The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Teen to Mature
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
A/N: This is my first Michael/Liz story…
May, 2000
Liz was late to school—again. For some reason her alarm clock didn’t like her anymore. She set it every night for six-thirty and always wound up getting out of bed at quarter after seven. She got to school at five to eight and had to hurry to her locker to get her books. It had been this way all through her junior year last year and was working on being her pattern halfway through her final year of high school. She still hated it.
Sweating and fearing that last bell was going to ring any second, Liz turned her combo knob too fast and swore. Damn thing was going to be tricky again today. Turning around to see what the clock said, Liz saw the big hand inching toward the twelve in what felt like a Speedy Gonzalez way. Damn it! She told herself.
Michael walked over to her and said, “You know if you’d do that slower you’d get your locker open.”
Looking up into those wonderful brown eyes of his that now felt irritating because she was late, Liz snapped, “Really? Well I don’t have time to go at a slow pace. This damn thing won’t work and I’m going to be late again. One more time and I know I’ll be in ISS.”
Michael said nonchalantly, “I’ve been there. It’s not so scary. Pretty boring actually.”
Rolling her eyes, Liz said, “Well if I wind up in there my parents will ground me until fall when I leave for college. So I can’t afford…”
Suddenly the bell rang.
Liz’s palms were wet and she was nervously working at her locker combo now.
Michael walked over and said, “Here. Let me work at it.”
Liz said, “No! I’ve got to get in there…you don’t know my combination…I’m not going to get out of the tardy this time…My parents are going to be furious with me.” She was erratic sounding, but she was scared. Liz was not one who liked to be late, or to get in trouble. She followed the rules, she did things the right way. She was a good student and a good girl at home.
Michael merely nudged her back and said, “A friend of mine had this locker last year and he shared it with me last semester. The partner of his chose to get his own.” In seconds, Michael had it open.
Liz merely stared at him. Shocked, embarrassed, and now wondering what to say. All she could get out was, “Thanks.”
Michael shrugged and said, “You worry too much Liz.” He smiled at her and walked away.
Liz smiled back.
~Four Hours Later~
Sitting at the cafeteria table she’d sat at for the past four years, Liz talked with Maria, her best friend. She said, “Maria, he came over and just opened the locker. I’ve fought that thing all year and he opens it in minutes! It was embarrassing.”
Her blonde haired friend, Maria picked at her burger and fries and said unenthused when it came to Michael Guerin, “Liz you’re making way too much out of this. I mean so what? So he came by and he opened your locker. It wasn’t like he took you to out and bought you a CD or a new set of pens for your journal. He does that sometime and you can be impressed.”
Liz grinned and said, “Yeah, since no one but you knows I write in a journal I’d be shocked…and impressed. It was just eerie. I don’t’ like eerie.”
Maria grabbed Liz’s drink and taking a swallow she said, “Like I believe that. You are totally into the guy. I’ve seen it. Alex picks on you when you don’t notice because of your drooling.”
Liz blushed and said, “No way. He doesn’t do that. You’re joking with me, Maria.”
Maria grabbed her Coke back and said, “I’m not either. There he is by the way, coming into the line.”
Liz glanced up, saw Michael telling the lunch lady that he would not eat what they were serving if he was starving on a deserted island somewhere. Her eyes stayed on him. On the way he gave the lunch lady a Give Me A Break expression, putting off a cockiness that Liz liked. The way his jeans fit, the way he wore his cowboy boots beneath them not giving a damn if it was stylish or not. How he saved a loner girl from dropping her lunch and helping her keep from bumping against a table as she walked to her quiet table. Michael was just sweet.
He just never saw Liz. Not the way that Liz saw him. It doesn’t help that I’m always whining about something when he’s around, Liz thought chiding herself.
Liz tried to control her hormones that wanted to walk over to him, strip off her clothes and tell him that she was his if he wanted her. Oh how many times had she fantasized about offering herself? Or taking off his clothes and making love in a full sized bed for hours and hours? She tried but it was hard.
Finally she looked over at Maria and said, “He’s sexy but he doesn’t see Liz. He only sees a girl who likes to bitch.”
Maria said with a laugh, “I’m a notorious bitch and Michael barely says hello to me. Of course I’m not the least bit attracted to him. He’s a pain in the ass. I’ve got my eyes on Max Evans. You can have Michael any day. I think from how often he looks at you when you’re talking to me or to Alex that he’d have you any day if you’d show him you wanted him to.”
Liz looked over at Michael, watching him eat and talk with Isabel and Max, then looking back at Maria she said, “Yeah. Sure. His interests are in hanging with those two. Not with me…” she sighed and said, “I’m nothing more than a girl who comes to this school.”
Maria said, “Well you are coming to Alex’s pre-graduation party tonight aren’t you?”
Liz took another bite of her burger then drank a large drink of her Coke, wondering yet again why she bothered to eat this school’s food and didn’t bring her lunch like the smart ones did. She frowned, set it back down, and said to Maria, “Yeah…I planned to.”
Maria said, “Good. Maybe you’ll see that Michael does look. And he likes you.”
~Later on that Night~
As the clock said seven that evening, Liz brushed her shoulder length brown hair and left it down as she walked to the living room. Looking at her mom and dad she said, “I’m going over to Alex’s for awhile. Is that okay?”
Her mom said, “I don’t see why not.”
Her dad added, “Be sure to call if you’re staying later than ten. You know the rules, Liz.”
Nodding, Liz said, “I know.”
Grabbing her light purple jacket, Liz said, “Bye.” She walked out the door just as Maria drove up in her Jetta. Smiling largely at how her friend drove with loud heavy metal music going, Liz opened the door and climbed in. She said, “Jeez Maria.”
Maria said, “Sorry.” She turned it down some and said, “So are you ready?” She was dressed up in a pink shirt and flowered pants. Liz inwardly shook her head and smiled. Maria was her own kind of gal. She did things as she liked and she made her own mark in Roswell as a unique person. Liz tried to follow that, but it was too hard. Following the right road was best and it got more positive responses than being unusual.
Inside, though, Liz didn’t feel normal. She felt she was pretending. Because part of her, a huge part, wanted to be just like Maria DeLuca. She wanted to get out there and explore life. She wanted to dress wildly in flower clothes and listen to loud blasting music and make out with Michael Guerin in a hidden room.
Above all, one day, she wanted to know what it was like to be herself…
Michael was there at the party. He was joking with Max, his best friend. Man he had a nice smile! Liz ogled as she stood near Maria, listening halfway to her talking about how hot Max was and how one day she was going to…yada…yada…yada…with his…bleep…bleep…bleep.
Liz just wanted to see what it was like to hold Michael’s hand. To be kissed by him for the first time. To have him walk with his arm around her shoulders and have him tell her that he liked her. To walk at night with him and smell his cologne on his shirt. Have him stop out of the blue and tell her, ‘Liz I know I’ve told you before, but I love you.’
She was probably living a fantasy, Liz told herself, hoping something would happen that never would. Maybe Maria was right. Just stick to guys that were more noticeably interested. Thing was, if Maria was so much better at it, then why was she standing here while Max was across the room?
Drifting off partway through the night at Alex’s, Liz walked into the kitchen, hoping to get a drink of Coke. Maybe she’d see Alex in there and she could thank him again for inviting her to the Pre-Graduation party. People were already getting wild in the living room and some where making out upstairs. Liz just walked into the kitchen and said aloud, having heard someone in there, “Alex I’m getting a glass of Coke. My throat is dry.”
The voice turned from where he stood, by the counter and smiling he said, “Here, Liz. I’ll get you a cup of Coke.”
It was Michael! He was pouring glasses of drinks for people. And offering her a glass.
Liz felt like a sappy romantic idiot, but she smiled broadly and said, “Thank you, Michael.”
Taking the drink, Liz thanked him again, inwardly asking herself why she had to thank him twice for pouring her a glass when he was pouring everyone a glass! She just answered inside that it was because she was a nut, who had the biggest thing for him…stupidly because he didn’t like her like that.
Michael leaned against the counter and said, “So…Liz. What do you do to have a good time?”
Innocently shocked that he asked her that, Liz said, “Me? What do I do? Well…”
Michael grinned and said, “Yeah. I mean I can tell you aren’t a partier. You don’t go to dances that often and you are pretty on top of things in class. So I just wondered what you did to have a good time. What you enjoyed doing.”
Liz heard what he was saying and for some reason felt he was insinuating that what she did wasn’t things she liked doing at all. Truthfully part of the time they weren’t. But no one else in her life knew that! Not even Maria and she knew her pretty well.
Liz smiled, trying to be optimistic, but when she thought about what she enjoyed on a regular basis, all she could say was, “Drawing. I enjoy drawing. I write in a journal sometimes.”
Michael said interested, “Really? That’s cool. I write sometimes too.”
Liz said, “I didn’t know that.” She smiled. Of course she didn’t’ know a damn thing about Michael! But she told him that anyway.
Michael smiled and said, “Yep. I also enjoy overcooking someone’s burger at the Café when they piss me off. But that’s me.”
Liz saw they were alone in the room now and started talking. She said, “I am a straight A student at Roswell High. I study hard at night and on weekends for my grades. I think people think I get them easily. I don’t.”
Michael said, “I didn’t think that.”
Liz said, “I like school.” She felt like a liar saying that. She didn’t always like school.
Michael seemed to see that and said, “What don’t you like?”
Liz looked him in the eyes and said, “I don’t know what you’re asking.”
Michael said, “I’m not going to go blab it, Liz. Here. Why don’t’ we go into another room.”
Liz slowly walked with him, figuring why not. She walked with him into a drawing room and closing the door, Liz walked to a chair and watched Michael sit across from her.
He said, “Now. You tell me you like school, you like studying. Okay. What kinds of things don’t you like? What does Liz like that isn’t at Roswell High.”
Liz felt nervous and that he was asking her questions she was scared of answering. Because if she answered them, she knew, that meant she really was playing a game with everyone, being what they expected, and not at all being Liz Parker.
But she was alone with Michael and somehow she felt he wouldn’t blab, so she said, “I don’t do parties, you’re right. I’d rather sit at home and watch TV in my sweats and Tweety T-shirt. I hate feeling pressured sometimes by my parents. I want to hang out with my friends more, but they hover over me like I’m going to do something that is going to ruin my life if they aren’t right there to guide me. I hate being seen as a snob because I like to read and write, because I’m not into drinking or doing drugs or smoking. Because I have saved myself for the right person. I’ve not met him yet…so because I want to wait, I’m some kind of prude. My parents don’t call me this, but others at school I think see me this way. That was why I stopped going to school dances…why I won’t go to parties that aren’t held by my best friends. Am I boring because I don’t want to stand out and look important? Because maybe I don’t want to be valedictorian of my class?”
Michael shook his head, seeing Liz was near tears, and said, “No…Liz I don’t think so.” He had no idea that she was that miserable. He walked over to her and said, “My dad is a drunk and everyone at school knows it. People think by the time I’m thirty I’m going to be an alcoholic jerk because he is.”
Liz said, “It’s stupid and unfair the way people stereotype each other! So what if your dad is a jerk. That doesn’t mean you are. For a son of a drunk I don’t think I’ve seen a nicer guy at Roswell High.”
Michael touched Liz’s face and said, “Liz…”
Liz went on, “You help people, Michael. You calm me down when I’m irrational and…and you helped me see that I’m not happy being the Liz everyone sees. I’m more than that.”
Michael looked into Liz’s eyes and she looked into his for a few seconds. Finally, Michael lowered his mouth to hers and Liz got her first kiss. She held on to his shoulders and after he broke away she heard him say to her, “Liz I’ve liked you for a long time. I didn’t know you, but I’ve liked you. I like you as you, as Liz Parker who doesn’t have to be what everyone wants. You can just be yourself with me.”
Liz smiled and said, “I will. From now on I will. Thanks for reminding me that I could be…”
TBC…
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T (Teen)
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: A change is coming that will affect Michael and Liz in different ways…
Spoilers: None!
Part Two—When Change Comes…
June 6, 2000
Michael had never really known what it was like to be loved. His mother ran off and left when he was barely two and his dad who was supposed to make up for it did so by buying booze and staying constantly drunk. Whining to Michael about her leaving. Calling her horrible names and blaming her for all the problems in his life. Even though it was sixteen years later.
Never knowing what it was like to have a damn thing and knowing his options were to continue having nothing or to work and earn it, Michael got a job at the Crashdown Café last year. As head cook, Michael didn’t do so bad. He was needed, people in Roswell were decent—they weren’t the drunken jerks that Hank was—and they paid him six bucks an hour. Which to a kid who was used to very little that amount seemed like a whole lot.
Despite the part of him that cared for others, there was a part of Michael that was resentful. Saddened, secretly so, that his mother had left to begin with, then on top of that, knowing what a rotten son-of-a-bitch Hank was, that she had left her son with the man.
It wasn’t just that he drank. Michael didn’t have a problem with a man who drank. It was the fact that he played mind games with him. He wasn’t two people, nice one minute an ass the next, no not like that. No he was a jerk all the time. But he beat Michael down telling him that his mother left because she didn’t want to be a mother. She wanted to go out and have fun and not be a wife, not care for her little boy. Michael better be damn glad to have anyone who chose to raise him, or give him anything, Hank told him, over and over.
Eighteen years of hearing that had Michael in some tiny part in his heart, a small sliver that was big enough to hurt and to question, it had him believing Hank’s comments. Believing he wasn’t wanted ever by his mother and not seen as anything but an obligation to his dad.
Hank for years ran a car shop in Roswell. But his selling techniques fell on some people who were smart and he soon lost that business. He’d drawn welfare checks for the last twelve years because of it, using Michael as his crutch for not having to work ever again.
Michael decided that he might feel shame at home living with that lowly bastard, but when he was at school or anywhere else he could be Michael Guerin and be separate from his dad’s existence. He could be better. So when he went to school he thought of others, he tried to be considerate. It was this strong effort that Liz Parker had met at Alex’s Pre-Graduation party last month.
Liz didn’t know the effort Michael went to, but he did. Nobody had it easy in life. Michael never expected to. But when he came home one afternoon from Max’s and found his room thrashed, broken bottles all over and Hank’s throat slit from one of them, Michael knew it was time to make some changes…
After calling the cops, he sat and thought. My dad’s been killed and I’m relieved. In some way I’m relieved. No more listening to the complaints, the constant horrible things he’d say. No more hearing him tell me how I should live, how much of a sissy I am for choosing to be nice to people. Peace. In a level of its own, I have found utter peace.
-June 6, 2000
My name is Liz Parker. I’m seventeen years old and until recently I have lived my life pleasing everyone around me. Creating a pleasing side of me that my parents could be proud of, that my teachers could praise. Knowing deep inside that it wasn’t me. It never was.
Then, last month, at a party of Alex’s, one of my best friends, I sit with Michael Guerin, and I find that it’s okay to be me. I don’t have to be this other person. Deciding to be me has been hard though. Harder than the people on TV or those teenage seminars tell you it is. It’s hard because when you let yourself be yourself you face strong opposition at times.
On my journey to finally be myself this past month, I’ve faced some of this opposition. It has been horrible because I’ve begun to stand up and say what I don’t agree with. Even if it goes completely against what my mother thinks, or my dad thinks.
The main topic of Roswell earlier today was about Michael’s dad being killed. No one seems to be shocked. A man is dead and nobody in this damn town thinks its that important. As soon as I heard about it, I went looking for Michael. Again, against my parents’ wishes. They thought I should stay home and just let his family deal with their own problems. I couldn’t do that.
When I got to the police station and saw Michael, he just said, “Hey Liz. How are you?” I walked over to him and said, “Michael…I’m so sorry.” He shrugged and said, “It’s okay.” How could it be okay? His dad was dead. If my dad had died I would have been destroyed. They would have had to carry me away someplace because I couldn’t have faced it alone. But that’s me. How I would handle something doesn’t mean that is how Michael would handle it. And everyone put up two images, one that the world around them saw and the real one inside that they dealt with every second of their lives. The only thing is I’m trusting myself to show that real side out. Not everyone can do that. Some are scared to. I was for a very long time. Everyone dealt differently with situations.
Maybe I’m not supposed to know how it could be okay for Michael. Maybe it isn’t my business how he could smile and say It’s okay, Liz. But somehow I left the station wishing deeply inside me that I could find out what was inside of Michael. Who was the real Michael Guerin? What was he really thinking? TBC…
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: The death of Hank Guerin gives Michael some space to figure out what he wants to do…
Spoilers: None!
A/N: I in no way am against The Go-Go’s or Cyndi Lauper and this part in no way is a slam against their music. I like both! Also, I do not own Mark Twain’s story The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Though it is a favorite story of mine.
Part Three—Gutting the Place
One Week Later…
June 13, 2000
Hell of a day to gut a house, Michael thought as he looked at the calendar and saw that today was Friday the 13th. But today worked for him, he thought. He’d waited seven days to do this and let all the investigators go through and find evidence—that turned out to be nothing—nothing that they were worried about since it was Hank and no one liked him. He had a dad like Huck Finn’s dad, Michael once told Max as a kid. He was like Huck and his dad was every bit the lousy good for nothing that Pap Finn was.
And strangely, like Pap, his dad had come up dead too. One day, Michael hoped he would feel some sort of sadness for losing his dad, but right then he felt that he was given another shot at living. He was going to take it.
Today was a great day to start that plan. He got up around eleven, his usual when he didn’t’ have to get up, and grabbing two large black Hefty bags, Michael began tossing everything that was his dad’s into it. Now that the cops were done, it was Michael’s to do what he wanted to with it. As far as he was concerned, what he thought was best was to take every bit of it and toss it out knowing it was going to the landfill. Getting himself in the cleaning mood he needed to be in, Michael turned on loud rock music and started tossing things.
An hour later, Michael had the entire trailer his. Not even a crumb or a lace of shoe was left of that jerk’s. It was all Michael’s now. Smiling, Michael lit a cigarette and leaned against the kitchen counter.
Now what?
Looking at the clock that said noon, Michael knew he had to work at three so he could shower and get cleaned up. Head into town early. He lived on the outside of Roswell in the desert. The single wide slate blue trailer was banged up with rust on it, but it had been the only place Michael had ever been in—except when sleeping over at Max and Isabel’s. Isabel was Max’s twin sister. Very briefly two years ago, Michael had had a crush on Isabel. She had a temper that he liked and could outdo anything he could. She was also damned good at basketball and could fix more than he could with cars.
Michael drove a bike, but if he had any problems, nine times out of ten it was Is who fixed them. She was gifted like that. She was a tomboy of a girl with sunshine blonde hair. Brown eyes like Max's and a big heart. She was sweet…as a sister. An honorary sister.
Maybe he’d go by and say hi to her and to Max. Walking into the bathroom, Michael took off all his clothes and stepped into the shower. He forgot to adjust the water so it was bitterly cold when he first sprayed it on himself. But after turning the knob several times and cussing it out, he found a nice hot temp that he liked. Ah! He thought to himself.
Bending over on the lip of the tub, he grabbed the Dial he used but was a good ways gone, Michael stuck it under water and wetting it as he was, he built up soap on his hand and wiped it all over. Everywhere needed this shower, Michael thought after his cleaning and not showering since yesterday. Michael was a clean person. If he felt even partially sweaty or dirty, he was in the shower.
Well he didn’t have to worry about smelling, Michael always thought in defense of his choosing to be clean.
Soap covered him from his neck, all down his tanned brown slightly hairy chest, over his stomach, down to his perfectly built—through hard work—thighs and over the hair that covered his astoundingly well endowed male member.
Not that he wasn’t proud of that part of himself…No not at all. Not Michael.
Actually on most days he could care less what size he was. He had been more interested in living with an asshole. Trying to keep from hearing his tantrums. He’s gone! Michael reminded himself. Amazing relief hit him again as he thought this.
Gone.
Now that he was free of Hank, he could think more about trivial things like how he looked, or what girls were available. The things eighteen-year-old guys actually did think about. Michael could finally be somewhat normal. If he could ever call anything that.
Twelve-thirty at Liz’s House…
Liz’s traitorous alarm clock was going off finally. But on a Saturday when it didn’t have to! Opening her eyes, Liz looked at it and grumbled. “Damn thing wont’ go off until seven fifteen on schooldays but goes off on time on Saturdays…” Groaning at how lousy she felt for staying up until four and waking up at twelve thirty, Liz lay in her full sized bed and debated to herself.
Do I climb out of this bed, get my lazy ass up, or do I just let my eyes close again, like they actually want to, and say forget it?
Her mother walking to her door and exclaiming, “Are you going to sleep all day Liz?” Had Liz choosing to…pull the blankets more strongly on her and say in a muddled voice, “It’s Saturday…I don’t have to be up if I don’t’ want to be.”
Rolling her eyes and letting out a huff, Nancy Parker walked back downstairs.
Let mom be up at dawn. I want to sleep in on days that I can!
Liz’s mom’s sister ran the Crashdown Café. Mom was asking her here lately if Liz wanted a summer job as a waitress before starting at Roswell Community in August. Liz didn’t want to work. She wanted to be a bum this summer. Mom and Liz had gone the rounds over that because Liz finally admitted that she didn’t want to work. She wanted to take it easy before college.
Her mother couldn’t understand that and tried to bully her or pressure her by saying that she and Liz’s dad weren’t going to fork the money for college and if grants and loans didn’t cover it, it was on Liz’s back how it got done.
Fine. She could handle whatever she had to, Liz thought firmly at the time. Now as she slept in bed, she dreamed about the girl that she used to be and argued with that person in sleep. I’m not that Liz anymore! I’m a stronger girl. A woman. A woman who isn’t going to be belittled anymore. If I choose to be a bum then I damn well will!
Liz saw Michael later that day as she walked into the Crashdown to get a burger and Saturn rings. She smiled at him, saw him asking her to come over to talk, but Maria stopped her.
“Hey Lizzie. How are you?”
Maria did work here by her mother’s orders. Well and because her mother was a single mom and she had to help out. She had to work hard to pay the bills…what her mom, Amy DeLuca didn’t pay out herself working at Align Insurance as a clerk. They’d been each other’s rocks, Liz knew, when Jim DeLuca decided to leave. He had gambling problems and couldn’t stay focused on working a full time job to help support the family. Maria had worked since she was thirteen if that said anything, Liz thought to herself, feeling for her best friend. Jim DeLuca had been gone since right after Maria’s 12th birthday. Six years ago. Maria was a tad older than Liz—she’d been held back in the second grade.
Anyway, Liz had pages of Jim DeLuca is a Jerk in her journal. They were a part of her history too because she was so close to Maria. It had hurt her badly to see Maria cry over losing her dad. Thinking about it now, seeing Maria’s tired blue eyes smiling, Liz felt bad still. She would never tell Maria she felt sorry for her. She knew it would hurt her more and Maria would yell at her for doing something she hated. Pitying her.
Smiling brightly, Liz said, “Hey. How’s it going?”
Maria looked over the place and then back at Liz saying, “It’s going. Not too bad yet. But I figure it will get worse. It’s Saturday.”
Saturdays were terrible in the café. Liz had seen it throughout the years. Summertime…add that to the day of the week when most everyone was off—you had a madhouse. Nearly every weekend, someone called in and it all went to three people. One of them being Maria.
Michael was here a lot too, Liz thought, looking over his way. What was it like for him to be a head cook? Did he like cooking? Probably not. Liz hated it, so it was real easy to think that others would too.
Looking at Maria again, Liz said, “Well I needed to get out of the house for awhile. I hoped you’d be here.” And I hoped Michael would be too, Liz thought inwardly blushing.
Maria pulled a strand of her blonde hair back from her eyes and said, “I usually am. So what is going on with you?”
Liz said, “My mom is bugging me, asking me to work here.”
Maria cringed outwardly and said, “No! Liz you don’t want to work here. Believe me. I wouldn’t work here if I could get out of it. It sucks.”
Nodding, Liz said, “I know. I told my mom…” How could she say this without sounding like a spoiled brat to a girl who had to work. Who didn’t have a choice? Liz said after a minute’s thought, “I told her that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” She’d actually said No, I don’t want to work this summer. I want to take it off like most kids do my age.
Grinning at her friend, Maria said, “Uh-huh. Liz you don’t have to lie to me. I know you.”
Liz said, “I didn’t want you thinking that I was a spoiled child.”
Maria said, “I don’t. Just a little rebellious these days. But it’s cool. You are seventeen and I’m proud to see you doing what you want. Like I said I’d stay home during the summer if I could. I’d watch soaps and not think about a fryer or a frozen burger. Ever.”
Liz said, “I’d invite you over later, but my mom’s hanging around me like crazy. Truthfully I wish I had a place to go to.”
Maria said, “I wonder what’s up. Your mom was always laid back.”
Liz said exasperatedly, “I know! I wish I knew what it was. I guess…I guess it’s because I’m being myself. Maybe when she saw that I was a little off from the person she thought I was, maybe it scared her.”
Laughing, good-naturedly, Maria said, ‘Scared her? Liz. Come on. You who may as well have grown up in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood for being so innocent and sensible?”
Liz said, “My mother is a nervous kind of person, Maria, you know that. When my period started she had to tell me in detail for two solid hours how to say no to sex. She was so scared I’d have it that she had me to her doctor’s office. I’ve been on the Pill since then.”
Maria replied, “My mom didn’t. She doesn’t want to even speak of sex to me. At least your mom does.”
Agreeing, Liz said, “I guess…but Maria I’m a virgin. I’ve not even thought of having sex. Okay maybe I have, but I know how to say no. Anyway, I only said it to prove a point. My mom is neurotic.”
Maria smiled up at Max and Isabel as they walked into the café. She said, “Hey guys, over here. Come cheer up Liz.”
Max and Isabel walked over and sat at Liz’s table. They had been best friends with Liz and Maria since grade school. There was nothing they would not do for each other or tell each other.
Except that Liz was starting to like Michael. She wouldn’t tell them that because they were friends with him too.
Max said, “Something wrong, Liz?”
Liz said, “No. Not really. I’m just owly. I’ll get over it. What’s up at the Evans’s?”
Isabel smiled largely and said, “My idiot brother here is starting to listen to the Go-Gos. Liz I think we need to help him. Badly.”
Max said defensively, “What’s wrong with liking the Go-Go’s?”
Michael walked up to the table carrying a notepad and busted up laughing. He said, “When you start cranking up Cyndi Lauper I’m personally calling that talk show lady and telling her your story.”
Max rolled his eyes and said, “Yeah, sure you are.” He grinned, knowing Michael was picking on him.
Michael turned to Maria and said, “The food’s been done for five minutes.”
Maria said, “And? You can’t walk it out to the customers? What’s wrong with you?”
Michael started to tell her what was wrong with him when Maria said, “Fine…fine…I’ll take the order.” She reached for the tray on the empty table, where he’d set it, and told Liz she’d talk to her later.
Max looked at Isabel and asked, “You going out with Alex tonight?”
Smiling, Isabel said, “I don’t’ know. The last time I went out with him he pissed me off. So I’m thinking seriously about taking Kyle up on his offer to go to this Buddha movie he’s got planned instead. It’ll give me a laugh anyway.”
Liz asked, “What happened with Alex?”
Isabel’s brown eyes showed disgust as she said, “I went out with him and he spent the entire night eating his food and mine, then he talked about the different colors of vomit he threw up the night before after eating at some restaurant in Nupal. Like I needed to hear about any of that! It irritated me. But I’m not a snob, so I listened. As the date went on, he began to tell me about the Power Rangers and asked me what color ranger I thought he’d look best in if he chose to be one for Halloween. He told me to never eat beans and rice because it caused him to be sick for a week. I was disgusted and didn’t kiss him when he dropped me off…” Grinning down at her hands, she said, “I got out of his car and hurried to the front door.”
Liz said, “Maybe he was nervous.”
Michael smiled at Liz then said, “Alex is…well he’s strange. But he’s Alex. I doubt he meant to disgust you.”
Isabel said, “He probably didn’t. I just didn’t know what to say to his comments. Like I said I’m not better than him or anyone. But I just was stumped and wanted to go home. Maybe that makes me a snob.” Isabel felt uncomfortable, worrying that it did. Maybe she should keep her date.
Max said, “Is you don’t have to see Alex if you don’t want to.”
Isabel said, “I know…and I’m not sure I will…but now I feel bad, talking about it. Hearing myself say what I did. Do what I did. Maybe I will give him a second chance. Right now I’m hungry and I’m ordering some food.”
Michael looked for Maria, saw her with another family, so he opened his notepad and said, “What do you want?”
Isabel told him, as did the others. They were all ready for something to eat…despite hearing about Alex’s vomiting multi colors….
When the gang broke up and all were gone but Liz and Michael, Liz walked over to him at the kitchen. She smiled and said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop over here earlier. Maria stopped me when I got here.”
Shrugging, Michael said, “It’s cool.” He was cleaning up the fryer and the rest of the kitchen that Maria hadn’t done before leaving twenty minutes ago. Liz said, “Good. So what were you wanting to talk about?”
Michael looked over at Liz from the sink and said, “Us. What’s going on.”
Liz swallowed nervousness and said, “Oh…” Smiling a little, she said, “Well…okay.”
Michael walked over after rinsing and drying his hands and said, “Want to sit with me a few minutes?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Sure.”
She walked with Michael to booth and sat across from him. She stayed gone all day and knew her dad and mom were going to yell when she got home, but going home was something she dreaded these days. She’d take the shouting when she got there. Now she’d smile at Michael and be thankful to be sitting with him. Man was he hot!
Liz said, “I’ve been thinking about our kiss…wondering if it meant anything at all…” she grinned and said, “I mean people do that, they kiss…sometimes it just happens.”
Michael looked at Liz and smiled saying, “You ramble.”
Liz said, “What?” She laughed and said, “Yeah, I do sometimes. Sorry.”
Michael asked, “Why are you sorry? It’s sweet.”
Liz blushed.
Michael looked into Liz’s dark brown eyes and touching her hands with his he said, “I like you, Liz.”
Liz said, “I like you too, Michael.”
Michael moved across the table, closer to Liz’s eyes, and said, “Kissing you that day…it meant something to me Liz.” He kissed her again, then said with total intensity and fire, “Now that my dad is gone things in my life are going to change. Today, I’ve been thinking about those things, what I want to do. One of them, a huge one, Liz, is to get to know who you are. The real Liz Parker.”
Liz grinned and said honestly, “I have to tell you, Michael, I’m bitchy and I and strong willed and determined to live my life without anyone convincing me that I should live it their way.”
Michael rose his brows and said, “Good. I don’t want to go out with a girl who’s a Barbie doll. If I wanted a bendable Susie, I’d be looking for someone else. Go ahead and be bitchy because sometimes I’m bitchy and I wouldn’t want to go into something pretending. I don’t believe in that.”
Liz sat stunned, then said with admiration and a stronger interest in Michael, “Neither do I. So…?”
Michael said, “So? What?”
Letting her eyes get huge, Liz said, “What is the plan? Are we dating?”
Michael said, “What do you think?” To answer, Michael leaned forward to kiss her again.
Liz smiled as she walked inside that night. It was a smile that was shared by someone else…just not her mom and dad…
Liz dealt with the yelling and went to her room. It was going on ten at night. Climbing onto her bed she wrote in her journal all about how nice it was to sit at the café with Michael. For the first time ever, Liz Parker was going out with someone—mysteriously sexy, Michael Guerin.
TBC…
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Teen
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Part Four—Headbutting Dilemma
Liz was in a mood. The date was Friday, June 25th, and instead of her staying home, reading, she was walking over to Michael’s window, preparing to knock on it. It was stemmed from a fight at home. Mom and dad on her butt again because she was dating someone.
Thinking about it again, Liz recalled what had happened a little while ago:
Liz had been in her bedroom, writing in her journal when her mother walked in and said, “Liz honey we need to talk.”
Putting her journal under her white pillow, Liz smiled and said, “Okay. What is it?”
Sitting on her bed, next to Liz, Nancy Parker said delicately, “Honey I’ve become suspicious that you are dating someone.”
Liz inwardly rolled her eyes, then chastised herself for doing it. Mom looked worried.
Liz said, “I am.”
Nancy said, “Liz…. I don’t want to see you involved…you are too young…things can happen…”
Liz smiled and touched her mom’s hand saying, “Mom, nothing is going to happen…okay? Michael and me…we’re good friends. We’re dating, but nothing is going on. It’s just…” What was it? Liz wondered.
Smiling warmer, she said, “It’s nice. But not serious. Not at all.”
Nancy stood and that was when her neuroticism stepped into the bedroom. Pacing, Nancy spilled her story about a boy named Nate that she was interested in, in school. It was a brief thing, Liz recalled, hearing it more than fifty times in her seventeen years. It didn’t’ last and he went to school spreading horrid stories about it. Nancy was mortified and still felt the bitterness from it and the fear that Liz was going to do the same things…find a jerk like Nate…be a victim.
Liz really tried to be sympathetic, but after thirty minutes of hearing her mother’s story, she said, “Mom…Mom! I am not going to do that. Okay? Michael is a nice person. He wouldn’t spread such garbage about me…even if we did make love.” Seeing her mother’s stark shock, Liz said, “We’re not sleeping together. But I’m saying if we did…Mom you have to stop worrying that I’m going to be terrorized or something. Nothing bad is going to happen to me. If it did? Mom I’d make it. I’d get through it. I’m strong.”
Nancy said defensively, “So was I! Yet I still found myself the talk of my high school.”
Liz rolled her eyes outwardly now and saw her mother’s disdain from it. Whatever, Liz thought at this point. She was sick of the lectures and the paranoia. When was she going to stop with it? When Liz was forty? Would she make Liz go to her at forty and hear the same damn things?
Nancy said, “Fine. I’ve said all I can.”
Liz thought, Finally, but tried as she said, “Mom…I’m going to be okay.”
Nancy’s eyes showed huge doubt as she said, “I hope so.” She walked out of Liz’s room.
And the more Liz thought, the more it ticked her off. Why did her mother have to put her through this? Why couldn’t Liz be Liz? What was wrong with trusting a guy? Damn it she liked Michael!
Putting on her tennis shoes, Liz rode her bike over to Michael’s…his house had to be better than this.
Knocking on his glass, Liz saw Michael’s surprise, his wonder. He opened his front door in blue jeans and a hot white tank top. His spiked brown hair looked as good as it had earlier when Liz saw him at the café, Liz thought. She smiled and said, “Michael…I had to stop over here.”
Michael said, “Come on in, Liz. What’s going on?”
Liz shook her head and said, “My mother…actually my parents…they are driving me nuts.”
Walking with Liz to the couch, Michael sat beside her and said, “Really? How?”
Liz looked up at Michael and said, “They think because I’m dating that I’m…I’m going to sleep with you. They don’t’ trust me at all. I love them both…I love my mother and I’m sorry that she had the bad things happen to her that she did…”
Michael said, “Bad things?”
Liz explained then said, “I’m really sorry about it…but that doesn’t mean I will! It exasperates me, Michael. Just because I am Nancy Parker’s daughter…that doesn’t mean I’m Nancy Parker. You know what I’m saying?”
Nodding, Michael said, “I do. Just because I was Hank Guerin’s son doesn’t make me him either. But people like to judge and they like to talk…and they sure like to say like father like son…”
Liz said in song, “Or like mother like daughter.”
Michael said, “Right. So…you sneaked over here.”
Liz said, “I had to. Michael I was so mad…I had to leave. I know they are going to be pissed off tomorrow but…” Shaking her head she said quietly, “I rode my bike over here.”
Michael said, “Well do you want to talk about them more?”
Liz said, “Not really.” She looked up at Michael and said, “What is so damned wrong with wanting to date?”
Michael said, “Nothing.” He grinned, figuring she would talk more. Knowing Liz was a rambler. Feeling for her and more than willing to listen.
Liz turned to Michael and said uneasily, “I’m not what my mom wants me to be, Michael. I’m a different person.”
Michael touched Liz’s hand on her knee and said, “What’s wrong with being different? I’m weird as hell, Liz. As anyone in Roswell.”
Liz grinned at Michael and said, “You’re not weird, Michael…just…you.”
Michael chuckled and said, “Right. So what’s wrong with it?”
Liz looked deeper into Michael’s brown eyes and said, “Nothing…” Smiling again she said, “Nothing’s wrong with it.”
Michael said, ‘Why don’t we turn on the TV and hang out for awhile?”
Liz nodded and said, “Okay…” She leaned back against the couch, beside Michael. Watching the channels on the TV change one picture to another as Michael flipped through them, Liz smiled. Here…in Michael Guerin’s trailer, Liz could be Liz. It was okay to be herself. She didn’t have to listen to her mothers obsessive paranoia or her dad’s rantings…here she could just be Liz Parker.
Getting cozy next to her boyfriend, Liz felt happiness…..TBC…
The Real Me (UC, Mi/L, TEEN/MATURE) Pt 11 6/18/05 [WIP]
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angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
The Real Me (UC, Mi/L, TEEN/MATURE) Pt 11 6/18/05 [WIP]
Last edited by angelrose242000 on Mon May 02, 2005 11:54 pm, edited 2 times in total.
"The truth is out there."
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angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Nancy goes too far by outright forbidding Liz to see Michael…surprises await this decision.
Spoilers: None!
Part Five—Chained and Detained
The Next Day…
When Liz sneaked back into the house at around five-thirty that Saturday morning she was not greeted by a sleeping house. It would have been nice if she had been. But again that wasn’t going to happen…not this time.
Liz was spotted instantly by her mother and her dad who both sat at the wooden kitchen table. The looks on their faces were killer and Liz swallowed her nervous anxiety. This was definitely a first experience for Liz at being busted for doing something this bad. Bad for Liz was forgetting to do the dishes or slacking off in vacuuming on Saturdays. So this was devastation in her house.
Nancy looked over Liz and said, “Hello Liz.”
Liz tucked a piece of her dark brown hair behind her right ear and said, “Hi.”
Jeff Parker said, “We’re going through some events here Liz and I think we should discuss them.”
Liz thought, huh? But she said, “Events?”
Jeff replied, “Personal ones. Ones that you evidently have kept secret.”
Liz shook her head, took a seat and said, “No dad…I haven’t. I told you both everything I’ve done…there are no secrets.”
Nancy steepled her fingers and said, “Really? Then where exactly were you last night?”
Liz let out a deep breath and said, “I went over to Michael’s.”
Jeff said, “Michael’s. He the boy you’re dating?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Yes, dad…”
Jeff grew irritable as he said, “I don’t think you should see him anymore. Especially after what you pulled last night. You have never done anything this rebellious and selfish, Elizabeth. So we have to gather it is from seeing him.”
Liz shook her head and said, “That’s not true!”
Nancy said, “Liz calm down.”
Liz didn’t listen to her mother. She was mad and when Liz was mad, she toned out everything except her feelings and the possible ways she would handle it. Going on one, she said evenly, “Michael is not the cause of why I went to his house last night. I was angry…angry that you guys seem to think that I’m going to defile myself because….” Shaking her head, Liz shut up.
Nancy said, “No. What were you going to say?”
Liz couldn’t be that cold. She said, “Nevermind.”
Jeff let out a deep breath of frustration and said, “Liz something is changing in you…”
Liz said quietly, “Yeah…I’m growing up. I’m being myself.” Something neither of you like or want to accept, Liz thought miserably.
Jeff said, “Well if this is who you are, Liz, I don’t like it. It’s going to change.”
Liz stared at him and said, “Why? Because it is different? Because I’m not like you?”
Jeff said, “Go to your room.”
Liz said gruffly, “Fine. I don’t want to sit here anymore.” Walking away from the table she started for the bedroom.
Her dad stopped her saying, “Elizabeth? I am not going to put up with you outright pulling stunts that go against how we live. You will shape up.”
Liz said, “Or what dad? You’ll send me away?”
When Jeff merely stared at her, without denying it, Liz got a picture of how serious her parents took this New Liz project.
They would literally send her away because she wasn’t like them!
Liz felt tears coming to her eyes but forced them away and said, “Look…mom…dad…I’m not trying to cause problems. But this is who I am. It is. If you can’t accept it…I’m sorry…but I’m not going to change it. So…if your choice is to send me away, let me know and I’ll make other arrangements.”
Nancy said, “What arrangements?”
Liz raised her eyebrows and said, “Mine. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve been ordered to my room.” She walked into her bedroom and shut her door…
When she was in there Liz felt the fears she forbid herself to show when in front of her parents. They were threatening to send her off somewhere…who knew where…probably a girl’s home…unless she turned back to the perky good Liz they remembered. What a choice to be given! Be yourself and be kicked out or be someone you’re not and be trapped and miserable.
Liz wished she had other options but was afraid she did not…
***********************************************************
Michael saw Liz as she walked into the café a week later. Her brown eyes that used to smile at him were downward and she looked damned upset about something. Walking out of the kitchen, over to her table, he said, “Can I take your order…and figure out what’s going on?”
Liz looked up at Michael and said, “I’m not hungry…I came here to get away…my parents are becoming horrible…” Quieter because she was afraid it would get back, Liz said, “They’re threatening to send me away unless I change who I am and go back to that girl I used to be.”
Michael sat across from her, giving the table who hollered a dirty look before saying, “Be right there.”
Taking Liz’s hands into his own, Michael said, “Do you need a place to go to?”
Liz nervously looked into Michael’s eyes and said, “A place?”
Michael moved his hand to her face and curved it in a way that had Liz looking up at him. He said, “My place, Liz.”
Liz shook her head and said, “No…that wouldn’t work. I’m not ready to move in with someone…”
Michael said, “Liz I’m not talking about sleeping together. Just living as friends.”
Liz grinned slyly as she said, “Come on, Michael. I may be innocent but I’m not an idiot. If we live together…we’ll be around each other a lot. The idea will happen and then…” She thought of the horrible things her mother said of sex. Of getting involved and being shaken awake with an ice-cold reality. Liz swore she’d never go through that. Her mothers’ story was horrid enough.
Michael shrugged and said, “Well you did come to my place last night. Did I try to seduce you?”
Liz said, “No…but Michael…I…” She was terrified of being hurt of going through a Nancy Parker ordeal. Even though she knew her mother was paranoid Liz knew the event was real and so was her mother’s misery. She’d keep her virginity and not take the chance.
Michael said, “Liz?”
Liz said, “What?”
Michael said, “Whatever you want to do is cool with me.” He wanted to tell her that he’d not hurt her like her mother had been, but he saw her trepidation and didn’t want to raise it even a little.
Liz smiled and said, “Thanks, Michael.”
They sat and talked for a little while until Michael had to get back to the kitchen…
***********************************************************
Maria walked over before Liz left and seeing her friend’s face she said, “Alright, Lizzie, what’s wrong?”
Liz smiled, loving her friend as a sister. Maria was on top of her dilemmas, always. She’d been there for her more than Liz had for Maria. At least Liz thought that anyway. According to Maria they were equally best friends.
Liz smiled and said, “I’m getting ready to head back home. I’m not supposed to be here. I said I was going to the store to buy a Pepsi.”
Maria grinned and said, “Sneaked over huh?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Had to. Maria my parents are driving me insane! I’m grounded from seeing Michael. They don’t want me to ever see him again. Thinking he is the reason I’m being me…”
Maria’s eyes got incredulous as she said, “That’s just a little patently ridiculous.”
Agreeing, Liz said, “Exactly. I tried to tell them that they were wrong. But they didn’t’ want to hear me. They never hear me. Ever…” That hurt the most. Being ignored because she didn’t give them what they wanted in a daughter.
Maria said, “Well you better get home, chica. Before you get busted.”
Nodding, Liz said, “You’re right. I wonder sometimes if maybe I am wrong trying to be me.”
Maria disagreed strongly, “Hell no! Liz you have to be yourself. Your mom and dad are themselves. Right?”
Liz said forlornly, “Right…but Maria…”
Maria said, “Liz. They will get over this believe me. Meantime stop worrying.”
Liz thought to herself that Maria wasn’t being threatened to be kicked out so she didn’t’ know how that constant eggshell life felt. Not like Liz did.
Liz hoped no one had to…
Liz walked in the door minutes later and again faced her mother’s disdain. Nancy said, “Roswell is a small town, Liz.”
Liz rolled her eyes and said, “I stopped in to see Maria! She’s my best friend.”
Nancy followed Liz to her room and said, “That’s not the point. We told you the store was fine but to come home after. And where is your soda?”
Liz knew she’d not bought one. Looking at her mother she said, “My thirst went away.”
Nancy said, “You aren’t funny. I find it very disruptive of you and inconsiderate to do whatever you want despite the rules around here. When your dad finds out you’ll be grounded longer.” Nancy shook her head and started to leave the room.
Liz said, “You’re tattling on me?”
Nancy turned around and said, “Tattling? No, Liz, I’m sharing what is happening with my seventeen year old daughter with my husband, her dad.”
Liz spat, “Fine. Tell him. Tell dad that I was at the café. Make my life worse than it is. Isn’t that what you want? Since I’m not your pretty robot of a daughter?”
Nancy said, “Liz I’m tired. I’m not going to argue anymore.”
Liz said, “No, I’ll get it all tonight. Won’t I?”
Nancy left the room and Liz grabbed a pillow and threw it hard to the door. She looked at harder items and damn near broke something. She was just that mad.
Why couldn’t her mother see that Liz was only trying to be accepted? Why was it so hard to do that?
The lecture arrived and Liz heard it. Only this time a decision was made. She was being sent away. Liz shook over this and said, “I don’t believe this.”
Jeff said, “You should. Liz we raised you to be a good girl. To follow rules. Not to be like this. Your mother told me that you talked back to her. You’re doing that all the time now. It’s stopping, Liz. It’s stopping by me.”
Liz folded her arms over her chest and said, “Fine! Plan the trip. But I won’t be here when you get ready to ship me off. I won’t!” She burst into tears as she ran to her room.
Grabbing her things in the middle of the night, Liz went to the one place she felt she could go to…at least temporarily. She rode her bike with her backpack of items on her shoulders over to Michael’s.
When he opened his door Liz said, “Still want to be my roommate?”
Michael said, “Sure. Come in.”
Liz walked inside…
TBC…
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Nancy goes too far by outright forbidding Liz to see Michael…surprises await this decision.
Spoilers: None!
Part Five—Chained and Detained
The Next Day…
When Liz sneaked back into the house at around five-thirty that Saturday morning she was not greeted by a sleeping house. It would have been nice if she had been. But again that wasn’t going to happen…not this time.
Liz was spotted instantly by her mother and her dad who both sat at the wooden kitchen table. The looks on their faces were killer and Liz swallowed her nervous anxiety. This was definitely a first experience for Liz at being busted for doing something this bad. Bad for Liz was forgetting to do the dishes or slacking off in vacuuming on Saturdays. So this was devastation in her house.
Nancy looked over Liz and said, “Hello Liz.”
Liz tucked a piece of her dark brown hair behind her right ear and said, “Hi.”
Jeff Parker said, “We’re going through some events here Liz and I think we should discuss them.”
Liz thought, huh? But she said, “Events?”
Jeff replied, “Personal ones. Ones that you evidently have kept secret.”
Liz shook her head, took a seat and said, “No dad…I haven’t. I told you both everything I’ve done…there are no secrets.”
Nancy steepled her fingers and said, “Really? Then where exactly were you last night?”
Liz let out a deep breath and said, “I went over to Michael’s.”
Jeff said, “Michael’s. He the boy you’re dating?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Yes, dad…”
Jeff grew irritable as he said, “I don’t think you should see him anymore. Especially after what you pulled last night. You have never done anything this rebellious and selfish, Elizabeth. So we have to gather it is from seeing him.”
Liz shook her head and said, “That’s not true!”
Nancy said, “Liz calm down.”
Liz didn’t listen to her mother. She was mad and when Liz was mad, she toned out everything except her feelings and the possible ways she would handle it. Going on one, she said evenly, “Michael is not the cause of why I went to his house last night. I was angry…angry that you guys seem to think that I’m going to defile myself because….” Shaking her head, Liz shut up.
Nancy said, “No. What were you going to say?”
Liz couldn’t be that cold. She said, “Nevermind.”
Jeff let out a deep breath of frustration and said, “Liz something is changing in you…”
Liz said quietly, “Yeah…I’m growing up. I’m being myself.” Something neither of you like or want to accept, Liz thought miserably.
Jeff said, “Well if this is who you are, Liz, I don’t like it. It’s going to change.”
Liz stared at him and said, “Why? Because it is different? Because I’m not like you?”
Jeff said, “Go to your room.”
Liz said gruffly, “Fine. I don’t want to sit here anymore.” Walking away from the table she started for the bedroom.
Her dad stopped her saying, “Elizabeth? I am not going to put up with you outright pulling stunts that go against how we live. You will shape up.”
Liz said, “Or what dad? You’ll send me away?”
When Jeff merely stared at her, without denying it, Liz got a picture of how serious her parents took this New Liz project.
They would literally send her away because she wasn’t like them!
Liz felt tears coming to her eyes but forced them away and said, “Look…mom…dad…I’m not trying to cause problems. But this is who I am. It is. If you can’t accept it…I’m sorry…but I’m not going to change it. So…if your choice is to send me away, let me know and I’ll make other arrangements.”
Nancy said, “What arrangements?”
Liz raised her eyebrows and said, “Mine. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve been ordered to my room.” She walked into her bedroom and shut her door…
When she was in there Liz felt the fears she forbid herself to show when in front of her parents. They were threatening to send her off somewhere…who knew where…probably a girl’s home…unless she turned back to the perky good Liz they remembered. What a choice to be given! Be yourself and be kicked out or be someone you’re not and be trapped and miserable.
Liz wished she had other options but was afraid she did not…
***********************************************************
Michael saw Liz as she walked into the café a week later. Her brown eyes that used to smile at him were downward and she looked damned upset about something. Walking out of the kitchen, over to her table, he said, “Can I take your order…and figure out what’s going on?”
Liz looked up at Michael and said, “I’m not hungry…I came here to get away…my parents are becoming horrible…” Quieter because she was afraid it would get back, Liz said, “They’re threatening to send me away unless I change who I am and go back to that girl I used to be.”
Michael sat across from her, giving the table who hollered a dirty look before saying, “Be right there.”
Taking Liz’s hands into his own, Michael said, “Do you need a place to go to?”
Liz nervously looked into Michael’s eyes and said, “A place?”
Michael moved his hand to her face and curved it in a way that had Liz looking up at him. He said, “My place, Liz.”
Liz shook her head and said, “No…that wouldn’t work. I’m not ready to move in with someone…”
Michael said, “Liz I’m not talking about sleeping together. Just living as friends.”
Liz grinned slyly as she said, “Come on, Michael. I may be innocent but I’m not an idiot. If we live together…we’ll be around each other a lot. The idea will happen and then…” She thought of the horrible things her mother said of sex. Of getting involved and being shaken awake with an ice-cold reality. Liz swore she’d never go through that. Her mothers’ story was horrid enough.
Michael shrugged and said, “Well you did come to my place last night. Did I try to seduce you?”
Liz said, “No…but Michael…I…” She was terrified of being hurt of going through a Nancy Parker ordeal. Even though she knew her mother was paranoid Liz knew the event was real and so was her mother’s misery. She’d keep her virginity and not take the chance.
Michael said, “Liz?”
Liz said, “What?”
Michael said, “Whatever you want to do is cool with me.” He wanted to tell her that he’d not hurt her like her mother had been, but he saw her trepidation and didn’t want to raise it even a little.
Liz smiled and said, “Thanks, Michael.”
They sat and talked for a little while until Michael had to get back to the kitchen…
***********************************************************
Maria walked over before Liz left and seeing her friend’s face she said, “Alright, Lizzie, what’s wrong?”
Liz smiled, loving her friend as a sister. Maria was on top of her dilemmas, always. She’d been there for her more than Liz had for Maria. At least Liz thought that anyway. According to Maria they were equally best friends.
Liz smiled and said, “I’m getting ready to head back home. I’m not supposed to be here. I said I was going to the store to buy a Pepsi.”
Maria grinned and said, “Sneaked over huh?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Had to. Maria my parents are driving me insane! I’m grounded from seeing Michael. They don’t want me to ever see him again. Thinking he is the reason I’m being me…”
Maria’s eyes got incredulous as she said, “That’s just a little patently ridiculous.”
Agreeing, Liz said, “Exactly. I tried to tell them that they were wrong. But they didn’t’ want to hear me. They never hear me. Ever…” That hurt the most. Being ignored because she didn’t give them what they wanted in a daughter.
Maria said, “Well you better get home, chica. Before you get busted.”
Nodding, Liz said, “You’re right. I wonder sometimes if maybe I am wrong trying to be me.”
Maria disagreed strongly, “Hell no! Liz you have to be yourself. Your mom and dad are themselves. Right?”
Liz said forlornly, “Right…but Maria…”
Maria said, “Liz. They will get over this believe me. Meantime stop worrying.”
Liz thought to herself that Maria wasn’t being threatened to be kicked out so she didn’t’ know how that constant eggshell life felt. Not like Liz did.
Liz hoped no one had to…
Liz walked in the door minutes later and again faced her mother’s disdain. Nancy said, “Roswell is a small town, Liz.”
Liz rolled her eyes and said, “I stopped in to see Maria! She’s my best friend.”
Nancy followed Liz to her room and said, “That’s not the point. We told you the store was fine but to come home after. And where is your soda?”
Liz knew she’d not bought one. Looking at her mother she said, “My thirst went away.”
Nancy said, “You aren’t funny. I find it very disruptive of you and inconsiderate to do whatever you want despite the rules around here. When your dad finds out you’ll be grounded longer.” Nancy shook her head and started to leave the room.
Liz said, “You’re tattling on me?”
Nancy turned around and said, “Tattling? No, Liz, I’m sharing what is happening with my seventeen year old daughter with my husband, her dad.”
Liz spat, “Fine. Tell him. Tell dad that I was at the café. Make my life worse than it is. Isn’t that what you want? Since I’m not your pretty robot of a daughter?”
Nancy said, “Liz I’m tired. I’m not going to argue anymore.”
Liz said, “No, I’ll get it all tonight. Won’t I?”
Nancy left the room and Liz grabbed a pillow and threw it hard to the door. She looked at harder items and damn near broke something. She was just that mad.
Why couldn’t her mother see that Liz was only trying to be accepted? Why was it so hard to do that?
The lecture arrived and Liz heard it. Only this time a decision was made. She was being sent away. Liz shook over this and said, “I don’t believe this.”
Jeff said, “You should. Liz we raised you to be a good girl. To follow rules. Not to be like this. Your mother told me that you talked back to her. You’re doing that all the time now. It’s stopping, Liz. It’s stopping by me.”
Liz folded her arms over her chest and said, “Fine! Plan the trip. But I won’t be here when you get ready to ship me off. I won’t!” She burst into tears as she ran to her room.
Grabbing her things in the middle of the night, Liz went to the one place she felt she could go to…at least temporarily. She rode her bike with her backpack of items on her shoulders over to Michael’s.
When he opened his door Liz said, “Still want to be my roommate?”
Michael said, “Sure. Come in.”
Liz walked inside…
TBC…
"The truth is out there."
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
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angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Awakening after sleeping over at Michael’s, Liz makes some fast decisions…
Spoilers: None!
A/N: This is officially a Roswell/Tuck Everlasting story now. Going off of my fic Timeless Love where Myles remarries Lesley Kilborne…a character of mine.
Part Six—Ahead of the Game
Sunday, June 27, 2000
Liz awoke the next morning in the room she would be using now. At first she was surprised…then she remembered and remembering she jolted up in bed. She had to talk with Michael and things had to be done. Fast.
Throwing on a new outfit from her bag she brought with her, Liz walked into the living room in a purple shirt and blue jean shorts. She brushed her hair with her hairbrush she’d carried over here and searched around the trailer for Michael.
Michael sat at his kitchen table, eating Froot Loops. Looking over at Liz, in his sexy way, Michael said, “Hey, Liz.”
Liz slowly walked toward him, feeling very nervous inside. She’d NEVER slept over in a guy’s house before! It felt in her body, in her stomach especially, that she had done something incredibly bad and part of her was a little happy about that knowledge. Cutting it out for now, though, Liz stepped into the room with the green walls and tan flooring.
Michael looked clean and awake, Liz thought. He was smiling at her through brown eyes. Then the humor left. Gone. In them now was curiosity and compassion. Those things turned his eyes a nicer brown than they already were, Liz thought.
He asked, “Would you like something to eat?”
Liz looked intensely at his multi colored cereal and thought how good it would be to eat some, but she shook her head and said, “No…I’m fine.”
Getting up, Michael grabbed another bowl and said, “Here. Pour some anyway. Then we can talk.”
Pouring a smallish amount in a tan bowl, Liz said softly, “Talk?”
Michael grabbed the milk from his fridge and handing it over he said, “Yeah. Talk. About what happened at home last night…and what you are really wanting to do, Liz.”
The mere grabbing of the box of Fruit Loops and his half-gallon of milk felt to Liz as intimate exchanges…things she was very unused to. Anxiety was growing inside her. It was making her stomach that was very hungry feel somewhat sickened too. Slowly looking into his eyes, Liz sat down. She was across from Michael at his no-nonsense square table. It worked, Liz thought, or maybe she didn’t’ think. Her insides were too sporadic to really tell.
This wasn’t a romantic feeling at all, Liz thought. It was awkward. She was a virgin! A virgin who spent a night at her boyfriend’s house and was eating breakfast with him at his kitchen table. Things she would have done had she been with him in other ways. Knowing she hadn’t and that being here was for another reason, Liz looked down at her cereal and dabbing it with her spoon she said nothing.
Michael went on, “Liz? Liz what’s up?”
Liz mumbled, “This feels…strange.”
Michael said, “What does?”
Liz said, “Being here…eating breakfast. I…I’ve never done this before…”
Michael stopped eating and looking at Liz he said gently, “Nothing happened, Liz.”
Liz said, “I know…but…” Looking up at him, she said, “Doesn’t it feel…different?” When Michael merely looked back at his own cereal, Liz said, “Maybe I’m just…being ridiculous. But Michael…the only time I’ve ever pictured eating breakfast with a guy was when I’d slept with him.”
Michael nodded and said, “Morning after stuff, huh?”
Nodding, Liz said nervously, “Yeah…” Grinning at herself, she said, “Probably just being weird.”
Michael said, “No. Just innocent.”
Liz blushed more and said, “Thanks.”
Michael got up away from the table and said, “Know what? I have some things to do. So why don’t you finish eating…and I’ll…go work on what I need to.” He was helping her, stopping her discomfort. But this was his house, Liz thought.
She said, “Michael you don’t have to go in the other room…this is your house.”
Michael smiled quickly with that look in his eyes that was so Michael and he said, “It sure is. But I really do have something else to do.”
Liz blurted, “Michael I need to stay here. I can’t go home.”
Michael said, “Liz you can stay here however long you want to.”
Liz crossed her arms over the table and said honestly, “I wasn’t going to do this…because I knew I wasn’t ready to…but I had to come here.”
Michael pulled a chair next to Liz and sitting there, he said, “Liz I didn’t say it was okay for you to stay here so I could get into your pants.”
When Liz looked down more and blushed even deeper, Michael smiled.
Liz said softly, “I know…I…” Looking at Michael she said what bothered her a lot sometimes, “I’m scared of trusting anyone that much…”
Michael knew what baggage was all about. He had some. He wasn’t the type who backed off from a girl who was different either. He liked Liz before and he did still.
He touched her hand with his and said, “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Liz. Because I’m not going to push you into something you aren’t ready for.”
Liz muttered, “Thank you, Michael.” Swallowing that horrid feeling of confessing her worst phobia on earth, Liz said, “I need to use the phone.”
Michael said, “Go for it. I’m working on a lighthouse. I build them sometimes.”
Liz smiled and said, “Really? I’ll have to see…after I call this person.”
Michael leaned down and lightly kissed Liz on her lips. He said, “Eat too, Parker. Food is important.”
Nodding, Liz kissed him back just as light and said with a new smile, “I will. I really appreciate this, Michael.”
Michael said, “There’s nothing to thank me for. It’s what friends do for each other. And I like you a little bit more than I would a friend.”
With that, Michael left the room so Liz could use the phone…
*************************************************************
Dialing on Michael’s wall phone, Liz heard the intended answer. She said, “Uncle Myles? I need your help.”
Myles sat at his kitchen table, eating his bacon and eggs with Lesley. He said to his oldest niece—also his favorite—“What’s up, Liz?”
Liz sat in the chair next to the wall and said, “Things got really bad at home…remember I told you that I’d changed? Become more myself?”
Myles said, “Yeah. It was time you did that, Liz.”
Liz let out a whoosh of a ragged breath and said, “Yeah well…I’m not at home anymore. I moved out. And I need you to do something for me…something big.”
Myles would do anything for his niece. He and Lesley saw her like another daughter. He said, “What’s that?”
Liz said pleadingly, “I need you to call mom and tell her not to call the cops on Michael.”
Myles was interested now. He said directly, “Who’s Michael?”
Liz looked at her shakiness and said nothing for a few seconds.
Myles said, “Liz?”
Liz said, “He’s…my boyfriend.”
Myles tipped his head back and looked at his wife with concern. Finally he said to Liz, “Liz…”
Liz said, “I know! I know it’s terrible. But…” Her voice trembling she said, “I can’t go back there, Uncle Myles…and they are threatening to send me away…and she will do it. She’ll call the cops and have Michael busted…he’s eighteen. Then she’ll have them bring me back to her and dad…where I can continue to live in that miserable house.” Fear of that happening had Liz crying harder.
Myles said, “Liz relax, sweetheart. I’ll call your mom and try and talk to her. Get her to see that you are fine and to leave you be. But…”
Liz said glumly, “I know…you can’t guarantee what she’ll do.”
Myles said, “No. In the end she’ll decide that, Liz. But if she or Jeff tries to ship you away, come here. You can move in with me and your Aunt Lesley. You have family here too, Liz.”
Liz nodded and said with a warm smile, “Thank you, Uncle Myles.”
Myles said, “You’re welcome.”
Liz said, “Tell Aunt Lesley and the others I said hi and I love them.”
Myles said, “I will. Don’t worry about it, Liz. It will work out.”
Liz nodded, though doubting it inwardly, she said, “You’re right.”
Hanging up the phone, Liz sat in the chair and really tried to hope that her uncle could fix this. Could stop her mother from calling the law on her or Michael. But could he?
Michael walked into the room carrying a piece of the wood he used for his lighthouses and he said, “Done?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Yeah. Thanks. My uncle is going to call mom and try and get her off our backs. Before she tries to bust us with the cops.”
Michael walked to Liz and framing her cheek with his hand he said, “Liz I wasn’t worried about it.”
Liz said, “I was. I don’t’ trust my parents, Michael. I hate to say that about them…but since they know that I’m not going to go back to that puppet I used to be…they’ve changed. I think they would send me to Timbuktu if they thought I’d come back a shiny reversible Liz Parker who behaved all the time and did whatever they wanted. Including putting you in jail, Michael…”
Michael put the wood down on the table and sitting next to Liz he said, “Liz I am eighteen. This is my house. You are a roommate.”
Liz said, “I feel that I did the right thing calling him. But Michael if they try and do something to endanger you, I’ll leave here and go to Idaho. I have family there.”
Michael didn’t’ want Liz to leave, but he said, “Liz if you left…I’d respect that. But I really don’t’ want you to go.”
Liz said, “I don’t either…I just hope Uncle Myles can get mom to stop before she starts anything.”
Michael put his arms around Liz and said, “Me too.” Because he couldn’t imagine life in Roswell without Liz Parker…it just wasn’t feasible anymore.
Uncle Myles called back and said, “I called your mother.”
Liz said, “And?”
Myles said, “She’s not calling the cops.”
Relieved for a second, Liz said, “But?”
Myles said, “She’s coming over there herself, with your dad, to get you.”
Michael saw Liz’s fears and held her hand. Whatever it was he’d help her through it.
Liz wiped her eyes and said, “I’m seventeen years old…”
Myles said, “I know. I told her that. You ready to take a flight?”
Liz looked at Michael and said, “I don’t know…”
Liz asked her uncle to hold on. Looking at Michael she said, “My mom’s coming over here…to get me. Uncle Myles has offered for me to go up to Harpersville.”
Michael said, “I’m behind you, Liz.”
Liz said, “Would you come with me?”
Michael grinned and said, “Liz your uncle invited you. You’re family. I’m a boyfriend.”
Liz put the phone back to her ear and said, “Uncle Myles. I’ll come on one condition. Michael comes with me.”
Hanging up the phone, Liz said, “Ready to take a drive?”
Michael hugged Liz and said, “We better move.”
Getting in Michael’s jeep they drove to the airport and thanks to Michael, they took a flight out of New Mexico…to arrive in Idaho in four hours…where there could be possibilities for them both…
TBC…
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Awakening after sleeping over at Michael’s, Liz makes some fast decisions…
Spoilers: None!
A/N: This is officially a Roswell/Tuck Everlasting story now. Going off of my fic Timeless Love where Myles remarries Lesley Kilborne…a character of mine.
Part Six—Ahead of the Game
Sunday, June 27, 2000
Liz awoke the next morning in the room she would be using now. At first she was surprised…then she remembered and remembering she jolted up in bed. She had to talk with Michael and things had to be done. Fast.
Throwing on a new outfit from her bag she brought with her, Liz walked into the living room in a purple shirt and blue jean shorts. She brushed her hair with her hairbrush she’d carried over here and searched around the trailer for Michael.
Michael sat at his kitchen table, eating Froot Loops. Looking over at Liz, in his sexy way, Michael said, “Hey, Liz.”
Liz slowly walked toward him, feeling very nervous inside. She’d NEVER slept over in a guy’s house before! It felt in her body, in her stomach especially, that she had done something incredibly bad and part of her was a little happy about that knowledge. Cutting it out for now, though, Liz stepped into the room with the green walls and tan flooring.
Michael looked clean and awake, Liz thought. He was smiling at her through brown eyes. Then the humor left. Gone. In them now was curiosity and compassion. Those things turned his eyes a nicer brown than they already were, Liz thought.
He asked, “Would you like something to eat?”
Liz looked intensely at his multi colored cereal and thought how good it would be to eat some, but she shook her head and said, “No…I’m fine.”
Getting up, Michael grabbed another bowl and said, “Here. Pour some anyway. Then we can talk.”
Pouring a smallish amount in a tan bowl, Liz said softly, “Talk?”
Michael grabbed the milk from his fridge and handing it over he said, “Yeah. Talk. About what happened at home last night…and what you are really wanting to do, Liz.”
The mere grabbing of the box of Fruit Loops and his half-gallon of milk felt to Liz as intimate exchanges…things she was very unused to. Anxiety was growing inside her. It was making her stomach that was very hungry feel somewhat sickened too. Slowly looking into his eyes, Liz sat down. She was across from Michael at his no-nonsense square table. It worked, Liz thought, or maybe she didn’t’ think. Her insides were too sporadic to really tell.
This wasn’t a romantic feeling at all, Liz thought. It was awkward. She was a virgin! A virgin who spent a night at her boyfriend’s house and was eating breakfast with him at his kitchen table. Things she would have done had she been with him in other ways. Knowing she hadn’t and that being here was for another reason, Liz looked down at her cereal and dabbing it with her spoon she said nothing.
Michael went on, “Liz? Liz what’s up?”
Liz mumbled, “This feels…strange.”
Michael said, “What does?”
Liz said, “Being here…eating breakfast. I…I’ve never done this before…”
Michael stopped eating and looking at Liz he said gently, “Nothing happened, Liz.”
Liz said, “I know…but…” Looking up at him, she said, “Doesn’t it feel…different?” When Michael merely looked back at his own cereal, Liz said, “Maybe I’m just…being ridiculous. But Michael…the only time I’ve ever pictured eating breakfast with a guy was when I’d slept with him.”
Michael nodded and said, “Morning after stuff, huh?”
Nodding, Liz said nervously, “Yeah…” Grinning at herself, she said, “Probably just being weird.”
Michael said, “No. Just innocent.”
Liz blushed more and said, “Thanks.”
Michael got up away from the table and said, “Know what? I have some things to do. So why don’t you finish eating…and I’ll…go work on what I need to.” He was helping her, stopping her discomfort. But this was his house, Liz thought.
She said, “Michael you don’t have to go in the other room…this is your house.”
Michael smiled quickly with that look in his eyes that was so Michael and he said, “It sure is. But I really do have something else to do.”
Liz blurted, “Michael I need to stay here. I can’t go home.”
Michael said, “Liz you can stay here however long you want to.”
Liz crossed her arms over the table and said honestly, “I wasn’t going to do this…because I knew I wasn’t ready to…but I had to come here.”
Michael pulled a chair next to Liz and sitting there, he said, “Liz I didn’t say it was okay for you to stay here so I could get into your pants.”
When Liz looked down more and blushed even deeper, Michael smiled.
Liz said softly, “I know…I…” Looking at Michael she said what bothered her a lot sometimes, “I’m scared of trusting anyone that much…”
Michael knew what baggage was all about. He had some. He wasn’t the type who backed off from a girl who was different either. He liked Liz before and he did still.
He touched her hand with his and said, “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Liz. Because I’m not going to push you into something you aren’t ready for.”
Liz muttered, “Thank you, Michael.” Swallowing that horrid feeling of confessing her worst phobia on earth, Liz said, “I need to use the phone.”
Michael said, “Go for it. I’m working on a lighthouse. I build them sometimes.”
Liz smiled and said, “Really? I’ll have to see…after I call this person.”
Michael leaned down and lightly kissed Liz on her lips. He said, “Eat too, Parker. Food is important.”
Nodding, Liz kissed him back just as light and said with a new smile, “I will. I really appreciate this, Michael.”
Michael said, “There’s nothing to thank me for. It’s what friends do for each other. And I like you a little bit more than I would a friend.”
With that, Michael left the room so Liz could use the phone…
*************************************************************
Dialing on Michael’s wall phone, Liz heard the intended answer. She said, “Uncle Myles? I need your help.”
Myles sat at his kitchen table, eating his bacon and eggs with Lesley. He said to his oldest niece—also his favorite—“What’s up, Liz?”
Liz sat in the chair next to the wall and said, “Things got really bad at home…remember I told you that I’d changed? Become more myself?”
Myles said, “Yeah. It was time you did that, Liz.”
Liz let out a whoosh of a ragged breath and said, “Yeah well…I’m not at home anymore. I moved out. And I need you to do something for me…something big.”
Myles would do anything for his niece. He and Lesley saw her like another daughter. He said, “What’s that?”
Liz said pleadingly, “I need you to call mom and tell her not to call the cops on Michael.”
Myles was interested now. He said directly, “Who’s Michael?”
Liz looked at her shakiness and said nothing for a few seconds.
Myles said, “Liz?”
Liz said, “He’s…my boyfriend.”
Myles tipped his head back and looked at his wife with concern. Finally he said to Liz, “Liz…”
Liz said, “I know! I know it’s terrible. But…” Her voice trembling she said, “I can’t go back there, Uncle Myles…and they are threatening to send me away…and she will do it. She’ll call the cops and have Michael busted…he’s eighteen. Then she’ll have them bring me back to her and dad…where I can continue to live in that miserable house.” Fear of that happening had Liz crying harder.
Myles said, “Liz relax, sweetheart. I’ll call your mom and try and talk to her. Get her to see that you are fine and to leave you be. But…”
Liz said glumly, “I know…you can’t guarantee what she’ll do.”
Myles said, “No. In the end she’ll decide that, Liz. But if she or Jeff tries to ship you away, come here. You can move in with me and your Aunt Lesley. You have family here too, Liz.”
Liz nodded and said with a warm smile, “Thank you, Uncle Myles.”
Myles said, “You’re welcome.”
Liz said, “Tell Aunt Lesley and the others I said hi and I love them.”
Myles said, “I will. Don’t worry about it, Liz. It will work out.”
Liz nodded, though doubting it inwardly, she said, “You’re right.”
Hanging up the phone, Liz sat in the chair and really tried to hope that her uncle could fix this. Could stop her mother from calling the law on her or Michael. But could he?
Michael walked into the room carrying a piece of the wood he used for his lighthouses and he said, “Done?”
Nodding, Liz said, “Yeah. Thanks. My uncle is going to call mom and try and get her off our backs. Before she tries to bust us with the cops.”
Michael walked to Liz and framing her cheek with his hand he said, “Liz I wasn’t worried about it.”
Liz said, “I was. I don’t’ trust my parents, Michael. I hate to say that about them…but since they know that I’m not going to go back to that puppet I used to be…they’ve changed. I think they would send me to Timbuktu if they thought I’d come back a shiny reversible Liz Parker who behaved all the time and did whatever they wanted. Including putting you in jail, Michael…”
Michael put the wood down on the table and sitting next to Liz he said, “Liz I am eighteen. This is my house. You are a roommate.”
Liz said, “I feel that I did the right thing calling him. But Michael if they try and do something to endanger you, I’ll leave here and go to Idaho. I have family there.”
Michael didn’t’ want Liz to leave, but he said, “Liz if you left…I’d respect that. But I really don’t’ want you to go.”
Liz said, “I don’t either…I just hope Uncle Myles can get mom to stop before she starts anything.”
Michael put his arms around Liz and said, “Me too.” Because he couldn’t imagine life in Roswell without Liz Parker…it just wasn’t feasible anymore.
Uncle Myles called back and said, “I called your mother.”
Liz said, “And?”
Myles said, “She’s not calling the cops.”
Relieved for a second, Liz said, “But?”
Myles said, “She’s coming over there herself, with your dad, to get you.”
Michael saw Liz’s fears and held her hand. Whatever it was he’d help her through it.
Liz wiped her eyes and said, “I’m seventeen years old…”
Myles said, “I know. I told her that. You ready to take a flight?”
Liz looked at Michael and said, “I don’t know…”
Liz asked her uncle to hold on. Looking at Michael she said, “My mom’s coming over here…to get me. Uncle Myles has offered for me to go up to Harpersville.”
Michael said, “I’m behind you, Liz.”
Liz said, “Would you come with me?”
Michael grinned and said, “Liz your uncle invited you. You’re family. I’m a boyfriend.”
Liz put the phone back to her ear and said, “Uncle Myles. I’ll come on one condition. Michael comes with me.”
Hanging up the phone, Liz said, “Ready to take a drive?”
Michael hugged Liz and said, “We better move.”
Getting in Michael’s jeep they drove to the airport and thanks to Michael, they took a flight out of New Mexico…to arrive in Idaho in four hours…where there could be possibilities for them both…
TBC…
"The truth is out there."
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
-
angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Liz and Michael arrive in Harpersville and learn a little about Myles and Jesse Tuck...
Spoilers: None!
Part Seven--Harpersville
June 27, 2000
That same day…
Sunday, June 27th
Well here I am. The flight has just landed in Harpersville--a town I've not seen since I was twelve on a summer vacation. I've spoken to Uncle Myles and Aunt Lesley on the phone but I've not seem them in so long...and now not only am I going to see them...and Uncle Jesse and Aunt Winnie...but I am going there to live. With Michael. I'm scared. Scared of seeing a new town...scared of starting over. Just scared.
I had to say goodbye to my friends. That was hard. Hard on both me and Michael. But they will hopefully understand when I email them. Grandma and Grandpa have a computer. I can use it to email them. They will let me I am sure. But not seeing Maria will be hardest of all. Keeping in touch seems like a good thing, but when you leave one place and move another sometimes it isn't that easy to do¡K. Liz lets out a deep breath on the plane and writes on, Sometimes it's impossible.
Part of growing up is hard. This must be one of those things. I just hope it works out here in Idaho. I hope that my parents will leave me alone and not start something worse for us. I turn eighteen in a week. I guess I'll deal with whatever she does. And I will email and write Maria daily. That way we'll still stay close. I promise in this journal that we will remain friends...forever.
The plane landed and Liz looked at Michael and smiled. She said, "Here we are."
Michael nodded and stood when the stewardess okayed it. Grabbing his and Liz's things, Michael said, "You ready?"
Liz nodded and walked with him to the steps. Going down them, she said nothing, just kept going until they reached the lobby of the airport. Then she said, "What's the matter?"
Michael turned and lifting his brows some he said, "What are you talking about?"
Liz said nervously, "You've been quiet since we flew up here...what's wrong Michael?"
Michael shook his head and walked with Liz to the retrieval where they could get their suitcases. He finally said, "What are you family like, Liz?"
Liz smiled and said, "The Tuck's? I don't know...warm, friendly. Not like my parents at all." Walking to Michael she grabbed her brown bag off the conveyer and said, "They'll like you, Michael."
Michael turned and smiled at Liz saying, "I know. I'm just...a newcomer I guess."
Liz said from her heart, "Not to me. But in a way we are both kinda new here. I've not been here since sixth grade. A lot has changed...and I'm nervous too."
Michael said, "Too?"
Liz grinned and lowering her face to hide her laughter she said, "Sorry...I'll keep the too to myself."
Michael said, "Good." He wound up laughing with Liz until they spotted...or were spotted...by two sets of police.
Michael said, "Great....What's this about?"
Liz stood next to Michael and said, "I don't know. Let's just see what they want and go on."
Michael said, "I bet I know what they want. How old are you, Liz?"
Liz said, "Oh no...they wouldn't go on that."
But they did.
Officer Balderhash and Officer Holdum walked over and said, "Are you Michael Guerin and Liz Parker?"
Michael said, "I am. What's the deal?"
Officer Balderdash, a close look alike to Kenny Rogers--said plainly, "We got a call that you took Ms. Parker over state lines."
Liz spoke quickly saying, "Officer I am not a child. I went here because I wanted to. Michael didn't make me fly here."
Officer Holdum smiled through her green eyes as she said, "Well it is still against the law." She began to flirt with Michael!
Michael grew disgusted and said, "Whatever. The point is we had no choice. We had to move, fast."
Officer Balderhash said, "Well you can both relax now. We'll give you a nice place to. In the county jail. Come along."
As they were being tugged out of the airport, a pair of voices came up behind. One said, "I really don't think you want to haul off our niece and her boyfriend, do you officers?"
It was Uncle Myles and Uncle Jesse...
Turning around Liz smiled and saw both her uncles smile at her.
Officer Balderhash said, "You can take your niece I suppose, but Mr. Guerin is ours."
Myles walked up to him and said, "Like I said. Rodney I knew your dad and I know you. Do you really want to play this game? Tuck's stand up for each other--much like the Hatfields or the McCoys. Don't test me on that because it could get very--very ugly if you do."
Jesse walked over to Liz and Michael while Myles argued successfully with the police and said, "I think it's safe for you to come with me...I'm Jesse by the way."
Liz walked to her uncle and hugged him saying, "Uncle Jesse. It's been a long time...thank you."
Jesse hugged Liz and said, "Hey girl. Stop with that nonsense. You're family." Looking at his niece, Jesse said with a mischievous yet kind smile, "You're taller than last time."
Liz said, "A little bit. I'm seventeen now, Uncle Jesse. Almost eighteen."
Michael saw Liz getting to leave with her family, but himself...he would end up in jail. Myles Tuck might be tough, but Michael could tell the officer wasn't afraid of him. In fact, Officer Balderhash was arguing pretty intensely with him, arms crossed and bodies close.
Finally though, the officer stopped and left with the other officer. Myles was grinning. He walked to Michael and said, "You ready to come meet the family?"
Michael figured what the hell and said, "Yeah." He walked with the others on out to Myles's jeep...
Riding inside the jeep, Michael said, "That officer was taking me in."
Myles grinned remembering the scene as he said, "Yeah. He would have. But I told him that he if he didn't back off and let you be, I'd personally let all of Harpersville know about his girl from high school that he eloped with secretly. She was seventeen too." Myles grinned larger.
Michael said, "Still. I don't get it. Why would he care?"
Myles looked at Michael through the rearview and said, "Why? His reputation might get a little tattered up if the town found out and so would his family's. Names still count around here. He found out Liz would be eighteen next week and said he'd overlook it. As to the officer who was with him, Officer Holdum..."¨ Myles chuckled over that and said, "She's not going to say anything either. Small towns give a lot of good shit to keep people from being too authoritative or mean to others. So they'll leave you alone. Or they'll hear from us."
Jesse laughed and said, "And they don't want to hear from us."
Michael sat back with Liz and shook his head. He'd like to believe that everything would be fine, but his life was not made that way. Very much like Myles Tuck, Michael Guerin didn't believe in breaks. He fought for what he had and would go on braced in case something happened. That was how he had grown up. It was his life. New beginning or not, Michael was not an idiot.
When they arrived at the cabins outside town, Michael and Liz were taken to Angus and Mae's--or Liz's grandparents'--house...and excitedly shown welcome. Michael was nervous about it. Hugs and kisses were not what he was used to...except with Liz. Feeling them from her family felt off. He had to tell himself to stop it and made himself hug each one back. It was a nice deal that they were letting him stay here. He was in a house and not a jail.
It was still hard.
Liz immediately talked with her aunts and cuddled two-year-old Ryan. He was Uncle Jesse and Winnie's little boy. He ran around the house and was very bright.
Michael was taken out to the fields with Myles and Jesse and Angus and Liz stayed inside with Aunt Winnie, Aunt Lesley and grandma--and Ryan.
Smiling bashfully, Liz said, "I really appreciate you for letting us come here."
Grandma Mae said, "Lizzie you are always welcome here. You know that, sweetheart."
Liz put her journal beside her on the table and said, "I know. I missed coming here. Mom stopped wanting me to. I never knew why."
Her family looked at each other. Grandma replied, "It doesn't matter. The fact is we¡¦re happy to have you." Turning to the stove where she was cooking a stew, she said, "Michael seems like a nice boy."
Liz blushed red and said, "He...is.."
Mae continued, "He's your friend?"
Nodding, Liz said, "Yes. Boyfriend..."
All three women smiled at Liz. Grandma said, "Well the boys won't be back for a while. So you can tell us all about him...and about yourself."
Liz cringed, but saw her Aunt Winnie smile and her Aunt Lesley catching Ryan on a run and smiling like she understood somehow what Liz was going through.
Liz just gave in and shared with her family...
TBC...
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Liz and Michael arrive in Harpersville and learn a little about Myles and Jesse Tuck...
Spoilers: None!
Part Seven--Harpersville
June 27, 2000
That same day…
Sunday, June 27th
Well here I am. The flight has just landed in Harpersville--a town I've not seen since I was twelve on a summer vacation. I've spoken to Uncle Myles and Aunt Lesley on the phone but I've not seem them in so long...and now not only am I going to see them...and Uncle Jesse and Aunt Winnie...but I am going there to live. With Michael. I'm scared. Scared of seeing a new town...scared of starting over. Just scared.
I had to say goodbye to my friends. That was hard. Hard on both me and Michael. But they will hopefully understand when I email them. Grandma and Grandpa have a computer. I can use it to email them. They will let me I am sure. But not seeing Maria will be hardest of all. Keeping in touch seems like a good thing, but when you leave one place and move another sometimes it isn't that easy to do¡K. Liz lets out a deep breath on the plane and writes on, Sometimes it's impossible.
Part of growing up is hard. This must be one of those things. I just hope it works out here in Idaho. I hope that my parents will leave me alone and not start something worse for us. I turn eighteen in a week. I guess I'll deal with whatever she does. And I will email and write Maria daily. That way we'll still stay close. I promise in this journal that we will remain friends...forever.
The plane landed and Liz looked at Michael and smiled. She said, "Here we are."
Michael nodded and stood when the stewardess okayed it. Grabbing his and Liz's things, Michael said, "You ready?"
Liz nodded and walked with him to the steps. Going down them, she said nothing, just kept going until they reached the lobby of the airport. Then she said, "What's the matter?"
Michael turned and lifting his brows some he said, "What are you talking about?"
Liz said nervously, "You've been quiet since we flew up here...what's wrong Michael?"
Michael shook his head and walked with Liz to the retrieval where they could get their suitcases. He finally said, "What are you family like, Liz?"
Liz smiled and said, "The Tuck's? I don't know...warm, friendly. Not like my parents at all." Walking to Michael she grabbed her brown bag off the conveyer and said, "They'll like you, Michael."
Michael turned and smiled at Liz saying, "I know. I'm just...a newcomer I guess."
Liz said from her heart, "Not to me. But in a way we are both kinda new here. I've not been here since sixth grade. A lot has changed...and I'm nervous too."
Michael said, "Too?"
Liz grinned and lowering her face to hide her laughter she said, "Sorry...I'll keep the too to myself."
Michael said, "Good." He wound up laughing with Liz until they spotted...or were spotted...by two sets of police.
Michael said, "Great....What's this about?"
Liz stood next to Michael and said, "I don't know. Let's just see what they want and go on."
Michael said, "I bet I know what they want. How old are you, Liz?"
Liz said, "Oh no...they wouldn't go on that."
But they did.
Officer Balderhash and Officer Holdum walked over and said, "Are you Michael Guerin and Liz Parker?"
Michael said, "I am. What's the deal?"
Officer Balderdash, a close look alike to Kenny Rogers--said plainly, "We got a call that you took Ms. Parker over state lines."
Liz spoke quickly saying, "Officer I am not a child. I went here because I wanted to. Michael didn't make me fly here."
Officer Holdum smiled through her green eyes as she said, "Well it is still against the law." She began to flirt with Michael!
Michael grew disgusted and said, "Whatever. The point is we had no choice. We had to move, fast."
Officer Balderhash said, "Well you can both relax now. We'll give you a nice place to. In the county jail. Come along."
As they were being tugged out of the airport, a pair of voices came up behind. One said, "I really don't think you want to haul off our niece and her boyfriend, do you officers?"
It was Uncle Myles and Uncle Jesse...
Turning around Liz smiled and saw both her uncles smile at her.
Officer Balderhash said, "You can take your niece I suppose, but Mr. Guerin is ours."
Myles walked up to him and said, "Like I said. Rodney I knew your dad and I know you. Do you really want to play this game? Tuck's stand up for each other--much like the Hatfields or the McCoys. Don't test me on that because it could get very--very ugly if you do."
Jesse walked over to Liz and Michael while Myles argued successfully with the police and said, "I think it's safe for you to come with me...I'm Jesse by the way."
Liz walked to her uncle and hugged him saying, "Uncle Jesse. It's been a long time...thank you."
Jesse hugged Liz and said, "Hey girl. Stop with that nonsense. You're family." Looking at his niece, Jesse said with a mischievous yet kind smile, "You're taller than last time."
Liz said, "A little bit. I'm seventeen now, Uncle Jesse. Almost eighteen."
Michael saw Liz getting to leave with her family, but himself...he would end up in jail. Myles Tuck might be tough, but Michael could tell the officer wasn't afraid of him. In fact, Officer Balderhash was arguing pretty intensely with him, arms crossed and bodies close.
Finally though, the officer stopped and left with the other officer. Myles was grinning. He walked to Michael and said, "You ready to come meet the family?"
Michael figured what the hell and said, "Yeah." He walked with the others on out to Myles's jeep...
Riding inside the jeep, Michael said, "That officer was taking me in."
Myles grinned remembering the scene as he said, "Yeah. He would have. But I told him that he if he didn't back off and let you be, I'd personally let all of Harpersville know about his girl from high school that he eloped with secretly. She was seventeen too." Myles grinned larger.
Michael said, "Still. I don't get it. Why would he care?"
Myles looked at Michael through the rearview and said, "Why? His reputation might get a little tattered up if the town found out and so would his family's. Names still count around here. He found out Liz would be eighteen next week and said he'd overlook it. As to the officer who was with him, Officer Holdum..."¨ Myles chuckled over that and said, "She's not going to say anything either. Small towns give a lot of good shit to keep people from being too authoritative or mean to others. So they'll leave you alone. Or they'll hear from us."
Jesse laughed and said, "And they don't want to hear from us."
Michael sat back with Liz and shook his head. He'd like to believe that everything would be fine, but his life was not made that way. Very much like Myles Tuck, Michael Guerin didn't believe in breaks. He fought for what he had and would go on braced in case something happened. That was how he had grown up. It was his life. New beginning or not, Michael was not an idiot.
When they arrived at the cabins outside town, Michael and Liz were taken to Angus and Mae's--or Liz's grandparents'--house...and excitedly shown welcome. Michael was nervous about it. Hugs and kisses were not what he was used to...except with Liz. Feeling them from her family felt off. He had to tell himself to stop it and made himself hug each one back. It was a nice deal that they were letting him stay here. He was in a house and not a jail.
It was still hard.
Liz immediately talked with her aunts and cuddled two-year-old Ryan. He was Uncle Jesse and Winnie's little boy. He ran around the house and was very bright.
Michael was taken out to the fields with Myles and Jesse and Angus and Liz stayed inside with Aunt Winnie, Aunt Lesley and grandma--and Ryan.
Smiling bashfully, Liz said, "I really appreciate you for letting us come here."
Grandma Mae said, "Lizzie you are always welcome here. You know that, sweetheart."
Liz put her journal beside her on the table and said, "I know. I missed coming here. Mom stopped wanting me to. I never knew why."
Her family looked at each other. Grandma replied, "It doesn't matter. The fact is we¡¦re happy to have you." Turning to the stove where she was cooking a stew, she said, "Michael seems like a nice boy."
Liz blushed red and said, "He...is.."
Mae continued, "He's your friend?"
Nodding, Liz said, "Yes. Boyfriend..."
All three women smiled at Liz. Grandma said, "Well the boys won't be back for a while. So you can tell us all about him...and about yourself."
Liz cringed, but saw her Aunt Winnie smile and her Aunt Lesley catching Ryan on a run and smiling like she understood somehow what Liz was going through.
Liz just gave in and shared with her family...
TBC...
"The truth is out there."
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angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Michael and Liz share a sweet kiss that gets Liz to talking to her family later on…
Spoilers: None!
Part Eight—Sharing…
Saturday, July 1, 2000
The day before Liz’s birthday…
Liz and Michael had been in Harpersville for a week now. It was wonderful for Liz. Michael seemed like he liked the town and her family, but Liz wondered if he really was happy here. She’d wondered it for days, but kept it to herself. Too afraid really to ask him.
Finally, when she was outside and saw him walking over to her, Liz said, “I see my uncles have you up with them.”
Michael said, “It’s not a big deal, Liz. I always get up by six, seven at the latest. Here I just set my clock for five-thirty. Not a big change. Jesse and Myles are cool.”
Liz smiled and said, “Thanks.” She blushed some.
Walking together to an oak tree behind the cabin, Liz looked up at Michael and watched as he kept up with her. She liked the closeness of walking with Michael. He was sweaty and his shoulder length hair was sticking to his neck, but he was still the sweet Michael that Liz knew. One who would tell her something to make her feel better, but really be feeling something else inside. To keep her from being hurt or worried. It was nice of him, but Liz wanted him to be honest. Honesty meant everything to Liz.
Liz glanced up sincerely at Michael and said, “If you were upset being here, you would tell me, right?”
Michael grabbed a daisy off the ground and handed it to Liz saying, “Yeah. But Liz I am fine. I like living here.”
Nodding, Liz turned to Michael and said, “Okay. I just wanted to ask.”
Michael looked into Liz’s brown eyes and said, “If I kiss you will it be okay?”
Smiling, Liz said, “I don’t know. I mean we are on my Uncle Jesse’s farm. Think you could kiss me quick and make it so no one would see?”
She held her daisy he had given her in her hand.
Michael turned Liz gently into his arms and lowered his lips to hers, kissing her gently.
Liz was dumbfounded by this kiss! She’d never been kissed this way. Michael had kissed her but he kissed her in a new way now. It was emotions mixed with hurried orneriness. It was a special kindness that he had in his heart that somehow went into her own. Liz held onto his shirt, feeling connected. Not wanting to break the kiss yet.
Jesse walked over and said, “There you are, Michael. Myles was wondering where you had gone to.”
Michael and Liz broke the kiss, looking at Jesse. Liz blushed shyly. Michael nervously wondered what to say.
Finally he gathered up nerve and said, “I saw Liz and thought I’d spend a few minutes with her. Myles ready to work some more?”
Jesse smiled at Liz, then said to Michael, “As always. He’s wanting to show us his new idea for tilling.”
Michael grinned over that. This family was very old fashioned and old schooled when it came to the way they operated their farming, but Michael loved it. He’d secretly enjoyed watching old-time shows where people lived just like this.
So he smiled and said, “I’m ready. Liz…” He turned to Liz and smiled.
Liz said, “Yeah. I’ll see you later, Michael.”
He walked off with Jesse. Liz watched him in a new interest…
Liz was learning new things too. Her aunts and grandma were teaching her cooking lessons. Things she hadn’t done a lot since she grew up in Roswell and was very spoiled. She lived by a microwave and minimal heating on the stove. Here in less than seven days, she was being taught how to bake meals. How to gauge time by checking herself, not by using a timer. Liz had burned three meals and was nervous about todays. She looked at Aunt Winnie and said, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather do this, Aunt Winnie?”
Aunt Winnie put Ryan in the playpen to enjoy his juice and play and then turned to Liz and said affectionately, “I think it is good that you learn to cook.”
Liz groaned and said, “But I am bad at it! I mean I’ve ruined three suppers and I’m scared I’m going to destroy this one. Aunt Lesley you remember helping me clean up the last one.”
Aunt Lesley didn’t help. She grinned and said, “I messed up meals too, when I was learning, Liz. We all do.”
Grandma walked into the room and heard some of this and added, “Lizzie one day you will be a bride. Won’t you want to know how to cook?”
Liz agitatedly looked at the casserole in the oven and said, “But…I don’t know.”
Grandma put a hand on Liz’s shoulder and said, “Trust me, Liz. Cooking is part of life. Much like washing or anything else you’d do. You have any interest in learning?”
Nodding, she really did, Liz said, “Yes. I do. I just wish…” letting out a deeper breath, Liz said, “I just wish I didn’t stink at it.”
Aunt Winnie said, “You don’t stink at it, Liz. You’re new to it that’s all.”
Liz blushed and said, “I guess…My mother wanted me to work in my aunt’s café. I refused. Yet here I want to cook. I really do want to.”
Aunt Lesley said, “You get to.”
Aunt Winnie said, “I hear that Jesse came up on you and Michael kissing earlier.”
Blushing big time, Liz said, “I’m sorry. We were just talking and then…well…”
Aunt Winnie said, “Liz it is okay. I was only making conversation, sweetie.”
Blushing still, Liz said, “I’m nervous when I’m near Michael. I’m scared about dating.”
Grandma said, “Sit down, Lizzie. We will keep an eye on your casserole.”
Liz sat and looking at her hands, really looking within herself, feeling the pain of knowing she was about to tell her family why she was afraid of dating, Liz said, “I’m scared.”
Aunt Winnie and Aunt Lesley sat next to her at the table. Aunt Lesley said, “Why are you afraid?”
Liz said wretchedly, “I want to learn more about Michael. I am attracted to him. But, my mother. She had a boy really hurt her in school. He used her then bragged to his friends about it. She told me how horrible sharing yourself with someone is because of that chance you take. I am petrified of it…I’ve never been with anyone.”
Aunt Winnie said, “There is nothing wrong with that. Virginity is a good thing, Liz. I was a virgin when I married Jesse.”
Grandma said, “Your mother is a special lady.”
Nodding, Liz wiped tears that started to fall and said, “I know. I just want to be sure…that when I trust Michael that he is sincere. I can’t be hurt like she was. I can’t.”
Getting up from the table, Liz excused herself and left the room.
Winnie looked to Lesley and Mae and said, “I am sorry. I’ll go and talk with her.” Walking toward the spare room, Winnie knocked and said, “Liz? It’s me, Winnie. Can I come in?”
Liz muddled, “Yes…”
Winnie opened the door and walked into the room. She tucked her shirt into her jeans and sat next to her niece on her bed. Liz was sitting Indian Style in dark jeans and a black tank top. Her long brown hair was forward some and tears were on her face. She held her hands together.
Aunt Winnie looked into Liz’s eyes and said, “Liz I am so sorry. I did not mean to hurt your feelings.”
Shaking her head, Liz said, “You didn’t, Aunt Winnie. I just have this horrible phobia. I am scared of intimacy.”
Aunt Winnie asked, “Is Michael…?”
Looking up at her aunt, Liz said, “No! No, Michael is great. He says he won’t pressure me into anything I’m not ready for.”
Smiling, Aunt Winnie said, “Good. Because I’d be upset if he was.”
Liz said, “I don’t know why I mentioned it when we were not even talking about it.”
Aunt Winnie said, “You were upset.”
Liz said, “Not upset, weird. There is something wrong with me. Most girls my age are having sex. I’m not. I’m scared of sex.”
Winnie touched Liz’s hand and said, “You are not weird. Lovemaking comes later, when you are with the right person and he is yours forever. When you know in your heart that he is. People now days rush into it so fast that it seems a toy to play with rather than something beautiful to share. You are not weird at all, Liz. So please don’t think you are. We all love you and think you are very special.”
Aunt Winnie hugged Liz. She hugged her back and said, “Thank you, Aunt Winnie. I love you too.”
Liz said, “He kissed me earlier. It was sweet. I felt things this time. New things, Aunt Winnie.”
Smiling and touching her niece’s hair that was falling, pushing it back, Winnie said, “He left home to come with you. I’d say he is pretty special.”
Liz smiled and said, “He is. He’s great.”
Aunt Winnie said, “Well let’s go back and finish supper. Then we have to get things ready for your birthday tomorrow.”
Liz blushed and said, “You don’t have to do anything for that. I don’t expect you to.”
Aunt Winnie looked back at Liz and said, “It has been years since you’ve been here, hasn’t it? Birthdays are celebrated in this family, Lizzie. You may as well get used to that. Now come on.”
Liz smiled largely and walked into the warmth of the kitchen where her family waited…
TBC…
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Michael and Liz share a sweet kiss that gets Liz to talking to her family later on…
Spoilers: None!
Part Eight—Sharing…
Saturday, July 1, 2000
The day before Liz’s birthday…
Liz and Michael had been in Harpersville for a week now. It was wonderful for Liz. Michael seemed like he liked the town and her family, but Liz wondered if he really was happy here. She’d wondered it for days, but kept it to herself. Too afraid really to ask him.
Finally, when she was outside and saw him walking over to her, Liz said, “I see my uncles have you up with them.”
Michael said, “It’s not a big deal, Liz. I always get up by six, seven at the latest. Here I just set my clock for five-thirty. Not a big change. Jesse and Myles are cool.”
Liz smiled and said, “Thanks.” She blushed some.
Walking together to an oak tree behind the cabin, Liz looked up at Michael and watched as he kept up with her. She liked the closeness of walking with Michael. He was sweaty and his shoulder length hair was sticking to his neck, but he was still the sweet Michael that Liz knew. One who would tell her something to make her feel better, but really be feeling something else inside. To keep her from being hurt or worried. It was nice of him, but Liz wanted him to be honest. Honesty meant everything to Liz.
Liz glanced up sincerely at Michael and said, “If you were upset being here, you would tell me, right?”
Michael grabbed a daisy off the ground and handed it to Liz saying, “Yeah. But Liz I am fine. I like living here.”
Nodding, Liz turned to Michael and said, “Okay. I just wanted to ask.”
Michael looked into Liz’s brown eyes and said, “If I kiss you will it be okay?”
Smiling, Liz said, “I don’t know. I mean we are on my Uncle Jesse’s farm. Think you could kiss me quick and make it so no one would see?”
She held her daisy he had given her in her hand.
Michael turned Liz gently into his arms and lowered his lips to hers, kissing her gently.
Liz was dumbfounded by this kiss! She’d never been kissed this way. Michael had kissed her but he kissed her in a new way now. It was emotions mixed with hurried orneriness. It was a special kindness that he had in his heart that somehow went into her own. Liz held onto his shirt, feeling connected. Not wanting to break the kiss yet.
Jesse walked over and said, “There you are, Michael. Myles was wondering where you had gone to.”
Michael and Liz broke the kiss, looking at Jesse. Liz blushed shyly. Michael nervously wondered what to say.
Finally he gathered up nerve and said, “I saw Liz and thought I’d spend a few minutes with her. Myles ready to work some more?”
Jesse smiled at Liz, then said to Michael, “As always. He’s wanting to show us his new idea for tilling.”
Michael grinned over that. This family was very old fashioned and old schooled when it came to the way they operated their farming, but Michael loved it. He’d secretly enjoyed watching old-time shows where people lived just like this.
So he smiled and said, “I’m ready. Liz…” He turned to Liz and smiled.
Liz said, “Yeah. I’ll see you later, Michael.”
He walked off with Jesse. Liz watched him in a new interest…
Liz was learning new things too. Her aunts and grandma were teaching her cooking lessons. Things she hadn’t done a lot since she grew up in Roswell and was very spoiled. She lived by a microwave and minimal heating on the stove. Here in less than seven days, she was being taught how to bake meals. How to gauge time by checking herself, not by using a timer. Liz had burned three meals and was nervous about todays. She looked at Aunt Winnie and said, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather do this, Aunt Winnie?”
Aunt Winnie put Ryan in the playpen to enjoy his juice and play and then turned to Liz and said affectionately, “I think it is good that you learn to cook.”
Liz groaned and said, “But I am bad at it! I mean I’ve ruined three suppers and I’m scared I’m going to destroy this one. Aunt Lesley you remember helping me clean up the last one.”
Aunt Lesley didn’t help. She grinned and said, “I messed up meals too, when I was learning, Liz. We all do.”
Grandma walked into the room and heard some of this and added, “Lizzie one day you will be a bride. Won’t you want to know how to cook?”
Liz agitatedly looked at the casserole in the oven and said, “But…I don’t know.”
Grandma put a hand on Liz’s shoulder and said, “Trust me, Liz. Cooking is part of life. Much like washing or anything else you’d do. You have any interest in learning?”
Nodding, she really did, Liz said, “Yes. I do. I just wish…” letting out a deeper breath, Liz said, “I just wish I didn’t stink at it.”
Aunt Winnie said, “You don’t stink at it, Liz. You’re new to it that’s all.”
Liz blushed and said, “I guess…My mother wanted me to work in my aunt’s café. I refused. Yet here I want to cook. I really do want to.”
Aunt Lesley said, “You get to.”
Aunt Winnie said, “I hear that Jesse came up on you and Michael kissing earlier.”
Blushing big time, Liz said, “I’m sorry. We were just talking and then…well…”
Aunt Winnie said, “Liz it is okay. I was only making conversation, sweetie.”
Blushing still, Liz said, “I’m nervous when I’m near Michael. I’m scared about dating.”
Grandma said, “Sit down, Lizzie. We will keep an eye on your casserole.”
Liz sat and looking at her hands, really looking within herself, feeling the pain of knowing she was about to tell her family why she was afraid of dating, Liz said, “I’m scared.”
Aunt Winnie and Aunt Lesley sat next to her at the table. Aunt Lesley said, “Why are you afraid?”
Liz said wretchedly, “I want to learn more about Michael. I am attracted to him. But, my mother. She had a boy really hurt her in school. He used her then bragged to his friends about it. She told me how horrible sharing yourself with someone is because of that chance you take. I am petrified of it…I’ve never been with anyone.”
Aunt Winnie said, “There is nothing wrong with that. Virginity is a good thing, Liz. I was a virgin when I married Jesse.”
Grandma said, “Your mother is a special lady.”
Nodding, Liz wiped tears that started to fall and said, “I know. I just want to be sure…that when I trust Michael that he is sincere. I can’t be hurt like she was. I can’t.”
Getting up from the table, Liz excused herself and left the room.
Winnie looked to Lesley and Mae and said, “I am sorry. I’ll go and talk with her.” Walking toward the spare room, Winnie knocked and said, “Liz? It’s me, Winnie. Can I come in?”
Liz muddled, “Yes…”
Winnie opened the door and walked into the room. She tucked her shirt into her jeans and sat next to her niece on her bed. Liz was sitting Indian Style in dark jeans and a black tank top. Her long brown hair was forward some and tears were on her face. She held her hands together.
Aunt Winnie looked into Liz’s eyes and said, “Liz I am so sorry. I did not mean to hurt your feelings.”
Shaking her head, Liz said, “You didn’t, Aunt Winnie. I just have this horrible phobia. I am scared of intimacy.”
Aunt Winnie asked, “Is Michael…?”
Looking up at her aunt, Liz said, “No! No, Michael is great. He says he won’t pressure me into anything I’m not ready for.”
Smiling, Aunt Winnie said, “Good. Because I’d be upset if he was.”
Liz said, “I don’t know why I mentioned it when we were not even talking about it.”
Aunt Winnie said, “You were upset.”
Liz said, “Not upset, weird. There is something wrong with me. Most girls my age are having sex. I’m not. I’m scared of sex.”
Winnie touched Liz’s hand and said, “You are not weird. Lovemaking comes later, when you are with the right person and he is yours forever. When you know in your heart that he is. People now days rush into it so fast that it seems a toy to play with rather than something beautiful to share. You are not weird at all, Liz. So please don’t think you are. We all love you and think you are very special.”
Aunt Winnie hugged Liz. She hugged her back and said, “Thank you, Aunt Winnie. I love you too.”
Liz said, “He kissed me earlier. It was sweet. I felt things this time. New things, Aunt Winnie.”
Smiling and touching her niece’s hair that was falling, pushing it back, Winnie said, “He left home to come with you. I’d say he is pretty special.”
Liz smiled and said, “He is. He’s great.”
Aunt Winnie said, “Well let’s go back and finish supper. Then we have to get things ready for your birthday tomorrow.”
Liz blushed and said, “You don’t have to do anything for that. I don’t expect you to.”
Aunt Winnie looked back at Liz and said, “It has been years since you’ve been here, hasn’t it? Birthdays are celebrated in this family, Lizzie. You may as well get used to that. Now come on.”
Liz smiled largely and walked into the warmth of the kitchen where her family waited…
TBC…
"The truth is out there."
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
-
angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
Re-The Real Me
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T to M
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: A Fourth Celebration is here on the backdrop of Liz's eighteenth birthday--Tuck Family Style...
Spoilers: None!
Part Nine--Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4, 2000
For years, the Tuck's celebrated the fourth of July with lots of food and fireworks. This year Liz and Michael were a part of it. Liz worked with Aunt Winnie and Aunt Lesley while grandma watched Ryan. She helped with the baking. Her last meal didn't burn like the ones before so she felt a little more confident helping out.
Michael was put to work with Uncle Myles, Uncle Jesse, and Grandpa, preparing fireworks in a large brown crate. Making sure that everything was ready for tonight.
Some families merely sat around in their backyards and watched the fireworks either from their own supply or from the neighbors. Well here, in this family, the Tucks, they ate early in the dining room. Every kind of food that was liked was fixed. Visiting for hours, they enjoyed sitting together as a family. Hours later, when it was dark out, they went outside and started their fireworks, snacking on foods that Grandma and Aunt Winnie or Aunt Lesley fixed and drinking tea. If Uncle Myles chose to play his wood instrument, then couples would get up and dance. Liz had been told about this days ago so she knew this would happen today.
She smiled and wrote it down in her journal as if preparing herself further by writing it on paper.
Michael walked into the kitchen as the ladies were preparing food and smiling at Liz he said, "Can I help?"
Liz said, "You could set the table. That would be nice."
Michael rose his eyebrows and said, "Would it?"
Liz said, "It would."¨ She blushed.
Michael grabbed the plates and holding them in his arms, he walked to Liz and said, "For you, I will set the table, Liz." He walked them into the dining room and placed the dishes where they were supposed to go.
Alone with her aunts and grandma, Liz saw their grins and blushed the color of a rose. She said, "I should check the dumplings in the oven." Going over she glanced down, hoping she could relax and that the blush would go away. Liz blushed so easily! Sometimes she thought it was part of her persona! But she fought it and eventually stood saying, "It looks good...I guess."
Aunt Winnie glanced at Michael and turning to Liz she said, "He did a good job, Liz."
Liz looked at Michael and smiled saying, "Yeah. Excuse me for a second."
She walked into the dining room and said, "Thanks, Michael."
Michael looked at Liz and said, "Sure. Is there anything else I can help with? The guys are relaxing outside."
Liz said, "Oh. I can't think of anything, Michael. But thank you for your help setting the table. Wow!" Michael had set all the dining utensils, napkins and glasses exactly the same all around the table.
Michael walked with Liz and said, "Yeah. I thought since it was a celebration it should look special. Plus I watched your grandma do it on your birthday."
Liz grinned largely at Michael and said, "I see." She walked almost next to his body and said, "You learn well." Gosh could I sound any more flirty or silly? Liz asked herself, mortified.
He probably thinks I'm a hick or a weirdo! But Michael didn't think that. He smiled at Liz and said, "Thanks. Well let's go see if there's anything else I can help with in the kitchen."
Michael took Liz's hand and walked with her back to the kitchen. Liz smiled at him and followed him in, enjoying the experience of his hand holding hers...
Michael helped Liz and the ladies out with last things, fixing fresh tea, washing dishes in the sink. If he was asked or saw it needed to be done, Michael chipped in. He helped take dishes to the table and played with Ryan when Aunt Winnie buttered bread. Liz was impressed and so was her family.
Liz watched him later on as he helped with grabbing extra things for supper, a few chairs here and there to make enough, and she fantasized a little. It was safe because he didn't know what she was thinking. But while she could, Liz thought. What would it be like to be married to a man like Michael? For a split second, she thought it could be sweet. He might help her a little around the house, he sure wouldn't expect her to do everything. Today showed her that. He had worked outside with the guys, then helped Liz as much as he could inside.
He wouldn't think that Liz was the only one who could cook or clean.
But what would he be like in other areas?
He walked over and said, "Want to take a walk with me?"
Liz inwardly shook, and said, "Okay." She let her family know she was going with Michael for a walk, that she'd be back soon to help more, and walked outside with Michael.
Michael and Liz walked to the corral where the horses were. Sitting on two hay bales, Liz looked at Michael and said, "I really appreciate you helping me today, in the kitchen. It was nice, Michael."
Michael scooted back some on the bale and said, "It was no problem, Liz. I will help more when we go back inside. Just no making me a frilly apron to wear. I won't do that."
Liz giggled and said, "Nope. No frilly aprons. What about a no-frills one you wear around your waist?"
Michael said, "No no-frills one either. I hate aprons. I cook with my jeans on and an everyday shirt."
Liz got a heated thought of what he would look like cooking without either. Without anything! Mmmm...Nice thoughts, Liz told herself. She smiled outwardly and didn't realize it.
Michael said, "I mean it, Liz. No aprons." He grinned, "I won't wear them."
Liz laughed and said, "I promise, Michael, I won't make you one."
Michael said, "Thank you, Liz."
Liz said, "For?"
Michael said, "For letting me come along on this trip. For trusting me enough to welcome me into your family."
Liz blushed again and said, "Damn it I can't stop this! I blush over everything."
Michael smiled a little and said in his earnest voice still, "I like it."
Liz said, "Michael, I'm glad you are here."
Michael moved forward on his bale, toward Liz and said, "I'm sneaking another kiss, Liz."
Liz grinned and said, "Better hurry. My uncles or aunts may show."
Michael and Liz bent toward each other and shared another kiss. Liz felt daring enough to let herself kiss him a second time. To be an initiator. Holding his shirt with her hands, Liz was close to Michael as they embraced, but she liked it. The weird thing was, as she later noted in her journal, she wasn't afraid when she was with Michael today. After their sneaky kisses, Liz spent the evening around Michael. Her discomfort and fears slowly leaving her.
Fireworks were shot that evening and Liz sat next to Michael watching together as Uncle Jesse and Uncle Myles set them off. They danced as a couple as Uncle Myles played, then sat again on the ground as the fireworks continued. It was romantic and like a good gentleman, Michael let Liz wear his jacket when it got cool. He helped with dishes and they took another walk before going in for the night. For the first time, Liz really enjoyed celebrating the fourth.
TBC...
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: T to M
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: A Fourth Celebration is here on the backdrop of Liz's eighteenth birthday--Tuck Family Style...
Spoilers: None!
Part Nine--Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4, 2000
For years, the Tuck's celebrated the fourth of July with lots of food and fireworks. This year Liz and Michael were a part of it. Liz worked with Aunt Winnie and Aunt Lesley while grandma watched Ryan. She helped with the baking. Her last meal didn't burn like the ones before so she felt a little more confident helping out.
Michael was put to work with Uncle Myles, Uncle Jesse, and Grandpa, preparing fireworks in a large brown crate. Making sure that everything was ready for tonight.
Some families merely sat around in their backyards and watched the fireworks either from their own supply or from the neighbors. Well here, in this family, the Tucks, they ate early in the dining room. Every kind of food that was liked was fixed. Visiting for hours, they enjoyed sitting together as a family. Hours later, when it was dark out, they went outside and started their fireworks, snacking on foods that Grandma and Aunt Winnie or Aunt Lesley fixed and drinking tea. If Uncle Myles chose to play his wood instrument, then couples would get up and dance. Liz had been told about this days ago so she knew this would happen today.
She smiled and wrote it down in her journal as if preparing herself further by writing it on paper.
Michael walked into the kitchen as the ladies were preparing food and smiling at Liz he said, "Can I help?"
Liz said, "You could set the table. That would be nice."
Michael rose his eyebrows and said, "Would it?"
Liz said, "It would."¨ She blushed.
Michael grabbed the plates and holding them in his arms, he walked to Liz and said, "For you, I will set the table, Liz." He walked them into the dining room and placed the dishes where they were supposed to go.
Alone with her aunts and grandma, Liz saw their grins and blushed the color of a rose. She said, "I should check the dumplings in the oven." Going over she glanced down, hoping she could relax and that the blush would go away. Liz blushed so easily! Sometimes she thought it was part of her persona! But she fought it and eventually stood saying, "It looks good...I guess."
Aunt Winnie glanced at Michael and turning to Liz she said, "He did a good job, Liz."
Liz looked at Michael and smiled saying, "Yeah. Excuse me for a second."
She walked into the dining room and said, "Thanks, Michael."
Michael looked at Liz and said, "Sure. Is there anything else I can help with? The guys are relaxing outside."
Liz said, "Oh. I can't think of anything, Michael. But thank you for your help setting the table. Wow!" Michael had set all the dining utensils, napkins and glasses exactly the same all around the table.
Michael walked with Liz and said, "Yeah. I thought since it was a celebration it should look special. Plus I watched your grandma do it on your birthday."
Liz grinned largely at Michael and said, "I see." She walked almost next to his body and said, "You learn well." Gosh could I sound any more flirty or silly? Liz asked herself, mortified.
He probably thinks I'm a hick or a weirdo! But Michael didn't think that. He smiled at Liz and said, "Thanks. Well let's go see if there's anything else I can help with in the kitchen."
Michael took Liz's hand and walked with her back to the kitchen. Liz smiled at him and followed him in, enjoying the experience of his hand holding hers...
Michael helped Liz and the ladies out with last things, fixing fresh tea, washing dishes in the sink. If he was asked or saw it needed to be done, Michael chipped in. He helped take dishes to the table and played with Ryan when Aunt Winnie buttered bread. Liz was impressed and so was her family.
Liz watched him later on as he helped with grabbing extra things for supper, a few chairs here and there to make enough, and she fantasized a little. It was safe because he didn't know what she was thinking. But while she could, Liz thought. What would it be like to be married to a man like Michael? For a split second, she thought it could be sweet. He might help her a little around the house, he sure wouldn't expect her to do everything. Today showed her that. He had worked outside with the guys, then helped Liz as much as he could inside.
He wouldn't think that Liz was the only one who could cook or clean.
But what would he be like in other areas?
He walked over and said, "Want to take a walk with me?"
Liz inwardly shook, and said, "Okay." She let her family know she was going with Michael for a walk, that she'd be back soon to help more, and walked outside with Michael.
Michael and Liz walked to the corral where the horses were. Sitting on two hay bales, Liz looked at Michael and said, "I really appreciate you helping me today, in the kitchen. It was nice, Michael."
Michael scooted back some on the bale and said, "It was no problem, Liz. I will help more when we go back inside. Just no making me a frilly apron to wear. I won't do that."
Liz giggled and said, "Nope. No frilly aprons. What about a no-frills one you wear around your waist?"
Michael said, "No no-frills one either. I hate aprons. I cook with my jeans on and an everyday shirt."
Liz got a heated thought of what he would look like cooking without either. Without anything! Mmmm...Nice thoughts, Liz told herself. She smiled outwardly and didn't realize it.
Michael said, "I mean it, Liz. No aprons." He grinned, "I won't wear them."
Liz laughed and said, "I promise, Michael, I won't make you one."
Michael said, "Thank you, Liz."
Liz said, "For?"
Michael said, "For letting me come along on this trip. For trusting me enough to welcome me into your family."
Liz blushed again and said, "Damn it I can't stop this! I blush over everything."
Michael smiled a little and said in his earnest voice still, "I like it."
Liz said, "Michael, I'm glad you are here."
Michael moved forward on his bale, toward Liz and said, "I'm sneaking another kiss, Liz."
Liz grinned and said, "Better hurry. My uncles or aunts may show."
Michael and Liz bent toward each other and shared another kiss. Liz felt daring enough to let herself kiss him a second time. To be an initiator. Holding his shirt with her hands, Liz was close to Michael as they embraced, but she liked it. The weird thing was, as she later noted in her journal, she wasn't afraid when she was with Michael today. After their sneaky kisses, Liz spent the evening around Michael. Her discomfort and fears slowly leaving her.
Fireworks were shot that evening and Liz sat next to Michael watching together as Uncle Jesse and Uncle Myles set them off. They danced as a couple as Uncle Myles played, then sat again on the ground as the fireworks continued. It was romantic and like a good gentleman, Michael let Liz wear his jacket when it got cool. He helped with dishes and they took another walk before going in for the night. For the first time, Liz really enjoyed celebrating the fourth.
TBC...
"The truth is out there."
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
-
angelrose242000
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 8:28 pm
- Location: Max's bedroom
Re-The Real Me
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Impulsive heated feelings cause Liz to act instead of sitting quietly…
Spoilers: None!
Part Ten—Thoughts of You
Saturday, January 6, 2001
~Six Months Later~
In six months, Liz had come to really grow fond of Michael. No. Fond was not the word. Close. She went to him to talk, to hang out, wanting to see what he was doing. It had become an all the time thing. Every night they took walks and shared several sneaky kisses whenever possible.
The problem was Liz couldn’t control the way she felt anymore. She thought she could. She’d tried. But the past week had become harder and tonight as she lay on her made bed with the fireplace blazing in her room, she sat up, laid back, thought about it, and finally made a decision.
It was dark outside. The hour was close to one in the morning. Liz couldn’t sleep. This wasn’t unusual anymore. Dressed in her sky blue nightgown, Liz opened her bedroom door and walked softly across the wooden hallway, watching to make sure Uncle Jesse and Aunt Winnie’s door stayed shut. It did. At the end of the hall she knocked once quietly then opened the door. Stepping in, she closed the door behind her.
There was Michael lying on his bed, his arms bent behind his head. He was resting. Was he asleep yet? Liz walked in the darkness of his room and said, “Michael? You awake?”
Michael opened his eyes immediately and sat up. He said, “Liz?”
Liz nodded, swallowed a little nervousness and walking to the edge of his bed, she said, “I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t. I haven’t been able to sleep in days. I had to come see you.”
Michael said, “Okay, but I doubt your aunt and uncle would like it.”
Liz surprised Michael by saying, “I’m not telling them. Are you?”
Shaking his head, Michael said, “Nope.” He patted the bed and said, “Have a seat.”
Liz sat across from Michael and looking at his hand that wasn’t far from hers she said, “Michael I keep thinking…thinking about you.”
Michael said, “I think about you too, Liz. A lot.” He smiled and laughed a little.
Liz looked up at Michael and spoke from her heart, “Michael I told you about my mom, about her being hurt.”
Nodding, Michael said, “Yeah.”
Liz saw that Michael was not very far from her and said honestly, “I was scared of being hurt too and I didn’t let any guy get very close to me. I was pretty careful.” Swallowing her fear of what he might think, she said, “But somehow, Michael, I’m not afraid anymore. I’m not afraid of you or of being close to you.”
Michael moved closer to Liz and touched her hair saying, “That’s good, Liz. Because I wouldn’t hurt you. Ever.”
Liz smiled into Michael’s eyes and said, “I know.” Touching Michael’s open tanned shirt with her fingers, Liz felt hair from his chest and smiled. She looked at his chest and saw what she had touched. Finally back into his eyes, she said, “I trust you, Michael. I love you.”
Michael was getting nervous by Liz’s declarations. Where was this going to? But he said honestly, “I love you too, Liz.”
Moving toward Michael where she was eye to eye with him, Liz opened her mouth and kissed his. She slid her fingers of both hands around his head, into his brown hair to be connected snugger with Michael. She initiated kissing him.
Surprised but not afraid of it, Michael held Liz and kissed her back, needing to kiss her again. Kissing her again.
Liz grabbed Michael’s hand and moved it to her nightgown, to the strings there. She kissed him again. Michael kissed her back, then stopped and said, “Liz what are we doing here?”
Liz spoke frankly, “Making love.”
Michael nodded, lost, and said, “That’s good because…what? What did you say?”
Liz said nervous now, “Making love.”
Michael was incredibly touched that Liz chose him, but he had to talk to her before doing anything that risky. So he set her back across from him on his bed. Pushing his hand through his hair he said, “Liz…”
Liz looked down at her hands and said, “What is it, Michael? Was I too aggressive?”
Michael said, “No, not aggressive. Surprising. Liz this is a huge decision that we should talk about before doing.”
Liz felt Michael’s words as criticism and moved off his bed. She said through tears, “I’m sorry. I felt ready to come in here…I thought you would want to be with me. I’m sorry, Michael.” She turned to leave his room, thoroughly embarrassed.
Michael climbed off his bed and walked to Liz. Putting his arms around her waist. He said, “Liz…”
Liz cried and said “Michael…” Turning around and looking up into his brown eyes, she said honestly, “Since we’ve been here, Michael, I have grown to really feel close to you. I decided to act instead of laying in my room another night, just thinking about it. It probably makes me sound incredibly bold and maybe sleazy too, but I had to come in here and tell you…because lying in my room felt pointless. I love you, Michael.” Liz finished with a smile.
Nothing could have been any more succinct or more heart-provoking to Michael than what Liz just said. She trusted him. She loved him. She needed to be with him. He felt every single one of those things for her and had for a long time. He’d thought of making love to her many times…many, many times. But he’d held it back because of her history, of her mother’s. Of never wanting to scare her or give off a rush impression. Because he wasn’t like that. He didn’t’ mind waiting for Liz. Since she was here tonight, and Michael knew that she wouldn’t be unless she was ready, he chose an action of his own.
Michael wiped away Liz’s tears and said, “I love you too, Liz. I’ve been restless too.” Michael locked his bedroom door and lowered his mouth to Liz’s. Pulling Liz closer to him, Michael kissed her again. Liz slid her arms beneath his, around his waist. She kissed him in return and the kiss became hotter.
Slowly they made it back to Michael’s bed. Seated next to each other, Liz looked over his shirt and finished unbuttoning the bottom three buttons that were left connected. Michael kissed her again and untied the tie at the top of her nightgown.
Curious, Liz pushed Michael’s shirt off his arms, off his body and looked. She looked at his tanned chest, his muscular arms. She observed what she’d fantasized about for weeks…hell for months. She smiled and said, “Wow, Michael.” She touched his bare skin with her hands.
Michael touched Liz’s hands, up her slender arms, over her shoulders. He wanted to touch more. He glanced at her. Liz said, “It’s okay.”
Michael let his hands go over her breasts. The touch of his long fingers, sexy hands over them had Liz biting her lips. Michael bit his own tongue to fight back his own reaction.
Working with clothes and with their feelings, Michael and Liz made love for the first time in his bed that night….
The following Saturday…
All the next week, Liz and Michael were busy. Michael was outside with Myles and Jesse and Angus working in the field, Liz inside with her aunts and grandma. Babysitting some for Aunt Winnie. She and Michael were only together one night, but all that week, Liz wondered if anyone in her Aunt Winnie and Uncle Jesse’s house knew. Did either know?
When it came time to do washing, Liz hurriedly grabbed the sheets to be sure they didn’t see the sheets Michael had thrown in the hamper in his bedroom. She was fearful of their reaction if they discovered the truth. So far her family acted the same as they had before.
If anything though she and Michael had grown closer. When they were alone, Liz felt a need to be next to him, for him to hold her. Liz was emotional and needed Michael’s times when he hugged her, when he would kiss her, to know that he still cared about her. To keep from feeling insecure. He did both and to Liz’s happy surprise he did it because he wanted to. She saw no forced acts with Michael. He held her; he kissed her, because he chose to. They’d talked about it several times because Liz needed to share her feelings. Michael had suffered through it, Liz thought smiling in remembrance. But he had been really great. Liz knew that he loved her that what he said a week ago in his room had been from his heart.
Michael however was getting a lecture Liz was unaware of.
Working in the field that Saturday with Myles and Jesse and Angus, Michael helped prepare last things before snowfall. When Jesse and Angus had moved to another faraway spot, Myles looked at Michael and said flat out, “What’s up with you and my niece?”
Michael said plainly, “Up?”
Myles said, “I’m not dumb. Jesse overheard the two of you that night, Michael. So my question is what are you going to do?”
Michael said shocked, “What am I going to do?”
Myles followed Michael as he worked and worked with him saying, “You sure aren’t going to treat her like a quick Suzy.”
Michael leveled his eyes on Myles’s and said, “I don’t treat someone I love like a quickie. But so you know, I don’t take demands from people either. I make my own decisions and what I do with Liz, what happens next, is our business.” Michael added directly.
Myles said, “If she finds herself pregnant then it becomes my business.”
Michael nearly looked another direction out of fear of this, but instead stayed focused and said, “I hear you. Again, if that happens, I’ll deal with it. You won’t be part of that dealing. Not you, Jesse, none of you. No offense but I see my relationship with Liz to be private.”
Myles said, “I like you, Michael. We all do. But I love Liz. She’s my niece.”
Michael said, “I know that. I’m not going to hurt her. I love her.”
Myles nodded and said, “Then I know you won’t.”
He started to walk toward the others when Michael said, “Do the others suspect this?”
Myles rose his brows and said, “Nervous about it?”
Michael said, “Just curious.”
Myles said, “Jesse thought he overheard something. It wasn’t proven. It still isn’t. Unless she gets hurt.”
Nodding, Michael said, “Thanks.”
He didn’t feel overjoyed, but knew Myles wouldn’t say a word. Now the main thing Michael had to decide was what to do next with Liz. He loved her, but was she ready to get married? She was skittish with guys from her mother’s experience. Could he ask?
He stood in the field and questioned this…what was he going to do next?
TBC…
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
Summary: Impulsive heated feelings cause Liz to act instead of sitting quietly…
Spoilers: None!
Part Ten—Thoughts of You
Saturday, January 6, 2001
~Six Months Later~
In six months, Liz had come to really grow fond of Michael. No. Fond was not the word. Close. She went to him to talk, to hang out, wanting to see what he was doing. It had become an all the time thing. Every night they took walks and shared several sneaky kisses whenever possible.
The problem was Liz couldn’t control the way she felt anymore. She thought she could. She’d tried. But the past week had become harder and tonight as she lay on her made bed with the fireplace blazing in her room, she sat up, laid back, thought about it, and finally made a decision.
It was dark outside. The hour was close to one in the morning. Liz couldn’t sleep. This wasn’t unusual anymore. Dressed in her sky blue nightgown, Liz opened her bedroom door and walked softly across the wooden hallway, watching to make sure Uncle Jesse and Aunt Winnie’s door stayed shut. It did. At the end of the hall she knocked once quietly then opened the door. Stepping in, she closed the door behind her.
There was Michael lying on his bed, his arms bent behind his head. He was resting. Was he asleep yet? Liz walked in the darkness of his room and said, “Michael? You awake?”
Michael opened his eyes immediately and sat up. He said, “Liz?”
Liz nodded, swallowed a little nervousness and walking to the edge of his bed, she said, “I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t. I haven’t been able to sleep in days. I had to come see you.”
Michael said, “Okay, but I doubt your aunt and uncle would like it.”
Liz surprised Michael by saying, “I’m not telling them. Are you?”
Shaking his head, Michael said, “Nope.” He patted the bed and said, “Have a seat.”
Liz sat across from Michael and looking at his hand that wasn’t far from hers she said, “Michael I keep thinking…thinking about you.”
Michael said, “I think about you too, Liz. A lot.” He smiled and laughed a little.
Liz looked up at Michael and spoke from her heart, “Michael I told you about my mom, about her being hurt.”
Nodding, Michael said, “Yeah.”
Liz saw that Michael was not very far from her and said honestly, “I was scared of being hurt too and I didn’t let any guy get very close to me. I was pretty careful.” Swallowing her fear of what he might think, she said, “But somehow, Michael, I’m not afraid anymore. I’m not afraid of you or of being close to you.”
Michael moved closer to Liz and touched her hair saying, “That’s good, Liz. Because I wouldn’t hurt you. Ever.”
Liz smiled into Michael’s eyes and said, “I know.” Touching Michael’s open tanned shirt with her fingers, Liz felt hair from his chest and smiled. She looked at his chest and saw what she had touched. Finally back into his eyes, she said, “I trust you, Michael. I love you.”
Michael was getting nervous by Liz’s declarations. Where was this going to? But he said honestly, “I love you too, Liz.”
Moving toward Michael where she was eye to eye with him, Liz opened her mouth and kissed his. She slid her fingers of both hands around his head, into his brown hair to be connected snugger with Michael. She initiated kissing him.
Surprised but not afraid of it, Michael held Liz and kissed her back, needing to kiss her again. Kissing her again.
Liz grabbed Michael’s hand and moved it to her nightgown, to the strings there. She kissed him again. Michael kissed her back, then stopped and said, “Liz what are we doing here?”
Liz spoke frankly, “Making love.”
Michael nodded, lost, and said, “That’s good because…what? What did you say?”
Liz said nervous now, “Making love.”
Michael was incredibly touched that Liz chose him, but he had to talk to her before doing anything that risky. So he set her back across from him on his bed. Pushing his hand through his hair he said, “Liz…”
Liz looked down at her hands and said, “What is it, Michael? Was I too aggressive?”
Michael said, “No, not aggressive. Surprising. Liz this is a huge decision that we should talk about before doing.”
Liz felt Michael’s words as criticism and moved off his bed. She said through tears, “I’m sorry. I felt ready to come in here…I thought you would want to be with me. I’m sorry, Michael.” She turned to leave his room, thoroughly embarrassed.
Michael climbed off his bed and walked to Liz. Putting his arms around her waist. He said, “Liz…”
Liz cried and said “Michael…” Turning around and looking up into his brown eyes, she said honestly, “Since we’ve been here, Michael, I have grown to really feel close to you. I decided to act instead of laying in my room another night, just thinking about it. It probably makes me sound incredibly bold and maybe sleazy too, but I had to come in here and tell you…because lying in my room felt pointless. I love you, Michael.” Liz finished with a smile.
Nothing could have been any more succinct or more heart-provoking to Michael than what Liz just said. She trusted him. She loved him. She needed to be with him. He felt every single one of those things for her and had for a long time. He’d thought of making love to her many times…many, many times. But he’d held it back because of her history, of her mother’s. Of never wanting to scare her or give off a rush impression. Because he wasn’t like that. He didn’t’ mind waiting for Liz. Since she was here tonight, and Michael knew that she wouldn’t be unless she was ready, he chose an action of his own.
Michael wiped away Liz’s tears and said, “I love you too, Liz. I’ve been restless too.” Michael locked his bedroom door and lowered his mouth to Liz’s. Pulling Liz closer to him, Michael kissed her again. Liz slid her arms beneath his, around his waist. She kissed him in return and the kiss became hotter.
Slowly they made it back to Michael’s bed. Seated next to each other, Liz looked over his shirt and finished unbuttoning the bottom three buttons that were left connected. Michael kissed her again and untied the tie at the top of her nightgown.
Curious, Liz pushed Michael’s shirt off his arms, off his body and looked. She looked at his tanned chest, his muscular arms. She observed what she’d fantasized about for weeks…hell for months. She smiled and said, “Wow, Michael.” She touched his bare skin with her hands.
Michael touched Liz’s hands, up her slender arms, over her shoulders. He wanted to touch more. He glanced at her. Liz said, “It’s okay.”
Michael let his hands go over her breasts. The touch of his long fingers, sexy hands over them had Liz biting her lips. Michael bit his own tongue to fight back his own reaction.
Working with clothes and with their feelings, Michael and Liz made love for the first time in his bed that night….
The following Saturday…
All the next week, Liz and Michael were busy. Michael was outside with Myles and Jesse and Angus working in the field, Liz inside with her aunts and grandma. Babysitting some for Aunt Winnie. She and Michael were only together one night, but all that week, Liz wondered if anyone in her Aunt Winnie and Uncle Jesse’s house knew. Did either know?
When it came time to do washing, Liz hurriedly grabbed the sheets to be sure they didn’t see the sheets Michael had thrown in the hamper in his bedroom. She was fearful of their reaction if they discovered the truth. So far her family acted the same as they had before.
If anything though she and Michael had grown closer. When they were alone, Liz felt a need to be next to him, for him to hold her. Liz was emotional and needed Michael’s times when he hugged her, when he would kiss her, to know that he still cared about her. To keep from feeling insecure. He did both and to Liz’s happy surprise he did it because he wanted to. She saw no forced acts with Michael. He held her; he kissed her, because he chose to. They’d talked about it several times because Liz needed to share her feelings. Michael had suffered through it, Liz thought smiling in remembrance. But he had been really great. Liz knew that he loved her that what he said a week ago in his room had been from his heart.
Michael however was getting a lecture Liz was unaware of.
Working in the field that Saturday with Myles and Jesse and Angus, Michael helped prepare last things before snowfall. When Jesse and Angus had moved to another faraway spot, Myles looked at Michael and said flat out, “What’s up with you and my niece?”
Michael said plainly, “Up?”
Myles said, “I’m not dumb. Jesse overheard the two of you that night, Michael. So my question is what are you going to do?”
Michael said shocked, “What am I going to do?”
Myles followed Michael as he worked and worked with him saying, “You sure aren’t going to treat her like a quick Suzy.”
Michael leveled his eyes on Myles’s and said, “I don’t treat someone I love like a quickie. But so you know, I don’t take demands from people either. I make my own decisions and what I do with Liz, what happens next, is our business.” Michael added directly.
Myles said, “If she finds herself pregnant then it becomes my business.”
Michael nearly looked another direction out of fear of this, but instead stayed focused and said, “I hear you. Again, if that happens, I’ll deal with it. You won’t be part of that dealing. Not you, Jesse, none of you. No offense but I see my relationship with Liz to be private.”
Myles said, “I like you, Michael. We all do. But I love Liz. She’s my niece.”
Michael said, “I know that. I’m not going to hurt her. I love her.”
Myles nodded and said, “Then I know you won’t.”
He started to walk toward the others when Michael said, “Do the others suspect this?”
Myles rose his brows and said, “Nervous about it?”
Michael said, “Just curious.”
Myles said, “Jesse thought he overheard something. It wasn’t proven. It still isn’t. Unless she gets hurt.”
Nodding, Michael said, “Thanks.”
He didn’t feel overjoyed, but knew Myles wouldn’t say a word. Now the main thing Michael had to decide was what to do next with Liz. He loved her, but was she ready to get married? She was skittish with guys from her mother’s experience. Could he ask?
He stood in the field and questioned this…what was he going to do next?
TBC…
"The truth is out there."
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angelrose242000
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Re-The Real Me
The Real Me
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
A/N: Sorry it has taken this long! I've been busy in school...
Part Eleven--A Cabin of My Own
Friday, February 2, 2001
~Two Weeks Later~
Michael had thought and thought about asking Liz to talk about their future together. But he'd been afraid to. Then everyone gone busy with winter chores and time to talk slipped away.
Watching Liz wash the kitchen table, alone in the kitchen, and having a minute, Michael walked over in his winter coat and said, "Liz, do you have a minute?"
Liz looked up at Michael and smiled saying, "Sure." She put the wash rag back on the sink, grabbed her jacket, and walked with him outside to the back porch. Sitting together, Liz said, "What is it?"
Michael took a deep breath and said, "I've been wanting to talk to you about us. About what I've been thinking of here lately." Turning to Liz, Michael touched her cheek with his hand and said, "I love you."
Liz kept her eyes on Michael's as she said, "I love you too, Michael." He looked scared. Liz became nervous by the fear she saw in his brown eyes.
Michael looked downward and confessed, "Ever since we moved here, Liz, I've felt like I'm a part, like this is my home too."
Liz nodded and touching his knee with her hand she said, "You should. It is."
Michael looked at Liz and said, "I never believed I'd feel a part of a family, Liz. But I do with your family. They treat me like I'm another Tuck."
Liz smiled largely. Seeing Michael¡¦s heart that he was showing in his eyes and his fumbling hands, Liz turned more into Michael and said, "Michael..."
Michael looked at Liz and confessed, "Liz I want to move here. I want to build a cabin and stay here."
Liz continued to smile, glad that Michael wanted to be here. She said, "That sounds wonderful, Michael. I'm sure my uncles would help."
Michael nodded and said, "Liz I want to build the cabin for me...and for you. I want to marry you."
Liz's eyes showed shock, but inside she was excited. Michael saw the shock and thought it was fear.
He said nervously, "I know that your mom was hurt, but you know I wouldn't hurt you. I love you, Liz. I like this place and your family. I can imagine little Liz's running around the house and wild and crazy Michael's chasing and playing with them." He really enjoyed that visual. Smiling he rubbed his hands together, though he really didn't feel cold. He was warm and in love with the brunette beside him who by following her north had shown him happiness for the first time in his life.
Liz moved closer to Michael and said, "We need to get busy then, planning."
Michael said, "Liz?"
Liz laughed warmly and said, "Yes! Yes, Michael, I'll marry you. I love you. Get some courage back, Guerin. You're going to need it when we talk to my family."
Michael took stock in that remark, thinking it was pretty damn accurate¡K
.........~~~~~~..........~~~~~~.........~~~~~~...........~~~~~~.........~~~~~~
Telling her family wasn¡¦t that hard. It happened in one setting with the entire Tuck family, at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. They were all thrilled and willing to give a hand in building the cabin. Michael looked relieved to Liz. She felt him put his arm around her waist and put hers around his.
Plans began and Liz was busy with her aunts and Grandma doing the "girl prep" that all women she was told did before getting married. Which in Liz's family, that meant talking. Lots and lots of talking about her relationship and her feelings for Michael. Then their kind comments about what a nice guy he was.
When everything was happy and excitable and they were getting the cabin drawn on pages and started with wood from the lumber store in Harpersville, Liz's mother called and laid some news to Liz that she hadn't expected. None of them had. Hearing it had Liz sitting in the kitchen chair, holding the phone, and shaking. News of the Tucks was conveyed to Liz and she had no idea of it before. It was a large secret--something Liz felt kept from and wondered why and what Michael would think about it--about any of it or any of them when he found out...
Pacing outside her Aunt Winnie¡¦s bedroom, Liz muttered to herself. Uncle Jesse walked up to her and said, "You in a short distance race, Lizzie?"
Liz looked up instantly at her uncle's warm, fun tone of voice. She loved him. She saw him as a cool guy and had always seen him as like a best friend. Uncle Myles too. Since being in town, Liz had grown closer yet to all of them. Now she knew something personal, something important, something that scared her because she didn¡¦t know about it before and knew very little about it now. Secrets weren't part of this family's way of living. They were close and shared things. So why would this be kept out, why would she and Michael be left in the dark?
Scared, Liz backed up to the wall and said, "Um...no. I just needed to talk to Aunt Winnie."
Jesse said, "She's over at your grandma's right now. Want to talk to me about it?"
Liz gave him a strange look--did he know? Breathing in and out, Liz said, "I..."
Jesse said, "You okay, Lizzie?" Seeing her shakiness, he said, "Come on..." He walked with her to the kitchen and sat at the table.
Liz looked at the wooden longish table and said, "I'm sorry, Uncle Jesse..."
Jesse leveled his blue eyes on Liz and said, "Hey, you don't have any reason to say that. Now what's going on?"
Liz turned another direction and said, "I talked to my mother earlier...she called."
Jesse patted her shoulder and said, "And?"
Liz bit her lower lip and said, "She told me something." Turning to Jesse she said, "Why didn't you guys tell me?"
Jesse said, "Tell you...tell you what, Liz?"
Liz felt the pain in her throat, knowing she felt deceived and it hurt. She knew she was going to cry but was fighting it strongly. She needed to stay in control, long enough to get Uncle Jesse to tell her the truth. If Aunt Winnie was gone, then Uncle Jesse could tell her. She had a right to know.
"My mother told me that you all drank from some spring and...and that it caused you to live eternally. Is that true?"
Jesse let out a deep breath now and said, "Lizzie I can't talk to you about this now."
Liz said directly, "You better tell me!"
Surprised, Jesse was about to say something but Liz continued.
Liz said flatly, "I have a right to know about this! I live here. I'm about to get married to Michael and he's going to be a part of this family. For eighteen years I thought that you all just looked youthful...I hoped I'd look like you when I got older...but I never thought of why. Now I wonder and you are going to tell me the truth. Now, Uncle Jesse. Please..."
Jesse wanted the entire family there to say what happened but since Liz was needing the truth, he told her. He explained about the Spring and finding it. About them all drinking from it. He told the good and the bad of this discovery. The moves after people grew curious. How safe they finally felt here. His hopes that it would stay that way, but his prediction that it wouldn't and they would have to leave, one day.
Liz said, "My mother is in her early forties. How can you be so different?"
Jesse said, "Your mother chose not to drink from it. We were going to tell you...she could have let us do it."
Liz nodded and said, "I am not going to say anything. I love you all. But how can I tell Michael?"
A voice replied, "So what does this mean? Does this mean that Liz has the right to choose as well?"
Turning, Liz saw Michael standing near the doorway. She became frightened of what he was thinking in his brain and what his heart was feeling. She knew hers was still shocked and dealing. Michael trusted so very little. Now he knew about a secret that was deliberately kept hidden. What was he thinking...feeling? Liz wondered.
Jesse stood and said, "She has the right to choose. You do too."
Michael looked so matter-of-fact, Liz thought. She saw his eyes on her uncle's and his on Michael's. Neither were afraid, neither broke away.
Michael replied, "I'm choosing to marry Liz. I love her. But do I choose to drink from some spring and live forever? I don't know about that yet."
Jesse shrugged and said, "It's up to you, Michael. I'm shocked that Liz's mother told her like that. We were going to tell her and you."
Liz stood now and said, "I don't know why she told me...maybe it was because I'm here and she's mad. But that's not the point. Uncle Jesse I do know. I'm marrying Michael. If we choose not to drink from it, what does that mean?"
Jesse said, "Nothing. Except you will die one day like everyone else...except us."
Jesse felt alone in this confession and said, "I have some things to work on, but we can talk about this more later, if you want to." With the entire family.
Both nodded as Jesse left.
Alone, Liz looked at the floor and said, "So do you think my family are freaks now?"
Michael shook his head and said, "No. Why would I think that?"
Liz looked up and said, "I don't think they meant to lie to me. They were trying to be careful."
Michael said, "I know about being secretive, Liz. I kept a secret for years that my step dad was an abusive bastard."
Liz walked over toward Michael and said, "I'm sorry, Michael."
Michael put his arms around Liz and kissing her on the top of her head he said, "Hey, stop it. I'm not mad at anyone. I still like your family."
He looked earnestly at Liz as he said that.
Liz smiled and said, "I love you."
Michael said, "I love you too." They shared a kiss and a hug. Then got busy talking more about the wedding...and when they could, they talked about the Spring. More would have to be shared about that. It was now a curiosity and Michael and Liz wanted to know more about it...
TBC...
(Michael/Liz)
By, Angie
Rating: Mature
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!
A/N: Sorry it has taken this long! I've been busy in school...
Part Eleven--A Cabin of My Own
Friday, February 2, 2001
~Two Weeks Later~
Michael had thought and thought about asking Liz to talk about their future together. But he'd been afraid to. Then everyone gone busy with winter chores and time to talk slipped away.
Watching Liz wash the kitchen table, alone in the kitchen, and having a minute, Michael walked over in his winter coat and said, "Liz, do you have a minute?"
Liz looked up at Michael and smiled saying, "Sure." She put the wash rag back on the sink, grabbed her jacket, and walked with him outside to the back porch. Sitting together, Liz said, "What is it?"
Michael took a deep breath and said, "I've been wanting to talk to you about us. About what I've been thinking of here lately." Turning to Liz, Michael touched her cheek with his hand and said, "I love you."
Liz kept her eyes on Michael's as she said, "I love you too, Michael." He looked scared. Liz became nervous by the fear she saw in his brown eyes.
Michael looked downward and confessed, "Ever since we moved here, Liz, I've felt like I'm a part, like this is my home too."
Liz nodded and touching his knee with her hand she said, "You should. It is."
Michael looked at Liz and said, "I never believed I'd feel a part of a family, Liz. But I do with your family. They treat me like I'm another Tuck."
Liz smiled largely. Seeing Michael¡¦s heart that he was showing in his eyes and his fumbling hands, Liz turned more into Michael and said, "Michael..."
Michael looked at Liz and confessed, "Liz I want to move here. I want to build a cabin and stay here."
Liz continued to smile, glad that Michael wanted to be here. She said, "That sounds wonderful, Michael. I'm sure my uncles would help."
Michael nodded and said, "Liz I want to build the cabin for me...and for you. I want to marry you."
Liz's eyes showed shock, but inside she was excited. Michael saw the shock and thought it was fear.
He said nervously, "I know that your mom was hurt, but you know I wouldn't hurt you. I love you, Liz. I like this place and your family. I can imagine little Liz's running around the house and wild and crazy Michael's chasing and playing with them." He really enjoyed that visual. Smiling he rubbed his hands together, though he really didn't feel cold. He was warm and in love with the brunette beside him who by following her north had shown him happiness for the first time in his life.
Liz moved closer to Michael and said, "We need to get busy then, planning."
Michael said, "Liz?"
Liz laughed warmly and said, "Yes! Yes, Michael, I'll marry you. I love you. Get some courage back, Guerin. You're going to need it when we talk to my family."
Michael took stock in that remark, thinking it was pretty damn accurate¡K
.........~~~~~~..........~~~~~~.........~~~~~~...........~~~~~~.........~~~~~~
Telling her family wasn¡¦t that hard. It happened in one setting with the entire Tuck family, at Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. They were all thrilled and willing to give a hand in building the cabin. Michael looked relieved to Liz. She felt him put his arm around her waist and put hers around his.
Plans began and Liz was busy with her aunts and Grandma doing the "girl prep" that all women she was told did before getting married. Which in Liz's family, that meant talking. Lots and lots of talking about her relationship and her feelings for Michael. Then their kind comments about what a nice guy he was.
When everything was happy and excitable and they were getting the cabin drawn on pages and started with wood from the lumber store in Harpersville, Liz's mother called and laid some news to Liz that she hadn't expected. None of them had. Hearing it had Liz sitting in the kitchen chair, holding the phone, and shaking. News of the Tucks was conveyed to Liz and she had no idea of it before. It was a large secret--something Liz felt kept from and wondered why and what Michael would think about it--about any of it or any of them when he found out...
Pacing outside her Aunt Winnie¡¦s bedroom, Liz muttered to herself. Uncle Jesse walked up to her and said, "You in a short distance race, Lizzie?"
Liz looked up instantly at her uncle's warm, fun tone of voice. She loved him. She saw him as a cool guy and had always seen him as like a best friend. Uncle Myles too. Since being in town, Liz had grown closer yet to all of them. Now she knew something personal, something important, something that scared her because she didn¡¦t know about it before and knew very little about it now. Secrets weren't part of this family's way of living. They were close and shared things. So why would this be kept out, why would she and Michael be left in the dark?
Scared, Liz backed up to the wall and said, "Um...no. I just needed to talk to Aunt Winnie."
Jesse said, "She's over at your grandma's right now. Want to talk to me about it?"
Liz gave him a strange look--did he know? Breathing in and out, Liz said, "I..."
Jesse said, "You okay, Lizzie?" Seeing her shakiness, he said, "Come on..." He walked with her to the kitchen and sat at the table.
Liz looked at the wooden longish table and said, "I'm sorry, Uncle Jesse..."
Jesse leveled his blue eyes on Liz and said, "Hey, you don't have any reason to say that. Now what's going on?"
Liz turned another direction and said, "I talked to my mother earlier...she called."
Jesse patted her shoulder and said, "And?"
Liz bit her lower lip and said, "She told me something." Turning to Jesse she said, "Why didn't you guys tell me?"
Jesse said, "Tell you...tell you what, Liz?"
Liz felt the pain in her throat, knowing she felt deceived and it hurt. She knew she was going to cry but was fighting it strongly. She needed to stay in control, long enough to get Uncle Jesse to tell her the truth. If Aunt Winnie was gone, then Uncle Jesse could tell her. She had a right to know.
"My mother told me that you all drank from some spring and...and that it caused you to live eternally. Is that true?"
Jesse let out a deep breath now and said, "Lizzie I can't talk to you about this now."
Liz said directly, "You better tell me!"
Surprised, Jesse was about to say something but Liz continued.
Liz said flatly, "I have a right to know about this! I live here. I'm about to get married to Michael and he's going to be a part of this family. For eighteen years I thought that you all just looked youthful...I hoped I'd look like you when I got older...but I never thought of why. Now I wonder and you are going to tell me the truth. Now, Uncle Jesse. Please..."
Jesse wanted the entire family there to say what happened but since Liz was needing the truth, he told her. He explained about the Spring and finding it. About them all drinking from it. He told the good and the bad of this discovery. The moves after people grew curious. How safe they finally felt here. His hopes that it would stay that way, but his prediction that it wouldn't and they would have to leave, one day.
Liz said, "My mother is in her early forties. How can you be so different?"
Jesse said, "Your mother chose not to drink from it. We were going to tell you...she could have let us do it."
Liz nodded and said, "I am not going to say anything. I love you all. But how can I tell Michael?"
A voice replied, "So what does this mean? Does this mean that Liz has the right to choose as well?"
Turning, Liz saw Michael standing near the doorway. She became frightened of what he was thinking in his brain and what his heart was feeling. She knew hers was still shocked and dealing. Michael trusted so very little. Now he knew about a secret that was deliberately kept hidden. What was he thinking...feeling? Liz wondered.
Jesse stood and said, "She has the right to choose. You do too."
Michael looked so matter-of-fact, Liz thought. She saw his eyes on her uncle's and his on Michael's. Neither were afraid, neither broke away.
Michael replied, "I'm choosing to marry Liz. I love her. But do I choose to drink from some spring and live forever? I don't know about that yet."
Jesse shrugged and said, "It's up to you, Michael. I'm shocked that Liz's mother told her like that. We were going to tell her and you."
Liz stood now and said, "I don't know why she told me...maybe it was because I'm here and she's mad. But that's not the point. Uncle Jesse I do know. I'm marrying Michael. If we choose not to drink from it, what does that mean?"
Jesse said, "Nothing. Except you will die one day like everyone else...except us."
Jesse felt alone in this confession and said, "I have some things to work on, but we can talk about this more later, if you want to." With the entire family.
Both nodded as Jesse left.
Alone, Liz looked at the floor and said, "So do you think my family are freaks now?"
Michael shook his head and said, "No. Why would I think that?"
Liz looked up and said, "I don't think they meant to lie to me. They were trying to be careful."
Michael said, "I know about being secretive, Liz. I kept a secret for years that my step dad was an abusive bastard."
Liz walked over toward Michael and said, "I'm sorry, Michael."
Michael put his arms around Liz and kissing her on the top of her head he said, "Hey, stop it. I'm not mad at anyone. I still like your family."
He looked earnestly at Liz as he said that.
Liz smiled and said, "I love you."
Michael said, "I love you too." They shared a kiss and a hug. Then got busy talking more about the wedding...and when they could, they talked about the Spring. More would have to be shared about that. It was now a curiosity and Michael and Liz wanted to know more about it...
TBC...
"The truth is out there."
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!
Come nominate your favourites at Crossovers!