My Life as a Teenaged Superhero (AU, M/L, Adult) (Complete)

[Applebylicious]

Just to preface: I'm not taking any feedback negatively, guys. You're all inclined to your opinions, and I'm loving to hear them. However, Dee and I have a specific plan here, which is why we did what we did with Cam. You'll all see why in the future...but for now, I hope you'll all still continue to read and enjoy.

hugs,

Linds



<center>Chapter 39</center>



~Max~



“So.”

“So.”

I clear my throat, shifting one foot over my knee. Not satisfied by this position, I place both feet on the floor and hang my hands between my legs. “Listen, Cameron…”

“I didn’t see anything,” he says quickly, not meeting my eyes. But I catch the devilish expression. Sure enough, not a minute passes before he adds, “Sure sounded like you guys were having fun, though.”

I groan, fighting against the blush that’s flaming my face. “Listen, Cam…what you saw was…well, it was…”

He raises a brow, obviously fascinated to find his usually smooth-talking older cousin stammering like a young schoolgirl. I force myself not to glance over at the bedroom where Liz has holed herself up, too embarrassed to see Cameron.

After yelling at Cam to get out, I had spent a few minutes making sure she didn’t lapse into a panic fit before she kicked me out of the room to go talk to my cousin. I had been ready to read Cameron the riot act for walking in, but I know it was my damn fault for not locking the door. What the hell was I thinking? Obviously not with the head I should have been.

“Listen, Cam…sex is very beautiful…” I begin uncomfortably, scratching my head as I look everywhere but at my enraptured cousin. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of or…or embarrassed about...” Yeah, right. If you threw me in with some lettuce and a couple of croutons I could pass as a tomato at the moment.

“Is this the sex talk?” he asks me bluntly, and everything I was about to say flies out of my mind as he shifts forward eagerly. “’Cause I’ve been waiting for this since I saw Lucy Thompson’s panties last year.”

“Good Lord,” I mumble, pressing the heel of my hand against my forehead. “Cameron, listen…”

“I’m pretty sure I already know the basics,” he continues, unaware of the fact that I’m sitting here openmouthed and gaping like a fish. “But…what’s it like?”

“What?” I ask numbly.

“You know…did she like it?” he wiggles his brows. “Whatever you were doing in there?”

“Oh my God!” I whisper. “Cameron, forget it, okay? You’re too young and…this is all my fault. I should have locked the door and you should learn how to knock before barging in!”

“Does it have anything to do with that movie me and Billy watched?” he asks, disregarding the gurgling sound coming from my lips. “It looks like it would hurt the girl, Max. Is that why they scream?”

“What movie?” I demand in a hiss. “For God’s sake, Cameron!”

“I don’t know…he found it in his dad’s room,” he states defensively. “No one would tell us anything, so—“

“Because you’re eleven years old!” I shout, then press my lips together as he glares at me. “Okay…you want to know about sex?”

“Yes.”

I take a deep breath, unable to comprehend that I’m about to give my first sex talk to anyone…much less my wayward cousin who already knows way too much for his age. “Fine. But keep in mind, if you try any of this stuff before you’re old enough, I’ll personally kick your ass, do you hear me?”

He snorts. “Yeah right, Max. Like you haven’t done it?” he states pointedly, causing another flush to rise up my cheeks.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m eighteen and you aren’t,” I return. He rolls his eyes and I reach out and grab his arm, forcing him to meet my serious gaze. “I’m serious, Cam. This isn’t a joke. If you want to be treated like an adult, you have to act like one. And that means you have to be careful. Yes, Liz and I have…sex…” I barely refrain from choking on the word, “but we do it as an expression of love. It’s…because we want to make each other feel good. We make love.”

Oh, God. I just know I’m screwing this all up.

He watches me with narrowed eyes of speculation. “How does it make you feel good?”

I squirm, glancing down at my hands then the ceiling. “It just…does, okay?” When he looks unsatisfied and opens his mouth to respond, I hurry on with, “It’s not about making yourself feel good, okay? That’s the most important thing to remember, Cam. It’s about…making the other person feel good. That’s what’s so great about it.”

I expect him to demand more of an explanation, but his next words surprise me. “When did you…you know? The first time?”

I glance at him, gazing into eyes that are so similar to my own that it’s almost like looking at myself…and I suddenly recall my own curiosity at his age. I would have done anything to find out what I wanted to know, and I never had anyone to sit me down and tell me what was right and what was wrong. Sure, my dad gave me the standard clinical explanation of where everything went when I was sixteen…but I never heard the real stuff. The stuff that makes it all worthwhile.

In truth, it’s amazing that I managed to keep from having sex for so long…and if anything I can impart on Cameron will help him to realize that waiting doesn’t mean he’s a pansy or something to be embarrassed about…well, then sure, I’ll suffer a few moments of humiliation.

I clear my throat and answer softly, “When I was eighteen.” His mouth falls open and I pointedly add, ”And with someone I loved.”

“But…I thought,” his brow furrows and he looks to be deeply considering his next statement. “So all the girls you dated…you didn’t with them?”

“No,” I say firmly. “I didn’t. Some guys do, Cam, I’m not going to lie to you. But I don’t know, I think more of myself than that. I think what makes a real man is realizing that you don’t have to do what everyone else does to be cool.”

Until I say the words out loud, I don’t realize that maybe…it’s true. I hid behind my reputation for so long that I lost a part of myself that I’m still trying to get back. Until Liz, everything was just this endless void of popularity and doing what was expected…dating all the “right” girls and going to all the best parties. It’s all such a joke.

“I guess what I’m trying to say, Cameron… is do you want to be a real man?” I ask gruffly, staring my cousin straight in the eye as he gazes back. I’ve always shared a special bond with him and I hope that he understands what I’m trying to say.

He doesn’t say anything for a long moment, which is a miracle in and of itself. Then he nods, looking solemn. “Yeah, I want to be just like you,” he answers softly.

A let out a chuckle, and move over to sit next to him. “Then take my advice…and wait on all the sex stuff,” I suggest, pulling him into a headlock. “The longer you wait…the better it is.”

“Wait, I have one more question!” he yelps as we start wrestling on the ground outside of Tess’s bedroom. Ignoring my groan, he smiles innocently and asks, “Where did you get that scar on your butt, Max?”

I growl and reach for him as he takes off laughing.



<center>***</center>



“Thanks for letting us come over,” I overhear Channon saying to Tess as I load up Cameron’s junk in the backseat of the Jeep. Shaking my head at a monstrosity of a pool float shaped like a giant football, I throw wet towels on top of it and turn around.

“Oh, no problem,” Tess answers, smiling as she plays with the younger girl’s hair. “You guys are welcome over here whenever…you just live down the street from Max, right?”

“Next door to Cameron,” I state just to see what reaction I get. Sure enough, Channon’s ears turn red and she tosses a fulminating glare in the direction where Cam is currently in deep conversation with Liz. I watch as he wraps his arms around Liz and hugs her, and she places a kiss on top of his head. The scene touches something inside of me, and makes me think about things I have no business thinking about at this moment in time.

Channon, however, isn’t touched at all. In fact, pure jealousy gleams in her eyes before she sniffs and turns away. “I live down the street from Max,” she says through her teeth.

Tess blinks at her tone and I have to stifle a grin as she looks up and meets my gaze. I incline my head in the direction where Cameron is currently sauntering our way. As he passes by, he mumbles something under his breath that has Channon’s back stiffening. Tess’s expression grows understanding and she bites back a smile, as well, as the two glare at each other.

“Okay, guys, let’s get on the road,” I say before either can say something to start an argument. “Where’s Taylor?” I look around for my other cousin.

“She’s in the bathroom,” Cameron smirks, sliding into the front seat and stretching out his legs. “Cleaning out the vinegar I dumped in her hair.”

“Why did you put vinegar in her hair?” I ask calmly.

“Kyle dared me.” Channon snorts from the backseat and he adds defensively, “And besides, she spit on me!”

“Only because you pushed us into the pool!”

“Whatever, Princess.”

“Okaay,” I clear my throat. “Guys, chill out. Tess, could you go find Taylor?”

“Yeah, sure,” she snickers at my pleading expression. “Hold on.”

“How did I get stuck driving the kids home?” I wonder beneath my breath.

“Because you were upstairs taking a piss while they all decided,” Cam answers my rhetorical statement. “You should demand a recount.”

“You don’t even know what a recount is,” Channon snarks from the backseat.

“Oh yeah? I bet I know more than you think I do,” he answers, and my face practically goes green as I expect him to blurt out his newfound knowledge.

“I’m going to kill you, Cameron!” I hear Taylor’s voice call out as she and Tess come walking down the driveway. “My hair still stinks!”

“Just like the rest of you,” he answers innocently, and receives a smack on the shoulder from Channon. “Ow! Hey!” He rubs his bare skin and turns around to glare at her.

“You’re so mean,” she mutters, turning to stare out of the window.

“Yeah, well you’re a priss.”

“Okay, I’m now taking away all of your privileges of speech,” I declare grimly. “I mean it. No talking until I drop you all off. Jesus…”

“Hurry back, Max, we’re starting the barbecue with or without you,” I hear Michael quip from the front door.

Liz approaches and I pull her forward to kiss her lips. “I’ll be back in a few,” I murmur, tracing her cheek. “Don’t let them burn the weiners.” Cameron snickers and without looking I reach over and pinch him.

“Okay, you guys be careful,” she smiles. “It was nice to meet you, Channon and Taylor.”

The girls reply in unison, “Nice to meet you, too.”

“Bye, Liz,” Cam waves. “And don’t forget…you said you’d come see me before you leave Friday!”

“I know,” she laughs, even as a sparkle of sadness enters her eyes at the reminder of her departure. “Maybe I’ll even come to a ballgame, try to get another autograph.”

Cameron flushes and beams. “Sure,” he drawls.

“Okay, Casanever,” I tease. “We better get back before your Mom starts calling my cell. Be back soon, baby.”

And then we’re off.

[Deejonaise]

<center>Chapter 40</center>

~Liz~

“Holy shit!”

The flame from the grill goes up with such unexpected intensity that Kyle’s exclamation immediately has everyone running. We flock around him as he doubles over a few feet away from the grill, covering his face with his hands. Max, Michael, Tess and I gather close while Isabel, Maria and Alex linger on the outskirts. We’re all terrified. When I see the fire flickering high and uncontrolled and I see Kyle doubled my mind literally explodes with a million gruesome scenarios.

“Oh my God,” Tess cries in near hysteria as he continues to cower, “Kyle, let me see! Did you burn yourself? Dammit, let me see!”

“Mike, call an ambulance and bring back some towels!” Max barks at Michael, hovering close to Kyle so he can gauge the extent of the damage, “Jesus…man, are you okay? Just let us see how bad it is.”

“Hell no, I’m not okay,” Kyle declares, suddenly popping upright with the most satisfied grin on his face, “I almost burned my fucking eyelashes off!” It takes me a second to realize he’s completely unharmed, that it was all just a tasteless joke. The realization hits me at the very second he falls onto the ground, laughing his ass off. “Oh damn…you should have seen the looks on your faces!” he chortles, “I thought Max was gonna shit a brick!”

I could cheerfully kick him right now. It’s difficult to believe that anyone would pull a stunt so insensitive but then this is Kyle we’re talking about. I almost rethink my decision not to kick him when Tess does the honors, landing one right against his inner thigh. That’s enough to momentarily stifle Kyle’s laughter.

“Hey, watch it, woman!” he yelps in affront, “…you almost hit something vital!”

Snorting in disgust, Max calls after Michael, who has stopped short because he is no doubt wondering what the hell is going on. “Forget the ambulance and the towels!” he tells him, “Kyle was just being his usual asinine self.”

“No, bring the towels,” I shout, “That way we can smother him to death!”

“You fucking retard,” Tess whispers grimly, giving him a look that could freeze water right before kicking him yet again. Kyle emits a choked groan. “I really thought you were hurt.”

Kyle rolls himself into a ball in an effort to avoid further blows. “I was just having a little fun!” he cries defensively, yelping like a girl when she falls to her knees to pummel him with her fists, “Can’t you take a joke?” That seems to be the final straw for Tess. When she stomps off with an enraged shriek Kyle seems to realize he’s gone too far and goes running after her. “Tess…wait, baby! Come on! It was just a joke! I didn’t mean to make you mad…”

“What a wanker,” Michael mutters in his wake, clucking his tongue and staring after his groveling friend. A moment later, Maria smacks him across the head. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”

“Just in case you were even thinking of pulling some stupid crap like that,” Maria warns tartly, “Now man the grill, Spikey. I’m starving.”

“Your friends, Max,” Isabel says, rolling her eyes, “Well, I think Alex and I are going to go. When Tess is finished killing Kyle could you tell her I said thanks for inviting us?”

After Alex, Maria and I say our goodbyes, we all send Isabel and Alex off with waves and curious stares, watching them cross the lawn hand in hand before turning our attention back to Michael and the grill. Remembering the incident back in Palm Beach I’m not sure Michael is the most qualified man for the job and, judging by Max’s expression, he agrees with me.

“Hmm…Michael on the grill?” Max considers with an impish grin, “I don’t know if we’ll be in any better shape than we were with Kyle.”

“Ha-ha,” Michael grouses, “You wanna eat or not, virgin boy?”

“Virgin boy?” Maria echoes, swinging around to face Max and me with saucer-sized eyes, “Now what the heck does that mean?” Michael bursts out laughing, knowing exactly what he’s done and seeming largely proud of himself.

“Damn, I think Kyle calling for help,” Max evades smoothly, grabbing hold of my wrist to drag me away, “We can’t let Tess beat out what few brain cells he has left.”

By the time we gain sanctuary over near the pool we can see Maria gesticulating wildly. A moment later she must get her answer because she looks over at Max and me and her mouth falls open. And then she’s back to talking a mile a minute, probably pumping Michael for every bit of information she can.

“I’m sorry about that,” I groan, falling down onto a patio chair, “I know it must irritate you having everyone in your business this way.”

“No, it’s fine,” he smiles, “I’m actually glad she knows the truth. I’m not so proud of that player reputation. It wasn’t the real me.” He perches himself on the chair next to mine and leans in for a kiss. “When I’m with you…that’s who I really am, Parker. That’s who I want to be.”

“If you keep saying things like that I’m never going to leave for London,” I groan softly.

“Yes, you will,” he counters firmly, “You’ve got to set the world on fire, remember?”

“And so do you,” I whisper right before he seals his mouth to mine.

But when he tries to deepen his kiss I rear back self-consciously, recalling with reddened cheeks what happened the last time we let things get heated up between us. Now I’m self conscious about going too far with him when we’re not complete alone. I sense Max must know that because he doesn’t push me about the kiss but merely fixes me with a knowing grin.

I blush self-consciously under his scrutiny. “So…uh…you never said how your…um…talk went with your cousin,” I murmur uncomfortably, dropping my eyes, “Did I scar him for life?”

“He’ll take the memory of your naked breasts to his grave,” he utters.

“What?” I balk in horror, nearly falling from my lawn chair.

Max snags hold of my arm. “Just kidding, Parker,” he laughs, “Don’t have a panic attack on me, woman. Cameron is just fine.”

I slap his shoulder in reprimand. “Don’t scare me like that! You’re almost as bad as Kyle.”

“Not that bad,” Max grumbles.

“Whatever,” I dismiss, “So what really happened with Cam?”

“He didn’t say anything to you about it when you were hugging goodbye?”

I shake my head. “He just said how much he would miss me and how he wished I didn’t have to leave,” I recount tentatively, “Why? Did he say something to you?”

“Liz, relax. He didn’t see anything other than my bare ass,” Max reassures me with a wry smile.

Now I know that isn’t exactly a good thing but I still can’t stop the sigh of relieved laughter that leaks from my chest. “Thank God…” I mumble, “I was so afraid that I’d…damaged him or something. Him seeing only your naked butt I can live with.”

“That’s good,” Max grimaces, “I think.”

“So what did you two talk about?”

Max wiggles his brows at me. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“You’re not going to tell me?” I ask with some surprise.

“Nope.”

“Evans!” I sing in warning.

“Parker,” he sings right back.

“Do I have to persuade you?” I purr, boldly cupping his crotch. I trace my fingers lightly along the ridge of his zipper. “You’re sure you don’t want to tell me?”

“Don’t cocktease,” he admonishes, blandly removing my hand, “We both know I’m not getting any…not while we’re here anyway.”

“Max, tell me, please!” I whine petulantly, “I have to know or it’s going to drive me crazy!” When he shakes his head I give him my best “pretty please” pout. My dad is a virtual sucker for that pout and I’m glad to learn that Max is no more immune than he is.

“Okay, if you must know,” he sighs dramatically, “I gave Cam the sex talk.”

I laugh and I’m not talking a giggle here. I’m talking full force, snorting so hard you can’t breathe, fall out of your chair laughter. There’s just no other way to respond to that. Max Evans giving a sex talk? It’s just too ludicrous to believe! Max takes it all in stride though. He even has the nerve to sniff contemptuously.

“I’m sorry…do you find that idea amusing, Ms. Parker?” he queries in an affected, pretentious tone.

“Quite so, Mr. Evans,” I reply, matching his manner.

“Well, I say…I do believe I’m offended.”

The expression on his face has me snorting all over again. “Max, be serious,” I chuckle, shoving his shoulder, “You didn’t really give your cousin the sex talk, did you?”

“I really did,” he insists fervently, “I can hardly believe it myself.”

I stare at him round-eyed, discovering a whole new side to love about him. He keeps surprising me everyday. I wonder if it will always be like this, if I’ll keep falling more and more in love with him as the days pass. The prospect is exciting and frightening, too.

“So what did you say to him?” I wonder.

“Well,” Max begins dramatically, “I first told him that sex was a beautiful experience but I told him that it’s best when you’re with someone you love and respect because that makes making love meaningful. I told him that if he was selective and waited for the right time he could prove himself a man.”

“What did he say to that?”

Max smiles, a faint blush staining his cheeks. “He said he wanted to be just like me.” He sounds dazed with wonder over the fact, as if he can’t even conceive of such a thing. Hasn’t this man figured out yet just how incredible he is?

“Does he want to be like you?” I consider quietly, “Well, then I know he’ll be fine…if he’s even half the man you are, Max.”

“Hmm…careful, Parker,” he teases me, “You keep talking to me like that and folks might actually think you love me. We wouldn’t want to give them the wrong impression, now would we?” He leans forward to brush a teasing kiss across my lips but when he pulls away I’m not smiling. In fact, I’m really close to tears.

“Max, I’m leaving in six days,” I announce gravely, “I…I don’t know if I can…”

“Liz, we talked about this,” he smiles and I can tell he’s putting on a brave front because his eyes are wet with emotion as well, “London isn’t another world. And you know this whole separation thing is going to prove to our parents that we’re serious about each other. They’re gonna see that this isn’t just some fluke or uncontrolled infatuation. They’re gonna know we’re really in love, Parker.”

“Will you do me this one favor?” I ask fervidly.

“Anything.”

“Will you promise that…if the distance becomes too much for you…you’ll tell me?” When he starts his denials about how that will never happen I’m quick to cut him off. “No, listen to me for a minute. You don’t know how difficult it’s going to be…neither do I but… I’d hate to think that your feelings might change while I’m gone or that you might meet someone else and you’d be too scared to tell me. I don’t want you going through the motions, Max. If you want to break up just…just make it clean, okay?”

I finally take my hand away from his mouth and that’s when I realize his lips are thinned with displeasure. “Are you done?” he clips.

“Yeah...I…” I reply deliberately, “Why do you sound mad?”

“Why do you act as if I’m the only one who can change my mind?” he demands, surging to his feet and sweeping me up over his shoulder with such suddenness I can do little more than emit a surprised squeal when I land across his shoulder. “You’re the one who’s going to London,” he tells me. I can’t see his face, or the direction he’s walking us in but I can tell from his tone that he’s pissed.

“Max, put me down,” I order reasonably, “We’ll talk this out.”

“No,” he refutes, “You’ve said your piece and now I’ll say mine. How do I know you’re not going to get over there and meet some smooth talking, Euro-preppy who charms you with his suave accent and good looks? Then where will I be, huh?”

I relax against him with a soft laugh. “Max, I don’t want any good-looking, Euro-preppy boy,” I sigh, “I want you.”

“Exactly,” he agrees, right before he dumps me in the pool.

I hit the cold water with a disbelieving shriek and come up sputtering and shivering. “Oh my god!” I gasp when I break the surface, “Why the hell did you just do that?”

Max hunkers down on the edge of the pool and drapes his forearms over his knees, his countenance stern and unsmiling. “Get this straight, Parker,” he enunciates softly, “I love you, woman. That’s going to be true today. That’s going to be true tomorrow and for the rest of my life. There won’t be another girl. There won’t be a reason to break up because I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back. Do you got that?”

“I got it,” I reply meekly, properly chastened.

“Now no more of this crazy talk or I’ll make good on my threats to spank you.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good,” is his stern response right before he favors me with a dazzling grin and jumps into the pool with me.

[Applebylicious]

I'm heeeere!! And Cameron's fic is finished, so yeah...I'll be working on the others now. If I can keep myself from rereading Cam's fic over...and over... DEE! Help!

hugs,

Linds


<center>Chapter 41</center>


~Max~


“No way.”

“I swear, it’s true,” Michael laughs, looping an arm around Maria as he leans forward, his eyes gleaming. “My mom walked in right during the…pinnacle moment…and I told her I was sick and ended up going to the doctor and sitting through a checkup with the biggest grin on my face.”

Everyone groans, shaking their heads as Maria rolls her eyes. “Only you would get caught masturbating when you’re ten! Can you even have an orgasm that early?”

“You’d be surprised,” Kyle answers mysteriously, then ruins it by burping loudly. “Sorry,” he grins drunkenly, ignoring Tess’s jab to his shoulder. “Anyway, Max…you’re up. What’s the most embarrassing…sexual incident that’s ever happened to you?”

“Hey, I wasn’t embarrassed!” Michael is quick to defend himself.

“Of course not,” Maria mutters, then hiccups. Slapping a hand against her lips she stares through wide eyes. “I think I’m-hiccup-drunk!”

“Praise Jesus,” Michael folds his hands together and wiggles his brows as we all laugh. He laughs and nearly falls off the chaise as Maria elbows him. “Hey, I’m kidding…I think.”

“You guys are so shitfaced,” I chuckle, shaking my head and leaning back between Liz’s legs as she runs her hands through my hair. “Nothing good can come of this.”

“No backing out, Maxwell!” Kyle slurs, raising his bottle of beer like a flag. “Spill the dirty little beans. We’re all friends here.”

“Yeah, Max,” Michael tags on, shoving a slightly burnt hot dog into his mouth. “Come on, I told you guys about jerking off to thoughts of Barbie.”

“Yeah, and I told you about getting caught with my pants down by that Highway Patrolman,” Kyle slaps Michael’s hand. “Buckle up, New Mexico…”

“It’s the law,” Michael and I finish, snickering over the lame joke. It’s amazing how alcohol brings out your inner moron. Case in point…

“You guys are morons,” Tess wrinkles her nose. “And Max doesn’t have to tell…” I’m about to thank her, when she adds, “…it’s not his fault that he’s a pansy.”

“Oooh…” Kyle whistles. “Burn!”

Glaring at my “friends”, I state, “I don’t have to tell you guys anything. Back off.”

“I’ll tell,” Liz surprises me by speaking up, and our gazes ricochet to her smiling face. “Max and I have had plenty of embarrassing moments.”

The others all start cracking up while I gift her with a wounded expression. “Thanks, baby,” I mumble, reaching over and punching Kyle in the shoulder as he howls.

Liz laughs. “In fact, at Palm Beach…we were fooling around during the bonfire—“

“Why, Max, you little exhibitionist you,” Michael clucks. “I’m shocked!”

“Suck my—“ I’m cut off as Liz leans forward and slaps a hand over my mouth.

“Anyway, Max got bit on the butt by a sand crab and tried to start a fight with it,” she giggles, inciting another round of laughter as I fold my arms across my chest and mock glare. “You should have seen him…poor baby, he was bruised for days.”

“That crab was a cock block,” Kyle shakes his head mournfully, then sits straight up. “Wait a minute…was that why you guys were all sandy when I came over?” At our affirmative nods, he falls back with his hand held to his chest. “Oh, Christ…now I’m a cock block!”

“It’s not funny!” I shout over the raucous laughter. “It really hurt, damn it!” Remembering Cam’s words, I scowl. “And I have a scar from it.”

“Ohh…show!” Tess sniggers, looking completely unrepentant as I flip her the bird. “Come on, Max…it’s not like any of us haven’t seen your bare ass!”

“Um…” Maria raises her hand. “Hello?”

“See, Maria!” I claim triumphantly. “She doesn’t want to see it!”

“Wait, I didn’t say that,” Maria grins wickedly. “Are you kidding? Liz and I used to drool over your ass during football games.”

“Maria!” Liz and Michael shout at the same time, varying emotions on their face as I sputter. Kyle and Tess are literally holding each other up, tears of hilarity shining in their eyes.

“My ass is better than Max’s!” Michael growls, standing up and working his zipper furiously. “You wanna drool, baby? Drool over this!”

Before anyone can say anything, he drops his pants and affords us all a view of his backside. Kyle and I cry out, covering our eyes as the girls all gawk.

“Wow,” I hear Liz mumble, and my eyes fly open to pin her with a heated glare.

“Close your eyes, woman!” I growl, standing up to block her view of my best friend’s butt. “And Michael, pull up your damned drawers!”

“Nice glutes, Mike!” Tess whistles appreciatively, rousing Kyle into action as he jumps up with a threatened scowl.

“I’d put my ass against Guerin’s any day!” he thrusts his chest out before turning and dropping his own pants. “Check it!” He starts squeezing his cheeks together as Tess shrieks with laughter.

“Oh…my…Gawd!” Maria gasps, using both hands to hold in her guffaws as I stare in open-mouthed horror. I can hear Liz giggling behind me, and I spin around to see her head in her hands as my friends continue arguing and flexing their butts.

“Guys…this is ridiculous,” I try for the voice of reason, then fall to the grass with an oof as Liz suddenly tackles me, her fingers hooked in the band of my trunks. Seconds later, I feel the wind kissing my bare behind as she yells triumphantly, “See, Max has the best ass.”

“Aw…look at the little crabbie bite,” Tess giggles.

“Aw…” the others chorus as I struggle to regain my dignity. I jump to my feet, yanking my shorts up my legs and stick my nose in the air.

“Perverts,” I snort, turning to catch Liz doubled over laughing. “And you!” I shake a finger reprovingly. “You just wait until we’re alone, Parker.”



<center>***</center>



A few hours later, I find my arms filled with roughly one hundred ten pounds of sloppy drunken female. Having already played designated driver for Michael and Maria, I had to spend the entire ride back to Liz’s home trying to fight off her tempting advances.

Even now, she has one hand attempting to bury itself in my shorts as I curse and shift her in my arms. “Baby…stop,” I groan softly, nearly tripping over myself as she manages to get her fingers around my burgeoning erection.

“Mmm…Max,” she laughs seductively, nibbling my ear lobe as I struggle to stay upright. “You’re so sexy…you have the best di—”

I cut her off with a rough kiss, silently praying for strength before pulling away and shifting her onto my back. “Hold on, okay?” I manage thickly, then start climbing the ladder towards her balcony as she wraps her legs around me.

She behaves on the minute long journey, but the second I set foot on the small balcony, she throws herself at me, causing us to stumble back onto the chaise lounge. “I want you,” she whispers between fierce kisses. “I want you right now.”

“You’re drunk,” I manage to point out as she shoves my shirt over my head. Okay, I admit I didn’t do much to stop her. I lay back, trying not to groan as she starts kissing my chest. “Liz…we shouldn’t…”

“Why not?” she pouts petulantly, looking up at me from beneath her lashes. A feline smile stretches across her lips before she starts nibbling a trail down my stomach. “I know you want me, Max. You can’t hide it,” she whispers, running a hand across the tent in my shorts.

“Yeah, I want you,” I admit gruffly. “But baby…you’re drunk.”

“You afraid of taking advantage of me?” she purrs. “You’re not. I always feel a little drunk around you, Max. I always want…this…” With those words, she yanks down my shorts and kisses the tip of my cock.

“Shit!” My eyes cross as I reach for her shoulders. “Liz, wait…ah…okay then…” I sink back as she makes a sound and continues her actions. I take a moment to be thankful that the window’s shut and no one else could possibly know what we’re up to at this late hour.

Within minutes I’m unable to keep from jerking her upwards and shifting our positions so that I lie between her thighs. Her hair spills out along the lounge as she giggles and licks her lips playfully. I growl, bunching her shorts in my hands before sliding them down. Then I go to work on making her lose that smile.

When I can feel her getting close, I rear up and plunge inside of her effortlessly, bracketing her face as our lips crash together. It only takes a few thrusts for us both to find that edge, and when it’s over we lie there staring at the stars and breathing heavily.

“I can’t believe I’m leaving this week,” she whispers softly. “It just…doesn’t seem real. None of this seems real.”

“It’s real,” I answer, shifting to spoon against her back. “We’re real,” I add gently. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too,” she whispers thickly. “Promise me you’ll call every day…that we’ll talk every day. Promise me.”

The naked vulnerability in her tone doesn’t make me angry as it had earlier. I know that her words are more meant for reassurance that she’s doing the right thing. And though I know she is…that we both are…I still can’t imagine that we really intend on doing it.

How am I supposed to live without her, even for such a short period of time? Just the thought of seeing her off at the airport Friday brings tears to my eyes, even as another part of me is full to bursting with pride for her. Like I said earlier, she’s going to set the world on fire.

“I promise,” I answer sincerely. And because I need my own reassurance, I add, “Promise me you’ll think about me every minute?” I can feel my heart thudding crazily, fighting to stay near her as my rational brain tells me it’s for the best. The emotional tug of war with no winner in sight.

“You know I will,” she sighs, turning to face me. Our eyes meet and cling as she nibbles her lips. It gives me a flashback of every time I’ve seen her do so, and I nearly groan knowing that I’ll be going days…months without seeing it again. “I already do.”

I nuzzle her temple as she buries her face in my neck, both of us sighing raggedly. My hand falls to stroke down her hip as I swallow against a lump of bittersweet pleasure. The closer it comes time for her depart, the bigger the lump grows…and the harder it is to swallow.

We don’t speak anymore, just enjoy the comfort of each other’s presence. The sound of her soft breathing jolts me out of my reflective mood minutes later and I glance down to see her sleeping. Brushing another gentle kiss across her brow, I gather my clothes and lift her into my arms, managing somehow to get her inside her room and tucked into bed.

I toss one last glance towards the sleeping figure before stepping out the window and climbing back down the ladder. As soon as I’m behind the wheel, I lay my head down upon it and fight not to cry.

[Deejonaise]

Hey guys!

Dee and I are gonna try to get the final parts back up again. I have a teensy request...most of the feedback from the final chapters we never got a chance to read, and we hate that we missed all of your reactions to the end of the fic.

So...if it would be possible for you guys to drop us another line when we're finished reposting, just let us know again what you thought. I'd really appreciate it. I hope that isn't too much to ask.

hugs,

Lindsay

Just reiterating. Sigh...here we go...

Let's try this again, now.


<center>Chapter 42</center>

~Liz~

I just finish zipping my beloved baseball into my carryon bag when Mom peaks her head in through my door. “Max is here.”

Those three simple words compound the dread that has been building inside me all week, drowning out the automatic joy I feel over his being there. Though we’ve spent nearly every free moment we have together these last seven days the time still seems inadequate with the separation that looms before us. The prospect of leaving him has grown progressively heavier in my belly, so much so that I feel physically sick with it. Is leaving supposed to hurt this badly.

Facing him isn’t any easier considering the last minute decision I made last night while I laid in bed, unable to sleep. It hit me somewhere near dawn. I can’t let him take me to the airport. If I know he’s standing there, watching and waiting I while I board the plane, if I see that damned forlorn look on his face I know will be there I just know I won’t get on it and then we’ll be back where we started.

My mother watches me expectantly, hovering in the door for some kind of reaction. I finally give her a jerky nod of consent. “Go ahead and send him in,” I tell her.

Moments later Max appears in my doorway, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his cargos, his expression solemn. “You all packed?” he asked with forced brightness.

“I’ve just got to throw in a few last minute things,” I reply, quickly averting my gaze because looking at him hurts too damn bad.

“We gotta get a move on,” he says as I take my time removing my cotton tees from my drawers. I can feel his eyes follow me curiously as I scoot about my room at a turtle’s pace. Frowning, he glances at his watch. “Baby, your plane leaves in two hours,” he mutters, “If we miss it then that will be just one more thing Gigantigor will ride my ass about?”

I swivel around partly at his reply, my brows drawn together in a befuddled frown. “Huh? Who is…Gigantigor?”

He flushes dark red and drops his eyes. “Um…uh…nothing,” he mumbles, “I mean your dad. Your dad is going to ride my ass if we miss your plane.”

Still shaking my head slightly over his odd demeanor I return to my snail like packing. “We’ve got plenty of time,” I toss back in glib argument.

“Not if you count the time it will take to get through baggage check,” he returns wisely, “And not to mention the traffic to get there. Why are you moving like you have rheumatoid arthritis? I’m a pretty aggressive driver, Liz, but I’m not that aggressive. Baby, get the molasses out of your derriere.”

“What?” I yelp, lurching around to face him in laughing surprise.

“He means get a move on,” Dad provides briefly, materializing in my door beside Max from out of nowhere, “Max, can you go ahead and start getting her stuff packed into the car? I wanna leave in the next twenty minutes.”

After he’s gone I want to drop to the floor and kick and scream over his horrid timing, but Max is just frowning. My poor baby doesn’t have a clue. “Is…is he coming with us to the airport?”

His question stabs straight to my heart and I expel a shuddering sigh, spinning to face him. It’s now or never. Do or die. Wussy or woman. “Um…Max…” I begin hesitantly, “There’s…something I need to talk to you about.”

“What is it?” he asks slowly, his features already beginning to darken with panic, “And does it have anything to do with your dad going with us?”

“Partly,” I nod but then I have to look away, otherwise I’ll never tell him the rest. “I…I don’t want you to drive me to the airport,” I blurt out, “I asked my dad to do it instead.”

Max scowls at me, not exploding as I half expected but not exactly pleased either. “What do you mean you don’t want me to take you?” he demands, “We’ve been planning this all week, Liz, as recently as last night. What gives?”

“I know you’re confused,” I reply quickly, “But I thought about it last night after you dropped me off and… I just know if I let you take me to the airport I’m not going to go. Walking away from you at the Crashdown is one thing but walking away from you before I get on that plane… I just couldn’t do it, Max.”

As I’ve pleaded my case my voice has grown so hoarse with tears that the last of my response is just a hiccupping, garbled mess. When he sees my tears Max sighs and crosses the room to take me in his arms. But before I’m cradled against his chest I catch the answering shimmer in his gaze.

“This isn’t easy for me either,” he says gruffly, “But dammit, Liz…I wanna be there to tell you goodbye. Even if it rips my heart out I want to see you get on that plane.”

“S-See but that’s th-the pr-problem,” I hiccup, “It w-will r-rip my h-heart o-out and I c-can’t see y-you h-hurting!”

“Oh…baby…” he murmurs, scraping his thumbs over my wet cheeks before resting his forehead against mine, “This is a lose/lose situation for us both, isn’t it?”

It’s the raw traces of tears I hear in his voice, which compels my tears all over again. I bury my face in his chest and cry the tears I’ve been holding back for months now. There’s absolutely nothing I hold back. The tears just come and come and I can feel the wetness soaking the top of my head that lets me know Max’s tears are flowing pretty easily as well. By the time our sobs have died off and I lean back in his arms, I’m snorting small laugh of chagrin over our melodrama.

“Yeah, I know,” he laughs as we kiss through our laughing tears. And then he pinches my butt enthusiastically. “I swear if you ever mention this moment to Kyle or Michael it will be your ass, Parker.”

I hold up one hand and solemnly swear, “Your secret is safe with me.”

But the laughter is gone from his face too soon for my comfort and he’s back to staring at me with those heartbroken eyes of his. I reach up to brush away his tears as he regards me with a near unreadable expression. “I don’t like this plan of yours,” he whispers, sweeping my hair back from my face, “But if it’s really what you want…I respect it.”

I kiss his fingertips before offering him a gentle smile. “That’s why I love you so much, Max Evans…I knew you would say that.”

“So…I guess I’ll load your dad’s car up with your stuff and then…” He doesn’t finish but we both know where he’s going. Then we’ll say our goodbyes. Whether here or at the airport I know it’s not going to be easy.

He shrugs out of my hold reluctantly and begins to reach for my nearest bag. “Well, I’d better get start--,”

“Wait!” I cry before he can cart the bag from my room, “There’s something I want to give you first.” I turn around quickly to retrieve my journal from my computer desk and then skip back across the room to press it into his hands. “I want you to have this,” I reveal in a solemn whisper.

Max trades frowns between my face and the book. “You’re giving me your diary?” he asks, visibly confused.

“Not just any diary,” I clarify softly, “It’s a journal I’ve kept since the ninth grade or, as I like to refer to it in private, the Max Evans chronicles. I wrote stuff in there I didn’t even tell Maria.”

He grins at that, even though his eyes are sparkling. “You wrote about me?”

“Well, about 80% of it is about you,” I say, “The rest of it chronicles my boring life. I can understand if you’ll want to skip over that part.”

Max drops a gentle kiss to my mouth and murmurs, “There is absolutely nothing boring about you, Liz Parker…not ever.”

I smile against his lips. “You’re biased, I think.”

For a moment we indulge in a slow, thorough kiss, despite the ticking clock. This is our time together and we won’t be rushed for anyone. When we finally break apart Max runs his fingers almost reverently down the spine of my journal. “I still don’t understand why you’re giving this to me,” he whispers. Then he flashes me with doubtful eyes. “Don’t you want to take it with you to London?”

“I bought a new one yesterday,” I reply softly, “This journal is just for you. I figured that whenever you find yourself worrying over whether I’ve found some smoothing talking Brit to sweep me off my feet you can open up that book and be reminded that you’re the man who has my heart. No one else.”

He breathes my name raggedly and struggles with a fresh onslaught of tears.

“I want you to know, Max,” I murmur fervently, “that there’s never been anyone else for me. You were all I could ever see.”

“I can’t begin to understand why, Parker,” he mutters self-deprecatingly.

I smile at him. “You’ve done nothing but prove that I was right about you this whole time,” I confess gruffly, “From the second I saw you…I just knew there was something wonderful about you, Max Evans.”

He groans in answer and yanks me back into his arms for another emotional kiss. We lose ourselves in each other, desperately wanting to drown out the world around us, but that’s hard especially with my parents popping in every five minutes to remind us of the time. “Come on,” Max says, pulling away, “We need to get your stuff loaded up.”

When I make it downstairs I’m surprised to find all our friends crowded into a Crashdown booth and waiting for our arrival. My tears start all over again as Kyle is the first to come to his feet and hug me.

“You didn’t think we’d miss giving you a proper send off, now did you?” he teases me, “You don’t know us vewy well.”

“Yeah, Liz, we weren’t just going to let you go,” Tess pipes in, smoothly moving forward to take Kyle’s place, “You’re stuck with us now, chicky…or rather Kyle and Michael…I’m an asset.” The aforementioned cry their affront over her jibe but she staunchly ignores them. “Seriously…we’re going to miss you.”

I pull her in for another hug, simply because I can’t form the words right then but as we’re hugging I manage to croak, “Take care of Max for me, Tess. Don’t let him get too discouraged, okay.”

“I won’t,” she promises, “And the same goes for you. Call me whenever you need to…day or night.”

When we pull away from each other Michael quickly moves in to give me a bear hug. Once he sets me back on my feet, he grabs hold of my shoulders as if he’s about to impart some profound knowledge.

“You take care, Parker,” he tells me, “Always remember your roots. You’re a small town girl from Roswell, New Mexico and don’t forget it. You see what happened to Madonna when she lived in England for a while…she came back with that fucked up, pretentious accent. Don’t be a victim. You keep it real.” Behind him, Max rolls his eyes over that dubious piece of advice and we trade a laughing smirk over Michael’s shoulder.

“My turn,” Alex says, elbowing him aside, “I’m damned proud of you, Parker. London’s not going to know what hit it.”

“Ditto,” Maria croaks, being the last one to step forward and hug me, “I’ve been dreading this moment ever since you signed up for that damn study abroad program.”

“Maria!” I cry, rearing back in teary surprise, “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“Because I saw how much you wanted it,” she whispers, “You were so excited and…I couldn’t expect you to give up something you really wanted just to stick around with me. Besides it’s not like I can put you in my pocket and take you to school with me. I love you enough to want you to be happy, girlfriend…no matter what you choose to do.”

“That’s the same thing Max said to me,” I confess gruffly, “Are you two sharing notes?”

“Interesting…so he calls you ‘girlfriend,’ too?” she teases.

I give her a playful shove. “Maria!”

“Seriously,” she smiles through her tears, “Max is obviously a really smart guy. I can see how much he loves you, Lizzie…how much you love him. It’s going to work out, I know it.”

Max unknowingly breaks in through our poignant, whispered moment when he says, “Why don’t you people put your sorry asses to work and go upstairs to grab a bag? There’s like a bazillion up there… I think Liz packed her entire room.”

“Did not!” I yelp in protest to which I receive a mumbled chorus of “yeah, rights.” “Okay, well maybe half…” I concede in a mumble.

As our friends disappear up the steps, bickering amongst themselves about who should carry what Max and I walk out to my dad’s car together, which is parked right in front of the restaurant. We pause at the bumper and Max sets down my bag so that we can link hands.

“So this is it, huh,” Max sighs deeply, his voice hitching just slightly.

“This is it.”

“You’ve got my email account, right?”

“Yep and your cell number and your work number, too,” I reply, “You’ve got the address where I’ll be staying, don’t you?”

He pats his breast pocket. “Right here next to my heart,” he whispers, “Because that’s where it will be, too…wherever you are.”

Coming from anyone else I would have found that line incredibly corny, honestly it probably still is, but the words are enough to bring tears to my eyes just the same. Unable to resist any longer, I fling my arms around his neck and squeeze him tight.

“I’ll call you as soon as I get there,” I promise, “ASA is supposed to provide a cell phone for me upon arrival so the moment they put it in my hands…”

“I love you, baby,” he whispers, squeezing me so tightly my air supply is momentarily halted. But I don’t care. I squeeze him back just as hard.

“God, I love you, Max, too!” I groan intensely, fighting back my tears, “I’ll be living for Christmas. It can’t get here soon enough.”

“Me too, Parker,” he groans into my neck, “Me too.”

[Applebylicious]

<center>Chapter 43</center>


~Max~



The second the doors close behind her, everyone crowds around me like they’re afraid I’m going to pass out right there in the middle of the Crashdown Café. The fact that my face probably resembles the Martha Stewart White Sale doesn’t lend any credence to my weak claim of, “I’m okay.”

“Hungry?” Maria smiles over-brightly, while Michael shoves me into a seat. “I’ll get you whatever, Max. On the house.”

“Cherry Coke and Space Fries,” Michael says quietly, staring at me intently. I ignore his heavy gaze, struggling to focus on something, anything besides the door that just took Liz Parker out of my life.

I know I’m being melodramatic, that she’s only gone for a year. I’ll even see her before then, since we’ve made all these plans to visit…but still. The time has come, and it’s like a vicious punch to the gut.

“So…how ‘bout them Cowboys?” Kyle blurts out inanely, overly uncomfortable with the awkward silence. When everyone sends him a look and Tess whaps him upside the head, he inhales. “Sorry. I…suck at these situations. And, I think I’m gonna puke…” With that, he wanders off while we all exchange expressions of grim amusement

“Max, what’s that?” Tess questions softly, nudging me with her shoulder.

I glance down at the leatherbound book and the cover blurs behind my eyes. “It’s…it’s Liz’s journal,” I manage thickly. “She gave it to me…wanted me to have it…” When my voice cracks, everyone pretends not to notice. Michael and Alex look at the ceiling while Tess pulls me into a hug.

The sound of the door flying open has me lifting my head in wild hope, even though I know it can’t be her. She’s probably half-way to the airport by now. Still…

“Max!” Cameron’s voice calls out, and I stare in disbelief as my cousin comes barrelling into the café, Isabel hot on his heels. His eyes are red-rimmed and he holds a square object close to his chest as he approaches. “Where’s Liz?” he demands, looking around at the surprised faces.

As soon as his gaze meets mine, understanding dawns and his entire expression falls. “She…she’s gone, Cam,” I murmur, managing not to lose it completely when his eyes fill with tears.

“But…she promised…she said I could see her before she left,” he stammers, blinking rapidly. “She can’t be gone!”

“Cameron,” I start, but he pulls away when I reach for him.

“She can’t be gone, I didn’t get to say goodbye!” he continues, his jaw thrust out defiantly. “Liz wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

“I’m sorry, Cam,” is all I can think to say as he turns and stares at me. “She…she had to go, you know she’ll miss you. Just…what is that?” I ask, my eyes falling to the object he’s gripping like his life depends on it.

He looks down at it, his lip trembling. “It’s nothing now,” he snaps, dropping it to the ground while he turns to run out, ignoring the calls of his name.

I pick up the forgotten item, recognizing it as a framed picture. With a rapidly beating heart, I turn it over and blink rapidly as the image of Liz and I caught in a candid embrace stares back at me. Her face is turned upwards and smiling at mine while my arms wrap around her waist. The quality of the photo is terrible, obviously an instamatic camera. I suddenly recall Cam running around with his disposable camera during the pool party, taking pictures of his sister and Channon to drive them crazy. I guess he’d also managed to capture Liz and I unawares.

“I…have to go right now,” I manage, striding away from the concerned calls of my friends as I rush out of the café to catch up with Cameron as he furiously jerks at the restraints holding his bicycle. “Cam! Wait up.”

He looks up at me, his face ravaged and mortification shining in his eyes. “Leave me alone!” he cries out, turning his back on me and yanking on the bike. When I grip his shoulder, he whirls away from me. “I’m not crying!” he blubbers, hiding his face. “Boys don’t cry, so don’t say shit to me!”

“Well, fuck Cam…” I answer shakily. “If boys don’t cry, then I’m really screwed right now.” He turns to stare at me and then practically throws himself into my arms as I catch him against my chest. I can feel his hot, frustrated tears soaking through my cotton shirt, and I know we’re attracting attention from passerbys, but I could really give a damn.

“I’m gonna miss her, too, buddy,” I whisper against his hair, my own tears evident in my thick tone.

“And you’re leaving, too,” he accuses suddenly. “You’re leaving, and I heard my mom saying you probably won’t come back…because you’ll win games and be famous and then we’ll be lucky to see you at…at Christmas!”

“Hey,” I pull back and kneel before him, bringing our gazes level. “Look at me. I’ll always come back, okay? Roswell’s home, Cameron. It won’t matter how many division championships I win, or if I end up being drafted on sight. Whatever happens…I’ll always come back.”

He looks away and nods. “I just…I wish I’d been able to tell her I’ll miss her,” he admits, wiping his nose roughly with his arm. “What if she forgets all about me?”

Recalling the scene at the pool party, I grimace. “I don’t think she’ll forget you…ever,” I have to laugh. Then a thought strikes me. “You know what, stick out your hand.” I hail a passing woman and ask to borrow a pen as Cam stares at me strangely and does as I ask. Grabbing his palm, I quickly jot something down as he cranes his neck to see.

“2muchbrain@yahoo.com?” he asks curiously.

“That’s Liz’s email address,” I state with a grin. “Now you can keep in touch with her, and I know she’d love to hear from you. Maybe you can even mail her this.” I produce the framed picture and his face pinkens.

“I…I was just fooling around,” he mumbles, reaching out to take the frame. “You guys looked so cheesy, but I know girls like that kind of crap so…”

“I think she’d love it,” I admit.

“Okay,” he smiles tentatively, tucking the item in the back of his shorts before throwing one leg over his bike. I notice he stares at the writing on his palm, then reaches up and yanks the bandanna off his head and carefully wraps it around his hand. I can’t decide whether to laugh or start fucking bawling again. “See ya, Max!” he calls, tossing me a wave as he kicks off.



<center>***</center>



“September 23rd, 2002. Journal entry fifty-three. Max won again. Even as I sat and told myself I wouldn’t go and watch him…that there was absolutely NO reason for me to sit through three-plus hours of surveying sweaty guys knock each other around, I still found myself sitting there. Watching. Wishing…for what? I don’t know. Impossible things, I guess. The truth is, just being near him makes me feel…at peace? Which is terribly sad, seeing as how we’ve hardly ever spoken. But I know that there’s more to him than the guy who can run a mile in less than fifteen minutes while wearing bulky pads and a helmet. There has to be. It’s in his eyes…”

“July 17th, 2003. Journal entry ninety-six. He came into the Crashdown today, ordered lunch…(Cherry Coke and Space Fries – could he be any more predictable??) I wasn’t expecting to see him all summer, he usually takes off with his friends around this time. I wonder if he noticed that I nearly had an attack when he came in. Who am I kidding, the day someone like Max Evans looks at someone like me, the world will probably spin on its axis and we’ll all fall into a dark abyss…”

I chuckle weakly, flipping the page as I study Liz’s delicate handwriting scrawled across the creamy paper. Alone in my room, I don’t bother to hide the emotions her private thoughts drag forth. Eventually, my vision becomes so blurred that I can’t focus on the words and I drop the journal to the ground as my head falls into my hands.

That’s how my mother finds me, some unknown amount of time later. I hear the soft knock on the door, the soft sound of her voice as she calls my name. “It’s time for dinner, baby.”

“I’m…not hungry,” I manage through my fingers, clearing my throat and discreetly wiping my eyes. Turning away, I grab the diary and shove it beneath my bed before facing her. “Do you mind if I skip out tonight?”

“Oh, honey,” she whispers, concern written over her features as she walks forward. “I know how hard this is for you.” She pulls me into her arms, the familiar scent of her perfume filling my nostrils. Chanel No. 5. The scent that always makes me think of the woman holding me now, and fills me with a sense of security as long as I’ve ever remembered. “But I really believe you’re doing what’s best. Liz deserves her chance…and so do you.”

“I know,” I mumble into her neck, not bothering to hide my raw voice. “It just…it hurts, Mom. She didn’t…she wouldn’t let me go with her…to the airport..” A thick sob escapes my throat and her arms tighten around me. “God, I’m a fucked up mess.”

For the first time I can ever recall, she doesn’t correct my language. Pulling back to frame my damp face with her hands, she gazes at me with firm eyes. “You and Liz love each other, then everything will work out fine. You have to believe that, sweetheart.”

“I do—” I bite my lip when she arches one brow.

“Have I ever told you about how your father and I met?” she questions softly, walking over and sitting on the bed. “He was so…talented. On his way to the national football league for certain.”

“Yeah, Mom, I already know all of this,” I mumble, dutifully walking over and sitting down next to her. “He gave it all up because of his knee.”

She snorts, and the action is so unlike my mother that I blink before turning to stare at her. “His knee is just fine,” she states crisply. “Sure, it might have slowed him down and taken a few years off of his career, but he could have still gone pro.”

My brow creases. “But…he’s always said…”

“I know what he’s said,” she speaks when I trail off questioningly. “But the truth is, honey, I asked him not to go back to playing football. I wanted him to settle down, to have a family and raise kids and be a…a father. Not a sports icon who would only be around whenever he wasn’t on the road.” Her eyes begin to gleam as I stare in bafflement. “And he did it. He gave it up, because he loved me more. I…I don’t know if that makes me the most selfish person in the world, or the luckiest.”

“Mom…” I begin, but I don’t really know what to say. All these years… “Did he blame you?” I ask gruffly, finding it hard to believe that my father, the man who gets a look of utter worship on his face anytime the word “football” is mentioned, would give up his hopes and dreams for anything.

“No,” she shakes her head. “He never has, Max, and that’s the truth. I love your father dearly, and I know he loves me, too. There’s never been any question.”

“Well, why didn’t he coach or…or something?” I cry, confusion swirling in my stomach. “Why didn’t he do something to vent his love for the damn game?”

“He was offered several coaching positions, but he turned them all down because by then you and Isabel—”

“Oh, so he decided to just use me as a means!” I declare gruffly. “God knows he’s hounded me for years about it. Be the best, Max. Son, you have to win, win, win—”

“Your father’s a wonderful man, Max,” she interrupts softly. “I know he might seem gruff and of one mind at times…but he loves this family very much. And he’s so very proud of you, and want’s what’s best for you. I believe you should talk to him about this…the two of you have barely spoken in weeks.”

“He insulted Liz when she was here for dinner,” I return frostily. “I have nothing to say to him. He can’t be happy for us, he couldn’t even stop to hear what we had to say before…” I trail off, my chin jutting fiercely as anger clouds the sorrow that had previously dominated my emotions.

“You took him by surprise,” my mother defends. “You took us all by surprise.”

“That’s not the way it looked to me,” I answer. “You and Mrs. Parker came prepared to tout our responsibilites. You both knew something was up. You set us up as the sacrificial lamb!”

“Watch your tone, Maxwell,” she corrects in a quiet voice. “You didn’t appreciate being put on trial, and neither do I. I won’t defend my actions to you, because I still stand by them. You and Liz are too young to give up everything you could ever know, just because you’re riding on this new crest of love. I don’t doubt your feelings for each other, but you have your whole lives, sweetheart. You owe it to each other to get out there and learn what you can before settling down.” When I make a face and begin to reply, she adds, “I don’t mean by dating other people. I simply mean…make new experiences. Things you can share together later on. It will be so worth it, Max. Trust me.”

I don’t answer, but contemplate her words as she watches me silently. Sighing lightly, she leans forward and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Michael and Kyle are downstairs,” she surprises me by saying. “Go out, have fun with your friends, honey. You only have a few days with them, too,” she points out softly, then turns and walks out of the room.

[Deejonaise]

<center>Chapter 44</center>

~Liz~

“I have a roommate,” I inform him dully, “Her name is Dawn.”

“That’s great,” Max pipes with what I suspect is forced enthusiasm, “So what’s she like?”

“I have a roommate,” I repeat, “Her name is Dawn.” This to emphasize the fact I’ve been here nearly three days and that is all I know about the girl. She’s blond, freckled and her name is Dawn. Yup, I’m adjusting just great.

“Liz, you sound funny, babe,” Max observes in a bewildered mumble, “Is your roommate not what you expected?”

I ignore his question entirely in favor of blurting out my feelings. “I don’t like England,” I decide succinctly, “I want to come home.”

That succeeds in nothing except making him laugh. I’m not offended by his reaction, however. My spirits are lifted just hearing the sound. “Baby, you’ve only been there two days,” he reasons, “Give it some time.”

“I don’t need time,” I argue petulantly, “I know already that I hate it.”

“Maybe you just need to see the sights,” Max suggests helplessly.

“I don’t want to see the sights,” I deny vehemently, “I don’t want to attend the university. I just want to come home.”

“You’re just experiencing culture shock,” Max tells me, “I read about that.”

“You read about culture shock?” I query with some amusement.

“I…uh…yeah,” he says and the flustered embarrassment I hear in his voice makes me grin, “Well…I guess I did a little research about studies abroad and…well…there was some mention of culture shock and adjustment on the website so…”

“Ooooh,” I reply knowingly.

“I’m just saying that maybe you haven’t given London a real chance,” he sighs finally.

This isn’t quite the reaction I was expecting to my announcement about wanting to come home. I was thinking something more along the lines of, “yeah, baby!!” “What’s with you?” I pout, “Don’t you want me to come home?”

He replies quicker than I can blink. “More than anything.”

I flop back into my pillows with a frustrated sigh. “Then why are you trying to keep me here?” I whine, “I’m lonely and I feel out of place and…” I swallow back the tears forming in my throat. “I miss you, baby.”

“I miss you, too,” he murmurs gruffly, “God, you don’t know how much…”

“Then let me come home…”

“Liz…” he hisses in a groan, “You’re not being fair and you know it. Have mercy.”

“Fine…fine,” I relent, resuming my pout, “Sooo…whatcha been doing there without me? Are you having lots of fun?”

“I wouldn’t say that exactly but I have been hanging with the gang a lot lately,” he tells me, “But I feel like a fifth wheel, you know? They’re always paired up and happy but then they feel the need to apologize to me for it. I feel like I’m their latest pity cause. It sucks ass.”

I giggle. “Oh…well, tell me how you really feel, Max.”

“I’d much rather be with you,” he whispers fervidly, “Believe me, Parker, the really selfish part of me wants you to come home. I need you so bad, woman.” He must realize that the direction of our conversation isn’t helping matters because he quickly changes the subject. “Okay, I’m not going to go there,” he sighs, “Let’s talk about something else.”

“Something else…” I murmur in consideration. But it’s halfhearted. I’d much rather hear about how much he needs and wants me.

“Did…um…did Cam ever send you that email?”

“As in one email…try three, Evans,” I laugh, “I didn’t realize your cousin was so…um…chatty.”

“Yeah…well, he adores you,” Max chuckles, “Did you get the pictures?”

“Yeah, I did,” I reply, “The one of us was pretty fuzzy but it’s still good. I noticed that he took a lot of Taylor and Channon though, especially Channon. What’s up with that? Is lurve brewing?”

“Uh-uh, don’t go there,” Max laughs, “According to Cam the only girl he has eyes for is you, baby. I think he might have a crush on you.”

I can’t help it. Call me foolish, vain or even immature there’s a part of me that’s flattered by the knowledge. “You really think so?”

“He asks about you all the time,” Max tells me, “And I mean all the time. It’s possible he’s just as depressed about you leaving as I am. But I understand his pain. Who can be around you and not be crushing, Parker?”

Though he can’t see it, I’m rolling my eyes at that one. “Only you think that,” I whisper.

“Bullshit…you’re a treasure and you fucking know it.”

We share a brief chuckle over that and for a second time I savor the sound of his laughter. I actually close my eyes and let the deep, lilting tones wash over my senses. “Max…” I sigh his name again and again once we’ve fallen quiet.

“What, baby?”

“I wish you were lying next to me right now,” I whisper.

“Liz, don’t,” he groans.

“I miss making love to you,” I confess gruffly, “I miss feeling your hands on my skin.”

“It’s been two days.”

“That’s too long,” I moan in frustration.

“Liz, you know this line of conversation isn’t helping matters,” he reasons firmly, “We should…change the subject.”

“Do you really want to do that?” I whisper provocatively, “I thought you liked being naughty on the phone. Don’t you miss touching me…tasting me? I know I do…I miss putting my hands all over you…”

“Liz, you’re not helping,” he mumbles huskily.

Because he sounds genuinely pained and I really don’t want to make things worse for him than they already are I decide to give into his request and grant him mercy. “Okay, we’ll talk about something else,” I concede, shifting onto my side and drawing my knees to my chest, “So…are you packed and ready to go yet? I bet you’re getting a little excited by now.”

I’m aware that in four short days my baby will be taking a trip himself to move into his dorm room at LSU. It’s curious that, though I’ve already gone, it hurts a little to know that he won’t be in Roswell anymore. I guess I’m bummed because I know he’ll be experiencing something new and different and I won’t be there to share it with him. Maybe that’s exactly the way he feels about me.

“Unfortunately, you’re wrong,” he confesses grimly, “I’m not all that excited and I haven’t packed a single thing. I’m the world’s biggest procrastinator, babe. I think I’m actually dreading this trip more than anything right now. I feel so mixed up.”

“Is that because of me?” I ask in a tone made gruff with guilt.

“Not entirely,” he answers candidly, “I’m not going to lie and say your leaving hasn’t affected my enthusiasm for starting college…hell, my enthusiasm for everything really, but the reasons I’m having doubts about LSU in particular is strictly because of my father.”

“Oh, Max,” I sigh in disappointment, “Please don’t tell me you’re still fighting with him. You promised me you’d try and reconcile or at least try for peace.”

“Hey, I was all for peace,” he grumbles bitterly, “Until I learned something the other day that seriously pissed me off.”

I frown at the vibrating anger in his tone, dread filling my belly. “What happened?”

“You know how I told you about my dad’s football career, right?”

“Yeah, you said he could have went pro but he banged up his knee,” I reply blankly, “Why?”

“Because he fucking lied, that’s why!” Max clarifies crisply, “He didn’t give up his career for a knee injury. He gave it up because my mother asked him to!”

“Wow,” I say, a little dazed by the revelation, “He must love her a whole lot.”

“What?” Max balks somewhat rudely, “Did you not just hear what I said? My dad gave up his career for my mother and yet he was ready to take you apart at the dinner table when he thought you were trying to do the same thing to me! Double standard much?”

I don’t let myself get offended at his snarky tone. Right now, I know that he’s venting and that none of his sarcasm is being directed at me. “Max, I’m sure your dad has impossibly high hopes for you,” I reply mildly, “He just doesn’t want you to miss out on the opportunities that he did.”

“Who said I wanted to live his fucking life,” he mutters furiously, “I feel like I’ve been manipulated or…or something.”

“Have you spoken to your father about it?”

“No way!” he cries, “If I tried I’d probably…fuck, I’d knock the hell out of him, Liz. I’m that mad. God! When I think about how he rode my ass about not putting my relationship ahead of my career…how they both did…” He growls his frustration. “I just can’t talk to either of them right now.”

“Max…”

“No, I’m not doing it, Liz!” he snaps angrily, “This was never about fucking school! When I told them I wanted to go to Europe with you it wasn’t about blowing off college. I never said a fucking word about that. I just wanted to be with you. So why is my dad allowed to sacrifice his dreams to be with the woman he loves but I’m not?”

“You’re really ticked off about this, aren’t you?” I whisper inanely.

“The one and only reason I’m looking forward to going to LSU at this point is to just get out of the fucking house,” he mutters. I hear him hiss a series of curses before he finally calms down enough to say, “I’m sorry, baby. I shouldn’t have dumped on you like that. Will you forgive me? I know I was an asshole to you just now.”

“Are you kidding?” I whisper, “You needed a sounding board and I was glad to be here for you. Don’t apologize for being frustrated and angry and confused. But you’re right…you were an asshole just now so apology accepted for that.”

He makes a sound that’s half laughter, half sob. “God…I love you…” he says roughly and I suspect from his tone that he’s crying and the realization makes me cry. “Maybe I should still blow off school…” he considers gruffly, “At least for a semester… We could just hang in London together…see the sights…”

“Well, I did want to do that White Chapel walk,” I admit sheepishly, “But I was too chicken to go alone.”

“Baby, only you would have such a morbid fascination with Jack the Ripper,” he laughs, “But yeah…we could do that. I’ve got enough money saved for a plane ticket. I could just call LSU and defer the Fall semester and…”

“…and lose your scholarship in the process,” I finish quietly, “I can’t ask you to do that.”

“I would,” he vows ardently, “I’d do anything for you, Liz.”

“I know you would,” is my soft reply, “And…I just can’t ask you to do that, Max. I’d never be able to live with the guilt. I’ve seen your face when you play football, even when you’re just fooling around with Kyle and Michael… You love it.”

“Not like I love you,” he whispers, “I could never love anything as much as I love you, Liz Parker.”

“I’m going to give you the same advice you gave me,” I laugh softly, “Give it some time. I know you’re going to love LSU once you get there and…hey, football doesn’t have to be your be all and end all. Have you even thought about what you wanna major in?”

“Would you laugh at me if I said English Lit?” he queries meekly.

“Really?” I smile.

“I’ve been throwing it around,” he admits, “And the more I do, the more I like the idea.”

“Well then you should definitely go for it,” I encourage.

“You think?”

“Baby, do it,” I urge, “I know you’ll kick ass.”

“Hmm…I love you,” he sighs dreamily, “You always know how to make me feel better.”

“I love you, too,” I sigh back with equal dreaminess, “But…I gotta go.”

“What? Why?” he pouts, “Can’t you talk a little while longer? Do you gotta study?”

“Yeah, but…I’m really thinking about this phone bill,” I grumble, “We’ve been talking for a while now and…well…I’m pretty sure Gigantigor is going to shit a brick when he sees these charges.”

But somehow, at that moment when he practically howls with laughter, I simply don’t care.

[Applebylicious]

<center>Chapter 45</center>


~Max~


The distinct sound of an incoming instant message distracts me from haphazardly shoving my clothes into suitcases. I glance over at the computer where Cameron has taken up residence and see him handling three different conversations at once.

He lets out a little whoop, and starts banging the keys crazily as the newest message pops up. “Sweet!”

“Who the hell are you talking to?” I wonder curiously, turning back to packing for my trip that’s taking place in less than twenty-four hours. A part of me is dragging my feet, still clinging to the fact that as long as I’m in Roswell…I still have something of Liz to hold onto. But the other part of me can’t deny the thrill that goes along with finally being out on my own. Doing what I want to do, being accountable for only myself.

“No one,” comes the quick reply, and it has me narrowing my eyes as I glance back over to see him scooting forward and trying to block the screen from my view.

“Is that Liz?” I demand eagerly, abandoning the clothes as I literally dive for the computer. “Move your ass, kid,” I state upon seeing the familiar screenname.

“No way!” he grunts, shoving against my shoulder. “You always get to talk to her! I was here first!”

“It’s my computer,” I point out, yanking on his arm as he holds onto the chair like his fingers have been superglued there. “And besides, you talk to her all the time.”

We struggle for control of the computer for a few seconds longer before I accidentally yank too hard and Cam goes flying out of the chair and onto the floor at my feet. I stare for a second before laughing as he jumps up and starts pounding on me.

“That hurt dickhead!” he yells, huffing defiantly as I hold up my arms to ward off the attack. “Come on, Max! It’s not fair! And she signed off, anyway.”

“What are you guys fighting about?” Isabel peeks in, her eyes bugging out as she sees the train wreck my room has become. “God, Max! You do realize you have to leave tomorrow, right?”

Her words throw a damper on the moment and Cameron wilts in the headlock I’ve stuck him in, jerking out and folding his arms sullenly. I shoot Isabel a look and she appears suitably chastined.

“I’m gonna go find Taylor and bug her,” Cam announces, leaving the room with the air of a kicked puppy.

“He’s not taking this well at all,” my sister sighs, leaning against the doorframe. “Aunt Julie says he’s gotten into three fights this week.”

“Cameron?” I snort incredulously. “Cameron doesn’t fight with anyone. Well…except Channon, but that’s just because he likes her.”

“Well, he punched Tammy’s little brother in the nose yesterday,” Isabel states wryly. “Apparently, the little brat said something snarky about Liz and Cam went off.”

“Jeez, what’s wrong with that family?” I mumble. Louder, I add, “I’ll talk to him. He’s not trying to cause trouble, he’s just…”

“Going to miss you,” she finishes softly, her gaze turning troubled. “Max…I know we haven’t exactly gotten along very well lately…”

I raise a brow at her words, not quite sure what to make of them. I open my mouth to make a sarcastic reply, when I note the tears glistening in her eyes. “Isabel?”

“I just wanted you to know I’m sorry,” she blurts out, letting out a shaky sigh and wrapping her arms around her stomach. “I’m going to miss you, too, Max. I know it won’t matter to you…but I will.”

I blink in complete confusion. “Well…um…” I really have no fucking clue what to say in response to her disclosure, and her hopeful expression plummets.

“It’s okay, I understand,” she sends me a wavery smile. “I wouldn’t believe me, either. Anyway, I’ll just let you get back to…packing,” she glances around wryly.

She turns around to leave and I find myself crossing the distance between us before she can disappear through the door. “Hey, wait.”

She turns around, confusion written across her face as I reach out and lay a hand on her shoulder. “Max…?”

“Oh, fuck it,” I mumble, pulling her into a hug as we both stand there stiff and awkward. I shift slightly and she lets out a squeak as my shoe scrapes across her bare toe. “Oh, shit…sorry…”

“God,” she lets out a shaky laugh. “This is really pathetic.” The second its out, the sheer absurdity of the situation strikes both of us and we erupt into a laughing fit.

I wrap an arm around her in a more natural embrace, chuckling ruefully. “I never thought I’d say this…but I could really use your help in here, Iz,” I admit, glancing around at the mess. “Unless you’re busy…”

“Oh, no,” she says quickly. “Alex has band practice, and…well…let’s just say I’m not too popular with the old gang anymore,” she divulges with a hint of acrimony. “Apparently, having your own mind and actually using it goes against their narrow-minded capacities.”

“Took you long enough to figure that out,” I toss back. “How does it feel to shed your robotic costume?”

She wrinkles her nose. “I wasn’t that bad, Max.” At my snort, she rolls her eyes and sighs. “Fine…I might have been a little…”

“Bitchy?” I take the sting out of my words by grinning playfully. “Stuck up?”

“Thanks,” she mumbles, wilting against the door before grimacing. “God, I was that bad, wasn’t I?”

“Hey…we all have our moments of asininity,” I respond. “Just look at Tess. What the hell is she thinking, dating Kyle? Her hand is permanently glued to the back of his head.”

“I think it’s kind of cute,” she sighs. “I remember when he used to show up at cheerleading events just to torture her. Young love…”

Our eyes meet, and we both snort. “So…you up to helping me handle this?” I motion around the room and a gleam enters her gaze.

“Oh, definitely.”

“Great,” I heave a sigh of relief. “If you could just—”

“Actually, I’ve been wanting to get my hands on your clothes for awhile,” she continues, striding past me towards my bed.

“What’s wrong with them?” I demand in affront, frowning as she starts rifling through a stack of treasured tees. “Hey, what are you doing?” I yelp as she sticks her fingers through a hole in my old Red-Hot Chili Peppers concert shirt and makes a clean rip down the side. “Isabel!”

She holds up the two scraggly ends as I race up to stare at my beloved shirt in horror. “Dust rag,” she states succinctly, tossing the scraps of material on the floor as I fall to my knees and scoop them up. “Now, about these—”

I don’t hear the rest of her statement, because I’m holding my ruined shirt in my hands and blinking down at it. “Why Lord why? It wasn’t your time! You had a good three years left, damn it!”

“Max!” my sister cries out impatiently. “It’s beyond worn out. You could see your nipples through it!”

“My nipples are none of your business,” I mutter, sniffling as I stand up and move towards the trash can. “It’s been a good run, guys,” I whisper to the separate halves. “I wish it could have lasted longer between us, but the sadistic tyrant over there ripped our dreams apart at the seams. Literally.”

“Oh, please.”

“Hey, what are you doing?” I jump up, forgetting my shirt as I see her sorting through my collection of ball caps. “No, those are going.”

“All of them?” she blinks, surveying the pile. “Max, there’s like… fifty. I know you aren’t that great at accessorizing—”

“Damn straight!” Tell me…what guy would want to be good at accessorizing??

“—but there are other things you can add to your wardrobe so you don’t come off looking like you just crawled out of a locker room,” Isabel finishes, ignoring my cry of disdain. “You need some collared shirts, maybe some chinos—”

“Chinos?” I parrot, following her as she walks over to my closet. “What the fuck are chinos?”

“You’re kidding, right?” her head pops out to stare at me. “Max…there’s more to cover your butt than denim and nylon.”

“First my nipples, now my butt,” I rub my forehead wearily. “This ain’t right.”

“What about the football banquets you’ll have to attend?” she asks as if I hadn’t spoken. “You’ll need something nice to wear.”

“I have a suit,” I point out, reaching in and pulling out the dry cleaner’s bag. “A perfectly good suit, just for those occasions.”

She lifts the wrapping and glances beneath, before pressing her lips together and shaking her head woefully at me.



<center>***</center>



“So you’re ready to go.”

I glance up from checking the oil plug in the Jeep and find my father staring down at me with unreadable eyes. I take my time coming to my feet, yanking the rag out of my back pocket and wiping my hands clean. “Yeah, I’m gonna get something to eat, visit Cam, and then I’m off to bigger and better things,” I state, unable to prevent the sarcasm from entering my voice near the end.

His brow furrows at my tone, but he doesn’t challenge me the way I’m half-hoping he would. Just so I’d have a reason to toss his lying shit right back in his face. Instead, he just nods and says, “Your mother wanted you to have this.” He visibly wilts and corrects softly, “We’d like you to have this.”

I look down at his proffered hand and my eyes narrow in curiosity at the small square package. “What is it?” I wonder warily, taking the object and studying it. When I do, I’m surprised to say the least. “It’s…it’s a web cam…?”

“We thought maybe it would help you keep in touch with Liz,” he explains uncomfortably. “I spoke with Jeff Parker and he’s planning to send one to her, as well. We know you could have gotten them yourselves…”

“Actually, we hadn’t even thought of it,” I murmur wryly.

“Well then, that’s good,” he sighs. “They’re supposed to be pretty easy to use, and maybe you can also use it to keep in touch with us..?”

Instead of addressing that question, I pose one of my own. “Why would you bother? You don’t even like Liz,” I state bluntly, my voice hard and accusing as I wait for his response. I know I’m basically throwing the olive branch back in his face, but I can’t help the hurt and anger from pouring out as he shifts and doesn’t meet my eyes.

“That’s not true,” he says around a long-suffering sigh. “Liz is a perfectly nice girl, Max. I have nothing against her—” At my dubious snort, he frowns. “I wanted you to have a real chance at life, Max. I’m your father and I only want what’s best for you—”

“Oh, please!” I cry out, throwing the camera to the ground in my disgust. “You don’t give a damn about what’s best for me! If you did, you’d realize that Liz is it. You only care about some need you have to shove all your goals and aspirations off on your son. I don’t see you harping on Isabel to drop Alex because she’s leaving for school.”

“Isabel’s not on a scholarship, Max,” he points out. “And she isn’t under the same obligations to the school that you are.”

“Obligations,” I mutter. “Maybe I don’t want to be obligated, Dad!” But even as I say it, I know how ridiculous I’m being. I’m fully aware that once I registered at LSU, I basically became the athletic department’s property. I also am fully aware of the graduation rate for college football players, but I am determined to have my studies and somehow still have football as a priority.

“Son…”

“Don’t,” I answer coldly, turning to pick up the camera and tossing it into the backseat with the rest of my luggage. “Thanks for the camera, Dad.” I move to walk past him, when he quiets me with a softly uttered phrase.

“You remind me of myself.”

Spinning around, I pierce him with a hot glare. “What, because Liz is more important to me than a football jersey, Dad? Just like Mom was to you…”

He rubs his forehead tiredly. “Go ahead and think the worst of me, Max. God knows I’ve felt it over the years. But things were different back then, and you’re not taking that into consideration.”

“You weren’t living in the Stone Age, for fuck’s sake,” I snap.

He levels me with a long look, and I flush in realization that maybe I’ve pushed him hard enough for one day. All in all, I’m surprised he hasn’t blown up already, and in truth I’m the only one acting like a child. Liz’s words come back to me and I grit my teeth before nodding coolly for him to continue.

“We didn’t have the choices and opportunities you have,” he states quietly. “I was in my junior year of college when your mother came into my life, and everything else just became…second priority to her.” I watch as he glances away, his expression softening. “I had to make a choice, son. I won’t lie and say it was even a hard choice to make. I wanted your mother, and what came with her. You and Isabel…a family. But there are times…”

When he trails off, I glimpse…it isn’t regret exactly, but an unnamed emotion shining in his eyes. “It’s just a game, Dad,” I answer quietly, for the first time actually making an attempt to understand him. “Just a game.”

“Yes, it is,” he replies. “But I love it. And so do you. Do you remember the first game I ever took you to? You sat there and told me, “Daddy, I wanna play foot game ball.” When I finally figured out what you were talking about, I decided then and there I would make a ball player out of you. Maybe I went overboard, but I…when I saw you play your first game…I’m just so proud of you, Max.”

Before I can answer, not that I have a clue what to say after his disclosures, tires come squealing up the driveway. I glance over to see Michael, Kyle and Tess pouring out of Tess’s silver RAV4.

“Maria had to work, but she sent this,” Michael forgoes greetings to place a tiny vial in my hand. When I raise a brow, studying it curiously, he rolls his eyes and explains, “It’s cypress oil. Helps reduce stress or some baloney. She thought you might find it handy whenever you’re missing Liz…God knows she’s addicted to the junk.”

“Who, Liz?” I frown in confusion.

“Huh?” is his answer.

“Anyway,” Tess rolls her eyes and steps forward. “I’m ready to go, but there’s a few things that don’t really fit…I was wondering if you had any spare room in the jeep?” She blinks her blue eyes innocently.

“Yeah, sure,” I mumble distractedly, still turning the vial of essential oil over in my palm. “We can stop by your house before taking off.”

“Great!” she squeals, clapping her hands together. “Oh, hi, Mr. Evans.” Everyone’s gaze turns towards my father who’s been standing by quietly. I can pratically feel the weight of my friends’ stares, wondering exactly what they walked into. They all know the tenuous ground my father and I have been treading upon as of late.

“Tess,” he smiles. “Are you sure you guys have everything you need?” His gaze flicks back and forth between us. “Do you need any gas money?”

“I’m good to go, I have my Dad’s gas card,” she pats her purse. “And if not, I’ll just mooch off of Max.”

“Thanks,” I return sarcastically. “But yeah, we’re good to go.”

My father nods. “Well then…I guess I’ll let you guys get to it. I know you wanted to make it over to your aunt’s to see Cameron, so…” he looks uncertain before holding out a hand. “Be careful, son. And give us a call when you make it to wherever you stop tonight.”

Tess nudges me and gives me a look as I study my father’s hand. With a sigh, I reach forward and hug him. “Take care of Mom for me,” I mumble into his neck, ignoring the stiff set of his shoulders. “She was crying earlier.”

“She’s going to miss you,” he states shakily. “We all will.”

“I’ll miss you guys, too,” I respond. We’re both still tentative around one another, but I feel like some sort of understanding has been reached. I offer him a small smile and he turns to go back in the house, leaving me with my friends.

“I can’t believe this is it,” Kyle grumbles, kicking at the pavement. “It’s gonna suck without you around, Max.”

“Yeah, who’s gonna help me make Kyle look like an idiot?” Michael asks mournfully. When said idiot punches him in the stomach, he just grins.

“Don’t make me cry, guys,” I joke. “And besides, this isn’t the end. We’ll still see each other, just not every day. And I don’t know about you guys…but I kind of like the idea of taking a break from seeing your ugly faces.”

They exchange looks before reaching forward and grabbing one of my arms each. Ignoring my shouts of protest, the drag me towards the house and not so gently shove me into the large shrub where Liz and I had our clandestine meeting the first time she came to dinner. I come up sputtering out laughing curses.

“That’s for putting my looks in the same category as Guerin,” Kyle wipes his hands in satisfaction while Michael smirks.

“If you guys are finished…” Tess calls out meaningfully, dragging our attention back to where she stands, tapping her foot impatiently. “I’m starving.”

“Come on, let’s go grab some lunch before you ride off into the sunset with my girlfriend,” Kyle groans. “God, this day sucks ass.”



<center>***</center>



“I’ll be home all the time once football season ends,” I state, my eyes on the sulking figure sitting cross-legged on his Spiderman bed covers. “And you guys will be coming to watch the games, so I’ll see you even before that. Dad bought season tickets, you know.”

“Yeah,” Cam mumbles. “You probably won’t want some little kid hanging around once you’re a big football player, huh?”

“You deserve a good pounding for that dumb comment,” I shake my head. “In fact, I think they should change the word dumb in the dictionary. It should just say Cameron Evans.”

“Bite me,” he sneers, but the lost expression on his face has disappeared, which is exactly what I had meant to accomplish. He lets out a world-weary sigh and props his chin in his hands before saying, “Are you excited?”

Knowing Cameron’s probably the only person besides Liz I can be completely and utterly honest with, I sit down next to him and stare at the web graphics on his bed. “Kind of,” I mumble. “I mean, I’m excited to be getting out and doing something new, you know? But I mean…”

“You miss Liz,” he states knowingly. “Are you afraid you guys will forget about each other or something?”

“No,” I answer firmly. “And I’ll miss you, too, squirt.” He makes a face and I laugh before looping an arm around his shoulders. “Not that you’ll care, because you’ll be too busy pretending to hate Channon to miss me.”

“That’s not true,” he declares so vehemently that I’m momentarily filled with a sense of flattery that he’s really going to miss me that much. Then he adds, “I do hate her!”

So much for flattery.

“Yeah, whatever you say,” I snort, slapping his shoulder. “Just remember what we talked about, Cam.” At my pointed look, he flushes and nods before biting his lip and looking away. I check my watch and he notices the action, his shoulders drooping slightly.

“You gotta go?” he asks quietly, looking up at me with sad eyes.

My heart clenches as I nod. “Yeah…”

His lips tremble, but he nods bravely and moves to embrace me. “Thanks, Max,” he mutters in a muffled tone.

“For what?” I ask when we pull away from each other.

“For being cool to me,” he shrugs in embarrassment. “For letting me hang out with ya all the time.”

“You’re not so bad to have around,” I twist his ear. “I love ya, Cam.”

“I love you, too.”

Thirty minutes later, Tess and I hit the road while my family and friends wave us off. There’s tears all around, but there’s also a lot of grinning and ribbing as Kyle and Michael shout out last minute words of “advice” to us.

With Tess taking up the rear, I toss out a last minute wave through the open window at the same minute my cell phone rings. Thinking it’s one of the guys, I answer it with a sarcastic, “Yes, I packed all my jock straps, asshole.”

There’s silence for a moment, before Liz says, “Well, is that a good thing?”

“Liz!” I nearly swerve, feeling like a complete idiot as she starts giggling. “I didn’t know it was you,” I point out inanely.

“Obviously,” she continues laughing.

A giant grin stretches across my lips as I turn the corner, situating the phone more firmly at my ear while checking the mirror for Tess. “God, it’s good to hear your voice, baby. It’s been too long.”

“Yeah, an entire night,” she answers. The words should sound sarcastic, but we’re all too serious. “God, I miss you so much…this is crazy.”

“We’re both crazy then,” I mumble. “Because I dreamed about you last night, and woke up swearing I could still taste your pu—”

“Max!” she cuts me off with a scandalized laugh. “I can’t believe some of the stuff that comes out of your mouth.”

“That makes two of us,” I purr. “I can’t believe some of the stuff in your journal, Parker. We’re gonna have to talk about that soon.” Before she can answer my flirtatious remark, Tess honks me.

“Where are you?” she asks instead, her voice sounding further away as I pass under a bridge.

“Tess and I are on the road,” I sigh. “We’re really doing it, Liz.”

“How’s Cam?” is her first response, causing me to snort in amused affection. “What? I worry about him, is all.”

Thinking back on the scene when I left, with Cam chasing Channon around with a fake spider, I can only shake my head. “He’s fine. He’s eleven and has ADD.”

“How are you?” she asks softly. “Did you and your dad talk before you left? Max, please tell me you tried—”

“No need for that,” I hush her before she can continue. “We talked a bit…I can’t say everything’s wonderful between us, but I think we’re on our way. Maybe we can actually have a relationship one day instead of all this bitterness and lies.”

“Okay,” she answers softly, knowing when not to push. “Well, I don’t have long to talk…I have a student meet-and-greet to go to in about ten minutes, but I just wanted to…”

“I know,” I murmur. “I love you, too, baby.”

“I love you, and promise me you’ll call me as soon as you get a chance?” she whispers. “I just…like to hear your voice before I go to bed.”

“Ditto,” I growl playfully.

“Okay…”

“Yeah…”

Neither of us want to hang up, but besides not having a good international phone plan, she’s going to be late if we drag this out any longer. “I love you,” I repeat softly. “I’ll call when we settle down tonight, okay?”

“Okay, I love you, too. Bye, Max,” she answers, before reluctantly clicking off. At the dial tone, I pull the phone away from my ear with a sigh, glancing up at the road sign approaching.

Now leaving Roswell…

[Deejonaise]

<center>Chapter 46</center>

~Liz~

How do you know if the girl you like, likes you?

I stare at the instant message for a moment, an impish smile playing at the corners of my mouth. I have little doubt who he’s referring to, but it will be a small miracle if I actually get him to admit it. If I’ve learned one thing about Cameron Evans it’s that he would rather walk over hot coals than make himself vulnerable. But maybe…just maybe he’ll open up to me this time.

After a few seconds I send back, Do I know this girl?

I’m just asking for a friend, Cam replies but his response is too quick, almost as if he already had it keyed in.

I snort over this. Of course, it’s a great deal easier to lie when you’re not face to face with the person you’re fibbing to. I’m sitting there, trying to think of the best way to respond to him when another message chimes in. Well????

It depends. How does the girl act around your friend?

The answer he sends back has me sputtering with laughter. Like something she stepped in.

And why does your friend like her again? I type laughingly.

There’s a strangely long pause following my question and I’m rolling my eyes to think of all the possible Cam responses I’m gonna get but when he sends it finally I’m stunned speechless by what he’s written. Because she’s beautiful and special and he thinks she’s the best. He’s just afraid to tell her.

I’m about to advise him that maybe he should tell the girl…er…I mean his friend should tell the girl how he feels and, perhaps, that might soften her frosty attitude. I’m mid-sentence, however, when I’m flagged by another instant message.

Baby? You there? My heart picks up a crazy staccato beat when I recognize Max is online. I’m surprised, too, because I know it’s lunchtime in the States right now. He’s obviously forsaking his noon meal just to talk to me. I’m grinning like a ninny to know it.

Cam, I have to go.

Great. I guess that means Dopey’s online.

You know me so well, lol. Now go outside and play, munchkin. You’ll go blind from staring at the computer screen for so long.

You’ll email me later?

Promise.

The moment our conversation ends I’m typing in a response to Max, my fingers shaking the entire time. Hey, baby. I’m here. What are you doing?

Thinking about you. Skipped lunch just so I could have a straight hour to chat you up.

Good to hear. I just finished talking to my man on the side.

You mean Cam? That wanker! I think he probably talks to you more than he does to me.

Maybe because you call him a wanker.

It’s all done in love, babe.

Yeah, whatever. I was actually hanging around in the hopes that I would hear from you. How was your first day of classes?

Same old orientation/syllabus “welcome to the corner of pain and hell” crap. It was pretty boring. Thought about you the whole time.

You did?

I read your journal again last night.

Yeah? Which part?

The fantasy…the one when you’re in the shower and I provide a little company.

I blush over his admission, recalling that exact fantasy or dream rather. Somehow fantasy Max gets lost and wanders into the girl’s locker room by accident just as I’m stepping out the shower. Needless to say, little invisible Lizzie Parker isn’t so invisible anymore. I’d forgotten some of the risqué things I’d written in that journal but Max is more than happy to remind me on occasion. I should have known giving him that book would come back and bite me in the ass.

Max, enough with the shower fantasy.

Why? And I can just imagine him pouting at this point. Don’t you want me to do all those things to you in real life?

Hundreds of thousands of miles away and an entire ocean between us and I can’t believe this man can still make me blush like there’s no tomorrow. I’m glad he can’t see me now because he’d tease me about it until the end of creation. Somehow, despite my flaming face, I manage a bland reply.

You’ve already done those things to me in real life.

Not everything. Who knew you were into bondage, Parker?

OMG. I can’t believe you just typed that.

Well, you wrote it, not me. I can actually imagine the cocky grin spread across his face as he types. The image prompts my own grin. So is your roommate asleep? comes his next message, hot on the heels of the last one.

Of course. She’s sane. It’s four o’clock in the morning over here, you know, and I’ve got an eight o’clock class tomorrow. Why?

Because I’m going to type dirty to you and I don’t want any witnesses when I do.

You’re sick, Evans.

And you love it. Tell me what you’re wearing.

No. I’m not going to indulge in your depraved fantasies. My roommate is sleeping less than five feet away. I have my dignity.

Wouldn’t you rather have my dick?

You’re so bad. What happened to trying to keep it chaste?

It’s been nearly a week, woman. I’m officially going through withdrawal. Come on, Parker…play with me.

What if I wake Dawn? What the hell am I going to say to explain?

Hmm…that’s a conundrum. Then I guess you’ll have to be extra quiet. What color are your panties?

Though I make a great production of being affronted by the very suggestion I’ll admit that part of me is very excited by the thought of cyber sex. The whole idea of being turned on and without even touching yourself (after all, you need your hands to type, right?) is kind of intriguing.

Rolling my eyes, I quickly type in my response before I lose my nerve. I’m wearing your favorite pair.

You mean the powder blue ones with the white lace edge?

Those would be the ones.

Oooh…you’re an evil, woman, Parker. How can you wear those when I’m not there to enjoy them?

I thought about mailing them to you.

Really? Well, if you do, don’t wash them.

Don’t wash them? Max, that’s just…ewww.

What’s the use of having them if I can’t smell you?

You are sick.

I’m horny. You see what that does to a man? It’s not pretty. I’m still chuckling over that when he sends his next question, which is more lecherous than the last. So what are you wearing besides the panties?

A nightshirt and some ankle socks.

I can practically see him tsking at my answer. He pretty much confirms my suspicions when he writes, When will you learn, Parker? Nakey is always better, woman.

Dawn might not agree with you.

She doesn’t get a vote.

Pervert.

Damn, I wish you had your web cam already! How much longer until it arrives?

Why so impatient, Evans? You got something naughty planned?

You bet your sweet ass.

You want my sweet ass.

I certainly do. So is there any way I can coax you into stripping that sweet ass and then giving me a very vivid description?

I sputter at the question. But what’s really ridiculous is that I’m actually considering it. I toss a glance over my shoulder at Dawn’s sleeping figure. Her head is buried completely beneath the pillow and she hasn’t stirred the entire time I’ve been at the computer. Still, I don’t know… I don’t think I’m that bold.

I don’t think you’re going to be getting any satisfaction there, I finally type back, You’re going to have to think of another way to slake your sexual frustrations. I’m not in the mind of giving my poor roommate a peep show.

What about if I told you the things I wanted to do to you?

Hmm…like what?

Well, first I’d touch you between your legs…just to see if you’re as wet as I hope you are. Are you wet, Liz?

For a breathless few minutes I stare at the blinking cursor, cheeks and body burning. Again I glance over at Dawn, knowing she wouldn’t be able to see what was going on even if she were awake but still feeling self-conscious despite that. I’m at war within myself, between being reasonable and giving into the desire that’s been festering inside me for days now. Of course, my baser nature wins for the moment. It can’t hurt to “type” dirty…can it?

I shift in my chair, acutely aware of the sticky moistness gathering between my thighs and I just…do it. Yes…I’m wet.

Really?

Because I’m thinking about you…how I want your hands…your tongue…

Where do you want my tongue?

I want you to taste me, Max…just like you did on our first date. I want you to eat me up.

Now I’m having a surreal moment here. Consciously, I’m aware of the fact that I’m engaging in cyber sex with my roommate present but there’s a part of me that doesn’t care. I’m not doing anything overtly provocative right now. Yes, my breathing is heavier and the material of my nightshirt feels strangely scratchy and arousing against my fevered skin but it’s not like I’m masturbating for goodness sake! I tell myself all this and yet I can’t completely shake my lingering sense of discomfort. If only Dawn weren’t around…

I want that, too, Liz. I wish I were there beside you right now. I’d lay you out on your bed and spread your legs and put my mouth just where you want it most. I’d make love to you with my tongue.

I emit a soft moan his reply, choking on it at the last second when Dawn shifts behind me. It’s with a growling mutter of frustration that I realize this little cyber interlude between Max and me just isn’t going to happen. Max, this isn’t going to work.

What’s not going to work?

Our first attempt at cyber sex. I know I’m not going to be able to stay quiet and I’m terrified of waking Dawn. It’s ruining the mood for me, baby. I’m sorry.

His reply comes back quick and succinct. I understand but, for the record, this bites.

Ditto. But at least we’ll have Christmas break. I’ll rock your world then.

There’s a conspicuous pause before he answers and I know something is up even before I receive his crestfallen reply. Liz, about Christmas break…I might not be able to come home like we planned.

The admission slows my heartbeat to a thudding hammer and the computer screen blurs before my eyes. My first instinct is to panic majorly but after several calming breaths I’m able to reply without freaking out. Though my typed response is almost serene there’s a rush of adrenaline waving through my body right now, making me feel shaky and weak.

Why won’t you be home for Christmas?

It’s just a possibility. If the team does well and we make it to the Bowls this season then I’ll have to stay here and practice pretty hard. I’m not saying it’s certain but I want you to be prepared just in case…

His reassurance falls on deaf ears. Hey, I’m a pretty rational girl. I’m very aware that, not only is Louisiana State an exceptional team, but also that Max is an exceptional player. The Bowls seem a foregone conclusion. The team has managed to do so in the years before so there’s no chance they won’t this year as well.

Consequently, I have no doubt that Louisiana State is going to make it to the playoffs this year. I have no doubt that Max is going to be unable to make it home for Christmas. I have no doubt that this is going to be one long, miserable year for both of us. Great.

Now what do I do?

[Applebylicious]

<center>Chapter 47</center>

~Max~


“Nice arm, Evans.”

I glance up from my locker, meeting one of the junior running backs gazes as he passes by. “Thanks,” I mumble, pulling the sweaty jersey over my head. The sounds of clanging metal and hissing showers surrounds me as I stand there, naked to the waist and staring down at the purple, white and gold jersey with my name printed on the back.

Evans. #15.

It’s streaked with mud and grass stains, sweat and even blood. It’s just a training uniform, but everything it represents causes a slow grin to cross my features. I’m finally fucking doing it.

Stripping the rest of the way, I head for the showers and begin washing off the remains from a hard day’s practice. My muscles feel sore and stretched past what I even knew they were capable of. I expected that playing ball for a high-ranked college team would be different from that of a mediocre midwestern high school, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve had to push myself beyond my wildest dreams. And I’ve loved every damn minute of it.

Even knowing that I probably won’t see much of the field the whole season, having been placed on second string for backup to the senior quarterback, I’m throwing myself heart and soul into this. For the first time, there’s no pressure…besides that which I place on myself. Coming into the first practice session, I had been expecting to be overwhelmed and find myself torn in two opposite directions for my academic and athletic lives.

Instead, I listened in wide-eyed fascination as Coach Saban explained the importance of education. How we were all there to play a game, but that we were also there to learn. He let us know that he wouldn’t hesitate to bench us if we were screwing around and not attending classes, working to do our best just as he wants us to do every time we put on the jersey. Needless to say, I got off on that speech. And so did the rest of the red-shirts and rookies.

Steam begins to rise around me, beading across my damp flesh as I turn the nozzle off. Grabbing a towel, I start to wipe it down my body when the passage from Liz’s journal that I had read again last night before going to bed flitters through my mind. I’ve read it so often I nearly have it memorized.

I glance up, meeting his gaze. His golden eyes burn through me, making me all too aware of my nakedness as everything is suddenly amplified. Beads of moisture sliding down my chest, the drip of the faucet, my own heavy breathing. He doesn’t speak, simply looks me over in unabashed approval as I stand there frozen. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel shy. I feel completely wanton, and ache for him…

“Whoa, what are you thinking about dude?”

The sound of an amused chuckle breaks into my fantasy and I start, glancing over into the raised browed expression of one of the other freshman players. I follow his pointed gaze to find my fingers wrapped firmly around a pretty impressive erection.

“Oh, shit,” I mumble, feeling my face heat as I turn slightly away from him. “Uh…”

“Can’t blame you,” he continues, moving to turn on the showerhead across from mine. “Excellent way to relieve tension. Don’t let the stress get ya down, I say.”

Well, I can’t say that anything about me is feeling down at the moment…

“Hey, there’s some stuff happening off campus later…some kind of Crawfish Festival,” he continues, lowering his head under the stinging spray. “Some of the guys are going…you should come check it out.”

Still willing my rebellious body under control, I go, “Hmm…”

“There’ll be tons of hot chicks,” he sighs. “Definitely something I could handle after these last few games. And it’s gonna get even worse with the championship coming up. You know Coach wants us to bring it home again.”

The reminder of the SEC championship game sends little thrills of excitement throughout me. Scouts will be all over the damn place, studying every move we make, looking for fresh talent to recruit. Not that I expect to be one of them…but it’s exciting nonetheless.

Every game we’ve played has been a surreal experience for me, even though I’ve been to quite a few college games as a spectator. But it’s an entirely different experience when you’re the one out there being watched. Then again…I’ve only actually played in four games. The rest of the time I spent going over plays with the assistant coaches.

The impending trip to Atlanta has the entire team worked up and the practice sessions have lengthened and intensified as we near the December championship date. With less than a month to go, Baton Rouge is pretty pysched.

Of course, the downside of the situation is that I’ll definitely be unable to go home for the holidays. I’ve already had the conversation with my dad, who helped my mother understand the dilemma. But I can’t say it wasn’t hard to let everyone down, especially Cam who had been talking non-stop about hanging out again. Luckily, my family’s managed to make it to a few games, and even Michael and Kyle and the rest of the gang have dropped by on their weekend breaks, so it hasn’t been this huge gap of time since we last saw each other.

On the other hand…I’m seriously considering checking myself into a rehab center for sex-o-holic’s. I have Liz on the brain 24/7. Even when I’m throwing a football during a nationally televised game, a part of me is thinking of her hands on me, my lips on her. It’s the purest form of hell, being separated from her and knowing that we won’t be able to see each other as planned. There’s already talk about us going to the Bowls, especially if we manage to take the SEC Championship. I’m excited, but I’m also bummed.

“I guess that’s a no,” a wry voice breaks me out of my daze. “What’s up, Evans? You don’t like the crawfish or is it the hot girls?”

I glance over sharply to see him grinning at me. “Funny,” I answer with a sheepish smile. “But nah, man…I think I’m gonna stay in tonight. I’m worn the fuck out.”

“You and me both,” he groans, rolling his shoulders. “But I’m never too worn out for that.” His brows wiggle impishly. “You know that blonde girl you hang with all the time? Is she your girlfriend?”

“Who, Tess?” I ask in surprise, frowning at the look in his eyes. “No, she’s just a friend from back home. She has a boyfriend,” I add when his expression turns contemplative.

“Damn,” he sighs. “Oh well, there are others. So…who’s the girl making you jerk it in the locker room when you should be saving that arm strength for the game?”

Once again, I feel like a furnace has erupted on my face. “I was just thinking,” I mumble defensively, cringing when he lets out a loud hoot.

“Thinking, huh? You must have a helluva time in class, man.”

“Yeah, yeah…” I have to laugh. “You caught me in a girlfriend-withdrawal moment, all right?”

“I guess she isn’t on campus, then?” he surmises, running his hand across his face to remove the soap rivulets. “Long-distance? She back at home?”

I snort, wrapping the towel around my waist. “She’s in a study-abroad deal in London.” I hear the whiny note enter my voice and catch myself before I start going on about my love life to a near stranger.

He whistles. “That has to suck. When’s she coming back?”

“She’s there for a year,” I admit. “After that…she’s going to try to transfer here, but who knows what’ll happen. Right now I can’t seem to get past the fact that she’s across the damn world.”

“Yeah…and I thought I had it bad when my girl left for Florida State,” he shakes his head woefully. “As if I could date a rival.”

His words succeed in making me grin. “Right. Well, I’ll catch you later…I’m gonna hit the books for awhile before calling Liz. Then I’m passing the hell out for a few hours.”

“Cool, tell her she should try to come down for the game,” he calls after me. I don’t bother asking which game he means, the game can only mean one thing at this point.

Walking out of the Broussard Center, I happen to catch sight of Tess as she drives by. Flagging her down, I gratefully toss my athletic bag in the backseat and jump in. “Thank God, I wasn’t looking forward to the mile hike to my place,” I stretch my legs out.

“Why the hell didn’t you drive?” she demands, shifting gears and propping one painted foot on the dashboard. Tess has never been able to drive in a normal position, but it only makes me laugh as she starts wiggling her toes out of the window.

“I caught a ride with some other guys,” I answer, fiddling with the air conditioner until it’s blowing directly on my face. I still haven’t gotten quite used to the dramatic change in climates. Roswell’s dry desert air has nothing on the thick southern Louisiana humidity. “I feel like I’m choking.”

She giggles. “I love it! I don’t even have to use lotion, it’s like an automatic moisture bath every time you step outside.”

“It’s called sweat,” I grunt.

“Ew! Shut up,” she wrinkles her nose, and I get my first good look at her attire. Her curly hair is pulled into a sloppy bun-thingy that sits high on her head, her body covered in a pair of shorts that barely cover what’s important and one of Kyle’s old jersies.

“I hope you don’t plan on getting out of this car dressed like that,” I narrow my eyes.

She frowns, looking down at herself. “Huh? Why, what’s wrong?”

“You’re kidding me,” I groan and smack myself in the forehead. “Kyle would kick my ass if he saw you walking around like this. You realize what every guy who sees you will be thinking?”

“Oh, please,” she rolls her eyes. “You worry too much, Max. Besides, I was just on my way to McDonald’s. I’m taking a study break. Wanna come?”

The thought of rewarding myself with some well-earned junk food is tempting, but I know I’m losing valuable Liz-time as the hours progress. This damn time difference is really beginning to get on my nerves.

“Thanks, but I think I just wanna go back to the apartment,” I sigh.

She shoots me a knowing glance. “Ah…cutting into Liz-time, am I?”

I flush as she repeats my own inner words. “Am I that obvious?” I grumble, folding my arms as she laughs.

“Max, you’ve closeted yourself up at the same time nearly every day. It’s not hard to figure out there’s some cyber hanky-panky going on in there,” she teases. “I still hate you for living on West Campus, by the way.”

“Hey, it’s close to the stadium and practice field,” I defend myself. “Besides, you chose East Campus, remember? We were all for West until someone decided they needed to be closer to the McDonald’s.”

“Can I help if Kyle got me addicted?” she flutters her lashes innocently. “Thank God I didn’t decide to cheer…I could never give that shit up now. Look me up in ten years, I’ll be known as ‘the girl with the hips’.”

The rest of the short ride to my apartment is spent in easy comraderie. When she drops me off, I don’t let her leave until she promises to let me take her out to dinner sometime that weekend. Then I rush inside to check my messages. Booting up the computer is like a little devilish thrill, wondering whether or not I’ll see that familiar screen name blinking.

Sure enough, I’m not disappointed. Grinning widely, I start to type a message when she beats me to it.

Guess what I’ve got?

Unable to banish the thousands of naughty responses that rush across my mind, I pick one and go with it. A box to mail that pair of panties off to me?

Very funny, she replies and I have to laugh at the smiley she sends, its foot in its mouth. You might like this better.

Raising a brow, I answer, Do tell, Parker. I’m dying of anticipation here.

Weell… I start to tap my fingers as she takes a long time to type the rest of the message. How would you like to see what I’m wearing right now?

Her words don’t make sense at first, until realization dawns. The camera came?

Uh huh, is her immediate response and a slow grin stretches itself across my lips.

Is your roommate around? I key in, already reaching up to switch my own web-cam on.

Nope, she’s taking in the sights. It’s just you and me.

An invitation to view her camera pops onscreen and I click it, waiting for the image to load. The second her face appears, she purses her lips in a kiss and has me laughing in glee. She leans back, allowing me to see the brightly colored bra covering her chest. Feeling playful, I type back, Yeah, just the two of us…and a few of the guys from the team. They really like the bra, babe.

I can see the delay of our connection, I receive her next response a few seconds before the camera shows her horrified expression. WHAT??

Laughing, I shake my head and reply, You’re so gullible. Do you really think I’d let anyone else see your goodies, baby? They’re all mine.

Once again, there’s a few seconds before her expression changes. She raises her finger in a crude gesture that has me sputtering with laughter. For that, I’m not going to tell you about the dream I had last night, she types back, a small smile playing along the edges of her lips.

Sticking out my lower lip, I stare into the camera and do my best wounded expression while typing, That’s not very nice…maybe I won’t tell you about my own little shower fantasy today.

She raises a brow, as I lean back and send her a hot expression. I watch as she giggles and glances down to answer me. From that look, I guess it was pretty…steamy?

I shake my head at the bad pun, smirking while typing back. Oh yeah it was…up until I got caught…er…red-handed.

Her mouth falls open. LOL, you didn’t??!

Yes, I did. Your boyfriend is now an official exhibitionist, I tease. And speaking of…why aren’t we getting naked?

You tell me, Evans. You’re the one with all your clothes on.

I raise a brow at her challenging response. Holding her gaze, I slide my hands underneath my cotton tee, playfully raising it like a male stripper as she grins. Then I yank it off, tossing it somewhere behind me. Your turn, I type back, leaning back and folding my arms across my chest.

I feel her gaze stroke my bare chest through, and it’s just as potent as if she were right there. Well…maybe not that far…but it’s a definite improvement from nothing at all. I watch eagerly as her hands go behind her back, no doubt fumbling with the clasp of her bra. My muscles tighten when she then slides the scant material down her arms, revealing her breasts to my gaze.

What next? She types, and I can nearly hear the purr in her tone as she sends me a sultry smile.

I don’t have to think about my answer. Touch yourself…cup yourself in your hands and rub your nipples. I hold my breath, wondering if she’ll go through with my bold request. The second her palms come up to caress her plump flesh, the sound of my groan echoes throughout the apartment.

Taking control of the situation, I continue with, Squeeze them…does that feel good baby? God, you’re making me so hot.

One hand lowers to key in a reponse. Touch yourself, too.

Tell me where, I answer, already sweating at the idea of pleasuring myself…for her. I’ll do anything you say.

The sound of my phone ringing nearly makes me cry. I decide to ignore it, but type in, Damn, the phone’s ringing off the hook.

Her answer is swift. It’s me.

I stare back at the image of her onscreen, and remember the delay. Sure enough, a second later she holds up the phone and waves it at me. I mutter a curse and quickly pick up the receiver when it starts to ring again.

“Hey,” I breathe into the line, sure she can hear the arousal emanating from my husky voice.

“I figured this would make it better,” she whispers. “I can’t type and touch myself at the same time, and besides…I want to hear your voice when I’m doing it.”

That admission is enough to have me hardening to the point of pain. “Yeah,” I answer gruffly. “So…where were we?”

“You were about to get naked,” she teases in a thick voice. “And touch yourself…?”

“You didn’t say where,” I tease, moving my hand down my abdomen, trailing circles as I near the thin line of hair leading towards my groin.

“Max…” she moans. “Come on, you know what I want.”

“Nuh uh,” I shake my head. “You gotta tell me.”

“Show me…” I can hear her let out a sigh and the expression on the webcam shows her embarrassed desire. “Showmeyourcock,” she blurts out so suddenly that I have to replay her words twice before I understand them.

I laugh huskily. “That’s my girl,” I purr, fiddling with the elastic band of my shorts. “So…you wanna see my cock?”

“Yes,” is her breathless reply.

“I’m hard, baby,” I tell her gruffly. “I’m so fucking hard for you. I wish you were here…” I lift my hips and slide my shorts down, allowing my erection to spring free on a ragged breath.

“I wish I was there, too,” she whispers. “I miss feeling you inside me, Max. I…I’ve tried to satisfy myself…but it’s never enough.”

Over the pounding in my head, I manage to say, “You try to satisfy yourself? Tell me about it, baby. My hand’s permanently glued to my dick and it’s never enough. In fact…I’m doing it right now,” I add, squeezing my fingers around my shaft. “It feels a lot better when I can hear your voice.”

The soft gasp over the line lets me know that her connection has caught up to show me masturbating. I slump back, cradling the phone between my neck and shoulder while using one hand to stroke myself. “Baby?” I question softly. “Are you still there?”

“Y-yes,” she stammers, and I look up to see her hand disappearing beneath dark red panties. “Oh, Max…”

Letting out a hiss as I watch her pleasuring herself, I whisper roughly, “Let me see you, Liz.”

“I’m so close,” she whimpers, not bothering to be shy by this point. She sheds her underwear quicker than I can blink, which is saying something with our connection speed. At the sight of her fingers trailing over moist flesh, I feel the first jolts of my climax begin.

“Damn, baby,” I manage around a harsh groan, spilling myself into my hand as I watch her touch herself on screen. The sounds of moans and ragged breathing echo in my ear, and I detect the exact moment she comes, crying my name in a deliciously soft voice.

“God, I needed that,” she surprises me by admitting a minute later, releasing a languorous purr of satisfaction.

“Yeah, me too,” I swallow. “Baby, I know I say it all the time…but I miss you so fucking bad.”

“I know,” she whispers. In an obvious attempt to keep the mood light, she says, “I heard you played last Thursday. Dad said you looked amazing.”

“Thanks,” I answer, vaguely embarrassed. “I was only in for the last quarter…since we were scoring pretty high.”

“You kicked their asses,” she states bluntly. “Max, the team is just…you guys are ranked number one, aren’t you?”

“Number two,” I correct. “The AP polls just got updated last week. We’re behind Southern Cal. But they keep changing so…”

“The way you guys are going, you’re gonna be in a Bowl, aren’t you?” she questions softly.

“Probably,” I admit just as softly. “Liz…about Christmas…”

“It’s okay,” she answers a little too quickly. “Max, I understand. This is important for you. And wow, it’s exciting, too! I mean…first the SEC Championship…then maybe a Bowl game…”

“I would rather see you,” I state bluntly.

Neither of us say anything for a long moment, then she says, “I better get dressed. Dawn might come back early and…I don’t want to have to explain this.”

“I doubt there would be anything to explain,” I mumble. “Okay, I need to study, anyway. Will you be on in the morning?”

“For you, yes,” she whispers. “I love you, Max.”

“I love you, too,” I sigh, somehow feeling dejected as we hang up and the screen goes blank.

[Deejonaise]

<center>Chapter 48</center>

~Liz~

“Liz?”

I might have laughed at the dumbfounded expression on his face were it not for the fact my stomach is churning with nerves right now. I can only imagine Max’s shock at finding me outside his front door, surrounded by luggage and dressed in my winter best.

“I know I’m supposed to be in Roswell,” I announce inanely, “But I got to the airport and…ended up here instead. Merry Christmas, Max.” He continues to stare at me blankly, his mouth working but no sound coming forth. “Aren’t you going to let me in?” I query softly.

“It’s not Christmas yet,” he murmurs, his eyes fairly gobbling me up. His passionate stare helps soothe some of the sting that he still has yet to open the door.

“Damn close,” I counter, producing a leafy sprig from my coat pocket, “And I brought some mistletoe just for the occasion.”

And that’s all it takes. Max overcomes his shock enough to finally drag me into his apartment room and kiss me senseless. Dispensing with polite greetings altogether, we’re rip at one another’s clothes, our hands racing over naked skin in hungry need. His mouth touches every available piece of skin as my coat and shoes and our shirts and pants fall heedlessly to the floor. Kissing, grasping and groaning we stumble for the nearest spot to copulate…his sofa.

“You’re alone, right…” I pant between desperate kisses as we fall down onto the cushions together, “…no company?”

“…just you,” Max confirms, wedging himself between my thighs and thrusting deep.

We both sigh with groaning relief as his turgid flesh fills my body. He surges against me, tucking his face into the hollow of my neck. “Damn…you feel so good,” he moans, driving his hips in a shallow, frantic rhythm, “I fucking missed this…” He catches my skin between his teeth and emits a low hiss. “Baby, I’m close…”

I curl my fingernails into the taut skin of his buttocks and fit the balls of my feet neatly against his calves, lifting my hips hard into his. Max sinks deep, touching something inside me that causes stars to burst before my eyes and my toes to curl. I moan loud and long as he shudders in the wake of his climax.

After he’s pulled out of me and propped up on his forearms, Max fixes me with an amused, but slightly dubious stare. “Uh…hello,” he greets belatedly, nibbling at his lower lip in sheepish appeal.

“Hello,” I return softly, my eyes roaming about the apartment in a surveying glance, “Nice digs you’ve got here.”

“Nice digs…that’s all you have to say? Only you, Parker,” Max utters laughingly, lowering himself so that our naked torsos are pressed together. Our skin sticks together but I hardly mind it as Max cradles my face in his hands, holding me captive for a thorough kiss. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he whispers, “My God…this is the best almost Christmas ever.” And then he frowns. “But what happened? Last we talked you were getting packed to head home.”

Sifting my fingers through his tousled hair, I grin up at him, feeling foolishly impulsive and happy all at the same time. “Well see…I really had every intention of flying back home…” I begin ironically, “But then the next thing I knew I was changing my destination from Roswell, New Mexico to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and…here I am.”

“Here you are,” he murmurs in approval, shifting onto his side to slide his thigh up and in between my own. We teeter precariously on the edge of the sofa but at the moment neither of us care. “I won’t say I’m disappointed to have you here though.”

“Hmm…good to know,” I purr, leaning forward to lick a wet trail across his collarbone, “So…you gonna show me your place or what?”

He definitely shows me the place and it’s the grand frickin’ tour, too. We make love in the kitchen, the hallway, the bathroom and finally in his bedroom just a few feet shy of his bed. Later we climb between the sheets and when I’m tangled up in his arms and everything is quiet between us I can feel the mood become serious as well.

“Do your parents know you’re here?” Max asks softly.

“Hmm…not yet,” I hedge, “I planned on calling them after…”

“After?” he questions, tipping his head down to see my face, “After what?”

“You’re still set to leave for Atlanta in the morning, right?” It’s a frivolous question, I know, but I need something to cushion what I’m about to tell him. I don’t expect my plan will go over easy with him.

“Liz, you know I’m leaving in the morning,” he sighs patiently, “It’s the championship, remember? I have to go.”

“I know it,” I agree, “And that’s why I’m going with you.”

“No fucking way.”

Sometimes it sucks to be right. “Max…”

“No,” he says again, shrugging from beneath me so that we face each other fully in the bed, “Liz, you can’t just blow off seeing your family. I’m not going to let you.”

“Let me?” I query in mild affront, “Since when do you let me do anything, Max?”

“You know what I mean,” he tosses back in frustration, “The situation with our parents is already tentative enough. I mean…we’re just winning them back over to our side, so to speak, and I—,”

I press my fingers to his lips before he can say more. “I don’t care,” is my whispered reply, “Max, I haven’t touched you in nearly four months. This moment, right now, is the only thing that’s kept me going all this time. When I thought we wouldn’t have it I felt like I was dying…”

“Liz, don’t…”

“But then I realized it didn’t have to be that way,” I go on stubbornly, “There was nothing stopping me from coming here to be with you…so I did it.”

“And your dad is probably birthing a cow right now because of it,” Max predicts dryly, “Do you want him to kill me?”

“I’m not proposing to blow them off for the whole break,” I sigh, “I just wanna spend a few days with you. Is that so wrong?”

“Liz, I won’t have that much time between practice and everything,” Max tells me sadly, “You’ll barely see me.”

“Barely seeing you is better than not seeing you at all,” I return softly, pouting for effect, “Please don’t ask me to go back home, Max…not yet.”

“Oh…okay, woman,” he concedes but despite his grudging tone I know he’s happy to say yes. He doesn’t want me to leave anymore than I want to. “You can come with me,” he relents, “but you have to promise to call your parents after we get you settled and tell them where you are.”

“I swear,” I vow, placing one hand over my heart for emphasis.

He stares at me for a long, suspicious moment before he finally sighs. “Come on,” he says, rolling from the bed, “Let’s go get your stuff from out front before people decide to help themselves.”

We throw on some clothes and dart outside to retrieve my three bags and drag them into his living room and afterwards Max offers to fix me some dinner. I watch him fiddle around in the kitchen with a small smile. “I can’t believe you’re making me dinner,” I sigh dreamily, “It’s so romantic.”

He grins at me shyly, blushing to the tips of his ears. “I’m boiling hot dogs, baby,” he mumbles, “It’s hardly gourmet.”

“It’s the thought,” I murmur, “Besides the last time somebody offered to cook for me I almost died of food poisoning.” Max chuckles, obviously thinking back, just as I am, to that morning that Michael and Kyle decided to make me breakfast. “How are they doing, by the way?” I ask.

I usually get a rundown on Michael from Maria, but for the last few weeks she’s been closemouthed because talking about him makes her sad. It sucks to be attending school on the East Coast while your boyfriend is on the west side of the country. But at least they’ll be together for the break. Michael isn’t tied to a sports scholarship like Max.

“They’ve been doing pretty good,” Max tells me, “Aside from Kyle hounding my ass every day about what’s been happening with Tess it’s almost the same between us as it’s always been. I was really glad they got to make it up for a few games.” He neatly arranges a couple of hot dogs and some chips on a plate and comes to join me at the table.

“So how was your flight back,” he asks before taking a massive bite out of his dog.

I follow suit, chewing and swallowing before I answer. “Long and uneventful. Luckily, Dawn gave me a couple of novels to read back on the way. They were pretty cheesy but they helped to pass the time.”

“Does that mean you two finally bonded?” he grins.

“How could we not?” I groan in mock exasperation, “That girl was bound and determined to make me like her. It was inevitable.” As he laughs at me, I add, “Oh and she saw you play in a couple of games.” His eyes widen with embarrassed surprise. “My dad taped all the games for me and shipped them over so I could see. I had to make Dawn watch them with me but…in the end, she was really impressed. She said you were ‘bloody brilliant’ when you did play and that’s a direct quote.”

“Wow…I’m ‘bloody brilliant,’” he laughs, “I guess that means I’ve got the stamp of approval, don’t I?”

“I’ll say…Dawn absolutely detests football but she said watching you was like watching poetic dance. She’s right…you’re amazing, Max.”

“Oh…” Max gulps, downing the remainder of his hot dog, “Don’t say stuff like that. It makes me feel self-conscious. I…I never know how to respond.”

I smile at him softly. “Don’t say a word. That blush is reaction enough.”

“So…uh…what else did you and Dawn do besides watch me play?” he asks, plainly desperate to change the subject.

“We took in the sights and…oh!” I cry, leaping up from my chair to go racing for my carry on. “I’ve got the pictures from when we visited the Tower of London. You’ve got to see them.”

“Really?” he says, moving from his chair to join me on the sofa where I’m rummaging through my bags for the photos, “Let me see what you’ve got.”

I eagerly spread the pictures out for him, itemizing each one. “Okay, this is when we first crossed the bridge…”

“Why do you look so queasy?” he chuckles, fingering the candid shot Dawn managed to snag when I was unaware.

“From a distance it’s really beautiful,” I explain with a laugh, “But when you’re actually on it and you can look down…that’s a whole other experience.”

“Okay…where’s this?” he asks, pointing out a picture of me and Dawn standing arm in arm in front of the building’s craggy façade and grinning like madwomen.

“That’s the middle tower. We saw that right after visiting the Lion Tower. Did you know that live animals were kept in the Tower of London?” I ask rhetorically and then I point out my roommate, “Oh…and this is Dawn.”

“She looks like I imagined she would,” Max comments as he thumbs through the photos speculatively, “You two look like you were having fun.”

I detect the forlorn edge to his tone and jerk a searching glance to his face. “You were on my mind the entire time,” I tell him softly, “Even when I was smiling and playing around I was missing you, Max…every second.”

He sighs raggedly and shakes his head. “It’s not like I expect you to be miserable every second of every day,” he confesses, “But…I don’t want you to like it there, Liz. You’ve got a whole other semester to go and…what if you decide you like it there so much you don’t want to come back? That possibility terrifies me because there’s no way I could come to London to be with you right now.”

I lean over to brush a soft kiss across his lips. “I could never stay in London, Max,” I assure him with absolute conviction.

“How do you know?” he challenges morosely, “A lot can change in the next few months.”

“I could never be anywhere that you aren’t,” I reply simply, “You’re my home. I’ll always come back to you.”

He emits another low, jagged sigh and squeezes my hand hard. “Okay…call your folks,” he orders gruffly, “Let’s get that out of the way so I can make love to you again, Parker. I just…need to be inside you.”

Now that’s more than enough incentive to get this dreaded conversation over with. I snatch up his phone with one hand while digging in my purse for my calling card with the other. After punching in the twenty plus numbers I’m finally connected with my home phone. My father sounds absolutely frantic when he answers.

“Where the hell are you?” he demands sharply, “Your plane landed more than an hour ago and you weren’t on it.”

“I’m in Baton Rouge,” I confess meekly, “I came to see Max.”

“So your mother and I already suspected,” he replies tartly, “When are you coming home, Lizzie?”

“Not for a few days,” I tell him, “I’m going to Atlanta with Max to watch his game but I should be back home in time for Christmas.”

“Lizzie, your mother and I miss you very much,” he cajoles, “We want to see you, too.”

“Daddy, I need this time with Max,” I appeal softly, “Please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad. Just be careful,” he sighs finally, “And call us when you get there…let us know you’re safe, okay?”

“I will.”

“I know you think you’re all grown up,” Dad says, “and you’re ready for everything the world has to offer and maybe you are but… You’re still my little girl, Lizzie, and I worry about you. Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way but I do. I can’t help it. You’re still my little girl.”

His despondent acceptance of my decision is somehow more devastating than his anger would have been. I realize that all this time I’ve been worried about losing Max my dad has been worried about losing me. By the time I end my phone call with him I’m in tears.

“Was it really bad?” Max whispers solicitously, rubbing my shoulder in soothing circles.

Blinking back the fresh tears welling in my eyes, I shake my head and curl up against him, melting into his body as his arms band around me. “Just hold me, Max,” I whisper into his chest. “Hold me forever.”