Thanks guys for all the FB.
~~Chapter 21~~
It’s been a month and a half since Max fell into the coma and it hasn’t gotten any easier. Thanksgiving was a sad holiday. We tried to make it as normal as possible for Alana but none of us was in the mood to celebrate. We made a turkey and went over to Isabel and Alex’s but it wasn’t the same. When it came time to give thanks it took all my strength to not cry, I’m sure we all felt the same way.
It’s already December and usually by this time we would have a tree already. I haven’t even thought about going shopping. I’m going to wait a few weeks and get a tree, Alana has been asking about it and I want to make things as normal as I can for her.
Diane went to see Max and Philip went with her. I guess he thought she would say something to Max and didn’t want to take a chance. She spent two hours with him then left to the Bahamas again. I’m upset that she did that but I know that she didn’t feel wanted and that’s why she left. She’s never been close to her children but Max especially. Max fights with his father but he’s close to him. I just hope that the divorce goes smoothly so Philip can move on from that situation.
She asked about Isabel but Iz didn’t want to see her. Philip had Isabel at least call her to say hello and she did.
“Mommy can we get a tree for dad’s room? A little one mommy.” Alana just finished her homework and we are helping with dinner.
“We’ll see baby but I think your dad will like that.” She’s always thinking of him. She wanted to bring his blanket from his room saying that he will be more comfortable with it. We bought a few things from his house mostly pictures that he had that were his favorites of Alana. She insisted on bringing some pictures of me too so we did that.
“Ok honey dinner is almost ready go up and wash your hands ok.” She hops off the stool and goes to the bathroom.
Philip is working late tonight so it’s just Alana and I for dinner. The house feels so empty even though he’s only one other person. I don’t know how he used to stay here alone every night.
After our visit with Max I double checked if we could bring in a small artificial tree into his room and the nurse said it was ok. Tomorrow Alana and I will go shopping and get one.
~~
“It’s almost Christmas.”
“I know sweetheart.”
“I want you to be here with us Max.”
“I will be.”
“Don’t make empty promises.”
“Do you doubt me?” His hands hover just above my lips.
“No. I’m sorry I’m just frustrated.” He smiles and lies back down next to me.
“I know. It’s ok. God how is it that you get more beautiful every time I see you?”
“Stop. I look like hell.”
“No you don’t you look radiant.”
“Yeah right.” I reach out to touch him but hold back a little not wanting him to vanish again like very other time.
“You can touch me. It’s ok. My time is almost up.”
“What? What do you mean by that?” I sit up staring into his eyes. I feel the tears form in mine. He can’t mean what I think he means.
“Its fine I promise. Everything will be fine. Trust me. Have faith Liz, always have faith.”
“Max please, tell me what you mean.” He runs his hands through my hair and brings his lips to mine. I open my mouth welcoming his tongue. I need him …all of him.
“I have to go for now.”
“What?! NO!” He stands up and walks a few steps before turning back to look at me one last time.
“Faith and love Liz. That’s all you need.” I want to run after him but I’m stuck in place. I watch him disappear into the horizon and lay back down breaking down into sobs.
I usually wake up right after he disappears but this time I didn’t wake up until my alarm clock went off. I roll over and turn the alarm off before getting my sippers on.
Today is Friday and Alana is going to a sleepover tonight. I get all her things ready and make her some breakfast before going up to see if she’s ready to go yet.
“Baby you have all your things for tonight? We have to bring them now because you are going to go home with Amy’s mommy after school ok?” I grab her toothbrush and special bubble gum toothpaste and place them into her pink Hello Kitty suitcase.
“Yes mommy I have everything.” I see her looking up at me like she wants to say something.
“What is it Alana. You don’t want to go?”
“No, I want to go but will daddy be sad if I don’t go see him? I don’t want him to be sad.”
“Baby your dad will understand. Everything will be ok; you can see him as soon as I pick you up tomorrow ok?” She smiles and gives me a hug before heading downstairs.
~~
“Liz you need to make an appointment already. You need to start taking care of yourself too.” Isabel is in a foul ass mood and I’m her target.
“I will ok?” I don’t feel like arguing and it’s best to just agree with her anyway.
“God is it so hard to move furniture around? I gave them a freaking diagram and did they follow it? NO!” What the hell is she talking about? We are in the nursery and she’s freaking about something.
“Liz!” Shit I wasn’t listening.
“Yeah? Sorry I was thinking. Everything looks fine to me though.” She hands me her diagram and everything looks like her picture.
“Isabel everything looks fine to me.” She spins around as quickly as she can.
“What? Are you insane? Look at the scale at the bottom nothing is spaced out like I asked. You know the job really isn’t that hard to being with. I should have just done it myself.”
“Whoa! Calm down and step away from the furniture, you are not moving anything in this room. Wait till Alex gets home please.” She stops trying to move something and agrees to wait.
“Why don’t we go downstairs and binge on Ice cream while watching Love Actually for the millionth time?”
“Ok.” I’m glad she agrees and we go downstairs to do that. It should kill a few hours since we pause and rewind the movie when Dido’s Here with me comes on among many other parts we love.
“Ok so Hugh Grant in this movie or in Two Weeks Notice?” We always play this game.
“Umm this one for sure. He was annoying in Two Weeks Notice even though I love that movie too.” Agreed.
“Ok Liz umm…….Matt Damon or Jason Behr?”
“Isabel please. First of all there is no comparison and I’m sure you know who the answer to that is.” She looks at me for a minute and doesn’t say anything like she doesn’t know who it is.
“I don’t know Liz, who is it?” She asks in a sing song voice.
“Come on Iz. Jason Behr of course.” She knows this. She asks me this every time we play. No matter who she puts up against him I always pick the same.
“I can’t believe you think my brother looks like him. I just don’t see it.”
“Whatever. Next.” We laugh and play a few more rounds then have to rewind half the movie because we were talking. It takes us a little over 3 hours to watch the whole thing and I never want to eat another bite of anything chocolate again. Well maybe not until tomorrow.
“I’m going to head over with you tonight if you don’t mind. Alex won’t be home till late and I don’t feel like driving.”
“Alright. Alana is at a sleepover anyway. I could use the company.” I was going to go see Max this afternoon but I spend the day with Isabel. We watch a few move movies and just lounge around until lunch time. Emily fixes us some Salads and French fries, Isabel’s request. After lunch we take a walk around the neighborhood.
“Liz how do you think things are going to be when he wakes up?” It’s freezing out here.
“I don’t know. The nurse told me that he was healthy so the chances are good that he will be able to walk and things like that. Is that what you meant?”
“Yeah that and well….I don’t want to pry but what about you and Max? I mean are you going to move in together right away?”
“I don’t know. Max and I didn’t talk about it but, I want to and I’m sure he does too. We spent too much time apart I want to be with him every chance I get especially after all this. You just never know. I could have lost him without ever telling him how I felt. Life is too short to dance around things. I do want to live with him but I’d have to talk to him about it I guess.”
“I know what you mean about life being too short. I’ve been thinking about that and I want to build a better relationship with my father. He’s always been there for me and it’s not his fault that my mother is the way she is. I’ve been mad at him but she made her own choices.” I’m so happy to hear that. Philip will be happy too.
“Isabel that’s great. Your father will love that very much.” I’m saddened a little thinking about my parents. They never met Alana.
“Do you miss them?” She shocks me with that question.
“Who my parents?” She nods.
“Max told me about it. Don’t be mad at him he was upset about it too and needed to talk to someone about it.”
“I’m not upset with him. It is hard sometimes. They did the best they could for me but it was hard on them. They were so happy for me when I got a scholarship and sent me whatever money they could to make things easier for me. They didn’t get a chance to visit me so often since they were in New Mexico but we talked all the time. I wasn’t very close to them but I loved them. I’m just sad that they never got to meet Alana.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bring it up.” She says as we turn the corner to go back to her house.
“It’s ok. It’s nice to talk about it sometimes.” I do feel better now and I’m glad we are going back to the house cause I’m freezing my ass off.
“You’re not cold?” I ask her.
“Nope. Not at all.” She says. She doesn’t even have her coat bundled up. I like the cold but I’ll admit when I’m freezing.
“You’re insane. You should go to Alaska.”
“I’ve always wanted to. Alex would die though. He hates the cold.” We get to the house and I take my jacket and shoes off.
“Why haven’t you ever moved to where it’s hotter then?” I ask.
“Yeah right. I’m never moving from Boston unless it’s to Italy or something. I love the city and I love the snow. Where do you suggest I move to Florida? Old people and humidity no thank you! Not to mention the hurricanes.”
“Ok ok point taken.” I’m so tired from the walk we had. I guess Isabel is too since she suggest we go up to her room and lay down. Not a bad idea.
“Emily please wake us up at 5 so we can eat. Otherwise I’d sleep through dinner.” Isabel tells her before we head upstairs.
“Si senora Isabel.” We say goodbye and go upstairs. Isabel is in her bed while I lay on the chaise lounge she has near the window. We talk and gossip for a while before drifting off to sleep.
When I wake up I’m a little sad that I didn’t dream of Max. I’ve gotten used to it and expected it. Isabel is still asleep and I want to let her rest so I quietly slip out of the room and go downstairs.
Emily is starting to prepare dinner and it smells great already. I hear my cell phone ring moments later and hurry to get it from my purse.
“Hello.” I didn’t look at the caller ID to see who it was.
“Liz hi, it’s Philip. I just wanted to see how things were.”
“Everything is fine. I’m with Isabel right now. We are going to head to the hospital together after dinner. Alana is at a sleepover tonight.” He says ok then tells me he will be home late again and that I shouldn’t wait it. I feel that he is working too much but it helps take his mind off things.
After a short visit I drop Isabel off and head home. Ann is asleep and the house is especially quiet tonight. I’m almost scared a little as I walk up to my room. I decide to treat myself to a nice long bath and get the water running. I pour in some bath salt as well as some rosewater and lavender. It will help me calm down and get some much needed rest. After lighting a few candles I slowly step into the tub and sink down into the warm water. The suds coat my body and I quickly smell the aroma of the Vanilla scented candles I lit. Leaning my head on the pillow I close my eyes and finally relax completely.
I’m all wrinkled when I step out but I enjoyed it. I laid there and didn’t think about a thing. For a brief moment in time I was simple Liz parker without a care in the world. I crawl into bed and am quickly reminded of Max when I see a picture of the three of us as I go to turn the lamp off. Alana put it there a few days ago. It is a picture of the three of us from when we went to New York. I pick up the picture and trace Max’s face before placing a kiss on it and turning the lamp off.
I’m lying in the grass field but Max isn’t here.
“Max?” I call out to him but there is no answer. I lie down and close my eyes trying to will him to join me. I miss the conversations we have even if it’s only a dream.
“Liz.” I hear his voice but I can’t see him. I stand up and strain my eyes searching for him but he’s no where to be found.
“Liz….” His voice is like an echo like he’s far away.
“Max where are you? I can’t see you.” I’m calling out for him as my tears cascade down my face.
“Liz it’s time for you to leave this place.” What does he mean by that?
“Max….”
“Liz wake up.” My eyes flutter open and I see Philip standing over me.
“What’s wrong?” I’m instantly on alert.
“Liz Max had to go into surgery. His brain has swelled and they needed to operate to alleviate the pressure.”
“Oh God. NO! Philip no, no, no.” For the first time since I’ve known Philip I throw myself into his arms and cry like a child. Why is this happening? Is this some sick life lesson about being honest with someone? Life is tough but I never thought it was this cruel.
“Liz he’ll be fine. Come on let’s get dressed and go to the hospital. We can be there when he gets out of surgery.” I look over at him and see that he is still in his pajamas.
“Ok.” I wipe my eyes and start to get dressed. I glance over at the clock and see that it is 4:44AM. Is this the time that will forever mark my world crashing down on me? Only one way to find out.
See you on Thursday.
Catching the Butterfly (AU M/L Adult) END 10/25/05
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
My Fics
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Thank you all for the FB. I have a feeling you will like this part 
HUGE thanks to Amy for all her help with the technical stuff in this chapter.
~~Chapter 22~~
Once again we are running into the hospital in the middle of the night. We quickly hop into the elevator and head up to the floor he’s on.
“I sent Alex a text message. I didn’t want to wake Isabel; he’ll let her know as soon as she wakes up.” I’m numb and only nod slightly when I hear him. I can’t seem to cry and it’s upsetting me. I don’t feel anything, just cold. I’ve never felt this cold before.
“Philip I’m glad you made it, I’m about to prep for surgery as I explained his brain swelled and we were concerned so we are going in to relieve the pressure. I have to go but I’ll be out as soon as I’m done to let you know how it went. Don’t worry.” He walks through the glass doors and we are left standing there.
“I want to go into his room. I need to be as close to him as possible.” My voice is monotone and Philips only nods.
“Will you come with me?” I ask when I see him not following me. He smiles slightly and walks with me.
I don’t care about bullshit hospital protocol and lay in his bed. I bring the sheets to my face and breathe in deep. The scent is intoxicating, it’s like a drug to me and I don’t care how it looks. I take several deep breaths letting the scent become imbedded in my brain.
“Everything will be fine.” Philip says a few times as we sit and wait. I don’t know how much time had passed but I wake up when I hear them bringing him back into the room and get out of the bed. The sun is out but I’m too scared to look at the clock. The doctor is talking to Philip and I wait while they adjust him into the bed again.
“It went beautifully, I removed a part of the skull and closed it over with skin and just as soon as the swelling started to decrease I went back in and put in polymer. He did wonderfully, i have no reason to think otherwise” The doctor came in and was talking to Philip while they hooked Max up to the monitors again.
“Will he have any…brain damage?” The thought of that scares the hell out of me but I have to ask.
“We are hooking him up to an EEG monitor now so we can see his brain waves but we wont know for sure until he wakes up. Also we didn’t use cadaver parts, we just made the cut a little higher and used his own dura, then replaced his skull with polymer instead of metal” The doctor goes over to the machines and writes something down but I’m too scared to ask if it’s good or bad.
“We had to shave part of his hair for the surgery.” He’s still writing stuff down and I’m dying to know what it is.
“Ok his brainwaves look go so now we just wait.” He smiles and walks out of the room.
“I’m going to get you some food. You have to eat Liz don’t argue with me.” I know he means well and simply nod. He give me a squeeze on the shoulder and leaves.
Max’s head is bandaged up and he looks like an angel sleeping peacefully. I slide a chair over to his bed and sit with my hand tightly over his silently praying that this is it. That he will wake up soon and this nightmare will be over.
I feel myself getting sleepy and can’t fight it anymore.
“Max?” I see myself in the grass field again. This time there are flowers in every color imaginable all over. It’s beautiful but it’s not where I want to be.
“Max please! Where are you?” I feel the tears form in my eyes and wander around looking for him.
“Liz…..”His voice is far away again.
“Max please come out! I can’t see you.” I walk further trying to pinpoint where his voice is coming from.
“Liz I’m not here anymore.” Not here? What does that mean?
“Max……”
I wake up to the sound of a steady beep. Steady beep? Oh shit not good, not good! Startled I get up from my seat ready to call for a nurse when I look down at Max. I see his eyelids moving and have to blink to make sure I’m not imagining it.
“Max?” I whisper. I see his eyes flutter open and feel the tears stream down my face.
“Oh my God you’re ok.” I hug him tightly and hear him wince.
“I’m sorry.” He smiles at me and I place a peck on his cheek. A nurse comes in soon after and turns the machines off. Since he woke up it made a sound very much like a flat line. She removes the tubes but puts an oxygen tube under his nose.
“What time is it?” I say out loud looking for a clock. 10:20AM. That is the exact time that my life started over again.
Isabel walks in shortly after and is like a bat out of hell.
“Is he ok?” She asks. I point to the bed and she looks over and starts crying.
“Max! Oh my God he’s awake!” She hugs him tightly then hugs me too. She insists that I tell her everything and I go through last night with as much detail as I can. The nurse is working on Max as we talk. I can see Max looking over towards us but his eyes are drooping closed.
“He’s going to be groggy for a little while longer. I’m going to get the doctor in here to check him out and bring you some ice chips to give him. Try not to let him talk I don’t think he will be able to for a little while though.” I thank her and wait for the doctor to come in.
Isabel has gone to pick up Alana from her sleepover. I though it would be best if she didn’t come see him until he was more alert. He needs rest and Alana would want to ask him a million questions. I sit with him just telling him that I love him over and over. He smiles every so often and I continue to feed him ice chips to wet his throat. The anticipation to hear his first words are almost too much but I have to be patient. The doctor said that his vitals were great and he was able to respond to commands that the doctor gave him.
Philip comes back with food and I wonder what took him so long I guess the lines were long.
“Sorry I had to take a phone call and….” He almost dropped the plate of food he had when he looked over and saw Max awake.
“He’s…He’s………..I can’t believe it.” It warms my heart to see how happy and relived he is that Max is awake.
“Yeah he woke up about half hour ago. Isabel stopped by but went to pick up Alana so I could stay here.” I grab the plate of food he has noticing how hungry I really am once I smell the food.
“This is great. It’s a miracle is what it is. Is everything ok? Did the doctor come in already?” He’s throwing questions at me a mile a minute.
“Yes he came in and everything is fine.” I take a huge bite of my sandwich and gulp down some juice.
“I’m going to talk to him. I’ll be right back.” I nod since my mouth is full and continue to eat.
After I finish my food I call Isabel to make sure everything is ok. She tells me that Alana is riding with Alex and that everything is fine. I thank her and sit next to Max’s bed. I’m studying his face when I see his eyes start to flutter open again.
“Liz.” It’s barely a whisper but I heard him.
“I’m here baby don’t try to talk ok?” I brush his bangs off his face and smile at him. He doesn’t know how happy I am to have him back.
“What happened?” I guess he’s not listening to the not talking part but I don’t blame him. I would want to know what I was doing in a hospital too.
“You were in an accident honey. Do you remember anything?” I ask hoping that he didn’t forget what happened before the accident between he and I.
“I remember some things.” I see him shutting his eyes I guess trying to remember more.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re here now that’s all that matters.” I place a kiss on his hand and want to cry I’m so happy.
“Alana?” He asks.
“She’s fine, she’s with Isabel. She’s been here to see you but she doesn’t know you are awake yet. I wanted to make sure you were well rested before she came over.”
“I want to see her.” I nod and tell him that I’m going to call Isabel and have her come over.
~~
Everything is so foggy. I can remember some things but others I can’t. I can remember the fight I had with Liz and I can remember the love making but after that everything is a blur. How did I get into an accident? Where was I going? I have so many questions but right now I want to see my daughter. I feel as if I’ve been lying in bed for months. Have I?
“Liz what’s the date?” I ask when she gets off the phone. I remember it being October 20th when Liz and I talked.
“It’s December 5th.” I see her look at me nervously then it hits me.
“D-December!” This is a joke. I’ve been here for over a month.
“Max calm down please I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” I don’t give a shit about hurting myself at this point. I need answers.
“December? How?”
“Max you’ve been in a coma since the accident. They had to perform surgery on you and you woke up.”
“What kind of surgery?” I ask needing answers. More answers then she can give me I guess.
“You had some swelling and they had to….”
“DADDY!!!” Alana jumps onto the bed and wraps her arms around me. I close my eyes tightly trying to ignore the pain and just hold my baby.
“Oh daddy I missed you so so much.” I hold onto her as tightly as I can.
“Me too angel.” I look at her and wonder how she made it though all this time. Liz told me that she came to visit me. I can’t imagine how she reacted to seeing me in a coma. I look over at Liz who has a huge smile on her face and wonder how she made it. If it were the other way around I would be a mess right now. I couldn’t handle seeing Liz hurt or not being able to talk to her when I wanted to. Isabel gives me a kiss and I’m glad that I didn’t miss the birth of her children.
I look over at my family, well most of my family and realize just how lucky I am. I can’t image the hell that they have been though and I intend to make up for it. The first thing I need to do is fix my immediate family. I remember Liz and I fighting and I remember us making love but I want to talk to her again about us. I want to be with her everyday for the rest of my life.
“Daddy when are you commin home?”
“Soon baby. Real soon.” I don’t know if that’s true or not but I want to get home as soon as I can.
“Mommy now we can get a tree?” My hear sinks when she says that. I hadn’t really realized that it was close to Christmas.
~~
Soon turned out to be one week before Christmas. Max had to go through some physical therapy but is now back to normal. He’s home now and the house is decorated to the nine. We decided to all celebrate at Philips house this year. When Max came home he was surprised to find out that we had been staying here. My relationship with Philip is solid now just like the one I have with Max.
The night he came home we sat up and talked all night. I’m glad that he remembered what we talked about before the accident. It was hard talking about it again bringing up those memories were hard but I’m glad we went through it because it brought us together. He doesn’t remember why he left the house that day and I didn’t want to tell him. He hasn’t mentioned Victoria and I don’t want to either.
I haven’t mentioned the pregnancy to him but I’m going to soon. Lucky for me I haven’t had any morning sickness lately so he hasn’t noticed anything wrong. Today we are going to brave the crowds and go shopping for Alana. She’s with Alex today so we have time to hide the gifts from her. She hasn’t wanted to leave Max’s side since he got home and has even been sleeping with us in the bed lately.
“You almost ready?” He asks.
“Yup let’s go.” I grab my coat and walk out to the car. Max hasn’t driven since he’s been home and I can’t blame him for that. I make sure to drive slower then usual and to be extra careful but I can tell that he’s still freaked out since the roads are icy now.
“So after the holidays I was thinking of us moving back home.”
“Umm ok that sounds good.” I suddenly get worried. Whose home will be live in?
~~
I see her panicked a little and I want to tell her of my plans but I can’t, not yet. She’s wondering whose house we will live in and the truth is neither. I spoke to Isabel one night and she has been helping me with a surprise. It’s times like these that I’m glad my sister is so detail orientated. She knew exactly what to do to make it perfect, not that I ever doubted her.
“What are we going to get Isabel? She has everything already.” She’s right my sister is the worst person to shop for.
“I have no idea. Let’s see if we see anything that jumps out at us.” We pull into the mall parking lot and have to part is west Egypt the place is so packed.
“Ok we need to hit the store that has all the Hello Kitty stuff first then we can go to the toy store after that.” She has a list that Alana made and we head into the mall.
~~4 hours later~~
“Please tell me we are done. I never want to go to the mall again.” That was insane.
“We’re done. It wasn’t that bad.” Is she crazy it was horrible? All the pushing and shoving.
“Yeah right. Well I’m glad you enjoyed it cause it was torture for me.” She laughs and starts up the car.
“Lets get something to eat I’m starving.” All the walking has worked up and appetite in me.
“Ok you have anything particular in mind?” I sit and think not really knowing what I want.
“Actually why don’t we go back to the house. Alana isn’t home and neither is my father.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her and see her blush. She’s so beautiful and totally oblivious to what she does to me with one simple look.
“Sounds good to me.” She smiles and we head home.
I feel like a teenager sneaking a girlfriend into the house. We don’t even take the bags out of the car and run up the stairs. The anticipation of being with her on an intimate level again has me on fire. I close and lock the door before stalking over to her and pulling her into my arms. I trace the contours of her face with my hands before placing a gentle kiss on her sweet lips. Her hair was up in a ponytail and I slowly pull the hair tie out making her hair cascade around her face. I tuck a stand behind her ear the way I’ve seen her do so many times and she flashes me a brilliant smile.
I feel a bit nervous since we haven‘t made love since I got home. I walk forward making her walk backwards until her legs hit the bed. Slowly she sits down on the bed and I hover over her for a while before beginning my assault on her lips. I have her hand pinned above her head with one hand while the other is caressing her breasts over her shirt. I kneed her breast until in need to feel her skin. Letting go of her arms I slowly bring her shirt up exposing her creamy flesh. Ever inch I pull the shirt up makes me want her more and more. She sits up just enough for me to pull it over her head exposing her pink lace bra that she’s wearing.
I pull one of the straps down and suck on her neck and shoulder. She has a scent that is intoxicating. It’s a mixture of the perfume that she wears and her. I continue to suck and nip on her exposed flesh until in need more. I gently pull her into a sitting position and unclasp her bra then discard it.
Her hands are working on my fly and she slowly pulls it down. I stand so that she can pull my jeans down. She begins to pull my boxers off but I stop her.
“Not yet baby.” She’s now spread out on the sheets in nothing but her matching pink underwear. Her hair seems to be perfectly fanned over the crisp white pillow and I would love nothing more then to take a picture of this right now. A soft smile graces her angelic face welcoming between her body and I oblige. I settled between her silky legs and just stare up at her.
“What?” She asks me.
“Nothing. You’re perfect that’s all.” She sighs my name and its music to my ears. There is something about the way she says my name that drives me wild. My swollen member is now pushing against her center. I can feel the heat radiating off of her and want to be buried deep inside of her.
I see a tear slip down her face and become alarmed.
“What is it? What’s wrong honey?” I ask settling next to her.
“Nothing it’s just that I almost lost you. I love you so much Max, more then you will ever know.” I see a few more tears and want to comfort her.
“Come here.” I pull her tightly against my chest. “I’m here now and I do know how much you love me. I love you just the same. Don’t worry about loosing me, I’m not going anywhere. No matter what Liz I’ll come back to you, always.” I place a kiss on top of her head and wipe the tears away.
She brings her lips to mine and our kiss soon turned heated again.
Again I am between her legs. I slowly pull her underwear off her hips and throw them on the floor. I hover above her for a moment until I see her smile. I slide into her and it feels like home. I don’t want to move I just want to savor the feeling of being inside of her. I stay buried deep inside of her and don’t move while I kiss her collarbone and work my way up to her neck. Her hand scrapes my back and it sends tingles all over my body. I can’t take it anymore and begin to slowly move inside her.
“God Liz. I love you so much honey.” My movements are slow I want this to last as long as possible.
“Oh Max me too. I love you so much.” She digs her hand into my back and it doesn’t bother me but I know I’ll have a mark after this.
I reach down and play with her clit wanting her to come with me.
“Fuck I’m so close Liz so close.” I can feel it building up inside me.
“Me too Oh God Max me too…” My thrusts are wild as I reach my climax. I pump into her with all my force and feel like I might break her in two but I know she likes it. She screams my name and soon I’m screaming hers and we reach our bliss.
~~
Its three days before Christmas and Alana and Liz are at Isabel’s for the day. I sit in the study thinking about my life in general when I realize that there is something that has been left open. I haven’t mentioned anything about Victoria to Liz but I realize that I owe her an explanation. She was nothing but perfect during our short time together and I at least have to tell her face to face why I can no longer see her.
I haven’t driven since I’ve been out of the hospital and soon come face to face with the dilemma. I need to do this so I decide to take my fathers Hummer, it’s big and safe.
I figure that at this time she would be at the restaurant so I decide to go their first.
When I walk in I don’t see her so I try and look for the waitress that always helped me fins her before. When I don’t see her either I ask the bartender if Victoria is here.
“I’m sorry she’s not in today.” She tells me. I thank her and head over to her house. Maybe she’s home.
When I pull onto her street I get an eerie feeling. I shrug it off and park in front of her house. I see her car in the driveway and am happy that’s she’s home.
When she opens the door it’s like she’s seen a ghost. She stares at me for a few minutes and I decide to break the silence.
“Hey.” I feel strange talking to her.
“Max! Your ok?” She gives me a hug but it feels funny. It’s not as warm as she has hugged me before.
“I’m sorry. Come in.” She moves aside and lets me in.
“You knew about the accident?” I ask when she is happy to see that I’m ok.
“You don’t know?” I shake my head no. “It happened on this street.” That’s what the feeling was about.
“This street? Was I coming here?” I ask not remembering much from that day.
“I don’t know but I think so. Look Max I talked to Liz already but I want to tell you also.”
“Wait let me say something first please.” I need to get this out. She sits back and waits for me to talk.
“I don’t know if I was coming over here or what I was coming for but I know what I need to say now. You are a great person and I enjoyed the time that we spent together. Had we met under different circumstances or at a different time things would have been different I think.” I hate doing this. I feel like a scum bag.
“Max I know about you and Liz and I think it’s great. You are a great guy and Liz seems like a great person too. I will always remember the time we spent together, it was special to me but the time has ended and there are no hard feelings. Things weren’t meant to be but its ok.” She places her hand on my knee and I look up at her with a smile. She really is a great person.
“Thank you.” I don’t know what else to say to her.
“Max there is something that I want to tell you. I know it won’t matter now but I wanted you to know that the waitress that worked in my restaurant, the one I told you quit, well she was a friend of Jake Connors. She was actually the girlfriend of someone that he was in business with. I read about the scandal with Jake and one of my other employees told me that she was bragging about Jakes plans. I’m sorry Max I didn’t know what he wanted to do to you or your father. If I would have known I would have told you, you have to believe that.” I’m shocked but then again not really. I should have known that Jake would do something like this.
“How did she know that I would come to your place?” I have to ask because it was a long shot.
“She didn’t hook up with Jake until after you ate there. She knew who you were and mentioned it to her boyfriend and one thing led to another. I guess once she knew that you were….interested in me……she um told them.” I know it was hard for her to tell me that.
“Thank you again for telling me. I’m just glad that nothing happened.”
Thank you. Thank you for making this easy and for not making me feel like a scum bag, I’m not good at these things.” I laugh.
“You’re not Max. You really are a good person don’t ever forget that.” She gets up and walks me out.
“I hope to see you guys at the restaurant soon.” She says and it makes me feel good that she really is ok with this.
“We will. You take care of yourself ok?” She opens the door and gives me a kiss on the cheek followed by a hug.
HUGE thanks to Amy for all her help with the technical stuff in this chapter.
~~Chapter 22~~
Once again we are running into the hospital in the middle of the night. We quickly hop into the elevator and head up to the floor he’s on.
“I sent Alex a text message. I didn’t want to wake Isabel; he’ll let her know as soon as she wakes up.” I’m numb and only nod slightly when I hear him. I can’t seem to cry and it’s upsetting me. I don’t feel anything, just cold. I’ve never felt this cold before.
“Philip I’m glad you made it, I’m about to prep for surgery as I explained his brain swelled and we were concerned so we are going in to relieve the pressure. I have to go but I’ll be out as soon as I’m done to let you know how it went. Don’t worry.” He walks through the glass doors and we are left standing there.
“I want to go into his room. I need to be as close to him as possible.” My voice is monotone and Philips only nods.
“Will you come with me?” I ask when I see him not following me. He smiles slightly and walks with me.
I don’t care about bullshit hospital protocol and lay in his bed. I bring the sheets to my face and breathe in deep. The scent is intoxicating, it’s like a drug to me and I don’t care how it looks. I take several deep breaths letting the scent become imbedded in my brain.
“Everything will be fine.” Philip says a few times as we sit and wait. I don’t know how much time had passed but I wake up when I hear them bringing him back into the room and get out of the bed. The sun is out but I’m too scared to look at the clock. The doctor is talking to Philip and I wait while they adjust him into the bed again.
“It went beautifully, I removed a part of the skull and closed it over with skin and just as soon as the swelling started to decrease I went back in and put in polymer. He did wonderfully, i have no reason to think otherwise” The doctor came in and was talking to Philip while they hooked Max up to the monitors again.
“Will he have any…brain damage?” The thought of that scares the hell out of me but I have to ask.
“We are hooking him up to an EEG monitor now so we can see his brain waves but we wont know for sure until he wakes up. Also we didn’t use cadaver parts, we just made the cut a little higher and used his own dura, then replaced his skull with polymer instead of metal” The doctor goes over to the machines and writes something down but I’m too scared to ask if it’s good or bad.
“We had to shave part of his hair for the surgery.” He’s still writing stuff down and I’m dying to know what it is.
“Ok his brainwaves look go so now we just wait.” He smiles and walks out of the room.
“I’m going to get you some food. You have to eat Liz don’t argue with me.” I know he means well and simply nod. He give me a squeeze on the shoulder and leaves.
Max’s head is bandaged up and he looks like an angel sleeping peacefully. I slide a chair over to his bed and sit with my hand tightly over his silently praying that this is it. That he will wake up soon and this nightmare will be over.
I feel myself getting sleepy and can’t fight it anymore.
“Max?” I see myself in the grass field again. This time there are flowers in every color imaginable all over. It’s beautiful but it’s not where I want to be.
“Max please! Where are you?” I feel the tears form in my eyes and wander around looking for him.
“Liz…..”His voice is far away again.
“Max please come out! I can’t see you.” I walk further trying to pinpoint where his voice is coming from.
“Liz I’m not here anymore.” Not here? What does that mean?
“Max……”
I wake up to the sound of a steady beep. Steady beep? Oh shit not good, not good! Startled I get up from my seat ready to call for a nurse when I look down at Max. I see his eyelids moving and have to blink to make sure I’m not imagining it.
“Max?” I whisper. I see his eyes flutter open and feel the tears stream down my face.
“Oh my God you’re ok.” I hug him tightly and hear him wince.
“I’m sorry.” He smiles at me and I place a peck on his cheek. A nurse comes in soon after and turns the machines off. Since he woke up it made a sound very much like a flat line. She removes the tubes but puts an oxygen tube under his nose.
“What time is it?” I say out loud looking for a clock. 10:20AM. That is the exact time that my life started over again.
Isabel walks in shortly after and is like a bat out of hell.
“Is he ok?” She asks. I point to the bed and she looks over and starts crying.
“Max! Oh my God he’s awake!” She hugs him tightly then hugs me too. She insists that I tell her everything and I go through last night with as much detail as I can. The nurse is working on Max as we talk. I can see Max looking over towards us but his eyes are drooping closed.
“He’s going to be groggy for a little while longer. I’m going to get the doctor in here to check him out and bring you some ice chips to give him. Try not to let him talk I don’t think he will be able to for a little while though.” I thank her and wait for the doctor to come in.
Isabel has gone to pick up Alana from her sleepover. I though it would be best if she didn’t come see him until he was more alert. He needs rest and Alana would want to ask him a million questions. I sit with him just telling him that I love him over and over. He smiles every so often and I continue to feed him ice chips to wet his throat. The anticipation to hear his first words are almost too much but I have to be patient. The doctor said that his vitals were great and he was able to respond to commands that the doctor gave him.
Philip comes back with food and I wonder what took him so long I guess the lines were long.
“Sorry I had to take a phone call and….” He almost dropped the plate of food he had when he looked over and saw Max awake.
“He’s…He’s………..I can’t believe it.” It warms my heart to see how happy and relived he is that Max is awake.
“Yeah he woke up about half hour ago. Isabel stopped by but went to pick up Alana so I could stay here.” I grab the plate of food he has noticing how hungry I really am once I smell the food.
“This is great. It’s a miracle is what it is. Is everything ok? Did the doctor come in already?” He’s throwing questions at me a mile a minute.
“Yes he came in and everything is fine.” I take a huge bite of my sandwich and gulp down some juice.
“I’m going to talk to him. I’ll be right back.” I nod since my mouth is full and continue to eat.
After I finish my food I call Isabel to make sure everything is ok. She tells me that Alana is riding with Alex and that everything is fine. I thank her and sit next to Max’s bed. I’m studying his face when I see his eyes start to flutter open again.
“Liz.” It’s barely a whisper but I heard him.
“I’m here baby don’t try to talk ok?” I brush his bangs off his face and smile at him. He doesn’t know how happy I am to have him back.
“What happened?” I guess he’s not listening to the not talking part but I don’t blame him. I would want to know what I was doing in a hospital too.
“You were in an accident honey. Do you remember anything?” I ask hoping that he didn’t forget what happened before the accident between he and I.
“I remember some things.” I see him shutting his eyes I guess trying to remember more.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re here now that’s all that matters.” I place a kiss on his hand and want to cry I’m so happy.
“Alana?” He asks.
“She’s fine, she’s with Isabel. She’s been here to see you but she doesn’t know you are awake yet. I wanted to make sure you were well rested before she came over.”
“I want to see her.” I nod and tell him that I’m going to call Isabel and have her come over.
~~
Everything is so foggy. I can remember some things but others I can’t. I can remember the fight I had with Liz and I can remember the love making but after that everything is a blur. How did I get into an accident? Where was I going? I have so many questions but right now I want to see my daughter. I feel as if I’ve been lying in bed for months. Have I?
“Liz what’s the date?” I ask when she gets off the phone. I remember it being October 20th when Liz and I talked.
“It’s December 5th.” I see her look at me nervously then it hits me.
“D-December!” This is a joke. I’ve been here for over a month.
“Max calm down please I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” I don’t give a shit about hurting myself at this point. I need answers.
“December? How?”
“Max you’ve been in a coma since the accident. They had to perform surgery on you and you woke up.”
“What kind of surgery?” I ask needing answers. More answers then she can give me I guess.
“You had some swelling and they had to….”
“DADDY!!!” Alana jumps onto the bed and wraps her arms around me. I close my eyes tightly trying to ignore the pain and just hold my baby.
“Oh daddy I missed you so so much.” I hold onto her as tightly as I can.
“Me too angel.” I look at her and wonder how she made it though all this time. Liz told me that she came to visit me. I can’t imagine how she reacted to seeing me in a coma. I look over at Liz who has a huge smile on her face and wonder how she made it. If it were the other way around I would be a mess right now. I couldn’t handle seeing Liz hurt or not being able to talk to her when I wanted to. Isabel gives me a kiss and I’m glad that I didn’t miss the birth of her children.
I look over at my family, well most of my family and realize just how lucky I am. I can’t image the hell that they have been though and I intend to make up for it. The first thing I need to do is fix my immediate family. I remember Liz and I fighting and I remember us making love but I want to talk to her again about us. I want to be with her everyday for the rest of my life.
“Daddy when are you commin home?”
“Soon baby. Real soon.” I don’t know if that’s true or not but I want to get home as soon as I can.
“Mommy now we can get a tree?” My hear sinks when she says that. I hadn’t really realized that it was close to Christmas.
~~
Soon turned out to be one week before Christmas. Max had to go through some physical therapy but is now back to normal. He’s home now and the house is decorated to the nine. We decided to all celebrate at Philips house this year. When Max came home he was surprised to find out that we had been staying here. My relationship with Philip is solid now just like the one I have with Max.
The night he came home we sat up and talked all night. I’m glad that he remembered what we talked about before the accident. It was hard talking about it again bringing up those memories were hard but I’m glad we went through it because it brought us together. He doesn’t remember why he left the house that day and I didn’t want to tell him. He hasn’t mentioned Victoria and I don’t want to either.
I haven’t mentioned the pregnancy to him but I’m going to soon. Lucky for me I haven’t had any morning sickness lately so he hasn’t noticed anything wrong. Today we are going to brave the crowds and go shopping for Alana. She’s with Alex today so we have time to hide the gifts from her. She hasn’t wanted to leave Max’s side since he got home and has even been sleeping with us in the bed lately.
“You almost ready?” He asks.
“Yup let’s go.” I grab my coat and walk out to the car. Max hasn’t driven since he’s been home and I can’t blame him for that. I make sure to drive slower then usual and to be extra careful but I can tell that he’s still freaked out since the roads are icy now.
“So after the holidays I was thinking of us moving back home.”
“Umm ok that sounds good.” I suddenly get worried. Whose home will be live in?
~~
I see her panicked a little and I want to tell her of my plans but I can’t, not yet. She’s wondering whose house we will live in and the truth is neither. I spoke to Isabel one night and she has been helping me with a surprise. It’s times like these that I’m glad my sister is so detail orientated. She knew exactly what to do to make it perfect, not that I ever doubted her.
“What are we going to get Isabel? She has everything already.” She’s right my sister is the worst person to shop for.
“I have no idea. Let’s see if we see anything that jumps out at us.” We pull into the mall parking lot and have to part is west Egypt the place is so packed.
“Ok we need to hit the store that has all the Hello Kitty stuff first then we can go to the toy store after that.” She has a list that Alana made and we head into the mall.
~~4 hours later~~
“Please tell me we are done. I never want to go to the mall again.” That was insane.
“We’re done. It wasn’t that bad.” Is she crazy it was horrible? All the pushing and shoving.
“Yeah right. Well I’m glad you enjoyed it cause it was torture for me.” She laughs and starts up the car.
“Lets get something to eat I’m starving.” All the walking has worked up and appetite in me.
“Ok you have anything particular in mind?” I sit and think not really knowing what I want.
“Actually why don’t we go back to the house. Alana isn’t home and neither is my father.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her and see her blush. She’s so beautiful and totally oblivious to what she does to me with one simple look.
“Sounds good to me.” She smiles and we head home.
I feel like a teenager sneaking a girlfriend into the house. We don’t even take the bags out of the car and run up the stairs. The anticipation of being with her on an intimate level again has me on fire. I close and lock the door before stalking over to her and pulling her into my arms. I trace the contours of her face with my hands before placing a gentle kiss on her sweet lips. Her hair was up in a ponytail and I slowly pull the hair tie out making her hair cascade around her face. I tuck a stand behind her ear the way I’ve seen her do so many times and she flashes me a brilliant smile.
I feel a bit nervous since we haven‘t made love since I got home. I walk forward making her walk backwards until her legs hit the bed. Slowly she sits down on the bed and I hover over her for a while before beginning my assault on her lips. I have her hand pinned above her head with one hand while the other is caressing her breasts over her shirt. I kneed her breast until in need to feel her skin. Letting go of her arms I slowly bring her shirt up exposing her creamy flesh. Ever inch I pull the shirt up makes me want her more and more. She sits up just enough for me to pull it over her head exposing her pink lace bra that she’s wearing.
I pull one of the straps down and suck on her neck and shoulder. She has a scent that is intoxicating. It’s a mixture of the perfume that she wears and her. I continue to suck and nip on her exposed flesh until in need more. I gently pull her into a sitting position and unclasp her bra then discard it.
Her hands are working on my fly and she slowly pulls it down. I stand so that she can pull my jeans down. She begins to pull my boxers off but I stop her.
“Not yet baby.” She’s now spread out on the sheets in nothing but her matching pink underwear. Her hair seems to be perfectly fanned over the crisp white pillow and I would love nothing more then to take a picture of this right now. A soft smile graces her angelic face welcoming between her body and I oblige. I settled between her silky legs and just stare up at her.
“What?” She asks me.
“Nothing. You’re perfect that’s all.” She sighs my name and its music to my ears. There is something about the way she says my name that drives me wild. My swollen member is now pushing against her center. I can feel the heat radiating off of her and want to be buried deep inside of her.
I see a tear slip down her face and become alarmed.
“What is it? What’s wrong honey?” I ask settling next to her.
“Nothing it’s just that I almost lost you. I love you so much Max, more then you will ever know.” I see a few more tears and want to comfort her.
“Come here.” I pull her tightly against my chest. “I’m here now and I do know how much you love me. I love you just the same. Don’t worry about loosing me, I’m not going anywhere. No matter what Liz I’ll come back to you, always.” I place a kiss on top of her head and wipe the tears away.
She brings her lips to mine and our kiss soon turned heated again.
Again I am between her legs. I slowly pull her underwear off her hips and throw them on the floor. I hover above her for a moment until I see her smile. I slide into her and it feels like home. I don’t want to move I just want to savor the feeling of being inside of her. I stay buried deep inside of her and don’t move while I kiss her collarbone and work my way up to her neck. Her hand scrapes my back and it sends tingles all over my body. I can’t take it anymore and begin to slowly move inside her.
“God Liz. I love you so much honey.” My movements are slow I want this to last as long as possible.
“Oh Max me too. I love you so much.” She digs her hand into my back and it doesn’t bother me but I know I’ll have a mark after this.
I reach down and play with her clit wanting her to come with me.
“Fuck I’m so close Liz so close.” I can feel it building up inside me.
“Me too Oh God Max me too…” My thrusts are wild as I reach my climax. I pump into her with all my force and feel like I might break her in two but I know she likes it. She screams my name and soon I’m screaming hers and we reach our bliss.
~~
Its three days before Christmas and Alana and Liz are at Isabel’s for the day. I sit in the study thinking about my life in general when I realize that there is something that has been left open. I haven’t mentioned anything about Victoria to Liz but I realize that I owe her an explanation. She was nothing but perfect during our short time together and I at least have to tell her face to face why I can no longer see her.
I haven’t driven since I’ve been out of the hospital and soon come face to face with the dilemma. I need to do this so I decide to take my fathers Hummer, it’s big and safe.
I figure that at this time she would be at the restaurant so I decide to go their first.
When I walk in I don’t see her so I try and look for the waitress that always helped me fins her before. When I don’t see her either I ask the bartender if Victoria is here.
“I’m sorry she’s not in today.” She tells me. I thank her and head over to her house. Maybe she’s home.
When I pull onto her street I get an eerie feeling. I shrug it off and park in front of her house. I see her car in the driveway and am happy that’s she’s home.
When she opens the door it’s like she’s seen a ghost. She stares at me for a few minutes and I decide to break the silence.
“Hey.” I feel strange talking to her.
“Max! Your ok?” She gives me a hug but it feels funny. It’s not as warm as she has hugged me before.
“I’m sorry. Come in.” She moves aside and lets me in.
“You knew about the accident?” I ask when she is happy to see that I’m ok.
“You don’t know?” I shake my head no. “It happened on this street.” That’s what the feeling was about.
“This street? Was I coming here?” I ask not remembering much from that day.
“I don’t know but I think so. Look Max I talked to Liz already but I want to tell you also.”
“Wait let me say something first please.” I need to get this out. She sits back and waits for me to talk.
“I don’t know if I was coming over here or what I was coming for but I know what I need to say now. You are a great person and I enjoyed the time that we spent together. Had we met under different circumstances or at a different time things would have been different I think.” I hate doing this. I feel like a scum bag.
“Max I know about you and Liz and I think it’s great. You are a great guy and Liz seems like a great person too. I will always remember the time we spent together, it was special to me but the time has ended and there are no hard feelings. Things weren’t meant to be but its ok.” She places her hand on my knee and I look up at her with a smile. She really is a great person.
“Thank you.” I don’t know what else to say to her.
“Max there is something that I want to tell you. I know it won’t matter now but I wanted you to know that the waitress that worked in my restaurant, the one I told you quit, well she was a friend of Jake Connors. She was actually the girlfriend of someone that he was in business with. I read about the scandal with Jake and one of my other employees told me that she was bragging about Jakes plans. I’m sorry Max I didn’t know what he wanted to do to you or your father. If I would have known I would have told you, you have to believe that.” I’m shocked but then again not really. I should have known that Jake would do something like this.
“How did she know that I would come to your place?” I have to ask because it was a long shot.
“She didn’t hook up with Jake until after you ate there. She knew who you were and mentioned it to her boyfriend and one thing led to another. I guess once she knew that you were….interested in me……she um told them.” I know it was hard for her to tell me that.
“Thank you again for telling me. I’m just glad that nothing happened.”
Thank you. Thank you for making this easy and for not making me feel like a scum bag, I’m not good at these things.” I laugh.
“You’re not Max. You really are a good person don’t ever forget that.” She gets up and walks me out.
“I hope to see you guys at the restaurant soon.” She says and it makes me feel good that she really is ok with this.
“We will. You take care of yourself ok?” She opens the door and gives me a kiss on the cheek followed by a hug.
My Fics
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Ok only two parts left after this one. 
Thanks for the FB
~~Chapter23~~
~*~*Max~*~*
I feel good about talking to Victoria. Now I can fully concentrate on my family and not have to worry about anything lingering from the past. I can’t believe what she said about Jackson but that’s all over now. Driving back home knowing that I would pass the site of my accident is a little freaky. I still don’t remember much but knowing that I’m on the same street that it happened on is strange. I’m driving at exactly the speed limit but I want to hurry and get home. Lately I’ve wanted to spend every minute I can with Liz and Alana. I feel like I’ve missed so much.
~*~Liz~*~
I’m sitting in our room right now trying my hardest not to cry. Why? Well as I was driving back from Isabel’s I was stopped at a light. Something caught my eye and when I looked over to my left I see Victoria and Max. I blink a few times making sure that it’s them and it is. I then see Victoria give him a kiss on the cheek then a hug. I know it might be nothing but seeing them together again was hard. We’ve been through so much crap I just want everything to be prefect from now on.
I’m lying on my side rubbing my stomach when I hear the door creek open. I have a feeling its Max but don’t turn to see who it is. If it was Alana she would have said something by now. I feel the bed dip and try to pretend I’m asleep.
“Liz I know you’re not sleeping.” I sigh and open my eyes.
“What’s wrong? Why are you in here?” He asks and I don’t want to face him because I know my eyes show remnants of my crying.
“I’m just tired that’s all.” I hope he buys it and leaves.
“Why won’t you look at me?” Shit, he’s still here. I have no choice but to turn and face him because I know he won’t leave until I do.
“Have you been crying?” He asks.
“No.”
“Liar. Why are you crying?” He cups my face and looks at me with such love it makes me want to cry again.
“I saw you at Victoria’s and…it’s stupid…forget it.” I bury my face in his chest feeling like an idiot for mentioning it.
“It’s not stupid. Look at me.” He brings my face up to look at his. “I did go over there and I’m guessing you saw me leaving and you saw her hugging me but it was nothing. I went over there to tell her about you and I. I owed her that much. I’m sorry if I hurt you, I should have told you but I didn’t know how you would feel about it.” He wipes my tears away with the pads of his thumb.
“I know it was nothing it’s just seeing you with her again brought back some memories. She talked to me at the hospital and told me that she knew and that she wanted us to be happy. I’m glad you talked to her, she’s a nice person.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
“So, no more worrying about me and anyone else. Liz you have to know how much I love you I would never do that to you.” He pulls me against his chest again and I love the feeling. I can’t get enough of him.
“So are we all ready for Christmas because I don’t want to go to any kind of store for the next year or so.” He laughs.
“Yeah we are all done.” I went with Isabel to get his gift the other day and it’s stored away at her house. It’s stupid but I think he will like it.
“Good. So how about I cook for you for a change tonight?”
“Max you don’t have to.” He can only make one thing anyway.
“I want to. Come on you can watch and critique me the whole time ok?” I laugh and walk with him down to the kitchen.
~*~Max~*~
It’s Christmas Eve and after fighting to get Alana to bed Liz and I are placing the gifts under the tree and putting toys in the stockings.
“So Isabel and Alex will be here at 9 to have breakfast with us even though Alana will be up way before that.” Liz is filling the stockings.
“Sounds good. She’s going to be so excited when she sees all of these gifts. You father went a bit overboard though.” The gifts don’t even fit under the tree. Most of them are for Alana though.
“Yeah well, what about Isabel? She and Alex are going to go broke when their kids get here.” I laugh and finish placing the rest of the gifts.
“They’ll be fine. I can’t wait for the babies to get here. It will be nice to have babies around again.” Liz and I haven’t talked about more kids and I want to bring it up to her.
“I know what you mean. I miss Alana being in diapers and learning to walk.”
“Yeah well I don’t miss the diapers part but the rest I do.” I take that as I good sign that maybe she is open to more kids.
“Come sit with me.” I got the fireplace going and some hot chocolate.
“Umm this is nice.” She snuggles up against my chest and I wrap my arm around her.
“It is. I wanted to talk to you about leaving here.” I love my father’s house but it’s not ours.
“Ok what about it?”
“Well we can’t stay here forever even though there is more then enough room. So I was thinking of getting a house together.” I brace myself for her reaction and hope that it’s a good one.
“Are you sure Max?”
“Yes I’m sure. Do you want to?” Maybe I’m moving too fast.
“I would love that and Alana would too.” She gives me a kiss and we sit staring at the fire talking about where we would like to live and what kind of place we want to get.
I fall asleep and find myself in the grass field again. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
“I couldn’t just leave you; I had to come say a proper goodbye. I won’t see you like this anymore. Our time here is over.” He smiles and lies next to me.
“Thank you.” I say turning my head to look into his eyes.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes you did. You helped me when I didn’t really have you. I’ll miss these dreams, I‘ll miss this you. Is that crazy?”
“No it’s not ,but you will be fine. You’re stronger then you think Liz don’t ever forget that and don’t ever forget how much I love you in this life and in any other that we may share.” I reach over to touch him but hold back.
“You can’t touch me here anymore. You don’t need to. Touch him, love him the real Max. I‘m just a version of Max that you made up to help you get through a hard time. You have the real thing now and don’t need me anymore. ” He smiles.
“Do you think he’s happy?” I don’t know why I asked him that.
“I know he is. He has you, he’s happy.” He stands up to walk away.
“I love you Max.” I say making him stop and turn to look at me.
“I know Liz. I‘ve always known.” I watch him walk away and disappear into the sunset. I know that I have the real thing next to me in bed but I still feel a loss. I lay in the grass for a while shedding tears of sadness and joy. I’ve lost a small part of Max but I can live with that.
~*~*Liz~*~*
“IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” That is the wake up call we got this morning. I jump out of bed and Max does as well.
“Merry Christmas baby.” Max and I give her a kiss and brush our teeth before meeting her downstairs. It’s only 8:30 so we have to distract her until Isabel gets here.
“Mommy look at everything Santa got me! I was a very good girl.” She’s standing next to the tree wide eyed.
“Yes you were baby.” Max scoots her up and tickles her.
I wanna open them now mommy can I?”
“No baby we have to wait for Aunty Isabel and Uncle Alex ok? Why don’t you look in your stocking first?” She agrees and I tell Max that I’m going to start breakfast for everyone. Anna has the week off and I want to cook anyway.
The bacon is in the oven and I start on homemade pancakes. I make chocolate chip ones for Max and blueberry for Alana and some plain as well.
I’m scrambling the eggs when I hear Alex and Isabel.
“Ho ho ho.” That must be Alex
“Uncle Alex why you wearin that?” I want to see what he has on and walk out there.
“Merry Christmas.” He has on a Santa outfit but doesn’t have the body for it and looks funny.
“Alex you are crazy.” I laugh and give him a hug.
“Yeah I think it would have fit me better.” Isabel says and I roll my eyes before hugging her too.
“Honey go wake up grandpa but no screaming ok?” Alana runs up the stairs and we sit down to eat.
“Merry Christmas dad.” Isabel says when he comes down to join us.
“Merry Christmas all.” We sit and have breakfast and Alana is shoving her food down trying to hurry and get to the gift opening part. We all notice it and try and hurry up for her sake.
Hours later after opening tons of gifts I take Max aside to give him my gift. He grabs his before we head upstairs to our room.
“I wanted to give you yours in private. It’s stupid…not romantic or anything.”
“Stop it. I’ll love it not matter what.” I hand him the box and anxiously wait for him to open it.
“What is it?” He asks holding my journal up.
“Open it.” He opens the journal and reads the first page.
“Thank you. I can’t believe you went through all of that Liz.” He closes the book up and places a kiss on my forehead.
“I wrote in it everyday until the night before you woke up.”
“I can’t wait to read it.” He places the book down on the nightstand an I had him another box this time smaller.
“Another one?” He asks before slowly ripping the paper off.
“It’s not a big deal.” I say and anxiously wait for him to open it.
“W-what?” He looks up at me puzzled.
“I’m pregnant.” I smile and hope that he’s happy. I gave him a silver rattle from Tiffany’s.
“W-what? Why didn’t you tell me before? When did you find out?”
“I found out when you were in the hospital. I wanted to wait for the right moment. Are you mad?” I have a feeling that he’s hurt.
“No not at all. I’m happy, really happy. Thank you.” He gives me a kiss and I still feel like something is wrong.
“Are you ok? I mean with all of this? You don’t seem happy.” I start to get upset and he can tell.
“Baby I’m the happiest man alive right now. It’s just sudden that’s all. I’m sorry but I’m happy, very happy.” He pulls me into his arms and I feel a little better.
“Ok time for your gift.” He hands me a box and I begin to rip off the wrapping paper.
“What is it?”
“Just open it.” I open the box and I see a silver Key.
“A key?” I ask puzzled.
“Yeah you have to wait and see what it belongs to later ok?”
“What’s going on Max?”
“Later.” He gives me a kiss and I put the key back in its box.
“We should head downstairs. I’m sure they are wondering what’s going on.” I sit up but don’t get off the bed.
“What’s wrong?” He sits back down next to me.
“Should we tell them? I mean about the pregnancy and everything?” I bite my lip nervously.
“It’s up to you baby. Whatever you want to do.” I think about it for a minute and decide that it’s best to tell them. They are our family and they love us.
“Ok so we’ll tell them.” I smile and Max takes my hand as we walk downstairs.
“Well it’s about time.” Isabel says when she sees us coming down the stairs.
“Liz and I have an announcement to make.” I feel a blush creep up on my cheeks. Everyone is staring at us.
“We’re pregnant.” Isabel rushes over to us and pulls me into a tight hug.
“Congrats.” Alex offers soon after. Max’s dad gives us his blessing. I wonder what Alana thinks, she hasn’t said anything.
“You’re going to have a baby for real mommy?” She asks.
“Yes baby for real. We are going to live together too and the new baby.” I hope she’s ok with this.
“I get to have a brother or sister?” She asks with wide eyes.
“Yes you do.” She screeches a yay and I’m glad she is happy about all of this.
Isabel and Alex head home and Max tells his father that he and I are going out for a while. Alana is engrossed in her new toys and doesn’t notice when we leave.
“Where are we going?” He has blindfolded me and won’t tell me where we are going.
“Just relax. We’ll be there in a minute.” I sit back and wait. He’s not going to tell me anyway.
“Ok you can’t take the blindfold off yet.” He helps me out of the car and we walk up a few stairs before I hear him open a door.
“It smells nice in here.” He laughs and pulls me forward more before sitting me down.
“Come on Max I want to see what’s going on.”
“Ok ok ok you can take it off.” I feel nervous now and slowly take the blindfold off. I’m sitting in the most beautiful room that I’ve ever seen. I stand up and look around. Everything is so beautiful.
“Max what is this?”
“Home. Do you like it?” He asks with the biggest smile on his face.
“Home? I love it but what do you mean home?”
“This is our new home. Isabel helped with the decorations; she knew what you would like.”
“Oh Max is beautiful.” I throw myself into his arms and walk around the house.
“Let me give you a personal tour of the place.” He takes my hand in his and shows me each room one by one.
“Is this why Isabel has been showing me all those home décor books?” I ask because everything that I said I liked is in the house even down to the sheets on our bed.
“Yeah. She left one room for you to do though.” We walk further down the hall and he opens the door. There is a glider with a teddy bear that has Baby Evans written on its belly. I bring my hand up to my mouth and cry.
“Max it’s beautiful. Everything is perfect I love it.” I sit in the glider and imagine how the room will look when it’s finished.
“Come out back I have one more thing to show you.” I get up and we walk down the stairs and into the back yard. There is an in ground swimming pool with a slide and diving board and a large swing set for Alana. We walk down a stone path and come to a beautiful white Gazebo. As we walk closer I see a bouquet of roses in a vase on the bench. We sit on the bench and Max wraps his arms around me.
“Do you really like it?” He asks.
“Yes I love it. It’s perfect Max. Thank you.” I snuggle up against him
“You’re not mad that I didn’t wait for you?”
“No. You did great. The house is perfect; it’s just what I wanted. Not too big but not too small.”
“We even have a few extra rooms to fill up.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me and I laugh.
“Let’s get through this one first ok?” We sit in silence for a while when Max tells me that he will be right back.
~~
This is it. I wanted to wait until New Years but the timing is perfect right now. I’ve had the ring in my pocket all day because I had a feeling that I would do it today. I told her that I was going to the car to get something but I just need to gather my thoughts.
Once I’ve calmed down I walk outside again. I see her sitting there with her hands on her still flat stomach. She has to be an Angel; there is not other explanation for perfect she is. I slowly walk towards her and once she sees me she gives me one of her signature smiles and my heart melts.
“Hey, what did you go get?” She asks me.
“What? Oh nothing.”
“Ok?” She shakes her head.
“Liz are you happy? I mean with everything?” I want to make sure this is what she wants.
“Yes I am. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m totally *kiss* completely *kiss* happy.” I pull her towards me and gently rub my tongue on her lower lips before she parts her lips welcoming my tongue into her mouth. I suck on her tongue and explore every inch of her mouth.
“Are you happy?” She asks me when we pull apart.
“Yes. More then I ever thought I could be. More then I deserve I think.”
“You do deserve this Max don’t say things like that. Everyone deserves to be happy no matter what.”
“There is one thing that I want though.” I say to her.
“What?”
“You…” She’s about to open her mouth in protest but I place a finger over her lips.
“You to be my wife.” I pull the box out of my pocket and place it in her hands.
“Max.” She whispers.
“Liz you are my life, my world. I can’t express how much I love you or how much you mean to me. You have given me the most precious gift and are about to do it again. It’s been a rocky road for us but I’d do it again in a second if it ends like this. You are my best friend and above all truly my soul mate. I would be the luckiest man in the universe if you agree to become my wife.” The tears are rolling down her face and I’m trying to hold mine back.
“I would love nothing more.” She says with tears in her eyes. I open the box and take the ring out.
“It was my grandmothers; she gave it to be before she died. If you don’t like it I can get you a different one.” I wait before sliding it on her finger.
“I love it. It’s perfect and beautiful.” I slide the emerald cut diamond onto her slim finger and place a kiss on it.
~~4 days later~~
Max and I officially moved into the house yesterday. I felt badly about leaving Philip but he was happy that we were starting a new phase in our lives together. I’m still in awe of the house. It’s not too far from Philips place or Isabel’s and I love that. Alana is the happiest; her room was perfect for her. Isabel did such a good job I have to do something for her soon. Max is going to go back to work after the holidays. He wanted to go back now but Philip said there is no point in going back until the after the New Year.
I love having him home with me and will be sad when he goes back to work especially since I don’t have a job right now. I miss cooking and prepare elaborate meals for us at home. I wanted to go back to work but decided to wait until the baby was born. No sense it going back to have to leave again in a few months.
We just finished having dinner when the phone rings.
“Hello.” I answer the phone since Max is getting dessert ready for us.
“Liz. It’s Alex. Isabel is in the hospital she went into labor a few hours ago. She’s asking for you and Max. Can you guys come down here?”
“Is she ok?” I don’t hear his answer and hope that she is. “Alex?”
“Liz just get down here ok.” I drop the phone and begin to cry. I can’t go though this again. We just got over Max’s ordeal, she has to be ok. I slowly walk to the kitchen to tell Max what’s going on.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” Max was scooping Ice cream into some bowls.
“It’s Isabel. She’s in labor.” He drops the scoop and walks over to me.
“Is she ok? Why are you crying?” He smoothes my hair back and I know that he’s worried.
“I don’t know. Alex just called and said that she was asking for us.” He throws the dishes into the sink and we get out coats.
“I’m going to have Alana stay with dad. Let me call him and tell him we are on our way.” I wait for him by the door while he goes to call. I know that Philip would like to come too but I don’t want to take Alana to the hospital or alert her that anything is wrong.
“Ok let’s go. He wants us to check in with him though.” We head out and drive to Philips before heading to the hospital. Max is driving and I know that he wants to speed but I know he’s scared.
“She’ll be fine Max. Don’t worry.” I try to sooth him.
“I know she will be.” He gives me a weak smile and we sit in silence. This can’t be happening again.
Thanks for the FB ~~Chapter23~~
~*~*Max~*~*
I feel good about talking to Victoria. Now I can fully concentrate on my family and not have to worry about anything lingering from the past. I can’t believe what she said about Jackson but that’s all over now. Driving back home knowing that I would pass the site of my accident is a little freaky. I still don’t remember much but knowing that I’m on the same street that it happened on is strange. I’m driving at exactly the speed limit but I want to hurry and get home. Lately I’ve wanted to spend every minute I can with Liz and Alana. I feel like I’ve missed so much.
~*~Liz~*~
I’m sitting in our room right now trying my hardest not to cry. Why? Well as I was driving back from Isabel’s I was stopped at a light. Something caught my eye and when I looked over to my left I see Victoria and Max. I blink a few times making sure that it’s them and it is. I then see Victoria give him a kiss on the cheek then a hug. I know it might be nothing but seeing them together again was hard. We’ve been through so much crap I just want everything to be prefect from now on.
I’m lying on my side rubbing my stomach when I hear the door creek open. I have a feeling its Max but don’t turn to see who it is. If it was Alana she would have said something by now. I feel the bed dip and try to pretend I’m asleep.
“Liz I know you’re not sleeping.” I sigh and open my eyes.
“What’s wrong? Why are you in here?” He asks and I don’t want to face him because I know my eyes show remnants of my crying.
“I’m just tired that’s all.” I hope he buys it and leaves.
“Why won’t you look at me?” Shit, he’s still here. I have no choice but to turn and face him because I know he won’t leave until I do.
“Have you been crying?” He asks.
“No.”
“Liar. Why are you crying?” He cups my face and looks at me with such love it makes me want to cry again.
“I saw you at Victoria’s and…it’s stupid…forget it.” I bury my face in his chest feeling like an idiot for mentioning it.
“It’s not stupid. Look at me.” He brings my face up to look at his. “I did go over there and I’m guessing you saw me leaving and you saw her hugging me but it was nothing. I went over there to tell her about you and I. I owed her that much. I’m sorry if I hurt you, I should have told you but I didn’t know how you would feel about it.” He wipes my tears away with the pads of his thumb.
“I know it was nothing it’s just seeing you with her again brought back some memories. She talked to me at the hospital and told me that she knew and that she wanted us to be happy. I’m glad you talked to her, she’s a nice person.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
“So, no more worrying about me and anyone else. Liz you have to know how much I love you I would never do that to you.” He pulls me against his chest again and I love the feeling. I can’t get enough of him.
“So are we all ready for Christmas because I don’t want to go to any kind of store for the next year or so.” He laughs.
“Yeah we are all done.” I went with Isabel to get his gift the other day and it’s stored away at her house. It’s stupid but I think he will like it.
“Good. So how about I cook for you for a change tonight?”
“Max you don’t have to.” He can only make one thing anyway.
“I want to. Come on you can watch and critique me the whole time ok?” I laugh and walk with him down to the kitchen.
~*~Max~*~
It’s Christmas Eve and after fighting to get Alana to bed Liz and I are placing the gifts under the tree and putting toys in the stockings.
“So Isabel and Alex will be here at 9 to have breakfast with us even though Alana will be up way before that.” Liz is filling the stockings.
“Sounds good. She’s going to be so excited when she sees all of these gifts. You father went a bit overboard though.” The gifts don’t even fit under the tree. Most of them are for Alana though.
“Yeah well, what about Isabel? She and Alex are going to go broke when their kids get here.” I laugh and finish placing the rest of the gifts.
“They’ll be fine. I can’t wait for the babies to get here. It will be nice to have babies around again.” Liz and I haven’t talked about more kids and I want to bring it up to her.
“I know what you mean. I miss Alana being in diapers and learning to walk.”
“Yeah well I don’t miss the diapers part but the rest I do.” I take that as I good sign that maybe she is open to more kids.
“Come sit with me.” I got the fireplace going and some hot chocolate.
“Umm this is nice.” She snuggles up against my chest and I wrap my arm around her.
“It is. I wanted to talk to you about leaving here.” I love my father’s house but it’s not ours.
“Ok what about it?”
“Well we can’t stay here forever even though there is more then enough room. So I was thinking of getting a house together.” I brace myself for her reaction and hope that it’s a good one.
“Are you sure Max?”
“Yes I’m sure. Do you want to?” Maybe I’m moving too fast.
“I would love that and Alana would too.” She gives me a kiss and we sit staring at the fire talking about where we would like to live and what kind of place we want to get.
I fall asleep and find myself in the grass field again. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
“I couldn’t just leave you; I had to come say a proper goodbye. I won’t see you like this anymore. Our time here is over.” He smiles and lies next to me.
“Thank you.” I say turning my head to look into his eyes.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes you did. You helped me when I didn’t really have you. I’ll miss these dreams, I‘ll miss this you. Is that crazy?”
“No it’s not ,but you will be fine. You’re stronger then you think Liz don’t ever forget that and don’t ever forget how much I love you in this life and in any other that we may share.” I reach over to touch him but hold back.
“You can’t touch me here anymore. You don’t need to. Touch him, love him the real Max. I‘m just a version of Max that you made up to help you get through a hard time. You have the real thing now and don’t need me anymore. ” He smiles.
“Do you think he’s happy?” I don’t know why I asked him that.
“I know he is. He has you, he’s happy.” He stands up to walk away.
“I love you Max.” I say making him stop and turn to look at me.
“I know Liz. I‘ve always known.” I watch him walk away and disappear into the sunset. I know that I have the real thing next to me in bed but I still feel a loss. I lay in the grass for a while shedding tears of sadness and joy. I’ve lost a small part of Max but I can live with that.
~*~*Liz~*~*
“IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” That is the wake up call we got this morning. I jump out of bed and Max does as well.
“Merry Christmas baby.” Max and I give her a kiss and brush our teeth before meeting her downstairs. It’s only 8:30 so we have to distract her until Isabel gets here.
“Mommy look at everything Santa got me! I was a very good girl.” She’s standing next to the tree wide eyed.
“Yes you were baby.” Max scoots her up and tickles her.
I wanna open them now mommy can I?”
“No baby we have to wait for Aunty Isabel and Uncle Alex ok? Why don’t you look in your stocking first?” She agrees and I tell Max that I’m going to start breakfast for everyone. Anna has the week off and I want to cook anyway.
The bacon is in the oven and I start on homemade pancakes. I make chocolate chip ones for Max and blueberry for Alana and some plain as well.
I’m scrambling the eggs when I hear Alex and Isabel.
“Ho ho ho.” That must be Alex
“Uncle Alex why you wearin that?” I want to see what he has on and walk out there.
“Merry Christmas.” He has on a Santa outfit but doesn’t have the body for it and looks funny.
“Alex you are crazy.” I laugh and give him a hug.
“Yeah I think it would have fit me better.” Isabel says and I roll my eyes before hugging her too.
“Honey go wake up grandpa but no screaming ok?” Alana runs up the stairs and we sit down to eat.
“Merry Christmas dad.” Isabel says when he comes down to join us.
“Merry Christmas all.” We sit and have breakfast and Alana is shoving her food down trying to hurry and get to the gift opening part. We all notice it and try and hurry up for her sake.
Hours later after opening tons of gifts I take Max aside to give him my gift. He grabs his before we head upstairs to our room.
“I wanted to give you yours in private. It’s stupid…not romantic or anything.”
“Stop it. I’ll love it not matter what.” I hand him the box and anxiously wait for him to open it.
“What is it?” He asks holding my journal up.
“Open it.” He opens the journal and reads the first page.
“Thank you. I can’t believe you went through all of that Liz.” He closes the book up and places a kiss on my forehead.
“I wrote in it everyday until the night before you woke up.”
“I can’t wait to read it.” He places the book down on the nightstand an I had him another box this time smaller.
“Another one?” He asks before slowly ripping the paper off.
“It’s not a big deal.” I say and anxiously wait for him to open it.
“W-what?” He looks up at me puzzled.
“I’m pregnant.” I smile and hope that he’s happy. I gave him a silver rattle from Tiffany’s.
“W-what? Why didn’t you tell me before? When did you find out?”
“I found out when you were in the hospital. I wanted to wait for the right moment. Are you mad?” I have a feeling that he’s hurt.
“No not at all. I’m happy, really happy. Thank you.” He gives me a kiss and I still feel like something is wrong.
“Are you ok? I mean with all of this? You don’t seem happy.” I start to get upset and he can tell.
“Baby I’m the happiest man alive right now. It’s just sudden that’s all. I’m sorry but I’m happy, very happy.” He pulls me into his arms and I feel a little better.
“Ok time for your gift.” He hands me a box and I begin to rip off the wrapping paper.
“What is it?”
“Just open it.” I open the box and I see a silver Key.
“A key?” I ask puzzled.
“Yeah you have to wait and see what it belongs to later ok?”
“What’s going on Max?”
“Later.” He gives me a kiss and I put the key back in its box.
“We should head downstairs. I’m sure they are wondering what’s going on.” I sit up but don’t get off the bed.
“What’s wrong?” He sits back down next to me.
“Should we tell them? I mean about the pregnancy and everything?” I bite my lip nervously.
“It’s up to you baby. Whatever you want to do.” I think about it for a minute and decide that it’s best to tell them. They are our family and they love us.
“Ok so we’ll tell them.” I smile and Max takes my hand as we walk downstairs.
“Well it’s about time.” Isabel says when she sees us coming down the stairs.
“Liz and I have an announcement to make.” I feel a blush creep up on my cheeks. Everyone is staring at us.
“We’re pregnant.” Isabel rushes over to us and pulls me into a tight hug.
“Congrats.” Alex offers soon after. Max’s dad gives us his blessing. I wonder what Alana thinks, she hasn’t said anything.
“You’re going to have a baby for real mommy?” She asks.
“Yes baby for real. We are going to live together too and the new baby.” I hope she’s ok with this.
“I get to have a brother or sister?” She asks with wide eyes.
“Yes you do.” She screeches a yay and I’m glad she is happy about all of this.
Isabel and Alex head home and Max tells his father that he and I are going out for a while. Alana is engrossed in her new toys and doesn’t notice when we leave.
“Where are we going?” He has blindfolded me and won’t tell me where we are going.
“Just relax. We’ll be there in a minute.” I sit back and wait. He’s not going to tell me anyway.
“Ok you can’t take the blindfold off yet.” He helps me out of the car and we walk up a few stairs before I hear him open a door.
“It smells nice in here.” He laughs and pulls me forward more before sitting me down.
“Come on Max I want to see what’s going on.”
“Ok ok ok you can take it off.” I feel nervous now and slowly take the blindfold off. I’m sitting in the most beautiful room that I’ve ever seen. I stand up and look around. Everything is so beautiful.
“Max what is this?”
“Home. Do you like it?” He asks with the biggest smile on his face.
“Home? I love it but what do you mean home?”
“This is our new home. Isabel helped with the decorations; she knew what you would like.”
“Oh Max is beautiful.” I throw myself into his arms and walk around the house.
“Let me give you a personal tour of the place.” He takes my hand in his and shows me each room one by one.
“Is this why Isabel has been showing me all those home décor books?” I ask because everything that I said I liked is in the house even down to the sheets on our bed.
“Yeah. She left one room for you to do though.” We walk further down the hall and he opens the door. There is a glider with a teddy bear that has Baby Evans written on its belly. I bring my hand up to my mouth and cry.
“Max it’s beautiful. Everything is perfect I love it.” I sit in the glider and imagine how the room will look when it’s finished.
“Come out back I have one more thing to show you.” I get up and we walk down the stairs and into the back yard. There is an in ground swimming pool with a slide and diving board and a large swing set for Alana. We walk down a stone path and come to a beautiful white Gazebo. As we walk closer I see a bouquet of roses in a vase on the bench. We sit on the bench and Max wraps his arms around me.
“Do you really like it?” He asks.
“Yes I love it. It’s perfect Max. Thank you.” I snuggle up against him
“You’re not mad that I didn’t wait for you?”
“No. You did great. The house is perfect; it’s just what I wanted. Not too big but not too small.”
“We even have a few extra rooms to fill up.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me and I laugh.
“Let’s get through this one first ok?” We sit in silence for a while when Max tells me that he will be right back.
~~
This is it. I wanted to wait until New Years but the timing is perfect right now. I’ve had the ring in my pocket all day because I had a feeling that I would do it today. I told her that I was going to the car to get something but I just need to gather my thoughts.
Once I’ve calmed down I walk outside again. I see her sitting there with her hands on her still flat stomach. She has to be an Angel; there is not other explanation for perfect she is. I slowly walk towards her and once she sees me she gives me one of her signature smiles and my heart melts.
“Hey, what did you go get?” She asks me.
“What? Oh nothing.”
“Ok?” She shakes her head.
“Liz are you happy? I mean with everything?” I want to make sure this is what she wants.
“Yes I am. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m totally *kiss* completely *kiss* happy.” I pull her towards me and gently rub my tongue on her lower lips before she parts her lips welcoming my tongue into her mouth. I suck on her tongue and explore every inch of her mouth.
“Are you happy?” She asks me when we pull apart.
“Yes. More then I ever thought I could be. More then I deserve I think.”
“You do deserve this Max don’t say things like that. Everyone deserves to be happy no matter what.”
“There is one thing that I want though.” I say to her.
“What?”
“You…” She’s about to open her mouth in protest but I place a finger over her lips.
“You to be my wife.” I pull the box out of my pocket and place it in her hands.
“Max.” She whispers.
“Liz you are my life, my world. I can’t express how much I love you or how much you mean to me. You have given me the most precious gift and are about to do it again. It’s been a rocky road for us but I’d do it again in a second if it ends like this. You are my best friend and above all truly my soul mate. I would be the luckiest man in the universe if you agree to become my wife.” The tears are rolling down her face and I’m trying to hold mine back.
“I would love nothing more.” She says with tears in her eyes. I open the box and take the ring out.
“It was my grandmothers; she gave it to be before she died. If you don’t like it I can get you a different one.” I wait before sliding it on her finger.
“I love it. It’s perfect and beautiful.” I slide the emerald cut diamond onto her slim finger and place a kiss on it.
~~4 days later~~
Max and I officially moved into the house yesterday. I felt badly about leaving Philip but he was happy that we were starting a new phase in our lives together. I’m still in awe of the house. It’s not too far from Philips place or Isabel’s and I love that. Alana is the happiest; her room was perfect for her. Isabel did such a good job I have to do something for her soon. Max is going to go back to work after the holidays. He wanted to go back now but Philip said there is no point in going back until the after the New Year.
I love having him home with me and will be sad when he goes back to work especially since I don’t have a job right now. I miss cooking and prepare elaborate meals for us at home. I wanted to go back to work but decided to wait until the baby was born. No sense it going back to have to leave again in a few months.
We just finished having dinner when the phone rings.
“Hello.” I answer the phone since Max is getting dessert ready for us.
“Liz. It’s Alex. Isabel is in the hospital she went into labor a few hours ago. She’s asking for you and Max. Can you guys come down here?”
“Is she ok?” I don’t hear his answer and hope that she is. “Alex?”
“Liz just get down here ok.” I drop the phone and begin to cry. I can’t go though this again. We just got over Max’s ordeal, she has to be ok. I slowly walk to the kitchen to tell Max what’s going on.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” Max was scooping Ice cream into some bowls.
“It’s Isabel. She’s in labor.” He drops the scoop and walks over to me.
“Is she ok? Why are you crying?” He smoothes my hair back and I know that he’s worried.
“I don’t know. Alex just called and said that she was asking for us.” He throws the dishes into the sink and we get out coats.
“I’m going to have Alana stay with dad. Let me call him and tell him we are on our way.” I wait for him by the door while he goes to call. I know that Philip would like to come too but I don’t want to take Alana to the hospital or alert her that anything is wrong.
“Ok let’s go. He wants us to check in with him though.” We head out and drive to Philips before heading to the hospital. Max is driving and I know that he wants to speed but I know he’s scared.
“She’ll be fine Max. Don’t worry.” I try to sooth him.
“I know she will be.” He gives me a weak smile and we sit in silence. This can’t be happening again.
My Fics
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
~~Chapter 24~~
I’m really beginning to hate this hospital. This is the third time I’ve come rushing over there and each time it was just as hard and the last. We ask for the maternity floor and take the elevator up. Max hasn’t said two words to me and I’m getting worried.
We get out of the elevator and see Alex in the waiting room.
“Alex what happened?” Max asks him.
~~
I see Alex sitting there looking lost and my heart drops.
“Alex what happened?” I ask and take a seat next to him.
“Her water broke and we rushed over here. She’s in a lot of pain; I think something is wrong with one of the babies something about the position or something. Everything is such a blur to me Max. She has to be ok.” Alex is about to break I can tell.
“She’ll be ok Alex. I’m going to talk to someone to find out what’s wrong ok.” He looks up at me with vacant eyes and nods.
“Ok the nurse said that they might have to do a C-section, you were right one of the babies hasn’t turned yet.” I rub my face and go sit next to Liz.
“Are you ok?” I ask. She must be stressed out.
“I’m fine. Take care of Alex he needs you. I’ll be ok.” I place a kiss on her temple and try to keep Alex talking.
“Alex they do these things all the time. Everything will be fine.” He doesn’t look up at me and simply shakes his head. I can’t even imagine what he’s going through right now. Is this how they were when I was brought in here? Alex is a wreck and Liz looks spooked. She shouldn’t be here but I know she won’t go home until everything is ok.
Isabel is my sister and I love her but I know Alex would be a wreck if something happened to her. I don’t think he would make it honestly. Isabel is everything to him.
We sit and wait for what seems like an eternity when the doctor comes out. I see blood on his scrubs and I want to throw up.
“Mr. Whitman?” Alex looks up with tears in his eyes.
“Congratulations you have a beautiful girl and boy.”
“What about my wife? Is she ok? Can I see her?” He looks desperate.
“She’s in surgery right now. There were complications.” The doctor is explaining what happened and I don’t hear anything. I look at Alex who is slumped in the chair and Liz who is sobbing. I need to comfort Liz but I don’t want to leave Alex. Torn I go to Liz, she doesn’t need to be upset right now.
“Liz maybe you should go home. This can’t be good for you or the baby.” I rub her back soothingly as the tears fall from her eyes.
“No I’m fine. I want to stay here.” She wipes her eyes and I pull her into my arms. Now we sit and wait. Alex doesn’t want to see his children until he knows that Isabel is ok. I don’t blame him but I wonder for a second what if she’s not ok? Would he be able to go on without her?
“I’m going to call my dad ok. I’ll be right back.” I place a kiss on top of her head and go find a payphone to call my father. I don’t feel like going outside to use my cell.
When I come back I see that Alex is gone.
“What happened?” I ask growing worried.
“She’s out of surgery. Alex is in with her.” I let out a breath. At least she made it out of surgery ok.
A few moments later Alex comes out to tell us that she’s awake. We breathe a sigh of relief and go in to see her.
“Hey Iz.” I place a kiss on her forehead and she gives me a weak smile.
“Hey.” She says softly. I’m so relieved that she’s ok. Liz comes in and hugs her as best she can. A few moments later the babies are brought in and Isabel instantly brightens up.
“Guys meet Ethan Aaron Whitman and Emma Alexandria Whitman.” The babies are small but perfect.
“Beautiful.” I say before rubbing each of them on their backs.
“I told you I was having a girl.” Isabel says.
“And you were right as always.” We sit and talk for a few moments before Liz and I decide to head out. Isabel will be here for a few days for monitoring but she seems to be ok.
“Long night. Are you ok?” I ask Liz as I’m driving home.
“Yeah it was. I’m fine just tired.” She closes her eyes and I turn the attention back to the road. I can’t help but grin like an idiot when I think that I’m going to be a father again. We decide to go to my fathers house for the night since Alana is there. I don’t want to wake her up to bring her home and I know she’s going to be wondering what’s going on in the morning.
~~
The next morning Alana wakes us up bright an early by jumping on the bed a few times.
“Mommy daddy I want to see the babies. Grandpa told me that the babies were commin I wanna see them.”
“Ok honey but let’s eat first ok?” I pull her off the bed. Liz is still lying down and I tell her to go back to sleep. She needs rest.
“Daddy did you see em?” Ana is preparing breakfast for us.
“Yup. She had a boy and a girl.”
“Is mommy gonna have two babies too?” That’s a good question.
“I don’t know baby. She might, we just have to wait and see ok?” Alana is asking me about a hundred questions about the babies and I hope she doesn’t get into asking me how they got in there.
“Let’s get you dressed ok. Then we can go see Isabel.” I take her up to the bedroom and pick out some clothes for her to wear. As she’s getting dressed I go check on Liz. I don’t see her in the bed and see the bathroom door closed. I stand outside the door and wait a second before knocking. I can hear her vomiting on the other side of the door and feel helpless. She went though this with Alana and I know it’s just something that she has to go through, still sucks that I can’t help her.
“Hey.” I come in after I hear that she stopped.
“You alright?” I ask as she’s washing her face.
“Yeah you know the drill. It will pass though. I’ll be out in a minute.” I let her finish in their and go check on Alana.
“You almost ready?” I see that she’s all dressed and help her fix her hair.
“Is mom commin too?”
“No honey mommy isn’t feeling too good so she’s going to stay home.”
We walk downstairs and Liz is having some toast with tea. I’m glad she’s eating. I tell her that we are going to see the babies and give her a kiss goodbye.
~~
It’s New Years Eve and Isabel has been back home for a few days. I’ve been having the worst morning, noon and night sickness over the past few days and hope that it passes soon. Isabel has settled into motherhood much better then we all expected. The babies are in their room for right now and Alex has been a great help too. Emily is very excited to have babies in the house and when we told her about me expecting she went on and one about something in Spanish and hugged me tightly. We are trying to give her space but Alana wants to go over there everyday. Isabel says she doesn’t mind but I know how it felt when I had Alana and I couldn’t imagine how it would be with two at a time. We are going to have an early new years gathering over there. I have this thing about spending this day with the people that you love no matter what.
We get there at about 7 and only plan on staying for a few hours.
“Senor Max, Senor Philip, Senora Liz, Senorita Alana.” Emily greets us and takes our coats. I wonder why she’s not with her family today but don’t want to ask her.
“Hey where’s Isabel?” I ask when I see Alex.
“She’s feeding the kids; she’ll be down in a minute.” Alana rushes over to the games room and we sit in the living room.
“Here she is. My queen.” We see Isabel come down the stairs. She looks tired and I feel bad for being here now.
“Hey guys.” She gives us a kiss and we sit back down.
“How are you doing?” I ask while Alex, Philip and Max start their own conversation.
“Tired but happy. I’m exhausted but I don’t want to miss one second of their lives you know? I think when I collapse that’s when I’ll take a break.” I laugh and can totally understand that.
“I know what you mean but you need to rest. Maybe we should go.”
“Go? Where are you guys going?” Alex turns to us.
“Nowhere. Liz don’t be silly we are going to have a nice meal and celebrate new years early.” I guess that’s that then.
Emily serves us dinner and we sit and eat.
“Liz when do you find out what you are having?” Isabel asks.
“Umm we don’t know if we want to know yet.” Max squeezes my leg underneath the table. We knew what we were having with Alana and I kind of want a surprise this time.
“Really? I wonder if you will have twins.” Isabel laughs and Alana’s face brightens up.
“Oh mommy maybe you can have two like Aunty Isabel.” We all laugh and continue with our food. I think I would go crazy with twins but you never know, it does run in Max’s family since he is a twin. I guess I’ll find out in a few days when I go back in for another ultrasound.
Its 8:45 and we are going to celebrate the New Year at 9 like we’ve done for Alana. We fill our cups with sparkling cider and sit in front of the fireplace.
“Is it almost New Years mom?” Alana has her streamers ready to go.
“Not hey baby almost though.” She’s fidgeting with the thing and I know she wants to pull it.
“So you guys just going to stay in tonight?” Alex asks.
“Yeah we are going to spend the night in. I don’t feel like going out.” I’m looking forward to spending the whole night snuggled up with Max counting down the New Year.
It’s 8:58 and Alana is about to burst. “Now mommy?” She’s standing up on the sofa. Poor girl is going to burst.
“Almost honey. Two minutes ok?” She probably doesn’t know how long that really is but nods anyway.
“Ok everyone get your streamers and what not ready we got two minutes.” Max announces and we all get our things ready.
Five, four, three, two, one “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” We all scream at the same time. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as well as silent wishes for the year to come. I have all I want and just hope that nothing changes. This moment will forever be etched in my mind. Max holding Alana while he places a gentle kiss on my lips. Alex holding Isabel by the waist while she hugs Philip. Everything is perfect I could ask for nothing more.
At around 11 we head home. Isabel wanted us to stay longer but I could tell that she was tried and Alana was already asleep. We say goodbye with promises to get together soon and drive home.
“Today was perfect.” Max kisses the back of my hand.
“It’s not over yet.” He says. We get home and tuck Alana in. I have a craving for ice cream and Max goes into the kitchen to get us some. Its 11:45 and we sit in front of the fireplace with our bowls in hand wrapped up in a blanket.
“Tell me your dreams?” He asks me.
“What?”
“Tell me your dreams Liz.” He takes the bowl out of my hand and pulls me to lean against his chest.
“You are my dream.” I say and mean it with all my heart. “This is my dream.”
“God Liz I think back to all those years I wasted when I could have been with you. I was so stupid. I should have told you a long time ago how I felt.”
“Max it wasn’t all you. I could have sad something too. It doesn’t matter anymore because we are together now.” I lean my head back and place a kiss on his lips.
“Promise me we will always tell each other how we feel no matter what.” He asks me.
“I promise.” We sit and watch the fire for a few moments.
“It’s almost midnight. Let’s go up to our room.” Max helps me up and we walk upstairs.
“Do you realize how much power you have over me?” I’m sitting on the bed taking my shoes off.
“What are you talking about?” I laugh.
“One look from you can make my heart melt.” He sits next to me and runs his hand through my hair.
“Max.” I sigh. I love the feel of his hands on my skin.
“You’re an angel, you have to be.” He slowly pulls down the straps of my dress revealing my breasts to him.
“I can’t be awake. I must be dreaming.”
“Max you’re awake, very much awake.” I look down towards his arousal.
“I am aren’t I?” He laughs and pushes me back on the mattress. Slowly he pulls the dress off my body leaving me in nothing by my underwear. My once flat stomach is starting to show signs of our child growing. Max hovers above me placing kisses all around my stomach.
“This is the most beautiful thing ever. You carrying our child again is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” He’s looking right into my eyes and I see tears forming in his. I know how he feels and being in this situation again brings back memories of the first time.
“I want to have a hundred babies with you Liz. Can we?” I laugh a little.
“Whatever you want sweetheart.” He teases me by running his tongue across my lips. I feel the wetness gathering between my legs and lift my hips to rub up against him.
“I have too many clothes on. Hold on.” He laughs and scoots back to take his shirt and pants off. When he pulls of his shirt I can’t help but lick my lips in anticipation. He is an angel no a God that’s what he is. His body is perfectly sculpted and he’s mine. He nestles between my legs and I run my hands all over his skin. I am in an insatiable mood and suck on his chest and shoulders. I know I’m leaving marks on his body but I don’t care.
“Humm I like this side of you.” He says when he looks down at the marks I have left on his chest. He beings his assault on my neck and I am completely enraptured. His moans and soft groan drive me wild and soon I am on top of him riding his hard and fast. His hands are caressing my breasts which have begun to get a little fuller now.
I throw my head back in a complete state of ecstasy as I feel my climax building up. I glance over at the clock and see that it’s past midnight. What a way to ring in the New Year I think and a smile graces my lips.
“What is it?” He asks me through hooded eyes. I see the sweat forming on his brow and love the look that he has as I’m riding him.
“N-nothing. I-it’s past m-midnight.” I manage to say and I continue my movements. Just as I feel my end coming near Max flips us over so that he’s on top.
“I could never tell you how much I love you. Even if I said it a hundred times a day till I die it wouldn’t be enough.”
~~
Being inside Liz is like nothing else in the world. She’s not the only woman I’ve been with but she’s the only one I want to be with. I can’t believe that I could have had this all along and was too stupid and scared to do anything about it. All of that doesn’t matter because she’s here now.
“Max please.” She’s begging me to move faster but I don’t want it to end. I’m greedy. I push forward before pulling all the way out again. I know she loves that and I do too.
“Fuck Liz I’m almost there.” I can’t hold back anymore and thrust faster and harder.
“Oh God Max….yes!” I smile when I hear her moan. Moments later we collapse limbs tangled.
“That was a great way to ring in the New Year huh?” She laughs and drifts to sleep.
This year coming up is the start for a new life for me. I have everything I could ever want and more. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be this happy and I have Liz Parker, soon to be Evans to thank for that. I’ve caught my butterfly and I’m never letting go.
You guys have no faith. You really think I would do something mean? LOL Epilogue on Tuesday.
I’m really beginning to hate this hospital. This is the third time I’ve come rushing over there and each time it was just as hard and the last. We ask for the maternity floor and take the elevator up. Max hasn’t said two words to me and I’m getting worried.
We get out of the elevator and see Alex in the waiting room.
“Alex what happened?” Max asks him.
~~
I see Alex sitting there looking lost and my heart drops.
“Alex what happened?” I ask and take a seat next to him.
“Her water broke and we rushed over here. She’s in a lot of pain; I think something is wrong with one of the babies something about the position or something. Everything is such a blur to me Max. She has to be ok.” Alex is about to break I can tell.
“She’ll be ok Alex. I’m going to talk to someone to find out what’s wrong ok.” He looks up at me with vacant eyes and nods.
“Ok the nurse said that they might have to do a C-section, you were right one of the babies hasn’t turned yet.” I rub my face and go sit next to Liz.
“Are you ok?” I ask. She must be stressed out.
“I’m fine. Take care of Alex he needs you. I’ll be ok.” I place a kiss on her temple and try to keep Alex talking.
“Alex they do these things all the time. Everything will be fine.” He doesn’t look up at me and simply shakes his head. I can’t even imagine what he’s going through right now. Is this how they were when I was brought in here? Alex is a wreck and Liz looks spooked. She shouldn’t be here but I know she won’t go home until everything is ok.
Isabel is my sister and I love her but I know Alex would be a wreck if something happened to her. I don’t think he would make it honestly. Isabel is everything to him.
We sit and wait for what seems like an eternity when the doctor comes out. I see blood on his scrubs and I want to throw up.
“Mr. Whitman?” Alex looks up with tears in his eyes.
“Congratulations you have a beautiful girl and boy.”
“What about my wife? Is she ok? Can I see her?” He looks desperate.
“She’s in surgery right now. There were complications.” The doctor is explaining what happened and I don’t hear anything. I look at Alex who is slumped in the chair and Liz who is sobbing. I need to comfort Liz but I don’t want to leave Alex. Torn I go to Liz, she doesn’t need to be upset right now.
“Liz maybe you should go home. This can’t be good for you or the baby.” I rub her back soothingly as the tears fall from her eyes.
“No I’m fine. I want to stay here.” She wipes her eyes and I pull her into my arms. Now we sit and wait. Alex doesn’t want to see his children until he knows that Isabel is ok. I don’t blame him but I wonder for a second what if she’s not ok? Would he be able to go on without her?
“I’m going to call my dad ok. I’ll be right back.” I place a kiss on top of her head and go find a payphone to call my father. I don’t feel like going outside to use my cell.
When I come back I see that Alex is gone.
“What happened?” I ask growing worried.
“She’s out of surgery. Alex is in with her.” I let out a breath. At least she made it out of surgery ok.
A few moments later Alex comes out to tell us that she’s awake. We breathe a sigh of relief and go in to see her.
“Hey Iz.” I place a kiss on her forehead and she gives me a weak smile.
“Hey.” She says softly. I’m so relieved that she’s ok. Liz comes in and hugs her as best she can. A few moments later the babies are brought in and Isabel instantly brightens up.
“Guys meet Ethan Aaron Whitman and Emma Alexandria Whitman.” The babies are small but perfect.
“Beautiful.” I say before rubbing each of them on their backs.
“I told you I was having a girl.” Isabel says.
“And you were right as always.” We sit and talk for a few moments before Liz and I decide to head out. Isabel will be here for a few days for monitoring but she seems to be ok.
“Long night. Are you ok?” I ask Liz as I’m driving home.
“Yeah it was. I’m fine just tired.” She closes her eyes and I turn the attention back to the road. I can’t help but grin like an idiot when I think that I’m going to be a father again. We decide to go to my fathers house for the night since Alana is there. I don’t want to wake her up to bring her home and I know she’s going to be wondering what’s going on in the morning.
~~
The next morning Alana wakes us up bright an early by jumping on the bed a few times.
“Mommy daddy I want to see the babies. Grandpa told me that the babies were commin I wanna see them.”
“Ok honey but let’s eat first ok?” I pull her off the bed. Liz is still lying down and I tell her to go back to sleep. She needs rest.
“Daddy did you see em?” Ana is preparing breakfast for us.
“Yup. She had a boy and a girl.”
“Is mommy gonna have two babies too?” That’s a good question.
“I don’t know baby. She might, we just have to wait and see ok?” Alana is asking me about a hundred questions about the babies and I hope she doesn’t get into asking me how they got in there.
“Let’s get you dressed ok. Then we can go see Isabel.” I take her up to the bedroom and pick out some clothes for her to wear. As she’s getting dressed I go check on Liz. I don’t see her in the bed and see the bathroom door closed. I stand outside the door and wait a second before knocking. I can hear her vomiting on the other side of the door and feel helpless. She went though this with Alana and I know it’s just something that she has to go through, still sucks that I can’t help her.
“Hey.” I come in after I hear that she stopped.
“You alright?” I ask as she’s washing her face.
“Yeah you know the drill. It will pass though. I’ll be out in a minute.” I let her finish in their and go check on Alana.
“You almost ready?” I see that she’s all dressed and help her fix her hair.
“Is mom commin too?”
“No honey mommy isn’t feeling too good so she’s going to stay home.”
We walk downstairs and Liz is having some toast with tea. I’m glad she’s eating. I tell her that we are going to see the babies and give her a kiss goodbye.
~~
It’s New Years Eve and Isabel has been back home for a few days. I’ve been having the worst morning, noon and night sickness over the past few days and hope that it passes soon. Isabel has settled into motherhood much better then we all expected. The babies are in their room for right now and Alex has been a great help too. Emily is very excited to have babies in the house and when we told her about me expecting she went on and one about something in Spanish and hugged me tightly. We are trying to give her space but Alana wants to go over there everyday. Isabel says she doesn’t mind but I know how it felt when I had Alana and I couldn’t imagine how it would be with two at a time. We are going to have an early new years gathering over there. I have this thing about spending this day with the people that you love no matter what.
We get there at about 7 and only plan on staying for a few hours.
“Senor Max, Senor Philip, Senora Liz, Senorita Alana.” Emily greets us and takes our coats. I wonder why she’s not with her family today but don’t want to ask her.
“Hey where’s Isabel?” I ask when I see Alex.
“She’s feeding the kids; she’ll be down in a minute.” Alana rushes over to the games room and we sit in the living room.
“Here she is. My queen.” We see Isabel come down the stairs. She looks tired and I feel bad for being here now.
“Hey guys.” She gives us a kiss and we sit back down.
“How are you doing?” I ask while Alex, Philip and Max start their own conversation.
“Tired but happy. I’m exhausted but I don’t want to miss one second of their lives you know? I think when I collapse that’s when I’ll take a break.” I laugh and can totally understand that.
“I know what you mean but you need to rest. Maybe we should go.”
“Go? Where are you guys going?” Alex turns to us.
“Nowhere. Liz don’t be silly we are going to have a nice meal and celebrate new years early.” I guess that’s that then.
Emily serves us dinner and we sit and eat.
“Liz when do you find out what you are having?” Isabel asks.
“Umm we don’t know if we want to know yet.” Max squeezes my leg underneath the table. We knew what we were having with Alana and I kind of want a surprise this time.
“Really? I wonder if you will have twins.” Isabel laughs and Alana’s face brightens up.
“Oh mommy maybe you can have two like Aunty Isabel.” We all laugh and continue with our food. I think I would go crazy with twins but you never know, it does run in Max’s family since he is a twin. I guess I’ll find out in a few days when I go back in for another ultrasound.
Its 8:45 and we are going to celebrate the New Year at 9 like we’ve done for Alana. We fill our cups with sparkling cider and sit in front of the fireplace.
“Is it almost New Years mom?” Alana has her streamers ready to go.
“Not hey baby almost though.” She’s fidgeting with the thing and I know she wants to pull it.
“So you guys just going to stay in tonight?” Alex asks.
“Yeah we are going to spend the night in. I don’t feel like going out.” I’m looking forward to spending the whole night snuggled up with Max counting down the New Year.
It’s 8:58 and Alana is about to burst. “Now mommy?” She’s standing up on the sofa. Poor girl is going to burst.
“Almost honey. Two minutes ok?” She probably doesn’t know how long that really is but nods anyway.
“Ok everyone get your streamers and what not ready we got two minutes.” Max announces and we all get our things ready.
Five, four, three, two, one “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” We all scream at the same time. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as well as silent wishes for the year to come. I have all I want and just hope that nothing changes. This moment will forever be etched in my mind. Max holding Alana while he places a gentle kiss on my lips. Alex holding Isabel by the waist while she hugs Philip. Everything is perfect I could ask for nothing more.
At around 11 we head home. Isabel wanted us to stay longer but I could tell that she was tried and Alana was already asleep. We say goodbye with promises to get together soon and drive home.
“Today was perfect.” Max kisses the back of my hand.
“It’s not over yet.” He says. We get home and tuck Alana in. I have a craving for ice cream and Max goes into the kitchen to get us some. Its 11:45 and we sit in front of the fireplace with our bowls in hand wrapped up in a blanket.
“Tell me your dreams?” He asks me.
“What?”
“Tell me your dreams Liz.” He takes the bowl out of my hand and pulls me to lean against his chest.
“You are my dream.” I say and mean it with all my heart. “This is my dream.”
“God Liz I think back to all those years I wasted when I could have been with you. I was so stupid. I should have told you a long time ago how I felt.”
“Max it wasn’t all you. I could have sad something too. It doesn’t matter anymore because we are together now.” I lean my head back and place a kiss on his lips.
“Promise me we will always tell each other how we feel no matter what.” He asks me.
“I promise.” We sit and watch the fire for a few moments.
“It’s almost midnight. Let’s go up to our room.” Max helps me up and we walk upstairs.
“Do you realize how much power you have over me?” I’m sitting on the bed taking my shoes off.
“What are you talking about?” I laugh.
“One look from you can make my heart melt.” He sits next to me and runs his hand through my hair.
“Max.” I sigh. I love the feel of his hands on my skin.
“You’re an angel, you have to be.” He slowly pulls down the straps of my dress revealing my breasts to him.
“I can’t be awake. I must be dreaming.”
“Max you’re awake, very much awake.” I look down towards his arousal.
“I am aren’t I?” He laughs and pushes me back on the mattress. Slowly he pulls the dress off my body leaving me in nothing by my underwear. My once flat stomach is starting to show signs of our child growing. Max hovers above me placing kisses all around my stomach.
“This is the most beautiful thing ever. You carrying our child again is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” He’s looking right into my eyes and I see tears forming in his. I know how he feels and being in this situation again brings back memories of the first time.
“I want to have a hundred babies with you Liz. Can we?” I laugh a little.
“Whatever you want sweetheart.” He teases me by running his tongue across my lips. I feel the wetness gathering between my legs and lift my hips to rub up against him.
“I have too many clothes on. Hold on.” He laughs and scoots back to take his shirt and pants off. When he pulls of his shirt I can’t help but lick my lips in anticipation. He is an angel no a God that’s what he is. His body is perfectly sculpted and he’s mine. He nestles between my legs and I run my hands all over his skin. I am in an insatiable mood and suck on his chest and shoulders. I know I’m leaving marks on his body but I don’t care.
“Humm I like this side of you.” He says when he looks down at the marks I have left on his chest. He beings his assault on my neck and I am completely enraptured. His moans and soft groan drive me wild and soon I am on top of him riding his hard and fast. His hands are caressing my breasts which have begun to get a little fuller now.
I throw my head back in a complete state of ecstasy as I feel my climax building up. I glance over at the clock and see that it’s past midnight. What a way to ring in the New Year I think and a smile graces my lips.
“What is it?” He asks me through hooded eyes. I see the sweat forming on his brow and love the look that he has as I’m riding him.
“N-nothing. I-it’s past m-midnight.” I manage to say and I continue my movements. Just as I feel my end coming near Max flips us over so that he’s on top.
“I could never tell you how much I love you. Even if I said it a hundred times a day till I die it wouldn’t be enough.”
~~
Being inside Liz is like nothing else in the world. She’s not the only woman I’ve been with but she’s the only one I want to be with. I can’t believe that I could have had this all along and was too stupid and scared to do anything about it. All of that doesn’t matter because she’s here now.
“Max please.” She’s begging me to move faster but I don’t want it to end. I’m greedy. I push forward before pulling all the way out again. I know she loves that and I do too.
“Fuck Liz I’m almost there.” I can’t hold back anymore and thrust faster and harder.
“Oh God Max….yes!” I smile when I hear her moan. Moments later we collapse limbs tangled.
“That was a great way to ring in the New Year huh?” She laughs and drifts to sleep.
This year coming up is the start for a new life for me. I have everything I could ever want and more. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be this happy and I have Liz Parker, soon to be Evans to thank for that. I’ve caught my butterfly and I’m never letting go.
You guys have no faith. You really think I would do something mean?
LOL Epilogue on Tuesday.My Fics
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Off topic but Hurricanes suck! 
I have no power so i'm staying at a hotel for a few days. UGH! Anyway on with the thank you's
roswell3053
Shae
Hazz- I hadn’t thought about a sequel. I think the end pretty much covers everything. Thank you for reading.
Mmcherron- YAY you got caught up! I’m glad that you liked it and I think you will like the end too.
Lazza-Yes Max and Liz were together to concieve the baby. Liz hadn’t slept with anyone in years before she and Max got together before the accident. Hope you like the end and thank you for the FB.
orphyfets
FamersAmers- Amy, Amy, Amy. First thank you for explaining the whole brain surgery coma thing so that it wasn’t lame. Basically thank you for all the help with the last 5 chapters or so they wouldn’t have come out the way they did without you. Punches, cake, Tons of BD’s, and a few DC’s. LOL
Erina258-
Martine- Thank you for all your support and Feedback. I wish I could write 20 more parts but I think the ending is fitting.
Begonia9508
Emz80m
BehrObsession-Yes it did start off interesting didn’t it? LOL I’m so glad you stuck with it and so happy that you enjoyed it.
Ellie
cherie
Lady_vixen
~~Epilogue~~
I stand in my living room and look at all the pictures that are scattered along the wall and mantle over the fireplace. I still can’t believe that this is my life. I almost didn’t make it here and not because of the accident I had all those years ago but because I was too stupid to go after the woman that I loved, that I’ve always loved. My life is perfect in every way and I couldn’t ask for more.
“Dad I can’t find my shoes!” I have a sense of déjà vu and walk up to my eldest daughter’s room.
“Did you look under your bed?” I walk into her room and ask.
“Yes I looked everywhere. I can’t go without them Aunt Isabel got them for me.” She sits on her bed and tucks her hair behind her ear just like her mother.
“Ok sweetheart why don’t you finish up downstairs and I’ll look for them. What do they look like?” I ask because this girl has a thousand pair of shoes.
“They are pink and gray Puma sneakers, not the black and white or the blue and gray I have those already.” I nod and start looking in her closet. Who needs that many variations of the same shoe?
I look around her room that was once the perfect princess room in all pink. After that it changed to stars and planets when she became interested in astronomy then it was the black period. She painted her walls black and wouldn‘t wear anything but black t-shirts and black jeans. She even refused to call Liz and I mom and dad. Thankfully it only lasted 2 months, we were ready to ship her out to boarding school. Now it’s a young woman’s room full of posters of bands and the latest heartthrob.
Alana is now 17 years old and we are dropping her off at Harvard tomorrow, I suddenly feel old….very old. When the hell did she get out of middle school? When she told us the colleges she was considering and brought up UCLA Liz had a panic attack. She couldn’t bear to have Alana so far away. Alana said she wanted to keep her options opened but that Harvard was her first choice. Let me tell you we prayed that Harvard would accept her because I really don’t think Liz would have let her go all the way to California. I still can’t believe that she’s going to be 18 soon.
I remember when we brought her home from the hospital as if it were yesterday and now she’s a young woman. She’s grown up so well and is smart beyond her years. She got a full ride to Harvard and we couldn’t have been prouder.
The past 10 years have gone by so fast but I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. The road was a bumpy one but we made it and things have been great ever since then. We both learned to trust each other with everything and above all to be open and honest. That was our biggest mistake and we have taught our children to do the same no matter what.
Liz and I now have 5 beautiful children and I would be happy with a few more but Liz has closed up shop as she puts it. Alana was happy after the birth of our first two children after her but we then had to move to a new house when we found out Liz was pregnant again it was hard for her. She was resentful at first but we found a house near our old one so she wouldn’t have to change schools and now live two houses down from Isabel and Alex. She adjusted well to the idea and became a loving older sister.
Alex and Isabel had one more after the twins. Isabel couldn’t handle anymore pregnancies after her second one. She was hospitalized for the last 3 months of her pregnancy but she made it out ok and had the terror that is called Evan. That kid is a handful and a half. I’d rather baby-sit all the other kids then him alone.
Liz finally opened up her own place and it has become one of the most successful restaurants downtown. I still don‘t know how she did it with all the kids but she did and she loves it.
My father met a lovely woman a few years back and retired soon after. He worked so hard for most of his life he just wanted to enjoy the rest of his life. I’ve fully taken over the company and Its hard work but I love it and I want to leave something for my children like he did for me.
My relationship with my mother is still pretty much the same as it has always been. My father told me about her coming to visit me when I was in the hospital. It took me almost a year to call her and when I did things didn’t go so well. Being a parent myself I can’t see how she can justify her actions. God forbid something like that happened to one of my children I would be there in an instant no matter where I was in the world.
I will never understand my mothers logic and refuse to let her be apart of my children’s lives. I’d rather then have no grandmother then one that isn’t interested. She never asked about Alana so why should things be different with any of my other children. Isabel took things with her better then I thought. I was more fazed by my parents getting a divorce then she was. I always knew it was inevitable but it still shocked me. I didn’t think my father cared either way but it was for the best.
“Got it!” I finally found her shoes in her bathroom.
“Alana I found your shoes baby.” I walk out into the hall wondering where she went.
“Dad when are we leavin?” Austin my 7 year old comes running out of his room and asks me. He was my first boy and is the spitting image of me at that age. I think he’s on a permanent sugar high, he’s a bundle of energy. I can’t keep up with him but I’m glad he’s a joiner.
“Not till tomorrow buddy.” He hops on my back for a piggy back ride and we walk downstairs. I’m glad he doesn’t think I’m old.
“Did you find it?” Alana is in the living room which has been packing headquarters for the past few weeks. I dangle the shoes in front of her.
“You are the best dad.” She places a kiss on my cheek and goes back to packing.
“Dad the best!” Our 3 year old twins Alyssa and Aiden chant. They were sort of a surprise since Liz and I weren’t trying but we went away for the weekend and Liz thinks that’s when they were conceived. We were shocked as hell when we found out we were having twins but it was bound to happen since it runs in the family. Liz delivered them via C-section and I was scared as hell but everything was fine. It took her a while to recover but we had help through Isabel and Emily who is still very much apart of the family. She is a surrogate grandmother to all the kids, they love her and all speak Spanish now thanks to her.
“Where is Ava?” I ask when I don’t see her anywhere. She’s 10 years old now and a handful, she thinks she’s old enough to do anything. She’s heavily into horseback riding and had been riding in competitions for a few years now. Alana was into it for a while but she got too busy when she got to High School and now only rides for fun but Ava would rather ride then do anything. Alana tells me that she doesn’t know and I groan in frustration. Where is Liz?
“Mom said to order pizza she’s with Aunt Isabel and she won’t be home for dinner.” That’s where she is I should have known most likely shopping if she’s with Isabel.
I end up ordering more pizza’s then needed because everyone wants something different and I don’t want a bunch of crying kids in the house.
“Dad I’m going over to Jordan’s house for a while I’ll be home at 11.” I hate that she’s dating but Liz said we need to let her grow up. She told me I had to get over the fact that she’s going to college and is growing up. Jordan is a good kid, he comes from a good family but she’s still my baby girl. Luckily for me he’s going to a different college. I know it’s mean but I don’t want her tied down at such an early age. I want her to have a fulfilling college experience.
“Alright be careful ok?” I also hate that she’s driving now too but again I need to let her grow up. I wanted to buy her a hummer to drive not so much for the flashiness of it but for the safety, that thing is a tank. Liz said it was impractical so we decided on a Jetta instead, Alex said they were one of the safest cars out there. He did about a months worth of research and had Isabel make charts and everything. Lord help their kids.
We wanted her to stay at home when she went to school but there is a rule about freshmen having to stay in the dorm’s for the first year. Alana also begged us to let her stay there before she found out about the rule. Luckily Harvard isn’t that far from home.
I’m trying to bathe the twins when I hear Liz come in.
“Hey is there any water left in the tub?” She asks when she sees the water all of the floor and on me.
“Ha ha. Help please.” The twins get excited when they see her and splash around some more.
“So Alana is at Jordan’s?” We finally got all the kids to bed and are having coffee in front of the fireplace.
“Yeah.” I sigh.
“Don’t sound too excited.” She says and I roll my eyes.
“He’s a good kid Max. They’ve been dating for a year now and he’s going to MIT. Give him a break.” She rubs my arms to try to soothe me.
“I know but she’s my baby Liz. And I also know what it’s like to be a boy at that age.” She laughs and I wonder what is so funny about that.
“You are such an old man. She’s not sleeping with him so don’t worry.”
“God Liz come on why did you have to say that? I’d kill him if I found out they were anyway.”
“Stop it. So are you ready for tomorrow?”
“I’m dreading tomorrow. But I’m happy for her too.” I smile. I’m so proud of her.
“Me too. She’s a good kid, she will be great. Just think 7 more years and we have to do it again with Ava.” I throw my head back and suddenly feel a headache coming on. Why did I have to have so many girls?
“That one isn’t leaving the house. How do you feel about home school?”
“Yeah right. Why don’t you stay home with them?”
“Your right. How about I home school you right now?” I set our cups down and lead Liz upstairs.
“Mmmm can you believe that we’ve been married for 10 years?” I look down at Liz and fall more and more in love with her every minute.
“I know. I don’t know how I put up with you for so long.” I tickle her and roll us over so I’m on top.
“Really? You don’t know how you put up with this?” I lift her shirt up and flick her nipple with my tongue.
“No.” I know she’s lying so I gently bite down.
“What about that?”
“N-no.” I have to give her credit. She’s trying to put up a fight.
“Really? Ok well how about this.” I move further down her body and places kisses on her inner thighs. I hear her let out a soft moan and know that I’ve got her now.
“Max stop. Come up here.” She pulls at my shirt and I move back up her body.
“I love you.” She says while I kiss her neck.
“Me too baby.”
~~
“We’re running behind schedule.” That’s Isabel ordering everyone around. She got here an hour early and has been driving everyone crazy ever since. At least she doesn’t have a bullhorn. Oh shit she does!
“Isabel is that necessary? The house isn’t that big.” I ask while trying to pry the thing out of her hands. It’s too damn early for that. The house has been taken over by children and poor Emily is trying to keep them all in control.
“Alex how is it that you still have hair left?” Max asks him and gets a swat on the arm from Isabel.
“Can I have Alana’s room now?” Ava asks for the 20th time this morning.
“No! It’s still my room even though I’m not living here.” I swear Alana must have packed everything she owns. There are way too many suitcases here.
“Alana you may have packed too much honey.” I’m looking around our living room and so far have counted 4 large suitcases and about 10 boxes.
“I went by Aunt Isabel’s list.” I look over at Isabel who is shaking her head in agreement. The list is three pages front and back, Lord help me.
“Liz she needs to have everything she may need. She won’t be back him until thanksgiving that’s three months from now.” I roll my eyes; there is no way I’m going to win this one.
“Alright Max why don’t you and Alex start loading up the cars.” They agree and start taking out the boxes.
“Are you ok?” Isabel asks me.
“Yeah just a little sad. The house is going to feel so empty you know? I went by her room earlier and I almost broke down.”
“Empty? You’re kidding right?” She laughs and points to all the kids in the living room.
“But she’s my baby.” I whine.
“She’ll be back in no time. Plus you have more then enough to keep you busy until then.” I laugh because she’s right.
~~~~
2 hours later and multiple bathroom breaks later we get to the campus. The three of us on the road was a headache. Alana and Ava drove up in her car and we split the kids between the other two cars.
Alex and I are looking around the grounds near her dorm room with the kids while Isabel and Liz help Alana start to set her room up.
“I can’t believe she’s in college.” Alex says. We sit on a nearby bench and watch the kids play on the grass with Emily.
“I know, don’t remind me. It feels like just the other day she was 7 you know?”
“Yeah man I know. She turned out great Max you should be proud, you and Liz should be.” Alex pats me on the back and I know that he’s proud of her too. Alana is just as much he and Isabel’s daughter as she is mine.
“So is she following in your footsteps or Liz’s?”
“Neither. She wants to be a lawyer.” I have a huge grin on my face when I say that.
“Ahh so she‘s following Isabel then or what Isabel should have been.”
“Yeah. Tell me about it. “We sit and talk about life in general for a while waiting for Liz and Isabel to come out.
~~
“I wonder why your roommate isn’t here yet? I ask when we get to her room.
“Don’t know.” She says and I can tell she’s nervous.
“Aunt Isabel you don’t have to do that. I can finish up later.” Isabel is in full swing. She has organized her closet and has now moved on to the shelves.
“Alright. Come sit with me.” Isabel and Alana have always been close. They are so much alike it‘s freaky sometimes. They both have that Ice princess thing going at times and it’s scary. She has always been close with Isabel but she got closer to her over the years. At first I was resentful but I got over it. She confides so much to Isabel but Max and I are used to it. She talks to me about things but not like she does with Isabel. At least she talks to someone that I trust and know will give her good advice.
Alana sits next to her on her bed and I finish taking her things out of boxes, they need this time. I hear Isabel tell her to call her for anything day or night even if it’s to tell her about some gossip around campus. They hug each other and shed some tears before Isabel says she needs to go. I know she doesn’t like crying.
“Ok honey I think you are all set.” I sit next to her and pull her into a hug.
“I love you mom.”
“Me too baby. Your dad and I are so proud of you.” I rock her gently like when she was a baby.
“I know you guys are I just hope I can keep making you proud.” She looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
“Honey you don’t have to do anything special to make us proud we will always be proud of you no matter what. Just be you ,that’s all we could ever ask for.” I smooth her hair back when I hear Max come in.
“Everything ok?” He asks. I guess he sees the tears.
“Yeah everything is great.” I stand up and he wraps his arms around me taking me off guard when he gives me a passionate kiss. We pull away and I go outside leaving them alone. Alana has always been a daddy’s girl and this is going to be hard for them.
~~
My baby is growing up. I can’t believe it as I stand here in her door room. I look at her and see that wide eyed angel at 7 years old, the one that thought of me as her hero. She’s no longer 7 or wide eyed but she’s still my angel.
“Honey your mom and I are so proud of you. I know that we tell you that all the time but I want you to know that we really mean it.” I’m trying to hold back my tears but seeing the tears in her eyes makes it hard.
“Daddy I love you.” She stands up and wraps her arms around me. She still feels so small just like her mother. Hearing her call me daddy makes me see her as a child not a young woman that she has become. She grew up so fast, one minute she was 10 and now she’s 17 soon to be 18.
“I love you too baby. Call us if you need anything ok? I mean anything. If you’re bored or lonely or whatever just call us ok?” She nods and the tears are freely falling down her face.
“I’m scared dad.” She says in a voice that mirrors the one she had in her youth.
“Of what?” I ask because she hasn’t been scared of anything since she was 8.
“Of not doing well, of being away from home, of being an utter disappointment.”
“Honey you could never be a disappointment you know that. You will do great I know it. Your not too far from home either you can come home at anytime even on weekends if you want but I’m sure you will make friends in no time.” I place a kiss on top of her head and pull her into an embrace.
“Remember when you taught me how to slow dance right before my sweet 16?” She asks and I wonder what made her bring it up.
“Yes I do. I had to soak my feet everyday for a week.” I joke.
“I h-have the Cd here. Will……you dance that song with me……. one more time?” It breaks my heart that she seems scared to ask me.
“Of course honey.” I wait for her to get the CD and place it in the CD player that is set up near her bed. Isabel works fast, this room is almost all set up. When I hear the familiar song come on I smile.
From the moment I first held you
And rocked you to sleep
In my heart I knew
A child is never yours to keep
I knew one day you’d learn to fly
But I never dreamed what I’d feel inside
Liz picked the song out for us to learn to dance to and I think it’s perfect.
As I dance the last dance
With my little girl
And the first with the woman
Who’s found her place in the world
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
“Daddy thank you for everything. Thank you for trusting me and for making me believe that I could do anything. You and mom were always so supportive of me….you guys are the best.” We are dancing to the music and I’m glad that I can’t see her face right now because I would burst out into tears.
You wrapped me ‘round your finger
Your smile made me melt
I wished so many times
I would’ve told you what I felt
From your first steps
to sweet sixteen
The rush of memories
feels like a dream
“We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. We love you, that’s what we are supposed to do.” I feel her nod her head against my chest and smile to myself. I love this kid more then my own life. I guess that’s what being a parent really is all about.
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
Everyone is waiting for us when we walk towards the car. Alana hugs and kisses her siblings then hugs Alex. I see him hand her something and I know its money. Next is Isabel and she makes it short so I know that she had her talk and cry earlier. Liz is next and starts balling again.
“I know you have your credit card but here’s some cash just in case. Make sure you have your cell phone charged and take it with you everywhere ok?”
“Ok dad. I love you.”
“I love you too.” We all load up into our cars and head home. This was a long day but memorable.
~~~
“Hello I’m Sophia, I guess we are roommates.” A perky blonde says.
“Hi. I’m Alana. I guess we are.” Alana shakes her hand and watches the car’s leave.
“Was that your family?” She asks her.
“Yeah.” Alana sighs suddenly missing them more then she thought she would.
“Who was the hot guy driving the black SUV?”
“My dad. And ewww he’s so not hot…he’s my dad.”
“Trust me he‘s hot.” She laughs.
“He’s head over heels in love with my mom it’s gross at times.” Alana laughs feeling a little more comfortable.
“Cool. So lets check out our room.“ With one last look at the road Alana walks into her room that will be home for the next year.
“Things are going to be great.” She thinks as she takes a look around her room.
~~~~~
“You think she will be ok?” Liz asks.
“She’ll be fine.” I turn up the radio a bit hoping that everything will be fine.
“You know I met you here.” She’s right. I didn’t warn Alana about guys like me.
“I’m turning back.”
“Maxwell Evans you are not.”
“Joking.” I laugh. I hold her hand over the gear shift while I get lost in my thoughts.
I look through the rearview mirror at my children engrossed in a movie playing on screen in the headrest and smile.
She’s been gone 20 minutes and I miss her so much already. She was my first born and has grown up so fast no longer being my little girl that idolized me.
I now have two other girls to take care of and protect. And my boys I wonder what kind of men they will become? Hopefully they will learn to respect woman above all. Boys can be a handful but I know Liz and I can do it as long as we are together.
I hope that my children will have a happy marriage like Liz and I do. Life can’t get any better then this.
“We’re hungry.” The twins say breaking me out of my thoughts.
“Ok what do you guys want?” I know they are not going to agree on something.
“HAMBURGERS!” They each scream out and I’m shocked they picked the same thing.
“Ok burgers it is.” I quickly call Isabel and Alex to see if they want to join us and we agree to meet at a place nearby.
We all sit down and get the kids settled before we eat.
“Liz what the hell are you eating?” I hear Isabel ask and whip my head around.
“What?” She says. We look at her hand and my mouth drops.
“Oh my God.” She says and my face goes white. She was eating French fries!
I want to thank ALL of you that stuck with me through this. It was frustrating at times and I’m sure you wanted to bang your head against something or throw something at me but I’m glad that you were able to enjoy this, I know that I loved writing it. I was really sad to end it but Max and Liz’s journey has ended, I feel that they have come full circle. Thank you all again and I look forward to being able to entertain you again in the near future.
Song used: My little girl by: writer Gloria Sklerov and her partner Barbara Rothstein
I have no power so i'm staying at a hotel for a few days. UGH! Anyway on with the thank you'sroswell3053
Shae
Hazz- I hadn’t thought about a sequel. I think the end pretty much covers everything. Thank you for reading.
Mmcherron- YAY you got caught up! I’m glad that you liked it and I think you will like the end too.
Lazza-Yes Max and Liz were together to concieve the baby. Liz hadn’t slept with anyone in years before she and Max got together before the accident. Hope you like the end and thank you for the FB.
orphyfets
FamersAmers- Amy, Amy, Amy. First thank you for explaining the whole brain surgery coma thing so that it wasn’t lame. Basically thank you for all the help with the last 5 chapters or so they wouldn’t have come out the way they did without you. Punches, cake, Tons of BD’s, and a few DC’s. LOL
Erina258-
Martine- Thank you for all your support and Feedback. I wish I could write 20 more parts but I think the ending is fitting.
Begonia9508
Emz80m
BehrObsession-Yes it did start off interesting didn’t it? LOL I’m so glad you stuck with it and so happy that you enjoyed it.
Ellie
cherie
Lady_vixen
~~Epilogue~~
I stand in my living room and look at all the pictures that are scattered along the wall and mantle over the fireplace. I still can’t believe that this is my life. I almost didn’t make it here and not because of the accident I had all those years ago but because I was too stupid to go after the woman that I loved, that I’ve always loved. My life is perfect in every way and I couldn’t ask for more.
“Dad I can’t find my shoes!” I have a sense of déjà vu and walk up to my eldest daughter’s room.
“Did you look under your bed?” I walk into her room and ask.
“Yes I looked everywhere. I can’t go without them Aunt Isabel got them for me.” She sits on her bed and tucks her hair behind her ear just like her mother.
“Ok sweetheart why don’t you finish up downstairs and I’ll look for them. What do they look like?” I ask because this girl has a thousand pair of shoes.
“They are pink and gray Puma sneakers, not the black and white or the blue and gray I have those already.” I nod and start looking in her closet. Who needs that many variations of the same shoe?
I look around her room that was once the perfect princess room in all pink. After that it changed to stars and planets when she became interested in astronomy then it was the black period. She painted her walls black and wouldn‘t wear anything but black t-shirts and black jeans. She even refused to call Liz and I mom and dad. Thankfully it only lasted 2 months, we were ready to ship her out to boarding school. Now it’s a young woman’s room full of posters of bands and the latest heartthrob.
Alana is now 17 years old and we are dropping her off at Harvard tomorrow, I suddenly feel old….very old. When the hell did she get out of middle school? When she told us the colleges she was considering and brought up UCLA Liz had a panic attack. She couldn’t bear to have Alana so far away. Alana said she wanted to keep her options opened but that Harvard was her first choice. Let me tell you we prayed that Harvard would accept her because I really don’t think Liz would have let her go all the way to California. I still can’t believe that she’s going to be 18 soon.
I remember when we brought her home from the hospital as if it were yesterday and now she’s a young woman. She’s grown up so well and is smart beyond her years. She got a full ride to Harvard and we couldn’t have been prouder.
The past 10 years have gone by so fast but I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. The road was a bumpy one but we made it and things have been great ever since then. We both learned to trust each other with everything and above all to be open and honest. That was our biggest mistake and we have taught our children to do the same no matter what.
Liz and I now have 5 beautiful children and I would be happy with a few more but Liz has closed up shop as she puts it. Alana was happy after the birth of our first two children after her but we then had to move to a new house when we found out Liz was pregnant again it was hard for her. She was resentful at first but we found a house near our old one so she wouldn’t have to change schools and now live two houses down from Isabel and Alex. She adjusted well to the idea and became a loving older sister.
Alex and Isabel had one more after the twins. Isabel couldn’t handle anymore pregnancies after her second one. She was hospitalized for the last 3 months of her pregnancy but she made it out ok and had the terror that is called Evan. That kid is a handful and a half. I’d rather baby-sit all the other kids then him alone.
Liz finally opened up her own place and it has become one of the most successful restaurants downtown. I still don‘t know how she did it with all the kids but she did and she loves it.
My father met a lovely woman a few years back and retired soon after. He worked so hard for most of his life he just wanted to enjoy the rest of his life. I’ve fully taken over the company and Its hard work but I love it and I want to leave something for my children like he did for me.
My relationship with my mother is still pretty much the same as it has always been. My father told me about her coming to visit me when I was in the hospital. It took me almost a year to call her and when I did things didn’t go so well. Being a parent myself I can’t see how she can justify her actions. God forbid something like that happened to one of my children I would be there in an instant no matter where I was in the world.
I will never understand my mothers logic and refuse to let her be apart of my children’s lives. I’d rather then have no grandmother then one that isn’t interested. She never asked about Alana so why should things be different with any of my other children. Isabel took things with her better then I thought. I was more fazed by my parents getting a divorce then she was. I always knew it was inevitable but it still shocked me. I didn’t think my father cared either way but it was for the best.
“Got it!” I finally found her shoes in her bathroom.
“Alana I found your shoes baby.” I walk out into the hall wondering where she went.
“Dad when are we leavin?” Austin my 7 year old comes running out of his room and asks me. He was my first boy and is the spitting image of me at that age. I think he’s on a permanent sugar high, he’s a bundle of energy. I can’t keep up with him but I’m glad he’s a joiner.
“Not till tomorrow buddy.” He hops on my back for a piggy back ride and we walk downstairs. I’m glad he doesn’t think I’m old.
“Did you find it?” Alana is in the living room which has been packing headquarters for the past few weeks. I dangle the shoes in front of her.
“You are the best dad.” She places a kiss on my cheek and goes back to packing.
“Dad the best!” Our 3 year old twins Alyssa and Aiden chant. They were sort of a surprise since Liz and I weren’t trying but we went away for the weekend and Liz thinks that’s when they were conceived. We were shocked as hell when we found out we were having twins but it was bound to happen since it runs in the family. Liz delivered them via C-section and I was scared as hell but everything was fine. It took her a while to recover but we had help through Isabel and Emily who is still very much apart of the family. She is a surrogate grandmother to all the kids, they love her and all speak Spanish now thanks to her.
“Where is Ava?” I ask when I don’t see her anywhere. She’s 10 years old now and a handful, she thinks she’s old enough to do anything. She’s heavily into horseback riding and had been riding in competitions for a few years now. Alana was into it for a while but she got too busy when she got to High School and now only rides for fun but Ava would rather ride then do anything. Alana tells me that she doesn’t know and I groan in frustration. Where is Liz?
“Mom said to order pizza she’s with Aunt Isabel and she won’t be home for dinner.” That’s where she is I should have known most likely shopping if she’s with Isabel.
I end up ordering more pizza’s then needed because everyone wants something different and I don’t want a bunch of crying kids in the house.
“Dad I’m going over to Jordan’s house for a while I’ll be home at 11.” I hate that she’s dating but Liz said we need to let her grow up. She told me I had to get over the fact that she’s going to college and is growing up. Jordan is a good kid, he comes from a good family but she’s still my baby girl. Luckily for me he’s going to a different college. I know it’s mean but I don’t want her tied down at such an early age. I want her to have a fulfilling college experience.
“Alright be careful ok?” I also hate that she’s driving now too but again I need to let her grow up. I wanted to buy her a hummer to drive not so much for the flashiness of it but for the safety, that thing is a tank. Liz said it was impractical so we decided on a Jetta instead, Alex said they were one of the safest cars out there. He did about a months worth of research and had Isabel make charts and everything. Lord help their kids.
We wanted her to stay at home when she went to school but there is a rule about freshmen having to stay in the dorm’s for the first year. Alana also begged us to let her stay there before she found out about the rule. Luckily Harvard isn’t that far from home.
I’m trying to bathe the twins when I hear Liz come in.
“Hey is there any water left in the tub?” She asks when she sees the water all of the floor and on me.
“Ha ha. Help please.” The twins get excited when they see her and splash around some more.
“So Alana is at Jordan’s?” We finally got all the kids to bed and are having coffee in front of the fireplace.
“Yeah.” I sigh.
“Don’t sound too excited.” She says and I roll my eyes.
“He’s a good kid Max. They’ve been dating for a year now and he’s going to MIT. Give him a break.” She rubs my arms to try to soothe me.
“I know but she’s my baby Liz. And I also know what it’s like to be a boy at that age.” She laughs and I wonder what is so funny about that.
“You are such an old man. She’s not sleeping with him so don’t worry.”
“God Liz come on why did you have to say that? I’d kill him if I found out they were anyway.”
“Stop it. So are you ready for tomorrow?”
“I’m dreading tomorrow. But I’m happy for her too.” I smile. I’m so proud of her.
“Me too. She’s a good kid, she will be great. Just think 7 more years and we have to do it again with Ava.” I throw my head back and suddenly feel a headache coming on. Why did I have to have so many girls?
“That one isn’t leaving the house. How do you feel about home school?”
“Yeah right. Why don’t you stay home with them?”
“Your right. How about I home school you right now?” I set our cups down and lead Liz upstairs.
“Mmmm can you believe that we’ve been married for 10 years?” I look down at Liz and fall more and more in love with her every minute.
“I know. I don’t know how I put up with you for so long.” I tickle her and roll us over so I’m on top.
“Really? You don’t know how you put up with this?” I lift her shirt up and flick her nipple with my tongue.
“No.” I know she’s lying so I gently bite down.
“What about that?”
“N-no.” I have to give her credit. She’s trying to put up a fight.
“Really? Ok well how about this.” I move further down her body and places kisses on her inner thighs. I hear her let out a soft moan and know that I’ve got her now.
“Max stop. Come up here.” She pulls at my shirt and I move back up her body.
“I love you.” She says while I kiss her neck.
“Me too baby.”
~~
“We’re running behind schedule.” That’s Isabel ordering everyone around. She got here an hour early and has been driving everyone crazy ever since. At least she doesn’t have a bullhorn. Oh shit she does!
“Isabel is that necessary? The house isn’t that big.” I ask while trying to pry the thing out of her hands. It’s too damn early for that. The house has been taken over by children and poor Emily is trying to keep them all in control.
“Alex how is it that you still have hair left?” Max asks him and gets a swat on the arm from Isabel.
“Can I have Alana’s room now?” Ava asks for the 20th time this morning.
“No! It’s still my room even though I’m not living here.” I swear Alana must have packed everything she owns. There are way too many suitcases here.
“Alana you may have packed too much honey.” I’m looking around our living room and so far have counted 4 large suitcases and about 10 boxes.
“I went by Aunt Isabel’s list.” I look over at Isabel who is shaking her head in agreement. The list is three pages front and back, Lord help me.
“Liz she needs to have everything she may need. She won’t be back him until thanksgiving that’s three months from now.” I roll my eyes; there is no way I’m going to win this one.
“Alright Max why don’t you and Alex start loading up the cars.” They agree and start taking out the boxes.
“Are you ok?” Isabel asks me.
“Yeah just a little sad. The house is going to feel so empty you know? I went by her room earlier and I almost broke down.”
“Empty? You’re kidding right?” She laughs and points to all the kids in the living room.
“But she’s my baby.” I whine.
“She’ll be back in no time. Plus you have more then enough to keep you busy until then.” I laugh because she’s right.
~~~~
2 hours later and multiple bathroom breaks later we get to the campus. The three of us on the road was a headache. Alana and Ava drove up in her car and we split the kids between the other two cars.
Alex and I are looking around the grounds near her dorm room with the kids while Isabel and Liz help Alana start to set her room up.
“I can’t believe she’s in college.” Alex says. We sit on a nearby bench and watch the kids play on the grass with Emily.
“I know, don’t remind me. It feels like just the other day she was 7 you know?”
“Yeah man I know. She turned out great Max you should be proud, you and Liz should be.” Alex pats me on the back and I know that he’s proud of her too. Alana is just as much he and Isabel’s daughter as she is mine.
“So is she following in your footsteps or Liz’s?”
“Neither. She wants to be a lawyer.” I have a huge grin on my face when I say that.
“Ahh so she‘s following Isabel then or what Isabel should have been.”
“Yeah. Tell me about it. “We sit and talk about life in general for a while waiting for Liz and Isabel to come out.
~~
“I wonder why your roommate isn’t here yet? I ask when we get to her room.
“Don’t know.” She says and I can tell she’s nervous.
“Aunt Isabel you don’t have to do that. I can finish up later.” Isabel is in full swing. She has organized her closet and has now moved on to the shelves.
“Alright. Come sit with me.” Isabel and Alana have always been close. They are so much alike it‘s freaky sometimes. They both have that Ice princess thing going at times and it’s scary. She has always been close with Isabel but she got closer to her over the years. At first I was resentful but I got over it. She confides so much to Isabel but Max and I are used to it. She talks to me about things but not like she does with Isabel. At least she talks to someone that I trust and know will give her good advice.
Alana sits next to her on her bed and I finish taking her things out of boxes, they need this time. I hear Isabel tell her to call her for anything day or night even if it’s to tell her about some gossip around campus. They hug each other and shed some tears before Isabel says she needs to go. I know she doesn’t like crying.
“Ok honey I think you are all set.” I sit next to her and pull her into a hug.
“I love you mom.”
“Me too baby. Your dad and I are so proud of you.” I rock her gently like when she was a baby.
“I know you guys are I just hope I can keep making you proud.” She looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
“Honey you don’t have to do anything special to make us proud we will always be proud of you no matter what. Just be you ,that’s all we could ever ask for.” I smooth her hair back when I hear Max come in.
“Everything ok?” He asks. I guess he sees the tears.
“Yeah everything is great.” I stand up and he wraps his arms around me taking me off guard when he gives me a passionate kiss. We pull away and I go outside leaving them alone. Alana has always been a daddy’s girl and this is going to be hard for them.
~~
My baby is growing up. I can’t believe it as I stand here in her door room. I look at her and see that wide eyed angel at 7 years old, the one that thought of me as her hero. She’s no longer 7 or wide eyed but she’s still my angel.
“Honey your mom and I are so proud of you. I know that we tell you that all the time but I want you to know that we really mean it.” I’m trying to hold back my tears but seeing the tears in her eyes makes it hard.
“Daddy I love you.” She stands up and wraps her arms around me. She still feels so small just like her mother. Hearing her call me daddy makes me see her as a child not a young woman that she has become. She grew up so fast, one minute she was 10 and now she’s 17 soon to be 18.
“I love you too baby. Call us if you need anything ok? I mean anything. If you’re bored or lonely or whatever just call us ok?” She nods and the tears are freely falling down her face.
“I’m scared dad.” She says in a voice that mirrors the one she had in her youth.
“Of what?” I ask because she hasn’t been scared of anything since she was 8.
“Of not doing well, of being away from home, of being an utter disappointment.”
“Honey you could never be a disappointment you know that. You will do great I know it. Your not too far from home either you can come home at anytime even on weekends if you want but I’m sure you will make friends in no time.” I place a kiss on top of her head and pull her into an embrace.
“Remember when you taught me how to slow dance right before my sweet 16?” She asks and I wonder what made her bring it up.
“Yes I do. I had to soak my feet everyday for a week.” I joke.
“I h-have the Cd here. Will……you dance that song with me……. one more time?” It breaks my heart that she seems scared to ask me.
“Of course honey.” I wait for her to get the CD and place it in the CD player that is set up near her bed. Isabel works fast, this room is almost all set up. When I hear the familiar song come on I smile.
From the moment I first held you
And rocked you to sleep
In my heart I knew
A child is never yours to keep
I knew one day you’d learn to fly
But I never dreamed what I’d feel inside
Liz picked the song out for us to learn to dance to and I think it’s perfect.
As I dance the last dance
With my little girl
And the first with the woman
Who’s found her place in the world
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
“Daddy thank you for everything. Thank you for trusting me and for making me believe that I could do anything. You and mom were always so supportive of me….you guys are the best.” We are dancing to the music and I’m glad that I can’t see her face right now because I would burst out into tears.
You wrapped me ‘round your finger
Your smile made me melt
I wished so many times
I would’ve told you what I felt
From your first steps
to sweet sixteen
The rush of memories
feels like a dream
“We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. We love you, that’s what we are supposed to do.” I feel her nod her head against my chest and smile to myself. I love this kid more then my own life. I guess that’s what being a parent really is all about.
I see the woman in you
But for my whole life through
You’ll always be my little girl
Everyone is waiting for us when we walk towards the car. Alana hugs and kisses her siblings then hugs Alex. I see him hand her something and I know its money. Next is Isabel and she makes it short so I know that she had her talk and cry earlier. Liz is next and starts balling again.
“I know you have your credit card but here’s some cash just in case. Make sure you have your cell phone charged and take it with you everywhere ok?”
“Ok dad. I love you.”
“I love you too.” We all load up into our cars and head home. This was a long day but memorable.
~~~
“Hello I’m Sophia, I guess we are roommates.” A perky blonde says.
“Hi. I’m Alana. I guess we are.” Alana shakes her hand and watches the car’s leave.
“Was that your family?” She asks her.
“Yeah.” Alana sighs suddenly missing them more then she thought she would.
“Who was the hot guy driving the black SUV?”
“My dad. And ewww he’s so not hot…he’s my dad.”
“Trust me he‘s hot.” She laughs.
“He’s head over heels in love with my mom it’s gross at times.” Alana laughs feeling a little more comfortable.
“Cool. So lets check out our room.“ With one last look at the road Alana walks into her room that will be home for the next year.
“Things are going to be great.” She thinks as she takes a look around her room.
~~~~~
“You think she will be ok?” Liz asks.
“She’ll be fine.” I turn up the radio a bit hoping that everything will be fine.
“You know I met you here.” She’s right. I didn’t warn Alana about guys like me.
“I’m turning back.”
“Maxwell Evans you are not.”
“Joking.” I laugh. I hold her hand over the gear shift while I get lost in my thoughts.
I look through the rearview mirror at my children engrossed in a movie playing on screen in the headrest and smile.
She’s been gone 20 minutes and I miss her so much already. She was my first born and has grown up so fast no longer being my little girl that idolized me.
I now have two other girls to take care of and protect. And my boys I wonder what kind of men they will become? Hopefully they will learn to respect woman above all. Boys can be a handful but I know Liz and I can do it as long as we are together.
I hope that my children will have a happy marriage like Liz and I do. Life can’t get any better then this.
“We’re hungry.” The twins say breaking me out of my thoughts.
“Ok what do you guys want?” I know they are not going to agree on something.
“HAMBURGERS!” They each scream out and I’m shocked they picked the same thing.
“Ok burgers it is.” I quickly call Isabel and Alex to see if they want to join us and we agree to meet at a place nearby.
We all sit down and get the kids settled before we eat.
“Liz what the hell are you eating?” I hear Isabel ask and whip my head around.
“What?” She says. We look at her hand and my mouth drops.
“Oh my God.” She says and my face goes white. She was eating French fries!
I want to thank ALL of you that stuck with me through this. It was frustrating at times and I’m sure you wanted to bang your head against something or throw something at me but I’m glad that you were able to enjoy this, I know that I loved writing it.
I was really sad to end it but Max and Liz’s journey has ended, I feel that they have come full circle. Thank you all again and I look forward to being able to entertain you again in the near future. Song used: My little girl by: writer Gloria Sklerov and her partner Barbara Rothstein
My Fics
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.
Hardhat: Don't eat the tuna salad in the cafeteria. It made me throw up.
Suit: Food poisoning takes a while. How long did it take to make you sick?
Hardhat: About 5 seconds. All I can figure is, someone must've put fish in it - I'm allergic to fish.