I knew that what I was looking for wasn't there. He wasn't there. John Mathews wasn't there... anywhere. The guy that I hoped to look up after my parents' death wasn't there. The guy that I thought I would spend the rest of my life with wasn't there.

I tried to find him. I searched the whole Roswell for him. I called him but he had changed his cell phone number. After a month or so, I received a letter from him. He told me that he had moved to Florida and I should never try to contact him. He never told me the reason why he left.

From that day onwards, I made a decision to never get involved in a relationship. But Max... he makes me feel things. He makes me feel what I hadn't felt with John. He makes me feel what I didn't want to feel. He made me trust people and he makes me feel... loved.

I have lost a lot in my life. One after another. When I was 8, I lost my grandfather. When I was 18, I lost my parents. And just a couple of days later, John walked away. I had just finished my high school. At that time, I wondered what is it in me that makes people walk out of my life? I used to blame myself and cried the whole day and night.

The only thing that made me keep away from doing what I did to myself were my friends. Ria, Iz, Mike, and Alex... they showed me to live again. And within no time, I was able to start over. I was able to live again. But this doesn't mean that I don’t miss my loved ones. I always keep a picture of my parents and grandfather on my nightstand. Its just John that I had forgotten until now when I'm writing all this stuff and when I told Max this.

Now, I've got everything. Parents, friends, job and most of all Max. And I just hope, wish that I don’t lose either of these including Grandma Claudia. Just losing one would make me bottled up again.

I have realized after mine and Max's conversation last night that losing a person does not mean losing your own self. Maybe for sometime which is natural but not forever. And Max made me realize that.

Well, you must be wondering what really we talked about yesterday and how did it all start. And don’t blame me if I suck in writing coz it's been long time since I had written a journal and that it has a lot of memories attached to it.

Anyway, so last night, Max and I were supposed to go on a movie date but because I had arrived from the work late, we were unbelievably late to the theater also. And I apologized a million times to Max even though he kept telling me that 'it's okay and that there are many other interesting places than a cinema.'

So instead we went to his guest house which is next to a big lake only that we never went IN the house coz I was so struck by the beauty of the lake that I insisted on sitting by it and Max didn't seem to mind and immediately agreed.

So, we were sitting there, our legs in the kind-of-cold water. That is what I have longed to do. Sit by the lake with Max, our legs swinging slowly in the water with stars shining above us and the moon glowing in the sky.

That was when all those haunting memories just came back to me coz I knew that Max had every right to know about my past. Everything from like my childhood to this date. I told him all the tragic events that I had to go through. And the best part was that he was listening.

When I told him about John Mathews, his look told me that he was ready to kill that guy for leaving me in such a condition. But I told him that I was glad that John is out of life as if he would habe been still with me, I would have never met Max Evans.

After I finished with my lifestory, he just pulled me into his arms and for a long time, we just stayed like that.

And at that moment I knew that this was the best night of my life. He promised me that he would never walk away like that. And I believe him. I know he wouldn't do it. He may have a reputation of a playboy but i know that he is looking for a someone special. And by the way he touches me, looks at me and smiles at me tells me that maybe I am that special someone. I just hope I am.

As we were talking, I asked him a question.

"Max, how come you and your brother are so close? I mean, normally siblings dont get along."

"I know. But Mark and I have always been the best of friends. He'll do anything for me and vice-versa." He said, stroking my hair.

So till 2 A.M, we were just sitting there telling things from our past to each other. Something that really surprised me was when he told me that Mark Evans used to be a very different person from what he is now. I didn't ask Max the reason why his brother changed but when he told me about his brother, his voice was completely different and I realized that it would be inappropriate to ask him the reason.

Anyway, I gotta stop writing now coz Max is here to pick me up for the movies. And I dont want to be late, again.



TBC...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 15

LIZ

Where the hell is Max?! He should have been here by now!

"Liz, I have an important phone call to make. I'll be right back." Mr. Evans says.

"Sure, Mr. Evans. I-I have a friend who'll be coming here to say goodbye. So I'll meet you here in 15 minutes, if you dont mind." I say.

"Ofcourse i dont mind. I'll be back in 15 minutes." He says and stands up, walking to the other direction.

Today's Monday, yes Monday. The day when I'm am leaving L.A for one week business trip to Pheonix with Mr. Evans. And yes, I'm at the airport. The place from where I'll be sitting in a plane in 30 minutes which is totally disgusting and freaks the shit outta me. And yes, I'm waiting for Max Evans. The Max Evans, my boyfriend. The Max Evans who promised me that he'll come to the airport today. The Max Evans who has not arrived yet.

WHAT'S TAKING HIM SO LONG??!

I dial his number on my cell phone and he picks up quickly.

"Max, where the hell are you?"

"Right behind you, Liz." He says.

Huh? Did I hear him right? I turn around and see him standing there.

I put my cell back in my purse and walk up to him.

"You are 3 minutes and 5 seconds late." I say, folding my arms on my chest.

"I am so sorry, Liz. Traffic jam. Am I forgiven?"

"Only if you promise me that you'll call me everyday and NOT even look at some you-know woman while I'm gone." I say.

"I promise, Liz. I'll call you everyday and NOT look up at any you-know woman while you're gone."

"Do you look up at any you-know woman while I'm with you?" I ask, suspiciously.

"No way! You know I dont. Liz Parker, spit your anger and give me a hug or a kiss coz I'll miss you!"

"God, I am gonna miss you too!" I say and immediately go in his arms.

After a minute or so, he breaks the silence.

"When will you be back?" He asks, burying his head in my hair.

"In exactly two weeks." I say, hugging him tight.

"For how many days will you be in Pheonix?"

"A week or so."

"And the other week you'll be in Roswell?"

"Yeah. Didn't your brother told you anything?"

"I dont really ask him about his business life."

"All you care about is acting, huh?" I ask, slapping his shoulder.

"And you."

"Hmmmm... sure, I believe you." I say, hugging him even more tightly.

Upto this date, Max and I've become really close. We've been going out almost everyday and doing stuff and sharing things. We're like a happy couple.

I pull away and he asks,

"Where is Mark?"

"He had to make an important phone call. Dont worry, he wont be back for another 10 minutes."

He sighs.

"Liz, if you want, we can have this relationship out in open. It wont make any difference." He says, cupping my cheeks.

"It's okay, Max. I wanna wait."

"You sure?"

"Uh-huh. Till then, I would know you better than ever and before making a fool out of myself, I'll dump you if you turn out to be a bastard. In that way, nobody'll know that I dated a bastard." I say, pressing my lips in an attempt to not smile.

"No way! You're not getting rid of me so easily, Parker. I wont turn out to be a bastard. I promise."

I pull him close.

"Hmmm... I know you wont." I whisper before capturing his lips with mine.

After we pull away, he says,

"It's not only going to be me who'll call you. I want you to call me everyday too."

"Evans, you have no idea how many times I'm going to call you. One day you'll call me an annoying bitch."

He rolls his eyes.

"Liz, whatever time you'll call me, just dont call me at 5 in the morning. For the last two days you've been doing the same when I'm dreaming about you and me."

He dreams about us? Wow. I grin.

"You dream about us?"

"I cant help it.I mean, you dont choose what kind of dreams you want to have."

"What kind of dreams you have about us?"

He has this dreamy look on his face and he does not answer.

"Come on. Tell me, Max."

"About making love to you."

Men...

"God! You guys have nothing better to do, do you?"

"Ummm... no. Oh come on, Liz Parker. Didn't anyone tell you that you are irresistible?"

"You said so."

"When?"

I punch him on his chest.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"For not admitting that you called me irresistible."

"Oh you know you are."

"Yep. Since the day I was born." I say proudly.

We both chuckle.

"Well, I better get going. Bro will be here any minute." He says.

"You know I dont wanna leave you, right?"

"I know. But Liz, there're more trips like these to come in the future. And you're lucky that you'll be able to be in Roswell for a week with your friends."

I sigh.

"I know." I say and hug him.

"Call me as soon as you set your foot down there, okay?"

I nod and pull away.

After a long, lingering kiss we say our good-bye's and he leaves. I'm so gonna miss him!

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

Dont you just sometimes hate life? I mean here I am in my car, after saying good-bye to Liz at the airport and driving to that big fat building. Yes, I am going for work. Not that rehearsels or anything, I'm going to be replacing my brother for one week until my Dad comes and takes over until my brother comes back.

And guess who'll be my temporary secretary-Pam! Well, I dont mind Pam. She's a great friend of mine. She might act like a bitch to some people but with her friends, like me and Serena, she's totally cool. Secret to be told, she's a bitch to every girl who even looks at my brother's way.

Anyway, enough with pam. What I hate is this work. Mark has always dreamt of becoming a businessman just like my father so he had no difficulty making his career. He simply loves his work. I mean, not every person goes to work at 9 in the morning and come back at 10 or even more late than that. So, to sum it all, my brother has made his life work and nothing else. I guess I would have done the same thing if whatever happened with him would have happened with me.

Speaking of work, I have to call Micheal and ask him how's his work going. Micheal and I can only leave L.A next Monday. Thats because our play's director wants Micheal to work this week as the other week it'll all be about stage and sets organization. And as I am supposed to be working temporarily for one week, I couldn't go either.

But actually, it's good that we are not leaving L.A this week coz Liz will be in Roswell sometime next week and till then it will be useless to stay in Roswell.

Well, here's the big fat building. I'll call Micheal later.

Soon, after parking my car and everything, I make my way to the reception.

"Look what I have for you here..." She says, after greeting me and stuff.

"What?"

"Liz, left this for you." She says handling me a bag.

"A bag? I am not short of bags, you know." I say after observing the bag.

"stupid, there's something in it."

"There is?" I ask, moving the bag back and forth.

"It's small, not big. Thats why the bag is not heavy."

"oh. but if it's a small thing, why did liz put it in such a big bag?"

But I must say that the bag is something.

"Well, she said that this bag was given by her mother an-"

"you mean Mrs. Dallas?" I ask.

I think Serena knows about Liz's parents.

After a pause, she says,

"No. Anyway, she said that Mrs. Dallas has this thing for her bag and she didn't want anything to happen to it so she's giving you this until she comes back."

Thats very sweet, isn't it? Am I sounding like a girl?

"Interesting. So you know what's in it?" I ask, dying out of curiousity.

"No. Liz made me promise NOT to open this bag. She gave me strict instrustions on how and when to give yout his bag."

"When did she gave you this?"

"On Saturday."

"Thanks. I better get upstairs. Pam is waiting for me."

"She definitely is. I'll see ya later."

"You sure will." I say before walking towards the lift.

I wonder what's in the bag. I'll open it as soon as I get some privacy in my brother's office.

As the doors of the lift on the 3rd floor open, I see Pam instructing everyone. Or maybe scholding.

I walk up to her. I stop a few feet away from her and Harry, listening to their conversation.

"Harry, where is that blue file? If Mr. evans was here and he would have gotten to know about this, you would have been deadmeat by now." She says to Harry.

"I know. I'll check once again. Wait, I remember! I gave it to Sally on Saturday!" he says, snapping his fingers.

"Harry, at this rate of memory coming back to us, we wont be able to work! Now run along. And gave me that file in five minutes."

Woah! I'm glad she's my secreary. I'm pretty sure I am not needed here but what the hell? I'll be making some use of doing MBA. And I'll spend the rest of this week with these people... without Liz. You wont believe this but I'm missing Liz like crazy!

"Max!" Pam says.

By now she's in front of me.

"You're late. if Mr. Evans ever get to know that you were late, you know he would be not so pleased." She says.

Didn't I tell you that she talks about my brother a lot?... like a lot!

"You and Mark both know that I'm a late freak. Anyway, how's it going? By the way it looks like, I dont think I'm much needed here." I say, looking around.

She ignores my comment and says,

"We could start with me updating you about everything. Come along. And ummm... nice bag." I groan as I follow her to my brother's office. Today is going to be a really bad day.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 16

MAX

"....so, all you need to do is sign it." Pam says.

We've been in the office for the last half an hour, Pam telling me about this new project that we both have to take care of and me listening to her reluctantly.

"Thats it? And then you'll be leaving me alone, right?" I ask, a bit too enthusiastically. As much as I hate to say this, I need her to give me some privacy so I can see what's in that bag that Serena gave me.

She narrows her eyes at me and answers,

"Yes, but for sometime and after you sign this." She opens up the file in front of me.

She has already explained this stuff to me after I had finished reading whatever was in this file so all I need to do is take that black pen from the holder and sign it which I do very quickly.

"Thankyou. I'll be back sometime later. I also have some work to do."

Before she leaves, I call her name. She stops and turns around.

"Yes?"

"Pam, I need to know something."

"Sure, go ahead." She says, folding her arms on her chest while I stand and walk upto her.

"Are you disappointed that my brother took Parker instead of you?"

She sighs and answers,

"Max, I dont think I need to be jealous anymore. I know about Mr. Evans. After what happened with him, I think it's wrong of me to still dream that I may have a chance with him. But I can't help it. I know I'm in love with him."

I nod and soon, she leaves the room.

Whatever she said was true. My brother does not have eyes for anyone. And maybe, he wont ever. And by the way, Pam really does not have to be jealous of Liz. If only she knew that Liz and I are together...

I pick the bag up and take it to my desk. After placing it, I open the zip and put my hand in to see what is in this bag after all. Soon, I get hold of something and take it out. Whatever the thing is, it is covered by red paper and a black ribbon. I open the ribbon and then the paper, making sure that I dont tear it coz whatever is in this thing, will be packed again by this paper and ribbon as it was before. After all, this present is by Liz.

A key. Hmm... a key for what? I notice that there is something written on that red paper. It's written with black ink so it's very clear to read.

I straighten up the paper and read silently:

Max,

Remember the day you gave me a new journal? And do you remember the day when we had this talk about my past?

Well, I have taken that journal with me to Roswell. But I think I did mention in our talk that day that I used to have a journal once. The only thing that I never told you and you never asked me was what did I do with that journal.

Nope, I didn't throw it out. Neither I did some damage with it. I had kept it safe with me. I haven't opened it since my last entry which was years ago and still dont plan to open it. It brings back those memories which are painful to be reminded of. But I still managed to bring it with me here. So, I decided to leave the journal to you. I can't look at the journal anymore, Max. It hurts. But I dont want to lose it either.

I had written my heart out, Max. Thats why I dont want to lose it. But I dont wanna keep it with me either. Thats why I'm leaving this to you. If you think that you shouldn't read or that it's the worst gift ever given to you, then just dont bother doing anything at all. I would understand. I'll hide it somewhere in my closet when I come back.

But if you want to read and keep it with you, all you have to do is insert this key in my desk's first drawer and you'll see the journal inside. I had put this there on Saturday.

I'll miss you,
Liz.

I fold the letter. I know I'll keep this letter with me forever. What makes her think that I wont accept her gift? I want to support her in forgetting all those memories and keeping that journal out of her sight will be the best place to start. Just her trust in me that I'll keep this journal safe is enough for me.

I proceed to her desk which is adjacent to my brother's. I would have found it odd to see that a boss and his secretary, are all alone in the same room almost the whole day. But the boss happens to be my brother and best friend and the secretary happens to be my girlfriend, Liz, so feeling odd or jealous is not on my list.

I unlock the drawer, following the instructions given by my girlfriend. I open it and see a pink journal. I take it out and lock the drawer, the key safe with me. I walk to my desk and put the journal down, first keen on packing the key as it was previously. After I had done that job, I open the journal. I have time to read till Pam comes back and I have no intention of wasting this time by not reading what is in Liz's journal.

Monday didn't turn out to be so bad after all.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

It's been five minutes since Liz and I have been sitting here, me by the window and her beside me but this plane has not taken off yet.

Max called me ten minutes ago to say good-bye and to complain ofcourse. He's a complaining freak. He complained that he just hates replacing me temporarily at work but I guess he has to do it. I mean, he had done MBA until he decided to become an actor. Well, we didn't know until now that his education would come in handy someday.

I turn to my left to see Liz struggling with the seat belt, trying to buckle it up.

"Liz?"

She stops struggling and immediately looks at me.

"Mr. Evans, I-I..." She says but suddenly stops.

"You what?" I ask, urging her to continue.

"Mr. Evans, there are other means of transportation, right?"

Transportation? Where did this come from?

"Huh?" Thats all I manage to say.

"We could have made use of road transport to New Mexico or something else. Why did we have to make use of air transport?" She asks, frowning.

I sigh.

"Liz, we need to be there today. Road transport would have taken us days and it would have driven us crazy."

She looks straight ahead, still frowning.

"But you dont know anything about my gra-. I mean, plane makes me feel sick. I feel like throwing up everytime and it freaks the shit outta me. Especially at the take-off time. During take-off, my ears close. And what if during the flight, we crash into a building or something? Or, or hijackers hijack this plane? Or something happens because of the weather? Then I wont be able to see Grandma, Alex and all my friends. And especially Ma-"

Before she could continue, I stop her by putting my index finger on her lips. She looks at me with fear written all over her face. What is she so afraid of?

I put of my hand back on my lap and say,

"Liz, you're babbling."

"Babbling?"

"Yes."

"Oh God!" she says, shutting her eyes.

"Trust me, everything's going to be fine."

"And what if it isn't?" She asks, immediately opening her eyes wide.

"Liz, whatever is bound to happen, happens. You cannot cheat death."

She looks away, her eyes downcast.

"Why dont you take deep breaths? That'll certainly help you to calm down."

She nods and starts taking deep breaths.

The airhostess passes by and I tell her to bring a glass of water. Soon the airhostess arrives with it and Liz gulps it down in a second, returning it back to the airhostess and murmuring a thank-you.

"Liz, buckle up your seat belt. Then you'll be safe." I say, trying to take her nervousness away.

Whatever the real reason of her being frightened of air transport has to be, is big. I mean, throwing up and headaches and problems with the ears is absolutely normal and it doesn't happens everytime. But how would I know? I'm not a doctor.

"I-I cant. My hands are shaking." She says and its true.

"I'll do it for you then?"

She nods.

I buckle up her seat and advise her to relax which she does, I guess.

After taking off, when she seems calm enough, I ask her a question which has been wandering in my mind for a last few minutes.

"Liz, why are you so afraid of air transport? Did something happen?"

She looks at me, astonished. But soon her gaze travels down to her clasped hands.

"My, my grandfather was in the 11th September accident." She says, fear obvious in her voice.

I dont know what to say so I murmur a 'Sorry, I didn't know.'

"It's not your fault. And you're right, can't cheat death." She says, trying to smile.

I know how it is when you lose someone special, someone that you love.

"So, you dont throw up and stuff?"

"I have done so twice. I have been in plane only four times in my life. This is my fifth time." She says, relaxing a bit.

I nod slowly.

After giving me a small smile, she takes out a magazine from the seat pocket while I turn to the window, watching the beauty of the sky and thinking about our recent conversation.

* * * * * * * * * * *

We had just taken our luggage and were walking to the exit that we bumped into an old woman.

"Oops! Sorry." Liz apologizes. You could tell by her face that her plane trip had not gone at all well. But I guess she was just happy to know that we are safe.

The old lady looks up at us and says,

"Oh, it's alright, sweety. By the way, your husband is there to help you if you fall down or something." She winks at her after glancing at me and before we could clarify this to her, she had already walked away. Neither Liz and I talk about this but just shrug.

Once we are out, I spot Johnson and wave to him.

"Hello, Mr. Evans. Nice to see you again." He says.

I had come to Pheonix some months ago and Johnson had showed me around.

"Nice to see you too, Johnson. This is Elizabeth Parker, my assistant." I say.

After the introductions, as we head for the hotel, I notice Liz with her hand on her left ear.

"Liz, is everything alright?"

"My ears..." She whispers.

"Oh."

"Now they would be creating a problem for a long time."

"It happens to almost everyone, Liz." I remind her.

"You too?"

I shrug and answer,

"I'm used to planes."

"I'm tired." She says, sighing.

"Well, we're going to the hotel and you can rest for the whole day long coz work's from tomorrow."

"Thanks, Mr. Evans. I'm so sorry but planes and I dont really get along."

"No problem." I say, waving my hand.

After a minute or so, she says, chuckling,

"Whatever that old lady said was funny, right?"

"Right." I agree.

"I dont know what gave her the idea, anyway."

She is right. I mean, Liz and I... nope. She is my secretary and I'm her boss. No romantic interest here.

I shrug and say,

"Old people are like that."

"Well, not my grandma." She informs.

"Your grandma?"

"Yep. She actually acts more like a teenager. She's way too cool. You gotta see her next week."

"Liz, I'm not coming to Roswell with you." I remind her.

"I know, Mr. Evans. But maybe just for a day or two?"

"Liz, I'm giving you a vacation. And I dont like my employees to even remember my name while on vacation. Vacation is for relaxing, not to see your boss's face."

She keeps quiet and for a second I thought she looked very thoughtful. Like she was cooking something in her mind. I turn to the window and think that Liz Parker is nothing but mysterious.

As we enter the hotel, the first thing I hear is Liz say "Wow!"

She turns to me and says excitedly,

"Thankyou so much, Mr. Evans! Is it okay if I put 'Do Not Disturn' sign on my door?"

"Ofcourse it's okay, Liz. But you see, we have to first go to the reception."

"Oh. Right."

After entering my room, the first thing I do is look for her frame in my suitcase. I had hidden it beneath all these clothes so it takes time to look for it.

But as soon as I have it in my hands, I put it on the nightstand and sit on the bed, staring at her picture. Her blonde hair, her shadow grey eyes, her pink cheeks, her rosy lips... they still take my breath away, telling me that I can never forget her. I take the frame in my hands and kiss it. After staring at it for a while, I whisper one thing that I always used to say to her and still believe,

"I love you. I still love you."
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 17

LIZ

As much as I wanted to go and rest in my room and put that 'Do Not Disturb' sign on my doorknob, I couldn't resist that bar. I just had to go and have a drink so that my headache would just disappear and for sometime I'll feel better. I just had one drink, knowing what happens to me if I drink more than one glass.

Mr. Evans room is just opposite mine. I go ahead and knock lightly on the door but when I get no response, I dont bother knocking again, assuming that he would be in the washroom. So, after that I enter my room. I had been told that my suitcase has already been sent to my room so I didn't have to bother about that.

Hmm... impressive. I did know that Mr. Evans would choose the best hotel and my doubts has been washed away now. After checking out the bathroom, I walk to the big glass window. Maybe at late night, I'll be able to enjoy the view more.

I dont know much about Pheonix. Probably because I've never been here. Yes, I've lived in Roswell my whole life but that doesn't mean that I had visited other cities in New Mexico.

After checking out everything, I switch off the T.V and walk to the table where I had kept my cell phone. After 5 minutes, I find myself on the phone with Max.

"Hey." I say and lean back on the headboard of the bed.

"Liz? Hey, you. How did the flight go?"

I so knew he'd ask me this question.

"As usual, bad. But not worse than the last time."

"Well, that's some news. Anyway, wont you ask me what I'm doing right now?"

"Watching Cindy from Mr. Evans windows?"

Cindy is one of the most beautiful employees at work. And she's got many men around her finger.

"No. If the blinds would have been open, I guess I would have." He jokes and I could actually hear the smirk in his voice!

"Haha. Very funny. Seriously, it's good to know that you're keeping your promise, Max Evans."

"What promise?"

"Max!"

"Oh, that promise! You knew I would never break a promise."

"Uh-huh. I trust you that's why I gave you my journal."

I've been wanting to know what he decided about my gift since I had said good-bye to him. I am hoping that I would get a positive response.

"Liz, it's not YOUR journal anymore. It's MY journal."

I smile. Positive response indeed.

"Thanks, Max."

"No, thank you. This is the best gift I ever had."

"Really?"

"Yep. This is the only chance of getting to know you better. And trust me, I am keeping this journal until you snatch or steal it from me one day."

"I guess I wouldn't need to do that." I say, smiling.

"I hope so." He says. And by his tone, I realize that he was not just playing along but he meant every word he said. I sigh happily.

"So, how's work going there?"

"I think I'll have to bang my head on the wall."

"That worse?"

"Worse than your flight."

"Isn't Pam helping you?"

"Yes, she is. She went sometime ago after telling me about this new project."

"I hope you'll have a good time."

"Cant." He answers simply.

"Why?"

"Coz you're not here. If I didn't have this work to do, I would have flown with you to Pheonix right away."

"I'm sure you would have. But unfortunately, that didn't happen."

"It sure didn't. Anyway, you in the hotel?"

"Yep. We just reached half an hour ago."

"So, what you plan to do now?"

"Rest. I thought that after having a drink, my headache would disappear. But the opposite is happening."

"You have a headache? Are you sure it's nothing serious?"

I let out a little giggle at his concern.

"I'm sure. It always happens after my plane trips."

"Well, if you still dont feel better later, then try taking painkillers. Okay?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. As much as I hate to say this and I want to talk to you on the phone for a long time, I want you to go and rest while I'll listen to some more lectures from Pam about 'How I need to improve my listening skills'."

I chuckle.

"Oh, I know how good you're in that one."

"Only when it comes to you."

"I believe you."

"Now, you go and dream about me."

"About you? I rather dream about Harry!"

"I didn't know you had such a bad taste." He teases.

Harry is well... Harry. I wouldn't say that he's that bad-looking but being skinny and on top of that having a bad memory with no sense of fashion, I'd barely rate him 4/10. But overall, he's good at work, despite his memory.

"Well, we'll see. First I need to dream, right? I guess I'll talk to you later."

"You better. I'll be waiting."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye. And umm... sweet dreams."

I chuckle and hang up. One thing I wonder: Am I in love?

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

"Yeah, I'll be moving to the guest house day after tomorrow." I say, on the phone.

"Mark, you sure you wanna move there?" Mom asks.

I sigh.

"If I wouldn't have been sure, I wouldn't have made the decision to go there. You know why I'm going there."

"Mark, it's been a long time. Dont you think yo-"

"Mom, I cant ever forget her. You know that."

After a minute of silence, she answers,

"I respect that, Mark. I just want you to be happy."

"My life's fine, Mom. Everything comes and goes, she came and went."

"Mark, I-"

"Mom, I dont wanna talk about this. We had this talk a million times. I dont wanna have it again."

"Okay. What about your secretary? Will she be living in the hotel or moving with you?"

"Anything she's comfortable doing. I'll ask her. I think she'll probably stay in the hotel."

"Okay. You go and rest. You have a lot of work to do tomorrow, right?"

"Right. Bye, Mom."

"Bye. And take care."

After hanging up, I stand and walk to the balcony. I wanted a room with balcony so that I could see the outside view better and this room proved to be just what I needed.

Mom and I have been very close since my childhood. I would almost share everything with her. She was also the first one to know about her.

But things have changed. I dont give time to my family like I used to. Many people have regard me a loner. Maybe I am. I dont know what to say to people. They see me in such a condition and couldn't help feeling sympathy for me. But I dont need it coz it reminds me of all those memories.

Heck, those memories are in my mind 24 hours a day. I cannot stop thinking about how my life would have been now if she was here. I loved her with all my heart and soul. When she went away, she took my heart and soul with her. Now all is left is her memories and the time that we spent together.

No, I have to stop it. I have to stop thinking about her. I dont wanna weep again.

In order to take her out of my mind for sometime, I take my keys and decide to pay Liz a visit. I need to ask her if she would like to stay here or in the guest house. She would probably say no but still, I have to tell her that I will be living there and she's most welcome to stay here until she goes to Roswell.

I knock lightly at her door and hear footsteps coming toward the door. She opens the door and just stares at me.

"Mr. Evans. Hy. Ummm... you wanna come in?"

"Just for five minutes. I have something to ask you."

"Sure. Come in, please."

She steps aside and I enter as she closes the door behind me. She leads me to the chairs by the table and we sit opposite to each other.

"Liz, ummm... I will be moving to my guest house on Wednesday."

"Oh. I didn't know you had a guest house here."

"I do. It's a little far away from this hotel and whenever I come here, I always stay there. I was planning on moving tomorrow but then decided to stay here for two days. The guest house is big. If you want, you can stay here or in the guest house."

"Thanks but I rather stay here. The hotel is fantastic. And besides, I guess you would need some privacy there."

"Whatever you're comfortable with, Liz. Anyway, tomorrow I'll be knocking on your door around eight or something. After breakfast, we'll leave."

"Yes, Sir. I'll be ready." She says, beaming. I give her a small smile.

"I should leave. I am going to go to the beach now."

"Beach?"

"Yeah. It's a beautiful weather and about time for the sunset. I'll be back within an hour. If you need something, you can call me on my cell or contact Johnson."

"Ummm, you're going alone?"

"I dont have any company anyway. So, yeah. I am going alone."

She remains silent for a while and bites her lip. Nervous habit I guess. Just as I am about to stand up, she speaks.

"Mr. Evans, if, if you dont mind, can I... can I come with you to the beach?" She asks hesitantly.

I give her a smile.

"You can if you want to. I dont mind."

She grins.

"Thankyou, Mr. Evans. I'll be right down in five minutes."

"Okay. I am waiting for you downstairs in the lobby."

"Okay. Thanks again, Sir."

"No problem." I say standing up and soon I'm out of her room.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 18

LIZ

"You know the directions out here?" I ask.

Mr. Evans and I had left the hotel ten minutes ago and I was surprised that he knew the directions.

"Yeah. I have been to Pheonix many times ago." He answers, glancing at me.

"Oh. So do you like Pheonix?"

He remains silent for a few seconds and then answers,

"It's, it's fine."

Oooooh... I sense the change in mood out here.

For the rest of the drive, we both remain silent. His eyes were all along on the road ahead and I had noticed that he had held the steering very tight. But I dont say anything.

Did I piss him off?? I mean, all I asked was whether he likes Pheonix or not. I wonder how this question can piss anybody off...

"We're here." He informs, stepping me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah." I manage to say.

I step out of the car and while I'm looking around, he has already started walking to the bench. I dont follow him immediately. I look around once again and notice that nobody's here. Except one lovey dovey couple who's making out on the other bench.

I walk to Mr. Evans who is by now sitting on the bench. First I hesitate to sit beside him and but then I give up and finally sit beside him.

He just glances at me and moves a little to give me more space.

I get rid of my shoes and put my legs on the bench, hugging my knees to my chest and resting my chin on them.

Mr. Evans was right. This is beautiful. I never thought of going to a beach at the time of the sunset. Now I know how beautiful it is.

The couple on the other side of the beach is really making me envy them. They remind me of me and Max.

I decide to message Max. Oh My Goodness!! I forgot my cell phone! Ahhh... just what I need. Now this couple is really irritating me!!

"I know."

I look at Mr. Evans who's looking straight ahead.

"Huh?" I ask.

He looks at me and answers,

"That couple is irritating me too."

Can he read other people's thoughts??

"Yeah. Too much public viewing." I say and he smiles a little but like always, it doesn't stay there for long.

"Mr. Evans, this really is beautiful. Thanks for taking me along." I say.

"You're welcome, Liz."

After a moment or so, I decide to ask him a question.

"I... I didn't really offend you when I asked you whether you like Pheonix or not, right?" I ask, looking at him.

He turns to me and says,

"No. You didn't." And too assure me, he again gives me a small smile.

I return his smile, nod and turn to the beach.

Sometimes, some people are just so mysterious...

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

"Max, you gotta see this girl. She's definitely your type." Pam says.

We are on the way to her house. She said that her car is with the mechanic and she wanted a lift, and as a friend, I couldn't refuse. But now she's actually planning on hooking me up with some girl. Little she knows that I'm actually in a steady relationship.

So, I decide to play along.

"Really? Whats her name?" I ask. I dont really need this information but just to play along.

Now here starts the whole questionaire...

"Her name is Veronica."

"Full name?"

"Veronica... Johnson."

"Color?"

"Fair."

"Height?"

"I guess... 5'6?" She answers, tapping her chin.

"Nationality?"

She looks at me strangely.

"You never ask that question."

True, I never ask her that question. But whats the big deal in asking?

"Pamela Troy, dont you remember you sent me to a blind date six months ago with this French woman who didn't even know how to speak in
English?"

"Uh.. yeah, I do remember."

"So, now tell me Veronica's nationality."

"I wouldn't say she's Japanese."

"Pam..."

"Okay, okay. She IS Japanese. Her name is not Veronica. She's a brunette and she's definetely your type."

"She doesn't know how to speak in english, right?"

"Actually, she does."

"I'm surprised." I say, placing my left hand on my chest.

"Really, she does know english."

"Thats why I'm surprised." I say, smirking.

She remains silent for a moment and from the corner of my eyes, I could see her looking at me.

I glance at her and then turn to the road.

"What? Why you looking at me like that?"

"I see something cooking. Are you sure you're not single at this moment?"

I'm a good liar. I can act well.

"Yep. 100% sure." I say, not even looking at her.

"I dont believe you."

"What kind of friend are you?"

"Max, I have known you for almost one year. Maybe you're an actor and you can act well, but not with me."

"Whatever, Pam. I'm telling you I'm single at this moment."

"Then go out with Tess." She says simply.

I sigh. Tess is the girl that I met a month ago at a party. She was beautiful, extremely smart, a blonde with blue eyes but I didn't bother asking her out. I wanted her to ask me out. Which she did actually. But I refused.

"I dont find her that attractive."

"Max, that girl is trying to contact you directly and through me for the last month. Just go out with me and her as friends atleast?"

"Pam, you dont need to interfere in my life."

"I'm saying as friends, Max. Tess and I have been great friends since high school. I think she is in love with you. It breaks my heart to see her like this."

I sigh and give up. There's no harm in going out as friends.

"We'll take Serena too. I dont trust you." I say.

"Fine. Serena's coming."

"Good. When are we going?"

"Ummm... how about Thursday? There's this party that I tho-"

"Pam, NO parties. Parties means drinking. Drinking leads to sex and... no, no parties at all, Pam."

"Well, we are not going to any party then. I dont want you to go there, spend time with her and hook up. I just want you to give her a direct answer."

"I dont believe you, Pam."

"Seriously, Max. I have no intention of hooking you up with her. Just simply tell her that you're in a steady relationship-"

"Wait, hold on. I'm not in a relationship." I lie.

"Right, I know that. You have to lie to her."

Lie? That will be the truth!

"Okay. I'll handle it. Ask Tess if she's free and talk to Serena as well. If they both agree to come, then we will go somewhere." I say.

"Where?"

"I dont know. A restaurant or something."

"Okay. I'll tell you when everything is finalised."

"Good."

By now, we're in front of her place.

"Bye, Max. I hope you dont believe now that I'm interfering in your personal life."

"No, you're not. Indeed you're helping me. I have to talk to your friend Tess."

She smiles at me and I gave her a friendly hug.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow. I want you to stu-"

"Study that blue file, right? You have told me that ten times already, Pam."

She gives me a small smile and says,

"I dont want to disappoint Mr. Evans when he comes back."

"I know. I wont disappoint you either. After all, what are friends for?"

She grins.

"You really are a true friend."

"Yep. Now get in and have a good sleep. You really need it. And dont worry, I will study that file carefully. Promise."

"I know. Thanks for everything. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

And soon she walks out. After she gets in, I head to my place.

I think she's right. I really need to tell Tess the truth without telling her who I'm dating. Pam will think it's a lie, Tess will see it as a truth.

Liz, the things I do for you...

As soon as I get home, I decide to call Liz.

"Pick up, Liz. Pick up." I say again and again.

After calling her several times but getting no response, I give up. Maybe she's out or something and has forgotten her cell.

I'll call her later then.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 19

LIZ

I open my eyes barely and close it as soon as the sunlight reaches my eyes.

What the...? What am I doing here? This is not my room.

I look around and everything comes back to me. This the hotel room and I'm in Pheonix, New Mexico. And today is Tuesday.

And I hear something. I concentrate on the sound.

Now who the hell is knocking at the door?!

I stand up and walk angrily to the door. Wait till I get hold of the person who's knocking...

I open the door and it's, it's... Mr. Evans.

I rub my eyes and yawn.

"You haven't gotten ready yet?" He asks.

"Ready for what?" I ask.

"I told you we have to leave early for work today and it's eight already."

Oh God! He did tell me that he'll knock at my door at eight and till then I should be ready.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Evans. I'll be down in fifteen minutes."

"Please do." He says and walks to the elevator while I close the door.

I cant believe I didn't wake up!! I slept late last night coz Max and I were talking on the phone for a long time.

Now, I better get ready before I piss Mr. Evans off. I cant believe how my boss puts up with me!

I brush my teeth, take a quick shower, put on my skirt and a blouse, brush my hair and quickly take my things and cell and get down.

I see Mr. Evans by the reception. I quickly walk to him. I have taken exactly fifteen minutes to get ready and hopefully, I didn't piss him off this time.

He sees me and asks,

"You wanna have a cup of coffee? We have time for that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. You wanna go to the nearby cafe?" He asks.

"Cafe?"

He looks around and whispers,

"The coffee here is not so good. I was thinking of stopping by the cafe."

"All right. Sounds good." I agree.

We soon walk out of the hotel and head to the cafe. Maybe today wont turn out to be such a hectic day...

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

It's Thursday. Yep, today's Thursday. Tuesday sucked. Really, it did. I mean, we had some very good amount of work to do. And it really sucked.

Today wasn't as hectic as Tuesday. We came late on Tuesday and I was so tired that I switched off my cell phone, changed into my usual red tank top and lose pajama and slept. I didn't even talk to Max on Tuesday. I know he'll be really pissed off.

Well on Wednesday what happened? Here's the story:

We soon got to the hotel and I hurried to my room, intent on calling Max right then.

But Mr. Evans called to me while I hurried to the elevator. I stopped and turned around and he walked upto me. I was hoping he didn't have to say much. I really needed to call Max.

"Yes, Mr. Evans?" I asked.

"I'll be checking out tonight. Tomorrow morning be ready as I and Johnson will come to pick you up at 8:30, okay?"

At that time I was thinking: Oh, I totally forgot that he's going to be living in his guest house now.

"Okay, Mr. Evans. I'll be ready."

He nodded and just as he was about to turn around, I said,

"Bye, Mr. Evans."

He looked at me, somewhat surprised and said,

"Bye, Liz."

He turned around and walked to the reception while I just stared at him.

The elevator doors opened and I looked at him once as the door closed in front of me.

Soon, I got in my room and got fresh quickly. Once I was done with that, I dialed Max's number.

After three rings, he picked up the phone.

"Liz?"

"Yeah. Hy."

"You didn't call."

"Max, I-"

"Liz, I called so many times on your cell and I was so worried about you."

"I-I'm so sorry, Max. I was so busy and everything. I hope you understand."

He sighed and said,

"Yeah, I understand. I understand because you're with my brother and I know how he is when it comes to work."

"Thanks. So, what you doing?"

"Watching T.V."

"And how's work going?"

"Fine. Not so interesting. What about you? I bet my brother would have given you headache with all this work, huh?"

"Yeah, you can say that."

"I called at eleven last night too. You had switched your cell phone off."

"Yeah, I had. I was so tired that I didn't even bother taking a shower and just went to bed."

"Oh."

"Max, I miss you."

"I bet you do. So, whats your schedule for tomorrow?"

"Work, work and work. What about you?"

"First, work. Then going out with friends."

"Micheal?"

"Nope. Female friends."

"Serena and Pam?"

"Yeah. One more person."

"Who?"

"There's this gal who Pam says is in love with me. I gotta talk to her."

"Like say, 'I love you'?"

"Like say, 'I dont love you.'"

Interesting.

"You guys going to a party or something?"

"I dont have control on myself when I'm drunk so no party."

"Thats like my boy." I said, smiling.

"Hmmmhmmm. We're going to a restaurant."

"Thats good."

"Where's my brother?"

"Dont worry. I haven't kidnapped him."

"I know. I cant seem to contact him. I'll be happy to know he's alive."

"He's alive. Probably checking out right now."

"Checking out??"

"Yep. Your brother is going to move to you people's guesthouse."

"Oh." He said and just remained silent.

"Max?"

"Hmmm?"

"You brothers are so mysterious."

So for the next hour we talked about almost everything.

And today's Thursday and I just came back from work and called Max.

After finishing my phone conversation with Max, I decide to take a shower. And after that I watch a movie. Then I order some dinner in my room. After that, I decide to sleep.

But first, I need to put all this stuff where it belongs. As I pick my things up, I notice that the red file is missing.

"Where is it?!" I say to no one.

I look for it everywhere but I couldn't find it. If I dont get this file, I'll be definitely fired this time.

Wait, I remember. In the car, Mr. Evans asked for that red file. Did he give me that back or didn't he?

I decide to call and ask him. This may be my last day at work!

It's 11 already and he must been in his guesthouse. I decide to call him on his cell.

After three rings, someone picks up the phone.

"Mr. Evans?"

"Hmmm... who's it?"

What? Was he sleeping?

"Were you sleeping, Mr. Evans? I'm sorry I disturbed you."

"Liz? Ma guess was right. Your Liz. I recognize da way ya say 'Mr. Evans'. So Lizzie dear, how's it goin?"

He's drunk. He's definitely drunk. But I'm not so sure after all. So I ask him.

"Are you drunk, Mr. Evans?"

"Why da ya care? Nobody cares if I'm drunk or not. Ya dun care. She dint care..."

He's so not in a good mood.

"She?"

"No, ya dun need to know 'bout her. Dats none of your goddamn business. Why did ya call?"

He said it's none of my business. So, I'll just ask him about that red file and leave him as he is.

"Mr. Evans, I-"

"I'm lonely." He says.

Huh? Where did this come from?

I dont know what to say so I just remain silent.

"I'm lonely in this big house. You know why?"

This time, he sounds serious. And talks a little properly too.

"No." I answer.

"Coz she's not here."

I still dont know what to say and fortunately, he continues.

"I need her. I need someone, anyone. I dont wanna weep anymore. I just wanna forget her. I think I'm gonna die."

"You're not okay." I say simply.

"No, I'm not. I may just die tonight."

What's he talking about?

"Is there anyone with you?" I ask.

"No. Didn't you hear me? I'm lonely."

Without thinking, I say,

"I'm coming there."

"Wont make any difference. I'll still be drunk. I'll still say shit."

Man, I have never ever seen him talking like that. But he's drunk. So no wonder.

"I'm coming there, Mr. Evans." I say and hang up.

I have to go there. I have to go before he does something that wont be good at all.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 20

MAX

God, these girls are so late. And she's(Pam) in trouble.

I've been waiting for them for the last ten minutes.

You know what? I should have just called Tess and clarified everything. But no, I am as stupid as a donkey. Shit, I'm such a dumbass.

But thank the heavens, Ms. Harding also decided to come late or trust me, I would have called Liz and said 'Liz, I'm committing a suicide. But first I would like you to know that I may be falling in love with you.'

So, thank goodness Tess hasn't arrived yet or I'm 99.9% sure I would have done it.

"Max!"

Oh for goodness sake, dont let it be Tess, not Tess. Pleaseeeeee....

"Sorry, we're late." Thats Serena. Definitely Serena.

I turn around quickly and to my not so surprise, two blondes and one red head woman smile guiltily at me. They decided to come together. I think I'm gonna breakdown now...

But, no. I have better things to do.

"Yeah. Hy Rena, Pamela Troy and Tess." When I say Pamela Troy, she knows she's in big trouble so she just drops her head down and scratches her head like she's not done anything. Sorry, not gonna work, Pam.

Thats it. We're acting like teenagers now. Maybe not them, but definitely me.

"Ladies, wanna go in now?"

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I quickly dial Johnson's number. Mr. Evans had told me that in case of emergency, I should contact him or Johnson. Now Mr. Evans is the emergency, so Johnson is my only chance.

After three rings or so, he picks up the phone.

"Johnson? Liz Parker here."

"Yes, Ms. Parker." I bet he didn't expect me to call him like, ever.

"Do you know where Mr. Evans is staying?"

"Yeah, in his guest house."

"I mean do you know where the guest house is?"

"Yes, I do. Why, Ms. Parker? Is everything okay?"

"Ummm, yeah. I was wondering if you could just take me there. Mr. Evans wanted to discuss some business things with me." I hope he doesn't take this in a wrong meaning.

I mean, how could you tell someone that you hardly know that your boss may be commiting a suicide the same night?

"Oh, okay. I'll come and pick you up in five minutes."

"Okay. I'll wait for you outside."

With that, I hang up. Hope Mr. Evans is okay...

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

We have been sitting here for the last ten minutes just talking and joking. I feel at ease now. Tess and I are talking but not much. I'm grateful for that.

After sometime, Serena and Pam decide to go and say 'hi' to their so-called old friend. Yeah sure, I believe that.

Before standing up Pam just winks at me and mouths 'good luck' before turning around, leaving me alone with Tess.

Okay, Maxwell, lets get this over with.

I bet she's as nervous as I am.

She rubs her forehead and then says,

"I didn't know you would want to talk to me now." She says, truthfully.

"I am sorry I didn't reply to your phone calls and stuff."

"Well, I got the point anyway. So you dont need to apologize."

"I assume you never thought that you'll ever hear from me again."

"Yeah."

After a minute of silence, she says,

"You know, if you wanted to talk, you could've easily called me instead of giving a message to Pam. I had to actually cancel my date with my boyfriend coz Pam said it's very important and urgent. But now it seems not so important. Anyway, the point is, what you wanna talk about?"

Boyfriend? Pam didn't tell me that!

"You, you have a boyfriend?"

"Yeah. Actually make that fiance. He just proposed to me last night." She says, smiles and shows me her ring.

Oookaaay... what's happening out here??

"I wanted to tell Pam but I couldn't find her alone. So I'll wait till later. She doesn't even know that I was dating anyone. Anyway, what do you have to say?" She asks, leaning a little closer with questioning look in her eyes.

"Pam told me that you, you are in love with me..." God, this is so embarassing.

"WHAT?" She practically shouts making some heads turn in our direction. But after a second or so people go back to what they were doing while Tess just stares at me dumbfounded.

"Yeah, thats what she said." I say, truthfully.

"What gave her the idea??"

"Hey guys. How's it going?" Pam comes and sits beside me.

"Pam, what's going on??" Tess asks.

Pam looks innocently at Tess and asks,

"Whats going on?"

"You told Max that I am in LOVE with HIM!"

"Well, thats the truth." Pam says.

"What shit are you talking about, Pam? I'm engaged for goodness sake!"

"Engaged?" Pam asks with wide eyes.

"Yes, engaged." Tess replies and shows Pam her ring.

"With who?" Pam asks.

"I'll tell you that later if we remain friends. First, you tell me why did you tell Max that I am in love with him when I'm not??"

"Coz I saw that letter."

"Letter? What letter??" Tess asks.

"Yeah, what letter?" I ask.

"That letter where you wrote that you're in love with Max etc etc."

"I didn't write any letter like that!"

"Oh yes you did, Tess. I found it in your dustbin last week. And you were also in a bad mood this month."

What was Pam looking for in Tess's dustbin?? Anyway, thats not the case right now.

Tess has this thoughtful look on her face and then she snaps her fingers.

"That is the letter that you, my friend, told me to write to your friend Max months ago for the Valentines day when I didn't even know him."

"Valentines day?"

"Yeah. Remember you told me that you wanted to play a prank on your friend Max and that you needed someone to write a letter for you so that the handwriting could not be recognized?"

Pam think for a few seconds or so and then says,

"Yeah! I did."

"Yes and then you called me the next day and told me that you didn't need the letter anymore."

"Yeah, I remember. You had written the letter?"

"Yes I had, dumbo. I kept it safe with me coz you said you were going to do the same thing on the Halloween's Day. But last week I was looking through old stuff and found the letter. I thought you wouldn't need it anymore so I threw it in the dustbin."

"But, why were you so sad?" Pam asks.

"Coz me and my boyfriend were having problms and we made up yesterday."

I just look at Pam and say,

"Pam, you're stupid."

"Hey, I didn't know!" She defends herself and then apologizes to Tess and finally, to me.

"Hey, where's Serena?" I ask.

"Oh, she's still talking to that friend of ours." Pam answers and then turns to Tess.

As Pam and Tess talk about how beautiful Tess's engagement ring is, I just sit there, waiting for the food to arrive, unsure of what to do when these two are talking about girly things.

But one thing's for sure, it's going to be long before I get the hell out of here.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

"Thankyou, Johnson." I say as I open the door to get out of the car.

"You're welcome." He says and when I get out, he drives off.

I turn around to see the large house in front of me.

"It's beautiful." I whisper to myself.

I see Mr. Evans' black car.

I soon walk to the porch and then to the door. Just beside the door
it's written 'M & R'.

'M & R'? What could that possibly mean?

There's also a mat in front of the door on which it's written 'Home Sweet Home'.

Looks like mysteries are never going to be solved and they keep coming.

I take a deep breath and ring the bell.

I hope he opens the door quickly. I'm so worried. He's way too drunk and in a drinking state nothing registers.

God, why isn't he opening the damn door?!

I ring the bell again and after waiting for two minutes or so I become so very impatient that I ring the bell continously.

God, now what am I gonna do???

I look around and see no one passing by. It's 11:30 already.

And as forgetful as I am, I forgot my cell.

Now I dont know what to do. Seriously.

I walk to the window and see light coming from there.

I bang on the window a little but no use. Nobody answers.

Wait, what if the main door is open?

I quickly walk to the door and thankfully, fortunately, it's...

IT'S OPEN!!! I thank the heavens!

I step inside. Light surrounds me all over and I just stand there looking around, making sure that he's not in here.

It's the living room. I close the door behind me and call out,

"Mr. Evans?"

No answer.

I slowly walk to the kitchen but he's not there either.

I walk out of there and back to the living room. There are the stairs across me but there are rooms here and there too.

As I walk ahead, I hear some noise.

I just stand still and listen carefully.

The noise comes again. It's like somebody is breaking something.

And it's coming from my right. There's a room a few feet away from me on my left and the door is slightly open.

As I walk to the door, I hear the noise coming very clearly now.

I open the door and... Oh God!

"MR. EVANS!"




TBC...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 21

LIZ

"MR. EVANS!"

He doesn't listen and keeps stomping on the big frame.

I run to him and grab his arm.

He looks at me, somewhat irritated and gets out of my grasp.

I just stare at him with my jaw hanging open, not believing that this man in front of me is my boss.

He just stares at the mess in front of him.

I follow his gaze and gasp when I see it.

It's been shattered. It's so big. It's a picture of a woman.

But this big frame has been shattered. The pieces of the glass has reached almost everywhere in the room.

I look at Mr. Evans and for a second, I swear I saw a tear in his eye but he just turns his back to me.

"Mr. Evans?"

He has a bottle in his hand. It's empty and I assume he's been drinking way too much.

He takes a step but stumbles. I quickly take a step forward and lean him to the wall.

He looks at me and then to my hands which are on his arms. I quickly return my hands to my sides.

After regaining some control over himself, I guess, he says, looking away,

"What are you doing here Elizabeth?"

Oh God! His voice sounds so different.

"I told you that I am coming."

"Well, I didn't ask you too." He snaps.

I roll my eyes.

But I dont give a damn about his arguing. He needs help or he'll do more damage then he already has.

"You didn't. But you were alone. And in this state I didn't think that you would be able to help yourself."

"Help myself? Ha. I'm not a baby! Look, Elizabeth, I can take care of myself. You're nothing but my secretary. You're not supposed to be here at all."

Now, this is insane!

"You're right. I have no right to come here. But you know what, even if I am your secretary, I do know you. I have seen your face everyday since I have started working. I do give a damn about you, okay! I was worried! Worried that you may do something that would not be good. But you, instead of actually being glad that someone came in here to help you, you say that I should get out!"

"Elizabeth..." He says but I cut him in.

"I called Johnson so late at night when I could have been talking to more interesting people on phone, I told him to drop me off here when I could have been drinking myself there and I am here, trying to help you when I could have been sleeping right now, not even giving a damn about what's happening out here. This means that you have NO right to tell me to get out!" I practically yell.

Phew! I let it all out. This man is just unbelievable! What can I do?

He just takes a deep breath and says,

"I'm fine, okay? You can go and sleep."

I give up. I dont even know what made me come here... concern, care, sympathy? Maybe all three. But I regret my decision.

"Fine. I'm going back. Have a good night, Mr. Evans." I say, sarcastically and just as I'm about to turn, he falls down.

I immediately kneel in front of him. He tries to stand up and when he couldn't, he just looks at me.

"After you get in this bed, I'm leaving." I say and help him to stand up.

"I wanna go and sit on the couch." He says.

"Okay." I agree and we soon walk outside.

After he settles down, I just stand there in front of him, calming my breath down.

I snatch the bottle from his hand and walk to the kitchen and place it on the counter.

I walk out of the kitchen and take my coat that I had thrown earlier by the kitchen door.

"I'm leaving." I say and just as I am about to walk out, I hear his voice.

"I'm sorry."

I dont look at him and I'm pretty sure that he's not looking at me either.

I turn around and see him sitting there, watching the fire.

"Do you want me to stay?" I ask.

He slowly looks up at me and nods.

I walk to the armchair which is opposite to the couch that he's sitting on and place my coat on it and sit down.

"I'm sorry." He says again, his gaze on the carpet.

"It's okay."

For some minutes, we sit there, me watching the fire or sometimes him while he remains absolutely still, his gaze still on the carpet, like an alive deadbody.

"Why were you doing what you were doing there?" I ask, pointing to the room on my right where the pieces of the frame I can still see.

He just looks at me and then to the room.

"I dont know." He answers, his gaze once again settled on the carpet.

"So, you must be knowing who's picture is that?" I ask.

He just shrugs.

I take a deep breath, trying not to lose patience. I cannot just sit here and watch the fire with this alive deadbody in front of me who pretends he doesn't know anything at all even if he does!

But I cannot leave either coz I am not so sure if he wouldn't do any damage in here or to himself. I have to stay, no matter what.

So, I decide to just lean back and make myself comfortable. Which I do actually.

While I just stare at the fire, his voice breaks in through my thoughts.

"Her name's Rachel."

His answer shocked me so much that I almost fall down from the chair. I was shocked because he just broke the silence in which I was getting comfortable in and also that I didn't expect him to talk about whats bothering him.

And this time, he's looking at me. Not the carpet.

"Oh." Thats all what comes out of my mouth.

I lean back, not sure of what to say next. I mean, I dont know any Rachel or what she did to make him destroy her picture frame.

"I did whatever I did in there coz I dont wanna weep anymore." He says, still staring at me.

I gulp and decide to ask him my next question.

"What did she do to make you weep?"

Right now, I have realized, that we both are not sitting and talking as a boss and secretary, but just two ordinary people.

"She died. Left me all alone."

I just stare at him at his confession. But, who was she?

"Who was she?"

"My wife."

Oh My God! Mr. Evans was married??

I again stare at him with wide eyes and my jaw hanging open.

"Your wife?" I ask, still not believing it.

"My wife." He says, nodding and looking away.

I just remain quiet, unsure of what to say.

"It's all my fault. I know I killed her."

I dont know if asking him any more questions would do any good but maybe he'll feel okay when he'll say what is in his mind.

"How did she die?" I ask.

I observe him for a moment and see a tear running down his cheek.

"We were driving to the mall and we were both arguing over something. As I was angry, my driving speed increased. And we crashed into another car. I was saved, the person in the other car survived but Rachel... she was pregnant and she... died. Went away."

"Mr. Evans..."

He looks at me and more tears start travelling down.

I stand up, walk to him and kneel in front of him.

I look up and I just hate to see him all teary eyed. This is so not the Mr. Evans I know.

Soon, he breaks the silence.

"She was an angel. Maybe thats why God told her to leave me and come back to Him." He says, looking up at the roof.

God, I cant believe this is happening.

"Why, why did she leave me?" He says, sobbing.

"Oh my God." I say and sit beside him.

He turns his head to look at me and says,

"She left me all alone, Liz. All alone."

He starts sobbing. I dont know what to do.

He rubs his hand all over his face and starts moving his body back and forth but his tears would refuse to not come out.

I touch his arm and then forgetting about who he is, I take his face in my hands and turn his head to look at me.

He looks at me with tears still in his eyes, still sobbing.

I move a little closer to him and say,

"Let it all out."

And forgetting everything else, I pull him to an embace.

He wraps his arms around me and rests his head on my shoulder, still sobbing, while I just sit there, shocked to see my own boldness.

I stroke his hair while he still weeps, weeps and weeps...

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

I wake up at the sound of birds chirping.

I open my eyes slowly but close them as soon as sunlight reaches my eyes.

God, my head hurts so much

I open my eyes again getting used to the sunlight and observe my surroundings.

I am in my guest house, I know. And this is the living room and I'm on the couch. What the hell am I doing here??

I push aside the blanket thats on me.

How come I slept on the couch? I dont remember anything. Nothing at all. What happened last night?

As I try to sit up, dizziness comes back to me and I lay back down, taking deep breaths.

Certain that now it would be difficult for me to stand up, I look on my left and see... Oh God! Thats Liz!

What is she doing here??

Her head is resting on her shoulder and she's sleeping soundly.

I look around the whole living room to find anything that could tell me what's going on.

Then I spot an empty bottle on the carpet a feet away from where I am.

Then it all comes back to me...

"Mr. Evans, you need to sleep." She says, her voice as soft as ever.

"I dont think so I could sleep." I say as she lays me down and then stands up.

"Well, you do need some rest anyway." She says and bends down to stretch my legs.

I close my eyes, sleep coming to me fast and last thing I know is warm piece, a blanket, I guess, on me.

Oh God! I was drunk and Liz came and I told her everything and then she was hugging me and I was crying and then I slept and she stayed... Oh God!

I sit up, shocked to learn whatever happened last night, but as soon as I do that, I regret my decision.

I quickly run to the bathroom and throw up.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I wake up from some sounds.

I open my eyes and look around me, trying to figure out where the hell am I and who's making these noises??

Ohhhh... yeah, I am in Mr. Evans guest house. God, last night was absolutely unbelievable. I mean, it's not like everyday your boss cries on your shoulder!

I listen to the sounds more intently and it's like, somebody's throwing up. And it's coming from the bathroom.

I quickly walk to the bathroom and see Mr. Evans sitting beside the toilet seat, taking deep breaths with his eyes closed.

I step closer to him and he opens his eyes to look at me.

"Are you okay?" I ask, knowing that he's not okay but I have nothing to say so what the hell.

He closes his eyes and doesn't answer.

I kneel down beside him and say,

"Mr. Evans, you need to stand up and lay down on your bed."

He opens his eyes and nods.

I help him stand up and put one arm around his shoulder while he puts his arm on my back for support.

He soon lies down on the bed while I just stand there, thinking of what to do next. Maybe some crushed ice will help him.

"I'll be right back." I say but before leaving, I put a blanket on him.

I walk to the kitchen and soon I am crushing the ice.

I take the bowl of crushed ice to his room and help him sit up. He looks better than minutes ago.

I help him eat it and after he's done, he says,

"I'm feeling better now. I want to take a bath."

I nod and he walks to the bathroom. He's fine now. Maybe physically but not emotionally.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

It's been two hours since Mr. Evans had thrown up.

While he was taking a bath, I had fixed him some breakfast. After coming out, he refused to eat but I forced him to eat as he hadn't eaten anything since last evening.

He had given me an extra toothbrush so that I could brush my teeth. After doing that, I went to the kitchen and had breakfast myself.

I told him that he should actually rest the whole day but he refused and finally, he won the argument. He's so stubborn.

As he closes the main door behind him, I stand there watching him locking the door. He turns to me and says,

"Liz, I need to ask for a favour."

"Yes?"

"I want you to not tell anyone about what happened last night."

"But Mr. Evans, you need help."

"Look, Liz, I was drunk last night and I haven't lost control even once after her death."

"Then why did you lose control last night?"

He looks away and says,

"Thats because this was our house. We used to live here. I haven't been here since her death."

"Oh." I say and he looks at me, his eyes begging me not to tell anyone.

"Are you sure you dont want anyone to know?" I ask.

"Yes, I'm sure. I dont want anyone's sympathy."

I nod and soon we're sitting in his car, driving to the hotel. He told me to go and freshen up and that Johnson will pick me up in an hour or so.

And all I could do was nod on whatever he said.

Part 22

LIZ

Hate Monday mornings. Don’t you?

But this Monday morning is not so bad except that I'm packing coz today I'm going to Roswell.

“Liz, you read that?” He asks.

“Yeah, sorry but I'm a big fan of romantic novels.” I say and he puts the book down.

“So, where do you want me to put it?”

“Oh, you don’t need to put it anywhere. I'm going to read it in the car.”

“Oh, okay.” He says and looks around with his hands on his hips. I bet he's thinking what to do next.

As I walk to the bathroom, I bite my lip in an attempt to not laugh at his dumb expression.

“You know, you could do me a favor, Mr. Evans.” I say from the bathroom.

As I take my toothbrush and stuff from the bathroom, I hear his footsteps and soon he's leaning on the door.

“Now what, Liz?”

I turn to him and say,

“You could help me to zip my handbag. I suck when it comes to that.”

“I'm sure you do.” He says, smiling.

We both walk to the bedroom and soon we're trying to zip the handbag. I'm telling you, I've got the most pathetic handbag in the world.

You must be thinking what Mr. Evans is doing with me on a Monday morning in my room, helping me pack my bag. I mean, bosses don’t do that.

But friends do. Yep, Mr. Evans and me have officially become friends.

It all started on that Friday morning in the car on the way to my hotel...

“I like this song.” I said.

“I Shall Believe? Yeah, it's good.” He said, with a blank expression on his face.

Anybody who must have seen him like that would've thought that this guy has no emotion at all. But I know how much emotion he has.

“What’s your favorite song anyway?” I asked.

“None.”

After a minute of silence, I said,

“You drank a lot last night.”

Of course he wasn't expecting that so he didn't answer immediately. I'm sure I surprise him every second.

He hadn't looked at me at all and he didn't make an attempt to look at me at that moment either.

He just answered simply,

“I know.”

Wow, what an answer. Seriously speaking, at that time it sucked to talk to this guy.

“How many friends do you have?” I asked.

I asked this coz I was so eager to know if this guy has any friends at all.

“Why do you want to know?”

“Ummm... you see, you cannot answer someone's question with your own question.”

“We're not friends, Liz. So, why do you want to know?”

“Then why don’t we become friends?" I asked.

My question surprised him so much that he actually looked at me. Mr.-not-drunk-Evans looking at you SURPRISINGLY is like the news of the year!

But, as usual, he has this very annoying habit of questioning YOU when you're questioning HIM.

“Why do you want to be friends with me?” he asked.

One thing I would like to remind you: He wasn't looking at me when he asked that. He had just looked at me for second or so.

“If that’s not so, then I'd have to remind you that no boss trusts his or her secretary to not tell anyone the thing that the boss doesn't want to tell anyone. You said I am just your secretary then why do you trust me when I say that I wont tell anyone about what happened last night?” I asked, raising my eyebrows and staring at him.

He didn't look at me this time.

“Why did you help me last night, Liz? No secretary helps his or her boss.” He snapped.

At that time, I had an expression that was a mixture of embarrassment, irritation and wonder. Wonder because this man sure as hell knows how to snap!

“Do you even appreciate anything, Sir? Anything at all? Maybe you would've done some more damage if I hadn't been there. Do you realize you haven't even said a 'Thank you' at least for what I did for you? I'm sorry, Sir. Maybe I shouldn't be talking to you like that considering the fact that you're my boss and I owe you. But there's something called humanity. Have you ever heard the word, Mr. Evans?” I asked.

“Yes, I have. Look, I’m sorry for whatever trouble you had to go through last night because of me.”

“It was nothing for me except humanity and concern and care.”

After a minute of silence, when I thought that the conversation had died down, he proved me wrong with his next sentence.

“Thank you.” He said.

I was quite surprised but I didn't look at him and just said,

“You're welcome.”

He wasn't looking at me when he said this:

“My whole life I had only two great friends. Max and... Rachel. I don’t open up that much; something that you must've noticed from the first time you had a conversation with me. It's not that I don’t want to open up. It's just that I don’t know who to trust and who to not. But whatever you did for me last night was something that I couldn’t ignore. I've wanted to thank you but I didn't know how too. You did a lot for me last night, Liz. You're right; I might have done some more damage. Truthfully, if you hadn't been there, I don’t know what would've happened.”

I just stared at him. I was amazed to see him opening up even though he was not drunk.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Evans. I think I said a lot more that I shouldn't have.”

I apologized because whatever he admitted made me realize that his life is even more fucked up then mine.

“You said humanity, Liz. You have every right to say anything to me when it comes to that.”

I just bit my lip coz I kept wondering where this conversation was going.

“Well, I guess we're even then.” He said.

And all I could say was:

“Huh?”

“Well, you helped me last night. Something that secretaries who know their boss for even less than a month don’t do for their bosses. And I trust you. Something that takes a long time for a boss. So, if we become friends, maybe we'd get along.”

And, ladies and gentlemen, when he said 'maybe we'd get along', he did look at me and gave me a small smile.

“Friendship, something that rarely happens between a boss and secretary.” I said, beaming at him.

He looked at me and smiled. Something that now I've gotten used to.

And since that day, we've been true friends over the weekend but I still call him Mr. Evans. It's hard to call him by his first name coz I love saying 'Mr. Evans' because it has this formality to it. He was right when he told me that he's a guy who doesn't really open up or speaks much but I had somehow changed that fact... maybe only 1%.

So the whole Friday we kind of were getting used to being friends. And on Saturday, he and I went to the bar and had like tons of drinks. And we laughed our asses off when he told me his some very funny childhood memories and when I told him about that stupid chicken dance that me and my dad along with other guests used to do at Crashdown on every New Year's eve.

That night was fun, really. On Sunday, well, I accompanied him to the grocery store so he could buy some things for himself as he's planning on staying in Phoenix for one more week. It's good to know that he's finally facing his past.

And the rest of the day all I did was talk on the phone with Max. We had a lot of catching up to do. I didn't tell him about what happened on Thursday night coz I didn't want to break Mr. Evans promise. But he was kind of surprised when I told him that his brother and I are friends. He asked me how did that happen and I just told him, 'Parker's friendship magic. It's free these days.'

Well, he told me about what happened on Thursday night with him. And when he told me about Pam and this other girl, what's her name again? Umm... Hess, Mess, Rees, Pess??.... whatever. So, as I was saying that when he told me about this misunderstanding that these three had, I had laughed my ass off. But I must say he was sounding quite excited yesterday. Maybe because he was talking to me on phone. If that’s the case, then truly that’s a good thing. A really good thing.

And about Monday, you know what's happening right now. I'm packing and he's kind of helping me. He's first going to be accompanying me to Alberbeque because he has a meeting to attend there. And then when we will be done with that, he will drive me to Roswell which is a two hour drive from their.

Johnson was a bit surprise with how Mr. Evans and I were talking to each other but he didn't bother to ask, we didn't bother to tell him. It's just that confusion was written all over his face. And I think he kind of got it by Saturday that Mr. Evans and I had become friends and were not romantically involved because we don’t talk like that and we do not give each other that kind of looks. Hell, why would we even try to? This is something that he did only for Rachel and this is something that I do only for Max. And I guess I'll keep doing that for Max... maybe forever.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Michael, would you hurry up? It's two already!” I shout, banging on his bathroom door.

He just shouts back.

“I'm coming, Maxwell! Our flight is at, like, at four, man! Get a life, Evans!”

“I don’t care, man! Just get out quickly!”

“You don’t want to see me naked!” He threatens.

“Okay, okay. I'm giving you ten more minutes!”

“Maxwell, I just came in here two minutes ago! I am brushing my teeth at this moment and then I'll be taking a shower, man! You got to give me some more time, man!”

“I'm giving you twenty minutes, Michael! If you fail to come out, I'll come in somehow and I don’t care if you're naked or whatever!”

“Man, I knew you were eager to see me naked!” He jokes.

“I didn't know you were a gay, Michael!”

“Uh, hello?? Who wants to see who naked out here???”

“Umm....”

“One more word from you, Evans and you'll have to really see me naked! Clear??”

“Whatever, man!”

I walk to the living room, grinning.

I sit on the couch and flip the pages of this magazine, waiting for Michael to come out.

And so he does after twenty minutes. Thank goodness I didn't have to see him naked.

“I have some things to take and then we'll be on our way out.” He says and I nod, not even looking up from the magazine.

After he's done with whatever he wanted to take, we take a cab. I suggested that we take a cab because who would take our cars back to our places?

As we drive to the airport, my mom calls me.

“Max, Michael’s going with you out of L.A? And you didn't even have the nerve to inform me??” She practically yells.

What??

“Mom, I did inform you last night, remember?”

“Oh! Yeah, you did.”

“Mom, are these the signs of amnesia?” I joke.

“How am I supposed to know? I am not a doctor, remember?”

“Well, you seem to be losing your memory.”

“Actually, son, last night over five people had told me that they're going out of L.A. So at this age, remembering who's going where and when is difficult for me.”

“Who reminded you that Michael is going to be accompanying me, anyway?”

“Your father. Even during breakfast this morning, you didn't remind me that you're going with Michael.”

“You know, I am quite happy that you remembered that your son's going. Who cares about Michael, anyway?” I joke.

“Well, apparently, I do! Now give him the phone. I forgot his cell number that's why I called you.”

“Mom, I'm afraid you're losing your memory everyday. Anyway, I love you, mom! I will call you as soon as I reach there. Bye!” I say and hand the phone to Michael.

I mean, my mom had hugged me, like, five times before I had left my place. I don’t want to hear her again saying all those motherly things again like how much she loves me and that I should eat well when I go there blah blah blah....

I guess you got the point. My mom is very, very over-protective.

Michael and Mom are very close. He's like a third son to her and she loves him just as much as she loves Mark and me. What can I say; I am lucky to have such a mother.

After the phone conversation ends between Michael and my mom, I switch my cell phone off. I am pretty sure Pam and Serena will call me to say their good-bye's and also tell me what they bought recently which is so very girly and I cannot hear it.

Except from Liz, of course. She can speak about any, I am saying any girly thing and I'll listen to her. As far as I am concerned, her voice makes my day. Yeah, I know I'm being a bit too romantic.

As I get out of the cab, I say aloud,

“Liz, you're going to get the surprise of your life.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Mr. Evans, Coldplay is playing! Let me switch to that!” I say, my hand trying to reach the button but he wont let me.

“No. This one's good.”

Goodness, he wont let me do anything!!

“Oh, come on! It's 'Clocks'. One of the best tracks from A Rush Of Blood To The Head!”

“Well, I don’t listen to Coldplay, Liz. We are listening to 'I Shall Believe'.”

“I love 'I Shall Believe' but can we please listen to 'Clocks'??”

“Okay, okay. Switch to that.” He says and lets go of my hand.

“Okay, okay. We'll listen to 'I Shall Believe'. Besides, I do have the CD with me.” I say and turn the volume of the radio a bit louder.

He smiles at me and then turns his gaze straight ahead.

We had left the airport five minutes ago. No, we're not in Phoenix. We're in Alb. It's two-hour drive from here. It's like one of those road trips but it'll only last for two hours.

“Mr. Evans?”

“Hmm?”

“I need to pee.” I say and he looks at me.

“Okay. I'll take the next exit.”

And soon the next exit comes and we stop at the gas station. I go inside the shop immediately.

After I'm done with my bathroom visit, I see Mr. Evans standing with a pack of chips in his hand. I walk to him and he says,

“I'm hungry. You want to have some?” He asks and I take one from inside.

“I'm hungry too.” I say and put one more in my mouth.

“Mmmhmm. But I don’t think so we should have lunch now. How about we have lunch after an hour or so?” He asks.

“Got to agree with you, Mr. Evans.” I say and take one more from inside.

He hands me the chips and says,

“I'll take one more for myself. You go and sit in the car, I also need to visit the bathroom.”

I smile and he walks away.

I get out of the shop and walk to the car.

Needless to say, it's quite boring. I'll just call Max to let him know that I am in Alb.

I dial his number on my cell.

His cell is switched off. Knowing Max, he must be sleeping. He also hates Monday mornings. Guess I'll call him later then.

I sit in the car and wait for Mr. Evans to come back, which he does soon.

“Hey.” He says, hopping in.

“Hey. Had a nice bathroom visit?”

“Uh-huh.” He says, starting the car.

He hands me some bag and turns to the road.

"Oooooohh. What do we have here?” I say, looking in the bag.

“I bought some more chips.”

“Thanks.” I say and put the bag aside. I have one pack of chips to finish first.

“My mom called a minute ago.” He says.

“She did?”

“Yeah. She also said that Max is going out of L.A.”

“Ummm, what?”

“He's going out. My Mom said that he didn't tell her where he's going.”

“Max is going out of L.A?”

“That’s what my Mom said. Why?”

“Uh nothing.”

Max is going out of L.A and he didn't even bother to tell me??? I mean, we just talked last night on the phone and yet he didn't tell me! Goodness, he's such a jerk!

But the thing is... why wouldn't he tell me? And where is he going?

“Liz?”

“Yeah?” I ask, trying to hide my disappointment.

“Are you and Max friends?”

“Ummm... sorta.”

“Then didn't he tell you he would be going somewhere?”

Uh oh. I need to lie!

Like, right now.

“No, ummm... we're not that good friends. I haven't talked to him for days now.”

He nods and at the same time says,

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, wait till he learns that a girl and that also my secretary is my new friend. He's definitely going to be shocked.”

I wish I could tell him that Max already knows but instead I say,

“Why, you never had friend who's a girl before?”

He glances at me and says,

“Used to. Back in high school and college. But my best girl friend so far had been Rachel.”

You could always tell when he says her name how much pain is still inside him and how much guilt is eating him up even though he's not guilty. These are the times I feel like crying for my boss friend. He didn't deserve this. He lost his wife and son. Outside he's like a stone but inside, he's nothing but a ball of pain and guilt. I wonder how many sleepless nights he would have had. It must be... no, it had and still is painful for him. I just wish he gets the woman who could change him forever.

“Mr. Evans, why don’t you date?”

This question must have been shock to him coz he kind of loses control of the car. But relaxes back.

“I never even thought about it.” He says.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it's just her that I want to think about.”

“So you would continue this forever?”

“I don’t know. Forever maybe till tomorrow for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Liz, remember I told you that you can’t cheat death. You were right when you said that I would have done more damage if you hadn't helped me. Maybe I would have done damage to myself too. Maybe if that day you hadn't come, I would have died. Maybe right now at this moment we will die. Who knows, Liz? Maybe I'll die today or tomorrow or I may live for another fifty or so years.”

“What if you live for another fifty years or so? Would you still remain alone? I'm not saying that you have to marry, its just that love life is as important as your professional life.”

He nods and says,

“Yeah, you're probably right. But I don’t think I'm ready to start over.”

“Why? It's been a long time now.”

“I know. But after Rachel's death things have changed.”

“Do you wish you could change things for once and start over?”

“Yes, of course. But there's something that is stopping me. Maybe the fear that I would never be able to love again or that I'm not doing justice to Rachel.”

“I don’t know about that but you do wish you could start over. That’s something.”

“I guess so.”

“So that means you need help. You want me to help you?”

He looks at me and says,

“You would help me?”

“Yeah. What are friends for?”

“I don’t know, Liz. I don’t think I'm ready to start over.”

“How about I give you one week? When I'll come back, you could tell me what you want to do.”

He remains silent for a moment and then says,

“How would you help me?”

“Didn't I mention ever that I can be a good matchmaker?” I say, winking.

“Matchmaking? Like blind dates and stuff?”

“Yep. But if you see someone and kind of like her, you could go ahead and ask her out if you want to.”

“Uh.. I don’t think I would be able to do that. I don’t have guts.”

“Well, that’s why Ms. Parker is going to be helping you. That is, if you want me to.”

“I'll think about it.” He says.

“Mr. Evans, I don’t want you to think that I'm pressuring you or something. It's all up to you.”

“I know. And Liz, I don’t want you to think that you're pressuring me or something. I'll think about what you said.”

“Okay.” I say and give him a small smile before turning my gaze to the window.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“Yeah, move to this street.” She says, pointing to the street ahead.

I move to the street on right as she directed and then ask,

“What now?”

“Keep moving ahead. Crashdown is at the end of this street.”

We had entered Roswell half an hour ago. The town’s not that big but its kind of difficult to remember directions here. I’m glad that Liz is writing for me the directions back to the highway in her notebook in case I forget.

“Are you excited?” I ask.

She looks up at me and says,

“Yeah. Way too excited.” She grins and I give her a small smile.

“Good to know.” I say.

“There you go, I have written all the directions.” She says, tearing off the page from the notebook.

“Thanks.” She hands me the paper.

“I’ll be back in one week. What about you?”

“I’ll be back in one week too.”

“So now you’ll be driving to Alb and then flying to Pheonix?”

“Yeah. My flight is at nine.”

“I’ll call you sometime this week.”

“Okay. But seriously speaking, try to forget about your boss this week. Spend the whole time with your friends here.”

“I will spend the whole time with my friends but when it comes to other friends, I don’t forget about them so easily. So you are going to get a phone call from me this week.”

“It’s good to know that you care about your friends.” I say, glancing at her.

“Yeah, I do. A friend has to take care of the other.”

“Yeah.”

“You know, thanks for driving me here. It’s very kind of you.”

“Well, you’re welcome. And besides, what are friends for?” I say, winking.

“That’s it. Here’s Crashdown.” She says and I stop in front of a restaurant with glass doors.

“Hmm… impressive.”

“You want to come in? The food is good.”

“Thanks but no. I have to reach Alb as soon as I can and then go to the airport. It will take sometime.”

“I understand. I’ll call you then.” She says and hugs me.

I stay still for a moment and then hug her back. I didn’t expect her to hug me.

When she pulls away, she says,

“I had fun, Mr. Evans. It’s great to have a friend like you.”

I smile.

“Likewise.”

She gets out of the car.

“Have fun, Liz.” I say.

“I will.” She says, closing the door.

“Bye.”

“Adios.”

She walks backwards, still waving me good-bye and I drive off after saying good-bye once more.

She was right; it was fun.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I just stand there, watching the car go. I meant whatever I said; he is a great friend. I always regret calling him strict and rude coz he is the sweetest man ever. He can get a girl very easily coz of his great personality and handsome features. But, well, he's not as good as his brother.

I smile to myself at the thought of Max. I miss him way too much.

I turn around to see the front of a restaurant that I haven't seen for over a month now.

They are unknown to my arrival. I just cant wait to see their surprised faces when they see me!

I walk to the front door and open it. As soon as I open it, I see Maria cleaning a table just on my right. It's only her back that I can see but I know that this is Maria.

I drop my handbag on the floor to attract her attention.

She turns around and drops the glass to the ground after which she gasps and shrieks.

“Lizzie!!” She shouts and we both hug each other tightly, jumping at the same time.

When we pull away, she says,

“Oh goodness! You’re really here!” She says and hugs me again.

“It’s so good to see you, Maria!!” I say, hugging her tighter.

“What’s going on here?”

We both pull away to see Alex standing in front of the counter.

“Liz!” He says excitedly and I walk to him.

“How are you, Whitman?” I ask and we both hug.

It is really good to see Maria and Alex.

“God, Liz! I didn’t know you were coming.” He says after we pull away.

“Neither did I.” Maria says with her hands on her hips.

“I surprise people.” I say, grinning.

“Yeah.” She says and smirks. What is she smirking for?

I decide to ask her that but Grandma comes out of the ‘Employees Only’ room.

“Grandma!” I say, running to her.

“Lizzie! What a surprise!” She says and I lean down to hug her. She’s very short!

After we pull away, she says,

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” She asks.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” I say and hug her again.

“Oh Grandma, I missed you so much!” I say after pulling away.

“I’m sure you did.” She says, grinning.

“Where’s Isabel?” I ask Alex.

“At her place. She‘ll be coming in an hour or two. Or do you want me to call her right now?” He asks.

“No, I want to surprise her too.” I say grinning and Alex shakes his head.

“Hey, are we guys going to keep standing here?” Maria asks.

“Not me. I really need to go and pee. May I be excused?” I ask.

“Of course. We don’t want to see you pissing in your pants.” Alex says, grinning.

I roll my eyes.

“You don’t have to. I’ll be back in a minute.” I say and open the door of the 'Employees Only' room.

I go upstairs directly and then to my room. I can’t help grinning as I look around my room. It’s so good to be back here!!

After I’m done with my bathroom visit, I decide to go downstairs. We all have a lot of catching up to do.

As I walk out of the 'Employees Only' room, the first thing I see is Maria hugging someone. It's only the person's back that I can see.

Who’s this?

“Lizzie, it’s such a surprise! You and Michael should’ve informed us that you guys are coming!” Grandma says, grinning.

I walk ahead and Michael and Maria pull away.

“Hey, Liz.” He says when he sees me and I just stare at him, dumbstruck.

I open my mouth to say something but the words don’t come out. He didn’t tell me he would be coming today!

“I know you are really, really shocked. But that’s not it. I have one more surprise for you.” He says, smiling.

Surprise?

Suddenly I find my voice.

“What surprise?” I ask.

He turns his head to his right. I follow his gaze and…

Oh My God.

Oh My God!

Oh My God!!

It’s Max! It’s Max! It’s Max!

I just stand there staring at him with my jaw hanging open while he walks towards me, grinning.

Soon he’s standing in front of me. I pinch myself harder coz I am pretty sure this is a dream. But nothing happens. Oh please! If this is a dream, why the hell am I not waking up??

“Hey, Liz.” He says and I'm pretty sure I'm going to faint.

Part 23

MAX

“Hey, Liz.” I say.

I wait for some reaction from her but she just stands still with her jaw hanging open.

“Liz?” I ask again but no reaction, nothing. She just stands there like a statue.

“Am I dreaming?” She asks but does not move.

“Ummm, no.” I say.

Then she just throws her hands in the air and says,

“Yes, I am dreaming.” She pinches herself.

“Goodness, why the hell am I not waking up?!”

I grab her shoulders and say,

“Liz, I’m really here.”

“Nooo. I must be dreaming.”

“You’re not.” Michael says.

She turns to Michael and asks,

“I’m not?”

“Uhhh… not that I think.”

“Michael.” I warn him.

“Okay, okay. It’s not a dream, Liz.” He says.

She turns to me with her hands on her hips and says,

“I want to talk to you privately. Can we be please excused, people?” She says, glaring at me.

Uh oh. Am I in trouble?

“Okay. We’ll be back in five minutes.” Maria says.

Everyone goes in the ‘Employees Only’ room, leaving Liz and me alone.

“Umm… am I in trouble?” I ask her coz I’m pretty sure I am.

And the next thing I know is her arm around my neck and she hugging me so tightly that it’s difficult to breathe. I hug her back.

I can tell she’s grinning.

“I still can’t believe you’re here.” She says in my ear.

“Well, I am here.” I say, grinning.

“I missed you.” She says.

“That’s why I came. I missed you too.”

“Must say, you surprised me.”

“Uh huh. Anyway, you were looking quite funny when you saw me here.”

“Well, it was a big shock to me coz I never ever expected you here.”

“I bet you didn’t.”

She pulls away, her arms still around my neck.

“Well, there is a lot of explanation that you need to give me about what you’re doing here and how did you plan all this but right now, I just wanna do one thing.”

“What thing?” I ask her.

She cups my cheeks in her hands and pulls me closer. Just as our lips were about to touch, everybody came in.

We pulled away immediately, embarrassed.

“Ummm… is this a bad time?” Micheal asks.

“Well, yes I guess it was. But maybe our Lizzie dear would like to introduce to this handsome man that she was just about to kiss.” Maria says.

Is it my eyes or is Maria really glaring at Liz?

Liz is blushing. She definitely is.

“Well, umm… you guys this is Max Evans.”

“Hello.” I say to everyone.

“Max, this is Maria.” I shake her hand.

“And Alex.” I shake his hand.

“And Grandma Claudia.” I don’t know if I should shake her hand so I just stand there thinking what I should do.

So in the end I just give her a sweet smile and a kiss on the back of her hand.

I think I surprised her coz she says,

“Nice to meet you, Max. And before you ask, you can call me Grandma just like these people do.”

Wow, looks like I impressed her.

“Nice to meet you too, Grandma.”

“Liz, can I have a word with you please?” Maria asks Liz.

Looks like Liz is in trouble coz her Roswell friends didn’t know about me as Liz never told them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Uhhh Maria, do I really need to come?” I ask her. It would be difficult to leave Max here. See, I’ve got two reasons here to the question ‘Why?’:

1)I am seeing him after one whole goddamn week. Do you think it’s easy for me to control myself? No, it’s very difficult. If Grandma hadn’t been present in here, I would have kissed him senseless. I don’t care about my friends, its just coz of Grandma.

2)The most important reason of all is that I can’t leave him with Alex. Grandma’s fine. I know she wants all details but Alex is surely going to question him like crazy. You see, whatever happened with John Mathews had been not only painful for me but also for my friends coz they couldn’t see me being so hurt and stuff. And Alex is like my big brother and I’m pretty sure it would take him some time to accept Max as my boyfriend. And I know that he also wants details but he’s going to be dead serious about all this stuff.

“Yes, you really need to come.” She says, still glaring at me.

She takes my hand and practically drags me outta here. Soon we’re in the ‘Employees Only’ room.

“Who is he?” She asks. She can be such a mother sometimes.

“I hate you.” I say.

“Well, right now, I hate you more. You didn’t even tell me about Max! Michael told me on the phone.”

“Michael told you?”

“Yes, he did. And I love him more for that.”

“And what exactly he told you?”

“He told me that he’s bringing his friend along with him and that I should keep mum about this.”

“But just eight minutes ago Grandma told me that Michael also surprised you guys with his arrival.”

“Grandma and Alex didn’t know he was coming. I knew it all along.”

“And here I thought that it was difficult for you to keep the cat in your bag.” I say, smiling.

“Don’t change the subject, girlfriend. Tell me who is he?” She asks, folding her arms on her chest.

“He’s my boyfriend and you already know him. His name is Max Evans.”

“And you didn’t even bother to tell us.”

“I-I was afraid of your reaction.”

“My reaction? Liz, after that asshole all I’ve wanted is you to be happy. I wanted to see you moving on but you refused to take interest in guys at all. And now, when somebody is finally in your life, you thought that it would be better for you to not tell us? This is just ridiculous.”

“I wanted to tell you about this stuff in person, Maria. And I didn’t even know if these guys were coming. But before I could tell you anything, you found it out the other way.”

“You just tell me for how long have you guys been together?”

“Ummm… for a month now.”

“Goodness, this is just absolutely ridiculous.” She says, throwing her hands in the air.

“Maria, I’m really sorry. Please try to understand.” I plead.

She looks at me for a moment and then says,

“I’ll accept your apology on one condition.”

“And that would be?” I ask.

“I want each and every detail about how you guys hooked up and if he’s the guy that you should trust.”

“You got it, girlfriend.” I say and we both hug.

“Oh Liz, you know I was just so worried about you. After whatever happened with that asshole, I don’t trust any guys besides Michael and Alex anymore.”

I hug her tightly and say,

“I know, Maria. But Max, he’s just… great. I mean, he came all over to Roswell just for me.”

She pulls away and grabs my shoulders.

“Chica, are you in love?”

“Ummm…I don’t know.”

I seriously don’t know the answer to this question.

“We’ll get to know about this later. But right now, just promise me that tonight from nine to eleven, it’s us talking and nothing else?”

“I promise.” I say to her and we both grin.

“Uh oh.” I say, remembering something.

“What? What happened?”

“Maria, Max is outside alone with Michael, Grandma and especially Alex.”

“Uh oh. Looks like they would be giving Max a hard time.”

“That’s why I was asking you whether it’s important to talk right now.”

“Hey, it was important, okay?”

“Okay, okay. Now can we go out, please? I don’t want Max to be running all around the town saying that my friends are some big morons.”

“Dare he do that? Lets go.”

We both leave the room and to our surprise we see Grandma and Max laughing.

Oh God! Looks like they both are getting along. But what about Alex?

“Girlfriend, look at Alex and Michael. I think they’re having a deep conversation.” Maria says, pointing to both them who are standing by the counter.

“Maria, do you think Alex is asking Michael questions about Max?” I ask, grabbing her upper arm.

“I don’t know, Liz.”

Alex sees us and says a bit too loud,

“Hey, Liz and Maria. Had a nice talk?”

This attracts Max and Grandma’s attention. I was thinking of going up to Alex without Max knowing and telling him not to worry about Max.

“Yeah, we did. You guys, anytime soon Isabel and our other girlfriends will be here.”

“Girlfriends?” I ask Maria.

“Yeah. Why do you think Crashdown’s closed right now?”

“Umm… I didn’t even notice.”

She shakes her head and then says,

“It’s because we’re having a friend’s birthday party out here and guys are not allowed.”

I turn to Grandma and say,

“When I wanted to do that, you never allowed me!”

Grandma just says,

“Oh, I need to do something important upstairs. I’ll talk to you later, Liz.”

She changed the subject?! But I’ll definitely talk to her about this later.

I turn to Maria and say,

“You stop your ass-kissing, Maria. She’s my Grandma, not yours.”

“Jealous, are we?” She asks with a smirk.

“Oh, shut up.”

“By the way, Liz, you’re also not allowed.” Maria says.

Allowed?

“Allowed for what?” I ask her, confused.

By now Max is standing right beside me and his hand is on my ass. Wait till I get my hands on him.

“You’re not allowed in the party.” Maria says.

“But I’m not a boy!”

She leans in closer and whispers in my ear,

“Liz, you met your boyfriend after one week. Don’t you think I’m doing a favor for you? And besides, if you join us in this two hour party, you wont be able to spend time with Max coz after that, you’re all mine.”

She was right when she said she’s doing me a favor.

“You’re the best girlfriend a girl could ever get.” I whisper to her.

“I know.” She says, grinning.

“Ummm… guys, I know we have a lot of catching up to do but Alex and Michael, I need you two to help me with that birthday cake.” Maria says to them.

I know why she’s doing that. I love her!

“But Liz can help you while us guys can sit and talk?” Alex says.

Oh no. That’s so not happening. I need to spend time with Max. Doesn’t he understand?! No, coz he’s like my big brother and big brothers hate their little sisters’ boyfriends! Even if they’re twenty-five years old.

“No. Liz has other important things to do. Now, come along.” She says and before we know, they’re all out of here.

I turn to Max whose hand is still on my ass and did I tell you that he’s giving me the looks which says ‘You’re my next meal.’

“Now you, mister, are coming with me upstairs.”

“Really?” he says with that sexy voice that makes me lose control. Huh, wait till we go upstairs.

“I need to show you your room. And then I have to go and talk to Grandma.”

Hehehe. I’m having fun with this.

He removes his hand from my ass and asks,

“You really need to talk to your Grandma right now?”

“Yep. Come on, I’ll show you the guest room first. Follow me.” I say.

We both take our respective handbags and he follows me upstairs. He’s disappointed; it’s written all over his face!

When we reach upstairs, first I put my handbag by the door. I find Grandma in the kitchen.

“Grandma?”

“Yes dear?” She asks, turning around.

Max is standing right behind me.

“Grandma, can Max stay in the guest room for a week, please? We’ll go to L.A together.”

“Sure, Liz. Besides, Max and I have already become friends, haven’t we Maxwell?”

I turn my head to look at him and he says,

“Of course. Thanks, anyway.” He smiles.

“Oh you’re always welcome, dear.” Grandma says, smiling too.

“Ummm… I’ll just show him to his room, okay?” I say to Grandma.

“Sure. Go ahead.” She says and soon Max and I are out of the kitchen.

I lead him to our guest room. My parent’s room is right beside this room. I’ll go in there later.

I open the door to the guest room and say,

“There you go. This is your room.”

“Are you sure you want me here?” He asks after putting his bag on the floor beside the door.

“Why do you think I don’t?” I ask him.

I’m confused out here.

“After you came out with Maria, you haven’t even given me a smile. Is there a problem with me being here coz I seriously can live in a hotel.”

What? What rubbish is this?

Oh, now I understand.

“Max, come on in.” I said, taking his hand.

“No, I… just…”

“Max, come on in.”

He sighs and steps in.

I lock the door.

“Liz, what’re you doing?” He asks.

I turn to him and say,

“Don’t event think that I don’t want you here. You have given me the biggest and the best surprise of my life, Max.”

He smiles and asks,

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.” I say, grinning.

We just stand there staring at each other for a moment or so and then I break the silence.

“Come here.” I whisper to him.

He wraps his arms around me while my hands move to his cheeks to pull him closer.

Soon, we’re kissing hungrily and our tongues are playing with each other. Max and I have been not so intimate except making out and I have full intention to change that this week.

I try to pull him closer as much as I can by putting my arms around his neck. His mouth travels to my neck and I can’t stop moaning. I’m pretty sure the temperature out here has increased.

After we’re done with our making out, we just stand there with our foreheads touching.

“Don’t you want to go and talk to your Grandma?” He asks with a smirk.

“I was just teasing you. I wanted you alone.”

“Now I know why you wanted me alone.” We both chuckle and I rest my cheek on his chest.

“How are you?” I ask him.

“You remembered to ask this pretty early.” He teases.

I just close my eyes and say,

“Just tell me already.”

“I am fine now. Only you were missing.”

Did I tell you I love him? I didn’t? Well, it’s official, people. I am madly, crazily in love with this guy. But does he feel the same for me?

I pull away and stare at those soulful eyes of the person who has captured my heart.

“I love your surprises.” I say to him.

He smiles and says,

“I’m sure you do.”

“For how long did you have this plan in your mind?” I ask him.

“Since the day you told me that you would be going for two weeks.”

Goodness, he had this plan in his mind since then? I love him.

“That’s is so… sweet. And so you and Michael made the plan?”

“Yep. Just to surprise you.”

Goodness, I love him way too much now.

Just as I thought things are going to again get heated, there is a knock at the door.

“Max, have you seen Liz? I can’t seem to find her.” Grandma’s voice reaches our ears.

We both pull away and I set my hair and clothes and so does Max. I open the door just to see Grandma staring at me.

“Uh Liz, Isabel’s downstairs.” She says.

God, this is so embarrassing.

“Yeah, we’ll be right down.” I say to her, trying my best not to blush.

“And Max, how did you find the room? Good or bad?” She asks Max.

“Fantastic, Grandma. Thank you very much.” Max says.

“As I said, no problem. I am going downstairs. You two are coming, right?” She asks.

“Yep. We’ll be down in two minutes.” I say and she leaves.

I turn to Max and we both let out a sigh.

“Man, that was embarrassing.” He says.

“Yeah. It’s like we’re teenagers all over again.”

He grins and says,

“Yeah.”

“Why don’t you freshen up and then we’ll go downstairs, okay?”

“Sure.”

With one more last kiss, I leave his room and close the door behind me.

You know, this week is going to be just the best week of my life.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

Max and I walk down the stairs and I see Isabel talking to Alex.

“Alex, no. I want this party to be perfect.” Isabel says to Alex who’s standing in front of her.

“I wish Liz was here.” Alex says after secretly glancing and winking at me and then turns to Isabel.

“I agree. I miss her.” Isabel says with a sigh.

Aww, sweetheart, I’m already here.

“I missed you too, Isabel.” I say.

She turns around quickly and gasps when she sees me.

“I am here.” I say, grinning.

“Liz!” She says, grinning and we both hug.

When we pull away, she asks,

“What… what are you doing here??”

“Surprise, surprise. I got a vacation for one week so I’m here.”

“Whoa! You know, you’re here at the perfect timing. We’re having a birthday par-” She says but Maria interrupts.

“She already knows, Iz. But Liz can’t attend the party.”

“Why? Are you going somewhere?” Isabel asks me.

“Yeah. I…umm...” I say but Max finishes for me.

“Liz is actually going to show me around. So, she wont be able to attend the party.”

I mouth a ‘Thank you’ to Max and then turn to Isabel.

“Umm... do I know you?” Isabel asks Max.

“No, you don’t. Isabel this is Max and Max this is Isabel.” I say.

They both shake hands after saying hello to each other.
“Hey, Max and Alex, could you help me put these plates outside?” Michael shouts from the kitchen.

“I’ll be right back.” Max says to me.

When they both are out of the room, Isabel asks,

“Who is he?”

“Umm…” I hate telling everybody who is he. Cant they just guess?

“Max is Liz’s one month old boyfriend.” Maria answers for me.

“Boyfriend?! Liz, you hooked up with a guy and didn’t even bother to tell us??”

Just then, Max walks in.

“We’ll talk about this later, Liz.” Isabel whispers, glaring at me.

I just nod.

“Umm… guys, Max and I will be back before nine. Could you tell Grandma also, please?”

“Sure.” Maria says, smiling at me.

“Thanks. Lets go, Max.” I say and take his hand.

“Umm… bye.” He says and we both leave from the back door.

“There’s a park nearby. You wanna walk?” I ask him.

“Sure.” He says.

What more could a girl ask for than a walk in the park with the love of her life?

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“It’s an alien town.” She says as she picks up the alien stuff toy.

“I see.” I say, smiling.

Liz and I had first taken a walk in the park and then we thought about roaming here and there. And so we’re here in this shop, which is full of stuffed toys. And majority of them are the green, slimy aliens.

“What’s up with this alien crap?” I ask, rubbing her knuckles with my thumb.

“This alien crap is all about this theory that the alien ship or shit crashed way back ago here in Roswell but in the newspapers it said that it’s a weather balloon.” She says, checking out the alien toy with her free hand.

“Hey, I’m more handsome than him.” I say grinning and snatch the toy from her.

“Yeah right. Sure, Evans.” She says, smirking.

I just smile.

“Hey, you didn’t tell me how’s it going in L.A? How are Pam and that Mess?”

“Mess? Who’s Mess?” I ask her.

“You know the girl who you thought that was in love with you.”

“Oh, you mean Tess. Yeah, she’s good. We became friends.”

“What’s her full name, anyway?”

“Tessa Harding.” I say putting the toy back where it was first. But I seriously think that it belongs in the dustbin.

“She’s engaged, right?”

“Yeah, why you asking?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Uhhh… well, nothing.”

“You don’t like her, do you?”

“Haven’t met her, never seen her, she doesn’t love you but still I hate her.” She says with a wave of her hand.

“Well, she’s a nice woman.”

“I hope so.”

“Liz…”

“Nah. Lets not talk about her. She’s giving me creeps already.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Anyway, how are your parents?”

“Mom’s losing her memory while Dad’s just working and working.”

“Mr. Evans must have picked that workaholic thing from your father.”

“Speaking of big bro, how is he? You seem to know about him a lot these days.”

She just shrugs her shoulders.

“Yes, I do. Your brother is a very sweet man.”

“You know, it still remains a surprise to me how you guys ended up being friends?” I ask, still not getting it.

“I told you about my free friendship magic which is free these days.” She says, winking.

“Seriously, Liz.”

“Well, we just became friends just like… that.” She says, snapping her fingers.

I snap my fingers too and ask,

“Like that?”

“Yeah. I started talking to him about things besides business and so we just started hanging out and became friends.”

“So, did he tell you things?”

“What things?”

“You know, friends tell things to each other. Like about their past and stuff.”

“No, he… didn’t tell me anything about his past but I know what kind of person he is.”

“Quiet, silent, not straight-forward, doesn’t smile and jokes much.”

“Exactly. And mysterious too.” She says, smiling.

“Yeah. I assume Maria would have been really angry with you.” I say as we exit the shop.

“Oh, man. You have no idea. She wants details for tonight.”

“So, a girl’s night out, huh?”

“Kind of. Only that we’ll be in my room. Iz would be joining us.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“Nah. I’m all yours after eleven.”

“Two hours? I’m going to die.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come to your funeral.”

“Liz.”

She just giggles.

“I was actually thinking of sleeping early tonight. I'm kind of tired.“

“That's bad news. I thought we'll be able to spend some time after eleven.“

“I'll sleep at midnight. Deal?“

“Okay. One hour's good.“

“But tomorrow, you're all mine.“ I say, putting my arm around her shoulders.

“Sure. How’s Roswell, anyway?” She asks me.

I look around and say,

“Not bad. But definitely different from L.A.”

“Yeah. You wanna have a cup of coffee?”

“Sure.” I say as we cross the street.



TBC...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 24

LIZ

“So, how did the party go?” I ask as we sit down on my bed.

“Good. How did your time with Max go?” Maria asks, smiling.

Max and I arrived late and till then the party was over and I saw them cleaning up. After helping them, Max went with Michael to his apartment and Isabel, Maria and I decided to catch up as promised.

“Well, good. Actually, great. We had a lot of catching up to do.” I say, winking.

“Yeah, sure you did. But right now, girlfriend, WE have a lot of catching up to do.” Isabel says.

“So, what do you guys want to know?” I ask.

“Okay, we are going to ask you questions and whether you like it or not, you have to answer them.” Maria says.

“Sure, go ahead. Take my interview.” I say.

“Okay, first question: Tell us about your first meeting.” Isabel asks.

“Well, I remember it was Thursday and I was going for an interview. Unfortunately, it was a busy day and Max with his car stopped. I thought that he stopped so that he could give me a lift and he was talking on the phone and I sat in his car and he sees me and turns out to be a complete bastard.”

“Whoa! Then?” Maria asks.

“Well, then the officer comes and asks why he pulled over and Max had to actually move from there and we kind of argue for some time but finally, he drops me at the office.”

“Interesting. Next question: How did you guys meet again? Did he give you a lift again?” Isabel asks.

“Well, no. We met on the same day as he turns out to be my boss’s brother.”

Isabel and Maria just stare at me and after a few seconds, Maria asks,

“He’s your boss’s brother?”

“Yep. Max Evans, brother of Mark Evans and son of Philip Evans.” I say, nodding.

“Wow! How’s Mark, anyway?” Isabel asks.

“Why are you asking me that?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Well, Max is good-looking. Maybe Mark would be too.” Isabel says, grinning.

I just roll my eyes.

“Yes, Mark is handsome. Now, can we get back to the interview?”

“All right. Now you tell us, is this guy worth your trust?” Maria asks.

“Absolutely. If that wouldn’t have been the case, I would’ve never hooked up with him in the first place.” I say, shrugging my shoulders.

“Liz, are you sure about this Max Evans? Are you sure that he’s not going to turn out like that bastard?” Isabel asks, frowning.

I smile and put my hand on hers.

“Isabel, you want to know something? I am in love.”

Maria and Isabel just stare at me.

“I am in love with Max Evans. Just like Isabel is in love with Alex and just like Maria is in love with Michael.”

“But you just met this guy over a month ago. How could you be so sure that you ARE in love with him?” Maria asks.

“I am sure, Maria. I am dead sure. Love doesn’t see how much time a person has spent with the other person.” I answer.

Maria and Isabel exchange looks and then Isabel asks,

“So, you trust him? You’re sure that he’s not going to betray you?”

“Isabel, I can’t tell what’s going to happen in the future. But I’m hoping that there would be a future with him. I am hoping that he would not turn out be like John.”

“What about him? Is he… in love with you?” Maria asks.

“I don’t know. But I'm hoping he is.”

“So, are you going to tell him?” Isabel asks.

“Yes. I don’t want to bottle up my feelings. I want him to know that I am in love with him. Indeed, I plan to tell him this week.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“You guys, call me tomorrow, okay?” I say as I open the main door for them.

It’s fifteen minutes past eleven and Maria and Isabel are leaving as Alex came to pick them up.

“Sure. And you, girlfriend, behave tonight.” Maria says, winking.

I just sigh.

“That’s none of your goddamn business, Deluca. Now, get lost before I throw you out.”

“Okay, okay. It’s good that your grandmother is still alive. And just to remind you, she’s sleeping in the room just opposite yours.” Isabel says, smiling.

“Thanks for reminding, Isabel.” I say, grinning.

“We don’t really need to call you. I am coming for work tomorrow morning.” Maria says.

“Maria, mind you but aren’t you going to get a better job? You do realize that all the other waitresses in Crashdown are high school students.” I ask her.

She sighs.

“Well, I am planning to do so. Michael is helping me to look for a job.”

“Well, that’s good. I thought that you would join Isabel with her interior designing.”

“She isn’t interested, Liz. I told her to join Alex and me in this but she just doesn’t want to leave Crashdown. She wants to become a singer.” Isabel says, rolling her eyes.

“Still hoping.” Maria says, staring at the floor.

I pat her shoulder and say,

“You’re still singing at the club, right?”

“Yeah. Anyway, Alex is waiting outside. See you tomorrow.” She says and steps out.

“Bye.” I say to both of them and close the door.

After locking the door and switching off the lights, I walk upstairs to Max’s room.

I open his door and… shit, he’s sleeping.

I bit my lip in an attempt to not laugh. He just came in two minutes ago and he’s sleeping with his shoes still on and hasn’t even gotten rid of his clothes.

Well, I wont wake him up. He’s way to exhaust. I am just going to take his shoes off.

After I am done with that, I sit beside him and rub his forehead. Then I decide to leave.

Just as I am about to stand up, he takes hold of my hand, surprising me.

“You’re awake?” I ask him.

His eyes are still closed. He smiles and says,

“Yeah. But I am way too sleepy.”

“I know.” I say.

“Maria and Isabel left?” He asks.

“Yeah, they just did. I came in to check on you.”

“I’ll spend the rest of the night with you if you want me too.” He says, opening his eyes.

“No. Sleep. We have the whole day tomorrow.” I say after giving him a kiss on his cheek.

He closes his eyes and says,

“Good night. Sweet dreams.”

I smile and say,

“You too.”

After giving him one more kiss on his cheek, I switch off the lights and leave the room, closing the door quietly behind me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I enter the kitchen, yawning. I see Grandmother by the stove, obviously cooking something.

“Good mornin’” I say as I lazily sit down on the chair.

She turns around and smiles when she sees me.

“Hey, sweetie. Did you sleep well?” She asks.

“Yeah. It’s good to be back.” I say, smiling.

She just smiles and turns back to her cooking.

“What about Max? Still sleeping?”

“Guess so.”

She walks towards me and says,

“Lizzie, I just wanted to ask you if you’re happy?”

I smile and say,

“I’m happy. Really happy.”

She grins and gives me a kiss on my forehead.

“Good, that was all I wanted to know.” She says and goes back to her cooking.

After a minute, she places a plate full of pieces of boiled egg.

“No, I can’t eat this. You know I don’t like eggs.” I say and make a disgusting face.

“Do you realize you’ve gone so weak lately? Now, you eat this up. And also milk.” She says and puts a glass of milk in front of me.

“Good morning.” I turn around to see who just said that and see Max smiling at me, standing in the doorway. He’s wearing a t-shirt and loose pajamas.

“Good morning.” I say.

“Good morning, Max. What would you like?” Grandma asks him.

“Just a glass of orange juice.” He says and stands beside me.

“Nothing else?” Grandma asks.

“No, thanks.” Max answers, smiling.

“Why does he get to eat nothing and I have to eat these boiled eggs that I simply hate?” I ask Grandma.

This is so unfair!

“Coz you’re weak, not him.” She says and just then the phone rings.

“Excuse me.” She says and leaves the kitchen.

“Good morning.” He says and bends down to give me a kiss.

“Mmm… good morning.” I say after we pull away.

He sits down beside me and says,

“You know, your Grandmother is right.”

“About what?” I ask.

“You do need to eat healthy food.”

I just roll my eyes.

“Whatever.”

Just then Grandma enters the kitchen.

“Lizzie, I have got some bad news.”

I put the fork down and ask,

“What bad news?”

“My friend has been admitted to the hospital. I have to leave within half an hour.”

“Oh. Is it bad?”

“Heart attack.”

“Holyshit. When will you be back, anyway?”

“I’ll be late. But I’ll call you.”

“Okay. I hope she’s okay.”

“I hope so too. Look, I’ll appreciate if you’ll clean up here coz I have to get ready and reach there as soon as possible.” She says, rubbing her hands.

“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll clean up.”

“Thanks, sweetie. Bye Max.” She says and leaves the kitchen before we could say good-bye.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I dial his number and wait for him to pick up the phone. I promised that I would call him and I have no intention of not fulfilling it.

Max is taking a shower and I decided to call him now.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Mr. Evans. Guess who?”

“Liz. Who else?”

“Right. How are you?” I ask him.

“I’m good. What about you? Having fun there?”

“A lot. It’s good to be back.”

“I suppose your friends would have been very surprised to see you.”

“I knocked them off their feet. They were shocked to see me. I love giving others surprises.”

“Yeah, you also surprised me every second.”

“I knew it. But you know, surprises lead to heart problems.”

“What? Yeah right.” He says, laughing.

“No, really. I read this in the newspaper.”

“Whatever you say, Liz. What did you do today?”

“Well, I woke up pretty early and then I had to eat those boiled eggs.”

“I know you hate boiled eggs.”

This guy knows me very well. During the weekend that we spent together, we got to know each and everything about each other. Except some secrets, of course.

“Yeah. It’s so disgusting. I feel like throwing up.”

“Why did you eat it then?”

“Grandmother says that I am weak and that I should eat healthy food.”

“Really?”

“Really. Well, I know I have just lost two kg’s this month. That’s it.”

“Liz, do you know you could lose many calories if you bang your head on the wall?”

“Are you crazy?”

“No, seriously. It’s a fact.”

“Where did you hear this from, anyway?” I ask him.

“I was just reading some amazing facts the other day.”

“Oh. Anyway, what’re you doing in Phoenix?”

“Well, as you know there are no more meetings here to attend. So I’m just relaxing.”

“Did you meet any woman yet?”

“Do you think I did?”

“Umm… no.”

“Your guess is absolutely correct.”

“Don’t worry. Dr. Parker is here to help you.” I say, grinning.

“What about you? Did you find any guy there?”

Oops. He doesn’t know that I don’t need to.

“Didn’t I mention ever how stupid and nerdy the guys here in Roswell are?”

“Ummm… no.”

“Well, I just mentioned. Besides, I think I’ll find better guys in L.A.”

“You sure? Coz you didn’t yet.”

“I will, Mr. Evans. I was preoccupied with everything since I took my first step in L.A. Now I have time.”

“So, you’re ready to date again?” He asks.

Did I mention that he knows about John Mathews?

“Yeah. There’s this guy that my friend’s been talking about. I think I’ll give it a go.”

“That’s good.”

“Hey, when are you doing your Christmas shopping?” I ask him.

“I don’t know. But we do have time.”

“Less than a month.” I remind him.

“I don’t really do that much Christmas shopping.” He says.

“Oh. I’m not so interested in doing Christmas shopping too. You know, we can do the shopping together.”

“Sounds good. But you have to promise me that it wont take you more than two hours to complete the shopping.”

“I guarantee you that I wont. I am not such a big fan of shopping either.” I say.

“You know, we both are walking on the same road.” He says.

“Got to agree with you. And it’s good we became friends.”

“I know. Liz, my phone’s ringing. I’ll talk to you later?”

“Sure. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. Same time, alright?”

“Yep. Bye.”

“Good bye, Liz.”

I hang up and wait for Max to come out. Everything’s going so good. Life couldn’t get better than this.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Okay. I’ll miss you. Take care. Bye.” Liz says and hangs up as I enter the living room.

“Who was that?” I ask her.

“Grandma called.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, she says her friend’s all right now. But she’ll have to stay there till tomorrow.”

“Oh. Looks like they’re really good friends.”

“Yeah. My Grandmother would do anything for the people she cares about.”

“It’s good to know that everything’s all right.”

“Yeah. I agree with you.” She says, smiling.

“So, what are you plans for today?” I ask, pulling her closer.

She plays with the collar of my shirt and says,

“Well, I was thinking of actually spending the whole day with this handsome guy who happens to be my boyfriend.” She grins.

I start kissing her neck and ask,

“Who’s the guy?” I say as I kiss the sensitive spot behind her left ear.

“Mmm… his… his name… is…” She says, panting.

“You didn’t tell me his name.” I say and suck her earlobe.

“Max… Max Evans.”

I leave a trail of open-mouthed kisses on her neck before I take her mouth and pull her as close as possible.

“Ahem.” We both pull away to see Maria standing in her Crashdown uniform in the doorway.

“Maria.” Liz says and takes a step back.

“Umm… I just came to tell you that I am leaving. I am spending the rest of the day with Michael so… so, I’ll just call you later.”

Liz walks to her and asks,

“You guys are going somewhere?”

“Yeah. To the park. He says he has a surprise for me.” Maria answers, grinning.

“Well, that’s something.” Liz says, smiling.

“I know. I’m just way too excited.”

“Where’s Isabel, anyway?” Liz asks.

“Work. She said she’d be really busy. She and Alex are making waves, don’t you know?”

“I certainly heard and I’m happy for both of them.”

“I know. Max, how are you?” Maria asks me.

“Good. Tell Michael that I’ll call him tonight.” I say.

“Okay. Well, I guess I’ll talk to you later, Liz. Bye guys.” Maria says and leaves after we say good-bye to her.

Liz turns to me and I walk to her.

“So, where were we before we were rudely interrupted?” She asks.

I smile and pull her closer.

It’s going to be a heck of a day.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

We both laugh as she opens the main door. We step in, still laughing.

“I can’t believe you did that.” She says after taking off her coat.

I take off mine and put it on the couch nearby.

It’s midnight right now. We both went out for dinner and then movies. It’s raining outside.

“Oh God, my clothes are so wet. And so is this damn coat.” She says and rubs her hands on her skirt.

Uh oh. Her bra is so visible coz her pink blouse is so wet.

I walk to her and take a piece of leaf that was in her hair.

“Eww. Did I tell you I hate when it rains and makes me all dirty?” She says.

“You’re not dirty right now.”

I give her a peck on her lips and say,

“See. I don’t find you dirty at all.”

She smiles and we kiss. Soon things get heated and we are heavily making out.

As I kiss her neck hungrily, she says,

“Max… I want you.”

I pull away, taken aback about what she just said.

“God Liz, you have no idea how much I want you too.”

I stare at her lustful eyes and she says,

“I want to tell you something before… you know.”

“What?” I ask, cupping her cheeks.

“I… I love you.” She says.

I just stare at her.

“Look, I’ll understand if you don’t love me. I just wanted you to know.”

Before she could say anything else, I pull her into a passionate kiss.

After we pull away, I say,

“What makes you think I don’t love you too?”

She grins.

“I love you, Liz. I love you so much.” I say and we kiss again.

She pulls away after a minute or so and says, smiling sexily,

“I think we should take this upstairs.”

“Right.”

I say and sweep her off her feet.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

I just stare at her beautiful face. I have been staring at it for the last fifteen minutes. It's nine already.

As I stare at her, I couldn't help thinking about last night. It was wonderful. It felt wonderful to be inside her. She felt so good, tasted so good. We made love like the whole night long. I had wanted her for so long.

It was amazing. She's amazing.

My eyes travel up and down her body. She arouses me every second.

I suppose it would be difficult to control from now onwards. Very difficult indeed.

She opens her eyes and I stare at her big brown eyes.

“Hey.” She says, smiling.

“Hey you. Had fun last night?”

She giggles and we kiss.

After we pull away, she says,

“You are a sex god, you know that?”

“You just told me.” I say, smiling.

Her eyes drop.

I kiss the back of her hand and say,

“I love you.”

She looks at me with such love and passion in her eyes when she says,

“I love you too, Max.”

Never in all my years has anyone looked at me in the eye with so much love. God, I love her so much.

“I do not want you to doubt my love ever for you, Max. And I want you to know that last night was wonderful. It was the best night of my life.” She says.

“I know, Liz. It was amazing.”

“You’re amazing.” She says and we kiss hungrily.

Her stomach grumbles and I pull away.

“Hungry?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll make you breakfast.” I say as I sit up.

“You will?”

“Of course. Anything for you.” I say, smiling.

“So that means you do know how to cook?”

“Yes, I do. A little.”

She chuckles.

I remove the sheet from her and my eyes travel up and down her exposed body. My finger enters her opening and she moans.

“But first, I would like t have a shower with you.” I say as I start kissing her stomach.

After a minute, she practically shouts,

“Oh God!”

I pull away immediately, thinking that I hurt her or something.

“Liz, are you okay?” I ask her, worried.

“Max, do you know it’s ten minutes past nine?”

I glance at the clock on the nightstand and say,

“Umm… yeah.”

She sits up and says,

“Grandma will be here any minute!” She says and wraps the sheet around her beautiful body. I was wrong when I said she was weak. She’s a goddess.

“Really?” I ask her.

“Yes. She told me she’d be here around nine or something.”

She bends down to give me a kiss and after we pull away, she says,

“Darling, I need to go. Grandma doesn’t need to know that last night and just a minute ago rated things were happening.” She says as she walks to the door.

“I’m letting you go right now. But I haven’t forgotten about that shower.” I say, winking.

“Me neither.” She says smiling.

She opens the door and before she closes the door behind her, she says,

“I’ll take my clothes later!”

After the door closes, I lay back down, grinning like a moron.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

As I open the door to my room, my cell phone starts ringing. Who would call me at this hour?

“Hello?”

“Liz, Maria here.” She whispers.

Why is she whispering?

“Why are you whispering, Maria?” I ask as I get rid of the sheet and walk to my closet.

“I’m at Michael’s.”

“Ohh.” I say, understanding what she means.

“I’ve got the greatest, greatest news for you.”

“Really? And that is?” I ask as I take an oversized t-shirt from the upper shelf.

“Michael really did surprise me yesterday.” She sounds so excited.

“Okay. Just hold on a minute.” I say and put on the shirt.

When I’m done with that, I put the phone again on my ear.

“Sorry about that.” I say as I sit down on my bed.

“Whatever. So as I was saying, Michael really did surprise me yesterday.”

“And how?”

“Well, as I said we were going to the park…”

“Yes, you did say that.”

“Right. So he had this whole surprise picnic planned over there.”

“Really?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Yeah! And then he got a lot of kisses from me too.”

“Lucky guy, huh?”

“Well, he’s been getting it since we were eighteen.”

“Don’t talk with me about your sex life, sweetie.” I say as I lay back down on my bed.

“Whatever. It’s the next thing that I’m going to say which is really going to surprise you.”

“What? What happened?”

“He proposed!”

Michael proposed?!

“He proposed??” I ask her, grinning.

“Yes, he did!”

This is like the best news ever!

“Goodness, this is such a great news, Maria. Congrats, girl.”

“I know! Hey, Michael’s about to wake up, I guess. We’ll talk about this when I’ll come, okay?”

“All right. Bye.” I say and we both hang up.

This is a heck of a day.

--

Part 25

LIZ

“I can’t believe you’re leaving.” Maria says, her left hand over her mouth.

“Maria, it’s not like I WANT to leave. I have to. My vacation is over.” I say, taking her hands in mine.

She immediately pulls me into a tight hug. She’s silently crying.

I pull away after a moment and say,

“Ria, don’t cry or I will cry too.” I say, trying to calm her down and myself too.

“You are coming a week before my wedding. Is that clear?”

“Maria, I’ll try to...”

“No, no, no. You are coming a week before my wedding or the wedding wont take place.”

“Okay, I promise.”

We both smile and hug once more.

After we pull away, I turn to Alex.

“Sweetie, I am going to miss you so much.” He says, stroking my cheek.

I rest my cheek on his chest and he wraps his arms around me.

“You better go looking for a ring.” I whisper to him so that nobody else could here.

“Ring? For what?” He whispers back.

“Your girlfriend’s talking a lot about marriage these days.” I say, smiling.

I could tell he’s smiling too.

“After Maria and Michael’s wedding, I am going to propose to her.” He whispers.

“But their wedding is after a whole month.”

“I know. Isabel will be really busy this month so after their wedding, it’s going to be okay to ask her.”

I pull away and say,

“You better.”

“But you have to promise me you wont tell her.”

I cross my fingers.

We both grin and I kiss his cheek.

“I am going to miss you.” I say.

“Me too.”

Isabel enters the room and says,

“Here you go with your coat.”

She hands me the coat.

“Thank you.” I say.

We both hug and when we pull away, she says,

“You better call me, understand?”

“I will.” I promise.

Max walks down the stairs and stands beside me.

“You said good-bye to Grandma?” I ask him.

“Yeah.” He says.

“She said she couldn’t come downstairs coz she was sure she would start crying.” I say to Isabel.

She sighs and says,

“See, nobody’s happy with you going.”

“I know. But you know I have to.”

“We understand.”

“Come on, Liz. You should get moving if you want to reach Phoenix on time.” Michael says.

Michael leaves the room with my bag. He’s going to put it in the car.

“I am glad I came here. Liz was right when she said her friends are the best people in the world.” Max says and I just roll my eyes.

“Dude, you’re always welcome here.” Alex says, smiling.

Did I tell you that Alex and Max are kind of friends now?

“Thanks.” Max says and they both shake hands.

“You better take care of her, Maxwell or you’re dead.” Maria says and hugs Max.

“I will.” Max says, winking at me.

I manage to smile even though I feel like crying coz I don’t feel like leaving.

They both pull away and Max says,

“The party was great. And congrats again.” Max says, grinning.

Maria smiles back and says,

“Thanks. We hope to hear from you?”

“Sure.” Max says and then turns to Isabel.

“It was nice to have you here.” She says, smiling.

They both shake hands and then Michael enters the room.

“Everything’s in there. You do know the directions, right Liz?” He asks.

I roll my eyes and say,

“I haven’t forgotten anything.” I say.

I give a kiss on Maria and Isabel’s cheeks and then Alex and I walk hand in hand to the car. Max and Micheal had rented the car from the airport at Phoenix so we dont have to worry about anything.

As Alex opens the door for me, Max says to Michael,

“You’re coming tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah. Let that bald man know.” Michael answers.

He’s referring to their play’s director.

I turn to Alex and say,

“Let me know about that ring, okay?”

“Got it.” He says smiling and I give him a kiss on his cheek before finally hopping in.

Soon we’re on the highway.

“You don’t need anything to eat, right?” I ask Max.

He looks at me and says,

“No, I had a heavy breakfast.”

“You know my grandmother.”

He takes my right hand, which is on the steering, in his.

“I love you.” He says.

I glance at him and say the same to him.

“Do you mind if I take a nap for a while?” He asks, kissing the back of my hand.

I give him a small smile and say,

“Of course I don’t mind.” I ruffle his hair.

He smiles and then after making himself comfortable, he closes his eyes, the smile on his lips never leaving.

I concentrate on the road and think about the whole week. It was good. No, it was great. No, it was brilliant, fantastic, splendid… goodness, I have so many good words to describe it.

After Maria told me about her engagement, she and Michael broke the news to everyone on the same evening. Everybody was shocked and excited at the same time and we all decided to arrange a party for both of them the day after.

It was mostly Isabel and Alex who arranged the party and made the Crashdown look like some lighthouse. Only friends and family were invited and Isabel and I managed to get Maria a decent dress. It was a red, long dress which was strapless. It was beautiful and it fitted her like second skin.

I wore the dress that Max went and bought for me. It was a knee-length, white dress with spaghetti straps and rose pink flowers on it. It was expensive, very expensive and I told Max to go and return it. But then he made me try it on and I was more than satisfied to have this dress with me.

But I must say he’s a lucky man. He got it after I removed that dress.Well, he was looking quite horny when I tried that dress and with that kind of look in his eyes, we both couldn’t resist.

At the engagement party, well, we were all busy. There was drink, food, anything you name it. Maria looked so utterly beautiful, Michael looked so handsome and they both looked so much in love that I had unshed tears in my eyes.

Maria actually managed to control herself or else she would have ruined her make-up. Then they announced that they are getting married in a month and had started planning the wedding. It was great news for everyone. Seriously, I can’t wait for their wedding day. It’s going to be a really good day.

Maria couldn’t choose one maid of honor so Isabel and I both decided to share this thing. Isabel and Maria have already started looking for the dress but they have had no luck so far.

Isabel and Alex, being interior designers, are going to be handling the whole wedding thing. It’s just so great to see everybody playing such a major part in the wedding. I wish I would have stayed and helped these guys but I don’t want to lose my job coz even though Mr. Evans is my friend now, he’s still my boss.

Speaking of Mr. Evans, we had talked only twice on the phone after our first call. I had informed him when I would be coming. He’s actually coming back on Tuesday and told me to take in charge tomorrow. Max told me that he had told his brother that he would be coming on Monday as to not raise suspicion.

It’s very difficult to hide my relationship with Max from Mr. Evans but just two more weeks and he’ll get to know. He’s going to be so shocked and I hope till then he would also find a woman. I'm pretty sure he will.

He doesn’t like the idea of going on a blind date. But if he has to move on and cant go up to women and ask them out himself, then blind dates can be the only option. And blind dates do work sometimes, just like Brad and Jen.

I know no woman could replace what he had for Rachel but he wants to try and I want to help him succeed. Finding love again isn’t easy but I hope everything would work out for him coz he needs this. He needs to stop grieving for his wife or he’ll spend the rest of his life alone. I am just glad that I can help him.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“Mark, stop the car right now.” She says.

“What? Hold on, please.”

I put my hand over the phone and say to her,

“What’s your problem, Rachel? I am talking on the phone.” I say.

Just as I am about to continue my phone conversation, she says,

“I thought this Sunday was just for both of us! You are putting that phone down right now or stop the car so that I would just go home and not disturb you.”

“Stop acting like a child, Rachel.”

“Child? Huh? Why don’t you stop acting like a freaking asshole?”

“Shut up, okay.” I say and turn back to my phone conversation.

But she tries to snatch the phone off my ear.

“Rachel, stop!” I shout but she keeps trying.

My concentration no longer on the road, I lose control of the car.

And the next thing I hear is her scream.

Just her scream.

--

My eyes open and I find myself in a different room. I look around my surroundings and see Max sitting on a chair with his eyes closed.

I try to open my eyes completely but it’s difficult. I try to move my body but it doesn’t. It hurts… too much.

“Mark?”

I turn to see Max staring at me.

He stands up and stands beside my bed.

“Thank goodness, you’re okay. We were so worried. How are you now?”

His eyes are red.

“What happened? What am I doing here?”

Then it comes back to me. Her scream.

Rachel.

“Where’s Rachel?” I ask, trying to keep myself calm.

“You remember everything?” He asks.

“Now I do. Just tell where she is?”

He looks away.

“Max, I am asking you something.”

“Rachel… she…” He says but stops.

“Answer already dammit!”

“She’s…. her condition was terrible. The baby couldn’t survive and neither did… she.”

--

I just stare at the grave.

Rachel Evans
1976-2002
Beloved daughter and wife.

Everybody left while I just stand here, staring at her grave. Just blank.

My surroundings become oblivious to me. All I see is her grave.

I walk to her grave and sit on my knees.

I have been controlling myself for a long time.

So, all I do is cry, cry and cry.

--

All those memories come to my mind as I stare at her grave. Whenever I would come here, I would just stare at her grave and those memories wont leave me alone.

I walk to her grave and place the flowers on it.

The clouds are gray and it’s drizzling.

I sit on my knees beside her grave and say,

“You know I love you, Rachel. I have only loved you. You know that, don’t you?”

Silence.

“It’s hard, Rachel. It’s very hard to live my life without you. It’s hard to wake up in the morning and not see you sleeping peacefully beside me in my arms. It’s hard to see you not making breakfast for me when I enter the kitchen.”

Silence.

“I miss you, Rachel. I miss you so much. You have no idea.”

I touch the place where her name is written.

“I am so sorry. I know you’re watching me. I know you’ve forgiven me. But I haven’t forgiven myself.”

I wipe the tear that is rolling down my cheek and stand up.

“I’ll come again, Rachel. Bye.” I say and leave.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 26

MAX

“Where the hell is Serena?” Liz asks.

We have been standing outside for the last ten minutes, waiting for Serena.

“What time did she say she would come to pick us?” She asks.

“She said she would be here ten minutes before our plane would land.” I say to her, stroking the back of her right hand with my thumb.

“It’s cold.” She says and rests her head on my shoulder.

I place a kiss on the top of her head and ask,

“You want my jacket?”

“No, I don’t want you to freeze.” She says, lacing her fingers through mine.

“It doesn’t matter. I would be just fine…” I say and try to get out of my jacket but she stops my hand.

“No, I’m fine.” She says, looking up at me.

“You sure?” I ask her, placing a strand of her hair behind her left ear.

“Yep.” She nods and gives me a peck on my lips.

“Hi!”

We both turn to see Serena standing in front of us, biting her lower lip.

Liz picks up her bag and says to Serena,

“You’re late.”

I pick up my bag with my free hand and we both walk to Serena.

“I know. I am so sorry, guys. I lost track of time.”

“It’s okay.” I say to her and we both follow her to the car.

After we settle down in the car, Serena asks us,

“You guys want to have dinner?”

“No, thanks.” Liz says and rests her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes.

We both are sitting on the back seat.

“Looks like you guys are tired.” Serena says, looking straight ahead.

“We are. I’ve been driving all afternoon and then this plane thing… today just drove me crazy.” Liz says, snuggling in closer to me.

“Aww, poor babies.” Serena says, grinning.

I just roll my eyes.

“So, whom should I drop first, you or Max?” Serena asks.

“Liz and I would like to be dropped off at my guest house.” I say and Serena raises her eyebrows.

“Oh.” She says.

“I would drop her later.” I say.

“Okay. I forgot to ask, how’s Roswell?”

“It’s great. I loved it.”

“I knew you would.” Liz says to me.

I give her a smile and then ask Serena,

“How have you been, Serena?”

“Too much work. When is your brother coming back, Max?”

“Tuesday.”

“Good. The office really is hell without him. Especially Pam, who was ready to pull out her hair.” Serena says, smiling.

I smile back, shaking my head.

“I got to know how Pam is. What about Tess? She was supposed to get married this weekend, right?”

“Postponed.”

“Postponed? Why?”

“She said they were jumping into this very quickly.”

“Oh. I’ll give her a call, anyway.”

“Isn’t Tess that girl whom you thought was in love with you…?” Liz asks, looking up at me.

“Yeah, we became friends.”

“Serena, why do I get a bad feeling about this gal?” Liz asks.

“I don’t know. She’s a good girl, Liz. She wont kill you.” Serena answers.

“I’m pretty sure she wont.” Liz says.

“Why do you get a bad feeling about her?” I ask Liz.

“I get a bad feeling about every girl who even looks at you way.” Liz answers with such an innocent look on her face.

Serena and I chuckle.

“You’re crazy.” I say to Liz and give her peck on her lips.

“You’re beautiful.” She says, smiling.

“Hey, isn’t that from a movie?” Serena asks.

“Uh huh. Hey, how’s Ray?” Liz asks.

“He’s out of L.A.”

“Then where is he now?” I ask her.

“Australia.” Serena answers.

“Oh. Liz, I think you should call your parents and tell them you would be coming late.” I say to Liz.

“Okay. Can I have your cell, please? My cell needs to be charged.” She says and I gladly hand her my cell.

“Thanks.” She says and dials her number.

After she finishes her phone conversation with her parents, Serena says,

“Here we are.” She stops the car in front of the house.

“You do have the keys, right?” Liz asks once we’re out of the car.

“Obviously.” I say and pick up our bags.

“Okay, Liz. I expect to see you at work tomorrow, okay?” Serena says to Liz.

“Of course. Thanks for the ride, Rena.”

“You’re welcome. Bye Liz. Bye Max.” She says and opens the door.

“Bye.” Liz and I both say to her and soon her car is out of our sight.

“Lets go.” I say to Liz and we walk to the door.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Mmm… Max, it’s getting late…” She says as my tongue explores her mouth for the thousandth time.

I break the kiss and stare at her beautiful face.

“I wish you could stay the whole night.” I say to her.

“I have to go. Mom and Dad must be getting worried and if I will stay, then I don’t think I would be able to reach work on time tomorrow.” She says, grinning.

I grin back and roll to my side.

“I expect to see you dressed when I come out.” She says, smiling and picks up her clothes from the floor.

I just stare at her beautiful body as she walks to the bathroom and soon the door closes.

I let out a sigh and get out of the bed.

I collect my clothes and start dressing up.

Soon she comes out.

“I’m glad to see you dressed.” She says, grinning.

“I would have loved to have you here stay the whole night so I could show you how much I love you.” I say, grinning as I take my car keys.

She grins back and picks up her own bag.

“Haven’t you been showing your love to me for the last three hours?” She asks as I open the door for her.

“I have. But I guess that’s not enough.” I say as we walk to the main door.

She smiles at me and says,

“Are you always horny?”

I close the door behind me and say,

“When it comes to you, yes.”

She shakes her head, grinning and we soon are sitting in the car.

As I drive, she asks,

“So, what’re you going to do tomorrow?”

“Well, I have to go back to my own work or the director would kill me.” I say, glancing at her.

“When’s your play, anyway?” She asks.

“After exactly two and a half weeks.”

“Give me the tickets, okay?”

“Of course. If you wont come, then I’ll drag you there.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely come.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” She smiles.

The rest of the drive we spend in talking. Soon we reach her place and I stop the car in front of her house.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” She says and I nod.

After a long kiss, she gets out of the car and waves to me good-bye. I wave to her back and drive off.

It’s going to be a lonely night.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Hey.” I say to Serena and lean on the counter.

“Ah Liz, good to see you.” She says and puts her pen down.

“How’s everything going?” I ask.

“Not like it used to. I just can’t wait for Mr. Evans to come tomorrow. Without him, this place is like a fish market.”

I smile and say,

“Except that terrible smell, of course.”

“Right.” She smiles.

“I guess you’re right. I always wonder how he manages to look after such a big staff.”

“He’s a workaholic.” She says.

“Everybody has their reasons, Rena.”

She arches her eyebrows.

“You seem to take his side a lot these days.”

I just shrug.

“I’ll talk to you later. See ya.” I say and soon I’m in the elevator and out of it when it reaches the third floor.

Harry passes by and stops when he sees me.

“Hey, Liz. Nice to see you.” He says.

I smile at him.

“Hey, Harry. I’ve heard things are not going so good.”

“I wouldn’t say Pam isn’t a good boss. She’s trying her best, you know.”

I nod.

“It's a big staff. Where’s Pam, anyway?”

“She’s in Mr. Evans’s office, doing some paperwork.”

“Okay. I’ll catch you later, Harry.” I say and walk to the office.

As I enter the office, I see her standing beside Mr. Evans’s desk and talking on the phone.

“Yes, sir…. Yes… Yes, I’ve informed them… Okay, Sir.” I hear her say on the phone.

She hangs up and looks surprised when she sees me.

“Oh, Liz.” She says and turns back to her work.

“Hi, Pam. How’s everything going?”

She glances at me and says,

“Not so good, not so bad.”

“Well, that’s good to know. I’ve heard that you’ve been working your ass off.”

She looks up at me from her paperwork and says,

“Yes, I have. Look, we both suck in small talk so why don’t we both get back to work?”

Pam will always be Pam.

I sigh and say,

“Sure. What work do you have for me right now?”

“Well, I need you to type this thing up coz I have to make some important calls.”

“Okay. That’s all I have to know. After that, I want you to give me the files you’ve worked on these last two weeks. Mr. Evans told me to check them out.”

“Right. I’ll give you them later, okay?”

“All right. Look Pam, we both have to get along today if we want everything to be perfect for tomorrow.” I say to her.

She nods and says,

“I know. Excuse me.” She walks past me.

Just as she’s about to leave, I say to her,

“Pam, I’ll be quite late tomorrow. I’ll be going to pick Mr. Evans up from the airport tomorrow.”

She looks at me and asks,

“He’s coming tomorrow morning?”

“Yes.”

“I thought his driver would be going to pick him up?”

“Yes, I’ll be going with the driver. We’ll directly come here.”

“Okay.” She says, turns around and leaves the office.

“Let’s get this work done, Liz.” I say to myself as I pick up the papers she left for me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“You and Mr. Evans are friends?” Serena asks.

“Yeah, we are.” I say, looking at her.

She gives a short laugh.

“Sure, Liz. I believe you.” She says.

I roll my eyes and let out a sigh.

It’s evening time and she’s dropping me at my place.

“Serena, I’m not kidding.” I say to her.

“I still don’t believe you.” She says, shaking her head.

“Rena, Mr. Evans can have friends. His friend is sitting beside you.”

“How could you guys be friends? Mr. Oh-so-strict friends with Ms. Oh-life-is-beautiful? I can’t believe this.”

I roll my eyes again.

“We are only friends, it’s not like we’re involved or something.”

“Of course. Okay, so I believe you. But tell me how it happened?”

“He was drunk and I went to his guest house coz I got worried and he tells me about his past somehow and the next day, we’re friends.” I say, shrugging.

She frowns.

“You suck in summaries.”

“There are things that you don’t need to know.”

“Like?”

“His past.”

“I would love to know about his past. I want to know why is he so… you know what I mean.” She says, glancing at me.

“Secretive, right? Sorry, Rena. Can’t.”

She sighs.

“Okay, fine. You must be knowing him very well.”

“Yes, I think I do. But I know there’s a majority of things about him that I don’t know.”

“You know, I always wonder why doesn’t he date. So, just tell me one thing. Is he a gay?”

I giggle.

“No, stupid. He’s not a gay!”

“That guy doesn’t date women, Liz.”

“I told you, everybody has their reasons.”

“Strange, you know. Many of my friends would die for him.”

Her friends?

“They are interested in him?” I ask her.

“Two of my friends have seen him. They said they would love to date him.”

“You know, I’m setting him up on a blind date.”

She glances at me and then raises her eyebrows.

“I see what you’re cooking, Parker. But will your friend say yes?”

“He already did. Tell me, are your friends okay?”

She arches her eyebrows and asks,

“What do you mean by okay?”

“I mean, they’re not like ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’, right?”

She thinks for a second and says,

“One of them is. The other is good. She’s actually new around here.”

“Where is she from then?”

“She’s from Florida.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“What’s her name?” I ask.

“Sarah Cooper.”

“What does she do?”

“She’s actually a waitress in a café.”

I bite my lip and ask,

“Do you think she would be Mr. Evans type?”

“I don’t know his type, Liz.” She says, glancing at me.

“I know, but you must be having some opinion.”

“All I know is that she’s a nice girl and she would love to go out with Mr. Evans.”

“You talk to her about this and I’ll talk to Mr. Evans.”

She smiles and says,

“I still can’t believe our boss is going to go out with my friend.”

“Lets see if everything works out.” I say and we both smile.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 27

MARK

As I walk through the gate, I see Liz standing there, smiling at me. What is she doing here?

She walks to me while I just stand there, staring at her, confused as ever.

“Hi.” She says.

I arch my eyebrows and ask,

“Liz, what’re you doing here?”

“It's good to see you, too.”

I roll my eyes and ask her again,

“Seriously, Liz, what are you doing here?”

She grins and says,

“I thought why not take a survey, ask people if they’re virgins anymore or not?”

Despite my seriousness, I smile at her answer.

“Here?”

“No, at the strip club.”

“Seriously?”

“Ummm… no. I came to pick you up.”

I smirk and say,

“I see you don’t have guts to take that survey.”

She smiles and says,

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“You came with my driver, right?” I ask as she leads me to the car.

“Yep. How was it there?”

“The weather’s kind of good there. And all I did was relax.”

She smiles and says,

“Well, that’s good.”

We reach the car and driver puts my suitcase while Liz and I sit on the backseat.

“So, how’s the office?”

“It’s good. Pam did a great job looking after it.”

“Yeah, I talked to her yesterday. She said everything’s fine.”

“You have a lot of work to do, you know that?”

I sigh and say,

“I know. But I’m counting on you.”

“You should be. After all, I am your secretary.”

I smile and say,

“How did Michael’s engagement party go?”

“It went good. He couldn’t help smiling. He just came tomorrow.”

“Yeah, Max told me yesterday.”

After a few seconds of silence, she asks,

“Remember we made a deal?”

“Deal? What deal?” I ask, arching my eyebrows.

“Christmas shopping? Together?” She asks with a wave of her hand.

“Oh right. When do we have to go?”

“This weekend. Christmas is not far, you know.”

“I know. We’ll go there this weekend.”

“Good. And do you remember our other deal?”

“Liz, I only remember business deals.” I say, smiling.

She rolls her eyes and says,

“No wonder. Would you like to go out with a waitress from Florida?”

I just stare at her.

“What?”

“Remember you agreed to go on blind dates?”

“Yes, I remember that. And I also see that you’re trying to set me up with a waitress.” I say, looking away.

“What’s the harm, anyway? She’s from Florida, she’s sweet and nice and she thinks you’re hot.”

I look at her. Nobody has ever talked to me so openly. Except Max of course.

“She has seen me?”

“Yeah. From her side, it wouldn’t really be a blind date.”

I sigh and ask,

“What’s her name?”

“Sarah Cooper.”

“And her age?”

She looks thoughtful for a minute, her forehead furrowed and then says,

“I don’t know.”

I raise my eyebrows and ask,

“You don’t know?”

“Ummm… no.”

“Have you ever talked to her in person?”

“I haven’t ever talked to her.”

“Liz, what’s going on?”

“Okay, okay. She’s a friend of Serena.”

“Serena Bates?”

“Of course. Don’t worry, Serena says she’s a very nice girl and she said yes to go out with you.”

I point my finger at her and say,

“You… you’re unbelievable.”

She grins and says,

“I know.”

“Liz, I don’t know if this is a good idea. I’ll think about it.”

She sighs and says,

“I told you I wont push you. It’s your decision, you know.”

I smile at her and say,

“Good.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“What? No! You crazy or something?” Michael complains as I show him a pack of condomns.

“Well, you don’t seem to choose anything else.” I say, laughing at his reaction.

“Maxwell, I want something unique which I don’t seem to find.” He says, looking thoughtful.

“Well, condomns are unique. Not many guys give their fiancé a pack of condomns as a present.” I say, smiling.

“Maxwell, shut up.” He says, glaring at me.

“Okay, okay. Come with me. I know a great place where you can find the perfect thing for your fiancé.”

“Please, take me to it.” He begs.

I chuckle and lead him outside.

“The mall is getting kind of crowded.” He says as we walk to the shop I’m taking him to.

“Yeah, Christmas is coming.”

We stop outside the shop.

“See that low-cut, pale pink dress?” He points.

I have to agree that the pale pink dress in the window is sensational.

“That’s my boy. Go ahead and buy that, man.”

We enter the shop and he asks, worriedly,

“Do you think she’s going to like it?”

“You’re acting like a woman, Mike.”

“Look, I am not so good in buying presents or otherwise I would have never brought you here with me.” He says.

I roll my eyes.

“Why don’t you buy the dress and meet me outside?”

“Okay.” He says and I leave the shop.

I look at my surroundings and I couldn’t help resisting that ice cream. But I know that if I do take some ice cream, Michael’s going to kill me as he had told me ‘Maxwell, no ice-cream. We’re going there to shop, not to smear ice-cream all over our faces.’

“Screw Michael.” I murmur to myself.

Just then, my cell phone starts ringing. I take it out from my back pocket and click the ‘Answer’ button.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Max. How you doin’?” Liz asks.

I smile. Heck, I always smile whenever she calls me.

“I’m good. What about you?”

“Max, I am afraid I have to cancel our date tomorrow.”

Cancel our date?

“Why?”

“I’ve got some plans with Serena.”

“But I think I asked you first.”

“I am so sorry, Max. Serena really wants me to go with her somewhere.”

“Where?” I ask her.

“To the mall. She says she wants to start AND finish her Christmas shopping tomorrow and she’s insisting that I’d come along.”

“Oh. Well, how about lunch then? You’ll be free, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll take out one hour for you.”

“You only have one hour for me?” I ask her, teasingly.

“How about I meet you tonight? In that way, you can have more than an hour with me.” She says and I can tell she’s smiling.

“Okay. That’s sounds good. Really good.” I say, grinning. I’m such a dog!

“Guest house, right?”

“Where else? Look, I’ll come around nine or something to pick you up, okay?”

“All right. We’ll take dinner on the way, okay?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Max, your brother is calling me. I have to go. Bye.”

“Bye.” I say and we both hang up.

Just then, Michael comes out.

“Hey, Mike. You bought the dress?”

“Uh huh. And wasted my money.” He says, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t worry. She’ll like it.”

“I hope she would.”

“Lets get going, Mike. I have to do some work.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

As I sit on the chair by the window, looking outside and wondering where Max is, Dad calls me.

I turn around to see him standing a foot away from me, with a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Yeah?” I ask him.

He takes a step forward and says,

“Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yeah. Max… he’s coming to pick me up.”

“Oh. You’re going out on dinner?”

“Yeah, kind of.”

He traces the rim of his cup with his finger and looks quite nervous.

“Is everything okay, Dad?”

He sits on the chair opposite mine and sighs.

I put my hand over his and ask again,

“Dad, is everything okay?”

“Liz, I don’t know how to say this…”

I give him an encouraging smile and say,

“Dad, you can talk about anything with me.”

He gives me a small smile and says,

“Liz, your Mom approves of your boyfriend. But…”

“But you don’t, right?” I ask, my eyes boring into his.

He looks away and says,

“It’s not that. It’s just that after what happened with John Mathews, I’m kind of worried.”

I look outside the window, finding the tree more interesting. Finally, I say,

“Dad, whatever happened with John is history. Past. And I don’t want to think about that.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see him looking at me. I look at him and give him an assuring smile.

“Max is a great guy, Dad. I can assure you.”

He nods, smiling.

“As far as I am concerned, you’re happy and that’s enough.”

I grin.

“Thanks, Dad.”

We hear the horn of a car outside. I look through the window and see Max’s Mercedes. I turn back to Dad and say,

“Well, that’s Max. I’ll be home late, okay?”

He nods and says,

“Have fun.”

I smile and say,

“I will.”

I give him a kiss on his cheek and say,

“Goodnight, Dad.”

“Night, Liz.”

I stand up and call my Mom as I wear my coat.

She emerges from the kitchen and I bite my lip from laughing. She looks quite funny with this ‘Kiss the cook’ apron. Sure, my Dad will kiss her as soon as I leave. They both try to keep a PG-13 environment when I’m in but I know how much NC-17 environment is here during my absence.

“I’m leaving, Mom. I’ll be back late. I am taking the keys with me.”

She gives me a kiss on my cheek and says,

“Have fun, sweetie.”

“I will. Goodnight.” I say and leave the house.

I walk to Max’s Mercedes. I am confused as to why he didn’t take his Porsche tonight.

I open the door of the front seat and see Max sitting there, smiling up at me.

“Hey, Darling.” He says.

“Keep a PG-13 environment here when you sit, Liz.”

Confused as ever, I turn my head to the backseat and see Michael sitting there with his hand on his forehead.

“Michael, what the hell?”

“Why don’t you sit on the back with him? I think he’ll need your help.” Max says.

I just nod and close the door of the front seat. I walk to the other side of the car and sit on the backseat beside Michael.

Max starts the car.

“Michael, is everything okay?” I ask, putting my hand on his arm.

“No, it still hurts.”

“What, you’ve got a headache?”

“No.” Max says, laughing.

“Why are you laughing, Mister?” I ask him.

Michael groans and says,

“It wasn’t funny, Maxwell.”

This only makes Max laugh harder. Is this some kind of laughing competition?

“I’m worried out here people!” I say and punch Max’s shoulder lightly.

“Ow! That hurts.” He says.

“Now, tell me what happened.” I ask Michael.

“I am not telling you.” He says and closes his eyes.

“What do you mean by you can’t tell me?” I ask him and remove his hand from his forehead. What I see is a big fat bruise.

“Michael! What happened?!” I practically yell, worried as ever.

He puts the piece of cloth again on his forehead.

Max laughs again. Why is he so irritating?

“Max and Michael, you better tell me what’s going on or you’re both going to get your asses kicked once we’re out of this car!” I warn them.

Max stops laughing and Michael just looks at me.

“Shall I tell her, Mike?”

“Yeah, yeah, Embarrass me as much as you want, Maxwell.”

I turn to Max and say,

“Tell me, Evans.”

I see him looking at me in the rearview mirror and then he says,

“Your friend Michael here, bumped into a pillar.” He starts laughing.

“What?” I ask.

“He was walking backward and then he turns around and…” He stops and starts laughing again.

I press my lips together, picturing Michael that way.

“It was a classic.” Max says, still laughing.

Unable to control myself, I start laughing too.

Michael groans again.

“Laugh as much as you want. But I’m telling you it hurts.” He says, pointing at me.

This only makes us laugh harder.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Come on, Liz.” Max says.

“What? Are you kidding me? How can I accompany you guys to the Men’s washroom?” I say. He’s so unbelievable!

“I can’t help him alone, Liz. Besides nobody’s in.”

I look around the restaurant and fortunately, nobody’s watching us.

When I shake my head, he takes my hand and pulls me in.

“Ow! That was rude!” I say to Max who just shrugs, smiling.

I punch him lightly on the chest.

“You should become a boxer, Parker. You’re hitting people a lot these days.” Michael says who’s busy looking at his bruise in the mirror.

I glare at him.

“I’m here because of you. So you better be good, buddy.” I walk to him and take out a couple of tissues and then wet them.

I turn to Michael and say,

“Now, this might hurt, okay?”

“Yeah, I forgot you’re a future boxer.”

“Michael…” I say in a warning tone.

“Okay, okay. Go ahead. Lets get this over with.” He says and I do my job. He makes those awfully painful noises and tells me to stop several times bit I was not done yet.

“There you go.” I say and throw the tissues in the dustbin.

“Give me the cloth.” I say to Max and he hands me a clean piece of cloth.

I tie it around Michael’s forehead and he makes that awful noise again.

After I am done, I wash my hands while Michael swears under his breath.

Max pats Michael’s back and says,

“Better watch out next time, pal.”

Michael glares at Max.

“Okay, okay. Stop this glaring competition right now, Guerin. Lets go out and eat. I’m hungry.”

As we leave the washroom, Michael says to us,

“I am so sorry, guys. I think I ruined your date.”

“Doesn’t matter, buddy. Besides you didn’t have dinner too.” Max says.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Michael asks me.

“What, no!” I say to him, giving him a disbelieving look.

After the dinner, which was really good, we drop Michael at his place.

“Michael, I think you should use the first aid thing, you know.”

“Right.” He says.

He gives me a kiss on my cheek and thanks both of us.

We wait until he goes in and then Max hits the road.

“That was fun, wasn’t it?” Max asks me.

“Yep. I had a great time.” I say, smiling at him.

“So, what do you think? Shall we go to my guest house, now?” He asks, with a sexy smile.

“You know I wouldn’t mind that.” I answer.

--
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 28

LIZ

I wake up when I feel some movement on me. I open my eyes immediately and keep them wide open as I observe my surroundings.

First of all, Max’s head is between my breasts and he’s sleeping soundly. He stirs again in his sleep but does not wake up.

I turn my head to get hold of that damn clock on the nightstand and oh my, it’s 3 A.M!

Mom and Dad are so not going to be happy about this.

I try to get away from Max but he only holds me tightly.

“Max… Max, wake up.” I say but he doesn’t move.

I pat him on the shoulder and he stirs.

“Max, wake up.”

He lifts his head, looks here and there and then rubs his eyes when he sees me.

“Liz, it’s not morning yet.” He says, frowning.

“Max, it’s 3 A.M and I should be at home right now..”

“Oh shit.” He rolls on his back to his side.

I sit up and look for my clothes that are all scattered around the floor.

I get up and collect them then I walk and stand beside the edge of the bed.

“Max, can you drop me at my place, please?”

He opens his eyes and stares at me.

“Of course.” He gets up after wrapping the blanket around his waist.

“Thanks.” I say and give him a small smile.

I enter the bathroom and close the door behind me quietly.

I know I am twenty-five and all but to Mom and Dad I am still seventeen-year-old girl and to me they still are my protective parents. They’re new in my life and I don’t want to disappoint or lose them at all.

I quickly change into the black turtle neck blouse and gray pants that I had worn earlier. I make a disgusting face coz my breath is smelly so I take the extra tooth brush that Max had given to me and as I brush my teeth, Max comes in, the blanket still wrapped around his body and his clothes in his hands.

He removes the blanket after peeing and puts it on the counter beside the sink. After putting on his pajamas, he comes and kisses my neck as I start washing my mouth with water.

After I am done, he buries his face in my neck.

“Do you really have to go?” He asks, making difficult for me to leave.

“You know I have to.” I answer.

“Why?” He places one more kiss on my neck.

“My parents, Max…”

“What? Aren’t you twenty-five?” He mumbles.

“Max, my Mom’s okay but my Dad… he doesn’t really approve of you.” I say, truthfully.

He lifts his head immediately and stares at me while I turn to face him.

“What?” He finally asks.

I sigh and say,

“Well, my Dad… he’s still worried about my relationship with you.”

“He is?” He asks, frowning.

I stroke his cheek and say,

“I think you’ve got someone to impress.”

“I guess.” He says, looking down.

I take his shirt which is still hanging on his arm and say,

“You’re coming in your pajamas only?” I ask, winking.

He smirks and says,

“No, it’s cold so I wouldn’t like to go outside bare-chest.”

I smile and hand him his shirt.

“Here.” I give him a peck on his lips and leave the bathroom. After two seconds, he follows me outside in the bedroom.

After taking his keys as I wait for him, he yawns as he walks towards me.

“I wish I had a car so you didn’t have to drop me every time.” I stroke his cheek.

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

“What kind of boyfriend would I be if I couldn’t do such a little thing for my girlfriend?”

“But still Max-“ I say but he cuts me off by putting his finger on my lips.

“Shhh. I don’t want to hear anything like that from you again, okay?”

I nod and smile. This is why I love him; he’d do anything for me. I wish I could do too.

The drive to my place is not too long and we talk about almost everything.

He parks his Mercedes in front of my place.

“Thanks for the ride.” I say.

He chuckles and says,

“You talk like you don’t know me.”

“Well, I sure as hell do.” I whisper and lean in closer for a kiss.

He tries to deepen the kiss but I pull away.

“I have to go. It’s 3 A.M, not 3 P.M.” I say and he chuckles.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” He asks as I open the door.

I smile and answer,

“Of course.”

After waving to him, I walk to the main door as he drives off.

I unlock the door and quietly tiptoe in. I slowly close the door, making sure it’s locked. Then I take out my shoes and put them aside. I walk quietly towards the stairs.

“You could’ve at least called us.”

Oh my, who’s this? I get so scared and turn around. It’s my Mom.

She’s sitting on the couch and she switches the lamp on.

“Mom, you’re not… sleeping?”

“Liz, I think I should ask you the same question.”

I gulp.

“Where were you, Liz?” She sits up straight.

I decide to tell her the truth.

“I was with… Max.”

She sighs and walks towards me. She stands in front of me, folding her arms on her chest.

“It’s good that your Dad doesn’t know that you just came home. You know he is not so sure about Max.”

I look down at my feet. I know I could tell her everything.

“We fell asleep.” I say, meeting her gaze.

“Next time, all I want you to do, is just give us a call. I have been very worried about you.”

I nod and apologize.

“Now, go and sleep. You’ve been out the whole day long and you need rest.”

I nod and give her a kiss on her cheek. As I walk up the stairs, I could feel her eyes on my back.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” I say, frowning.

We’re at the restaurant where I am supposed to meet this Sarah girl.

“Oh come on, Mr. Evans. I know you’re just nervous.” Liz says, pointing her finger at me.

I poke my tongue at her and look around.

“When will Ms. Bates come with this Sarah girl?” I ask Liz.

She rolls her eyes.

“God, could you be anymore formal? You can call ‘Ms. Bates’ Serena, you know.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Serena said she will come with her friend by seven.”

“Yes and it’s already 7:15.”

“I know.” She glares at me.

“What’s taking them so much time?” I ask, looking around once again.

“Girls take some time to get ready, you know.”

I turn to her and say,

“Whatever. Now, you tell me, how will you go from here? I would rather suggest you to stay with me and Sarah and have dinner and afterwards I’ll drop you.”

“Oh no, that’s so not happening, Mr. Evans. Don’t try to get away from this. Date is not about two girls and one guy but about one girl and one guy ONLY.”

I groan.

“Serena and I are going to go to the mall for Christmas shopping.”

“But I thought we were supposed to go for Christmas shopping!” I frown at her.

“She’ll do her Christmas shopping and I’m going to just help her.”

“You better not start your shopping without me.” I warn her.

“I made the plan and I promised and I’m actually good in keeping them.” She says proudly.

I nod, agreeing with her.

“Liz, do you think this Sarah girl and I will work out?”

“First of all, she’s not ‘this Sarah girl’. You’re not really planning on to greet her as ‘Hey, this Sarah girl. How are you?’, right?”

“No.” I answer, shaking my head.

“Good. Seriously, I have no idea what she is so I cant say anything.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to kill you one day for setting me up with a girl whom you have never ever seen in your goddamn life.” I say.

She chuckles.

“I think I have to save my ass then.”

“And just how do you plan to do so?” I ask her.

“Hmmm… I think I’ll just put a big steel plate in front of my ass so that even if you kick, nothing would happen to my ass.”

I look at her ass and turn back to her.

“You just checked out my ass!” She says, grinning.

“Well, I didn’t do it intentionally. I just looked at it coz I have seen that your ass is already not so big and I wouldn’t really like to push it in by kicking it.” I joke.

Her jaw drops.

“I wouldn’t let you harm my ass at all!”

“Harm whose ass?”

We both turn around to see who just sais that and we find Serena with a woman beside her standing in front of us. That must be Sarah.

“Uh hy, Serena. How are you?” Liz asks.

“I’m good. Hey, Mr. Evans.” Serena says, looking from Liz to me.

“Uh hello, Ms. Bates.” I say.

“Well, this is Sarah, you guys. And Sarah, this is Liz and Mark Evans.” Serena introduces.

I shake Sarah’s outstretched hand and she says,

“Nice to finally meet you.” God, she so confident while I am a nervous wreck here.

“Same here.” I say, smiling.

Then she turns to Liz.

“Hy, Liz. I have heard a lot about you from Rena.”

“Good or bad?” Liz asks, smiling.

“All good, no bad.” Serena answers for Sarah.

“Well, why don’t we settle down?” I ask Sarah. From the corner of my eye, I can see Liz giving me a thumbs up secretly.

“Sure. But I think I need to visit the washroom. Can I be excused?”

“Of course.” I say, smiling.

When she walks off, Serena just stands there awkwardly. Then she says,

“Umm… I’ll just go and say bye to her.” With that, she walks away.

I assume she felt awkward standing in front of me in a restaurant. I turn to Liz and ask,

“Did I scare her off or something?”

“Well, you’re her boss so she definitely feels awkward, you know.”

I nod.

“Now, what do you think?” She’s grinning.

“About what?” I ask, even though I know what she’s talking about.

She steps closer to me and says,

“Oh, about the gas station nearby. I am talking about Sarah Cooper, silly. What do you think of her?” Her voice is low.

“Why did you turn the volume of your voice down?”

“Just answer my question, already!” She says impatiently.

“Well, she’s nice.”

Liz smiles and asks,

“Just nice?”

“Yeah. She’s kind of good looking.”

“Kind of? Well, I envy her.”

“Why?” I ask her.

“Coz she’s a natural blonde, hello. And she’s got a fine ass.”

I chuckle.

“I didn’t really noticed that even though she’s my date and you noticed everything about her in two seconds?”

She just rolls her eyes.

“Yes, I did. She seems nice and I hope she’s your type.”

I just shrug.

“Lets see.”

“Now, I want you to give me all the details when you come back home.”

“Sure thing.” I say.

Just then, Serena and Sarah come back.

“Liz, I think we’re getting late, you know.” Serena says to Liz.

“Yes, of course. Bye Sarah, bye Mr. Evans.”

After saying our good-byes, they both leave.

“Our table’s there,” I say, pointing to my right, “But if you want, we could take another table…”

Sarah smiles and says,

“No, that table is just perfect.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Yeah, I’m at the mall.” I say on the phone as I lock my car.

“What’re you doing there, Maxwell?” Michael asks.

“Oh, I came here to pee. I came to shop, of course.”

“What do you want to buy? Aren’t you done with your Christmas shopping?”

“Well, I had to buy something for my brother.”

“Oh, well, I do expect you late night at the bar, okay?”

“Sure thing.” I say and we both hang up.

As I exit one more shop after not succeeding in buying something for my brother, I bump into a woman.

“Oh my, I am so sorry.” She says and when she looks up, I cant stop myself from laughing.

“Tess…” I say after calming down.

“Max, what a surprise to bump into you.” She says, smiling.

I give her a quick hug and she asks,

“How are you?”

“I’m good. What about you?”

“I’m great too. So, you came here for Christmas shopping?”

“Well, I came to buy a present for my brother but I don’t seem to find the perfect one.”

“That means you’re bad when it comes to choosing gifts?” She raises her eyebrows.

“You could say that.” I answer, smiling.

“Well, that’s bad. Especially when it comes to Christmas.”

“I know. Anyway, you came here for Christmas shopping too?”

“Yeah, last minute shopping.”

“Oh.”

I noticed how different she looked. She has no make-up on and dark circles under her eyes. Maybe it’s all because of the postponement of her engagement.

“Tess, you don’t look okay? Is everything fine?” I ask her.

Tears burn her eyes.

“Tess, what happened?” I ask and she starts sobbing.

I immediately pull her into my arms and she buries her face in my chest and cries.
_______________________________________________________________________


Part 29

LIZ

“Do you think Ray would like this?” She asks, showing me the wristwatch that she just picked.

“Do you think Mr. Evans would like Sarah?” I ask and Serena frowns at me.

“Liz, stop worrying, would you? Besides, if it does not work out, then it’s not any of your business.” She says, putting the watch back in its place and looking over others.

“I guess you’re right. You’re buying a wristwatch for your fiancé?”

“I will be giving him two presents. This would be one of them.” She answers, checking out the next wristwatch.

“Well, have you found one?”

“All these are great but I don’t seem to find the right one.”

“So, what do we do now?”

She glances at me and says,

“There’s a shop I passed by downstairs. Lets get going.” She starts walking and I follow her.

As we walk, passing numerous shops, I ask her,

“Serena, what’s the other present you bought for Ray?”

She smiles brightly and says,

“Two tickets to Thailand. We will be leaving on the 26th.”

“Really?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Yep. I am so looking forward to his reaction.”

“When will you be back?”

“By the 1st of January.”

“Well, have fun.” I smile.

“Sure.” She grins.

“This is the shop.” She stops in front of it.

“Rena, why don’t you go inside and do your shopping while I just go and grab some ice-cream.”

She raises her eyebrows and looks at me unbelievably.

“What?” I ask, with a hint of smile on my face.

“You’re going to eat ice-cream at this time? It’s so cold!”

“I know but I’m used to it. I’ll be right back.”

“Whatever.” She goes in the shop.

As I walk to the ice-cream parlor, I glance at a couple who’s hugging. I think I heard the woman cry.

Wait… why did the man look so familiar??

I stop, turn around and move a little to get a better view.

Oh my, that’s Max.

Max hugging a woman.

I need to see Serena.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

I immediately pull her into my arms and she buries her face in my chest and cries.

“Tess, is everything okay?” I ask but she only cries harder.

I decide to remain silent until she calms down. When she does, she pulls away and wipes her eyes.

“Are you okay now?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry… I just lost my control over my emotions.”

I just simply nod.

“I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?” I ask her.

She chuckles and looks at me with red eyes.

“No, you didn’t. It’s just… I am really not okay these days.”

“Yeah, I figured that.”

“You do know the postponement of my wedding, don’t you?”

“Serena told me.”

She takes a deep breath.

“Well, it’s just that that’s a lie. My wedding is not postponed.”

Huh? I’m confused.

She shrugs and says,

“I am not getting married.”

“What??” I frown.

She nods.

“He broke our engagement.”

Oh my. That’s bad.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” She shrugs.

“If you don’t mind, can I ask you the reason why he did so?”

“I don’t mind. You’re my friend, Max. You’ve every right to know but this is the thing that I can’t tell you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Tess. I understand.”

“Look, I would love to talk to you but I have to go now. See you later, Max.”

I nod.

She walks pass me and I say,

“Goodnight, Tess.”

She stops and turns around.

“Bye, Max.” She smiles and walks away.

I just sigh and walk away from there too.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“It must be his relative or friend, Liz. Besides, he was just hugging her, not kissing.” Serena says, her eyes on the road.

I had told her when she was in the shop and by the time we went outside for her to see them, there was no one over there.

I nod and say,

“I hope so.”

She frowns at me.

“Stop worrying, Liz. Max only loves you. It’s written all over his face.”

I smile.

“I guess so.”

“Aww, girlfriend, you’re ruining the girls night out now.”

“Sorry, Rena, but this is not a girls night. I have to go home.”

“But why?” She whines.

“Coz I’m tired.”

“Oh okay, but did I ever tell you how boring you are Liz Parker?”

I chuckle.

“No, you didn’t.”

“Well, you are.”

After she drops me at my place, I directly go to my room and lay down on the bed.

Who could that woman be?

As I kept wondering, the phone started ringing. I pick it up.

“Hello?”

“Lizzie!”

It’s Maria. I grin and lay back down on my bed.

“Hey, Maria. How are you?”

“I’m great! What about you, girlfriend?”

I smile.

“I’m good too.”

“I was getting bored so I thought I’d call you. How’s Max, anyway?”

My smile fades. Even I don’t know the answer to the question because I didn’t get to talk to him today.

“He must be fine.” I say, truthfully.

“Must be fine? What, did you guys break up or something?”

“No, we didn’t. I didn’t get to talk to him today.”

“Liz, what’s up?”

“Nothing, Maria.”

“Liz, I am your best friend. I know something’s up.”

I sigh.

“I saw him hugging a woman at a mall today.”

“Oh. Do you know who that gal is?”

“No.” I run my hand through my hair.

“Well, why don’t you ask him? They were not kissing, were they?”

“No. She must be his cousin or something.”

“You say that but you don’t seem to believe it.”

“It’s not that. It’s just that…” I start speaking but stop.

“Just what?”

“Maria, I love him way too much. I get jealous of any girl who even looks at his way. And besides, he was a player before we hooked up so I’m just kinda worried.”

She chuckles.

“Even I was like that when Michael and I hooked up. But now I know how much he loves me.”

I roll my eyes.

“Of course he loves you. He just asked you to marry him!”

“Liz, I know Max loves you. I know he does.”

I smile. She and Serena are so similar.

“I’m just crazy, aren’t I?”

“Well, it happens at first. But as time passes by, you would realize how wrong you were. Don’t worry, Liz. I don’t think Max is going to ever cheat on you.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Probably? I’m definitely correct! Just stop doubting his love for you.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Look, Isabel’s calling me on my cell. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Later.” I say and hang up.

I decide to call Max but the phone starts ringing.

“Hello?”

“Liz, I forgot to tell you to take care. Take care, babe.”

“Sure, Maria. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

We hang up and the phone starts ringing again. This Maria girl is really irritating me now!

“What is it?!” I say on the phone.

“Liz?”

Shit, it’s Mr. Evans!

“Oh hey, Mr. Evans. I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, how did the date go?” I ask, grinning.

“It went fine. But I realized she’s just not my type.”

Now that’s bad news.

“What? You sure?”

“Positive. She just is not my type.”

“So, who is your type?”

“I don’t know.”

I take a deep breath and decide to ask this question,

“Someone like Rachel, right?”

He takes a deep breath.

“Rachel was unique, Liz. No one can ever compare to her.”

“I understand. There are many other girls out there.”

“Yes, there are. And you’re helping me to hook up with one of them.”

I smile.

“Well, you’re talking to Dr. Parker out here, Mister.”

He chuckles.

“Sure, I am. Look, I‘m tired. I need some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“Sure. Goodnight, Mr. Evans.”

“Goodnight, Liz.” He says and we both hang up.

Part 30

MAX

At 10 P.M. sharp, I decide to call Liz. I hadn’t called her earlier today and I know she wouldn’t be so happy about that.

After three rings, she picks up her phone.

“Hello?”

“Liz, hey.”

She remains silent for a few seconds and then says,

“Yeah, hey.”

“How are you? I’m sorry I didn’t call today.”

“I’m okay. You were busy, weren’t you?”

“Yes, I was.”

“So, what did you do the whole day?”

I sit down on the chair and say,

“I went to work in the morning as usual. It took us a long time there and I came back by five. I was tired by then so I decided to have a two-hour sleep. Then I went to the mall at 7:30 and here I am, calling you now.”

“What did you do at the mall?”

“Liz, why so many questions?”

“I’ll tell you that later. First you answer my question.”

“I went there to buy a gift for my brother, why?”

“I was asking this because I was also at the mall at the same time you were.”

“Oh. You were helping out Serena, weren’t you?”

“Yes, I was. Anyway, I saw you there.”

She did?

“You did?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowed.

“Yes, I did.”

“When?”

“When you were hugging someone.”

Oh my.

“Oh. Why didn’t you come up to me?”

“Mainly because I thought you were busy hugging her so I didn’t think of disturbing you both.”

“Liz, that was Tess.”

“Tess? Tess Harding?”

“Yes, Tess Harding.”

“Oh. Why were you hugging her?”

“Well, remember that day Serena said her wedding was postponed.”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Well, her fiancé broke the engagement. So, she’s not getting married anymore.”

“Oh my. That’s bad.”

I nod even though I know she can’t see me.

“I know. She started crying when I asked her about it so I was just comforting her.”

“Oh my. I am so sorry, Max. I am such a crazy woman.”

“Why, were you jealous?”

“Yes, I was. And I kept wondering who that woman was and why were you hugging her.”

I smile.

“Liz, I would never ever cheat on you. I love you, Liz. Don’t ever doubt my love for you.”

She sighs.

“I am so sorry, Max. I would never do that again.”

“Promise?” I ask, smiling.

“Promise.” She answers, giggling.

“So, what were you doing?”

“Oh, I was just about to sleep.”

“Right now?”

“Yeah, I am way too tired.”

“Well, then I should let you sleep.”

“Wait, are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah, I am going with Michael somewhere.”

“Okay. Well, have fun. And call me tomorrow, alright?”

I smile.

“Sure. Goodnight, Liz. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Night.” She says and we both hang up.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“I can’t believe your second date didn’t work out either.” She complains, frowning.

It’s Saturday and Liz and I are doing our Christmas shopping together as promised.

I ignore her.

“Do you think Max would like this belt?” I ask, showing her the belt.

She just raises her eyebrows and says,

“Mr. Evans, give him something unique, okay?”

“But this is unique. This is the first time I’m giving him a belt.”

“A belt as the Christmas present? I thought you could afford better things.”

“Do I smell sarcasm here?” I ask, putting down the belt.

“Well, you sure do.” She answers and looks here and there.

“Man, Christmas shopping really does suck.”

She turns to me and says,

“Don’t think that by changing the subject, you’re going to get away with last night’s discussion.”

I groan.

“Liz, I told you she’s not the right girl for me either.”

“So, you said no to Amanda when she asked you out on another date?”

I just look away and start looking in the perfume section.

“Yes, I did. But how do you know? I never told you.”

“Amanda told Serena and she’s pretty upset about this.”

“Who, Amanda?”

“No, the fifty year old woman who is standing right behind me.”

I look over at her shoulder and see the woman who’s throwing occasional glances at us.

“Hmm… I didn’t know I was that attractive.” I smirk.

Liz just rolls her eyes.

“Oh, just shut up. You’re not.”

I just go back to my shopping.

She opens her mouth but shuts it. I sigh and step closer to her.

“Say it.”

“Okay, maybe you are attractive.”

I grin.

“That’s more like it.” I walk past her.

“You’re beginning to sound more like the other average guys.”

I turn around to face her.

“I’m just happy.”

“Why?”

“Coz everything’s normal. Hey, you want to meet Rachel?”

She just stands there, all confused.

“What?”

“Am I speaking too fast for your human brain to follow?” I smile.

“Oh, so you are an alien. I so knew it.” She throws up her hands in the air.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“The first or the second one?”

I roll my eyes.

“The first one.” I look away. It’s still hard to talk about this.

“Um… well… sure.” Any other person would have made a funny joke at this.

I meet her gaze.

“Cool. The next time we go to Phoenix, I’ll show you her grave.”

Her face falls down.

“You freaked me out for a second there.”

I laugh.

“Don’t worry, there’s no Rachel’s ghost.” Even though I wish there was.

She giggles.

“You…” She points at me, “…are funny.”

I shrug. “I try to be.”

“So, you want to go out with another girl?”

I look away.

“I’m telling you, it’s not going to work out.”

“Well, at this moment, you know what’s not going to work out?”

“What?” I stare at her, confused.

“Your gift for you lil’ brother.”

“Oh man. I should never come with you to a mall.”

She just grins and wriggles her eyebrows up and down.

“I know.” She takes my hand and drags me outside.

“Okay, mom. Where do we have to go now?” I ask her.

She just gives me a death glare.

“I’m glad I turned you to a normal guy.” She says as she leads me to another shop.

“Man, this is a Gucci shop.” I say, looking around.

“Yes, it is. You’re going to buy a watch.”

“For who?”

“For a pig.”

I laugh. “I always knew my brother was a pig.”

“Mmm whatever. See this one?” She shows me a watch.

“Umm… no, I have gone blind suddenly.”

“Give me the money.”

“What? I always knew you were after my money, woman!” I joke.

“Aargh… now I am not glad I changed you to a normal man.”

I love pissing her off.

“Uh… you see, normal men are funny but they are horny too.”

She raises her eyebrows.

“Didn’t I say a few seconds before that you’re an alien?”

I chuckle. “Yeah, you did.”

“I said the truth.”

“Uh but, humans are horny too.”

She just ignores my comment.

“Give me the money so that I can buy this.”

“Sorry, but I may be your boss as well as your friend but I do give you salary and I’m sorry to say, I can’t give money for your Christmas shopping.”

“You’re buying this for your brother, silly.” She says and snatches my wallet from me.

As she walks away, I call after her,

“I always knew you were after my money, woman!”

I leave the shop and wait for her outside. A blonde is standing across me, looking at some children’s clothes through the glass windows. I hear her sigh and she turns around.

She freezes. And so do I. That’s Ms. Troy.

She blinks at me and then just walks away. I wonder what she’s doing here alone.

After Liz comes out and begs me to buy her an ice cream, when I walk behind her to the ice cream parlor, I couldn't help thinking about Pam Troy being all alone.

I tell Liz about seeing Pam Troy alone and everything as we sit on a bench.

She just shrugs when I finish telling her.

“Liz, you’re of no help.”

She playfully smacks my arm. “People do come to shop alone, Mr. Evans. What’s the big deal in that?”

She’s right actually.

“But she's totally into you.”

What?!

“You're kidding me.” I say, turning away.

“No, I am not.”

I decide to change the subject and ask her something that I'm curious to know.

“You know, I want to know something.”

“Tell me about it.” She licks her ice cream.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I blurt out.

She stops licking her ice cream and faces me.

“No.”

“Well, you’re going on a blind date then.” I smirk.

She shakes her head.

“I do date, you know.”

“Tell me about them.”

She remains silent for a few seconds, and then begins. “Well, I dated this blonde guy once when I came here and then a dark haired man.”

“You didn’t find any of them interesting?”

“No, that’s why none of them is my boyfriend.” She smiles.

She manages to change the subject somehow and I don’t get to ask her anything else about her love life. But, the whole day long, I get this strange feeling that she lied.

I’m pretty sure about that.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 31

LIZ

“This is getting hard.” I complain as I try out the other sweater.

“What, this?” Max asks, pointing to the bulge in his pants.

He is such a jerk.

I give him a death glare. “Fuck you.”

“Oh please do.” He clasps his hands together. He really is a jerk.

“Shut up, Max. I’m serious.” I say and sit next to him on the bed.

He sighs and wraps an arm around my shoulders.

“Liz, if you want, we could go ahead right now and tell him everything. Besides, you are his friend now and even if you weren’t, he wouldn’t refuse to our relationship.”

I turn to face him.

“It’s not that, Max. I know he wont say anything. He’ll be shocked ofcourse, but he will not disapprove of our relationship.”

“Then, what are you afraid of?” He strokes my hair.

“Max, I want to tell him on his birthday. I want to give him a surprise just like you do.”

“Liz, I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

I nod.

“I'm going to tell him on his birthday. Till then, I don’t know what to say to him about my love life. He has already asked me twice about it.”

“Why don’t you tell him then that you’re not yet ready to talk about this topic?”

“I can’t.”

“Why??” He looks confused.

“Coz I myself am interfering in his love life.”

“What do you mean?” He’s still confused.

“Max, your brother has been to two blind dates.”

He looks shocked now.

“He has??”

“Yes, I put him into this. I mean, I didn’t pressure him or anything, but yes, I’ve been interfering in his love life.”

He looks away.

“I can’t believe my brother is finally dating.” There is a hint of smile on his face.

I cup his cheeks for him to face me.

“Max, your brother just needed a little help, that’s all.” I know how hard it’s for Max too.

He takes my hands in his and says,

“You helped him. And I’m glad you did.” He’s smiling and I smile back.

“What are friends for? But unfortunately…” I trail off.

“Unfortunately what?” He asks, obviously confused.

“Both the dates didn’t work out. And so we had to give up the blind date plan.”

“Oh. Does that mean that my brother wont try again?”

I look at him sympathetically.

“I don’t know, Max. He’ll do it by himself. We can’t push him into everything.”

He nods.

“You’re right. He’ll do it by himself.”

“So, what did you do last night?” Last night was Christmas and Max had spent it with his family. But at the daytime, he was with me.

“Well, we all had a big dinner party.”

I grin.

“Really? All your family and friends were there?”

He smiles.

“Yes, they were. I wish you were there too.”

“Soon, Max. Very soon.”

He changes the subject. “What did you do last night?”

“Well, dad and mom and I were all busy in decorating that tree and opening the gifts. Then we made dinner together and watched movies afterwards.”

“That is something.” He says.

“I know. Simple and small.”

He nods.

“Well, I better go. I have one more rehearsal coming up.”

“Yeah, lets get going.”

After I decide on my blouse and the jacket, we both go downstairs and see mom washing the dishes.

“Hey, Mom.” I say as I enter the kitchen.

Max just stands in the doorway.

“Where’s dad?” I ask her.

“He’s out there.” She answers.

“Right here.” We all turn to see dad standing beside Max with a newspaper in his hands.

“Anything new happened?” I ask him, pointing to the newspaper.

“Ah everyday is a new day, darling.” He looks at Max. “Hello, Max.”

“Hi.”

“Are you two going somewhere?” My dad asks.

“Yeah, Max is going to drop me off at work.” I say.

“Oh okay. Honey, I got to go. I’m getting late.” He says to mom and after giving me and her a kiss on our cheeks, he walks to the door.

“Goodbye, Max.” After Max says goodbye to him, he leaves.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“Your birthday is on the 1st, right?” She asks.

“Yep. I’m pretty sure that Max and my parents are already planning a surprise party for my birthday.” I say as I look through the papers one last time and start piling them up.

“Let me do that for you.” She offers and I gladly hand her the papers.

I walk to the glass windows so that I could close the blinds. I see Pam outside, packing her things up.

What she’s doing here, considering that it’s 8:30 P.M. right now and besides me and Liz, nobody works so late? I decide to ask Liz this question.

I turn to her. “Liz?”

“I’m alive.” She says, glancing at me from the papers and then putting them in the briefcase.

“Do you know what Ms. Troy is doing outside?”

She closes the briefcase and walks towards me, confused.

“She’s still here?”

“See by yourself.”

She looks through the blinds and asks,

“Have you given her a lot of work to do?”

“Nope. Not that I think.” I reply.

She turns to me and says,

“Well, she’s leaving by the way.” She shrugs and starts packing her things.

I decide to drop the subject when I see Pam entering the elevator and out of my sight.

“You’re coming tomorrow night, right?” I ask Liz as I put on my coat.

She takes her purse and asks,

“Where?”

“To the party, ofcourse.”

She still looks confused. I am confused as to why nobody told her about this?

“Nobody told you?”

“Oh come on now, spill.” She rolls her eyes.

“Well, every year, on the 31st, we always have a party organized by Harry at that club near the mall.”

“There’re so many malls out here. Which mall are you talking about?”

“Where we went for the Christmas shopping?”

“Oh okay. So there’s a party over there?”

I nod. “Exactly.”

“The whole staff’s going to be there?” She asks as we exit my office and head to the elevator.

“Yes, including my family.” I see the change of expression on her face.

“What?” I ask her.

“What?” She looks at me confused as we enter the elevator.

“Why did your look change?”

“I was just wondering how come nobody told me.”

“Yeah, I was wondering that too. Maybe they thought they’d inform you later.”

As we step out of the elevator on the ground floor, she says,

“I’m going to be there. Just tell me the address.”

“I wont. Harry will.”

“Oh sure. And the timings?”

“Come late, go late.”

“Okay.”

Soon we’re outside the building.

“So, you need a ride to your place?” I ask her.

“No, thanks.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. I have brought my dad’s car today.”

“Oh. All right. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye.”

“Bye, Mr. Evans.” She smiles and walks away.

I walk to my car and hear someone cursing.

I turn to my right and see Pam kicking her car and cursing again and again.

I walk to her.

“Ms. Troy?”

She freaks out, I guess, and turns immediately but cools down when she sees me.

“Mr. Evans, you scared me.” She says, calming her breath down and placing her hand on her heart.

“Uh… is there any problem?”

She remains silent for a few seconds.

“Yeah, actually there is.” She scratches the back of her neck.

“What happened?” I ask, moving closer.

“Oh, umm… tire punctured.”

“Oh. No wonder why you were kicking them.” She gives a nervous laugh.

“Yeah… I’ll just catch a taxi.”

“You sure? I can give you a lift, if you want.” I shrug.

“No, I don’t want to bother you.”

“Bother me? Ms. Troy, I insist.”

She thinks for a few seconds, and then agrees.

Soon, we hit the road.

“So, Ms. Troy, what were you still doing in the office?” I ask her.

From the corner of my eye, I see her glance at me.

“Well, umm… I had some typing to complete.”

“Oh.” I say, nodding my head.

For the rest of the drive, we rarely talk. And even if we do, we talk about the office work.

I pull a stop in front of her house.

“Umm… thank you, sir. That was very kind of you.” She says, nervously.

“Pleasure.” Goodness, did I just say that?

Soon she walks out and in her house. I wonder if she lives alone or whatever. But soon that thought is dismissed as I turn the radio on and one of my favorites start playing.



Tbc...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 32

LIZ

I come out of Mr. Evans office, looking for Harry. That jerk, he didn’t even invite me to the party! If it hadn’t been for Mr. Evans, I would have been the only person from the staff to not attend the party. But no, jerks like Harry don’t understand.

I see him walking around, whistling. Maybe he is happy to think that organizing parties may earn him something from the girls and he may just get laid at night. Poor guy. No wait, he’s a jerk, not a poor guy!

I walk to him and block his way. He stops whistling and looks up from the envelopes that he has in his hands. My hands on my hips, I say,

“You know, people look for a party on the thirty-first.”

He grins. Wait, why is he grinning again?

“They do, don’t they?”

I look at him totally confused. This guy is weird.

“Yes, they do. And I’ve heard of a party too.”

His smile fades. Gotch ya, Harry!

“You have?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Oh, well, I was thinking of inviting you to our party. But since you’ve heard of another one, I think I’ll just give you this invitation card nonetheless.”

“Wait, what? These are the invitation cards?” I ask him, pointing to the cards in his hands.

“Yes. I’m giving this card to you. We’d like you to come, you know.”

He hands me the card. I just stare at it.

“So you want me to come?” I ask, looking up at him.

“Of course. You’re a part of the staff too, you know.”

“But… but I thought you guys didn’t want me to come.”

He frowns.

“Why would you think that?”

“Oh well, never mind.” I look at the card closely.

“Impressive.” I say to him.

He grins.

“I made them on the computer. Then I bought some envelopes to put them in. That’s why it took a long time to give you guys these cards.”

Figures. I smile.

“Oh, that’s so sweet of you.”

He’s still grinning.

“What about the address?” I ask him.

“Oh, everything’s written inside the card. You will have no problems.”

“Okay, thanks.” I say, smiling.

“Hey, I have to go and give others cards too. See ya, Liz.”

“Later.” I say as he walks away.

Just then, my cell phone starts ringing. It’s Max.

“Yes, darling?”

“Hey, Liz. How’s work?”

“It’s going fine. Where’re you?”

“I’m at Michael’s. Hey, are you coming tonight?”

“Where?”

“To the party that your co-workers arrange every year.”

“Oh yeah, of course. You’re coming too right?”

“Yes, I am. My parents are also coming.”

I sigh.

“Your brother told me last night.”

“Liz, do you want to tell them-“ I cut him off.

“No, Max. Just one more day.”

“You sure?”

“Max, please.” I plead.

He sighs. “Okay, Tomorrow then. This is hard.”

“Who, little Max?” I joke.

“Liz…” I giggle.

“Max, tomorrow, okay? We’ll tell them tomorrow.”

“Right, tomorrow. Look, Michael and I are going to go and play some basketball. So, I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay, bye.” We both hang up.

Tomorrow. I sigh and head back to my work.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

Liz and I decided to come separately. She said she would come before eleven and it’s eleven-thirty right now. I’m pretty sure she must be here by now.

After, I park my car, I as well as my parents, get out of the car. My parents decided to come with me.

“Goodness, what’s the point in having loud music?” My mom complains as we walk to the door.

I wrap an arm around her shoulder and say,

“Mom, this is a party. Not a funeral.”

She just punches me lightly on my arm. I laugh.

“Besides, Diane, we come here every year and it’s always like this.” My father says.

“I know. But don’t you think this time it’s too loud?”

“Mom, please.” I say as we enter the club.

I look around my surroundings and I have to say that they have done a great job in decorating this time. In big words, ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR’ is written on the stage.

I look around, trying to spot Liz as well as my brother, Pam or Serena. The thing with this party is that you can bring along your friends also to the party. No wonder why I see so many unknown faces.

My parents have disappeared to nowhere. I finally spot my brother and as I walk to him, I exchange many ‘hello’s’ from people I know. Some unknown women wink at me but I totally ignore them.

“Mark, how many people are in here, anyway?” I ask him as he turns around to face me.

“I don’t know. Ask Harry.” He answers, taking a sip from his drink.

I frown.

“Bro, don’t drink a lot. You know how you get when you drink a lot.”

“I wont. Thanks for reminding me, little brother.”

I smirk.

“Well, I hope this time the party’s not too bad.” He says, looking around.

“It’s never bad. It’s always good.”

“For you, yes. For me, no.”

“That’s because you don’t try to enjoy. If a woman asks you dance, you refuse. Even if I tell you to dance, you refuse. All you do is sit on a stool and drink as much as you can.”

He sighs.

“This time, I’m not going to do that. I am going to dance and enjoy myself.”

Man, Liz has changed him so much.

“Really?”

“Quite a surprise, isn’t it?”

“It’s hard to believe.” I say, raising my eyebrows.

“Well, you will see by yourself later.”

I smile. “I will, certainly.”

“Hey, where are mom and dad?” He asks, looking around.

“Oh, they disappeared as soon as we entered.”

“They must be here or there. I’ll go and see how they’re doing.”

“Sure, go ahead.” I say and he walks away.

Now, where the hell is Liz?

I jump when I see hands on my ass and the person says in my ear,

“Hey, sexy.” I smile coz it’s Liz.

I turn around to face her but she steps away, making sure no one would see us too close.

“Hey, beautiful.” I smirk and she grins.

“So, enjoying the party?” She asks.

“Now, I will be.”

“And how?” She asks. My eyes travel up and down her body. She’s wearing a tight knee length skirt with a matching top. It’s quite sexy.

“Shall I show you?” I meet her gaze.

“Of course.” She says, giving me a sexy grin.

I look around, making sure no one who knows us is looking. Then I take her hand and drag her outside. We both run to my car, laughing the whole way.

I press her to the door and attack her mouth as I search for my keys in my pocket. I search for them as her mouth moves to my neck. She is really making hard for me to find the keys successfully.

It’s chilly out here but for both of us, it doesn’t matter. All I care about is unlocking the goddamn door and cherish her. Nobody’s here and I hope nobody sees us either.

I finally find my keys and quickly unlock the door as her hands move lower down my body.

Just as I open the door, a voice stops me.

“Max?”

We both turn to see who just said that and freeze when we see the person facing us.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 33

LIZ

I freeze when I see the person facing us.

Oh my, this is not happening. I never wanted him to know about us like this.

Max steps away from me and I swallow. He glances at me while I just remain still, breathing hard.

We both are not afraid coz there’s nothing to be afraid of. I am shocked to see that this is how he was supposed to know.

I look at him and see him staring at me, frowning.

“I don’t know what’s happening out here but I have to know it. Max, come with me inside. You as well, Liz.” Mr. Evans says and walks away.

Max throws a glance at me and I just nod, telling him to follow his brother.

“Liz, everything’s going to be all right.” Max says, stroking my cheek.

I place a kiss on his palm and say,

“I know. Go to your brother, now. He needs to know.”

“Right.” Max says.

After placing a kiss on my forehead, he walks away. I just hug myself and look around. Everything’s going to be fine then why my heart is beating so fast?

Goodness, this is so not the time I wanted Mr. Evans to know. This all looks like a dream but no matter how much I convince myself, I can’t escape from reality.

Mr. Evans will understand and even if he doesn't, then I don’t care what he says. Max and I love each other and we are going to be together. I’m just being paranoid.

I look at the way at which Mr. Evans and Max went and they’ve disappeared from my sight. They must be inside already. I hope everything’s going fine. Wait, hope? No, everything is fine. Everything will be fine.

I hug myself tighter and walk to the club.

Just as I enter, I see Serena with someone just right here.

“Serena…”

She turns to me and then says to the person she was talking to,

“I’ll catch up with you later, can I?”

“Sure.” The woman says and walks away.

Serena turns to me and grabs my arms, grinning.

“Liz, this party is great! It couldn’t any better!” She exclaims.

It couldn’t get any worse.

“Serena, did you see Mr. Evans and Max coming in here a few minutes ago?” I ask her.

“No, I didn’t. I was just standing here but they didn’t enter. Why, is everything all right?” She asks, searching my face.

“Yes, everything’s fine. I was just wondering where these two are.”

“Oh, well, you’ll spot them out here somewhere. Anyway, you wanna get a drink?”

“Yes, please. Water.” I answer quickly.

“Only water?”

“Yeah, only water.”

She looks confused.

“Okay, umm… you wanna come with me?”

“Umm… no. I’ll just wait here.”

“Okay, well, I’ll be back.” She says, smiling and then walks away.

I look around, searching for Mr. Evans and Max but I don’t spot them. Truly, this day couldn’t get any worse.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

I follow my brother but he doesn’t go inside and leads me to his car. He stops when we reach there and leans on it, facing me and crossing his arms on his chest.

I stop a foot away from him and dig my hands in my pockets.

“Maxwell, what was happening over there?” He asks.

“You saw what was happening over there.” I shrug.

“Yes, I did see that and that’s the reason why you’re here. You tell me, what kind of relationship do you have with Liz?”

What does he mean??

“What?”

“Look, Max, I know you very well. You always have girls by your side and then you leave them when you no longer see them as attractive anymore. I just want to know if your relationship with Liz is the same like your previous ones?”

I look him in the eye and answer,

“No, that’s not the type of relationship we have. I love her, Mark.”

“And does she loves you?”

“Yes, she does.”

He nods.

“For how long have you guys been together?”

“For almost two months now.”

He frowns.

“For almost two months? You guys have been together for this much time and you kept it a secret?”

“Yes, we did.”

“And may I know why?”

“Bro, we wanted to tell you on your birthday.”

He sighs.

“But what was the point?”

“We just… wanted to give you a surprise.”

He shakes his head.

“I don’t understand, Max. This much has been going behind our backs and we had no idea!”

“Bro, it’s not like we didn’t want to tell you all.”

“And so you both lied?”

I just nod.

“How many people know about you both?”

“Serena, Michael and Liz’s friends in Roswell.”

“Wait, Liz’s friends in Roswell know you?”

“Yes, I went there.” I confess.

“You went there?!”

“Yes, I did.”

“But when?”

“When Liz went two weeks ago.”

“You were there with her?”

“Well, she didn’t know I was coming.”

He sighs and sets his gaze on the pebble on the road.

“Max, it’s not like I disapprove of your relationship. I need time and by the way I’ve seen your relationship with girls, I don’t know what to say and what to expect.”

“Mark, do you not trust me??” I frown.

“Of course, I trust you. You’re my brother for goodness sake!”

“Then? Bro, I know this all is a very big shock you and all, but you have to trust me. I am in love with her.”

“Max, Liz is different. She’s not like other girls.”

“Yes, I agree. She’s not like any other girls and she trusts and loves me.”

He looks me in the eye and says,

“I need time, Max. I just can’t welcome your relationship with her in an instant.”

“Whatever you want to say or not is not going to change anything. I love her and I have no intention of leaving her… ever.”

He sighs.

“I trust you both, Max.”

“Thanks, Bro.” I smile.

“But I need to talk to Liz about this also.”

I nod. “I understand. But I am so thankful that you didn’t disapprove…”

“Max, as I said before, I don’t disapprove. I just want to look out for both of you.”

“Trust me, Mark. We are happy together.”

He nods and gives me a small smile.

“Lets go, brother. There are only two minutes to 12.”

“Right.” I say smiling and we both head back to the club.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I look everywhere for them but I don’t seem to find them. I’ve been trying to for the last ten minutes but no luck. God, I hope everything is fine.

I glance at my watch. Man, two minutes to 12. Now, where the hell are they??

I look at Serena who’s too busy standing beside me and counting the seconds left till 12, her eyes glued to her watch.

“Serena, do you see Max and Mr. Evans out here?”

She glances at me and says,

“Liz, don’t disturb me. Can’t you see I’m busy? 74.. 73..72..”

I leave her to her counting and my eyes search for them again but no luck.

“Liz…” I turn around quickly and see Mr. Evans facing me, his expression unreadable.

“Mr. Evans… where were you?” I ask him.

“I was with Max outside.”

“Oh my, I have been looking all over for you both!”

He smiles. Does that mean something?

“Sorry about that.”

“Where’s Max?”

“Right here.” Max appears from behind him, grinning.

Wait, he’s GRINNING!! That means everything’s good, right?

I glance at both of them, asking without words the question I have been dying to ask since Mr. Evans found out.

Max nods and Mr. Evans says, smiling,

“I was shocked but I am happy for both of you.”

I grin and wrap my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. He and Max both laugh.

I pull away after almost killing him and say,

“Thank you, Mr. Evans. I knew you would understand.”

“No doubt.”

“I am just so happy!”

“So, is this the dark haired man you said you dated?” Mr. Evans asks, smirking.

I nod, smiling. “But, I’m still dating him.”

Max looks confused while Mr. Evans and I chuckle.

“Oh, I’ll tell you later.” I say to Max.

“You better.” He says, pointing his finger at me.

Just then, we hear the voices of people shouting 'Happy New Year!'. Serena comes and gives me a hug and a balloon with 'Happy New Year' written on it.

“Happy new year!” She says and runs away.

I burst the balloon and soon after, Max asks me to dance.

As I wrap my arms around his neck, I realize how wrong I was when I said that this day was worse. In truth, this day couldn’t get any better.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 34

MARK

I watch Max and Liz dancing together, laughing and enjoying themselves as I drink. I’m sitting by the bar on the stool and Ms. Troy is sitting to the very left corner. As people pass by, I notice they stop to greet her and leave. Whatever these people say to her, I can hear their conversation but Ms. Troy is absolutely oblivious to this fact.

I start looking around again and see Max and Liz waving to me and I wake back. Max was right; they are happy and that’s all that matters.

Ms. Bates passes by and sits beside Ms. Troy.

“Serena, there’s something I simply don’t understand.” Ms. Troy says. I so can hear their conversation.

“What is it, Pam?” Ms. Bates asks, looking confused.

“How come Max is dancing with Liz Parker?” Ms. Troy asks, looking very suspicious.

Max didn’t mention her name when he was telling me about the people who knows about his relationship with Liz.

“Well, they are a couple.” Ms. Bates answers, grinning.

Yes, I know. I am happy for them too, Ms. Bates.

“They are?!” Ms. Troy practically shouts but nobody seems to hear that or care because of the loud music.

“Pam, I would love to tell you more but it’s not really my place to say. Max will tell you now that they have put their relationship in open.” Ms. Bates says, patting Ms. Troy’s hand.

Ms. Troy looks beyond shocked and somewhat angry.

“I can’t believe Max didn’t tell me! I am, after all, his friend!” Ms. Troy complains, throwing up her hands.

“I know, Pam. He’ll tell you soon. Maybe not tonight but soon.” Ms. Bates tries to calm her down.

“Wait, does Max’s brother know?” Ms. Troy asks. Where did I come from??

I look away from them immediately and set my gaze somewhere else but that doesn’t mean I’ve restricted myself from hearing their conversation. And I recognize their voices very well.

“He didn’t earlier. But now that they’re dancing right here, he must be knowing.” Ms. Bates says. I am so sure they must have looked at me when she said that.

“But he doesn’t seem to react!” Ms. Troy says. Yes, they so looked at me.

“Look, I haven’t yet talked to Max or Liz yet. But don’t you feel happy for them?” Ms. Bates asks.

“Well, they do make an adorable couple.” Ms. Troy says. Oh I so agree with you, Pam Troy.

“Yes and they are in love.” Ms. Bates says.

“You know what Serena?”

“What?”

“I once thought that Liz and Mr. Evans were having a secret affair.” Ms. Troy says in a low voice but I could still hear her.

Huh?

“What?? Are you crazy or something?” That’s Ms. Bates.

I wave to some people to show these two girls that I so am not hearing their conversation.

“Well, I think I was when I thought that way.”

“I guess you must have been jealous, huh?” Ms. Bates speaks with a teasing tone.

“Yeah, a little. But Rena, I don’t think I have a chance with him. He’s just too darn… different from other guys. It’s like… he isn’t interested in women at all.” Ms. Troy says.

Oh man, Liz was right when she said Pam Troy have feelings for me.

“Oh of course, he is. I know he’s not a gay.” Ms. Bates says. Well, she knows better but I’m glad she’s not telling the whole blind date thing to everyone.

“Yeah, he doesn’t look or act like one.” You are so right Ms. Troy.

“Nope, he’s so not a gay.”

“Whatever it is, Rena, I don’t think I have a chance with him, anyway. I mean he doesn’t even acknowledge my presence.”

I am beyond shocked.

“Well, he trusts you. I mean, he left you in charge of his office when he went to Phoenix.”

“He likes my work. Not me.” Ms. Troy sounds disappointed and I’m even more shocked.

I mean, hearing a conversation where women are talking about you and their feelings has to be shocking, right?

“Pam, if you think he isn’t going to be ever interested in you, then why don’t you forget about him?”

“I tried to. I tried to move on but…”

“But what?”

“But I can’t, okay? I know I am in love with him.”

In love with me! This conversation is going out of control. Maybe I should stop eavesdropping.

“Oh Pam, I don’t know what to say.”

Neither do I, Ms. Bates.

“Rena, I want to forget about him. He’s in my mind 24/7.”

“I think I can help you to forget about him for one night.”

What is Ms. Bates talking about??

“You can? Oh, please do.” Ms. Troy begs. Well, that’s what her tone suggests.

“We’ll go to another club and party all night. I know you won’t be able to forget him as he’s present out here.”

“I guess you’re right. Lets go, Serena.” Ms. Troy says and after a few minutes, they’re out of here.

Eavesdropping should be against the law.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Do you see these people staring at us?” Liz asks, looking here and there but my eyes are only on her.

“What, you can see them while I can only see you?” I smile.

She blushes.

“Aww, you look really cute when you blush.” I say, stroking her cheek.

She giggles.

“You, Max Evans, are such a flirt.” She says.

“Only for you, Liz. Only for you.”

“Wait, Max, we are dancing together that means your parents must have seen us.” She points out to me.

“Why, yes. They must have seen us and they must be dying to know about us.” I say, searching for my parents but I don’t spot them.

“Well, I don’t seem to find them. Do you?” Liz asks.

“Nope.” I say, still looking around.

“There’s your brother. Lets go ask him.”

“Yeah.” I say.

She takes my hand and we make our way to my brother.

“Hey bro.” I say as we stop a foot away from him.

“Oh hey, lovebirds.” He says.

Liz and I just roll our eyes.

“Where are mom and dad?” I ask him.

“Oh, they left.” He answers.

“They left? When?” I ask, frowning.

“Harry told me they left as soon as the clock struck 12.”

“Why?” Liz asks.

“Well, Harry told me that mom just couldn’t stand the loud music any longer. I called them a few minutes ago and they are at home right now.”

Oh, that means they mustn’t have seen Liz and me together.

“Oh, we thought they must have seen me and Max together and must have questions.” Liz says.

“No, they haven’t seen you guys. Don’t worry, tell them tomorrow.” Mark answers, taking a sip from his drink.

I frown. He’s drinking too much.

“Bro, how many drinks did you have?” I ask him.

“Uh…” He hesitates.

“Bro, the bartender is right behind you and he will tell me if you’re not going to.” I say, pointing my finger at him.

He sighs.

“I had four drinks so far.” He says, putting up his hands in surrender.

“Four drinks? Isn’t that too much?” I ask him.

“No.” Liz says and I look at her shocked while my brother chuckles.

“See, four drinks are not too much.” Mark says.

“Do you have more than four drinks?” I ask Liz.

“The last time I saw her in a bar, she had seven drinks.” Mark says.

I look at Liz unbelievably and she just shrugs.

“Not good for your health, you both.” I say to both of them and they just say,

“Whatever.”

They both are the most stubborn people I have ever seen.

“Hey, where’s Serena?” Liz asks, looking around.

“Oh, she’s gone with Ms. Troy.” Mark replies, taking a sip from his drink.

“She left?” Liz asks, frowning.

“Yep, I saw them leaving.” Mark says, shrugging.

“I wonder where they must be gone.” Liz says, glancing from Mark to me.

“Oh, they’re just gone to another bar.”

“How do you know?” I ask, frowning.

“I heard them talking.” Mark answers.

“You mean eavesdropping?” Liz asks.

My brother just shrugs and I shake my head.

“They were talking about me, you guys. How could I help listening to them??” Mark glances from me to Liz.

“They were talking about you?” Liz asks him, frowning.

“Oh, you mean you heard Pam saying she likes you?” I ask him.

He nods, looking at me.

“She said she was in love with me.” He answers.

Liz grins. “I told you she was totally into you.”

Mark just rolls his eyes.

“Don’t you have anything to say?” Liz asks him, nudging his arm.

“Nope.”

Liz rolls her eyes. “Of course. You’re a guy and it’s a victory for you to learn that a woman is head over heels in love with you.”

“Isn’t it, Max?” Mark asks me, winking.

I chuckle and give him a high five and Liz just rolls her eyes.

“Liz, you want to go back to the dance?” I ask her.

“Sure.” She says, linking her arm with mine.

“Hey, why don’t you come too?” I ask Mark.

“Yeah, come on. It’s better than sitting here and listening to other’s conversation.” Liz says.

“Hey, they were talking about me. I just couldn’t resist.” Mark says, pointing his finger at Liz.

“Come on now, bro.” I say to him, growing impatient.

“Nah, I’ll feel like interfering.” He says.

“Interfering? No. Come on.” Liz says and when he still hesitates, we drag him to the dance floor.

This day couldn’t get any better than this.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 35

LIZ

“Max, do you notice something?” I ask him, drawing imaginary patterns on his chest.

I had told my parents that I wouldn’t be home after the party. They didn’t say anything except, ‘Okay…’

“What?” He rests his chin on the top of my head.

“Your brother… he hesitates to get interested in women…” I say, rubbing my cheek on his collarbone.

“Well, he’s always been like this after his wife’s death…” Max says.

“I know, Max. But he did go to two dates and none of them worked out for him. It’s like… he just doesn’t wants to get in a relationship.”

Max sighs.

“Liz, it’s very clear that he hasn’t let Rachel out of his mind and life yet. It’s a like she’s still a part of him.”

“Max…” I lift my head and rest my chin on his upper arm.

“Yes, sweetie?” His finger strokes my cheek.

“How was Rachel?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I want to know how Mr. Evans and Rachel met.”

He takes a deep breath.

“It was because of me.”

“Because of you?” I ask, frowning.

“Yes, because of me. My friend Kyle Valenti is Rachel’s brother.”

“Oh…”

“Yeah. See, I introduced Mark and Rachel and soon after, they were dating.”

“Wow.” That’s all I can say.

“She was a wonderful woman, Liz. So sweet, so caring. My brother loved her more than anything else in the world. Their wedding was fabulous and my brother was crazy that day. This was one day that he had dreamt about the most since he had laid eyes on Rachel.”

“He really loves her…” I say, nodding.

“Yes, he does. And he blames himself for her death…”

“I know.”

“He had closed himself from many people but he was still that same old Mark with me. I’m glad he’s opening to other people.”

I just nod and he continues.

“Rachel will always be his first love. I just hope one day a woman can make him as happy as Rachel did.”

I rest my cheek on his chest and say,

“Pam loves him. Women are ready to die for him but he just doesn’t care.”

“I know. But he’s going to change one day, Liz. I know he will.”

“Yeah, he will.” I say, smiling.

“Hey, you know what?”

“What?”

“Kyle will be there tomorrow for my brother’s birthday.”

I look up at him.

“Oh yeah, your brother’s birthday.”

“I’ll be seeing Kyle after more than a year.”

“When did you invite him?”

“Last night.”

“Will your brother be glad to see him?”

He shrugs. “I hope so.”

“So, how many people are invited tomorrow?”

“Many. Family and friends.”

“Is Pam invited?” I ask him, smiling.

“Yes, the whole staff’s invited.”

I look away, forming up a plan in my mind.

“Wait, why are you so concerned about inviting Pam?” He asks and I innocently look up at him.

“Oh no, you’re not really planning to do some matchmaking, are you?”

“Well, it is not such a bad idea…” I say, shrugging.

He sighs.

“It’s a very bad idea, Liz.”

I frown.

“It is?”

“Yes.”

“But why?”

“Liz, don’t interfere in his life. He knows she loves him and if he is even tiny bit interested in her, he will do something himself.”

“But, Max-“

“No, no matchmaking.”

“Humph. You’re so not getting laid.” I look away.

He chuckles.

“Well, I got laid a few minutes ago.”

I should be mad at him but I smile anyway and close my eyes. As much as I would love to do some matchmaking, I know Max is absolutely right.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

So, here we are on the third floor, waiting for my brother to finally arrive with Liz. We have switched off the lights and it's completely dark except for the candles on the birthday cake, which does give a little light.

I look around and couldn’t help smiling. The decorations have turned out just the way I wanted them to. It wasn’t done with any professional help but with the teamwork of the staff. The whole afternoon we had spent keeping ourselves busy in planning…

“We are going to have a birthday party here?” She asks.

“Yes, we’re going to have a birthday party here.” I answer, smiling.

People have started on their work and Pam is instructing them. She’s good in this stuff.

“Well, not a bad idea. But you see, my dear little boyfriend, he’s going to be back from his lunch break in no time!”

I smile and look at her.

“You think I don’t have this whole thing planned out?”

She folds her arms on her chest.

“Why, yes. That’s exactly what I think.”

“My, sweetheart, do you think I am stupid enough to not think about that?”

She raises her eyebrows.

“Well, what are going to do then?”

“I am not going to do anything, hun. You’re going to do everything.”

She looks at me confused.

“Me?”

“Yes, dear Liz. You.”

“What could I possibly do??” She asks, throwing up her hands.

“See, all you have to do is distract him somehow and not let him come here until five.”

“Until five?! How can I distract him?”

“Well, I have a simple solution to that problem.”

“And what is the solution, Dr. Evans?”

“See, you got to tell him that you need a new year present for me and you desperately need his help. Take him to the mall and come back by five.”

“Yeah right. Like he’s going to buy that.”

“Then convince him! You’re good in convincing.”

“Max, no. I know he’s not going to buy that.”

“Liz, please. If you want this to work out, then you got to do that.”

“Well, it’s not my fault you decided to have this party here.”

“Liz, I wanted this to be very surprising for him.”

“You know he won’t be that surprised.”

“But he is going to be surprised to see that we planned his birthday party here.”

“Okay, okay. Fine you win. But you tell me why do I have to do it, can’t you distract your brother somehow??”

“No, because I will be helping them around. Liz, please. Do not refuse.”

She sighs. “Okay, fine. I am promising you that he wont be here before five.”

I smile.

“Thanks, sweetheart.” I give her a peck on her lips.

“But, remember. You owe me one.” She says, pointing her finger at me.

“Right, I’ll remember that.”

“Okay, I’ll just go and take my things.”

“Okay.” I say and she walks away.

“Hey, Max.” Pam says, walking to me.

She stops in front of me and I say,

“Hey, Pam. How’s everything going?”

“It’s going fine. I just hope we complete everything before five.”

“We will, Pam.”

“So, Liz is going, right?”

“Yeah, she is. She argued but said yes in the end.”

She nods.

“It was very rude of you not to tell me about your girlfriend, considering that I am your friend.” She says, raising her eyebrows.

“I am so sorry, Pam. Really sorry.”

“You’re forgiven this time. But, I want all the details later, okay?”

I smile.

“You got it.”

“Okay, Max. I’m leaving. I’ll give you a call, okay?” Liz says, walking to me and then, giving me a peck on my lips.

After she’s gone, I ask Pam,

“So, what do I have to do?”




TBC...
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 36

MARK

Ever wondered why some people just start to bug you for no apparent reason? Even though you tell them not to bug you, they would still continue to do it and in the end, they will win? This doesn’t happen to many people as not everyone bugs the other person like Liz.

See that? She’s been bugging me for the last 2 hours 35 minutes and 50 seconds.

She is my secretary, shouldn’t she be listening to me? No, she doesn’t.

She is my friend but would she try to listen to me when I’m telling her the right thing to do which is to leave me alone? No, she doesn’t.

She is my brother’s girlfriend and to impress me, would she listen to me? No, she doesn’t.

She is a woman who knows me way too well and knows that work is important to me and that I desperately need to go back to work, would she still listen to me? The answer is again: NO.

I’m telling something’s fishy. I can smell it.

“I smell something fishy.” I tell her as she checks out the 12th shop in the mall.

She sniffs, as in smelling, and then turns to me.

“No, why would you smell a fish in the air?”

I sigh. She terribly knows what I mean to say but somehow, she just wants to brush off my question. She seemed to be doing a lot… today. Since afternoon this has been going on…

“Liz, what’re you doing here?” I asked her as she sat on the chair opposite mine. The only thing is that the table was between us.

“Oh, I came to pick you up. But then I think, I’ll have some lunch too with you.” She said, flashing me a smile.

I looked at her, totally confused.

“But I am just about to finish my lunch, Liz.”

“Yeah, but you can wait, can’t you?”

“I’m afraid I can’t, Liz. Why don’t you call Max up? He’ll be ready to keep you company.” I said as I picked up my napkin.

“Oh no, he’s busy.” She answered right away.

I frowned at her.

“He’s busy? How’s that possible?”

“Why, can’t a person be busy?” She snapped.

I sighed.

“Well, what is he doing which is keeping him busy?”

“Oh, rehearsal. What else?” She beamed at me.

“Figures. Look, I can’t keep you company while you have lunch coz I have some great amount of work to do.”

The waitress came and gave me the bill. As I dug my hands in my wallet, Liz asked,

“Uh, Mr. Evans?”

“Yeah?” I glanced up at her.

“I really want you to stay.”

I looked up at her immediately and she was smiling.

“Liz, I told you I really can’t.” I said as I placed the money on the bill and the waitress, after flashing me a smile, walked away with it.

“Please, Mr. Evans? I really don’t want to have lunch alone.” She said and put her hand on mine, smiling innocently.

What was she trying to do? Oh yeah, convince me.

“No.” I said simply.

As I stood up, she said,

“Mr. Evans, I beg you, please.”

“Liz, what’s up?”

She sighed and her eyes moved here and there and then she met my gaze.

“I have something important to tell you, Mr. Evans. I think Max is cheating on me.”

I frowned at her and totally, changed my mind. I did stay for lunch.

Was she telling the truth? I don’t know. She said she thought so and when I gave her only one reason why Max wouldn’t do so, she smiled and said, ‘Yeah, you’re right. I was just being paranoid. Anyway, tell me about the specialties here?”

So, she ordered. And I had to stay because after she had told me, ‘I have something important to tell you, Mr. Evans. I think Max is cheating on me’, she made me promise to stay with her for lunch.

She took one whole hour to finish her lunch. I repeat, one whole goddamn hour! When I complained that she was taking an awful lot of time, she said, ‘Oh, can’t you be patient, Mr. Evans?’

So, after that, when we finally did exit the restaurant, I found out that my driver and my car were missing. I totally freaked out and called Max.

This is how our phone conversation went:

“Max, I came out of the restaurant and I find out that there’s no driver and no car! What the fuck is happening, man?”

And this is all he said,

“Bro, Mom wanted it desperately. So, she called the driver up. Look, I’ve got to go. I’m damn busy right now.”

He hung up the phone.

Till now, I’ve tried ten times to contact him or my parents or anyone from the staff. Liz tried calling them too but either their cell phones were switched off or they were engaged.

I told you, there’s something fishy.

And you know what’s even worse? The fact that everybody knows that it’s my birthday today and nobody seems to wish me. This has never happened before and I’ve no goddamn idea about what’s up!

So, how did I end up here in the mall with Liz? Simple-SHE DRAGGED ME INTO THIS!! She said,

‘Mr. Evans, you’re coming with me, please? We’ll take a taxi after I’ve bought a gift for Max. Mr. Evans, you so got to help me, please??’

It took her twenty minutes to convince me. I had to say yes coz saying no would have been no use. I mean, she was not letting me take a cab at all! And then she made all those puppy-dog faces and I just had to say yes.

And really, if I had said no, I would have been probably dead by now. I’m telling you, there’s no use in arguing with a woman coz she’ll end up winning the argument.

I sigh and ask her for the tenth time,

“Liz, tell me what’s going on?”

The last ten times that I had asked her, the answer was either ‘What are you talking about?’ or there was no answer at all but this time, she has a new answer:

“I’m shopping… that’s what’s going on.”

I sigh.

See, no use. Didn’t I tell you before?

“I’m leaving.” I say and just as I turn around, she grabs my arm and faces me.

“I’m leaving, Liz.” I say again, my tone shouting that I’m dead serious this time.

“Okay, I’ll go to.” She says, a nodding.

“Oh really? Now you have time to go?” I ask her, sarcasm evident.

“Yes, let me just pay for the gift and we’ll get going. Okay?”

“Finally!” I sound excited.

Finally, she goes to the counter and pays. Could you believe that she took one and a half an hour just to buy one gift and that day at the mall, it took her only two hours to buy seven gifts? I can’t believe it and I wont ask her because I’m pretty sure she’ll give me a lame answer.

“Lets go.” She says and I smile at her for the first time this day. It’s like the best news she has given me the whole day!!

“Thank you.” I say to her and she just rolls her eyes.

“You do realize we have to take a cab, don’t you?” She asks as we exit the mall.

I know what she’s talking about.

“Liz, I have sat in the cab many times.”

“Oh…” She looks away.

Soon, we were heading to the office.

As I walk to the elevator, I couldn’t stop smiling.

“What are you smiling at?” She asks as we enter the elevator.

“I’m just glad to be back.” I answer.

“Right.” She says, nodding.

Wait, I noticed something downstairs.

“Liz, there was no one downstairs. Where are they?”

“Uh… how the hell am I supposed to know?”

“What do you mean you don’t know? You know everything. Liz, spill.”

“But I don’t have anything to spill!”

“Liz, spill!”

Before she could even open her mouth, the elevator’s doors open. It’s quite dark.

I step outside and so does Liz. The only light is coming from the elevator and alittle light from outside. What the fuck is happening??

Just as I open my mouth to say the previous thought of mine aloud, the lights come back to life and a big ‘SURPRISE!’ follows.

My jaw hanging open, I only stare at the people. It’s my surprise birthday party and I should be jumping around!!!!! But this has been happening with me for the last ten years and for five years, I did jump around and grinned like a fool but as I grew up, things changed.

“Happy birthday!” Everyone says and head towards me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“The cake was good.” I say as I finish eating my cake.

“Right. Hey, I have to go and talk to my mom.” Max says.

“Oh okay.” I say. He gives me a peck on my cheek and walks away.

Just then, Serena comes up to me.

“I want details.” She says, simply.

“Oh, it’s good to see you too, Rena.”

“Liz, I want details.”

“About what?” I ask, frowning.

“About how you managed to not let Mr. Evans come here this afternoon and secondly, what happened last night??”

“Okay, I’ll answer you first question and then the second question, okay?”

“Go ahead.” She says, nodding.

“It was a piece of cake. All I had to do was convince him, say some very good gossip, and always grab his arm whenever he would want to walk away, ignore his questions or make some lame excuses. That’s all I had to do. As I said, it was a piece of cake.”

“Good job. Now, tell me about last night.”

“Mr. Evans saw me and Max making out outside.”

“Making out or more than that?” She smirks.

“Well, it could have been more but he came before that.” I say, smiling.

“Okay, then what happened?”

“Well, he was shocked. He was shocked to see us like that and we were shocked to see him catch us making out. It must have been a completely blow to him.”

“Yeah, something he would have never ever expected…”

“Exactly.”

“Then what happened?”

“Then he took Max to a corner and asked him some things while I was inside with you.”

“Oh, so they were outside when you and I were inside and looking for them?”

“Exactly. Then they both came inside and he said he was shocked but he was very happy for both of us.”

“Aww… the perfect friend he is, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. And guess what?”

“What?”

“He heard yours and Pam’s conversation.”

“He did? But which one?” She asks, obviously shocked.

“The conversation that you both had before leaving.” I answer.

“Oh my!”

“I know. Don’t tell Pam, okay? She wont be so happy to hear that.”

“I wont. But yes, I do feel sorry for that gal.”

“Yeah, I do too. It really is heart breaking when you learn that the person you’re in love with doesn’t feels the same for you.”

“Right. He probably hates her.”

“Hmm he didn’t ever say that. You never know but she may have a chance with him…”

“I don’t think so, Liz.”

“How about then some matchmaking?”

“Liz, it won’t work. Besides, if he gets to know about it, he wont be happy. And neither will be Pam.”

“And neither Max.” I sigh.

“Max?”

“Yeah, he told me that I should not try to set them up. If Mr. Evans is interested in Pam, he would do something by himself.”

“Oh, well, he’s right.”

“Yeah, he’s right. Anyway, you want to have some more cake?”
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 37

MAX

“So, who was that girl that you were with inside?” My mother asks, as we sit in my car. My father and brother decided to go in his car while my mother wanted to come with me. Liz left with Serena.

I glance at my mother but ignore her question till we hit the road. She’s a patient woman.

“She’s my girlfriend.” I answer, glancing at her. She is looking at me carefully.

“That I guess I figured out. For how much time more will you be with her?”

I sigh. The whole player image is still following me.

“I guess, forever.”

She lets out a gasp. She didn’t expect this from me. Actually, she always used to ask the same question for all of my previous girlfriends and my answer usually was,

‘Maybe a week or two.’

“Wow, so you’re in love?” She asks.

I nod at her.

“Charming.” She says, smiling.

I smile back.

“So, what’s her name anyway?”

“Liz. Liz Parker.”

“And what does she do?”

Here comes the moment of truth.

“She’s Mark’s secretary.”

Her eyes wide open.

“What??”

“You heard me.”

“You mean to tell me that you’re dating your brother’s secretary?”

“Yeah, I am.”

She nods.

“For how long have you guys been together?”

“Two months.”

She raises her eyebrows.

“Two months?”

“Yeah.”

“And we didn’t even know?”

“We wanted to tell you later.”

“Oh, well, I would like to meet Liz sometime.” She says, smiling.

“Sure, mom.” I answer.

She smiles.

“Max, your play’s coming up, right?”

“Saturday.”

“Good. I can’t wait to see my little boy on the stage.”

I chuckle. To my mom, my brother and me will always be little kids.

“Right.”

“Max, Kyle didn’t come.” She says, after a moment of silence.

I remain silent. He didn’t come and didn’t even call to give me the reason.

“I did invite him.”

“I know. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.”

I nod. It’s really been a long time.

“Max, next week… you know what it is right?” Her voice sounds so sad.

10th of January is when Rachel died. Mark goes to Phoenix every year on this date. I don’t know his plans this time.

I nod. Whenever we talk about this topic, my mouth goes dry.

“Life’s hard, isn’t it?” She shakes her head, looking straight ahead. I know how difficult it is for her too.

“Mom, is Mark going to Phoenix?” I ask her.

“I don’t know. He didn’t say anything.”

I nod. He won’t say anything.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

I wait for him to finally come outside. He’s bachstage and they won’t allow me to go in there.

Mr. Evans is a foot away from me and I don’t know where his parents are.

He finally comes outside talking to that girl whom he had kissed on the stage and I just stand and watch as she gives him a big smile and then walks away. She was definitely flirting with him.

He spots me and walks towards me.

“Hey.” He says and we kiss.

“So, did you flirt back?” I ask, smiling.

He seems to understand what I just said and glances at that girl who’s talking to some men at this moment.

“No.” He answers simply, beaming at me.

“Charming.” I say.

“So, how did I do out there?” He asks, pointing at the stage.

“Max, try auditioning for a movie role or something. I know that you’ll get the award.” I answer truthfully.

“Really? But I wouldn’t do that.”

“And why would be that so?”

“Because I’m very much comfortable with what I’m doing right now. This whole stage-actor thing is much better than a movie actor.”

I shrug.

“Maybe.”

Just then, Max’s parents come to talk to their son.

“Max, sweetheart, you did a great job up there.” Mrs. Evans says, hugging her son.

“Thanks, mom.”

“Your mother’s right, son.” Philip Evans says and Max smiles.
Just then Mr. Evans comes and stand on my right.

Mrs. Evans, heck I’ll just call her Diane, notices me standing in this little group and smiles.

“You must be Liz…” She says, that smile never leaving her face.

I smile at her back and shake her outstretched hand.

“Yes.”

“Max talks about you a lot.”

I just nod. I am not so good in acting well with your boyfriend’s parents.

“Well, mom, I’m leaving. I am tired and I really want to sleep.” Mr. Evans, I mean Mark says.

“Okay, we were leaving too. Max, what about you, honey?” Diane says.

“Liz and I are going out somewhere. I’ll probably be late.” Max answers.

“Okay. It was nice to meet you, Liz.” Diane says.

“It was nice to meet you too. Goodnight.” I say.

“Goodnight.” She says and they leave soon.

“Max, I know you won’t be home tonight. So, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Mr. Evans says.

I blush.

“Goodnight, lovebirds.” He says, smirking.

And as he walks past me, I give him a slap on his arm. He laughs as he walks away.

Max moves closer to me.

“And what do you think you’re doing?” I say as he stares at me.

“I’m inviting you to my guesthouse… care to accept the invitation?” He asks and I smirk as we practically run to the car.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 38

LIZ

As the car nears the Crashdown, I couldn’t help feeling excited. This is all so good. We had a great two-day trip, even though it might have not been so good for my boss.

Max is sitting right beside me, his head on my shoulder. Our hands are clasped together and he’s sleeping with his mouth a little open. He’s a disgusting ma, did I tell you that? Anyhow, I love him.

Mr. Evans is the driver for the day. When we left Phoenix, Max drove the car for one hour and then Mr. Evans decided to take in charge of the driving seat for the rest of the ride.

We had left L.A on Friday and stayed the whole day there, as well as Saturday. Friday was good but Saturday was quite a silent day. We had gone to meet Rachel… you know what I mean, right? Anyway, Mr. Evans mood is still off and I don’t know what I should do to make it better.

You must be wondering what the heck is happening? Mr. Evans obviously had to go to Phoenix yesterday and Max and I also had to go two weeks before my friend’s wedding ceremony. So, Michael had also invited Mr. Evans and after a lot of persuasion, he’s coming with us for two weeks. First he said he’ll come back later and by ‘later’ he meant on the wedding day. Max and I obviously didn’t want that because we knew that Mr. Evans, after the 10th of January, would be nothing but a dying rose. And now I know how right we are because he’s barely talking!

Michael had left a week ago and I still remember Max and I dropping him off at the airport. He was really excited and sometimes, we noticed that he was smiling to himself! How more cute a guy can get??

As for the whole Pam thing, no progress at all. I had tried sometimes to get them talking but they barely talk. Besides, I didn’t have much time to play the matchmaker and now that I see Mr. Evans, I think I should stop it for the meantime. Besides, Pam wont be here so no matchmaking for the next two weeks.

Mr. Evans parks the car and I get out to help him unload the luggage, which is not too much. Max is looking so cute (not disgusting… that was just a joke) in his sleep that I don’t want to wake him up until we’ve got everything out of this car.

I close the car door and walk to the back of the car. Mr. Evans has already started taking the bags out and after giving him a smile, I start too. The worst thing of all is that he didn’t smile back.

After we had taken all the bags out (except his because he thinks he’ll be able to stay in the hotel. Well, he’s wrong because I won’t let him), Mr. Evans just stands there, staring at the bags.

I decide to pop up the question…

“Mr. Evans…?”

He immediately turns to look at me.

“Is everything okay?” I ask him.

He gives me a confused look and asks,

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, since we had left L.A, you have been very upset. Is this because of Rachel’s thing yesterday…?”

He stares at his shoes for a half a minute and then just nods.

“You look good when you’re smiling and happy, not when you’re so sad.”

He just gives me a small smile but it doesn’t rests there for even a second!

He opens the front door to take other things out. I know he’s very uncomfortable talking to anyone. Even Max was… yesterday. But today Max is himself.

I roll my eyes and open the back door.

“Max, wake up…” I say but he doesn’t seem to listen to me at all.

“Max, wake up!” I say again, this time loud.

I pat his arm but no response except some mumbling like, ‘Leave me alone.’

I sigh loudly. This guy really is disgusting sometimes.

“Here you go.” Mr. Evans says from behind me.

I turn around to face him and I see him standing with a water bottle in his hand.

“What is that for?” I ask, pointing to the bottle.

“Pour some on him. The he’ll definitely wake up.” He says and hands me the bottle.

I smile devilishly and open the cap.

“Go ahead.” Mr. Evans says. He’s watching the show too.

“Here we go.” I say to myself and pour some water on Max’s face.

“Ahhh!” Max practically screams and wakes up immediately.

I laugh loudly and hear Mr. Evans chuckling behind me. At least, that made him laugh.

“What the hell was that??” Max asks, all wet and staring at me.

I do not stop laughing and turn to Mr. Evans who shakes his head and walks to the back of the car.

I turn back to Max, still laughing and he smiles too devilishly.

I stop laughing when I see him smiling like that.

“You’re dead, Parker.” He says and snatches the bottle from me.

“Uh oh.” I manage to say before he pours all the water from the bottle on my head.

I stand there, staring at him while he laughs at me.

“That was a wrong move.” I say and hop in the backseat, tickling him.

Soon, he’s tickling me too.

“Hey, you kids!” Mr. Evans shouts.

We both turn to see him standing by the door, staring at us.

“Get out and stop this whole tickling fight.” He says strictly.

Max and I look at each other and I bite my lip from laughing out loud. We soon exit the car and after taking our respective bags, we walk to the back door of my house.

I ring the bell twice and a ‘Coming’ is what I hear from Grandma.

She opens the door and grins.

“Oh Liz, you’re home!” She says and we both hug tightly.

This time I was expected to come home sometime during the weekend so she doesn’t sounds or seems so surprised like before.

When we both pull away, I say,

“Hey, Grandma. How are you??”

“I’m great, Lizzie. How are you, Max?” She asks him.

“I’m great.” He says and gives her a kiss on her cheek.

“And you must be…?” Grandma asks Mr. Evans, looking at him.

“Oh, how rude of me. Grandma, this is Mark Evans and Mr. Evans, this is Grandma.” I say and they both shake hands.

“Nice to meet you.” Mr. Evans says.

“Oh, nice to meet you too, Mark.” Grandma says and soon we all step in.

“Is Maria or Isabel or anyone here?” I ask her as I put down my bags.

“Oh, no. Isabel was here in the morning and Maria will come whenever her shift will start.”

“Well, I’ll call them up right now, anyway.”

“Good. They’ll be happy to see you.”

“Grandma, tell Mr. Evans to stay with us…” I say, looking at Mr. Evans.

“Oh, no, Liz. I’ll be fine at the hotel.” He says and I just roll my eyes.

“Why, we do have a guest room here…” Grandma says.

“Max is staying here too so I don’t-“ Mr. Evans starts but I cut him off.

“Max can stay with me.” I say looking at Max who is biting his lip from smiling.

I know how happy he is to hear this news.

“Yes, he can stay with Liz. Mark I insist.” Grandma says.

Mr. Evans nods, smiling.

“Okay, I’ll just go and take my bags.”

“I’ll help you.” Max says and they both exit the house.

“Mark doesn’t sounds so happy.” Grandma says to me.

“Long story, Grandma.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“And here’s the guestroom.” Liz says, opening the door wide.

I step in, following her.

“How’s it?” She asks as I look around and put my bag down.

I give her a small smile and answer,

“Really good and thanks.”

“No problem.” She says, beaming at me.

I don’t feel like making a conversation so I walk to the window and open it.

“Why don’t you freshen up and meet us downstairs for lunch?”

“That’d be great.” I answer, without even looking at her.

I hear her footsteps advancing towards me.

I turn around to face her.

“Mr. Evans, I know whatever happened was not good but don’t you think it’s time to get over it?” She asks me, crossing her arms on her chest.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, confused.

She leans against the window too opposite me.

“I know it’s hard, Mr. Evans. I don’t know what would I do if this ever happens to Max…” She says and I look away.

“You have no idea.” I say.

“I know. And I don’t want to have an idea either.”

“Good for you.”

She sighs again. I know she’s trying not to scream at my attitude.

After a moment of silence, she asks,

“Do you think about the baby?”

I immediately look at her.

“Huh?”

“The baby. Rachel was pregnant, right?”

“Yes, she was.” I say, looking outside the window.

Somehow, I can’t manage to look her in the eye.

“So, do you think about the baby then?”

I remain silent for a few seconds and then say,

“Sometimes.”

“Did you think of a name for the baby?”

I smile at the memory when Rachel and I argued about the name of the baby…

“Rach, no. David is kind of an old name…” I say as she writes down the name.

She’s sitting on my lap with a writing pad in her hands.

“Oh, and who really said that?” She asks, not turning her face to look at me.

“I said that. Darling, you’re getting heavy…” I joke.

She lightly punches my thigh.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“Mark, you better keep those stupid comments to yourself if you don’t want to piss off your five month pregnant wife.”

“Oops, sorry.” I say, remembering the whole hormones thing.

“Anyway, back to the topic.”

“Right.” I nod.

“How about… Kevin?”

“Sounds nice.” I say.

“So, is it Kevin then?”

“I never said it is Kevin…” I joke.

“Mark you better get serious.” She warns me, showing her fist.

“Okay, okay. Kevin’s good but if we come up with a better name in the next three months, then it is going to replace Kevin.”

“Okay…” She says, looking very thoughtful.

“Good.” I say and take the writing pad from her.

“For what did you take that pad away from me?” She asks, looking at me.

“To make love to you.” I whisper.

“I thought I was too heavy for you…?” She teases.

“I was just kidding, darling.”

“Oh really?”

“Uh huh…” I say as I take her earlobe in my mouth.

“Mr. Evans?”

I look at Liz who’s still waiting for me to answer her.

“We did think for a name. He was a boy so we kind of settled with the name Kevin.”

“Hmm… sounds nice.”

I nod.

“Liz, can we please not talk about this right now?”

“Anything you want, Mr. Evans. I just wanted to say that life has many other meanings. You can’t live depending on the memories of your past.” She says and leaves the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

I turn to look out the window and couldn’t help thinking how right she was.
______________________________________________________________________

Part 39

MAX

“Hey, where were you?” I ask as she enters the room and closes the door behind her.

She sits on the edge of the bed beside me.

“I went to tell your brother to come down for lunch in a few minutes.” She says.

I nod.

“Is everything okay with him? Or is he still upset?”

“He’s still upset. I don’t know when he will move on…”

“He will one day.”

“Well, that day better come soon because it’s been two years now and he’s still not over her.” She says, looking at me.

“Liz, my brother is not the kind of person that you can change so quickly. He does what he pleases. Leave him alone, Liz. He wont listen to anyone.”

“Max, don’t you think that he’s living his present depending on the memories of the past?”

I nod.

“Yes, I think so. But I can’t do a thing to change that fact. He’s a stubborn man.”

She nods.

“I know. I just want to see him happy.”

“Me too, Liz. I had been dying to seem him happy for two years and because of you, he was the old Mark for sometime. But now he has got a reason to be upset all over again…”

“I know. Anyway, you tell me. Are you happy to be here?” She asks, smiling.

I smile back.

“Yes, and I did find some interesting things in your room which I didn’t when I came here last time.”

“Oh really? Name a few, please.” She says, raising her eyebrows with a hint of smile on her face.

I make a thoughtful expression and say,

“I found some condomns in your drawer a few minutes ago.” I say, looking at her.

She giggles.

“I put them when I entered the room.”

“So the first thing you did when you entered your room was put the condomns in the drawer?” I ask her, chuckling.

“Well, I was taking things out from my purse and I found the packet there. And so I placed it in its right place.” She says, smirking.

I take her left hand and say,

“Looks like you’re getting too ready for tonight…”

She comes closer to me and whispers,

“You’re so right, Max Evans. Now, come here.”

She says and soon we are making out.

After a few minutes, somebody knocks the door.

“Lizzie, it’s me. I’m coming in.” That is Maria.

She comes in immediately and raises her eyebrows when she sees me and Liz, lying down in the middle of the bed in each other’s arms.

“Am I here at the wrong time?” She asks.

Liz and I both shake our heads and then Liz walks to Maria, both of them hugging like they haven’t seen each other for two years.

“Oh, Lizzie. You have to see the dress that I picked up for you and Isabel for my wedding day!” Maria says as soon as they both pull away.

Liz laughs.

“I will, Ria. How can I miss that part??”

Maria looks at me and says,

“Maxie pooh!! How are you???”

She runs to me and bends down to hug me. Goodness, I really need air now.

She pulls away after almost crushing my lungs.

“Hey, Maria. How are you??” I ask her, breathing hard.

“Oh, I’m great. Do you mind if I rent your girlfriend for sometime?? I don’t think that I will be able to sit calmly until I show her the dress.” She says, grinning.

Liz laughs.

“Sure. But, do not lose her somewhere. She’s a precious gem to me.”

Liz blushes while Maria pinches my cheek.

“That is shoooo cuuute!!” Maria comments and then drags Liz out of the room.

I shake my head, smiling. Maria will always be Maria.

“Who was that?” Mark asks, entering the room.

“Oh, that was Maria-Michael’s soon-to-be wife and Liz’s best friend.”

“Oh.” He says, nodding.

He still looks upset.

“Lets go downstairs.” I say.

“Sure.” He agrees and follows me downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“You didn’t tell me that he was cute!” Maria says to me as we sit down on the chairs in my balcony.

“Yeah Liz, Maria’s right.” Isabel says.

I’m confused.

“Whom are you talking about??” I ask them.

“Mark, who else??” Maria says, giving me a ‘duh’ look.

“Oh. I didn’t tell you that he was handsome, didn’t I?”

They both think about it for a while and then Maria says,

“Yeah, you did. But you didn’t tell us that he was thiiisss cute!” She spreads her arms wide.

I giggle.

“Well, now you know how cute he is.”

Isabel sighs.

“If I wasn’t in love with Alex, then I would’ve truly flirted with him.” She says.

“Me too… if it hadn’t been the fact that I have to marry Michael in two weeks.” Maria says.

“Well, if you both were not in love with your respective boyfriends, then also I would’ve suggested you two to take Mark out of your minds.” I say.

“What are you saying??” Isabel asks.

“Liz, don’t you know how cute he is?!” Maria asks.

“Duh! Of course, I know that.” I say.

“Wait, what are you really trying to say?” Isabel asks.

“What I’m saying is that Mark will never even glance at you guys.”

“Liz, that’s a major insult. We both are beautiful and the whole world knows that.” Maria says, glaring at me.

I sigh.

“Ria, you have a very bad habit of accusing others without listening to the whole thing.” I say.

“Then tell us what ‘the whole thing’ is.” Isabel says.

“He is a widower.”

“What??” Maria practically yells while Isabel gasps.

“His wife died two years ago.”

“Oh my…” Isabel says.

“But… how?” Maria asks.

“In a car accident. She was pregnant.”

“Oh no… poor Mark. No wonder why he looks so reserved.” Isabel says.

“He hasn’t dated anyone yet. He hasn’t moved on.”

“Lets not talk about this or it will make me cry.” Maria says.

I chuckle.

“Okay.”

“Hey, how’s everything going on with Max, huh?” Isabel asks me.

The mention of his name makes me smile. I look at the sky and say,

“Great. Just like a dream…”

“Aww, you and Max are like so romantic. I wish Michael was as romantic as Max is.” Maria says, rolling her eyes.

Isabel and I both giggle.

“Anyway, are you both serious?” Maria asks.

I nod.

“Yes, we are.”

“So, wedding bells soon?” Isabel asks, smiling.

“Not yet but I sure hope so.” I answer.

“Wow, it’s going to be great, you know. All us friends getting married.” Isabel says.

“Wait, rewind that a little. Are you trying to tell us something?” Maria asks Isabel.

“Umm…” Isabel says but stops.

Maria looks at me and asks,

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“If you’re thinking of having sex with Michael tonight, then I’m sorry, the answer would be no then.” I say.

Maria glares at me and then turns to Isabel.

“Iz, shoot.”

“Okay, okay. Alex proposed to me last night…”

After a few seconds of silence, Maria and I both shriek excitedly.

“Seriously??” I ask Isabel.

She nods, grinning.

“Oh, the ring… show me the ring.” Maria says and kneels down beside Isabel.

I follow her action and kneel in front of Isabel.

She shows us the ring on her finger and Maria and I both shriek excitedly again.

“This is such a great ring!!” I exclaim.

“So beautiful!” Maria says, looking from Isabel’s ring to hers.

Isabel and I laugh at Maria.

“Ah, who cares? My ring is fine too. Now, give me a hug!” Maria says and we all join in a group hug.

Part 40

LIZ

And so here is the day that we all have been waiting for… especially Maria and Michael. Yes, it’s their wedding day. As I help Maria do her hair, I can’t help smiling. My friend is nervous, happy, tensed… everything at the same time. I wonder if I’ll be like that on mine and Max’s wedding day…

I stop combing her hair at the thought of marrying Max…. Where did that thought came from??

“Liz?”

“Huh?” I look at Maria, coming out of my Max-Land.

“Why did you stop combing?? We need to hurry up… what if because of this we get late or something?? I don’t want to keep the guests waiting… oh my, I’m rambling aren’t I? Liz, you have no idea how nervous I am… as much as I’ve waited for this day, I….”

As her rambling continues, I space out.

What if really I get married to Max? But for that, he needs to propose me. Wait, I can propose him too, right? I mean, it’s a new age and stuff and even Phoebe did that to Mike… even though she did it at the football stadium and ended up embarrassing Mike and in the end, Mike was the one who proposed…

Wait, no. I am not Phoebe and Max is not Mike….

Goodness, what the hell am I thinking? What if Max doesn’t wants to marry me… what if he has decided not to marry anyone until he’s forty or something…

Oh man, what if he… what if he never ever asks me to marry him?? What if he hates marriage?? What if he realizes one day that he doesn’t love me anymore…??

Oh no, this cannot happen, can it?

“Liz, I asked you a question…”

“What?” I ask Maria, once again coming out of my stupid land.

“I asked you what would you do on your wedding day?” She asks me, looking at me from the mirror.

I place the hairbrush on the dressing table and kneel down beside her.

“On my wedding day…?”

“Yes, Liz, your wedding day.” She says, looking at me.

I look up at her and ask,

“What are you trying to ask?”

“I am asking you whether you’re going to be as nervous as I am right now… thinking if you made the right decision to marry Max… heck, what am I talking about?? I love Mike and I want to spend the rest of my li-“

I cut her in.

“Wait… hold on. Right decision to marry Max??”

“Yeah, you two are going to get married one day…”

“Married…?” I drop my gaze to my knees.

“Well, you must’ve talked about marriage, right?”

“Umm… no.”

“Wait, Liz. You both are in love, right?”

“Yes…” I answer, looking up at her.

“And you’re going to get married one day, right?”

“I… I don’t know…”

“What do you mean by ‘I don’t know, I don’t know.’? He loves you, Liz. He is going to ask you to marry him…”

I stand up and pace around the bedroom.

“How could you be so sure?” I ask her, stopping in my tracks.

She sighs loudly and stands up. As she walks, she tries to handle her dress from making her trip over or something.

“He’s in love, Liz! He is going to ask you to marry him… how many times should I tell you the same thing??” She says, looking at me unbelievably.

“But what if he doesn’t wants to get married…?”

“Liz, stop this. You’re just being paranoid!”

“Ria, you’d never know what’s going in a guy’s mind…”

“Yes, you’re right. You’d never know what’s going in a guy’s mind. Maybe he’s thinking of proposing to you tonight or something?”

“What if he’s not?”

She throws up her hands in the air.

“Liz, what’s up with you? You sound like you don’t trust him or something!”

“I do trust him!!”

“Then?? Why are you acting like this?”

“Maria, I-“

Just then the door opens and Amy Deluca, Maria’s mom, walks in.

“Aww, sweetie, I am so sorry I am late. It took me time to get ready…” Aunt Amy says and hugs Maria tightly.

‘We’ll talk about this later…’ Maria mouths to me as she hugs her mom.

I just simply nod.

“You, my girl, are looking so good!” Aunt Amy says to Maria, checking her out.

“Well, you have to give me credit. After all, I helped Maria to pick up the dress.” Isabel says as she walks in the room.

“But the credit should be given to me too. After all, this dress fits me like second skin and besides, I was the one who dragged you into coming with me to the shop…” Maria says, glaring at Isabel.

These two girls just have to argue on something…

“Yeah, but-“ Isabel starts but I cut her in.

“Girls, stop this. You both get the credit, okay?” I say, glaring at both of them.

They both just roll their eyes while Aunt Amy turns to me.

“Oh Liz, you know both of them. Anyway, when are you going to get changed, huh? Come on girls, lets get Liz ready. After all, she needs to impress Max out there.”

I just roll my eyes as all three of them drag me into the bathroom.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“I’m almost there, now. Here it is…” I say on the phone to Michael.

“Yeah yeah, Mike. I’m parking!” I say as I park my car.

“Okay, I’ll call you as soon as I get the ring in my hand… Mike, I will call you, okay? Thanks for giving me the directions. Bye!” I say and before he could speak, I hang up.

Michael forgot to pick up the wedding ring and sent me to get it. I first argued but then I remembered that I also have to buy something…

I enter the shop and smiled at Jerry.

“Hey, Max. It’s Max, right?” He asks.

“Yeah.” I answer, shaking his hand.

I had met him two days ago when Mike and I had come here to look for the wedding ring.

“I thought you guys were going to come to get it yesterday…” He says as he gives me the ring.

“Well, actually Michael was supposed to come yesterday but as usual, he forgot. And in two hours is his wedding.” I say and Jerry chuckles.

“Typical Michael.” He says as I check out the ring one more time before putting it back in the box.

“Yeah. Hey, I want to buy an engagement ring…” I say.

“Well, why don’t you look around yourself and tell me when you choose one…?” He asks as he walks to another customer.

“Sure.” I answer.

As I look at all the rings, I don’t seem to find the best one.

Just then, my cell rings. I look at the screen… its Michael again.

I click the answer button and the first thing I say is,

“What?”

“Did you get it, Maxwell??” He asks.

“Yes, I did.”

“Is it the one we chose that day??”

“Yes, it is the same one.”

“Are you sure?”

I sigh irritably.

“Yes, Mike. It is the same one.”

“And did you get the other ring?”

“What other ring?”

“The engagement ring for Liz, silly!”

“I’m still looking…”

“Well, you better get a good one.”

“I know, Mike…”

“And yeah, make sure that you think twice before buying it… what if she likes it or not?”

“Mike, this the first time I am going to ask someone to marry me… give me a break, man!”

“Oh, okay. Hurry up and come back home. I will not calm down until I see the wedding ring.”

“Yeah, Mike. I’ll be home after 30 minutes.”

“What?! No, make that fifteen minutes, Maxwell!”

“Bye, Mike.” I say and switch my cell phone off. Now he wont be able to call me again.

“Looking for a ring?”

I turn to see who just said that and see a man standing beside me, looking at the rings himself.

“Yeah…” I answer and turn my attention back to the rings.

“Even I didn’t seem to find one once. You just seem to keep wondering whether your girlfriend will like it or not… whether it’s the correct decision to ask her to marry you…” He says, looking at me.

“Well, I know that it’s the correct decision to ask my girlfriend to marry me. But yes, I am wondering the first question whether she’s going to like it or not…?”

“You never know what women want. It’s very hard to understand what’s in their minds.” He says and I nod.

“Well, I’ll see you later. I am also trying to look for a ring. Good luck in finding the ring.” He says.

Just as he turns around, I say,

“Hey!”

He turns around to face me.

“Can you help me look for a ring? I can help you too… if you want.” I say.

He smiles and nods.

“I’m John, anyway.”

His name reminds me of that John Mathews… Heck, there are many Johns out here.

“Max.” I say, smiling.

“Well, Max, how about this one?” He asks, pointing to a diamond ring.
______________________________________________________________________

Part 41

MARK

As I put on my shirt and start buttoning it, somebody knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” I ask.

“It’s me, Mr. Evans. Liz.”

“Wait up!” I say and finish buttoning my shirt.

I open the door and she walks in.

“You got ready?” I ask her.

“Yeah, I’ve just put on the dress. Only the make-up and hair and jewelry are left. Iz and Aunt Amy have diverted their attention back to Maria. After all, she needs to get ready first.”

I nod.

“Well, the dress is good.” I say and walk to the closet.

“Yeah, Maria picked it up.”

“Hey, where’s Max?” I ask as I sit on my bed to charge the battery of my cell.

“Well, Michael forgot to pick up the wedding ring…”

“What?” I ask, chuckling.

She rolls her eyes.

“Yeah and so he sent Max there. Anyway, are you going to Michael’s?” She asks.

“Yeah, he said I should get there early.”

“I bet he’s as nervous as Maria.”

“You don’t need to bet, he is already very nervous.”

“Yeah…”

“I remember how I was on my wedding day…” I say.

In the last week, I have learnt many things. I had enjoyed myself immensely and the credit goes to Max, Liz and her friends. I have learnt that life cannot be depended on the memories of your past… everybody has to move on.

And now, I don’t feel uncomfortable talking about Rachel. Liz and Max are very happy with my new attitude; after all, they were the ones who made me adapt it.

“How were you on your wedding day?” Liz asks, sitting beside me.

“I was way too nervous… maybe even more than Michael is at this moment.”

“But there must be a feeling of content and happiness too, right?” She asks.

“Yeah, there was. I was so sure about it that I don’t think I had ever been sure about anything in my entire life.”

She nods.

“I can imagine that. Deciding to get married is one of the most difficult things, right?”

“No. When you’re sure about something, there’s nothing that can stop you. It’s like when you see the person you’re in love with, you know that you want to spend the rest of the life with him or her.”

She nods, ducking her head.

I observe her for a few seconds and then say,

“Max loves you.”

She immediately turns to look at me.

“Don’t worry, he’s going to propose soon.” I say.

“I…” She starts but I stop her by covering her hand with mine.

“Liz, I know he loves you like crazy. And I also know that you’re wondering whether he’s going to pop the question or not…”

“How… how do you know I’ve been wondering about that a lot?”

“I just do.”

“Well, I don’t know what to think. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with him… I just keep wondering whether he thinks the same too.”

I smile.

“I’m pretty sure he thinks of the same thing.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I think he should better start looking for a ring…”

“Ring?” She asks, confused.

“Engagement ring.”

“Maybe.” She says, looking at her hands on her lap.

“He will, Liz. Stop worrying!”

“I’m not worried!”

“Liz, don’t lie. I know you very well.”

She smiles and says,

“Okay, fine. I’ll stop worrying.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Good. Now you go and get ready and so will I.”

“Okay. But before you leave, do inform me, okay?”

“Okay.”

She smiles and leaves the room.

Max is going to get a long lecture from me…

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

As I exit Mark’s bedroom, I feel that maybe I wont be able to fulfill the promise that I just made with him.

Maybe I will not stop worrying at all. But what else can I do? I love Max and so does he, but I don’t know if he’s ready yet or not. I mean, I am ready. Like really ready.

I know it’s not been such a long time since he and I have been together but I want to spend the rest of my life with him. Like Mr. Evans said that when you see a person who you love, you just know that you want to spend the rest of your life with him or her. I know that I feel the same when I see Max… I know I want to spend the rest of my life with him, I know that he’s the person that I’ve always dreamt of… the person that always Cinderella dreamt of.

I walk to the coffee table where a photo frame of my parents is lying. I sit down on the sofa, making sure that I do not crumple my dress in the process. After staring at the frame for a while, I finally pick it up.

God, I miss them so much. I hope they were here to see my Max, to see how happy I am. Just like me, they always thought that John is the one for me. They always thought John was a great guy and that he would never hurt me.

Unfortunately, they were not here to see his true colors. He broke my heart into million pieces and never told me why he did so. I don’t know why he went away but I want my parents to know that he did hurt me, hurt me so much that in the corner of my heart, it still hurts to have him not here with me.

But I wont trade whatever I have for anything. If John was here with me, I would’ve never gone to L.A. I would have never met Max and I would have never thought of marrying him. John was my first love, I agree, but now that I think of him, I feel angry, disappointed… I feel like I should have never met him.

After so many years, I still don’t have the reason to why he left me so all alone and broke my heart. We were happy; I know that he was happy too. Then why did he…?

No, I should not think about this. I had spent many nights just wondering the reasons after he walked away… I tried contacting him so that I can ask him why, but he never came in front of me.

Now, I don’t even want to see him. I have realized after meeting Max that I’m better off without him. I’m not sad anymore that he walked away from me… I’m glad that he did. He did hurt me, especially that he went just after my parent’s death. He wasn’t here when I needed him. I should forget him and the fact that I ever cared about him.

But I want to know why he did whatever he did. But I want him to see me with Max. I want to show him how happy I am without him… I want to show him that I am in love… this time, true love.

“Liz, Liz!” Maria yells from the room.

“Coming!” I shout and put the frame down.

After rubbing my eyes to get rid of the unshed tears, I walk to my room where these girls are getting ready.

“Liz, where were you?” Maria asks as I enter the room.

“I told you that I am going to go and check how Mr. Evans is doing.” I answer.

“And so how is he doing?” Isabel asks as she puts on her earrings.

“He’s getting ready. He’s going to leave for Mike’s place in a few minutes.”

“Talking about Mike, he just called Maria a minute ago.” Isabel says.

“Really?” I ask, winking at Maria who just rolls her eyes.

“Won’t you ask Maria why did he call…?” Isabel says, trying her best to not laugh out aloud.

“Why, Maria? Why did he call you?” I ask Maria who is currently glaring at Isabel.

“It’s not unlawful, you guys.” She says and turns back her attention to the make-up.

“We know it’s not unlawful… but we want to know why he called one and a half hour before your wedding ceremony…?” Isabel asks and I giggle.

“Mind your own business, Iz.” Maria warns Isabel.

“Yeah, stop it, Iz. We know why he called her…” I say, winking at Isabel.

“He must have definitely called to ask Maria if she still wants to marry him after hearing that he forgot to pick up the wedding ring…” Aunt Amy says.

“What?!” Maria shouts, turning to her mother.

Uh oh. Wrong thing to say because we never told Maria about the whole wedding ring thing and looking at Maria’s reaction, neither did Mike.

“Did I… did I said the wrong thing??” Aunt Amy asks, looking at us.

Isabel and I nod, frowning.

“Oh my, me and my big mouth.” She says, shaking her head.

“Guys, what’s going on??” Maria asks, looking from her mother to me to Isabel.

“Shall I tell her…?” Aunt Amy asks Isabel and me.

“Go ahead, Aunt Amy. You’ll have to tell her now.” Isabel says.

Aunt Amy nods and takes her deep breath then she turns her attention to Maria.

“Maria, Michael forgot to pick up the wedding ring.” She says.

“He what?! That asshole!” Maria shouts.

Before she could pick up the phone, I stop her and say.

“He went there to pick it up half an hour ago.” I lie. Well, the only thing that I lied about is that he went when in truth, Max went.

“You sure?” Maria asks, grabbing my bare arms.

“Hundred percent. Why would I lie to you?”

Maria sighs.

“Thank goodness. But that doesn’t mean that he’s not going to get a lecture from me…”

“He will, later. After you both get married.” Isabel says.

“Right, he will. You better warn him.” Maria says.

All three of us nod.

“Now, lets get ready. We don’t have much time left.” Aunt Amy says and finishes Maria’s make-up.

As I put on my make-up, someone knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” I ask.

“Liz, it’s me.” That’s Mr. Evans.

“Excuse me.” I say to all the women present in the room and exit the room, closing the door behind me.

“I’m leaving.” He says.

“Okay…”

“Is everything okay inside?”

“Now it is.”

“What do you mean?” He asks, frowning.

“Well, Aunt Amy told Maria about the whole wedding ring thing accidentally. She freaked out for a while but when I told her that he went to pick it up, she calmed down. But she’s still angry. Now, we’ll have to cheer her up.”

He chuckles.

“Trouble in Paradise?”

“Uh huh.”

“Anyway, I’ll see you at the church, right?”

“Of course.”

“Bye.” He says and then leaves.

Now to go and cheer my friend up.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Hey, thanks for the ring, John.” I say to him as we exit the shop.

“Well, no problem, Max. I had fun too.” He says.

“But yeah, I have to say that I found it a bit odd that you ended up not getting a ring…” I complain.

“Yeah… I just don’t seem to find the right one. But I’m glad you found the right one…”

I smile, looking at the box.

“Yeah, I love it. And I’m pretty sure Liz will too.”

“I would like to meet your girlfriend one day.” He says.

In the last few minutes, he has gotten to know much about me.

“Well, we are leaving day after tomorrow.” I say.

“Los Angeles, I suppose?” He asks.

“Yeah. Why don’t you come over to my friend’s reception tomorrow? You’ll get to meet my soon-to-be fiancé there.”

“Umm… I don’t know. Seeing that it’s not yours but your friend’s wedding…” He says, scratching his head.

“Oh, no problem. As far as he will care would be that you are my friend.”

“Are you sure?” He asks, frowning.

“Yep, positive. I’ll give you a call later today or tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. See ya, Max. And yeah, best of luck.”

I smile.

“Thanks. Bye, John.” I say and sit in my car.

Before I drive off, he waves at me.

--

Part 42

LIZ

As I stand next to Max, as Maria and Michael kiss and people clap, I just keep imagining me and Max in their position… Man, what the hell has happened to me?? Why do I keep thinking about marriage and marriage today?!

I should stop it before I start thinking about the babies and their future and stuff. This thing is getting out of control.

As Maria and Michael break the kiss and walk down the steps, grinning all the way, I picture Max and I the same way. Oh no, there I go again…

Maria hugs Max first and then turns to me.

“You remember what I said, don’t you?” She asks.

“Yeah, I do.” I answer, nodding.

“Good. I’ll call you later today.”

“Yeah right. Like you’ll get time…” I tease her.

“Liz, I will take some time out, okay?”

“That’d be great.” I say and hug her.

After sometime, they both leave.

Maria and Michael decided to have the reception tomorrow because… they felt like it.

As they go in their car, I feel really satisfied. Lovers should always get married… Heck, here I go again.

But yes, I do remember what Maria said earlier today…

“Okay, Liz. Because my mom came in the room, we had to stop talking about you talking bullshit and stuff…” I just roll my eyes as she straightens her dress.

“Ria, I’m fine now.”

“What do you mean you’re fine now? An hour ago you were all tensed and worried and stuff…” She frowns.

“I talked to Mr. Evans about this…”

“Like you went up to him and said, ‘Mr. Evans, do you think Max will ask me to marry him?’ Did you say that?”

I roll my eyes.

“No, we were talking. And he just guessed that I’m worried about this whole thing…”

“And so what did he say?”

“He told me not to worry and that maybe Max is looking for a ring for me.”

“Oh my!”

I frown. What the hell happened to her??

“Maria, what happened??”

“This means that Max is going to ask you to marry him!”

What the hell is she talking about?

“What do you mean?”

“Mr. Evans said that maybe Max is looking for a ring, right?”

“Yeah, he said that. But that doesn’t mean anything…”

“Tell me his exact words.”

“What??”

“Liz, tell me his exact words!”

“Well, he said, ‘I think he should better start looking for a ring…’ But why are asking about his exact words??”

“This means I’m right. Mr. Evans knows that Max is going to propose to you!”

“Huh? Maria, I still don’t understand what you are trying to say.”

“Liz, Mr. Evans knows that Max is going to ask you to marry him. He has given you the clue!”

“He has?” I ask her, confused.

“Yes, dumbo!”

“Oh…”

“Liz, you’re going to get married! Yay!” She says and then hugs me.

And so this is how our conversation went. I am still not sure if she was right or not.

Max takes my hand and smiles at me.

His smile this time looks like it has a million things hidden behind it. I smile at him back and kiss him.

If Maria is right, then I’m the luckiest woman on planet Earth!

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

Well, here it is-the reception day.

Yesterday was good… the best thing: my friends got married and I got laid last night.
The worst thing: I got a lecture from my brother.

The lecture had some very important information. Like, Liz is waiting for me to the pop up the big question. Mark was actually telling me how I should have given her a sign or something. I told him that this is my first time and I am not experienced. I mean, it’s not like everyday you decide to get married.

But he ignored whatever I said and at times refused to hear me out. I listened to his lecture and sometimes spaced out.

But thanks to him, now I know that Liz is waiting for me to pop up the big question. I’m going to do it soon… maybe tonight.

As for now, well, I am tying my shoe laces while Liz is still getting dressed in the washroom. I am almost done and she hasn’t gotten even dressed yet.

The reception is at the hotel and I did invite John there. I don’t even know his last name and still I invited him. I did it because he told me that he was new too and had come here for some business work. I thought why not invite him to Michael’s reception… he’ll get to know the people out here better.

I called him last night.

Just then, Liz comes out. Oh man, she is looking hot. And because of that, I just stare at her.

She is wearing a tight-fitting knee-length pure red dress and she looks hot.

“What? The dress is not good?” She asks me, frowning.

Oh man, she has no idea how good it is.

“The dress is… really good.” I say and lick my lips.

“You think so?”

“Yeah.”

“I bought this a week ago. Do you think it’s the kind of dress that you can wear to your best friend’s reception?” She asks as she comes to stand in front of me.

“Yeah…” I answer, my eyes at her cleavage.

“I wanted to get the perfect dress. I tried to search for ‘the dress’ but didn’t find it.”

“Uh huh.”

“So, in the end I picked up this one. But I was having doubts…”

“Right.” My eyes travel up and down her body.

“I mean it’s got no design, it’s just red, too simple and stuff.”

“Liz, it’s perfect.” I say, my eyes meeting hers.

She smiles finally.

“Glad that you like it.” She says, walking to the dresser and swaying her hips.

I gulp and turn my attention back to my shoelaces as she combs her hair.

“Liz, I invited someone…” I say.

“Where?” She asks, not looking at me.

“To the reception.”

“Oh, right. Who is it?”

“His name is John. I met him yesterday when I went to pick up Michael’s ring.”

“And you just invited him??” She asks, looking at me unbelievably.

“Yeah. He said he’s new around here and we became sort of friends so I thought why not invite him.” I say, shrugging.

She sighs.

“Did you ask Michael?” She asks.

“I didn’t get time to ask him…”

“You should’ve called him.”

“I did but his cell phone was off.”

“You should have called the hotel where they were staying.”

“I didn’t have the number.”

“You could have asked me.”

“You were sleeping.”

She frowns.

“What about the yellow pages?”

“I don’t know where you put them.”

She sighs.

“Max, you are crazy.”

“Yeah, but it’s not like Mike’s going to mind or something.”

“What about Maria?”

“Oops! I forgot about her.”

“Max, you really are crazy.”

“Well, maybe she wont mind too.”

“I sure hope so. Anyway, can you give me the hair drier? It’s in the bathroom.”

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Alex, stop eating.” Isabel says, glaring at Alex.

“What? I’m just eating, darling. Not having sex.” Alex says and takes one more piece of cake.

I try not to giggle because if I do, Isabel will kill me.

Isabel turns to the guest and says,

“Don’t mind him. He’s drunk.”

The old lady just nods and walks away. After she does, I start laughing.

“Alex, you just need to embarrass me, don’t you?” Isabel says, slapping his arm.

“Iz, you didn’t do the right thing…” Alex says with a mouth full of cake.

“What right thing?” Isabel asks him.

“By lying.”

“Lying?”

“Yeah, you said I was drunk even though I wasn’t.”

“Well, now I’ve realized that there was no use in saying that.” Isabel says, looking away.

“What do you mean?” Alex asks, frowning.

“You embarrassed me anyhow.”

“Why, aren’t you happy to be my fiancé?”

“I love being engaged to you. But when it comes to times like these, I regret it.”

“What?? Now, that’s a major insult.”

“Hey, you guys. Stop it.” I say before a real fight breaks out between them.

“Liz, didn’t you hear what she just said??” Alex asks me.

“I did hear it. And I know that she was just saying that because she was angry and that she didn’t mean it.” I say.

Alex turns to Isabel and asks,

“Whatever she said is true?”

“Yes, silly. I love being your fiancé.” Isabel says, smiling.

And then they start kissing. I turn around immediately.

I look at the door from where all the guests enter. I glance at it again and see someone standing in the doorway… someone familiar.

I move to get a better look and it’s none other than…

John Mathews.
Ash_maxliz
Enthusiastic Roswellian
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:00 am
Location: Planet Earth

Post by Ash_maxliz »

Part 43

LIZ

Oh no, this can’t be John Mathews.

Oh, this is so not happening. How can this person be John Mathews?? There’s definitely some problem with my eyes.

I move closer and then, suddenly Max comes to him and they’re shaking hands.

How could this happen?

I stare at the person for a while…

If this is John Mathews, then why is he talking to Max???

“Liz, I invited someone…”

“Oh, right. Who is it?”

“His name is John. I met him yesterday when I went to pick up Michael’s ring.”

Oh my! So this is the John that Max was talking about!

Max glances at me and then smiles. My eyes wide, I just stare at John as he looks at me.

I turn around immediately when they start advancing towards me. I have to get out of here. This is getting out of control.

I start walking ahead but too late as somebody grabs my forearm.

“Liz, I have been calling you. Why did you keep walking away?” Max asks as I turn around.

I gasp when I see John just a foot away from me, staring at me. For some strange reason, I still cannot believe that this is John Mathews.

“John, this is the person you wanted to see… my girlfriend, Liz.” Max says, smiling at me and wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

I drop my gaze to my shoes as John comes a little closer.

“Hello, Liz. Nice to meet you.” He says.

I have to shake his hand as Max is standing right beside me.

“Yeah, hi.” I say, still not looking up at him.

“Liz, why don’t you give John some company while I go and get him a drink?” Max asks.

Oh no, he can’t leave me.

“Umm… why don’t you stay with him, Max? I’ll go and get a drink for him…” I look at Max.

“Oh no. John has been waiting to see you. I’ll be right back.” He says and walks away before I can stop him.

I finally meet John’s eyes. I give him a look full of hatred.

“How are you, Liz? It’s been a long time since I had seen you…” He says, his expression unreadable.

“I was great until you entered this place.” I say, trying not to lose control and punch him.

He doesn’t say anything.

“Leave, John. I don’t know why you are here and I don’t want to know.” I say, glaring at him.

“Liz, I…” He starts but just then Isabel comes.

“Liz, here you are. And I’ve been looking all over for you.” She says to me.

I don’t look at her but when she looks at John, she gasps. It’s just as a big shock to her as it is for me.

“John…?” She asks.

I guess she cannot believe that he is here, that he is John.

“Hi, Isabel.” John says to her.

Isabel looks at me and then to John. She doesn’t say anything to him but only glares at him.

“I’m back. Here you go, John.” Max says and hands the drink to John.

“Thanks, Max.” John says, glancing at Isabel and me.

“Hey, come on. I’ll introduce you to my brother.” Max says.

“Yeah, sure.” John says and they both walk away.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying not to have a breakdown.

“Liz, what is he doing here?” Isabel asks me.

“Max invited him, Iz.” I say, looking at her with my eyes glistening with tears.

“Max? Why would Max invite him?” Isabel asks, looking at me unbelievably.

I tell her everything that Max told me earlier today.

“This means that Max doesn’t know he’s John Mathews…” Isabel says, looking away.

“He only told his first name. And even if he did tell his last name to Max right now, then he would have made it up because he knows that Max is my boyfriend.”

“When Max told you about him today, didn’t you guess he would be the one?”

“Isabel, there are millions and millions of Johns out here!” I say.

“I’m sorry. Nothing’s really registering right now.”

“I understand, Isabel. I am as shocked as you are. I don’t know what he wants but all I know is that I want him out of my life.” I say, searching for him.

I see him standing with Max and Mr. Evans, talking.

He glances at me occasionally and I just look away when he does.

“I want to know what he wants… I want to know why he broke your heart and walked away without any explanation.” Isabel says.

I sigh, frowning.

“I don’t know, Isabel. I just know that if because of him I lose Max, I’ll kill him and myself too.” I say.

“Liz, stop this. He wont do anything!” She says, grabbing my arms.

“But what if he does, Iz? What if he’s here today to take away the person that I love the most?”

“Liz, that’s what I hate about you! Taking everything negatively… he can’t do anything! We are here!” She says, looking at me unbelievably.

“Then you tell me why is he here?!”

She just remains silent.

“He knew everything, Isabel! He knew I would be here… he planned this!”

“I don’t know, Liz.” She says, rubbing her forehead.

“Then what else can it be?! I don’t know why he is here but I know that he planned this.” I say, glaring at John.

“Liz, I think you should tell Max…” Isabel says.

I immediately look at her.

“What?”

“You heard me. It’s better to tell him before he gets know himself.”

“No, I can’t do this.”

“Why not?!”

“Because I know that he is going to kill John as soon as I tell him…”

“He is not stupid, Liz. He knows how to control himself.”

“I don’t know, Iz. But I do not have the courage to go up to him and tell him that my ex-boyfriend is present here and that he invited him.”

“I don’t know about that, Liz. But I know that you have to do it by yourself and right now. This is something between you and him so I can’t help you in this one.”

“But Isabel…”

“No buts, Liz. As I said, it’s better to tell him yourself now before he gets to know it by any other means.”

I duck my head.

“Iz, I can’t do this…”

“Liz, you know I’m telling you the right thing to do.”

I nod. She is right.

“Okay, I’ll be back.” I say and walk towards them.

“Max, I want to talk to you.”

All the eyes turn to me and from the corner of my eye, I see John staring at me.

“Umm… okay. Excuse me.” Max says and I take him to a corner.

“Is everything okay?” He asks me, concern written all over his face.

“Umm… I want to tell you something very important.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Max, that Jo-” I start but Alex comes.

“Guys, what are you doing here?? It’s time for the broom and bride’s wedding dance. Come on.” Alex says.

“Alex, we’ll come later. I need to talk to Max right now.” I say, hoping that he would leave us alone for at least two minutes.

“This can wait, right? Come on, Liz. What can be more important than your friend’s reception day… her first wedding dance? Come on.”

“Liz, we’ll talk later, okay?” Max asks.

I just nod and follow Alex. I’ll just have to wait.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

As Maria and Michael dance, I try to put up a fake smile. As much as I want to enjoy this day, someone has made that impossible. And that person is none other than John Mathews.

I walk to Isabel.

“Iz?”

She turns around to face me.

“Liz, did you tell Max?” She asks me.

I shake my head no.

“Why??”

“I tried to but Alex came in between.”

“But I just told Alex about John a minute ago.” She says.

“I know. But at that time, he didn’t know. Anyway, where is Alex?”

“He said he needs a drink so went to take it. Liz, Alex was so not happy about this. He’s really pissed off right now. But I held him back from creating a scene. Because of John, we can’t afford to ruin our friends’ wedding.”

“I’m glad that Maria and Michael haven’t seen Alex yet.”

“Yeah, but they soon will. Aunt Amy knows.”

“You told her?” I ask.

“No. I mean, she saw him and stuff so she came to me and asked what he was doing here but before I could tell her anything else she just walked away saying that she needed a drink now that she heard some bad news.”

“Oh. Iz, I have to go out. I just need some fresh air.”

“Go ahead. I’ll handle things out here.”

I give her a small smile and then head to the garden.

It’s sunny out here. For so many people this sun must have brought so much happiness today but for me, it brought the worst thing.

Why did John come? What does he wants? Why can’t he just leave me alone?

I know he planned this. It’s so obvious.

When you think your life is under control, it just gets out of control in a minute. A few minutes ago I was happy until John came along.

But I don’t understand this. After so many years, what does he wants from me? He took away everything and now he’s here to take away my happiness again. But I’m not going to let that happen. If because of him, I lose Max, I swear I’ll kill him. He can’t ruin my life again… I wont let that happen.

“Hey Liz.”

I turn around immediately when I hear his voice.

Just then, I feel like I had some powers so that I can blast him.

“What do you want?” I ask him, my voice screaming how angry I am.

“Nothing. I just wanted to see you…” He says, taking a step closer.

I hold out my hand to stop him and say,

“Don’t come near me.”

He stands still and remains silent.

“So you planned all of this?”

“I didn’t plan anything…”

“Oh yeah? Do you think I do not know?!”

“Liz, I…”

“No, listen to me. I know you planned this. You were spying on us, weren’t you?”

“I wasn’t spying on you!”

“Oh, really? Then how come you befriended Max yesterday? You knew that Mike and Maria are getting married so given a chance, you came walking in… to ruin our lives, right??”

“You want to know everything? Fine, I did spy on you people. I got to know you were here and I even followed Max to the shop yesterday…”

I shake my head. I can’t believe I ever cared for him.

“So, this is what you planned, right? To befriend my boyfriend so that you could come here.”

“Liz, it was Max who offered me to come to the reception!”

“And you said yes! Because you were just looking for a chance to see me, right?!”

He sighs.

“You’re right. I was looking for a chance to see you.”

“Look, John. I don’t want to know why you did whatever you did to me all these years ago and neither do I want to know why you wanted to see me. But all I know is that I don’t want to see you again. I want you out of my goddamn life!”

“Liz, please listen to me…”

“I don’t want to listen to any of your bullshit! I’ve had enough of this.”

“Liz, please…”

“No. You have the nerve to come up to me and tell me to listen to you. What do you expect me to say when you tell me the reason, huh? You think I will forgive you and leave Max and come to you?!”

“Liz, just give me a chance to explain.”

“No. The slightest respect that I had for you is over, John. Just go away right now. It’s my friends’ wedding and you don’t have the right to ruin it.” I glare at him.

He sighs.

“I’m going now because I didn’t have the intention to ruin someone’s reception. But Liz, I will explain myself one day to you.”

“Well, too late you are. Just leave, John. Just leave.” I say, pointing to the exit.

And with that, he leaves. But I know he will come back…
______________________________________________________________________

Part 44

MAX

“Umm… Max, I’ll get myself one more drink, okay? I’ll be back.” John says.

“Sure.” I say and he walks away.

I turn back to see the couple’s dance and then people start joining Maria and Michael on the floor. I’ll go and ask Liz too.

I look for her but I cannot find her.

“Mark, have you seen, Liz?” I ask him.

“She was standing here a minute ago. She isn’t here?”

“No, well, I don’t seem to find her.”

“Hmm… lets see.”

He looks here and there to search for her and then says,

“Nope. I don’t seem to find her either.”

“I’ll go and ask Alex.” I say and excuse myself.

I walk to Alex who is just standing there, his arms folded on his chest with an unreadable look on his face.

“Hey, Alex.”

He turns to face me.

“Yeah?”

“You’re not dancing with Isabel?” I ask him.

“Oh… umm… she’s in the washroom right now. When she’ll come back, I’ll ask her to dance.”

I nod. His attitude looks different today.

“Is everything okay?” I ask him.

“Huh? Yeah. Why do ask that?”

“You’re acting different.”

“Oh, no. I am good. It’s just that I’m a little tired.”

I nod.

“Hey, have you seen Liz?”

“No. Wasn’t she standing with you?”

“She was and then she left without telling me.”

“Well, maybe she’s out in the garden or somewhere. Or maybe in the washroom.”

I nod.

“I’ll check both of the places.” I say and walk away from there.

I think I should go and check the garden first.

As I walk to the exit, I bump into Amy Deluca.

“Oops! Sorry.” I say.

“It’s okay. Anyway, where are you heading?” She asks.

“Oh, I was just looking for Liz.”

“Max, you should not leave her alone right now.”

“Huh?” I ask her, confused.

“I mean, you know that John Mathews is here and you still left her alone. You know what? I think you should threat John and tell him to get out of here. It must be hurting Liz and he should leave before Maria and Michael gets to know. Anyway, I have to go. See you around.”

With that, she walks away.

Oh no. That John is John Mathews??

How could this happen? Man, what have I done?!

I look here and there, still searching for her but I don’t seem to see her anywhere. Now, I must find her. And that John too… I need to kick him out.

But he’s not here either. That means he must be with Liz.

Oh no. This is getting worse minute by minute.

I walk out of there and in the garden.

There he is. But why is he walking out of here?

I follow him out there but before I can stop him, he sits in his car and drives off.

This time he left but the next time I see him, he’ll be out of this world.

I walk back to the garden. I need to see how Liz is doing.

Liz is sitting in the middle of the garden, sobbing.

“Liz!” I shout and she looks at me.

I run to her and immediately kneel down beside her and gather her in my arms.

“I’m so sorry.” I whisper as she sobs.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Here you go.” Maria says as she hands me the hot chocolate.

I smile and mumble a thanks.

“What did he say?” She asks.

I immediately look up at her.

“What?”

“What did John say?”

“Maria, I really don’t want to talk about this right now…” I say, frowning.

“Liz, bottling up things inside you would only make matters worse. I know you haven’t told Max about whatever John said to you four hours ago but you can tell me, Liz.”

“I’ll tell Max… maybe not right now but later.”

“Liz, tell me. What did he say?”

I shake my head, looking away.

“I don’t know…”

“You don’t know?” She asks, confused.

“He didn’t tell me and besides, I never gave him the chance to…”

“What do you mean?”

“Maria, I wanted to know but when he told me that he has been spying on us…”

“He has been spying on US?!” Maria practically shouts.

“Maria, keep it down, would you? Shouting and freaking out wont make matters better either.”

She sighs.

“But why was he spying on us?”

“He wanted to get a chance to see me…”

“And this is how he did??”

“Yes. Maria, it was all planned.”

“It’s obvious. Him meeting Max yesterday and then he was lucky enough that Max invited him. No wait, he was more lucky when Mike and I didn’t seem him at our reception and he was out before we could know about him.” Maria says, anger obvious in her tone.

I nod.

“But I don’t understand one thing… after so many years, what could he possibly want from you?” She asks.

“I don’t know, Maria. I don’t know what does he wants from me… he wanted to explain himself but I said he was too late.”

Maria studies me for a minute.

“Liz, do you want to know what does he want? Do you want him to explain himself?”

I remain quite for a few seconds and then answer,

“Yes, I want the answer. I know it’s past now and I’ve definitely moved on… but I want to know why he did whatever he did. But that doesn’t mean that after he explains himself I’m going to welcome him in my arms or stuff… he doesn’t deserve that.”

“But you do deserve to know the reason…” She says, nodding her head.

“Yes. But I have to ask Max… if he doesn’t agree to this, then I’ll never ever see John’s face again.”

Maria nods.

“I respect that, Liz. Are you going tomorrow to Los Angeles?”

“I don’t know. I’ll talk to Max about this.”

“Where is he, anyway?”

“He went for a walk.”

“Liz, you look tired. Why don’t you sleep?”

I shake my head no.

“But I want to talk to Max.”

“Liz, Max is not running away, right? Talk to him tomorrow.”

“But…”

“No buts, Liz. I know you are very sleepy and your eyes are all red… get some rest. Max will be here when you’ll wake up.”

After some hesitation, I agree with her and as soon as she switches off the lights, I fall asleep.
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 45

LIZ

“Liz, wake up.”

I open my eyes and see Grandma sitting beside me.

“Good morning.” She says.

“Good morning.” I say, rubbing my eyes.

“Here, I brought you some juice.”

I sit up and smile at her.

“Thanks, Grandma.” I say, taking a sip.

“Is Max in the washroom?” She asks.

Max. I look at my right and he’s not here. His side of the bed is unmade that means he must have been here.

“Uh, I don’t know.” I say.

“Well, then he must be in the washroom.”

“I guess so.” I say, hoping that she’s right.

“Anyway, I’m going.”

“Where?” I ask her.

“Amy said that she needs some help in cooking this dish…”

I giggle. Aunt Amy is always taking recipes from Grandma and when she doesn’t succeed in making them, she calls Grandma to her place.

“Okay. When will you be back anyway?”

“Maybe at five or something.”

I nod.

“Okay, I’ll see you then.”

“Bye, Liz. And yeah, I’ll talk about yesterday later.”

I nod.

“Okay, bye.”

She smiles at me and soon she leaves the room.

After finishing my juice, I walk to the washroom but somebody knocks on the door. I’ll just check for Max later.

I open the door and see Mr. Evans standing there.

“Good morning.” I say, smiling.

“Good morning. Can I… come in?” He asks.

“Sure.” I say and let him in.

He sits on the chair and I sit on the bed, facing him.

“How are you?” He asks.

Everybody seems to be asking this question a lot now.

“I’m fine.”

“You are?”

“I agree that I wasn’t so fine yesterday but I’m okay now.”

He just nods.

“You just woke up?” He asks.

“Yeah. I think Max is in the washroom so I was just going to check…”

“Max isn’t in the washroom.” He says.

I frown.

“He isn’t?”

“He was here last night.”

“And where is he now?” I ask him, confused.

“He’s gone for a walk again.”

“What? When?”

“He came to my room at seven in the morning and told me he was going for a walk and he might be late.” He slowly explains.

I glance at the clock and it’s ten right now.

“He’s been gone for three hours now. Walking for three hours sounds strange…” I say.

“I don’t know, Liz. Did you talk to him about yesterday?”

“I didn’t get a chance to. When we came home, he said he was going out for a while and I slept so I didn’t know when he came and neither did he wake me up. And now you tell me he’s gone so… Do you think he’s ignoring me?” I ask him.

He frowns.

“Ignoring you? Why would he ignore you?”

“It sure as hell looks like.”

“Maybe he didn’t want to disturb you so he didn’t tell you he would be gone.”

“Well, he can wake you up at seven in the morning and he can’t wake me up to tell me that he’s going for a walk??”

“Liz, he didn’t wake me up.” He points out.

“Huh?”

“I wake up everyday at seven to work out. I’m an early riser you see.”

“Oh. Anyway, did he take his cell with him?”

“Isn’t that his cell?”

He points at something and I turn around to see what’s he pointing at and I see Max’s cell phone lying over there.

I turn to Mr. Evans.

“He can’t even take his cell with him. This so means that he’s trying to ignore me.”

“Liz, he must’ve forgotten. Besides, what makes you think he’s ignoring you?”

“I think he just doesn’t want to talk about yesterday.”

“Maybe he wants some time alone.”

I sigh.

“I’m sorry. My mind just doesn’t work at this time in the morning.”

“He’ll be back soon. Anyway, I’m leaving in one hour.”

I look up at him.

“In one hour?? You’re going to Phoenix?”

“And then L.A.”

“Right.”

“You guys are staying here for how many days?”

“I don’t know. But I would prefer if we come back soon. Maybe in two days or something.”

He nods.

“I understand. Hey, why don’t I make you some breakfast today?” He asks, smiling.

I smile back.

“That would be very generous of you.”

He smiles and I follow him to the kitchen.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MARK

“Liz, he’ll be back soon.” I tell her.

She’s been pacing around the kitchen for fifteen minutes now, growing impatient every minute.

“Where is that jerk??” She asks Michael who’s standing by the counter.

He just shrugs.

“Liz, sit down.” I tell her.

She stops and stares at me.

“What do you mean by ‘sit down’?? My boyfriend is missing and you’re telling me to sit down!”

“Liz, calm down…”

“Now, you’re telling me to calm down. I don’t understand you. He’s your brother Mr. Evans. Aren’t you worried about him?”

“It’s not like somebody’s going to kidnap him or something…”

“Oh man! But what if he’s been in an accident or…”

“That’s it, Liz! Stop this! I’ve been listening to this whole stuff for half an hour and do not even mention the word ‘accident’ to me. He said he’d be late. And please, why is it that every time you have to think about some negative things??”

“He’s right, Liz.” Isabel agrees.

Liz sighs and sits on the other side of the table.

“I’m sorry. But you know this is how I am! I haven’t seen his face for the last seventeen hours so obviously I am worried!”

I glance at the clock. It’s almost eleven and Max is still not here.

“Anyway, I have to go.” I say, standing up.

“Now where do you think you are going?” Liz asks, glaring at me.

“I told you I have to leave for Phoenix.”

She walks towards me.

“I don’t believe this. Your brother is missing an-”

“My brother is not missing! I know he’ll be back.”

A tear rolls down her cheek.

“Liz, don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying.” She snaps, wiping away her tear.

“Sure. That was a drop of transparent blood coming out from your eyes, right?” I say, sarcastically.

She rolls her eyes.

“I’m sorry…” She whimpers, ducking her head.

I pull her in my arms and hug her tight.

“Call me on my cell when you see him, okay?” I say, pulling away.

She nods her head.

“Take care of her.” I say to the rest of the people.

They all nod and I leave the kitchen.

Soon, I load my luggage in the car and start driving.

Wait till I get my hands on Max… I hope he’s just all right.

As I drive, I see a man walking on the side of the road.

I stop my car because it’s Max.

“Max!”

He turns to look at me.

“Where are you going?” He asks me.

“I was leaving for Phoenix. But that doesn’t matter. You tell me where were you for the last four hours?? Do you know how worried we were about you?!”

“I was just walking…”

“Walking for four hours?! Do not lie to me, Max Evans.”

He sighs and sits in the car.

“I was at the park one mile ahead. The weather’s good and I liked sitting over there.”

“Tell me where it is…” I say and soon we are there.

I stop the car and say,

“The weather is great. But your girlfriend is not great right now.”

He sighs.

“Are you ignoring her?” I ask him.

“No.” He confesses.

“Well, she thinks you are.”

“I just needed some time alone.”

“And you haven’t even talked about yesterday with her.”

“I don’t know what to say to her. That John was there because of me…”

“And so you feel guilty?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, there is only one person who can wash away your doubts and that is Liz. Shall I call her here?”

He nods.

“Yeah, it will be better if I talk to her alone.”

I nod and dial Liz’s phone number.

She picks up the phone after three rings.

“Hello, Max?”

“I’m Mr. Evans, Liz. Max is sitting right beside me.” I inform, glancing at him.

“He is?? How is he?? Is he all right?? Give him the phone!”

“He’s fine. He wants to talk to you. Come to the park near your place alone.”

“Okay. I’ll be right there.” She says and we both hang up.

“Lets go inside. She’s coming.”
_______________________________________________________________________

Part 46

MAX

“Max!”

I turn to see her running towards us. I am sitting on the bench while Mark is standing in front of me.

She stops beside Mark, staring at me.

“Okay, then. I have to leave. Bye.”

I nod.

Liz turns to Mark and says,

“Bye, Mr. Evans.”

He smiles and leaves.

Liz turns back to me and I stand up, coming in front of her. Her expression is blank so I don’t know what she’s thinking about.

“Liz… I…”

But before I could finish my sentence, she puts her arms around me and says,

“Max, please. Do not leave like this again.”

I hug her tight.

For sometime, we both remain in the same position.

Then she pulls away and kisses me… the kiss that leaves my head spinning.

We both pull away, breathing hard.

“I am sorry…”

She cups my cheeks.

“Max, if you’re saying sorry for leaving without informing me, then don’t.”

“Liz, that’s not what I meant.”

“You mean you’re sorry for something else?”

I nod.

“Max, whatever you do, isn’t a mistake to me. So don’t say sorry for anything.”

I shake my head and take her hands in mine.

“Max?”

“Yeah?” I ask, looking up at her.

“Why do you look so gloomy?”

“Liz, I… I really am sorry.”

“I don’t understand what are you sorry for.” She says, frowning.

“I am sorry about yesterday.”

She remains silent for a while and then asks,

“What about yesterday?”

“Liz, I called him there… I’m sorry about that.”

She shakes her head.

“That was not your fault.”

“No, Liz. It was my fault…”

She puts her finger on my lips and says,

“You didn’t know that was John Mathews, did you?”

“No.” I say, shaking my head.

“Then? You told me you met John and that you invited him… you didn’t have a bad intention… you just wanted him to meet new people.”

“I know, Liz. But so stupid I was… I didn’t even know his full name and still I invited him.”

“Max, I’m telling you it’s not your fault. You didn’t know.”

“But I could have known…”

“Max, stop blaming yourself.”

“And then, I left you this morning without telling you… I don’t know what happened to me.”

“Max, please. None of this is your fault.”

“I’m sorry…” I say, kissing her hand.

She shakes her head.

“You don’t need to be.”

I look up at her smiling face. No matter what I do, she will always love me.

I kiss her and when we pull away, I whisper,

“I love you.”

She smiles.

“I know. And I love you too.”

I take her hand and we both sit on the bench.

She puts her head on my shoulder and sighs.

“I was worried about you… I’m glad Mr. Evans found you.” She says.

I place a kiss on the top of her head and say,

“I wont do it again.”

She nods her head.

“Max, at the reception, did he tell you his full name?”

“Yes, he did.” I answer.

She looks up at me and asks,

“He did?”

“John Adams. That’s what he said.” I tell her.

She closes her eyes and says,

“It was all planned.”

“What was planned?” I ask her.

“This whole stuff… he was spying on us.”

I nod.

“It’s obvious.”

“And he was not only spying on you and me…”

“You mean he was spying on all your friends?”

She nods.

“He confessed that he planned this whole stuff…”

“He wanted to see you.”

“But why, Max? What does he want from me now? I have nothing to give him.”

“I don’t know, Liz. But the next time I see him, I’ll kill him.”

She shakes her head.

“No, Max. I want to know.”

I frown.

“What do you mean?”

“I want to know what he wants… I want all the reasons.”

I sigh.

“Liz, are you sure you want to talk to him?”

“Max, I will only talk to him if you want me too.”

“If it satisfies you, then what problem could I have?”

“But this doesn’t mean that after he give me the reasons, I will forgive him. I can never ever forgive him.”

I nod.

“He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.” I comment.

“Max, I only love you.”

“I know that, Liz. And I swear, I wont ever walk away from you like I did this morning.”

“Me neither, Max. I will never walk away from you.”

“But I did.”

We both turn to see who said that and I see my worst enemy standing some feet away on our right with his hands on his pocket.

Liz gasps.

We both stand up and he starts walking towards us.

“What do you want?” I ask him.

“I want to talk to both of you.”
______________________________________________________________________

Part 47

LIZ

“I want to talk to both of you.” John says, shoving his hands in his pocket.

Max looks at me and I look at him back. I nod at him, assuring him that I’m ready to get things over with John.

I glare at John and take a step forward, my hand never leaving Max’s.

“Well, then you better tell us about your grand entry out here… after so many years, what could you possibly want from me? Is it too difficult for you to see someone happy??” I ask him, my voice getting louder.

“Liz, I didn’t know…” He says but I interrupt him.

“What didn’t you know? You didn’t know that I’ve gotten over you… that I have moved on?! Even a stupid can realize that. You were never so special to me… I thought I was in love with you, but the day you went away, I lost all my respect and my so-called love for you.”

“Liz, just hear me out!” He shouts.

I open my mouth but Max squeezes my hand.

John takes a deep breath and starts,

“Liz I know I’ve hurt you. I know that whatever I’ve done is not easy to forgive.”

“Then why are you here?!” I yell at him.

“I thought that you would forgive me… I thought that just as I’ve waited to be with you, you would have waited for me too…”

His words make me gasp. What is he talking about?

“What do you mean by ‘waited for me’?? Why would I have waited for you when you clearly said that you didn’t want me to look for you or contact you??”

“Liz, you never knew the reason why I left!”

“I still don’t know! You never told me!”

“That’s what I’m saying dammit!”

“That’s it!” Max shouts and I turn to him.

I see him glaring at John.

“You better get to the point. We’re not listening to you to sympathize you or something.”

“I am getting to the point, Max. I will if you people will stop accusing me!” John defends himself.

I turn to give him a look full of hatred.

“Accusing you?? Do you know that you deserve that, John?” I question him.

He looks away and after a moment of silence, he answers,

“I know I deserve that. But I had nothing else to do.”

I look at him confused.

“What do you mean?”

He sighs.

“Liz, as you know, my mother died when I was too young. At the age of sixteen, he threw me out of his house because I was not doing the things that he wanted me to. I wanted to get away from him and he beat me. And whenever I would try to defend myself, things would only get worse. And one day because of this fight, he finally threw me out.”

I swallow. His words make me remember the things that he had to go through. I was with him through thick and thin and today I’ve lost all respect for him because he was not there for me… never.

I meet his eyes glistening with tears.

“And after two years, he came to my house.”

I gasp. This information is unknown to me.

“He came and threatened to kill you. And seeing his actions in his whole life, I was frightened, Liz. He just wanted to ruin my life. And I was fed up of running away. My life was getting miserable. I had to go and start over. And that meant leaving you.”

I bite my lip from crying out loud and brush away a tear.

“H-How can I believe you, John?”

“I don’t know, Liz. I only know that I’m telling you the truth. The truth that you deserve to know.”

I shake my head no.

“John, it’s too late. You had your reasons when you left me but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to welcome you in my arms after so many years…”

He nods.

“Liz, when I was coming here, I had very little hopes of getting you back in my life. But I just want you to know that I love you.”

“But I don’t.” I tell him.

He stares at his shoes.

“John, I understand that you have had a very hard life. I had a hard life too. You could have given me the reasons, but you didn’t. And then you spied on us and for all these reasons, I can never forgive you.”

He turns to look at me with hurt written all over his face. But he should realize how much pain I had to go through also. How much hurt and heartbroken I was.

A sob escapes my lips and then I tell him,

“Just leave, John. It would be better for you and others too.”

With that, I run away from there.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“Liz!” I shout but she keeps running.

“She wouldn’t want you to follow her…”

I turn to John.

“I know… I didn’t follow her either.” I tell him.

He nods and keeps staring at the ground.

“It would be better if you would just leave us alone, John.”

He looks at me and nods.

“I know. I made a huge mistake by coming back… I just wanted to talk to her.”

“Your approach was not good, John. It only made her hate you more.”

He sighs.

“I keep making mistakes…”

I shrug.

“People learn from their mistakes.” I tell him.

“I’m sorry, Max. Can you tell her I’m sorry?” He asks with such sadness in his voice that I just nod.

“I will.” I promise.

He gives me a small smile and walks away from there. I just stare at his retreating form.

I turn around and look for Liz. She needs me now and I can’t afford to leave her alone.

Finally, I find her sitting under a tree just staring ahead with her knees hugging her chest and her chin resting on one knee.

I walk to her.

“Liz?”

She slowly turns to look at me and asks me to take her hand.

I sit beside her and pull her in my arms. She rests her head on my chest while I place a light kiss on her temple.

After a few minutes, she asks,

“Is he gone?”

“Yes, he’s gone. He… told me to say sorry to you.”

She sighs.

“But I’m not sorry.” She tells me.

I kiss her forehead.

She lifts her head to look at me and then her hand cups my cheeks. I place a kiss on her palm while staring at her.

“I love you, Max. I’ll always will.”

“I love you too.”

She leans in and gives me a soft, slow kiss.

After she pulls away, she whispers,

“Take me home, Max. Please…”

I nod and help her stand up. I put my arm around her shoulders and we both walk home.
_____________________________________________________________________

Hey, guys! I want to thank everyone for the wonderful feedback and I'm glad to see that everyone liked the previous part.

I am not feeling so good right now or I would have definitely thanked ya'll individually.

Anyway, here's the next part as promised...

Part 48

MAX


I close the bedroom door behind me and see Alex entering the apartment.

“Hello, Evans.” He says, trying to wave with his busy hand.

“Alex, hey. What is that?” I ask him, pointing to the bag in his hand.

He gives me a weird smile and wriggles his eyebrows. I raise my eyebrow is question.

He walks to the counter and places the bag on it.

Then he turns to me.

“This,” He says, pointing to the bag, “my friend, is something that we all need at times like these.”

He takes out the bottles from the bag.

“You need these drinks to take out the real you… to make you come to the decision that your heart wants and not your mind.” He tells me, holding a bottle in his hand.

I smile and shake my head.

“How do you know that this is what brings out the real you…?” I question.

He sighs.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t drank before…”

“I have, of course. But what decision are you really talking about?” I walk towards him.

He points to the stool beside him and says,

“Sit, Evans. I’ll talk some sense into you tonight. And don’t worry, by the end of this horrible journey tonight, you will come to the right decision.”

“Alex, I still don’t understand what you’re talking about.” I tell him, confused.

“Sit and I’ll let you know.”

I shrug and sit down on the stool.

He stands and walks to the kitchen.

“Where is Liz, anyway?” He asks, while taking two glasses from a cupboard.

“She’s sleeping inside.” I reply, pointing to the bedroom door behind me.

“Hmm. It’s good for her health. I mean, sleeping early is good for health.” He tells me, smiling.

I frown.

“Alex, it’s 12 A.M right now.”

He sits on the stool.

“In my dictionary, 12 A.M. is very early.” He points out that to me.

“Right, no wonder.”

He hands me the drink and says,

“Here you go, brother.”

“Thanks.” I mumble, taking a sip from it.

“So, I heard from Isabel that you were going to ask Liz to marry you.”

I look at him immediately, shocked.

“What? Why you look so shocked, huh? Liz knows, okay?” He tells me, gulping down his drink.

“She knows?”

“Yep. I don’t know how but the other two powerpuff girls – Maria and Isabel – know too.”

I sigh and rub my forehead.

“Anyway, I asked you when you’re going to ask Liz to marry you?”

“I will, I know that. But I don’t know when.”

“When were you actually planning to ask her?”

“Yesterday.” I tell him.

He nods.

“Do you have the ring?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Then you better say your ‘I do’s’ early.”

“I don’t know, Alex…”

“What do you mean by you don’t know? You know you want to marry her, then go and ask her.”

I sigh.

“Alex, it’s not easy to pop up the big question now. After that whole John thing…”

“Because of John’s big entry, you didn’t stop loving Liz. Then how come his appearance changed your decision?”

“It’s not that, Alex. I will propose to her. But I think she needs time.”

“No, Max. She does not need time, she needs you. Look Max, you never know when your life is going to slip away from your hands, today you’re alive but you never know that maybe tomorrow is your last day on Planet Earth.”

“Alex, just what are you suggesting…?” I ask him, frowning.

“What I am suggesting is that you go now and ask he. You love her, she loves you. You want to spend the rest of your life with her, she does too. Then why don’t you go now and tell her this? Why don’t you go and tie the knot?”

“I thought she needed time…”

“No, Max. As I said, she needs you, not time.”

“You’re right. She needs me and I need her.”

“Good. So when are you going to ask her to be the only woman you’ll ever have sex with?”

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“So, where are we really going, Max?” I ask him for the hundredth time since we have left the Crashdown.

He glances at smiles and me.

“You’ll know very soon.”

“Why aren’t you telling me now? I thought we weren’t meant to keep secrets from each other.” I try to blackmail him.

“It’s supposed to be a surprise.” He tells me, grinning.

“Riiiiiight. A surprise.” I say, rolling my eyes.

He takes my hand and says,

“You trust me, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then you need not worry.”

I giggle.

“Sure.”

Soon, we reach the place where he’s been dying to take me and I’ve been dying to know.

And it’s none other than Senor Chows.

“Hey, who told you about this place?” I ask him, grinning.

“Alex, who else.”

“He sure knows my favorite places here.”

“Soon, I will too.” Max tells me and I smile.

He takes me inside, hand in hand and I see that today this place is not too crowded.

We soon are seated and after giving the order, I ask Max,

“So, how come I am so lucky to get this kind of service from Max Evans?”

“You’re my life, Liz. I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

“Me too, Max. I will do the same for you.”

For the rest of the dinner, we talk about everything.

After that, Max takes me to the park. We walk in silence and just enjoy the time.

“I had fun today.” I tell him, smiling.

He looks at me and says,

“Me too.”

“I mean, we needed some privacy, right?”

“Yeah.”

I sense something wrong with him.

“Max, is everything okay?”

“Huh? Yeah, of course.”

“Then why aren’t you talking much now?”

He sighs and says,

“Liz, I need to do something now.”

“And that would be…?”

He sits on one knee in front of me.

“Max, what are you doing?” I ask him, giggling but my heart is beating fast every second.

“Liz, the day I saw you for the first time, I knew that you were the girl for me. You’ve been through a lot, Liz. And I want to make you forget all these things. What I am really trying to say Liz, is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, Liz, I am asking you to be the only woman that I’ll ever have sex with.”

I giggle and he laughs.

“Well, that was Alex’s idea. Liz, I want you to be my… wife. So, Liz Parker, will you marry me?”

I gasp when I hear those four words.

“Liz?”

“Yes, yes. I will marry you.”

He grins.

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

He sweeps me off my feet immediately, both of us laughing aloud.

When he finally sets me on the ground, he immediately captures my mouth with his.

After some time, when we pull away, he says,

“Lets make this night more memorable.”

I giggle.

“In the bedroom…”

He smiles.

“Yes, in the bedroom.”




TBC...
______________________________________________________________________


Part 49

MAX

She looks beautiful. That’s the only thought running in my mind as she brushes her long, silky hair and I stare at her.

“What are you staring at?” She asks casually, looking at me from the mirror.

I stand up, sighing and walk to her while she puts her comb down on the table and watches my every move.

“Do you really want to know?” I ask her, standing so close behind her that I’m pretty sure that she can feel my breath against her neck.

“It depends on you… If you want to tell…” She replies, sounding not too casual as before but a little nervous.

I smirk when she looks away for a while.

“Actually…” My voice trails off as I press myself against her from behind and she gasps.

“I was staring at the spot on the mirror… you see, you should clean your mirror more often or you should stop touching it so much.” I say, trying my best to hide my grin.

Her expression suddenly changes from desire to shock. She stares at me and then rolls her eyes.

“Okay, now excuse me. I have to do my last-minute packing. We have to leave Roswell in less than three hours.” She says, walking away from me.

I shrug and sit down on the bed, watching her packing.

She glances at me and sighs.

“Okay, now don’t tell me how to pack, okay?” She says and continues her work.

I shake my head.

“I wasn’t thinking about that.”

“Then, what were you thinking about?” She asks, glancing at me.

“I was picturing you naked in my bed on our wedding night…” I say, pretending to be looking thoughtful.

She sighs irritably.

“Max, you better help me with this packing.”

“But, Liz, you said you’ll handle everything coz I remember your exact words which were, ‘Max, you’re stupid. You can’t even do a simple work! Now, don’t you even touch that suitcase. I’ll do it myself.’”

She groans and I chuckle.

“Max, I take back my words. Do not help me, I’m better off without you in this department.”

“Right coz you know that you can’t be completely better off without me.”

She sighs and rolls her eyes.

“Right. As usual, you’re always right.”

“Genesis, sweetheart.”

She completely ignores me and continues with her work.

I notice the change in her mood and walk to her.

“Liz, is everything okay?” I ask her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She sighs and starts fingering on the edge of a shirt.

“Everything’s fine, Max. It’s just that… I’ll miss everyone here.”

“Liz, everyone will come to L.A in two months for our wedding.”

“I know, but still. This time we have stayed for a long time and I don’t like leaving them again.”

I put my hands on both of her shoulders and make her turn to me.

“I am with you, Liz. And besides, when you’ll get back to work, this feeling will go away.”

She nods.

“Now, put up a smile for everyone out there. If you’re not going to remain calm, then they wont either.”

She smiles.

“You’re my rock, Max Evans.”

“And you’re mine. Now, come here.”

She giggles and embraces me.

* * * * * * * * * * *

LIZ

“Maria, I’ll miss you too, sweetie.” I tell her as she tightly hugs me.

After sometime, we both pull away.

She sniffs and then says,

“I’ll try to enjoy my honeymoon but you know I’ll miss you.”

“I know.” I agree.

She nods and gives me a quick hug before walking away.

Michael sighs and embraces me.

“It’s very sad to hear that you’re giving up your acting.” I tell him.

“I know. But a fresh new start with my wife wouldn’t be a bad one.”

Michael and Maria are actually thinking of opening a restaurant like Crashdown-you know, alien themed.

I give him a small smile.

“You’re right.”

He nods and says,

“I’ll miss you, Lizzie.”

“So will I.” I tell him.

He kisses me on my cheek and then walks away.

“Have a great honeymoon, you guys!” Everyone tells them.

After sometime, Michael and Maria leave the Crashdown because they have to catch their flight in almost four hours and they do not want to be late.

We all watch them leave and wave at them until they disappear from our sight.

For another half hour, we all friends, including Grandma, just sit and talk and joke about everything. It’s good to talk to them now, knowing that I’ll be not seeing them for another two months.

Max squeezes my hand and I give him a small smile, assuring him that I’ll be fine.

When finally it’s our time to leave, I can’t stop hugging Grandma, Alex and Isabel.

“Grandma, don’t worry, I’ll call you as soon as I reach L.A.”

“You better do.” She warns me, pulling away.

“I will.” I promise.

“Well, I have to go inside. I wont be able to see you going in front of my eyes.”

I nod in understanding. My Grandma always does that whenever I’m leaving Roswell.

After one more hug and good-bye’s, she goes out of the ‘Staff Only’ room.

“And you, girl, do not tell me that you guys are going to do it in the airplane’s bathroom too. And if you do, try to keep it down.” Alex says, motioning at me and Max.

“Excuse me?” Max asks, looking all too confused.

I’m confused too.

“Yeah right. Like I wasn’t able to hear anything from your bedroom last night when I was sitting in the living room.”

I blush and bend my head. But I do notice Max scratching the back of his head and Isabel trying not to laugh out loud. Alex is well, just looking from me to Max.

Max coughs.

“Umm… Liz, we have to leave in fifteen minutes.” Max informs me and then walks away, picking up the suitcase.

“Uh… yeah.”

Isabel comes up to me first and we both hug each other.

“Call, okay?” She says while pulling away.

“I most certainly will.” I tell her.

“Okay, girlfriend. I’m sorry about what I said earlier but I’m telling you I was able to hear every-“

Before he could say a thing, I quickly hug him, my arms tightening around him.

He groans in pain but gets the point.

I pull away and say,

“I’m going to miss you too, Alex.”

He thinks for a moment and I observe him, confused.

“But I never said that I’m going to miss you.”

I roll my eyes and lightly punch his arm. He laughs out loud and pulls me into his arms.

He sighs. “I’m going to miss you too, Parker. Very much.”

I nod against his throat.

When we pull away, I tell him,

“You better take care of soon-to-be Mrs. Whitman here.” I point at Isabel who just smiles.

“Oh, no. In our relationship, it goes the other way round. Coz Isabel’s perfect and she takes care of me.”

“He’s right.” Isabel agrees, pointing a finger at him.

I grin and we all three join in a group hug.

After saying our good-byes, Max and I finally leave the Crashdown, making it difficult for me to not let the tears running down my face.

* * * * * * * * * * *

MAX

“So, umm… what about this whole meeting, huh? I mean, it’s not like I mind. I am having good fun. But you said you two wanted to share some news with us…?” My mother asks, taking a sip from her drink.

Liz and I decided to tell our parents by taking them over to one of the best restaurants here. Liz has been very nervous about this and hasn’t left my hand since I picked her-hell, it’s not like I want her to leave it.

I cough and glance at my brother, who just nods.

“Umm… Mom, Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas, Liz and I are getting married.”

Liz squeezes my hand more tightly.

After some moments of silence, they congratulate us by shaking hands and hugging us both. Liz glows when she grins and that grin doesn’t leave her beautiful face for the rest of the night.

I know we have a lot to talk about with our respective parents but for now, everything is good. And as far as we are concerned, we both are getting married in one month and a half.


Epilogue

Liz’s Journal

So, it’s been two months now since I had become Mrs. Evans. It’s a great experience, you know.

Well, I’m pretty sure you would like to catch up on whatever’s been happening for the last two months. Well, Max and I got married… of course. And the wedding was beautiful… beyond my imagination.

It wasn’t a big ceremony but having a wedding on a private beach sure has its advantages. And the wedding night… well, lets just say that when Max said this to me four months ago, “I was picturing you naked in my bed on our wedding night…”, he wasn’t wrong.

As for Mr. Evans and Pam… well, Pam resigned. Really, she did. Mr. Evans was confused and all but what else he could do. But yes, he is dating girls (no blind dates this time) and he is having fun. Well, I am not pretty sure what he really meant when he told me he was having fun so don’t ask me.

Today, we have a not-so-big apartment… just of the right size. And it’s beautiful. We both are still on with our respective jobs and we are both doing well. We are actually thinking of having a baby… no, not thinking-lets just say that we are going to have a baby very soon. Good news, isn’t it?

As for my friends, Isabel and Alex are getting married the next month so I will get to go to Roswell then. Maria and Michael’s restaurant is going to open very soon and I forgot to mention that they are coming to L.A. next week… just so that Maria can spend some time with me.

Well, this is how my life’s going and I have only one word to describe it… prefect. Max is the sweetest husband I had always wished for and I don’t think I have ever been so happy before.

My life is perfect now and this is all because I am in love with Max Evans.
Locked