Please Remember - (AU, M/L, MATURE) (Complete)

[kay_b]

Winner - Round 7



Disclaimer: I do not own Roswell or its characters. I do not own the songs I will be using for this story either.

Rating: MATURE for now

Author's Note: The basic plot is based on a Chinese (I think) soap opera called "The Promise of Love at the Dolphin Bay" (I know, that title was super long). Anyway, I haven't really seen the show, I was just told about the plot. So this will be my own take of it. By the way, this will be a sad sorta angsty fic. For those who have read my stories, you know how they all end, this will be no exception either. I hope you'll like this one too.


Summary: Two orphans made a vow to be together forever. But as fate separates them, will they find their way back to each other's hearts?




Prologue

I never thought I would be in this place in my life. I have money, a great reputation, a well established career, and the most beautiful woman in my arms. I always thought I would end up cold-hearted and bitter after everything that has happened in the 30 years of my existence.

There was only one girl I have ever loved and I lost her years ago. She was what changed me. She’s my reason for living. When people say to their significant other that they cannot live without them, that they are that one person that makes their world go round, I always thought it was nothing but a bunch of crap. Not once did I think I would utter those words and literally live them.

But here I am, a walking and living proof that true love does exist. In a world where I saw everything as black and white, she brought the vibrant colors and made me feel alive. She breathed the air into me and made me live. When people think that they’ve lost everything, never fail to have hope. I lost my faith and hope and belief in love and the dream of experiencing unadulterated bliss. But like a wind that blew in, she came and brought it all back.



Liz began to run her fingers over the white and black keys of her piano, playing a single song over and over in her mind. She couldn’t get it out of her head no matter what.

For years she has written a lot of other beautiful songs and they have been admired and cheered on by people that have become their fans.

But there was this one song, the one that tugged at her heart so strongly, that she could not put out there for everyone to hear. She knew that it was her song. It was actually a private message for a long lost friend and she wanted to play it the first time for that one person.

However, she didn’t know where he was. He was her best friend and she lost him years ago. Her band mates knew there was something that Liz kept from them all. There were moments when she’d just keep to herself and furiously scribble and sit in front of her piano for hours writing the songs that brought them to where they are now. During those times they would just leave her alone, and that’s how she knew that they knew.

She started to play with both hands as she went on to hum a song that she has written so many years ago, even before they formed the band. Soon, she was singing the words of the song that told the story of her heart as her memories brought her back to a time she never forgot.


Time, sometimes the time just slips away
And you’re left with yesterday
Left with the memories
I, I'll always think of you and smile
And be happy for the time
I had you with me
Though we go our separate ways
I won't forget so don't forget
The memories we made

Please remember, please remember
I was there for you and you were there for me
Please remember, our time together
When time was yours and mine and we were wild and free
Please remember, please remember me


“Max!”

“Hurry up, Lizzie!”

Two kids raced up a small hill. Both children were about 6 years old. They were raven-haired and both had brown eyes that could stare into a person’s soul. And the closeness that they had would make anyone think that they’re brother and sister. But one of them knew that it was something more while the other hoped that they would be together forever.

Once they reached the top of the grassy hill, the girl sat down and the boy soon followed. They lied down on the grass and watched the clouds soar by slowly above them.

“What do you think is out there beyond the stars, Max?”

“Aliens.”

Liz laughed. “There are no such things as aliens.”

“Yes, there is. I saw it in the movie.”

“That’s a movie. It’s only make-believe.”

“Maybe.”

“What do you mean maybe?”

“Well, movies always start with an idea right? I don’t think anyone can come up with aliens out of the blue.”

“Maybe.”

Max swiftly turned his head to look at Liz. “You’re copying me.” he whined.

Liz looked at him from the corner of her eyes, the dark orbs sparkling with mirth. “Maybe.”

“That’s it.” Max rolled on top of her and started tickling his best friend.

“Max! No, stop! I give.”

“Say it.”

“Never!” Liz continued to laugh.

“Say it!”

“No!”

“I’m not gonna stop, Lizzie.” he chuckled along with her.

“Ok, ok. Max is the bestest friend ever in the whole wide world!”

“Good.” Max finally stopped and returned to lay on his back right beside the girl.

The two just stared at the clouds in silence until Liz spoke.

“Max, do you think there’s a heaven?”

Max only shrugged.

“I hope there is.”

Max continued to stare high up in the sky, beyond the soft fluffy clouds.

“Are you thinking about them?”

Max nodded.

“Me too.”

Max looked at Liz and closed his fist around hers.



Song: Please Remember by Leann Rimes[/img]

[kay_b]

Chapter 1

In a busy hospital, one of the delivery rooms was filled with sounds of screaming and yelling.

“Please, please, I need my husband, you have to call him, please!”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Parker. We’ve already informed him and he’s on his way.” The nurse kept wiping away the perspiration from the young woman’s forehead.

“We’re only 2 centimeters away from delivery, Mrs. Parker.” the other nurse informed her.

“No, not without Jeff here.” Nancy insisted.

“I think that depends on your baby.”

“No, not yet. I have to wait for him.” Nancy winced as another contraction hit her hard.


Jeff Parker gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white as he weaved across the city roads trying to get to the hospital as fast as he can. A nurse from the hospital called him at work and informed him about his wife’s condition. She was in labor and was trying her hardest not to push their child out until he arrives.

“Please God, keep them safe, please.” he prayed as he zigzagged through the road.


In another part of town, a family of three was driving home in a station wagon. There was a man, a woman and a small infant strapped in the baby car seat. They were the picture of a loving family. The father was smiling over at his wife. The wife was lovingly smiling back at him before turning around to look at her little child. The little infant was beginning to fuss, so the mom took off her seatbelt and leaned towards the back to attend to her 8-month-old son.

“Sandy, what are you doing?” The man tried to pull the woman’s arm to make her sit back properly in the passenger seat.

“It’ll just be a minute.” She answered before returning her attention to her son. “Hey sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

The baby began to weep silently, his long lashes splashed with tears.

“Here we go baby, look there’s Mr. Bear.” The woman tried to calm her son by swaying the little stuffed bear in front of the babe but it wouldn’t work.

“Sandy, sit back down and put your seatbelt on.” the man insisted loudly causing the child to cry even louder.

“Don’t raise your voice, you’re scaring him.”

“Alright, but please just sit back down.”

As the woman finally heeded her husband and was righting herself in her seat, a flash of bright lights from another car was heading straight at them.


An hour later

“Jeff, where are you?” Nancy screamed as another piercing contraction ripped through her. “I can’t take much more of this!”

“Nancy, you have to push now.” the doctor advised her.

Nancy kept swaying her head from left to right. “No, I’m waiting for Jeff. He should be here for this.”

“The baby can’t wait. You have to push now.” The doctor can already see the head crowning. Two nurses were assisting Nancy, one for her breathing and wiping away the sweat from her forehead and the other was holding her hand and keeps telling her that her husband is on her way. But at this point, Nancy was already crying.

“Where is he? Are you sure you called him?” she asked for the third time.

“We did and he left the minute he got the call.” One of the nurses informed her.

“He should be here by now.” Nancy was weeping and already getting so worried.

The machines and monitors were showing how stressed Nancy was becoming which is also affecting the infant inside her.

“Nancy, you have to calm down. Think of your little girl. We need to get her out now. Your water broke hours ago, we can’t wait any longer. On the count of three I need you to push. One…” The doctor was ready to deliver the newborn.

“No, Jeff, I need Jeff!”

“Nancy, please.” One nurse was trying to calm her down.

“Two…”

“Please, I need my husband in here. He can’t miss the birth of our child.” Nancy was begging and sobbing.

“Three. Push, Nancy, push!”

“Aaahhhh!!!”


In another part of the hospital

“Get him to the emergency room, stat!!!”

Doctors and nurses were rushing to send 3 people to the ER. There was an accident on the road earlier involving 2 cars, one had the driver inside, a man, late 20s. The other contained a family of three, 2 adults and one child.

Suddenly one EMT rushed through the doors holding a baby in his arms. The infant was screaming, obviously very scared and wanting to be with his parents. Luckily he didn’t have a scratch on him.

The young woman suddenly started yelling and struggling against the nurses. “My baby! Max!”

“Miss? Miss, is the young infant yours?” One of the nurses tried to talk to her.

“Max! My baby, please, my baby!” Sandy kept screaming and wailing.

“She’s going into shock!”, one doctor yelled.

While a team attended to the young woman, another team was attending to a man who was already being resuscitated. Ever since the paramedics arrived at the scene, they already knew that the man beside the woman was already dead. However, they still administered CPR for about 30 minutes while they were headed to the hospital. But unfortunately it was already too late.

The other man who was found alone in the second vehicle was still alive though but the medical team also knew that he was fading fast due to massive internal bleeding. But as to whatever miracle was causing him to live on, all the staff was praying that it would be enough to help him pull through.


One hour earlier

As Jeff was speeding down the road towards the hospital, he was murmuring over and over again, “Let me get there in time.” But because he was so focused on not knowing what his wife and child were going through and rushing to get to the hospital, he seemed lost in a trance.

Suddenly, bright lights flashed at him. He was stunned but managed to make a quick swerve to avoid the oncoming semi. However, he was at a blind curve at that moment and as he made the quick turn, another set of headlights came straight for him.

In mere seconds, two cars crashed in a head-on collision.


Back at the hospital

“We have her head out. Just one more push and we’re done! You’re doing so great, Nancy.”

Nancy was sobbing and grunting and pushing as hard as she can.

“And here she is.” The doctor raised the little infant and slowly placed her on her mother’s bosom.

“Oh my God…” Nancy whispered. “You are so beautiful, my Elizabeth.”


Back in the ER, the heart monitor showed the medical staff a flat line. The doctor quickly started to revive the patient by using a defibrillator, but it was no use. Jeff Parker was gone.


Nancy held her daughter close when something caught her eye. She had a tired, glazed look on her face as she smiled serenely.

“She’s here.” she spoke to no one in particular.

“Doctor, something’s wrong.” one nurse spoke worriedly.

When the doctor saw how Nancy’s vital signs were beginning to fade, they took little Elizabeth out of her arms and was given to one nurse so she could be cleaned and checked. The other nurse and doctor stayed with Nancy but she was too tired and was draining fast.

She looked at her baby then back at the door one last time and slowly collapsed on her bed. Elizabeth suddenly started to wail and cry as her mother passed away.


Sandy was getting tired as well. She only wanted to see her baby boy but the doctors wouldn’t let her. She knew her husband was already dead but she did not know what had happened to her baby. She wanted to know how Max was. She could hear him crying from a far corner but she couldn’t find him. She was already feeling so weak and she wanted to close her eyes so she could sleep. And as she did so, she whispered her Max’s name for the final time and died.


In the nursery, two babies, a boy and a girl were placed in plastic cradles next to each other. Both babies were crying, their instincts knew something was terribly wrong. But as the nurses were able to place them beside each other, their cries stopped and slowly, they too closed their eyes to sleep.

[kay_b]

A/N: Thank you so much for reading this. To those who know the premise of this story, you already know how angsty this will be. And no, Tanya, I don't think it's that brutal...but we'll see.

As you've noticed, I'm updating every three days. And hopefully I can keep doing that. So far, I've been having a problem writing this because I want to get to the juicy parts already and the transitional ones are sort of boring me. Although I hope that's not the case with you.

But anyway, to everyone who has left FB and to those lurking as well, thank you for reading this and I hope you'll like the next part. Smooches...


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 2

“…Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!” Everyone in the room chorused as the two children in the middle grinned and stared at the rectangular birthday cake in front of them.

“Happy birthday, Max and Liz!”, the children yelled.

“Thank you.” the two kids answered.


Liz, Elizabeth Parker, was a cute little girl. She had these big brown doe eyes that could pierce into the soul of the person she’s gazing at. She had long chocolate tresses that were silky and smooth. She is usually shy at first around new people but she was charming and sweet once they got to know her. But there is one particular person she is closest to.

Max Langley was older than Liz by 8 months. He was taller than her and had a darker shade of hair than Liz. His was jet black, same with his lashes that were quite long. His eyes were of amber color, like liquid gold, and Liz loved staring at them. He had a prominent nose and a darling smile. And even though he looked like any other regular kid, some of the staff at the orphanage knew that he would grow up into a handsome man. He was also shy like Liz, but where Liz becomes friendly once she warms up towards others, Max doesn’t. He stays quiet and hardly talks to other people, except Liz.

Today was Liz’s birthday. But because she and Max were sent to the orphanage together, the social worker decided to give them the same birth date since Max wasn’t claimed by anyone after he and his family were rushed to the hospital. It was as if his parents had no other relatives. The only thing they knew was his name as spoken by his mother before she died.

In the five years that they have been in the orphanage, Max and Liz became inseparable. Where Max was, Liz was too. At first their social worker thought it was a sibling type of love. But with the way Max would stare at Liz sometimes, she knew it was something else.

Puppy love, that was what she called it. Yes, Max loved Liz. He loved her even though he didn’t understand what kind of love it was. He was her protector and her best friend. And this was where the problem lied.

Because of the closeness the two shared, they wanted to be adopted together. And their social worker didn’t have the heart to separate them either. So now it was five years to the day they became orphans and they still were.


“You can open your eyes now.” Liz said in an excited voice as she removed her hands that were covering Max’s eyes.

Max blinked several times to adjust and focus on his surroundings. They were on top of a hill. And down below he could see the orphanage though it was quite small. How in the world did Liz find this place without him knowing?

And he did ask her the very same question out loud.

“Well…member when we went swimming at the lake?” Liz asked.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t tell, ‘kay?”

“Okay.” Max nodded.

“I wanted to swim ‘gain and I got lost going back and I went up here to look for the way.”

“What? But what if you really got lost?” Max was worried.

“But I didn’t.” Liz persisted. “So this is it, my present...to you. It’ll be our secwet. No one knows this, this will be just ours.” Liz beamed.

Max smiled too. He loved it when Liz smiled and couldn’t help but grin in return.

“Do you like it?” she asked with hope gleaming in her eyes.

“Of course. You know I would.”

Liz launched herself at him and hugged Max fiercely.

“Thank you, Lizzie.” Max said as he caught her and hugged her back.

When they pulled apart, Max got his backpack and took something from inside it. He bashfully handed a gift that was wrapped in newspaper to Liz.

“Sorry for the wrapping.” he mumbled.

“What’s this?” Liz looked at the gift in her hand and then back at Max.

“My present…to you.”

“Max, you didn’t have to get me anything. I didn’t get you anything.” Liz said sadly.

“No, you got me this, Liz. This present is big. I’m sorry that that is all I can give you.”

Liz stared at him, “Don’t be sorry. I love it.”

Max laughed, “You don’t even know what’s in it.”

Liz ripped through the newspaper and saw Max’s teddy bear, the one he had ever since he came to the orphanage. It was the bear that his mom was waving in front of him before the accident. It was a beige stuffed bear. It was quite small and had beady black eyes and a small light blue bow around its neck. Liz was shocked that Max would give something so special to her.

“Max…” she whispered, “I can’t take this. This is yours. Your mom—”

“No, it’s yours now, Liz.” Max shook his head from left to right.

“But—”

“I want you to have it.” Max closed his hands around Liz’s and the bear.

Liz had tears in her eyes as she looked at his gift once more.

“Hey, you’re not s’pposed to cry. I didn’t mean to make you cry, Lizzie.” Max wiped her tears away.

“Thank you, Max, so much. And this isn’t just mine, ok? It’s ours. We’ll share.” Liz hugged her best friend once more.

As they sat down beside each other, they enjoyed the companionable silence that they often shared. Sometimes it would seem that the two children had a deep connection, an unbreakable bond that tied them to one another. They could just sit or lie together without uttering a single word and yet, still know what the other is feeling. The staff and their social worker just chalked it up to being brought to the orphanage together.

Max quickly turned to face Liz. “Let’s make a pact.”

“What’s that?” Liz asked as she looked at him.

“A promise.”

“Okay, what kinda promise?”

“A promise that we will always be together no matter what.”

Liz got quiet.

“What?” Max questioned as she began to nibble on her lower lip, a habit she did whenever she would start thinking profoundly.

“But what if…what if we get adopted, Max?”

“Then we’ll still be together.” Max told her as if the answer was as plain as day.

Liz shook her head causing the strands of her hair to sway with the wind. “But what if we got adopted separately?”

Max blinked. He didn’t like to think about that. He knew it was a possibility but he didn’t want to consider it. It’s been five years and so far, no one has tried to split them up, not even their own social worker.

“That’s not gonna happen, Liz. I won’t let it.” Max said determinedly.

“But what if it does?” Liz insisted with a worried tone.

“Then we find each other again as soon as we can.” Max replied.

“Really?” Liz lit up.

“Really. That’s why we’re making a pact.” Max lifted her right hand and placed it over his heart. Then he placed his own hand over her heart and grasped onto the one on his chest with his free hand. Liz did the same as they faced each other.

“I promise, Liz, no matter what, we would always be together.” Max vowed.

“I promise, Max, no matter what, we would always be together.” Liz echoed.

“And even if we do get separated, I will do everything to find you.”

“And even if we do get sepawrated, I will do everything to find you.”

“So we can be together again.”

“So we can be together again.”

“Forever.” Max smiled.

“And ever.” Liz smiled back.

[kay_b]

A/N: Hey everyone, thank you for all your feedback. I'm glad you're all liking this. But um...well...I'm apologizing in advance for this next part. I don't know if you'll feel the same way I did about this part, but if you do, then I've done my work right.

Disclaimer: The song played here is 10,000 Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter from the movie Fly Away Home. It's a really nice song but also very sad.


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 3

“Oh here he is.” Vanessa Whitaker spoke.

Ms. Whitaker was Max and Liz’s social worker. She was still young, somewhat in her 30s. She had blonde hair, was fit and she loved kids. She actually wanted to have some of her own someday but that dream hasn’t been realized yet. So to compensate, she has devoted her time to the orphanage. She was also the one who has looked after Max and Liz even while they were still in the hospital. And today, one of them is about to be adopted. But even though she knew she should be happy for one of her charges, she wasn’t quite sure about what their reactions would be.

“Max, I want you to meet Philip and Diane Evans.”

Max walked in the office with Liz in tow. He looked at them as his hold on Liz tightened.

Liz stole a glance at him worriedly then looked back at the couple in front of them.

“Hello, Max. I’m Diane. How are you today?” Diane crouched down in front of the boy. She actually looked sweet and caring. She was blonde and had eyes that held warmth. She was immediately taken with Max when she first visited the orphanage. He was standing alone in one corner of the room that day. He was quiet and just remained to himself. Then the same little brown-haired girl came and he instantly perked up. The way he was so gentle with her was obvious to anyone looking at them. And with that, Diane fell in love with the boy.

Max looked at Liz before answering though he never let go of her hand. “I’m fine.”

“Hey Max, my name’s Philip. Who’s your friend?” the man asked. He was bigger, taller, but he also looked friendly. He was the picture of someone who would protect his family. He had light hair and his eyes also held kindness and affection in them.

“This is Lizzie.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” Diane asked amusingly.

Max just shrugged at that while Liz giggled. Still they held hands.

“Uh, Max, maybe Liz should go out and play for a while. The Evans and I need to talk with you for just a few minutes.” Vanessa spoke again.

The two children looked at each other and Liz scooted closer to him.

Max could feel her fear. He knew something was about to happen, something neither of them would like.

“It’s ok. I’ll be right out as soon as it’s over. You can stay by the door if you want.” he told Liz.

“Are you going to be ok?” Liz asked softly.

Max nodded and reluctantly, he let go of Liz’s hand as she walked out of the room.

Diane couldn’t help but watch the interaction between the two.

“Ok, Max, I have a very important question to ask you.” Vanessa began.

Max blinked as he continued to stare at Ms. Whitaker.

Vanessa took a deep breath, she knew this was going to be hard and she prayed that Max wouldn’t have a violent reaction to what she was about to tell him.

“Well, how would you like to live with the Evanses?” she asked with a smile.

Max’s eyes widened. He looked at the social worker, then at the couple and back at Ms. Whitaker.

“What about Lizzie?”

“Uh…well…” Vanessa couldn’t think of a way to break the news to him.

“Well, you see, Max, we can’t afford to have two kids right now. So…we were thinking of adopting you—” Philip informed him.

Max quickly shook his head and looked at the door.

When Diane saw his reaction, she instinctively reached out to him. “Max, I know this will be a big adjustment, but—”

“No, I need to stay with Liz.” Max was trying to get away from the lady.

“Max, this is your chance to live in a nice home, have a mom and dad.” Vanessa tried to reason with him.

“Not without Liz.” Then he bolted out the door.

“Max?” Liz was instantly alert when Max burst out of the room.

“Come on.” He took her hand and they ran.


“Max?” Liz approached him quietly. They were on their hill, their secret place.

Max couldn’t think of any place else to go. But here, here he felt safe. Away from the couple, away from Ms. Whitaker, away from the people running the orphanage, away from the other children but Liz. He was at peace as long as Liz was with him.

It has been about a little over half an hour since Max and Liz ran. During that time, Ms. Whitaker and the Evans and the staff have been looking for them everywhere, except their secret place.

Max was miserable. He knew what was going to happen but he couldn’t tell Liz. He wanted to spare her from the heartache he was feeling right now.

“What happened in Ms. Whitaker’s office?” Liz asked.

“The man and the woman want to adopt kids.” Max said softly, he couldn’t lie to her.

Liz instantly brightened at that. They were going to have parents. “They’re adopting us?”

Max turned to look at her then and his face was a vision of sadness. Slowly, he shook his head no.

“But you said…”

“They want to adopt me.” Max replied somberly.

Liz was stunned. She was going to be left behind. They were going to be separated.

Tears immediately welled in her brown eyes. “No.” she whispered.

“Liz” Max went to her and hugged her fiercely.

“Max” Liz responded and clung to him.

As they continued to hold each other, their tears fell.


Eventually they knew they had to go back, which they did with heavy hearts. It was clearly visible that both children were crying. Vanessa saw this and her heart was breaking for having to do this to them. She tried to walk up to them but Max ignored her. Holding Liz’s hand, he went to his room with her and started to pack.

Diane was feeling the sadness coming off of the two kids in waves. She too was saddened that she was responsible for breaking them up. If only she and Philip could afford to adopt the girl, they would. But Philip was just starting with his new law firm and that meant money was tight right now. Maybe they could come back and adopt Liz…someday.

Liz sat quietly on Max’s bed, silent tears running down her cheeks. She was about to lose her best friend and inside, she felt like dying.

Max was packing in silence. He couldn’t speak, he knew that if he opened his mouth, nothing would come out but sobs. He was trying his best to be strong, for Liz. He couldn’t breakdown now but as the minutes passed and as his suitcase was filling up, it was proving to be quite a difficult task.

When he looked up at Liz, the dam burst.

“Max” Liz moved closer to him and embraced the boy for all she was worth.

“I can’t do this, Liz. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to leave you.” Max sobbed.

“You have to. It’ll be great, Max. You’ll have new adventures and…you’ll have a mom and dad.” Liz whispered through the lump in her throat.

“It doesn’t matter, Liz, not without you.”

“We’ll find each other again. Don’t worry. We made a pact, remember?” Liz tried to smile.

They pulled away and wiped their tears. “Yeah, I remember. I’ll never forget, Liz.” Max assured her.


When they walked out of the room, Philip helped Max and took his luggage from him. He was still holding Liz’s hand.

“Ok, Max, are you ready to go?” Diane asked in a cheerful tone to try to lighten the mood.

Max looked at Liz and she just nodded in return.

“I’m ready.” Max answered when he turned his face back to Diane.

“Ok then.” Diane started to lead Max to the car.

Max held on tighter to Liz as they began to walk. Then Liz pulled her hand away. “Wait.”

He looked at her in question. “What is it?”

“Wait for me, I’ll be right back.” And with that Liz ran back to her room.

Minutes later, she came running back, waving something in the air. When she reached Max, she took his hand and gave him back his teddy bear.

“What’s this?” Max asked. When he saw what Liz handed to him, he tried to give it back. “No, Liz, I gave this to you. It’s yours.”

“This is so you’ll remember. The next time we see each other, you can give it back to me.” Then she hugged him once more. “Don’t ever f-forget me, ok?” Liz spoke as the tears started once more.

Max held on just as tightly. “Never, Liz. N-never ever.”

Fare thee well
My own true love
Farewell for a while
I’m going away
But I’ll be back
Though I go 10,000 miles

The adults all watched the two children as they held on to each other for dear life. Diane and Vanessa were crying as they watched the heartbreaking scene. Even Philip was on the verge of tears.

“Max, it’s time to go.” Diane said after some time.

Max didn’t want to let go. “I c-can’t. Not w-without Lizzie.”

10,000 miles
My own true love
10,000 miles or more
The rocks may melt
And the seas may burn
If I should not return

“Max, you can always come back and visit her.” Vanessa offered.

Diane slowly tried to part the two with Vanessa’s help.

“No, wait!” Max was trying to reach out for Liz.

“Max, it’ll b-be ok.” Liz was being pulled away by Ms. Whitaker who was holding on to her shoulders.

Max nodded, “I’ll f-find you again, I p-promise.”

“We’ll be t-together again.” Liz vowed tearfully.

He got in the back seat while never taking his eyes off of Liz. Once he was in the car, he quickly turned to face the rear window, his palm splayed on the glass.

Liz placed one hand on her heart, and the other was reaching out for Max.

Oh don’t you see
That lonesome dove
Sitting on an ivy tree
She’s weeping for
Her own true love
As I shall weep for mine

The engine started and the car began to drive away. Liz tried to stand her ground but she found herself slowly walking, following the car. When it went faster, she started to run faster.

“Liz.” Max wept.

“Max!” Liz kept running…

Oh come ye back
My own true love
And stay a while with me
If I had a friend
All on this earth
You’ve been a friend to me

…and running until her legs couldn’t hold out any longer. She knelt on the pavement and continued to weep.

[kay_b]

A/N: Hey all, I'm back with a new part. I'm so sorry I'm a little late. I was having writer's block and I only now just got my muse back so here I am. Technically, it's still the 13th in Cali, so I'm still within my deadline. I know, bad excuse. But I'll try to post the next one on time.

Oh, and to those who read the last part and cried, thank you. I didn't know how much it'll affect you. And there might be a few more sad parts in the future but the previous chapter was the worst of them all. So no more worries about crying in the computer lab or at work or wherever. *smooches*


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 4

The weeks went by so slowly for the Evans, Max and Liz. The Evans were trying their hardest to help Max cope with being adopted and recognizing them as his parents. They knew it was going to take some time and the separation from Liz wasn’t helping their situation at all.

For Max, he didn’t mind being with the Evans. He knew they were very nice people that only wanted a chance to have a child of their own. He also knew that if he let them, they will give him all the love they had. But as always, without Liz, he was incomplete.

The first night he stayed with the Evans, they gave him a tour of their house. It was simple. It had 3 bedrooms, one for the couple, one for him and a guestroom for visiting relatives, more importantly their parents whom he now got as grandparents too.

When Diane and Philip brought him to his room, he was very quiet. Actually, once the tears subsided, he remained that way, shy, quiet, only giving one word answers to questions. He surveyed the room, it was blue. There was a boy’s bed on one side of the wall, a TV and a Playstation in one corner, a closet on another wall and another door that leads to his very own bathroom.

He walked to the bed and started unpacking in silence. He ate dinner afterwards then went to bed. The whole while his demeanor remained the same. When the Evans went to his room to tuck him in bed, they saw that he was already asleep, dried tear marks stained his cheeks and he was clutching to his little stuffed bear.

After a couple of days of Max being in the same state, Diane suggested something that brought a bit of life back into Max’s beautiful eyes. She told him he could write to Liz and they could also talk on the phone from time to time. And that was what they did. It was so obvious how much Max was missing Liz. When they first started talking, it was like he was plugged into an electrical outlet. He was talking animatedly and he was laughing. Diane could only imagine that Liz was on the other end laughing as well.


Liz on the other hand was missing Max as well. When he left, she wouldn’t stop crying. The other half of her heart was missing. Ms. Whitaker helped her back to her room, and that was where Liz stayed all through the day and night. She slept in the same condition as Max, with dried tear marks on her face. As the days wore on, she was even crying in her sleep.

Then the letters came and she was so happy. She kept all of Max’s letters in her suitcase and would read them over and over when she was missing him. When she got a phone call from him, she was so excited and she and Max just kept talking. Somehow being able to keep in contact with him even if it was just through the phone calls and letters, it helped ease the ache from being so far apart from each other.

But then, a couple of months later, fate was about to ruin everything. As Max Langley legally became Maxwell Zander Evans, Philip’s law career rose quickly after winning a high profile case that brought in a lot of money and he was also hired to be his client’s personal attorney from then on. Unfortunately, that meant the Evans family had to move to New York.

When they told Max this, he just couldn’t believe what was happening. First he was taken away from Liz, and now he was going even farther, to another state, that was all the way at the east coast.

“But, but what about Liz?” he began to cry.

“Max, honey, if we take this offer, we can earn more money and maybe we can adopt Liz.” Diane explained.

“Adopt Liz?” Max asked full of hope.

“Yes. We’d definitely be able to adopt Liz if we’re earning more.” Philip nodded.

“When will that be?” Max questioned.

“We have to go to New York first.” Philip replied.

“Isn’t that really far?”

“Yes, Max, unfortunately it is.”

“Can I still write to Liz?”

“Of course, sweetie.” Diane assured him.

“Ok.” Max said softly.

That night he called Liz and he told her everything. Liz began to cry after finding out that Max was moving so far away.

“Don’t worry Liz, Philip and Diane said they were going to adopt you too if they earn more. Then we can be together again. Don’t cry, Lizzie.”

“We can be togethewr?” Liz sniffled.

“Yup. Remember our promise?”

“Yes.” Liz’s tears began to fade.

“See, we’ll be together again, Liz. You’ll see.” Max smiled through the phone.


Within two weeks, everything was settled and the Evans were all packed and ready to go. Max insisted that they visit the orphanage so he could say goodbye to Liz.

However when they got there the news that Max got shocked him into silence once more.

Liz was no longer in the orphanage. She was adopted by a different family.

“Why?” Max wept.

“Max, that means Liz can have a better life.” Vanessa tried to make him see.

“No.” Max shook his head. “We were s’posed to adopt her.” He turned to Diane. “You said, we were gonna adopt her!”

“Oh sweetheart.” Diane hugged Max as he sobbed.

“You said…” he whimpered as he clung to her.

“We’re so sorry, Max.” Philip tried to comfort him as he rubbed his son’s back. “Ms. Whitaker, can you tell us who adopted her and where she is? At least she and Max can still call each other and write letters.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Evans but the records are confidential.” Vanessa felt so bad for Max. Liz was actually the same way before she left.

“Liz…” Max sobbed. “She won’t know where we are.”

“Ms. Whitaker, can we give you our address in New York as soon as we get there? Then maybe when you do some checking up on Liz, you could give it to her?” Diane asked.

“I’ll do what I can Mrs. Evans.”

“Thank you.” Diane carried Max back into the car where he continued to cry. “It’ll be ok, baby. You’ll get to talk to Liz again soon.”


Liz was looking at her new bedroom and she didn’t like it much. It was pink. She didn’t like pink. It had a small table with a few kiddie chairs, a bed, a closet and a balcony. She liked her balcony but her new parents told her she can go out there when she’s a little bit older.

Her new parents were nice, but like Max, she was silent all day. Max didn’t know about this. How will he call her? How will he write to her?

“Hi.”

Liz was startled when she heard someone speak. She looked at the door and there was young boy there. She flinched a little when the boy walked in the room.

He was tall, taller than her, about the same height as Max. He had dark hair too, like Max. But his eyes, his were different. They were blue, Max’s were gold and green.

“Hi.” she returned the greeting.

“Mom and Dad said you’re gonna be my new sister. It’s time for dinner, do you want to come down and eat with us?”

“I’m not hungry.” she spoke softly although her tummy was grumbling for food.

“Are you sure?”

Liz looked at him and slowly shook her head no.

“Come on then. Mom made chicken and mashed p’tatoes and macaroni and cheese. You’ll love mac ‘n cheese. All my friends do.” the boy grinned.

“Uh, what’s your name?” Liz asked.

“Oh, sorry. I forgot. I’m Alex.” he beamed.

“Liz.”

“Nice to meet you, Liz. I’m glad that you’re my sister. I’m gonna be your big brother. And tomorrow, I’ll let you meet all my friends. Is that ok with you?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Alex.” Liz smiled. Maybe things will be a little bit better after all.

[kay_b]

Hi everyone, I'm back with a new part and I'm right on time, yay! I don't know what it is but I was really struggling with this part. Then I started listening to the song I'm using and I started typing like crazy. Now I feel giddy with this new chapter.

Disclaimer: I'm borrowing Real by Plumb. They're one of my fave bands and if you get a chance, listen to the song cause it's one of my faves from their newest (I think) album. For those who don't know who Plumb is, one of their songs was played in Season 1, the camping episode (forgot the title, sorry), Stranded.

Ok, I think I'm on a sugar high. Enough of my babbling, I hope you all enjoy the new chapter as much as I do. *smooches*


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 5

Twenty years later…

The crowd in the club was loving it; the sounds, the music, the dancing. They loved the group. It was a warm summer night and everyone was in the mood to party. But none more so than the people on the stage singing and giving their all to one hell of a performance.

The keyboardist nods at the other members before starting the intro. As she hits the keys, the crowd starts screaming.

Look at me I'm twenty three
Beautiful a sight to see tonight

A little dress to draw the press
And I'll be leaving all the rest behind

Well be pleased girl
If this is what you wanted
The whole world is watching you take the stage
What will you say

The lead singer and her back up start singing the chorus with the audience singing along with them.

Aren't I lovely and
Do you want me cause
I am hungry for something that will make me real
Can you see me and
Do you love me cause
I am desperately searching for something real, hey…


The band was good, really good. And although they knew that they were the bomb, they were still pretty much the same people who have been friends since they were in kindergarten.

Known as the 4Square, the band was formed when they were all still in high school. At the prime of their teenage lives, the band members complimented each other, not only with what they contributed to the band but also to their friendship.

The drummer was Michael Guerin. He was a big man, standing at 6’1” and with a build of a hockey player, people would often think twice before approaching him. Though despite his appearance, Michael is as harmless as a teddy bear. He protects the people he loves with everything that he’s got. Those closest to him are his family, his friends and his girlfriend, one of the singers in the band.

His girlfriend, Maria Deluca, is also known as the Hurricane. Michael gave her this title whenever she would launch into her tirades. Even her friends who have known her for years would need a “Maria filter” to understand her when that happens. But her relationship with Michael, although they fight all the time, was one of the most constant things in her life. She and Michael have been together since they were in high school and the relationship is still going strong. As one of the singers and lead guitarist of the group, Maria has a soulful voice and can sometimes play being a diva to a tee. They all knew that even without the band, Maria’s dream of becoming a famous singer is very attainable. A perky yet realistic woman, she loves aromatherapy as she has access to it 24/7 at her mother’s shop. Even if she is an only child she has considered her friends, except for Michael, to be her siblings.

One of those siblings is Michael’s very own twin sister, Isabel Guerin. Tall, blonde and beautiful; Isabel could actually pass for a model. However, she is more into the business aspect of things and she became the manager of the band instead. Dubbed to be the Ice Queen because of her popularity in school, she is actually one of the warmest people anyone can come across. She is a very organized person, and is called the Christmas Nazi by her own brother every year when the holiday season arrives because she wants nothing less than perfect. She even has Michael looking for a Christmas tree with a diagram of the right height, width, thickness, color and so on. But as a manager, she is without a doubt the best one for the job. Her meticulousness with every gig they’ve booked and her business sense has contributed to their success and helped them get this far.

Another member is the bass player, Alex Whitman, also a member of the popular crowd. He was also the one who started the band. Alex was actually tall and lanky when he started freshman year in high school. But the summer after that, he grew to be still tall but with a toned build. And that was also when Isabel took notice. Alex had filled out nicely after spending that summer in Florida with his family. When he came back, the former geek was being chased by a few girls, Isabel included. Although he did have a secret crush on his childhood friend, he really didn’t act on it because of his best friend, Michael. But when Isabel herself pleaded with him to take her to Junior Prom, he did just that and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

As for Michael, Isabel asked him if it was better that she was going out with Alex whom he’s known all his life or some random guy whom he had no clue about whatsoever. He pretty much shut his mouth after that. Though Alex was the receiving end of Michael’s complaints in the beginning, he perfectly understood his stand because he was as protective or maybe even more when it came to his little sister.

Alex’s little sister though only younger than a year from him was considered the baby of the group. If Alex was the one who began their musical career it was Elizabeth, Liz to her family and friends, who got them recognized. The keyboard player and main songwriter’s moving songs were what gained them their fans. Her songs were praised constantly, people telling them that it has touched them in one way or another. Then they began asking where they were playing, and by word of mouth, their fan base grew. Everyone in their small town of Roswell, New Mexico knew them. However, Liz was the one who always wanted to stay in the shadows. With her long dark chocolate locks and her doe brown eyes, whoever said simplicity is beauty was talking about Liz. Out of the five, Liz was always the soft spoken one but she was also the genius of the group. She was the one who always had the AP classes and always wrote the songs the fastest. At first they wondered where they were coming from because Liz would come up with them so quickly and all songs were always so heartfelt. But in the all these years, they still don’t have the answer. Liz would only tell them that it just hit her out of the blue although they knew that it had something to do with her past so they left it at that.


Tonight was a big gig for the 4Square. A record producer actually tracked them down according to Isabel and tonight is the night that could make them all rich and famous.

I close my eyes imagine time
Will not forget my sacrifice

I numb the ache and decorate
My emptiness stand naked in the light, yeah

Well be pleased world
If this is what you wanted
This young girl is everything that you made
What will she say

Maria looks back at Michael and winks flirtatiously as she turns back to the mic and the crowd and starts belting the chorus with Liz.

Aren't I lovely and
Do you want me cause
I am hungry for something that will make me real
Can you see me and
Do you love me cause
I am desperately searching for something real


Isabel looked behind her and saw an older man talking with the club owner and motioning her over.

“Jase Kats, record producer.” He extends a hand which Isabel gladly shakes. “You can call me JK.”

“Isabel Guerin. So what do you think of our group?” Isabel asked.

“They’re awesome. I actually brought a copy of a contract already. Judging from your audience I think the 4Square is going to skyrocket to Number 1.” he told her as he handed the papers over.

Isabel’s eyes sparkled, their dream was coming true. She glanced at the contract briefly before looking back at the man.

“That’s not the one you’ll be signing of course but I want you and the rest of the band to look over it.”

Isabel nodded, “Of course. I’m going to have our lawyer take a look at it too, you know, just looking out for ourselves.” She wasn’t the band’s manager for nothing.

“Of course.” the man agreed. “When can I expect a meeting?”

“I’ll have to check with our lawyer’s schedule first.” Isabel replied.

“Ok, my card’s there, give me a call so we can arrange an appointment.”

“Will do.” Isabel smiled stunningly and turned back to her friends.


The lights pointed at the stage tone down as Maria does a soft solo.

The world goes home
The lights go down
My lipstick fades
Away

Then the lights start getting brighter one by one as the band does an instrumental part with just Maria singing and Liz on her keyboard.

Aren't I lovely and
Do you want me cause
I am hungry for something that will make me real

Maria strums her guitar then Alex joins her and lastly Michael banging on the base as more lights shine on them and Maria completes the chorus.

Can you see me and
Do you love me cause
I am desperately searching for something real

When the full blast of the lights and the effects are turned all the way up, Maria yells for everyone to get up, “Come on people, you know this one. Sing with me!”

The band comes alive with Michael giving his full force on the drums. Liz is grinning excitedly as the crowd starts singing one of their songs with the lyrics obviously memorized. Maria catches her eye and the two best friends absorb the music and the energy as they dance on stage as well.

Aren't I lovely and
Do you want me cause
I am hungry for something that will make me real
Can you see me and
Do you love me cause
I am desperately searching for something real…

Yeah…
Something real…
Yeah…something

Alex looks over the side of the stage at Isabel and smiles at her after seeing his girlfriend beaming proudly at them and waving some kind of document in the air. Little did they know, they were on their way to the top.

Aren't I lovely and
Do you want me cause
I am hungry for something that will make me real
Can you see me and
Do you love me cause
I am desperately searching for something real

[kay_b]

A/N: Hey, thanks for the feedback everyone. The next part will give you a clue about Max and Liz. I can't believe no one guessed how they'll meet again. I was sure at least two would have.

And Tiph, great eye on my reference to the show. Don't worry, JK can't ruin my Max and Liz.

Um, Jeannine, about Tess...well...I'll let you know in chat.

Oh yeah, for those who want to know what happened to Max and Liz over the years, more will be revealed in the succeeding updates.

Alright then, I think I was able to answer most of the questions. On with the next chapter....


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 6

“You guys, we did it!” Isabel squealed as she ran to Alex and hugged him fiercely.

Alex twirled her in the air before setting her down and kissing her.

“Well, now that the acrobatic act is done, what the hell are you talking about, Iz?” Michael asked as he was dismantling his drum set.

“Quit it with that and listen.” Isabel demanded. “I just spoke with Jase Kats and he wants to sign us for a record deal!”

“Eeee!!!” Maria shrieked and hugged her best friend.

“Oh my god…” Liz whispered and was pulled into a three-way hug with Isabel and Maria.

“Are you serious? Don’t you dare lie, Isabel.” Michael wanted to confirm it.

“Of course I’m serious! You know I wouldn’t joke about something like this.” Isabel glared at her brother.

“We’re gonna have a record deal.” Michael looked at everyone. “We’re gonna have a record deal!”

The entire gang shared a group hug. And once they let go, Alex automatically wanted to check the contract which Isabel handed to him. As he was perusing it, Isabel launched into her plan.

“Oh, here we go.” Michael rolled his eyes teasingly then flashed his pearly white teeth at his sister. He pulled Maria to stand in front of him and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“Shut up, Michael.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “I already looked at that and so far, everything looks good. But I still think we need to have it checked by our lawyer.”

“Lawyer? We have a lawyer? When did we get a lawyer?” Maria fired her questions.

“Our uncle happens to be one.” Isabel replied.

Michael’s forehead creased, “Who?”

Isabel groaned, “Sometimes, I don’t know how we’re related. I swear you were just found wandering through the desert and mom and dad found you and adopted you.”

Alex quickly looked at Liz and put an arm around her shoulder.

“Nice, Iz. Real nice.” Michael smirked.

With the gesture from her boyfriend, Isabel realized her mistake. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, Lizzie. I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.” was Liz’s only response. In reality, she didn’t mind that she was adopted. She was thankful that the Whitmans took her into their loving home, gave her wonderful parents and a loving big brother though overprotective at times. Still, she was grateful for her life as a Whitman and there was not a day that didn’t acknowledge that. She studied hard and made her family proud. She wrote beautiful songs that came from deep in her heart and made them known. She was the model daughter and the Whitmans couldn’t ask for a better child. Everyone knew this.

But what they didn’t know was her life in the orphanage. When Charles and Kathleen expressed their wish to adopt her, they were given her records, every story about little moments were told, and those just made them fall in love with the brown-eyed cutie even more. They knew that she had a childhood friend who was adopted a few months before her, but that was all. At first Ms. Vanessa Whitaker was Liz’s social worker but due to a family emergency concerning her father, Vanessa passed on her duties and charges to another. All the Whitmans were told about Liz’s time in the orphanage was that she had a best friend there and they were very close but nothing about the friend’s personal information. When they brought the topic up with Liz, she would clam up and not talk for several days. Since then, it has been taboo.

“Alright, so, when are we signing the contracts?” Maria quickly dived in to change the topic for Liz and Isabel’s sakes.

“Well, we still have to ask for our Uncle Philip to look at it and when he will be available for a meeting. Mr. Kats wants us to sign ASAP but we need to be sure about these things. So as soon as Uncle Philip gives us a sched, we’re all set.” Isabel beamed.

When Liz heard the name Philip, she felt like it was a name she should know, but the information was locked away somewhere in the back of her mind. She shook her head slightly to clear the cobwebs and as usual, Alex was immediately concerned.

“Are you ok?” he looked at her worriedly.

Liz sighed in exasperation, “I’m fine, Alex. I’m still standing right beside you, aren’t I?”

“I was just checking.” he pouted.

“Aww, I was just teasing you, big bro. I’m alright, and thanks.” She hugged him around his waist.

“Ok, enough with the mushiness. Am I the only one totally psyched about this? We’re about to become rock stars! I say this calls for a celebration!” Maria said gleefully.


After about two hours of celebrating and planning and dreaming of what they were going to do once they’re famous, the gang retreated to their 2-storey house. They all lived in it where there was a large area for the couch and few chairs, a dining table with 5 matching chairs, a kitchen and a small studio and 3 bathrooms, one for each woman. Alex and Michael knew it was going to be a huge issue if they expected Maria and Isabel to share one.

At the first floor where all those were located, Isabel shared a room with Alex. Their room was actually the den which they converted into their bedroom and office. Since Alex was still a geek when it came to his computers and high tech gadgets, he needed a space for all his equipment and the den was big enough for 2 bedrooms. And with Isabel being the manager, she definitely needed Alex’s office and also claimed it as hers.

Michael and Maria shared a room as well on the second floor. But theirs was a much simpler, it was essentially just a bedroom. Although Maria did store all her aromatherapy vials in that room which of course Michael didn’t mind. He ruled in the kitchen and he was happy with that. Aside from being the band’s drummer, he was also the house cook and he was very good at it. However in the beginning, it was only a means to have a summer job. But later on he realized that he enjoyed cooking and if there was no band, he can actually see himself manning a kitchen as a professional chef.

And Liz had the other bedroom on the second floor all to herself. Yes, there were moments when she wished that she had a significant other like the rest of her friends but for now, she can settle for being alone. Her bedroom was her haven, her safe retreat. This was where most of their songs were created. And this was where she spent most of her time thinking about Max.

Max, how she wished she could see him again. She prayed more than a thousand prayers, wished on a million stars but still all those were left unanswered. She tried asking for his information at the orphanage but they didn’t know anything. Add that to the fact that adoption records are strictly confidential. She tried getting in touch with her old social worker but she too disappeared without a trace. She has sent so many letters over the months but she hasn’t gotten any response from him until it came to a point where her letters were being returned.

That was when her depression started. It was a serious concern of her parents and they didn’t know what to do. They tried talking to her but she wouldn’t let them in, not in the place where Max was in her heart. When they were already at their wits’ end, they considered sending her to a psychiatrist but she didn’t want to do that and instead promised them that she’ll get better soon. And in their eyes, she did. But deep down inside, she was still incomplete.

Her songs were her only form of release and that was how it all began. She started by writing poems. Then when Alex wanted to learn how to play the guitar, he thought of having Liz join him during his music lessons which their parents were more than pleased to agree to. So while Alex learned how to strum a tune, Liz learned how to play the black and white keys. And the poems turned into songs.

With Alex and Liz already musicians, the entire gang got on the bandwagon and 4Square was formed.


“Yeah…uh huh…sure. Oh, it’s no problem at all, Aunt Diane.” Isabel spoke on the phone while rolling her eyes at Alex who was eagerly waiting for her to hang up.

“Ok…yup. We’ll be there. Thanks so much.” Isabel said goodbye sweetly. The minute she put the phone down, Alex was all over her.

“So? What did she say?” he questioned while he sat on their bed.

“Well, Uncle Philip isn’t available. Aunt Diane said he has an important case in the west coast somewhere and she doesn’t know how long the trial will be but it’s likely that it won’t be over till next week.” Isabel pouted.

Alex blinked and was a bit disappointed. But when he saw the look on Isabel’s face, he knew she needed him to support her so he got up and hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s ok. We can find someone else to look over this for us. What about that guy down Main Street? Isn’t there a law office there…uh…J. Ramirez or something?”

“No, Alex, it has to be someone more professional than that.” Isabel insisted. This is their dream they’re talking about.

“Ok, ok, don’t worry about it, we’ll find someone.” Alex assured her.

“Actually, Aunt Diane suggested someone.” Isabel spoke softly.

“Who?” Alex asked as he let her go.

“Her son, mine and Michael’s cousin.” She looked hesitant when she said that.

“Well that fixes our problem. We just have to ask if he can look at the contract for us and we’re all set.” Alex smiled.

“There’s one thing…well actually two.” Isabel began to chew on a fingernail.

“What’s the first one?”

“We have to go to New York.” Isabel spoke meekly.

“Ok, we can do that.” Alex nodded slowly. “What’s the other one?”

“You know how Michael refers to me as the Christmas Nazi?”

“Uh…yeah…” Alex didn’t know how to answer that.

“Well, our cousin makes Mr. Scrooge look like Santa Claus. And this isn’t just during the holidays. It’s the whole year round.” Isabel explained.

“Oh…” Alex then began to pace their bedroom to think.

“Yeah, oh.” Isabel whispered as she watched him.

Suddenly, Alex stopped and faced her. “Hmm, think about this. if your aunt suggested that he can look at this, I’m sure he’ll do this for his mom, right?”

“I guess.”

“So, we’ll just have him look at it. That’s all. He reads it, gives us the ok signal and we’re outta there.”

“Well when you put it that way…”

“Come on, Isabel, it’s just, what, a day at least. You said it yourself, you wanted someone professional. And I’m thinking this cousin of yours is for you to consider him despite his attitude. So let’s do this. Besides, New York will be fun.” Alex was getting excited at that prospect.

Isabel sighed, “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll be quick. We can go over it in an hour tops. I just hope he doesn’t go all grumpy on me or I’m gonna kick his ass.”

“That’s my girl.” Alex grinned then kissed her. “By the way, what’s his name?”

“Oh, my cousin? It’s Zan, Zan Evans.”

[kay_b]

A/N: Thank you for all the feedback. Sorry for the delay...

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 7

“Alright gang, what do you think?” Isabel asked everyone after telling the rest of the group about her conversation with her aunt and that she and Alex had decided to go to New York.

“Well, if you’re going, I’m going too.” Maria stated.

“What?” Michael looked at his girlfriend.

“I want to go to New York, Michael. I’ve never been there.” Maria whined.

Looking at Maria’s forlorn face, Michael gave in. “Ok, ok, we’ll go.”

“Yay!!!” Maria jumped up and down as she hugged her boyfriend.

“So, we’ll all go?!” Isabel questioned.

“Yeah, why not? You are and so will Maria and I. And I’m sure Alex won’t let you go without him and we know he won’t leave Liz here all by herself.” Michael spoke.

“Hey!” Alex complained.

“What? You know it’s true.” Michael looked at him.

“Well…yeah…but you didn’t have to point it out to everyone.” Alex pouted.

“It’s blatantly out there, man. It’s considered common knowledge.” Michael bit back.

“Boys!” Isabel knew she had to stop them before they start arguing and not be able to fully discuss what they had to do. “Come on, we have to get back on track here.” She clapped her hands twice.

Maria and Liz couldn’t stop the giggles from escaping whenever Iz does that. And this time was no exception.

“Ok, so everyone is going to New York with me.” Isabel wanted to get things in order so she could buy the tickets, find a hotel, fix their schedules, call Zan, call Mr. Kats, set up a meeting—

“Iz? Isabel!” Alex yelled to get her attention.

“What?” Isabel’s mental haze cleared when she heard Alex screaming at her.

“Where were you?” he asked.

“Oh, I was just running through my head everything that we need to do like buying our tickets, hotel reservations, checking our schedules and Zan’s and then—” she listed off.

“Alright, stop. Just take a breath and we’ll deal with this one at a time.” Alex rubbed her back comfortingly.

Isabel took a deep breath and got her organizer to get everything ready. “Ok, I think it’s a good idea that we all go since the record label’s main office is in New York City. So I just need to check our schedules.” She glanced over her calendar and so far the 4Square had no other booking for the next two weeks.

“Ah, good, we’ve got the next two weeks free. So we can spend an entire week in New York before getting ready for our next gig.” Isabel smiled.

“Great. So now we just have to get the tickets. I can take care of that, sweetie. You go and call Zan and ask him when he’s free to meet us.” Alex suggested.

“And I’ll look up hotels where we can stay in.” Maria added.

“Fabulous. New York City, here we come.” Isabel was grinning. This was going to be the start of their dreams coming true.


“Yeah…yeah. I will, don’t worry about it. Ok, Mom. Yup…uh huh…love you too.” Zan hung up right after talking to his mother and sighed. He loved her dearly but sometimes, she can be such a typical mom who’s always worrying about him. Despite that he’s living on his own in a very swanky house, has his own law office, a couple of cars and being 26 years old, his mom thinks he’s still a baby sometimes and treats him like a little kid who can’t feed himself.

He sighed as he leaned back on his leather chair. He actually understands his parents really. They never had a child of their own and being their only son, adopted at that, they’ve treasured and cherished him dearly. His mom has always been a bit clingy but he couldn’t blame her. For a long time, he was going through major depression from being adopted, moving so far away from where he grew up in the orphanage…and a certain someone.

He could never forget her no matter what.

Zan shook his head to clear it of where his thoughts were leading him. He couldn’t think about her. After so many years of waiting for her to write to him, she never did. And as he waited, the more he wallowed in his sorrow. His parents made him see a therapist because of it. And there he was taught to move on which is exactly what he did.

He has moved on in his life but in order to do that he had to close off all those memories, the hurt and pain he felt. However, along with it he had to put the happy times at the back of his mind as well. He had to, good or bad, the memories brought in the sadness. And to help him, he had his parents call him Zan instead of Max.

Zan blinked as he recalled that name. Max…that’s what she used to call him. They used to climb a hill together and just lay there and look up at the heavens above. That was where they made their pact.

In the quiet confines of his office, he closed his eyes as a tear rolled down his cheek. Despite everything, he still missed her…his best friend...his Liz.


A few days later, they gang was riding on a plane headed for the east coast.

“Hey, you excited?” Alex asked as he moved to sit beside his sister.

Liz was looking out the window as they soared over the horizon. She was mesmerized with the clouds. She used to wonder what was beyond them. And now she saw the orange and purple shades of the sky, it was peacefully breathtaking.

She looked at her brother and gave him a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“I can’t wait till we start the ball rolling. Can you imagine what it will be like Liz? We’ll be known everywhere, selling millions of records, touring all over the world.” Alex grinned.

“Yeah, everywhere.” Liz mumbled.

“What’s wrong?” Alex was concerned. He knew she wanted this too. But what he didn’t understand was why she seemed a bit withdrawn ever since all this buzz started. This was what they’ve been waiting for, him and everyone else including her. So why was she acting this way?

“Talk to me.” Alex laid a hand on top of hers.

“I don’t know what it is. I just feel a sense of foreboding.” Liz replied hesitantly.

“Foreboding? First off, who uses that word?” Alex gave her a slight bemused look.

“Alex.” Liz groaned.

“What? I was only kidding, trying to make you laugh, you know, haha. Anyway, what do you think is the reason for this sense of…foreboding?” He emphasized the last word by making quotation mark gestures in the air with his fingers.

“I told you, I don’t know. I just feel like…something’s about to happen…something big.” Liz tried to explain.

Alex rolled his eyes, “Of course something big is about to happen. We’re going to sign with a record label. We’re going to become rock stars. That definitely counts as something big in my book.”

“I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m just getting nervous about it, that’s all.” Liz said and dismissed it as such.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about, Liz. We’re all there. We’re perfectly rational adults and we can handle anything that comes our way as long as we stick together.” Alex assured her.

“Yeah, I know.” Liz smiled.


As soon as they got settled in their hotel rooms, which were absolutely the same setup as back home, Isabel called a meeting in the room she shares with Alex.

“Ok, the first order of business is; Michael, you and I have to call Aunt Diane.” Isabel instructed.

“What? Why do I have to call too?” Michael complained immediately.

“Because she’s your aunt too.” Isabel told him in the same tone he used.

“Fine.” Michael grumbled.

“Then, I’ll ask her when Zan can meet us.” Isabel said, busily checking the items off her list.

“Why don’t you just call your cousin Zan directly?” Liz asked curiously.

“Because he’s not the typical buddy-buddy type cousin. He’s more of a…” Isabel seemed to ponder on a right word. “A jerk.”

“Well then how do we know that he’ll help us if he’s a jerk? Did we just waste our time coming here?” Maria questioned.

“No, we didn’t. And we know he’ll help because my aunt will tell him to.” Isabel beamed. “Ok, so I guess that’s it for today. Come on, Michael. Let’s get this over with.” Isabel got the phone and dialed her aunt’s home number.

“Evans residence, how may I help you?” An older woman’s voice answered the phone.

“Hi. This is Isabel Guerin, I’d like to speak with Aunt Diane if she’s available.”

“Si, please hold while I get her for you.” the woman replied.

“Thank you.” There was a pause of about a minute before Isabel heard footsteps getting closer.

“Isabel?” Diane greeted.

“Hey, Aunt Di. Yup, it’s me, Isabel.” she smiled even though she knew her aunt couldn’t see her. She liked Aunt Diane, she was like a second mother to her.

“It’s so good to hear from you again. How are you?”

“I’m fine. I just got settled in our hotel.”

“You’re here already? Why didn’t you tell me you were arriving today? I could have asked Zan to pick you up.”

“Oh that wasn’t necessary. We got here fine and we didn’t want to bother him anymore than we have to.”

“Hush, it wouldn’t have been a bother. I’m sure he’d be so happy to see you.”

“I’ll bet.” Isabel mumbled. “Um, anyway, I would like to ask for his number if you don’t mind. We only have a week to settle everything before we go back to work.”

“Hmm, well, why don’t you have dinner here instead? I’ll tell Zan to come over to have dinner here as well so you can discuss whatever you need to right away.”

“Uh, we don’t want to impose, Aunt Di. There’s 5 of us here and—”

“The more, the merrier. Michael is with you as well?” she asked.

“Yup, hold on, he wants to say hi.” Isabel smirked and covered the speaker as she pushed the phone towards Michael.

Michael’s eyes widened when Isabel said that. He thought he wouldn’t have to talk since the conversation was moving along smoothly. He was shaking his head no vigorously but his sister managed to shove the phone in his hands, her eyes widening to glare at him.

“Uh, hey, Aunt Di.” he started uncomfortably.

“Michael, it’s been a long time. How are you, sweetheart?”

This was what he hated about talking to his mom’s sister. He loved his aunt, really. But the sweet and mushy talk didn’t sit well with him.

“Um, I’m fine.” he answered.

“That’s good. Your mom tells me you’re still with your girlfriend. Any plans of getting married soon?”

His eyes almost popped out of their sockets. His mom told her what?!

“Uh, yeah, I mean no! I mean, yeah we’re still together and no there are no plans yet.”

“Is she here in New York with you as well?”

“Uh huh.” Michael didn’t like where this was heading.

“That’s wonderful! I can’t wait to meet her.” Diane was smiling from ear to ear. She couldn’t do this with her own son. Zan always clammed up when it came to matters of the heart.

“Uh…yeah…sure…ok, here’s Iz.” Michael threw the phone at his sister and left the room as fast as he could.

“Aunt Di?”

“I’m here. Michael ran out, didn’t he?”

“Yeah.” Isabel laughed.

Diane was laughing too. “What is it about men that make them run whenever marriage is the topic of the conversation? I swear, Zan is exactly the same. He wouldn’t even talk to me about whoever he’s dating. Anyway, don’t worry about dinner tonight, Isabel. Can I expect you and your friends around seven?”

“Yup, ok. Seven is fine.” Isabel jotted it down on her organizer.

“Great. You know our address right?”

“Yes, Mom made sure I had it before we left.”

“Alright then, I’ll see you all tonight. Bye.”

“See you later, Aunt Di. Bye.” Isabel hung up and went to inform the others and look for something to wear.

At the other end, Diane was excited to have company over. She hurriedly went to the kitchen to get ready. Then she had to call Zan.

[kay_b]

Wow, I'm so happy that you're liking this fic. Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. And just for that, here's another part.


~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 8

A van drove up the huge house and all five friends got out.

Alex whistled lowly as he stared at it. He was wearing beige slacks and a blue button-down shirt. He wanted to be presentable towards Isabel’s relatives. “This is some place, Iz.”

“I know. Ever since our uncle moved here, he was getting some really high priced cases.” Isabel informed him. She was wearing a sage green dress that reached down to her knees with thin spaghetti straps on her shoulders and silver sandals that matched her purse.

“So this is why we had to get dressed. Michael, why didn’t you tell me your relatives are rich?” Maria turned to her boyfriend. She was wearing a short dress that was of an old rose color and strappy sandals that was of the same shade.

“So what? It’s not a big deal to me that they are.” Michael, who was wearing a pair of charcoal gray pants and a white shirt, replied and he led them all to the front door. When he rang the doorbell, the door opened and he was immediately engulfed in a hug. It took him a few seconds to realize that it was his aunt who he towered over that was squeezing the life out of him.

“Oh my goodness, Mikey, you’re so tall and so big.” Diane leaned back a little to look at her nephew. “The last time I saw you, you were this high.” She drew her arm out to measure about 4 feet. “And you were skinny. But look at you now.” Diane grinned.

“Uh, thanks Aunt Di.” Michael said while scratching his head embarrassedly. The rest of the gang was snickering behind him.

“Now where’s your girlfriend?” Diane quickly added.

Maria quickly moved in front of Diane. “Hi. I’m Maria Deluca. Thanks for inviting us over.”

Diane was smiling at the exuberance that Maria showed. “Hello, Maria. Nice to meet you.”

“Michael.” Maria glared at him. She was waiting for him to tell his aunt that she was his girlfriend.

“Ah, yeah, she’s my girlfriend, Aunt Di.” Michael rambled.

Diane could only laugh. This girl definitely knew how to handle her nephew. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I can tell you everything you want to know about Mikey when he was a baby.”

“That’s great. I’d love to hear all your stories about my Mikey.” Maria sneered, emphasizing the nickname.

“Ooh, and Isabel, is that you? Why look at you, my darling. You’re so beautiful. I’ll bet Michael is having a tough time scaring the other young men away.” Diane gave her niece a peck on her cheek.

“Um, no, he doesn’t have to. Aunt Di, this is my boyfriend, Alex Whitman.” Isabel introduced the person beside him.

“Hi. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Evans.” Alex beamed and stretched out a hand.

“Why, it’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Diane looked at his offered hand then looked back up at the tall man. “What’s that? We don’t shake hands. I have a feeling you’re going to be a permanent fixture in this family.” Diane moved up to hug him which was a nice surprise for Alex.

When they parted, Alex pulled up Liz beside him. “This is my sister, Elizabeth.”

Diane turned to the other young lady and was surprised by her simple beauty.

“Thank you for going through the trouble of having us all for dinner, Mrs. Evans.” Liz spoke shyly. She was wearing a short black evening dress with thin straps on her shoulders and matching black sandals with tiny rhinestones on the strap that sparkled with the light.

“Oh stop it with the Mrs. Evans. That’s my mother-in-law. You can call me Aunt Diane too. And it’s no trouble at all. I’m glad you all are here.” Diane moved to hug her as well. There was something about her that she can’t really put her finger on. But she was hoping that Zan will meet her. Maybe she will be the answer to her prayers.

“Well let’s move this all inside where we can talk more over dinner.” Diane looped one arm with Liz’s as they all went inside.


Everyone was already in the middle of an enjoyable meal when they heard a door close loudly.

Diane sighed, she knew it was Zan and he was late as usual.

A young man, wearing a black turtle neck and black slacks swiftly entered the dining room and moved to kiss his mother’s cheek. He took a seat without looking at the other guests and began scooping food onto his plate.

“I’m so sorry for being late, Mom. I was swamped at work and—”

He stopped when he noticed everyone staring at him silently. There were people he didn’t recognize in his parents’ house, sitting at their dinner table and in an instant, his walls were raised.

Noticing how her son was sizing up the others around the table, Diane quickly spoke. “Zan, you remember me telling you that we have guests tonight? Your cousins, Michael and Isabel, and their friends need your legal expertise on some documents.”

“Oh…hello.” Zan greeted them coolly.

Greetings were mumbled from the gang as they all looked back at him.

“Zan, you remember Michael and Isabel.” Diane pointed towards them with her eyes.

“Yeah.” Zan quickly replied. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Michael and Isabel said uncomfortably.

“These are their friends, Maria Deluca, Alex Whitman and Elizabeth Whitman.” Diane continued as each kid gave her son a nod or a smile.

“Nice to meet you all.” Zan acknowledged them without really looking at them.

There were a couple minutes of silence at the table before Diane felt the need to break it. “Isabel, why don’t you tell Zan about the papers that you need him to go over?”

“Yes, well, it’s a contract. See, we’re in a band--” Isabel began but was cut off fast.

“A band? As in, a musical band?” Zan questioned.

“What other kind of band is there?” Michael bit back but was quickly hushed by a swift kick under the table from Maria.

“Yes, it’s a musical band.” Isabel answered. “And we were seen by a record producer a couple weeks ago and he wants to sign us with his label.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Diane beamed proudly. “And I’m glad that you all have a good head on your shoulders and decided to have the contract checked out legally before signing anything.”

“Yes, that’s actually the main reason why we came.” Isabel added.

“Ok, when do you need this?” Zan asked.

“Um, before the week ends if it’s possible.”

“Do you have it with you?”

“Yes, it’s here.” Isabel had the others pass the envelope towards Zan and he quickly opened it and skimmed through the pages.

“Zan, must we do this now while eating dinner? You can have more time to look over those later while having coffee.” Diane told him.

Zan nodded and put the papers back in the envelope and the rest of the meal continued.


All throughout the night, Liz kept staring at her friends’ cousin. There was something very familiar about him but she didn’t know where she could have possibly met him before.

He was tall, slightly shorter than her brother and Michael but he was still much taller than her. He had dark hair and bluish gray eyes with long lashes like that of a girl. He had sharp features and dressed very nicely. But she had also heard what he was like from Isabel and Michael and he was not someone she feels comfortable approaching. Good thing Isabel was their manager and not her.


As Zan, Isabel and Alex dealt with the contract, Michael, Maria and Liz were having an enjoyable conversation with Diane. Alex was familiar with how Isabel can be very professional but Zan was a master. He was very impressed.

Everything in the contract was clear and favorable to the band and Zan gave his go signal for them to sign. Isabel found herself liking the cool and collected Zan when dealing with work and asked him if they could be their legal representation and attend the meeting at the record label with them. Zan agreed after checking his schedule.

After a nightcap of more delightful conversation, it was time for everyone to leave.

“You know, rather than spending money on a hotel, why don’t you all just stay here with me? We have a big house and we can definitely accommodate more than five people.” Diane offered.

“That’s really nice of you Aunt Diane but we simply can’t impose. Zan helping us with this is more than we could ever thank you for.” Isabel commented.

“Oh hush, Isabel, it’s absolutely not an imposition. I want you all to stay here. Use your money on buying something nice for your parents instead.” Diane suggested.

The five looked at each other and apprehensively said yes.

“Wonderful. You can all just settle in here tomorrow. You must be tired from the trip and the dinner. Just leave when it’s time for you to check out and I’ll expect you all here tomorrow.”

“Thanks so much, Aunt Di.” Michael took the initiative and hugged his aunt. Despite their money, they were still down-to-earth people.

“We’ll see you tomorrow.” Maria said as she hugged the older woman and waved goodbye to Zan.

“Thanks for dinner.” Alex hugged Diane. “And thanks for your help, Zan.” He raised an open palm to which Zan answered with a brief tip of his head.

Isabel went to hug her aunt too “I’ll call before we come over.”

“Alright, dear.” Diane smiled.

“Thanks for the help Zan. I’ll call Mr. Kats to ask when we can hold the meeting.” Isabel continued.

“Sure, no problem.” Zan replied.

“Thank you for having us over, Mrs. Evans.” Liz embraced the older woman too.

“What did I tell you? It’s Aunt Diane, Elizabeth.” Diane teasingly told her.

Zan was instantly stunned when he heard the name and looked over at the petite brown-haired girl. For the first time that night he really studied her and what he found shocked him to the core. Those eyes, he could never forget those eyes. It was his Liz.

“Goodnight, Aunt Diane, goodnight Zan.” Liz gave him a small smile before hoping in the van with the rest of her friends.

Zan could only watch as they drove away. “Goodnight…Liz.”

[kay_b]

A/N: I'm so sorry I'm late. I was having so much trouble coming up with this part. Forgive me if it's kinda sucky.

Disclaimer: The song I used here is by a Filipino band called South Border and the song is Wherever You Are. It's a great song, slow and sad but I like it and if you can find it (since I don't know where you can download it), try to listen to it and maybe you'll like it too.

Special note: LTL and Jeannine, good eye. (No pun intended) Wait, J, I think I told you about this, lol. Thanks for reading this. *smooch*


~*~*~*~*~


Chapter 9

He still couldn’t believe it. His Liz was at his house and he failed to notice it till it was time for her to leave.

Zan was pacing his bedroom. As soon as Liz and her friends left, he stood out there in the driveway for a few more minutes. Then he said goodnight to his mom and raced back to his own home.

Driving back to his house he was already thinking of how Liz just ignored him. Ok, maybe she didn’t ignore him since she bid him goodnight but she didn’t even remember him. There was no sign of recognition on her face at all.

How could she have forgotten him so easily? Sure it was twenty years ago but he has never forgotten her. How could she forget him? How could she forget how close they were in the orphanage and all the time they spent together? They were inseparable…until he got adopted. But more importantly, how could she have forgotten their pact?

These were the thoughts running through Zan’s mind over and over. From the drive home to arriving at his house, his mind was going on overload. He parked his car, inserted his key to the door, walked through the hall, past his living room, past his game room, up the stairs, another hallway, past his guestroom, past his study and straight to his bedroom.

And this is where he is now, pacing the dark cherry wood laminated floor and thinking about Liz. Specifically, what to do now that he knows where she is.

He didn’t know whether he should approach her and ask is she remembered him. And that option kind of scared him. What if she didn’t remember? He would look like a total fool, pining over a girl who he shared a bond with when he was only a child. How could anyone hold on to a pact for two decades? Well…he did and still is.

Maybe she has forgotten him. After all he hasn’t gotten anything from her over the years, not a single letter. Obviously she has been enjoying her life with her new family and her new friends while he was going through severe depression over her that he had to undergo therapy.

But then again, there is this slim chance that she didn’t know it was him.

Zan shook his head. That would be impossible because he knew who she was when he had gotten a good look at her. How could she not know? Admittedly he has changed since it has been twenty years but not too much that Liz, his Liz would not be able to recognize him.

He still had a week to think carefully about what to do with the situation. For now, he’ll wait and see what Liz will do. If she does not recognize him after that, then he has his answer: Liz has forgotten about him and their pact. Zan sadly kept thinking though the night as he held the little old worn-out stuffed bear in his hands.


When the gang got back to their hotel, Maria was happy that she hasn’t unpacked yet.

“See, this is what you get for being too organized. At least I don’t have to repack my suitcase when we move tomorrow into your relatives’ house. I like your Aunt Diane, she’s so nice and sweet.” Maria rambled.

“That she is.” Alex agreed. “And I’m stuffed. I think I’m gonna go straight to bed and pack tomorrow morning. Goodnight everyone.” Alex smiled and went to his room.

“Repacking is not going to be a problem with me. Since you’re all done Maria, you can help me.” Isabel smirked.

“What?” Maria looked at Isabel wide-eyed. How did she get roped into doing that?

“You should have just kept your mouth shut, DeLuca. Night everyone.” Michael grinned and pulled his girlfriend into the room with him.

“Hey Liz, how come you’ve been quiet all night?” Isabel asked when it was just her and the petite girl that was left in the hallway.

“Huh? I don’t know.” Liz answered with a slight frown.

“Are you ok? You’re not sick or anything, are you?”

“No.” Liz shook her head negatively.

“Oh good. We need you there at the meeting since you’re like the heart of this band. You write all the songs—”

“I don’t write ALL of the songs.” Liz interjected.

“Ok, not all but most of it. The songs are the reason why we’ve gotten this far. And if Mr. Kats asks us about our music, you’ll be the best one to answer them.” Isabel informed her.

“Don’t worry Iz. We’ll all be there in perfect health.” Liz said then turned to insert her hotel room card key into the slot.

“Are…are you sure there’s nothing bothering you?” Isabel asked hesitantly.

Liz gave her a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine, Isabel. Really.”

“Alright then, see you tomorrow.” Isabel bid her friend goodnight.

“Goodnight.” Liz said back.


Once she was in the comfort of her own room, she wondered about what was going through her mind. There was something about Zan but she wasn’t sure what. She tried thinking up of what it could be about him from head to foot that bothered her. One thing she knew for sure though, he was gorgeous.

She was a little stunned when he first waltzed in to the dining room and just sat then and there. True, it was rude of him that he didn’t even acknowledge that his mother had guests but the air of confidence that he carried himself with was attractive to her.

His hair was dark and slicked back a bit and his sharp features screamed of his masculinity. The way he wore his clothes, even if it was just a black turtleneck and black slacks, it looked like the trendiest outfit of the season. He could actually be a model and earn lots of money but instead he studied and took up law even. Talk about beauty and brains. Zan had the entire package. Any girl would be lucky to have him.

At that thought, Liz stopped what she was doing. She was in the bathroom, brushing her teeth before that notion struck her. And now she was looking at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes as wide as saucers. Did she, Liz Parker Whitman, actually have a crush on Zan Evans?

She resumed getting ready but in a slower pace. She was thinking about how she could develop a crush on Zan after just meeting him. Wait, it was just a crush after all. There’s no harm in a having a little crush. Liz giggled as she acknowledged that she indeed has a crush on Zan Evans.

As she got in bed, ready to sleep, her thoughts were still with Zan. She wondered what he would be like to have a conversation with, wondered what he would be like to go out with. She hasn’t felt like this for anyone. Usually she would have already gone out with the guy once before she even thought of looking at him in a romantic way. Sure she dated other guys over the years but not one of them lasted for more than a couple of weeks. And the reason for that was…Max.

As Max’s name flitted through her mind, she instantly got sad again. Her brother and her friends would call her crazy if they knew about him. She knew it was wrong to hold on to a missing childhood friend after so many years but she couldn’t help it. He was her best friend, her other half.

If Isabel considered her to be the heart of the band, her memories with Max were the blood pumping through her. Sometimes she doubted if none of them noticed how the songs all held a similar message, how they were all calling out to someone, to Max. This was why Liz joined the band in the first place. She figured if they hit it big, her songs would be known everywhere and somehow, someway, maybe Max will hear them and he’d know where to find her.

After getting nowhere with the letters or the orphanage, she thought this was her last hope in finding him again. And now that they’re about to be signed by a record label, her songs will reach the entire country and maybe they could finally be reunited.

As she started thinking about Max again, she got her small recorder from her suitcase, a pen and a paper and sat back in a comfortable position on the bed. She began to hum and write furiously on the sheet of hotel stationery.

I love to see the ocean's beauty
And the moon that shines above
Alone in the sand looking at the stars
Wishing someday I would find true love

Wouldn't be nice to see the morning
With the one you love the most
Wouldn't be nice to say goodnight
To the one you hold so close
To your heart, to your heart

The wind that blows the dove
Is the wind that blows my love
Hoping to find its way to you
Wherever you are


The words started to flow out of her and onto the pen and she scribbled non-stop. This is what happens when she misses Max and she reminds herself of what she’s doing for him, another song is created.


I love to sit in fields of green
Looking deeply thru the sky
Watching birds as they flap by
Hoping someday faith will bring me true love

Wouldn't be nice to hold someone
So dear and near your heart
Wouldn't be nice to hear those words
I love you, from the one
That you love, that you love

The wind that blows the dove
Is the wind that blows my love
Hoping to find its way to you
Wherever you are


The new song spoke of her intentions. Maybe this will be the one that will find Max for her. Maybe this will be the song that will bring him back to her so they can fulfill their promise.

I love to see myself one day
In the arms of someone
Who will share his life with me
Selflessly, someday you will find your way,
To me

The wind that blows the dove
Is the wind that blows my love
Hoping to find its way to you
Wherever you are

Wherever you are


Liz fell asleep with the pen in one hand and the recorder in the other. She finished her song with a tear on her face and they continued to fall as she dreamed of him.