Author: Icequeen
Category M/L (Some A/I)
Rating: Adult
Disclaimer: I don't own anything roswell except for season 1 and 2 on DVD. The characters of Roswell belong to Melinda Metz, the WB, and UPN
Summary: One fateful night changed everything for two friends since college Max Evans and Liz Parker. Will trying to raise their daughter together come between there friendship or will something either of them expected bring them closer together? ( i know i know another M/L best friends fic but i'll try my best to make this one different
)Anything is Italics is a flashback
A/N: Thanks Kris for the kick ass banner!!!! Thanks Fran and Lissa for telling me that it's good and making me post
There will be ANGST. This is not a fluff piece by any means.
~~Chapter1~~
“Dad I can’t find my pink sneakers.”
“Look under the bed honey we’re running late.”
“I’m not going until I find my pink shoes.” I walk in the bedroom and see my daughter sitting on her bed with her arms crossed. She’s dressed in her uniform and I see that Liz did her hair the way she likes but where the hell are her pink sneakers?
“Sweetie why don’t you wear these instead?” I hold up a pair of white Reeboks with pink laces. I see the tears forming in her eyes and I know that I need to find those damn sneakers.
“Why don’t you go down and have some breakfast ok and I’ll find your shoes.” I brush the tears from her face and place a kiss on her head before she walks down the stairs.
~~
“You ready for your first day?” I ask as I see her plop down on the stool.
“No. Dad has to find my pink shoes first or else I’m not going.”
“Oh really, well eat your breakfast and I’ll see if I can’t find those shoes.” I hand her a bowl of oatmeal and head upstairs to help Max find the shoes.
“You know she’s stalling right?” I ask when I see Max looking under the bed for her shoes.
“What? Why?” He stands up and smoothes out his clothes.
“I saw her hiding them last night. She’s scared to be in a new school Max.” I go over to her toy chest and find the shoes underneath all her dolls.
“She didn’t say anything to me last night. I thought she’d be excited. This is a good opportunity for her.” I see him fixing his hair in the mirror and hold back a laugh. Such a prima Donna.
“She doesn’t want to tell you that’s all. Besides, she‘s 6 she doesn‘t understand that this is a better school for her. She was getting used to her old school.” Alana was getting to good at hiding her feelings from us.
“It’s only the first grade. She’ll be fine. She can still see her old friends.” He smiles at me and he doesn’t get it.
“Max she’s getting older now. Things are changing.” He looks at me and I can tell he doesn’t know what I mean.
“Look let’s talk about his tonight I’ve go to head to work. I’ll make dinner come over around 7.” I give him a quick peck on the cheek and go check on Alana.
“Ok sweetheart, I have to go but I found your shoes.” I hand them to her and hold back my laughter when I see her face. She’s wondering how we found them.
“Dad’s going to drop you’re off but I’ll be there to pick you up ok?” When I see her nod I give her a kiss and grab my bag for work.
~Max~
“Alright sweetie you ready?”
“Yeah, I’m ready.” She doesn’t try to hide the lack of enthusiasm.
“It’s going to be great you’ll see.” I try to smile and make her feel better but I know my daughter and she’s not buying it.
We pull up to her new school and I get an uneasy feeling. It’s a great school and I’m happy Alana is going here but, I don’t want her to become into one of these step ford kids I see walking around. I cut the engine off and walk around to help her out.
“I’m only going to walk you to your class today so don’t worry.” I know she hates when I do this but it is a new school and I’d feel better walking her myself.
“I don’t mind dad.” That breaks my heart. I now know that she’s scared shitless. She squeezes my hand as much as she can as we walk up the steps and into the school.
“Dad those ladies are looking at you.” She points to a group of what I assume are mothers dropping their kids off.
“No there not.” I turn to see what she’s talking about and sure enough she’s right. I give them a small smile and continue to walk into the school.
I drop her off at her class making sure she‘s settled then head to work. I work in the family business. We build high rises and lately my father has moved us into doing takeovers. I’m the face of the company. Lucky me.
“Morning Max.” My personal assistant and my best friend Michael‘s wife greets me.
“Here’s your paper, your messages are on your desk, your father wants to see you and I picked up your shirts from the cleaners.” She says it in one breath and hands me my coffee. She’s a Godsend.
“Thank you Maria.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. I’ve known her for years and I would be lost without her.
I’m checking my e-mails when my father barges in my office.
“Morning dad.” I say sarcastically. I hate when he does that.
“Max.” He sits on the leather couch and signals me to join him.
“What is it dad I’m busy.” I really am busy and he should know that.
“I need you to come over to the house tonight. I have some things to talk to you about.”
“Can’t. I’m having dinner with Liz. We have some things to discuss.” I know that’s not good enough for him but I’m not postponing this dinner.
“Well you can discuss them later or tomorrow this is important.”
“Not more important then my daughter. Whatever it is you have to say tell me now or wait till tomorrow.” He knows better then to ask me to cancel anything regarding Alana.
“Is something wrong with my granddaughter?” At least the old man has a soft spot for her. He fell in love the second he saw her contrary to all the crap he talked while Liz was pregnant.
“No nothings wrong she’s just getting old her and well you know.” I look up at him.
“Ahhhh I see. So what are you going to do about it? I knew this arrangement was going to cause a problem. I warned you about this.” I try to stop myself from rolling my eyes at him
“Dad please. We’ve been over this already. Everything is fine ok. I have some work to do I’ll see you later.” I get up and walk to my desk. Conversation over.
~~Liz~~
“How was your first day babe?”
“It was good. I made a new friend can she come over one day?” I’m so glad that she’s made a friend.
“Sure sweetie. Let’s get home and get you out of the uniform.” She smiles at me and we head home.
“You hungry?” I ask and she nods yes. I make her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and cut it into a star shape while she goes up and changes.
I’m glad that she’s made a friend but sooner or later they will start to ask questions about her mom and dad primarily why we don’t live together and if we are married. It’s never come up before but she’s starting to ask more and more questions and I want to be prepared for when she does.
The rest of the afternoon goes by quickly and I’m getting Alana ready for her bath when Max comes in.
“Daddy!” She screeches when she heard him drop his keys on the table. It’s funny how she knows it’s him.
He comes in the bathroom and kneels down next to me while I wash her hair.
“How was my baby’s first day?”
“It was good dad. I made a new friend and mom said she can come over.” She was so excited.
“That’s great baby. Do you like your teacher?” He asked.
“She’s ok.” I sense something there but I leave it alone.
“Just ok? Well as long as she’s nice right?” I see her give him a wide smile and sit back and watch the two of them together. Even though she wasn’t planned and Max and I were never a couple she is the best thing in my life and I know I can say the same for Max. I remember the day I told him that I was pregnant as if it were yesterday.
“Max I need to talk to you.” I sat on the chair across from his desk. I didn’t want to tell him here but I couldn’t wait any longer.
“What’s wrong?” He could always tell when something was wrong with me.
“Well, you remember the new year’s party?” What am I talking about of course he remembers. It was only a few weeks ago and one of the biggest parties we’ve ever been to.
“Liz of course I do. What is this about?” Shit he’s worried now.
“Well ,you know how that night we um we uh well you know what we did.” I feel like a child I can’t even say the words.
“Yeah Liz, I know what we did. What’s up?” he really has no clue.
“Well, I’m pregnant.” I blurt it out and I see his mouth literally hanging open.
“I’ve known for a few days now. I wanted to make sure I knew what I wanted before I told you. I’m going to keep the baby, and I’m not forcing you to do anything. You can be involved as much or as little as you want or not at all. I just wanted to let you know.” I’m glad I got that out.
“Wow, this is um sudden. Are you sure? I mean you went to the doctor already?” I don’t get mad because I know he’s in shock
“Yeah, I did a home test as well as a blood test to make sure. I’m going to go now but call me whenever you’ve made your decision ok. And I’m not going to get mad whatever you decide. I know you didn’t mean for this to happen but, in a way I’m glad that it did.” I walked out of his office and waited for him to call. Two days later he showed up at my house.
“Hey, can I come in?” I let him in and we both sat on the sofa. We talked pretty much all night and decided to raise this baby together. Well ,not entirely together but we would share responsibility for him or her.
To make things easier we each bought townhouses next door to each other. Max would come with me to all my Lamaze classes and helped decorate the nursery. For the first six months of Alana’s life he moved in with me to make things easier. I think he didn’t want to miss anything either.
When he moved back out we set up a nursery at his house so he can take her overnight also. We talked everything out and worked well together. We had been friends for years so it came naturally to us. We never talked about the things we said to each other on that fateful night. In a way I was glad that he never brought it up.
I’m now sitting downstairs while Max reads her a bedtime story. She loves when he does it because he makes different voices for all the characters. I suck at that. Half hour later he comes down looking like he’s about to fall asleep himself.
“She made you lay with her didn’t she?” I ask him as he settles next to me on the couch.
“Yeah. Something’s up with her.” I agree.
“I know. You want something to eat?” I ask already half way to the kitchen.
“Thanks.” I had him a plate of food and wait for him to start eating before I begin to talk.
“So, I’ve been thinking and we never discussed how to handle certain questions that are going to be coming up soon.” He puts his fork down and wipes his mouth.
“I know. What do you think?” He always asks what I think first. I hate that.
“Well, we need to explain things to Alana first and make her understand. Once she feels comfortable her friends will be fine with it. We just need to agree on what to tell her.”
“We can just tell her that mom and dad love each other but we are not in love with each other.” He says it like it’s so simple.
“Max she’s 6 she’s not going to understand that.” He knows I’m right and takes in a deep breath.
“Ok so what do you think we should say?” How I wish I could really tell him what I think but that was complicate things so much more.
“Now that I think about it your right she’s smart I’m sure she will understand.” I can’t look at him now and pretend to wash the dishes.
“ Are you alright?” He stands next to me with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Yeah I’m fine. We’ll talk to her this weekend ok? We can take her to the park or something.” I just want him to leave now before I loose my cool.
“Ok I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He comes over every morning to help get Alana ready for school. He’s been doing it since kindergarten and hasn’t missed a day.
I finish rinsing the dishes and get myself ready for bed.
~~
“Liz, there someone in your office waiting for you. He said he’s an old acquaintance quite handsome may I add.” My assistant tells me as soon as I get into the office. Wondering who the hell it could be I walk into my office.
“Elizabeth is it possible that you have gotten even more beautiful since I last saw you?” I see Jake Connors standing there in all his glory. To say he is handsome is a major understatement. He‘s tall tan and blonde and has a brain. He‘s just too damn cocky for my taste. I hadn’t seen him in years.
“Jake what are you doing here?” I give him a hug and practically squeezes the life out of me with his strong arms.
“I can’t come by and see you? You know you broke my heart the last time we saw each other.” Like anyone could break his heart.
“Oh Please stop it. You know that you and I would never work.” He knows this so we kid around a bit. We dated briefly a while back before I had Alana.
“Ok the real reason I came is that I’m throwing a party in town and I came to the best.” He winks at me and he still has his charm.
“What brings you back to Boston I thought you were harassing women in Europe?” He both laugh.
“My sister is getting married so you know what that means.” Since his father passed away Jake has been the man of the family taking care of his sister and mother.
“Oh wow tell her congratulations for me.” I hadn’t seen her in years. I bumped into her two years ago but she and I don’t have a lot in common. Maybe because she’s a socialite and I‘m a work-a-holic.
“Why don’t you tell her yourself? Come to the house this weekend, we are having a get together before the wedding. I’m sure my mom will be glad to see you.” I want to say yes but I can’t. So much has changed.
“Thank you but no. I can’t I’m sorry.” I put on my chef’s jacket hoping that he gets the point and leaves soon.
“It’s just a party not a date.” He winks at me. Maybe I should drop by just to say hello to his mother.
“Ok maybe I’ll stop by for a few. Give me the details and I’ll be there.” I hand him a notebook so he can write down the time and address.
“Nonsense I’ll pick you up. Give me you address.” Shit how am I going to get around this one?
“No no it’s fine I’ll meet you there.” I push the notepad back towards him wishing he would just write the address down.
“Ok.” He shakes his head and writes down the information. Now I have to tell Max without him asking 20 questions. I decide that the best way to deal with Max is to feed him. He has a major sweet tooth and lucky for me I’m an excellent baker.
~~~~
I make it to my parents’ house and as soon as I walk into the house I feel apprehensive. I didn’t have a bad childhood per say but it wasn’t the best. I know I shouldn’t complain we had money and I had all the toys I wanted I just didn’t have the kind of parents I really wanted. I was raised by a nanny. That’s why when I decided to be apart of my child’s life I was in all the way. I was going to be there for her all the time even if it bugged her.
The maid takes my jacket and leads me to my fathers study.
“Max I’m glad you made it.” He almost sounds happy to see me. He wants something.
“Dad.” He pours me some brandy and I take a seat.
“I’m going to get right to the point here.” Shit this is going to go well. Not!
“Yeah dad please I would like to get home soon.”
“You know about the takeover that the company is planning.” He knows that I know. What is his problem?
“Yeah and?” What the hell does he want?
“Well I need you to be move involved in this deal. I’m going to a benefit and I’d like you to attend with me.” I know he has a hidden agenda. He never asks me to attend functions like this.
“Dad you know I don’t like attending those kinds of things. It’s not me.”
“I’m not asking you Max. I’ll have someone deliver the invitation to you office tomorrow morning.”
“Fine. Is there anything else?”
“Yes. I need you to speak at the ground breaking for the new high rises downtown.”
“I am the face of the company aren’t I?” I hate these things but I have to do them. No one wants to see my dad at these things yeah I’m being used but so what. It’s for a good cause.
“Good night Max.” He pats me on the back and I crack a smile.
When I get home I see that Liz is still up. I’m pissed because I missed putting Alana to bed. I quickly change out of my work clothes and head over there. When I walk in the smell of whatever she’s baking smacks me in the face. She knows how much I love sweets.
“Max, I’m in the kitchen.” She calls to me and I bee line over there.
“Damn that smells good what is it?” I see her take something out of the oven.
“I have some made up over there taste it.” I pick up the pastry and take a bite. It’s pure heaven.
“You make the best desserts.” I say before I devour whatever it is that I’m eating. When I look around the kitchen I see that there are a few things that she’s made and they are all desserts.
“What’s going on?” I ask her knowing that something is up. She never cooks like this unless she’s nervous or upset about something.
“Well I did want to talk to you about something.” She’s biting her lip. This can’t be good.
TBC?????? Please let me know what you think
