Chapter Thirty Nine
Liz woke up with no sense of what time it was or how long she had been sleeping. She lay there for a long while amazed at how warm and content she felt curled up with Max, so close she wasn’t even sure were he ended and she began. Eventually, nature forced her up. Slipping on Kyle’s shirt she walked over to the door. Staring at it she wondered how the hell she was going to get out of here without waking Max, it took an alien to open the door. Shrugging her shoulders with a what the hell mentality she raised her hand and quickly waved it around. Her eyes widened when the handprint appeared. After staring at it slack jawed for several seconds she slapped her hand over it and watched stunned as the door opened. Cool. She had to pee.
Max woke up grudgingly rubbing his eyes and yawning. He froze when Liz wasn’t next to him. He scrambled to his feet and darted around before realizing he must look like an idiot and Liz’s bag was still resting where she had placed it. Spearing the fingers of one hand through his hair he calmed down and did what he should have done to begin with.
“Liz?” Max called ducking down to look in the granilith chamber.
“Yeah?” Liz called back softly. She set aside her notebook and tossed her pen on top of it.
Max crawled through and smiled when he spotted her. She looked all mussed and he wanted to muss her up even more. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“You looked so peaceful. I thought you’d sleep till I was done,” Liz answered lowering her eyes. He was too cute in the morning all naked with his hair standing up all over the place.
“Done doing what?” Max asked sitting down by her.
“Copying down what he said,” Liz answered gesturing at the granilith. He was going to freak.
“You remember all that?” Max asked. He would be hard pressed to remember everything well enough to write it all down.
“Not really. See….something sort of happened while you were sleeping. Watch,” Liz said and waved her hand at the granilith.
Max turned to stare as the colors swirled and condensed into the future version of him. He looked back at Liz in shock knowing his mouth was probably hanging open. Was he even awake?
“Groovy huh?” Liz asked lightly. “Watch this. You think he looks funny like that?” Liz waved her hand again and future Max picked up speed talking like a chipmunk. “Now backwards,” Liz said and waved again. “Too cool. Wait till Maria sees that,” Liz said and rolled her eyes.
“Wh-what? What….what?” Max stuttered feeling dazed.
“It’s okay. I can’t do it to people,” Liz teased.
“Clearly I can’t sleep anymore. Who knows what all happens while I’m sleeping,” Max said wondering why she was so calm. “You just get into all kinds of things when I’m not watching you.”
“No. Not really,” Liz denied smiling. “I just had to go outside…”
“WHAT? You went outside without me?” Max burst out.
“Hello? No bathroom?” Liz said rolling her eyes. “Chill out. I know you’re a control freak but something’s do need to happen without you there. ANYWAY as I was saying….I had to go out and the door opened. So that started it. I wondered what other cool alien trouble I could get into while you were sleeping,” Liz’s lips twitched. “So I tried to morph into Julia Stiles but alas I can’t shapeshift so then I tried to see what you were dreaming about…”
“Okay,” Max surrendered. “I get it.”
“Do you?” Liz asked eyes twinkling. “Cause I have no clue what’s going on but I’m just going with it. So. What were you dreaming about?”
Max grinned pleased that she was so easy going this morning. “Nothing.”
Liz’s eyebrow arched. “Nothing huh? Is that why your glowing?”
“Glowing?” Max asked wondering if he was now going to remain in a constant state of confusion.
Liz grinned and scooted over to him and walked her fingers up his leg, her smile growing as his eyes followed her fingers. “Yeah, glowing,” Her fingers walked their way up his stomach to his chest. “See?”
Max sucked in his breath as Liz’s finger tapped her mark, which flared under her finger. “Wow.”
“Yeah, wow. So I know you must have had good dreams,” Liz said softly. She got up on her knees to kneel in front of him.
Max was feeling more and more like this simply had to be a dream. Real life was just never this good. “You know huh?”
“Yeah, I do,” Liz said softly, drawn to her mark on him. She circled it lightly with the tip of her finger. “Tell me. What are you thinking about now?” Liz asked and touched his mark full on. Raising her eyes to his she smiled not needing a verbal answer. She already knew because she had felt that way many times.
Max felt lust and rising need sear through him freezing him under her touch. He started to pant and she hadn’t even really touched him.
Liz moved closer, drawn to him like magnet, by a force so elemental to her nature that it was like breathing. It was the same thing that allowed her to recognize him anywhere and know when he was close. It just was. It had always been this way.
Max leaned back into the base of the granilith as Liz climbed onto his lap. He pulled her closer placing small biting kisses along her neck.
“I’m thinking that you have a whole new view of that glowing thing right about now,” Liz murmured absently. “Not so silly is it? That I wanted to be able to do it to you?”
“No, it’s not,” Max agreed pulling back to look at her. She was just amazing. So gorgeous. “I don’t need to glow to need you. I never needed to glow for that, you just have to breathe and I want you.”
Liz studied him closely going still on his lap. “Really?” Liz asked softly. A brilliant smile spread over her face. “Here I am. Breathing and everything.”
Max smiled and took her hand leading it down to his lap. Wrapping her fingers around his throbbing erection he held her hand there for a second while looking into her eyes before gently moving their hands. “I noticed.”
Liz pulled his mouth to hers kissing him slowly feeling the heat leap higher in the air between them. She felt his impatience but ignored it like he so often did with her. She wanted to touch him until he broke. Her lips left his thrilled with his panting breaths and restless movements under her.
As Liz trailed her mouth over his throat Max thrust his hips into her hand his breathing reduced to short choppy pants. When her lips slid over his glowing mark Max groaned utterly lost.
“Please….Liz….just…I need…..Liz…” Max muttered unable to think enough to voice his needs.
“Shhh it’s okay. I know,” Liz said and tried to scoot down his legs but his hands moved to stop her. She smiled when he started trying to pull her back up. “Max. I promise I’m not leaving.”
Max focused on her smiling face but resisted letting go when she tried to remove his hands. If he could just get her up over his lap. He wanted in her now not later.
“It’s okay. I just want to see while I touch you,” Liz said fingers trying to soothe the scowl from his face.
Max pulled at the T-shirt she was wearing willing to let her do as she pleased if she compromised.
Liz felt his reluctance to release her and complied after a fashion. She leaned back slowly while he eased off her shirt coming to rest on her elbows. Watching his heated gaze move over her Liz felt her need increase along with his as her body readied itself for him.
Max caressed her slowly feeling the heat of her body increase under her silken skin. He watched in utter fascination as her nipples pulled tight as he neared them and her eyes get heavy and dark.
Liz lay passive as long as she could before she moved with her original purpose in mind. She kissed his collarbone making her way down to lick his mark satisfaction welling inside her as he jerked in reaction underneath her. She slid down further entranced by skin stretched tight over muscle and bone. He was so different from her. No soft rounded curves, his softness was of a different kind. Soft smooth skin over hard rigid structure.
It was her breath washing over his navel that had Max moving tensely underneath her, unable to remain still under her slow torture.
Liz paid no attention, lost in her new discoveries. She studied his rigid length with interest, fingers moving lightly over him testing him.
“Jesus! Liz!” Max cried stiffening even more.
“I’ll be gentle,” Liz said smiling softly feeling his leaping desire. She looked up to gauge his expression and was vaguely shocked by his taunt face and the flush staining his cheekbones…..even the tips of his ears were red. Her stomach clenched in reaction and she leaned forward to kiss the tip of his penis.
Max’s head made a thudding noise as it struck the base of the granilith but he didn’t feel it. He looked up at the storm of motion inside the cone of the device, the light moving through the obelisk like a school of fish darting through the water. When Liz’s tongue traced over him slowly he gritted his teeth and remained still, focusing on the motion of the granilith using it to distract him. His hands fisted as her mouth closed over the tip of him. His chest tightened locking in place as her tongue swirled around the head of his cock.
“Liz! Please! I can’t….” Max stopped his words choked off for lack of air. His body arched up helplessly as her mouth slide over him taking him deeper.
Liz felt his frantic desire beating at her and gave in releasing him slowly crawling back up onto him rubbing against him on the way.
Max was unable to wait and pulled her into position and pushed into her, thrusting deep.
Liz moaned brokenly her hands moving to his shoulders to find something solid to hold onto. With nothing to distract her from the physical she keenly felt the frantic stretching of her body and the overwhelming sense of fullness that bordered on real pain. She remained still as he thrust into her trying to adjust and reach a level of ease.
Feeling her nails digging into his shoulders had Max slowing enough to catch her broken gasps. He stilled, resting back against the hard surface behind him, hands moving to stroke her skin. His hands feathered over her arms, her back, down to her hips, and over her legs. He gritted his teeth ruthlessly trampling the driving urge to move. Nuzzling her neck softly he was relieved when she wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tight and relaxing over him, sinking further down onto him.
“I’m sorry,” Max sighed stroking her hair with one hand while wrapping his other arm around her hips. “I just lost my head. I’m so sorry. I love you so much and I just…you feel so good I just…”
Liz shifted to look into his eyes. “I wanted you to. Don’t apologize I’m not all that breakable. It was just….a little shocking at first.”
Max kissed her lovingly, sighing softly as she opened for him. He built the heat in their kiss slowly, nipping then sucking on her lower lip feeling her shift over him her hips rolling slightly. He stayed still, focusing on coaxing her with his tongue.
Liz moaned into his mouth and slowly, cautiously started to move, rocking over him in a smooth gentle rhythm. Max’s kisses could make her forget anything, lighting her up inside until she needed him past all reason.
Max wasn’t a slow learner. Catching on, he slipped his hand into her hair cradling the back of her head, and removed all restraint from his kiss pleased when she responded wildly, tightening around him, her movements picking up speed as she sucked at his tongue. He fought the urge to thrust, allowing Liz to govern the pace, feeling her slowly unravel as her body slid against his.
Liz pulled her mouth from his leaning back to take him deeper moaning when it just wasn’t quite enough.
Max couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Her skin glistened with sweat shining with shifting colors and patterns, her breasts moved in the most mesmerizing way, the seal blazed brightly pulsing strongly on her undulating abdomen. She looked exalted and so striking he was transfixed.
“Max! Help me,” Liz moaned unable to move fast enough, take him deep enough.
Max grasp her hips and drove into her feeling the meaning of her request and complying. They established between them the rhythm that best suited, working in concert to reach the pinnacle they could both feel just out of reach.
Liz gasp sharply, tears leaking from her eyes, at the welling power humming around them. She could feel it pulsing in the seal, wispy tendrils of energy joining them tightly.
Max felt the world tilt into something new. Something inside him opened up reaching out to grasp the wisps of Liz pulling her into him as he drove into her. He needed to bind them. Instinct demanded it overriding all else.
Liz shivered feeling the cool brush of pure uninhibited power but then she fractured, crying out as her body fiercely clamped down on his bathing him in heat.
Max groaned loudly his pelvis jerking up into her once….twice. His eyes turned solid black as he released deep inside her his body straining to push even deeper.
Liz fell onto his chest limp and panting their sweat sealing them together as they slowly recovered their senses.
Long moments later Max groaned and wrapped his arms around her and moved to lay flat on the floor. His fingers stroked the sweaty hair off of her face and he gently kissed her temple.
“You know. I think I love you,” Max said smiling.
Liz smiled slowly, turning her face into his neck. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. I might need some convincing.”
Max sighed, his eyes slipping closed. “I’ll need some time here before I can convince you again.”
“You’re just lazy,” Liz accused her tone lilting. “You slept all day, I do most of the work, and now you claim to be tired again?” Liz bit her lip in suppressed amusement. “Good thing you’re cute is all I can say.”
Max’s chest rumbled with laughter. “Yeah..good thing.”
Kyle picked up the phone fed up. If he didn’t get out of here he was going go postal. Michael was just pushing him past him limit. Liz had had enough time now he wanted his car back.
“Hello?” Liz answered pushing Max’s hand away.
“I need my car. Now or I’m going to hurt someone. An alien most likely,” Kyle said glaring at his first choice.
“I just need to…finish up here really fast and I’m on my way,” Liz said shooting Max a stern look.
“Finish what exactly?” Kyle asked suddenly interested.
“I found what I was looking for,” Liz said and rolled her eyes at Max who was grinning like a lunatic. “I just want to finish copying down the message exactly. That way we all have the same view of the information. Ten minutes and I’m done. Tell Michael to heel or you’ll throw his ass out. That should hold him till we get there.”
“Okay,” Kyle agreed and hung up. Pointing at Michael he yelled. “Heel!”
Leftovers (CC, ML / Adult) (Complete)
Moderators: Itzstacie, Forum Moderators
Chapter Forty
“What did you say to me?” Michael asked his brows snapping together over his eyes.
“He told you to heel like the dog you are,” Maria pointed out helpfully. She smiled sweetly when Michael turned to glare at her.
“I’m passing along a message from one of your joint masters,” Kyle added smirking. This was going to be good.
“What are you talking about?” Michael demanded.
Ava smiled and rested her feet on the coffee table in front of her. Maybe this would be the wake up call he needed.
“Liz has the seal thing right?” Kyle asked eyes darting to Ava for conformation.
“Yes, she does,” Ava answered her eyes going between Isabel and Michael.
“Okay. So that makes her like…co ruler with Max. YOUR ruler to be more specific,” Kyle said smirking his eyes dancing.
“No. She’s human. That seal is just….a mistake or whatever,” Michael said crossing his arms over his chest.
“No, it’s not Michael,” Isabel said softly. “It’s not a mistake.”
Alex’s eyebrow rose in surprise and he resisted the urge to gap slack jawed at Isabel.
“Whatever it means it’s not a mistake. Max chose to do it,” Isabel finished looking at Michael and willing him to shut his mouth. He was just making things worse.
“She’s right. Things like that don’t happen by mistake,” Ava agreed pleased with Isabel. “Technically Kyle is also right. Liz is co ruler. You should take her word as you should Max’s. Which with you is questionable anyway.”
“What does that mean?” Michael asked turning his scowl on Ava.
“It means you haven’t been a good second. You don’t listen or support your king. Sometimes you just have to do as you’re told. It’s not just you that matters here. You don’t seem to care about that much but it’s true. You have no idea how hard things can be,” Ava said calmly her eyes steady on Michael’s. “You’re not the only one struggling to find their place. Max is too and you haven’t made that easy.”
“So that’s my job?” Michael asked with an almost scoff.
“What do you think a seconds job is?” Ava asked softly.
“Michael, just stop it. No one wants to listen to you’re constant bullshit,” Maria interrupted before Michael could respond. “You asked her she told you. Now shut up.”
Alex smiled and changed the subject. “Where’s your dad, Kyle?”
“He went to the station for a bit. He should be back pretty soon,” Kyle replied his eyes not leaving Michael. “This is more complicated then we thought. I guess there have been some murders recently that have the media all stirred up. He’s trying to deal with it.”
Liz sighed as they neared Roswell. She wasn’t really ready to go back. “Can’t we just….not go back?”
Max smiled and lifted his foot a little on the gas pedal. “I don’t think stealing the Sheriff’s son’s car is a good idea. It’s frowned on generally.”
Liz smiled and moved closer leaning against his shoulder. “I know but now we have to let the world in though. I don’t want to.”
Max glanced down at her and smiled seeing her slight pout. “It’ll be okay. Eventually they’ll just force their way in anyway. This way we can throw them off and then sneak away when they aren’t looking,” Max pointed out.
“Deal,” Liz agreed softly a slight frown crossing her face as she thought about later that night. Going home and sleeping alone. “I would kill for a long hot bath,” Liz murmured banishing any thoughts that would detract from her good mood.
Max pictured that and grinned. “Later. You’ll get one later. First, we have to deal with the others.”
Liz sighed and leaned back into the seat. “It’s always the stuff I don’t want to do first isn’t it?”
“Well….you couldn’t really say Kyle was first,” Max said grinning.
“You are so dead,” Liz said shooting him a frosty look.
“Come on….it was funny,” Max coaxed lips twitching.
“We’ll see about that,” Liz said annoyed. “We’ll see how funny you think it is tonight when you’re in bed with Michael.”
Max’s amusement drained away in record time.
Michael took one look at them and his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t feel her. It was clear she was pissed, her face told him that, but he couldn’t FEEL it.
Ava watched Max cast anxious looks at Liz hovering until she chose a seat then sitting next to her despite her sharp look. Her smile widened as Liz scooted closer leaning into Max’s side without seeming to realize it.
“So? Care to share?” Kyle asked grinning.
“Yes, we found a message left by the version of Max that came back. I copied it down word for word so…..Where’s…?” Liz asked and stopped when Max handed her the notebook. “Thanks.”
All through Liz’s monologue Maria studied them with sharp eyes. Something was different.
Alex leaned forward absorbing the message and thinking about what it could mean.
Isabel frowned at the mention of betrayals Congresswomen Whitaker’s word’s flashing through her head.
Ava listened intently intrigued. There was really no way to know if that much had really been changed…..clearly something’s had changed but enough? That was catch. There was still so much they didn’t know.
Kyle hoped they hadn’t had sex in his car. That was his job and it would really throw off his game if he suspected there were other players on the field. That just wasn’t right. Maybe he should have said something before handing over the keys. Damn. With a sigh he sat back studying them closely. Son of a bitch. His shirt.
“Okay….well that’s a starting place,” Ava said after Liz finished.
“It’s crap,” Michael said and held up his hands when everyone turned on him. “It doesn’t really say anything. One maybe more people close to us are feeding info to the enemy and Liz was barren. That’s it.”
“Michael!” Max yelled his face flushing in anger.
“I’ve been thinking about it,” Liz interrupted ignoring Michael. “He probably didn’t know Nesado was alive or anything about the other set. I think he would have mentioned it if he did. So it doesn’t actually have to be one of us or…whatever.”
“That’s a good point. Lonnie could have played Isabel and slipped into town….same with Rath. Plus Tess knows quite a bit too and he didn’t know what sort of person she was. Nesado could have been anyone long enough to learn things,” Ava agreed shooting Michael a look.
Isabel sighed and rubbed her forehead feeling tears threaten. “Ava? Do you remember anything about our last life?”
“No…not anything reliable anyway. Why?” Ava asked confused.
“Ummm it’s just….that I heard something’s. Like I was the one that…got us killed last time,” Isabel said softly.
“What? Who said that?” Max asked leaning forward.
“Whitaker….Nicholas…both of them,” Isabel said darting a look at Max. “They said that I had a…..relationship with Kivar. That I betrayed you to him. Nicholas said he wants me back.”
“Well he can’t have you!” Max burst out. “Isabel….whatever happened last time doesn’t matter and we may never know the truth. Now is what matters and I know you. I trust you. You’re my sister.”
“I know. But what if….what if I’m the one this time too?” Isabel asked.
“Isabel, all of this isn’t carved in stone you know? We decide,” Liz said watching Isabel’s hands twisting in her lap. “I don’t believe that everything is laid out and decided for us ahead of time. I don’t believe you would do that to Max.”
“No. I won’t,” Isabel said looking up. “I won’t do that to Max.”
“Then there’s nothing to worry about, Isabel. We’re different this time….all of us are. We were made different,” Max said seriously.
“I don’t think it was you anyway, Isabel. Max told me that….you had died with him last time…in that other timeline so I doubt it was you,” Liz said honestly.
Isabel nodded and wiped at her face feeling relieved that her secret was out and she didn’t have to hide anymore.
The conversation continued with Liz passing around the notebook so everyone could read the message again and get ideas. It was decided that the aliens would all practice at the quarry one day a week at least. Liz described what happened with being able to open the chamber door and control the message in the granilith. Ava agreed to work with Liz and see if there was more that she could do. They put the discussion on hold to get something to eat when Liz’s dad called.
“Hi honey,” Jeff greeted when Liz came on the line.
“Hi Dad. How is everything?” Liz asked.
“It’s…..complicated. The windows fixed and the café is open. There’s been a little media attention. Seems like some girls were killed here in New Mexico and two in Arizona that fit your rough age group and….the papers have been here asking a lot of questions,” Jeff admitted.
“What kind of questions?” Liz asked worried.
“Just about what happened. That sort of thing. Don’t worry too much okay? Oh…your mother talked to the school and got your assignments for the week. They were very understanding. We talked to them for Michael too figuring he would forget. How are you doing?” Jeff asked worried. Nancy said she seemed fine but…
“I’m good. I feel safe…here. The Sheriff was really nice to let us stay,” Liz said softly watching the others make sandwiches.
“Yes, Jim was great. He said it would be okay to come home later tonight. He’ll bring you home. He’s going to have deputies watch the café so you’ll be safe here……are you sure you won’t go to Florida? I don’t want you to be unhappy but…maybe it would be better for a little while,” Jeff asked not very hopeful but feeling the need to ask. Truthfully he would miss her terribly if she left.
“I’m sure. I want to stay here,” Liz said firmly.
“Okay. I’ll see you tonight. Honey…be careful and I love you,” Jeff said worry eating a hole in belly. He didn’t know what he would do if anything ever happened to her.
“I will. I love you too,” Liz said and hung up. Not feeling like joining the others Liz slipped away and hid in Kyle’s old room. All the sudden she was really tired.
Michael waited then followed Liz down the hall.
At the soft knock on the door Liz sighed. “Come in.”
Michael walked in and shut the door leaning against it uncomfortably. “Look…umm what I said….out there. I didn’t mean it…as an insult or…whatever.”
“What do you want Michael?” Liz asked watching him. She knew damn well he wasn’t here to apologize for anything.
“I don’t feel you anymore,” Michael said looking straight at her.
“That’s good right? It’s what you wanted?” Liz asked then when Michael continued to look at her she raised her eyebrows. “You want to know if Max got laid huh? Yes. He did. Anything else?”
Michael sighed and shifted uncomfortably. “Look….I need some help with Maria.”
Liz wasn’t quite able to stifle her surprised laugh. “What? Oh I see. I’m a slut so I can give you advice on how to improve your bedroom performance so Maria's not disappointed….again? Well forget it.”
“That’s not what I meant. I don’t think that. That you’re a slut. I don’t,” Michael said seriously.
“Look Michael. Let’s agree that you don’t say you’re sorry and I don’t say thank you….okay? But you need to understand something. I’m not helping you with Maria. I won’t. Because I don’t trust you not to hurt her. How you feel doesn’t matter to me….frankly I can’t really tell with any certainty how you feel. You act horribly and that’s what I see. I won’t tell you the right things to say or do to slip past her guard. You’re on your own there. I would suggest being patient and really trying to act like a decent person. Really think about why you want to be with her. She’s not some fling, Michael. She’s a person with feelings that can be hurt….by you,” Liz said watching Michael.
“I’m sorry about what happened and how I acted over the summer….I was messed up and I fucked up,” Michael said scratching his eyebrow.
“Michael, it doesn’t end with the summer. You’ve always done this shit. It’s all about you,” Liz pointed out softly. Seeing Michael look down at the floor she sighed. “I’m not trying to be a bitch….it’s just….okay look. Max is like the most important thing to me. I want him to be happy and that means more to me than my feelings a lot of the time. I’m not happy when he’s unhappy….do you understand what I’m saying? I want what’s best for him even if it’s not short term something that thrills me. I’m not always thinking of myself first. I don’t see that in you. Ever. With anyone. You don’t seem to understand how to love someone. Maria is the best. She deserves to be happy. I never butt in to your guy’s thing unless asked. You asked me for help….I would say start by taking a look at yourself and work on the things that you see that you would like to change. Nothing happens overnight but it’s a place to start. You’re angry all the time Michael. Why? I know things aren’t easy and I don’t truly understand your life….but Max and Isabel love you. You have a family that cares…..people that care. You can’t just keep lashing out in anger whenever you want. You can’t give yourself permission to hurt people like you do. It’s abusive. It’s wrong, Michael. You don’t have the right to do that. Aren’t you afraid of….really hurting someone? When you’re angry like that?” Liz asked watching him.
“Sometimes,” Michael admitted. “I don’t mean to say what I do but….”
“Then make a decision to stop. It comes from you Michael, so…just don’t. Maria cares about you….a lot. Don’t hurt her. She doesn’t deserve it. There are very few people that know about you and care,” Liz said drained. There was no way she could help Michael. He had to pull himself up and make the changes he saw fit.
Michael nodded and moved away from the door. He stopped when Liz spoke again.
“My dad talked to the school for you so….you’re not in trouble there….in case you forgot. No hard feelings?” Liz asked ready to be done with it. Michael meant a lot to Max and Maria…she didn’t want to see them all picking sides or fighting.
“Yeah. No hard feelings,” Michael said and ducked out.
Liz flopped back on the bed and curled up into a ball. Tired just didn’t even cover it anymore. This day was sucking the life out of her. Where had her good mood gone? Enter the city limits and it disappeared. With a huge yawn she closed her eyes admitting that she hadn’t slept much either and her emotions were a little on the crazy side. Maybe a short nap….close her eyes for just a second. Then she could fix everything.
“What did you say to me?” Michael asked his brows snapping together over his eyes.
“He told you to heel like the dog you are,” Maria pointed out helpfully. She smiled sweetly when Michael turned to glare at her.
“I’m passing along a message from one of your joint masters,” Kyle added smirking. This was going to be good.
“What are you talking about?” Michael demanded.
Ava smiled and rested her feet on the coffee table in front of her. Maybe this would be the wake up call he needed.
“Liz has the seal thing right?” Kyle asked eyes darting to Ava for conformation.
“Yes, she does,” Ava answered her eyes going between Isabel and Michael.
“Okay. So that makes her like…co ruler with Max. YOUR ruler to be more specific,” Kyle said smirking his eyes dancing.
“No. She’s human. That seal is just….a mistake or whatever,” Michael said crossing his arms over his chest.
“No, it’s not Michael,” Isabel said softly. “It’s not a mistake.”
Alex’s eyebrow rose in surprise and he resisted the urge to gap slack jawed at Isabel.
“Whatever it means it’s not a mistake. Max chose to do it,” Isabel finished looking at Michael and willing him to shut his mouth. He was just making things worse.
“She’s right. Things like that don’t happen by mistake,” Ava agreed pleased with Isabel. “Technically Kyle is also right. Liz is co ruler. You should take her word as you should Max’s. Which with you is questionable anyway.”
“What does that mean?” Michael asked turning his scowl on Ava.
“It means you haven’t been a good second. You don’t listen or support your king. Sometimes you just have to do as you’re told. It’s not just you that matters here. You don’t seem to care about that much but it’s true. You have no idea how hard things can be,” Ava said calmly her eyes steady on Michael’s. “You’re not the only one struggling to find their place. Max is too and you haven’t made that easy.”
“So that’s my job?” Michael asked with an almost scoff.
“What do you think a seconds job is?” Ava asked softly.
“Michael, just stop it. No one wants to listen to you’re constant bullshit,” Maria interrupted before Michael could respond. “You asked her she told you. Now shut up.”
Alex smiled and changed the subject. “Where’s your dad, Kyle?”
“He went to the station for a bit. He should be back pretty soon,” Kyle replied his eyes not leaving Michael. “This is more complicated then we thought. I guess there have been some murders recently that have the media all stirred up. He’s trying to deal with it.”
Liz sighed as they neared Roswell. She wasn’t really ready to go back. “Can’t we just….not go back?”
Max smiled and lifted his foot a little on the gas pedal. “I don’t think stealing the Sheriff’s son’s car is a good idea. It’s frowned on generally.”
Liz smiled and moved closer leaning against his shoulder. “I know but now we have to let the world in though. I don’t want to.”
Max glanced down at her and smiled seeing her slight pout. “It’ll be okay. Eventually they’ll just force their way in anyway. This way we can throw them off and then sneak away when they aren’t looking,” Max pointed out.
“Deal,” Liz agreed softly a slight frown crossing her face as she thought about later that night. Going home and sleeping alone. “I would kill for a long hot bath,” Liz murmured banishing any thoughts that would detract from her good mood.
Max pictured that and grinned. “Later. You’ll get one later. First, we have to deal with the others.”
Liz sighed and leaned back into the seat. “It’s always the stuff I don’t want to do first isn’t it?”
“Well….you couldn’t really say Kyle was first,” Max said grinning.
“You are so dead,” Liz said shooting him a frosty look.
“Come on….it was funny,” Max coaxed lips twitching.
“We’ll see about that,” Liz said annoyed. “We’ll see how funny you think it is tonight when you’re in bed with Michael.”
Max’s amusement drained away in record time.
Michael took one look at them and his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t feel her. It was clear she was pissed, her face told him that, but he couldn’t FEEL it.
Ava watched Max cast anxious looks at Liz hovering until she chose a seat then sitting next to her despite her sharp look. Her smile widened as Liz scooted closer leaning into Max’s side without seeming to realize it.
“So? Care to share?” Kyle asked grinning.
“Yes, we found a message left by the version of Max that came back. I copied it down word for word so…..Where’s…?” Liz asked and stopped when Max handed her the notebook. “Thanks.”
All through Liz’s monologue Maria studied them with sharp eyes. Something was different.
Alex leaned forward absorbing the message and thinking about what it could mean.
Isabel frowned at the mention of betrayals Congresswomen Whitaker’s word’s flashing through her head.
Ava listened intently intrigued. There was really no way to know if that much had really been changed…..clearly something’s had changed but enough? That was catch. There was still so much they didn’t know.
Kyle hoped they hadn’t had sex in his car. That was his job and it would really throw off his game if he suspected there were other players on the field. That just wasn’t right. Maybe he should have said something before handing over the keys. Damn. With a sigh he sat back studying them closely. Son of a bitch. His shirt.
“Okay….well that’s a starting place,” Ava said after Liz finished.
“It’s crap,” Michael said and held up his hands when everyone turned on him. “It doesn’t really say anything. One maybe more people close to us are feeding info to the enemy and Liz was barren. That’s it.”
“Michael!” Max yelled his face flushing in anger.
“I’ve been thinking about it,” Liz interrupted ignoring Michael. “He probably didn’t know Nesado was alive or anything about the other set. I think he would have mentioned it if he did. So it doesn’t actually have to be one of us or…whatever.”
“That’s a good point. Lonnie could have played Isabel and slipped into town….same with Rath. Plus Tess knows quite a bit too and he didn’t know what sort of person she was. Nesado could have been anyone long enough to learn things,” Ava agreed shooting Michael a look.
Isabel sighed and rubbed her forehead feeling tears threaten. “Ava? Do you remember anything about our last life?”
“No…not anything reliable anyway. Why?” Ava asked confused.
“Ummm it’s just….that I heard something’s. Like I was the one that…got us killed last time,” Isabel said softly.
“What? Who said that?” Max asked leaning forward.
“Whitaker….Nicholas…both of them,” Isabel said darting a look at Max. “They said that I had a…..relationship with Kivar. That I betrayed you to him. Nicholas said he wants me back.”
“Well he can’t have you!” Max burst out. “Isabel….whatever happened last time doesn’t matter and we may never know the truth. Now is what matters and I know you. I trust you. You’re my sister.”
“I know. But what if….what if I’m the one this time too?” Isabel asked.
“Isabel, all of this isn’t carved in stone you know? We decide,” Liz said watching Isabel’s hands twisting in her lap. “I don’t believe that everything is laid out and decided for us ahead of time. I don’t believe you would do that to Max.”
“No. I won’t,” Isabel said looking up. “I won’t do that to Max.”
“Then there’s nothing to worry about, Isabel. We’re different this time….all of us are. We were made different,” Max said seriously.
“I don’t think it was you anyway, Isabel. Max told me that….you had died with him last time…in that other timeline so I doubt it was you,” Liz said honestly.
Isabel nodded and wiped at her face feeling relieved that her secret was out and she didn’t have to hide anymore.
The conversation continued with Liz passing around the notebook so everyone could read the message again and get ideas. It was decided that the aliens would all practice at the quarry one day a week at least. Liz described what happened with being able to open the chamber door and control the message in the granilith. Ava agreed to work with Liz and see if there was more that she could do. They put the discussion on hold to get something to eat when Liz’s dad called.
“Hi honey,” Jeff greeted when Liz came on the line.
“Hi Dad. How is everything?” Liz asked.
“It’s…..complicated. The windows fixed and the café is open. There’s been a little media attention. Seems like some girls were killed here in New Mexico and two in Arizona that fit your rough age group and….the papers have been here asking a lot of questions,” Jeff admitted.
“What kind of questions?” Liz asked worried.
“Just about what happened. That sort of thing. Don’t worry too much okay? Oh…your mother talked to the school and got your assignments for the week. They were very understanding. We talked to them for Michael too figuring he would forget. How are you doing?” Jeff asked worried. Nancy said she seemed fine but…
“I’m good. I feel safe…here. The Sheriff was really nice to let us stay,” Liz said softly watching the others make sandwiches.
“Yes, Jim was great. He said it would be okay to come home later tonight. He’ll bring you home. He’s going to have deputies watch the café so you’ll be safe here……are you sure you won’t go to Florida? I don’t want you to be unhappy but…maybe it would be better for a little while,” Jeff asked not very hopeful but feeling the need to ask. Truthfully he would miss her terribly if she left.
“I’m sure. I want to stay here,” Liz said firmly.
“Okay. I’ll see you tonight. Honey…be careful and I love you,” Jeff said worry eating a hole in belly. He didn’t know what he would do if anything ever happened to her.
“I will. I love you too,” Liz said and hung up. Not feeling like joining the others Liz slipped away and hid in Kyle’s old room. All the sudden she was really tired.
Michael waited then followed Liz down the hall.
At the soft knock on the door Liz sighed. “Come in.”
Michael walked in and shut the door leaning against it uncomfortably. “Look…umm what I said….out there. I didn’t mean it…as an insult or…whatever.”
“What do you want Michael?” Liz asked watching him. She knew damn well he wasn’t here to apologize for anything.
“I don’t feel you anymore,” Michael said looking straight at her.
“That’s good right? It’s what you wanted?” Liz asked then when Michael continued to look at her she raised her eyebrows. “You want to know if Max got laid huh? Yes. He did. Anything else?”
Michael sighed and shifted uncomfortably. “Look….I need some help with Maria.”
Liz wasn’t quite able to stifle her surprised laugh. “What? Oh I see. I’m a slut so I can give you advice on how to improve your bedroom performance so Maria's not disappointed….again? Well forget it.”
“That’s not what I meant. I don’t think that. That you’re a slut. I don’t,” Michael said seriously.
“Look Michael. Let’s agree that you don’t say you’re sorry and I don’t say thank you….okay? But you need to understand something. I’m not helping you with Maria. I won’t. Because I don’t trust you not to hurt her. How you feel doesn’t matter to me….frankly I can’t really tell with any certainty how you feel. You act horribly and that’s what I see. I won’t tell you the right things to say or do to slip past her guard. You’re on your own there. I would suggest being patient and really trying to act like a decent person. Really think about why you want to be with her. She’s not some fling, Michael. She’s a person with feelings that can be hurt….by you,” Liz said watching Michael.
“I’m sorry about what happened and how I acted over the summer….I was messed up and I fucked up,” Michael said scratching his eyebrow.
“Michael, it doesn’t end with the summer. You’ve always done this shit. It’s all about you,” Liz pointed out softly. Seeing Michael look down at the floor she sighed. “I’m not trying to be a bitch….it’s just….okay look. Max is like the most important thing to me. I want him to be happy and that means more to me than my feelings a lot of the time. I’m not happy when he’s unhappy….do you understand what I’m saying? I want what’s best for him even if it’s not short term something that thrills me. I’m not always thinking of myself first. I don’t see that in you. Ever. With anyone. You don’t seem to understand how to love someone. Maria is the best. She deserves to be happy. I never butt in to your guy’s thing unless asked. You asked me for help….I would say start by taking a look at yourself and work on the things that you see that you would like to change. Nothing happens overnight but it’s a place to start. You’re angry all the time Michael. Why? I know things aren’t easy and I don’t truly understand your life….but Max and Isabel love you. You have a family that cares…..people that care. You can’t just keep lashing out in anger whenever you want. You can’t give yourself permission to hurt people like you do. It’s abusive. It’s wrong, Michael. You don’t have the right to do that. Aren’t you afraid of….really hurting someone? When you’re angry like that?” Liz asked watching him.
“Sometimes,” Michael admitted. “I don’t mean to say what I do but….”
“Then make a decision to stop. It comes from you Michael, so…just don’t. Maria cares about you….a lot. Don’t hurt her. She doesn’t deserve it. There are very few people that know about you and care,” Liz said drained. There was no way she could help Michael. He had to pull himself up and make the changes he saw fit.
Michael nodded and moved away from the door. He stopped when Liz spoke again.
“My dad talked to the school for you so….you’re not in trouble there….in case you forgot. No hard feelings?” Liz asked ready to be done with it. Michael meant a lot to Max and Maria…she didn’t want to see them all picking sides or fighting.
“Yeah. No hard feelings,” Michael said and ducked out.
Liz flopped back on the bed and curled up into a ball. Tired just didn’t even cover it anymore. This day was sucking the life out of her. Where had her good mood gone? Enter the city limits and it disappeared. With a huge yawn she closed her eyes admitting that she hadn’t slept much either and her emotions were a little on the crazy side. Maybe a short nap….close her eyes for just a second. Then she could fix everything.
Chapter Forty One
While Liz was on the phone Max took the time to talk to Isabel guiding her out onto the back porch after they got their food.
“Is that what’s been wrong for the last couple of weeks?” Max asked taking a bite of his sandwich.
“Yes,” Isabel answered not bothering to pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about. “I was scared. I didn’t want you looking at me like….well like I was suspect. But I guess you did anyway. What with all that stuff with Liz and everything.”
“Is that why you reacted like that with Liz? Isabel….I really don’t care what happened in some life we don’t even remember. Who knows who we were then? You don’t have anything to prove to me,” Max said and popped a chip into his mouth.
Isabel looked over at him and smiled. “I don’t huh? That’s good to know.”
Max froze and shot her suspicious look. “What? I just meant that we’ve spent our whole life together and I know you. You’re my sister and you can come to me with things and I’ll help you. We’re a team remember?”
“I remember,” Isabel agreed still smiling. “Michael may forget sometimes but then I’m not competing in the same way. I won’t forget. Liz looked a little…..irritated,” Isabel commented shooting him an amused look. “Know anything about that?”
“She’s a little tired. The last few days have been…a little crazy,” Max said avoiding Isabel’s eyes by taking a hefty bite of his sandwich.
“Uh huh,” Isabel said disbelief plain in her tone.
Max shifted around a little glancing over at Isabel who was nibbling on a chip. “I said something stupid. I just forgot all the crap she’s taken over Kyle. I made a stupid joke and she didn’t take it well. Like I said the last few days have really been tiring. So much is going on and Liz is at the center of it. It’s a lot to deal with.”
Isabel sat silently for a moment then spoke softly. “I’m sure it didn’t help that we made things hard over the last few weeks either. I’m sorry Max.”
“Well….good thing for all of us that Liz doesn’t hold a grudge. We just need to do better,” Max said not feeling hungry any more.
“I’m still going to talk to her. I know she’s important to you. I won’t make any trouble for you,” Isabel said wiping her fingers on the paper napkin. “I’m happy for you, Max. I am.”
“Thanks,” Max said and nudged her gently with his elbow. “Does that mean you’ll cover for me?”
Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled. “Don’t I always?”
Alex watched Michael slink from Kyle’s room and his eyes narrowed. He stopped Michael before he could disappear. “You’re not giving her shit are you?”
“No. We’re cool now,” Michael said scratching his head nervously.
“I hope so cause I’ll be watching. I’ve had about enough Michael,” Alex said his voice low. “We had a conversation about Maria before and it holds true for Liz also. Just back off and we’ll be fine.”
“Got it,” Michael said and walked away shaking his head.
Alex watched him and smiled. He wasn’t really worried about Michael. Maria and Liz were more then a match for a mere alien hybrid. His girls were tough. He continued down the hall and gently tapped on the door. When no one answered he opened the door slowly peeking in. Seeing Liz curled up on the bed he walked in and made his way over. He frowned seeing sweat dampening the hair at her temples. Liz was always cold. It was a running joke among the three of them. Otherwise though, she seemed fine sleeping normally.
Maria laughed as Kyle teased Ava about her disgusting eating habits. Pickles dipped in mayonnaise and Tabasco weren’t Kyle’s idea of a tasty lunch.
“Well there isn’t much here that’s edible,” Ava said with a shrug. “You make do.”
“We’ll go shopping later okay? Just…don’t buy anymore pickles,” Kyle said on the verge of gagging.
“Kay,” Ava agreed smiling.
“How are you liking Roswell so far?” Maria asked Ava smiling.
“Pretty good. I’m not bored,” Ava admitted her eyes dancing.
“Yeah. I haven’t been bored in over a year,” Maria agreed popping a chip in her mouth. “Hostile and angry yes…..bored not so much.”
“Then nothing’s really changed,” Kyle observed and grinned when Maria tossed a chip at him.
“Watch it Valenti. I know things about you and am happy to share,” Maria said wagging a finger at him.
Before Kyle could respond his dad walked in. “Hey Dad. You look a little tired,” Kyle remarked turning to study his father.
“Yeah, a little bit. Max and Liz back yet?” Jim asked opening the refrigerator.
“Yeah, they’re back. They found the message left for Liz,” Kyle answered.
“Good,” Jim said and popped the top on his soda. “Anything we need to worry about?”
“It said that people close to us fed the enemy information. They didn’t know who it was though. It also said that we had problems working together,” Ava supplied.
“Yeah, I guess Isabel and Michael didn’t like Tess leaving in the last timeline,” Kyle added.
“Well…sounds like that problem might not be a problem anymore,” Jim said and rubbed a hand over his face. “We do have some other things to talk about. Give me a few minutes and round everyone up okay?”
“Okay,” Maria agreed getting up to find everyone.
Max went to check on Liz before meeting everyone in the living room. Sitting on the bed next to her he tucked her hair back gently. She was curled up into a small tight little ball facing the wall even her toes were curled in. Scooting closer he ran his fingers over her arm.
“Max?” Liz asked her voice husky with sleep.
“Yeah, just me,” Max said relieved. “You okay?”
“Mmm hmm, just tired,” Liz mumbled barely able to stay awake.
“Okay, go back to sleep and I’ll wake you up a little later,” Max said fingers lightly tracing over her cheek.
“You don’t want to take a nap?” Liz asked uncurling her legs before stretching.
Max sighed and glanced at the door. “I really do but I can’t. You take your nap and I’ll wake you up in a bit.”
“Okay,” Liz sighed rolling onto her stomach her eyes slipping closed.
Max watched her for a few minutes as her breathing evened out and she slipped back into sleep. Stifling a yawn of his own he forced himself up to join the others.
When everyone was seated Jim set the notebook with the message aside and turned to Max. “So what have you decided to do in relation to the message?”
“Well, we’ve all agreed to work on our powers together with Ava. We’ve never really tried to work as a group so we hope that we can strengthen our skills as a group and as individuals. Learn more control and see if there are any latent powers….that sort of thing. Liz showed some abilities too so….she’ll be working with Ava as well. We can’t know who was working against us. Liz was right about that. There’s no indication that he knew about the other set or Nesado still being alive. Tess was gone so who knows what she was up to. We just have to be careful and try to work on the things we know are a problem,” Max said trying to lay out his reasoning.
Jim nodded seeing the point of some teamwork. “Sounds like a start. There’s not much that’s real solid to go on,” Jim agreed. Looking at each of them they just looked so young. “I guess it’s my turn. We haven’t found anything on Nesado. No body no ideas on what could have happened to him. The real problem just starts there. You see…the description of the kidnapper that we had to go with, to match up with the Jeff Parker form, unfortunately raised some flags. There have been a string of murder sexual assaults that roughly match up to our story and that description.”
“So what are you saying?” Alex asked.
“Well. It’s a problem. The media is….interested and there’s no way to cover this up. They’re running with it. The other thing is….the murders have crossed state lines so…the FBI is also involved,” Jim finished watching Max’s face drain of color.
“Oh god,” Isabel breathed her eyes wide.
“Let’s not panic. I haven’t been contacted yet and I can tailor the story a little to keep it as far from matching the cases I know about as possible and we’ll go with it. This doesn’t involve a hint of aliens according to the story so we should be fine,” Jim said trying to lighten the blow. He really didn’t think they had a reason to panic. He had personal experience watching Liz under questioning and she held up pretty well and that was a year ago.
“Nesado probably did get rid of our files too,” Michael offered slowly his mind racing. “Max did order that done and he had to comply right? He did dismantle the Special Unit.”
“That’s true,” Maria agreed gnawing on her lower lip.
Ava looked around the room wondering what was going on. Max looked like someone had kicked him in the nuts and everyone looked scared. Why did the FBI have files on them? “Umm what’s up with the FBI?”
“When Liz was shot the FBI got called in and started files on Max and the whole incident at the café. They eventually captured Max and held him until the others broke him out,” Kyle explained.
Ava’s eyes widened as she struggled to remember if she knew anything about this before hand. Nesado had been involved?
“Liz needs to leave,” Max broke in.
“Max whoa! We can’t make any rash decisions,” Maria said wondering if she shouldn’t go and wake Liz up.
“Maria’s right Max. It wouldn’t look good for her to just vanish,” Isabel said quietly.
“You don’t understand,” Max said roughly. “What if the seal or the granilith changed her enough to be noticeable? We don’t know that it hasn’t. If there’s one piece of paper left from all that it’ll have her name on it. Ava’s involved now too and she is noticeably different. What if they take her? Either of them? Liz can go to Florida. Just for awhile.”
“Max, just calm down. We’ll think about this and come up with a plan,” Isabel said shooting Michael a scared look.
Michael grabbed Kyle’s attention and gestured down the hall. Kyle got up to get Liz.
“She’s right, Max. We need to slow down. The FBI hasn’t called yet or shown any undue interest. We have time here,” Jim advised. “I’m not planning on asking for help on this case so unless they call it’s not a concern.”
“It’s a concern for me,” Max disagreed. Fear was riding him hard as he pictures flashed behind his eyes. No, he couldn’t let anything happen to Liz. No, that wasn’t an option.
Kyle shook Liz’s shoulder to wake her and watched her nose wrinkle. “Wake up, Liz. Max’s about to have a meltdown.”
Liz sighed and struggled to open her eyes. It couldn’t have been more then ten minutes since Max was here. “What’s wrong?”
“Your boyfriend wants to send you to Florida,” Kyle answered as Liz rolled over and frowned in confusion.
“What?” Liz asked not understanding the code Kyle was talking in.
Kyle filled her in quickly as she sat trying to wake up.
“Okay,” Liz said and stood up. “Got it.”
“Max, nothing has happened yet,” Ava pointed out.
“I can’t wait until something does either,” Max replied firmly.
“Max?” Liz asked from the doorway. “What’s going on?”
Max looked over to find her leaning against the wall yawning. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“Umm I thought I should come in and see what’s been decided for me while I was sleeping,” Liz answered pushing away from the wall. “Looks like you’re the one that shouldn’t be left alone while I sleep.”
Max sighed as she walked closer. “Liz…”
“No, I get it. This is my problem, Max, so I should have a say in whatever plan is decided on,” Liz said softly as she reached him.
“Our problem,” Max mumbled as she slid onto his lap.
“Our problem,” Liz agreed then made sure he was looking her in the eye when she continued. “Our plan too.”
Max nodded pulling her closer. “Our plan.”
“Okay, so there’s nothing to worry about yet. I’ll check my blood and see if there’s anything there to worry about. I don’t think there is but it doesn’t hurt to be sure. It won’t help to go to Florida. There are FBI agents there as well as anywhere. If they want to talk to me they will. Whether I’m here or there it won’t make any difference,” Liz said reasonably. Thinking hard she paused for s second. “It’s probably a good thing Ava is involved. She can mindwarp us out of some trouble if any happens. They’ll want to talk to both of us if they get involved at all and the Sheriff will be there. This isn’t that bad. Alex, can you do a search and find out everything close to our story in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico? At least we’ll know what the papers are saying.”
“Sure. I’ll start that tonight,” Alex agreed.
“Okay. Max?” Liz asked linking their fingers. “Is this an acceptable first step to you?”
Max sighed rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. “Yeah. It’s fine.”
“Okay. We’ll talk again when Alex or the Sheriff have some information. I’ll do my blood test by tomorrow and we can go from there. Any one have any other ideas?” Liz asked looking around at the others.
“I think that’s good,” Maria said relieved. She didn’t want Liz half a country away. That didn’t seem like a good idea to her.
When no one had anything to add Liz looked at the Sheriff. “What about going home?”
“Anytime is fine. I have deputies keeping an eye on the café. I would suggest all of you keep a cell phone on hand. It’s a good idea to get used to staying in contact. There’s only one more day of school then we have the weekend to regroup. Liz…you’re excused through the rest of the week from school and work to give some time to catch up on your schoolwork and so no reporters can have easy access to you. Ava same for you. The rest of you….have one more day to get through. Maria and Michael I would check your schedules at the café. Jeff asked me to remind you. He revised the schedule. I set up patrols for my deputies that will drive them past all of your houses in rotation. I also stopped by and talked to Brody for you Max. He asked me to tell you to check in with him,” Jim ticked off wrapping things up.
“Okay, great. I’m dying for a bath,” Liz said lightly.
“I can drive you, Max, Isabel, and Michael. You need to pick up your Jeep right Max?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, I do,” Max agreed. He could talk to Brody before heading home to put his parents at ease before sneaking back out to see Liz. He still wasn’t comfortable with the idea of the FBI being anywhere near her but he would try to control his fear. Liz was right Florida wasn’t the answer. He would have to think of something else….just in case.
“I can take Maria and Alex when you’re ready,” Jim chimed in.
As easy as that everyone started gathering their things to head home.
While Liz was on the phone Max took the time to talk to Isabel guiding her out onto the back porch after they got their food.
“Is that what’s been wrong for the last couple of weeks?” Max asked taking a bite of his sandwich.
“Yes,” Isabel answered not bothering to pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about. “I was scared. I didn’t want you looking at me like….well like I was suspect. But I guess you did anyway. What with all that stuff with Liz and everything.”
“Is that why you reacted like that with Liz? Isabel….I really don’t care what happened in some life we don’t even remember. Who knows who we were then? You don’t have anything to prove to me,” Max said and popped a chip into his mouth.
Isabel looked over at him and smiled. “I don’t huh? That’s good to know.”
Max froze and shot her suspicious look. “What? I just meant that we’ve spent our whole life together and I know you. You’re my sister and you can come to me with things and I’ll help you. We’re a team remember?”
“I remember,” Isabel agreed still smiling. “Michael may forget sometimes but then I’m not competing in the same way. I won’t forget. Liz looked a little…..irritated,” Isabel commented shooting him an amused look. “Know anything about that?”
“She’s a little tired. The last few days have been…a little crazy,” Max said avoiding Isabel’s eyes by taking a hefty bite of his sandwich.
“Uh huh,” Isabel said disbelief plain in her tone.
Max shifted around a little glancing over at Isabel who was nibbling on a chip. “I said something stupid. I just forgot all the crap she’s taken over Kyle. I made a stupid joke and she didn’t take it well. Like I said the last few days have really been tiring. So much is going on and Liz is at the center of it. It’s a lot to deal with.”
Isabel sat silently for a moment then spoke softly. “I’m sure it didn’t help that we made things hard over the last few weeks either. I’m sorry Max.”
“Well….good thing for all of us that Liz doesn’t hold a grudge. We just need to do better,” Max said not feeling hungry any more.
“I’m still going to talk to her. I know she’s important to you. I won’t make any trouble for you,” Isabel said wiping her fingers on the paper napkin. “I’m happy for you, Max. I am.”
“Thanks,” Max said and nudged her gently with his elbow. “Does that mean you’ll cover for me?”
Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled. “Don’t I always?”
Alex watched Michael slink from Kyle’s room and his eyes narrowed. He stopped Michael before he could disappear. “You’re not giving her shit are you?”
“No. We’re cool now,” Michael said scratching his head nervously.
“I hope so cause I’ll be watching. I’ve had about enough Michael,” Alex said his voice low. “We had a conversation about Maria before and it holds true for Liz also. Just back off and we’ll be fine.”
“Got it,” Michael said and walked away shaking his head.
Alex watched him and smiled. He wasn’t really worried about Michael. Maria and Liz were more then a match for a mere alien hybrid. His girls were tough. He continued down the hall and gently tapped on the door. When no one answered he opened the door slowly peeking in. Seeing Liz curled up on the bed he walked in and made his way over. He frowned seeing sweat dampening the hair at her temples. Liz was always cold. It was a running joke among the three of them. Otherwise though, she seemed fine sleeping normally.
Maria laughed as Kyle teased Ava about her disgusting eating habits. Pickles dipped in mayonnaise and Tabasco weren’t Kyle’s idea of a tasty lunch.
“Well there isn’t much here that’s edible,” Ava said with a shrug. “You make do.”
“We’ll go shopping later okay? Just…don’t buy anymore pickles,” Kyle said on the verge of gagging.
“Kay,” Ava agreed smiling.
“How are you liking Roswell so far?” Maria asked Ava smiling.
“Pretty good. I’m not bored,” Ava admitted her eyes dancing.
“Yeah. I haven’t been bored in over a year,” Maria agreed popping a chip in her mouth. “Hostile and angry yes…..bored not so much.”
“Then nothing’s really changed,” Kyle observed and grinned when Maria tossed a chip at him.
“Watch it Valenti. I know things about you and am happy to share,” Maria said wagging a finger at him.
Before Kyle could respond his dad walked in. “Hey Dad. You look a little tired,” Kyle remarked turning to study his father.
“Yeah, a little bit. Max and Liz back yet?” Jim asked opening the refrigerator.
“Yeah, they’re back. They found the message left for Liz,” Kyle answered.
“Good,” Jim said and popped the top on his soda. “Anything we need to worry about?”
“It said that people close to us fed the enemy information. They didn’t know who it was though. It also said that we had problems working together,” Ava supplied.
“Yeah, I guess Isabel and Michael didn’t like Tess leaving in the last timeline,” Kyle added.
“Well…sounds like that problem might not be a problem anymore,” Jim said and rubbed a hand over his face. “We do have some other things to talk about. Give me a few minutes and round everyone up okay?”
“Okay,” Maria agreed getting up to find everyone.
Max went to check on Liz before meeting everyone in the living room. Sitting on the bed next to her he tucked her hair back gently. She was curled up into a small tight little ball facing the wall even her toes were curled in. Scooting closer he ran his fingers over her arm.
“Max?” Liz asked her voice husky with sleep.
“Yeah, just me,” Max said relieved. “You okay?”
“Mmm hmm, just tired,” Liz mumbled barely able to stay awake.
“Okay, go back to sleep and I’ll wake you up a little later,” Max said fingers lightly tracing over her cheek.
“You don’t want to take a nap?” Liz asked uncurling her legs before stretching.
Max sighed and glanced at the door. “I really do but I can’t. You take your nap and I’ll wake you up in a bit.”
“Okay,” Liz sighed rolling onto her stomach her eyes slipping closed.
Max watched her for a few minutes as her breathing evened out and she slipped back into sleep. Stifling a yawn of his own he forced himself up to join the others.
When everyone was seated Jim set the notebook with the message aside and turned to Max. “So what have you decided to do in relation to the message?”
“Well, we’ve all agreed to work on our powers together with Ava. We’ve never really tried to work as a group so we hope that we can strengthen our skills as a group and as individuals. Learn more control and see if there are any latent powers….that sort of thing. Liz showed some abilities too so….she’ll be working with Ava as well. We can’t know who was working against us. Liz was right about that. There’s no indication that he knew about the other set or Nesado still being alive. Tess was gone so who knows what she was up to. We just have to be careful and try to work on the things we know are a problem,” Max said trying to lay out his reasoning.
Jim nodded seeing the point of some teamwork. “Sounds like a start. There’s not much that’s real solid to go on,” Jim agreed. Looking at each of them they just looked so young. “I guess it’s my turn. We haven’t found anything on Nesado. No body no ideas on what could have happened to him. The real problem just starts there. You see…the description of the kidnapper that we had to go with, to match up with the Jeff Parker form, unfortunately raised some flags. There have been a string of murder sexual assaults that roughly match up to our story and that description.”
“So what are you saying?” Alex asked.
“Well. It’s a problem. The media is….interested and there’s no way to cover this up. They’re running with it. The other thing is….the murders have crossed state lines so…the FBI is also involved,” Jim finished watching Max’s face drain of color.
“Oh god,” Isabel breathed her eyes wide.
“Let’s not panic. I haven’t been contacted yet and I can tailor the story a little to keep it as far from matching the cases I know about as possible and we’ll go with it. This doesn’t involve a hint of aliens according to the story so we should be fine,” Jim said trying to lighten the blow. He really didn’t think they had a reason to panic. He had personal experience watching Liz under questioning and she held up pretty well and that was a year ago.
“Nesado probably did get rid of our files too,” Michael offered slowly his mind racing. “Max did order that done and he had to comply right? He did dismantle the Special Unit.”
“That’s true,” Maria agreed gnawing on her lower lip.
Ava looked around the room wondering what was going on. Max looked like someone had kicked him in the nuts and everyone looked scared. Why did the FBI have files on them? “Umm what’s up with the FBI?”
“When Liz was shot the FBI got called in and started files on Max and the whole incident at the café. They eventually captured Max and held him until the others broke him out,” Kyle explained.
Ava’s eyes widened as she struggled to remember if she knew anything about this before hand. Nesado had been involved?
“Liz needs to leave,” Max broke in.
“Max whoa! We can’t make any rash decisions,” Maria said wondering if she shouldn’t go and wake Liz up.
“Maria’s right Max. It wouldn’t look good for her to just vanish,” Isabel said quietly.
“You don’t understand,” Max said roughly. “What if the seal or the granilith changed her enough to be noticeable? We don’t know that it hasn’t. If there’s one piece of paper left from all that it’ll have her name on it. Ava’s involved now too and she is noticeably different. What if they take her? Either of them? Liz can go to Florida. Just for awhile.”
“Max, just calm down. We’ll think about this and come up with a plan,” Isabel said shooting Michael a scared look.
Michael grabbed Kyle’s attention and gestured down the hall. Kyle got up to get Liz.
“She’s right, Max. We need to slow down. The FBI hasn’t called yet or shown any undue interest. We have time here,” Jim advised. “I’m not planning on asking for help on this case so unless they call it’s not a concern.”
“It’s a concern for me,” Max disagreed. Fear was riding him hard as he pictures flashed behind his eyes. No, he couldn’t let anything happen to Liz. No, that wasn’t an option.
Kyle shook Liz’s shoulder to wake her and watched her nose wrinkle. “Wake up, Liz. Max’s about to have a meltdown.”
Liz sighed and struggled to open her eyes. It couldn’t have been more then ten minutes since Max was here. “What’s wrong?”
“Your boyfriend wants to send you to Florida,” Kyle answered as Liz rolled over and frowned in confusion.
“What?” Liz asked not understanding the code Kyle was talking in.
Kyle filled her in quickly as she sat trying to wake up.
“Okay,” Liz said and stood up. “Got it.”
“Max, nothing has happened yet,” Ava pointed out.
“I can’t wait until something does either,” Max replied firmly.
“Max?” Liz asked from the doorway. “What’s going on?”
Max looked over to find her leaning against the wall yawning. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“Umm I thought I should come in and see what’s been decided for me while I was sleeping,” Liz answered pushing away from the wall. “Looks like you’re the one that shouldn’t be left alone while I sleep.”
Max sighed as she walked closer. “Liz…”
“No, I get it. This is my problem, Max, so I should have a say in whatever plan is decided on,” Liz said softly as she reached him.
“Our problem,” Max mumbled as she slid onto his lap.
“Our problem,” Liz agreed then made sure he was looking her in the eye when she continued. “Our plan too.”
Max nodded pulling her closer. “Our plan.”
“Okay, so there’s nothing to worry about yet. I’ll check my blood and see if there’s anything there to worry about. I don’t think there is but it doesn’t hurt to be sure. It won’t help to go to Florida. There are FBI agents there as well as anywhere. If they want to talk to me they will. Whether I’m here or there it won’t make any difference,” Liz said reasonably. Thinking hard she paused for s second. “It’s probably a good thing Ava is involved. She can mindwarp us out of some trouble if any happens. They’ll want to talk to both of us if they get involved at all and the Sheriff will be there. This isn’t that bad. Alex, can you do a search and find out everything close to our story in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico? At least we’ll know what the papers are saying.”
“Sure. I’ll start that tonight,” Alex agreed.
“Okay. Max?” Liz asked linking their fingers. “Is this an acceptable first step to you?”
Max sighed rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. “Yeah. It’s fine.”
“Okay. We’ll talk again when Alex or the Sheriff have some information. I’ll do my blood test by tomorrow and we can go from there. Any one have any other ideas?” Liz asked looking around at the others.
“I think that’s good,” Maria said relieved. She didn’t want Liz half a country away. That didn’t seem like a good idea to her.
When no one had anything to add Liz looked at the Sheriff. “What about going home?”
“Anytime is fine. I have deputies keeping an eye on the café. I would suggest all of you keep a cell phone on hand. It’s a good idea to get used to staying in contact. There’s only one more day of school then we have the weekend to regroup. Liz…you’re excused through the rest of the week from school and work to give some time to catch up on your schoolwork and so no reporters can have easy access to you. Ava same for you. The rest of you….have one more day to get through. Maria and Michael I would check your schedules at the café. Jeff asked me to remind you. He revised the schedule. I set up patrols for my deputies that will drive them past all of your houses in rotation. I also stopped by and talked to Brody for you Max. He asked me to tell you to check in with him,” Jim ticked off wrapping things up.
“Okay, great. I’m dying for a bath,” Liz said lightly.
“I can drive you, Max, Isabel, and Michael. You need to pick up your Jeep right Max?” Kyle asked.
“Yeah, I do,” Max agreed. He could talk to Brody before heading home to put his parents at ease before sneaking back out to see Liz. He still wasn’t comfortable with the idea of the FBI being anywhere near her but he would try to control his fear. Liz was right Florida wasn’t the answer. He would have to think of something else….just in case.
“I can take Maria and Alex when you’re ready,” Jim chimed in.
As easy as that everyone started gathering their things to head home.
In TWO posts to length
Chapter Forty Two
Max found Brody in his office on his computer. “Hey Brody. The Sheriff said you wanted to see me?”
“Max!” Brody said spinning to face him. “I heard what happened. You alright? Your friends okay?”
“Yeah, we’re all fine. Liz was really shaken up but she seems okay,” Max replied.
“Maria was there as well wasn’t she?” Brody asked casually.
“Umm she was in the back or something and slipped out without the guy seeing her,” Max answered.
“That’s good. I’m glad no one got hurt. Listen Max, if you need to cut back on some hours that’s not a problem. We can work out a schedule that will be good for both of us. It’s slow this time of year anyway,” Brody offered.
“That’s okay. I don’t work that much. I’m saving up for something anyway,” Max replied slowly.
“Christmas present for your girl?” Brody teased smiling. He knew Max had it bad for that dark haired girl..Liz.
“Something like that,” Max evaded lightly. He actually had something else in mind. He needed to build up some money to work with but now that Brody mentioned it….he better start thinking about Christmas it wasn’t far off. Thanksgiving was little over a week away.
“Then I’ll see you on Saturday. Before you go remember to get your stuff. You left your books and phone here,” Brody said absently already refocused on his computer.
“Thanks. See you then,” Max agreed.
After getting his stuff he hurried to the Jeep knowing Isabel would be getting impatient to go home. Tossing his books in the back he went to shove his phone in his pocket when he noticed he had a voice mail.
“Max, come on! Let’s go,” Isabel urged glancing at her watch. She had a ton of homework to do and their parents were probably wondering what was taking them so long.
“Hang on,” Max said and waved her silent putting his phone to his ear. Who would have left him a message?
“Hey kid. I buried your problem in the desert so just relax. Take Liz out and do all the things teenagers do. I would suggest some time alone in a private protected place. Turn off that call you know? It’s not good to let a call remain unanswered. Try and stay out of trouble for a while. I have things to do and can’t be messing around with solving other people’s fumblings. Later.”
“What the fuck?” Max asked pulling the phone back to look at it.
“What’s wrong?” Isabel asked turning in her seat.
“Listen to this,” Max said and handed Isabel the phone. “Do you recognize that voice?”
Isabel listened to the message twice and shook her head. “No. I have no idea who that is but he sure seems to know us. You think he meant Nesado? That he buried him?”
“That’s the problem that comes to mind,” Max agreed softly. He didn’t like the implications of this message. That someone knew them so well and clearly knew about Liz. If Nesado was the one he was referring to that would be a plus but didn’t make him feel any less uneasy. “We better call Valenti.”
Liz sank into the tub with relief. If she didn’t know better she would think the goal for the day was to keep her from bathing. It was almost time to go to bed and she was just getting the bath she had been wanting all day.
After getting home her parents had rehashed the situation as they saw it and that had taken what seemed like hours. Then it had been time for dinner where they had discussed the café and whether or not she should be allowed to close anymore along with whether an earlier curfew was called for. She had pointed out that the time of day didn’t seem to be relevant to her safety. After a long debate that rivaled the frustration level of a conversation with Michael, she got her way. Her curfew remained the same and she was allowed to close if Michael was there…joy. She knew it would be hard to talk her parents into actually letting her out to take advantage of the unchanged curfew but one battle at a time.
Relaxing gradually as the warm water soothed aching muscles she slid down until the bubbles tickled her chin. Her eyes drifted shut her mind floating between waking and sleeping. She sighed wiggling her toes in the water as thoughts of Max drifted through her head. When the phone rang in her bedroom and woke her up the water was chilly and her fingers and toes were all pruned up.
“Liz? Girlfriend get off your ass and pick up the phone you have some explaining to do,” Came Maria’s voice from the answering machine. Liz sighed and started emptying the tub. “Okay, I’ll call back…..again. You can run but you can’t hide Liz Parker.”
Liz smiled and stood up, quickly putting her hand to the tile wall feeling a little wobbly. Her muscles were mush after all that soaking. Turning on her shower she started washing her hair.
Max climbed up to Liz’s balcony quickly, wanting to check on her. He was getting increasingly worried. He had made Michael, Ava, and the Sheriff listen to the message and none of them knew who had left it. Crouching down to look in the window he frowned not seeing Liz. Settling down next to her window he decided to wait her out. He could feel her so he knew that she was there.
Not in any hurry Liz decided to deep condition her hair.
Max glanced at his watch and frowned. What could she possibly be doing?
Setting aside her razor she reached for her favorite soap.
He should have called first.
After smoothing lotion on her legs Liz pulled on her pajama pants and tank top. Running her brush through her slightly damp hair her thoughts drifted to Max. She should call him before it got too late.
Max sat up straighter as the bathroom door opened and Liz walked out. Their eyes met and she smiled and rolled her eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Liz asked as she pushed the window up.
Max couldn’t help it. She was lifting the window and they were right there. It was cold out.
“Max?” Liz asked when he didn’t answer then she noticed what he was looking at. “Hello? Up here,” Liz teased waving her hand in front of his face.
Max blushed and stuttered. “I-I’m sorry…What?”
Liz sighed and gave up. “Come here,” Liz said grabbing the collar of his shirt pulling him in the window.
Max stumbled through the window surprise painted on his face as Liz dragged him in and shoved him at the bed.
Shaking her head Liz shut the window and crossed her arms over her chest. “Now, maybe we can talk.”
Max’s ears burned brighter as Liz arched her eyebrow at him pointedly. Then he smiled. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Max!” Liz cried frustrated. “You came over for a reason?”
“I did,” Max agreed his smile growing. Just being here lightened his mood. “Come sit over here.”
Liz rolled her eyes smothering her smile and walked closer. “You know my parents are here right?” Liz asked as she straddled his lap.
“I do, yes,” Max nodded in agreement wrapping his arms around her. She smelled so good. His hands rubbed her back then one hand moved to play with her hair. Rubbing a strand of hair against his thumb in a rhythmic motion soothed by the contact.
Liz sighed as he started kissing her shoulder squirming closer. When his teeth tugged aside the thin strap of her top all thoughts of her parents faded. She didn’t protest when he tugged aside the second strap and lowered her top to her waist. She watched him as he touched her, his eyes turned warm and soft as his fingers traced over her skin. She caught her breath in surprise when he leaned forward and took her in his mouth.
Max circled her nipple with his tongue encouraged when her hips moved against him seemingly without thought.
When Max’s hand moved to the base of her neck to help support her upper body she leaned back a little and moved her hips in small circles over his erection. She made a breathy moaning sound when he sucked more of her breast into his mouth while rolling her nipple against the roof of his mouth using his tongue.
“Ahhh Max,” Liz sighed softly her fingers moving to tangle in his hair.
Max reluctantly released her from his mouth to scoot backwards carrying her with him before laying down. He looked at her for a moment her breast wet from his mouth and rose tipped, groaning roughly, he pulled her down beside him his hands racing over her bare skin.
Liz moved restlessly under his hands unable to lay still yearning for more. Sliding her leg up over his side she pulled him closer unhappy with her limited contact with his skin. She tried to relax knowing it wasn’t really smart to take this very far but she found herself thinking of how to work around the obvious obstacles.
Max felt her inattention and shifted away to see her face. He smiled at her expression and tapped her on the nose. “What are you thinking about?”
“Ummm nothing,” Liz denied shaking her head. She wasn’t about to admit to thinking about how to hide him in her room all night.
“Something,” Max corrected watching her eyes drift away from his.
“Do you think….umm when do you have to be home?” Liz asked switching topics mid sentence.
Max studied her expression his hand rubbing her side unable to totally stop touching her. “No set time really. Isabel’s covering for me why?”
“I was just wondering. Now what did you come over here for? This?” Liz asked watching him closely.
“Actually no. I did have a reason,” Max said and released her to dig in his coat pocket for his phone. “Listen to this and tell me what you think. No one I’ve had listen to this has recognized the voice.”
Liz frowned and took the phone sitting up as she listened. Something niggled at her about the pattern of speech…..but..she couldn’t quite place it. “Ummm I don’t think I know this person but….the way he talks sounds familiar. I don’t know.”
Max watched her as she listened to it several times in a row. This was serious but he couldn’t help the way his eyes wandered every once in a while. She was gorgeous.
“Did you ask Maria?” Liz asked handing him back his phone.
“No. I asked Ava, Michael, and Isabel. The Sheriff and Kyle listened to it also. You think Maria might know?” Max asked as Liz settled back against him.
“Ummm she might. She’s good with recognizing people. We see a lot of people in the café and she remembers the oddest things about them. I would ask her when you see her,” Liz suggested as Max’s arm wrapped around her.
“I’ll ask her tomorrow,” Max promised already loosing his attention as her scent enveloped him.
Liz nodded her brow furrowing as she thought about the message. “He called me Liz. Like he knew me…he knew about…he’s an alien Max. He has to be. There’s no other way that he would know about what Nesado is and that beacon thing. He considered Nesado a problem and….didn’t seem to disapprove of us….I wouldn’t worry too much about it. He doesn’t seem like he’s terribly interested in meeting you. How many of you were sent? I mean there were the eight pods and Michael said that there were four protectors right? He might be one of them. He said he was too busy to solve other people’s “fumbling”…..that sounds like a protector to me.”
“When did Michael tell you about our protectors?” Max asked surprised.
“After he had that history project. Max we DO talk. We work together,” Liz teased lightly playing with the zipper on his coat.
“I know. I’m just….surprised he’d tell you that. He’s so….,” Max struggled to think of a fitting phrase.
“Anti human?” Liz asked smiling. “He’s…talked to me about things before. We’re not friends exactly but….I’ll listen without saying anything.”
Max smiled and kissed her forehead. “I know. I wouldn’t say he’s anti human…..just very closed up normally. He doesn’t talk to Isabel or I much either about things. That’s just Michael.”
Liz didn’t say anything not wanting to reveal all the things Michael had talked to her about. She thought that maybe reading her journal made him feel more comfortable talking to her. He knew her thinking and had secrets on her so revealing his weren’t as big of deal. They kept quiet about the secrets they knew about each other. Which was probably part of why she had gotten so upset with Michael lately. She knew he wasn’t stupid but he sure acted like it.
“So…..are you going to take off your coat?” Liz asked switching the topic of conversation.
Max smiled and shook his head. “Nope. I don’t think so.”
Max found Brody in his office on his computer. “Hey Brody. The Sheriff said you wanted to see me?”
“Max!” Brody said spinning to face him. “I heard what happened. You alright? Your friends okay?”
“Yeah, we’re all fine. Liz was really shaken up but she seems okay,” Max replied.
“Maria was there as well wasn’t she?” Brody asked casually.
“Umm she was in the back or something and slipped out without the guy seeing her,” Max answered.
“That’s good. I’m glad no one got hurt. Listen Max, if you need to cut back on some hours that’s not a problem. We can work out a schedule that will be good for both of us. It’s slow this time of year anyway,” Brody offered.
“That’s okay. I don’t work that much. I’m saving up for something anyway,” Max replied slowly.
“Christmas present for your girl?” Brody teased smiling. He knew Max had it bad for that dark haired girl..Liz.
“Something like that,” Max evaded lightly. He actually had something else in mind. He needed to build up some money to work with but now that Brody mentioned it….he better start thinking about Christmas it wasn’t far off. Thanksgiving was little over a week away.
“Then I’ll see you on Saturday. Before you go remember to get your stuff. You left your books and phone here,” Brody said absently already refocused on his computer.
“Thanks. See you then,” Max agreed.
After getting his stuff he hurried to the Jeep knowing Isabel would be getting impatient to go home. Tossing his books in the back he went to shove his phone in his pocket when he noticed he had a voice mail.
“Max, come on! Let’s go,” Isabel urged glancing at her watch. She had a ton of homework to do and their parents were probably wondering what was taking them so long.
“Hang on,” Max said and waved her silent putting his phone to his ear. Who would have left him a message?
“Hey kid. I buried your problem in the desert so just relax. Take Liz out and do all the things teenagers do. I would suggest some time alone in a private protected place. Turn off that call you know? It’s not good to let a call remain unanswered. Try and stay out of trouble for a while. I have things to do and can’t be messing around with solving other people’s fumblings. Later.”
“What the fuck?” Max asked pulling the phone back to look at it.
“What’s wrong?” Isabel asked turning in her seat.
“Listen to this,” Max said and handed Isabel the phone. “Do you recognize that voice?”
Isabel listened to the message twice and shook her head. “No. I have no idea who that is but he sure seems to know us. You think he meant Nesado? That he buried him?”
“That’s the problem that comes to mind,” Max agreed softly. He didn’t like the implications of this message. That someone knew them so well and clearly knew about Liz. If Nesado was the one he was referring to that would be a plus but didn’t make him feel any less uneasy. “We better call Valenti.”
Liz sank into the tub with relief. If she didn’t know better she would think the goal for the day was to keep her from bathing. It was almost time to go to bed and she was just getting the bath she had been wanting all day.
After getting home her parents had rehashed the situation as they saw it and that had taken what seemed like hours. Then it had been time for dinner where they had discussed the café and whether or not she should be allowed to close anymore along with whether an earlier curfew was called for. She had pointed out that the time of day didn’t seem to be relevant to her safety. After a long debate that rivaled the frustration level of a conversation with Michael, she got her way. Her curfew remained the same and she was allowed to close if Michael was there…joy. She knew it would be hard to talk her parents into actually letting her out to take advantage of the unchanged curfew but one battle at a time.
Relaxing gradually as the warm water soothed aching muscles she slid down until the bubbles tickled her chin. Her eyes drifted shut her mind floating between waking and sleeping. She sighed wiggling her toes in the water as thoughts of Max drifted through her head. When the phone rang in her bedroom and woke her up the water was chilly and her fingers and toes were all pruned up.
“Liz? Girlfriend get off your ass and pick up the phone you have some explaining to do,” Came Maria’s voice from the answering machine. Liz sighed and started emptying the tub. “Okay, I’ll call back…..again. You can run but you can’t hide Liz Parker.”
Liz smiled and stood up, quickly putting her hand to the tile wall feeling a little wobbly. Her muscles were mush after all that soaking. Turning on her shower she started washing her hair.
Max climbed up to Liz’s balcony quickly, wanting to check on her. He was getting increasingly worried. He had made Michael, Ava, and the Sheriff listen to the message and none of them knew who had left it. Crouching down to look in the window he frowned not seeing Liz. Settling down next to her window he decided to wait her out. He could feel her so he knew that she was there.
Not in any hurry Liz decided to deep condition her hair.
Max glanced at his watch and frowned. What could she possibly be doing?
Setting aside her razor she reached for her favorite soap.
He should have called first.
After smoothing lotion on her legs Liz pulled on her pajama pants and tank top. Running her brush through her slightly damp hair her thoughts drifted to Max. She should call him before it got too late.
Max sat up straighter as the bathroom door opened and Liz walked out. Their eyes met and she smiled and rolled her eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Liz asked as she pushed the window up.
Max couldn’t help it. She was lifting the window and they were right there. It was cold out.
“Max?” Liz asked when he didn’t answer then she noticed what he was looking at. “Hello? Up here,” Liz teased waving her hand in front of his face.
Max blushed and stuttered. “I-I’m sorry…What?”
Liz sighed and gave up. “Come here,” Liz said grabbing the collar of his shirt pulling him in the window.
Max stumbled through the window surprise painted on his face as Liz dragged him in and shoved him at the bed.
Shaking her head Liz shut the window and crossed her arms over her chest. “Now, maybe we can talk.”
Max’s ears burned brighter as Liz arched her eyebrow at him pointedly. Then he smiled. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Max!” Liz cried frustrated. “You came over for a reason?”
“I did,” Max agreed his smile growing. Just being here lightened his mood. “Come sit over here.”
Liz rolled her eyes smothering her smile and walked closer. “You know my parents are here right?” Liz asked as she straddled his lap.
“I do, yes,” Max nodded in agreement wrapping his arms around her. She smelled so good. His hands rubbed her back then one hand moved to play with her hair. Rubbing a strand of hair against his thumb in a rhythmic motion soothed by the contact.
Liz sighed as he started kissing her shoulder squirming closer. When his teeth tugged aside the thin strap of her top all thoughts of her parents faded. She didn’t protest when he tugged aside the second strap and lowered her top to her waist. She watched him as he touched her, his eyes turned warm and soft as his fingers traced over her skin. She caught her breath in surprise when he leaned forward and took her in his mouth.
Max circled her nipple with his tongue encouraged when her hips moved against him seemingly without thought.
When Max’s hand moved to the base of her neck to help support her upper body she leaned back a little and moved her hips in small circles over his erection. She made a breathy moaning sound when he sucked more of her breast into his mouth while rolling her nipple against the roof of his mouth using his tongue.
“Ahhh Max,” Liz sighed softly her fingers moving to tangle in his hair.
Max reluctantly released her from his mouth to scoot backwards carrying her with him before laying down. He looked at her for a moment her breast wet from his mouth and rose tipped, groaning roughly, he pulled her down beside him his hands racing over her bare skin.
Liz moved restlessly under his hands unable to lay still yearning for more. Sliding her leg up over his side she pulled him closer unhappy with her limited contact with his skin. She tried to relax knowing it wasn’t really smart to take this very far but she found herself thinking of how to work around the obvious obstacles.
Max felt her inattention and shifted away to see her face. He smiled at her expression and tapped her on the nose. “What are you thinking about?”
“Ummm nothing,” Liz denied shaking her head. She wasn’t about to admit to thinking about how to hide him in her room all night.
“Something,” Max corrected watching her eyes drift away from his.
“Do you think….umm when do you have to be home?” Liz asked switching topics mid sentence.
Max studied her expression his hand rubbing her side unable to totally stop touching her. “No set time really. Isabel’s covering for me why?”
“I was just wondering. Now what did you come over here for? This?” Liz asked watching him closely.
“Actually no. I did have a reason,” Max said and released her to dig in his coat pocket for his phone. “Listen to this and tell me what you think. No one I’ve had listen to this has recognized the voice.”
Liz frowned and took the phone sitting up as she listened. Something niggled at her about the pattern of speech…..but..she couldn’t quite place it. “Ummm I don’t think I know this person but….the way he talks sounds familiar. I don’t know.”
Max watched her as she listened to it several times in a row. This was serious but he couldn’t help the way his eyes wandered every once in a while. She was gorgeous.
“Did you ask Maria?” Liz asked handing him back his phone.
“No. I asked Ava, Michael, and Isabel. The Sheriff and Kyle listened to it also. You think Maria might know?” Max asked as Liz settled back against him.
“Ummm she might. She’s good with recognizing people. We see a lot of people in the café and she remembers the oddest things about them. I would ask her when you see her,” Liz suggested as Max’s arm wrapped around her.
“I’ll ask her tomorrow,” Max promised already loosing his attention as her scent enveloped him.
Liz nodded her brow furrowing as she thought about the message. “He called me Liz. Like he knew me…he knew about…he’s an alien Max. He has to be. There’s no other way that he would know about what Nesado is and that beacon thing. He considered Nesado a problem and….didn’t seem to disapprove of us….I wouldn’t worry too much about it. He doesn’t seem like he’s terribly interested in meeting you. How many of you were sent? I mean there were the eight pods and Michael said that there were four protectors right? He might be one of them. He said he was too busy to solve other people’s “fumbling”…..that sounds like a protector to me.”
“When did Michael tell you about our protectors?” Max asked surprised.
“After he had that history project. Max we DO talk. We work together,” Liz teased lightly playing with the zipper on his coat.
“I know. I’m just….surprised he’d tell you that. He’s so….,” Max struggled to think of a fitting phrase.
“Anti human?” Liz asked smiling. “He’s…talked to me about things before. We’re not friends exactly but….I’ll listen without saying anything.”
Max smiled and kissed her forehead. “I know. I wouldn’t say he’s anti human…..just very closed up normally. He doesn’t talk to Isabel or I much either about things. That’s just Michael.”
Liz didn’t say anything not wanting to reveal all the things Michael had talked to her about. She thought that maybe reading her journal made him feel more comfortable talking to her. He knew her thinking and had secrets on her so revealing his weren’t as big of deal. They kept quiet about the secrets they knew about each other. Which was probably part of why she had gotten so upset with Michael lately. She knew he wasn’t stupid but he sure acted like it.
“So…..are you going to take off your coat?” Liz asked switching the topic of conversation.
Max smiled and shook his head. “Nope. I don’t think so.”
“Okay,” Liz agreed and moved to get up.
Max stopped her tugging her down onto the bed. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I was just going to pull my tank back on,” Liz replied fingers again going to the zipper on his coat. The sound of his zipper sliding up and down filled the space between them.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Max said his eyes dropping to her breasts. “This is good.”
“Max!” Liz chastised. “You won’t even take off your coat!”
“I’m cold,” Max said his eyes dancing with humor.
“Jerk!” Liz accused smiling.
“Hey! Hey! I’ll share,” Max said slowly his eyes heating. He guided her closer into the folds of his jacket slipping one of his legs between hers.
Liz sighed slipping her arms around him as the heat inside his coat warmed her. She wiggled closer and nestled her face in the crook of his shoulder as her fingers gently massaged his back. Her eyes grew heavy as she relaxed into the heat of his body and the gentle touch of his hands on her lower back. She felt safe and cared for as her heartbeat matched his as her body molded perfectly into him.
“Did you get your bath?” Max asked nuzzling her hair.
“Yeah, can’t you tell?” Liz asked smiling.
“You could have showered,” Max pointed out a smile tugging at his lips.
“I did that too,” Liz replied softly.
“You took a bath and a shower?” Max asked his brow wrinkling.
“Uh huh. See I soaked in the bath but I fell asleep before doing anything else. When I woke up the water was cold,” Liz explained.
Picturing Liz asleep in a tub full of bubbles had Max shifting slightly as his pants tightened. “You could have drowned,” Max pointed out always worrying about her.
“I think I’d wake up if I slipped under the water,” Liz said smiling. Her fingers moved lower massaging him in an attempt to get him to relax. “Nothing happened anyway. When the water turned cold and Maria called I woke up.”
“So you showered because….?” Max asked smiling.
Liz’s lips twitched in amusement. “Are you writing a book on it or what?”
“I just want to have it all right. So I can think about it later,” Max teased.
“Well if you hadn’t sat outside you wouldn’t have to ask,” Liz said burying her laugh in his chest at Max’s soft groan.
“Liz Parker I can’t believe you. Teasing me like that,” Max said his fingers dipping lower on her back skimming the area just above her pajama pants.
“I thought we already talked about that? I don’t tease remember?” Liz asked smiling moving her head back to see his face.
Max watched her hair slide away from her neck his eyes tracing up and over to her lips feeling his body clamor for control. “I remember,” Max said softly as head dipped to nibble at her mouth.
Liz felt her eyes slip closed as her body grew heavy and weighted as Max sucked at her lower lip. That one thing was always like throwing a switch inside her focusing her on him to the exclusion of all else. She gasp softly as his leg moved higher and the hard press of his erection against her thigh had her instantly paying attention. She opened her mouth under his, tilting her head to achieve closer contact her fingers digging into his lower back.
Max shifted over to lie partly on top her, kissing her deeply, one hand moving to caress her breast as the heat between them wiped out any sense of caution.
Liz eagerly responded to the rising tide of need she could feel emanating from Max in waves. The first touch of her fingers on his abdomen brought a harsh sound of need from Max and encouraged Liz to continue. As her fingers skimmed his flesh her leg moved to give him room and bent at the knee, her heel digging into the bed.
Max pulled away from her mouth panting only to capture her nipple in his mouth briefly. His cheeks hollowed as he pulled strongly on her breast enjoying her small whimper of arousal. His hand tugged at her bunched up tank top moving it up enough to untie the cord that held her pants up.
Liz studied his taunt features, the flush staining his cheekbones, and the intent look in his eyes then glanced from her door to the clock beside the bed. Her thoughts were cut off when Max slipped his hand under her pajama pants slowly moving lower.
Max groaned in pleasure as his fingers combed through the warm dark hair topping her mound. He blocked her knee as it involuntarily moved to close and dipped his head stifling her low moan as his fingers traced her lower lips softly spreading her moisture.
Liz’s mouth opened for the push of his tongue as her hips rocked slightly under his hand. Her fingers moved to his side pulling him closer as she slid her tongue along his enflaming him.
Max’s fingers moved with increasing purpose between her legs, stroking her harder, as his mouth ravaged hers. The rotation of her hips against his hand had his groin throbbing fiercely and he started to sweat in sweltering heat inside his jacket.
Liz pulled away from his mouth with a gasping breath turning her face into the curve of his neck and shoulder to muffle the soft cries she couldn’t stifle. As his fingers moved faster she sank her teeth into his shoulder afraid of being too loud.
“Oh shit,” Max whispered as his testicles pulled up tight in reaction. He was loosing all common sense as her fingers sank into his slippery skin pulling him closer.
Moments later a knock at her bedroom door had him freezing in place eyes widening comically in panic.
Liz slowly licked his skin soothing the bite mark left on his shoulder and turned her head toward the door. She had locked it before her bath so she wasn’t too worried. “Yeah?” Liz called her fingers skating over Max’s sweat dampened skin.
“We’re about to go to bed and I just wanted to say goodnight,” Nancy called through the closed door.
“Night Mom!” Liz yelped as Max’s fingers twitched rubbing against her quickly.
“Are you all right Honey?” Nancy asked concerned.
“Yes!” Liz called closing her eyes reaching for some control. Her breathing picked up and her nails dug into Max’s skin as he dipped his head to kiss the tip of her puckered nipple his fingers rubbing against her slowly. He was so dead.
“Okay, you’re father will be by in a few minutes. Night,” Nancy said and moved away down the hall.
Liz smacked his shoulder sharply as her mother’s footsteps faded. “You are a dead man, Max Evans.”
Max smiled his eyes twinkling enjoying this too much to worry. “I look forward to it.”
“Really? Well let me help you out,” Liz said a sly smile gracing her face. She wiggled down the bed and before he knew it had his pants undone and wiggled to rearrange herself to be more comfortable.
Max’s eyes widened in shock, staring at the pattern on her pajama pants, as she traced the pulsing length of him. She moved so fast he was left dazed.
Liz waited to strike the minutes ticking past as she touched him. An evil smile curved her lips right before she took him in her mouth.
Max stifled his groan as she burned him with her mouth taking more of him so slowly he really did think he was dying. His hands fisted in her bedspread and sweat trickled along his side as she glided over him. The second knock on the door almost didn’t register. It was her father’s voice that did register like bolt of lightening in a clear blue sky.
“Liz? Honey, I’m about to go to bed but if anything happens come and wake me up. Okay?” Jeff called through the closed door.
Liz took a good thirty seconds to raise her head. Staring into Max’s face she arched her eyebrow. “Okay Daddy,” Liz called then with dancing eyes leaned forward to give Max’s straining erection a quick pass with her tongue. “Thanks for everything. I love you and I’m fine.”
Jeff smiled thinking he had the best daughter a guy could ever ask for. “I love you too, Honey. Good night.”
It took Max a good five minutes to recover enough to breath and actually form words. “You are without a doubt evil right down to the bone. I could have DIED.”
“Maybe,” Liz agreed smiling. “But you would have died happy. Well…..until the last second that is. Don’t mess with me Max Evans,” Liz teased grin stretching over her face. “So. Are you going or staying?”
Max took off his coat and tossed it onto her desk chair.
Max stopped her tugging her down onto the bed. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I was just going to pull my tank back on,” Liz replied fingers again going to the zipper on his coat. The sound of his zipper sliding up and down filled the space between them.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Max said his eyes dropping to her breasts. “This is good.”
“Max!” Liz chastised. “You won’t even take off your coat!”
“I’m cold,” Max said his eyes dancing with humor.
“Jerk!” Liz accused smiling.
“Hey! Hey! I’ll share,” Max said slowly his eyes heating. He guided her closer into the folds of his jacket slipping one of his legs between hers.
Liz sighed slipping her arms around him as the heat inside his coat warmed her. She wiggled closer and nestled her face in the crook of his shoulder as her fingers gently massaged his back. Her eyes grew heavy as she relaxed into the heat of his body and the gentle touch of his hands on her lower back. She felt safe and cared for as her heartbeat matched his as her body molded perfectly into him.
“Did you get your bath?” Max asked nuzzling her hair.
“Yeah, can’t you tell?” Liz asked smiling.
“You could have showered,” Max pointed out a smile tugging at his lips.
“I did that too,” Liz replied softly.
“You took a bath and a shower?” Max asked his brow wrinkling.
“Uh huh. See I soaked in the bath but I fell asleep before doing anything else. When I woke up the water was cold,” Liz explained.
Picturing Liz asleep in a tub full of bubbles had Max shifting slightly as his pants tightened. “You could have drowned,” Max pointed out always worrying about her.
“I think I’d wake up if I slipped under the water,” Liz said smiling. Her fingers moved lower massaging him in an attempt to get him to relax. “Nothing happened anyway. When the water turned cold and Maria called I woke up.”
“So you showered because….?” Max asked smiling.
Liz’s lips twitched in amusement. “Are you writing a book on it or what?”
“I just want to have it all right. So I can think about it later,” Max teased.
“Well if you hadn’t sat outside you wouldn’t have to ask,” Liz said burying her laugh in his chest at Max’s soft groan.
“Liz Parker I can’t believe you. Teasing me like that,” Max said his fingers dipping lower on her back skimming the area just above her pajama pants.
“I thought we already talked about that? I don’t tease remember?” Liz asked smiling moving her head back to see his face.
Max watched her hair slide away from her neck his eyes tracing up and over to her lips feeling his body clamor for control. “I remember,” Max said softly as head dipped to nibble at her mouth.
Liz felt her eyes slip closed as her body grew heavy and weighted as Max sucked at her lower lip. That one thing was always like throwing a switch inside her focusing her on him to the exclusion of all else. She gasp softly as his leg moved higher and the hard press of his erection against her thigh had her instantly paying attention. She opened her mouth under his, tilting her head to achieve closer contact her fingers digging into his lower back.
Max shifted over to lie partly on top her, kissing her deeply, one hand moving to caress her breast as the heat between them wiped out any sense of caution.
Liz eagerly responded to the rising tide of need she could feel emanating from Max in waves. The first touch of her fingers on his abdomen brought a harsh sound of need from Max and encouraged Liz to continue. As her fingers skimmed his flesh her leg moved to give him room and bent at the knee, her heel digging into the bed.
Max pulled away from her mouth panting only to capture her nipple in his mouth briefly. His cheeks hollowed as he pulled strongly on her breast enjoying her small whimper of arousal. His hand tugged at her bunched up tank top moving it up enough to untie the cord that held her pants up.
Liz studied his taunt features, the flush staining his cheekbones, and the intent look in his eyes then glanced from her door to the clock beside the bed. Her thoughts were cut off when Max slipped his hand under her pajama pants slowly moving lower.
Max groaned in pleasure as his fingers combed through the warm dark hair topping her mound. He blocked her knee as it involuntarily moved to close and dipped his head stifling her low moan as his fingers traced her lower lips softly spreading her moisture.
Liz’s mouth opened for the push of his tongue as her hips rocked slightly under his hand. Her fingers moved to his side pulling him closer as she slid her tongue along his enflaming him.
Max’s fingers moved with increasing purpose between her legs, stroking her harder, as his mouth ravaged hers. The rotation of her hips against his hand had his groin throbbing fiercely and he started to sweat in sweltering heat inside his jacket.
Liz pulled away from his mouth with a gasping breath turning her face into the curve of his neck and shoulder to muffle the soft cries she couldn’t stifle. As his fingers moved faster she sank her teeth into his shoulder afraid of being too loud.
“Oh shit,” Max whispered as his testicles pulled up tight in reaction. He was loosing all common sense as her fingers sank into his slippery skin pulling him closer.
Moments later a knock at her bedroom door had him freezing in place eyes widening comically in panic.
Liz slowly licked his skin soothing the bite mark left on his shoulder and turned her head toward the door. She had locked it before her bath so she wasn’t too worried. “Yeah?” Liz called her fingers skating over Max’s sweat dampened skin.
“We’re about to go to bed and I just wanted to say goodnight,” Nancy called through the closed door.
“Night Mom!” Liz yelped as Max’s fingers twitched rubbing against her quickly.
“Are you all right Honey?” Nancy asked concerned.
“Yes!” Liz called closing her eyes reaching for some control. Her breathing picked up and her nails dug into Max’s skin as he dipped his head to kiss the tip of her puckered nipple his fingers rubbing against her slowly. He was so dead.
“Okay, you’re father will be by in a few minutes. Night,” Nancy said and moved away down the hall.
Liz smacked his shoulder sharply as her mother’s footsteps faded. “You are a dead man, Max Evans.”
Max smiled his eyes twinkling enjoying this too much to worry. “I look forward to it.”
“Really? Well let me help you out,” Liz said a sly smile gracing her face. She wiggled down the bed and before he knew it had his pants undone and wiggled to rearrange herself to be more comfortable.
Max’s eyes widened in shock, staring at the pattern on her pajama pants, as she traced the pulsing length of him. She moved so fast he was left dazed.
Liz waited to strike the minutes ticking past as she touched him. An evil smile curved her lips right before she took him in her mouth.
Max stifled his groan as she burned him with her mouth taking more of him so slowly he really did think he was dying. His hands fisted in her bedspread and sweat trickled along his side as she glided over him. The second knock on the door almost didn’t register. It was her father’s voice that did register like bolt of lightening in a clear blue sky.
“Liz? Honey, I’m about to go to bed but if anything happens come and wake me up. Okay?” Jeff called through the closed door.
Liz took a good thirty seconds to raise her head. Staring into Max’s face she arched her eyebrow. “Okay Daddy,” Liz called then with dancing eyes leaned forward to give Max’s straining erection a quick pass with her tongue. “Thanks for everything. I love you and I’m fine.”
Jeff smiled thinking he had the best daughter a guy could ever ask for. “I love you too, Honey. Good night.”
It took Max a good five minutes to recover enough to breath and actually form words. “You are without a doubt evil right down to the bone. I could have DIED.”
“Maybe,” Liz agreed smiling. “But you would have died happy. Well…..until the last second that is. Don’t mess with me Max Evans,” Liz teased grin stretching over her face. “So. Are you going or staying?”
Max took off his coat and tossed it onto her desk chair.
Chapter Forty Three
Liz watched Max shed his shirt and shoes in rapid jerky motions not even watching where they landed. Playing with fire was sort of fun Liz mused idly as Max crawled back onto the bed. He was magnificent. He looked a little…like he was stalking her. Like a predator. Far from being scared Liz stretched like a cat and curled up on her side watching him.
“I take it you’re staying?” Liz asked softly.
Max nodded studying her top. A wave of his hand separated the side seam and he watched it slide off her body with satisfaction.
“Umm Max?” Liz asked as he crawled over her.
“Yes?” Max asked pushing at her pants.
“I missed you,” Liz whispered lifting her hips to help him out. “I was thinking about you in my bath.”
Max stilled his breath catching as the need to have her swelled stirring other things as well. Looking up into her eyes his urgency drained away replaced by something quiet and gentle. Tossing her pajamas off the bed he settled over her. “I missed you too. I kept thinking about how I didn’t get to kiss all the places I wanted to.”
Liz smiled her eyes lighting up with laughter. “Really? Well, all my places are here and I love to kiss.”
Max’s teeth flashed briefly before his expression turned serious. “I’ve noticed that. Good thing I love to kiss too.”
Liz grinned and raised her head brushing her lips over his. “Good thing,” Liz agreed softly against his mouth.
Max slowly eased her back down planning to kiss her for hours. Her mouth was warm and wet as she welcomed him home. He relaxed over her content to be where he was. He couldn’t count the number of times he had dreamed of being right here just like this.
Liz tried to seep her kiss with all of her love and joy. She had never felt so absolutely happy and wanted him to know he was responsible for the lion’s share of her joy and her playful attitude.
Max felt humbled and graced with an enormous gift as her emotions flowed through him and his own feelings surged in response tagging onto hers. Unconsciously he sought to deepen their link, opening to her without fear.
Liz sighed into his mouth as his love filled her, meshing with hers and completing them both. It never crossed her mind to be afraid. Even as their feelings seemed to bounce between them growing with every moment that past she remained relaxed, seeking deeper contact. Love was never something to fear it was life. Their life together.
When Max finally lifted his head he framed her face with his hands looking deep into her eyes, their breath mingling in the limited space between their bodies. Everything he ever wanted to see was there in the depths of her eyes.
As his thumbs caressed her cheeks Liz’s finger feathered over his lower lip still wet from their kiss. He had a beautiful mouth. Her eyes drifted over his face noticing his light stubble and her finger moved to feel the texture, delighting in the ability to indulge her curiosity.
Max turned his head and kissed her finger first then the palm of her hand. Looking back down at her his heart squeezed at the peaceful set to her face and the soft smile tilting her lips. He leaned forward and placed soft nibbling kisses along her jaw over to her ear. She had perfect ears, small and delicately shaped.
Liz held her breath to prevent a moan from escaping as he sucked on her earlobe then moved on to trace the shell of her ear with the tip of his tongue.
Max nipped her ear as she moved under him in a deliberate enticement, rubbing her belly against his partially exposed shaft. He wouldn’t be swayed from his objective. With that in mind his lips moved on to her neck.
Her eyes drifted shut as her arms moved to hold him close, love and need growing in response to the care he showed her. As his tongue traced her collarbone her fingernails lightly scraped along the line of his pants.
She smelled so clean and tempting, a hint of spice from her soap still fresh on her skin. Following the curve of her shoulder he took her arm and held it down as his mouth brushed down over it. Reaching the sensitive skin of her inner elbow he planted a soft open mouth kiss, lightly tasting her.
Liz struggled to remember the need for silence as Max feathered a kiss over the pulse point in her wrist before sucking lightly on each of her fingers scraping the edge of his teeth along the tips of each.
“Max,” Liz breathed craving more. This couldn’t be normal. That he could do this with so little effort.
Hearing the plea in her voice he scooted down just a bit, his breath drifting over her already pebbled nipples. Bending his head he placed a soft kiss on the underside of one breast and felt her fingers play with the hair at the back of his neck. Encouraged and enjoying her touch he lightly brushed his lips over the peak of one breast then the other.
Liz watched him with heavy eyes, while unconsciously running her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp with her fingertips in a relaxing rhythm. When he drew her into his mouth Liz gasp softly, her fingers tightening in his hair. Languid heat rolled through her pooling low in her abdomen in direct response to Max’s attentions.
Max ignored Liz’s soft breathy moans not lifting his head until her breasts were flushed and aching. His eyes dilated at her barely heard whimper when he rubbed his stubble-covered cheek back and forth over her. Fierce desire surged under a layer of control searching for a way out. Feeling her need for him….knowing that she felt the same wild reckless desire was like throwing gasoline on an already raging fire.
Her fingers stilled as his desire swamped her leaving her gasping. Taking her lower lip between her teeth she held her breath as his lips blazed a trail down her abdomen. Too much. It was too much.
Max shifted off her as Liz twisted under him turning on her side away from him. Not dissuaded in slightest he curled around her back and kissed her shoulder blades his hand rubbing her hip.
Liz’s hand splayed wide on the bed as he nibbled his way down her spine. Feeling the warm wet brush of his tongue she squirmed, turning her face into the bed.
Max ran his hand down her back feeling the warm silky skin over delicate bone structure. Breathing in short quick pants he moved to her lower back his hand following the curve of her spine. Knowing he was loosing his battle with control he waved his hand at her radio and turned it up just a little.
Feeling Max’s hands smooth down her legs and the bed shift as he moved she clung to her last bit of sanity.
“That day in the library,” Max started watching his hands slide over the firm curve of her ass. “I almost did indecent things to you. I didn’t care where we were. This is what I cared about….the only thing I saw or wanted.”
Liz stifled her gasp in the bedspread as Max placed nibbling kisses over her flesh. The contrast between the softness of his lips, the warm wet glide of his tongue, and the roughness of his whiskers wrenched a cry from her.
Max took his time fulfilling one of his longest held fantasies. His teeth teased her buttocks, small, little nips, his tongue lapping gently. Hearing her muffled cry he sat up and shed the last of his clothes before coming back to her and gently easing her onto her back. He groaned seeing her eyes had turned as dark as the night sky, her lips were rosy and swollen from his kisses, her breasts were still red from his whiskers nipples standing proud. Making a place for himself between her legs he tenderly kissed her thigh.
“It’s okay,” Max murmured stroking her thigh. “I love you and I’m going to take care of you.”
“Then show me,” Liz whispered reaching for him.
Max raised up enough to kiss her slowly but he intended to finish his tour.
Liz took up an assault on his senses tempting him to forget his previous mission and take up hers. Her fingers feathered over his ears as her mouth opened under his.
Groaning as his groin throbbed fiercely he pulled away panting. She wasn’t going to win this one. Even if it killed him.
“Max please,” Liz pleaded.
“I will,” Max said absently as he scooted down to gently kiss her belly. He rubbed his cheek against her, breathing deeply to regain some equilibrium. Placing small nibbling kisses around her navel he was drawn to the seal. The mark placed there showing the path his life should take.
Liz gentled as he kissed each shining mark that made up the seal. Her fingers once again went to his hair stroking him softly letting her nails lightly graze his scalp feeling clearly his pleasure in the small movement.
Max moved over to place an open mouth kiss on her inner thigh his hands holding her still. A groan rumbled through his chest as her scent forced a fervid reaction from his body.
Liz jumped slightly as his tongue drifted over the soft folds between her legs. Stifling her moans with her hand she tried to lay still.
Max massaged her abdomen lightly as he parted her closed secretive folds with his tongue desperate for the feel and taste of her.
Her teeth sank into the heel of her hand as he sucked her into his mouth, the pain lost in rush of sensation. She writhed under his mouth unable to remain still under the exquisite rending jolt of pleasure. It was torture and ecstasy all at once causing her muscles to clench her limbs quivering.
Feeling her straining under his hand and her frantic need pulsing through him, he laved her once more with his tongue and crawled up her soft pliant body. Max dragged her hips closer to him, watching her hair fan out across the bed, pressing tightly against her slick wet entrance and paused. He wanted this image in his mind forever.
Liz moaned in frustration trying to push up into him and bring him inside but he kept shifting just enough to prevent her from succeeding, rubbing through her folds but refusing to enter her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Liz demanded her eyes narrowing dangerously.
Max smiled and kissed her nose before surging forward in one long steady thrust, filling her with his thick length.
Liz held her breath at his invasion, holding in any cries threatening to escape, as she lifted her hips into his, dragging him closer. As he moved inside her she felt the seal pulsing, building slowly as it drew strength from him.
All need for restraint gone, Max drove into her faster. There was a roaring sound in his ears growing louder with each movement, sensual hunger driving him forward as she gave herself without reservation. The pressure built higher as she rolled her hips, her body gripping him so tightly he groaned into her ear, his hand fisting beside her head. Her body was magic, moving with the same fluid grace that had always captivated him.
Sensation built unbearably, and he thrust into her hard. Helplessly she cried out against his shoulder, a vibration of sound more felt then heard, her sweet inner flesh pulsing and hugging him as she came. Max pinned her to the bed with his weight as he plunged and bucked, her body wringing his semen from him in hot spurts.
“Oh shit Max,” Liz panted, lying absolutely limp underneath him, unable to catch her breath with his weight crushing her chest.
Max kissed her neck unable to make any further movement or speak. His lips were soothing against her pulse, brushing against her with ever breath, his body still buried so deeply in hers she was sure they were welded together.
By the time he regained his strength enough to move she was asleep her eyelashes fanning over her cheeks. As he began to withdraw from her body her muscles reacted, gently gripping him, trying to hold him inside her. With a sigh of regret he rolled to her side and stood up on shaky legs setting her alarm clock carefully. He glanced over at her and smiled. She was sprawled across the bed dead to the world her fingers curling into her palms. He frowned as he spotted fresh clear bite marks on her hand. Reaching out he healed her quickly then picked her up moving her around to the head of the bed and slipping them both under the covers. A wave of his hand turned out the light and he curled into her exhaustion weighing him down.
Liz groaned as Max shook her shoulder. “Again?” She mumbled into her pillow without opening her eyes.
“Not this time I have to leave. I have school this morning,” Max said smiling in amusement.
“Kay, bye,” Liz sighed sliding toward sleep.
Max shook his head as she burrowed under the covers until he could only see the very top of her head. Putting his knee on the bed he pulled the covers down ignoring her moan of protest. Brushing a soft kiss over her hair he whispered into her ear. “Call me if you need me. I’ll come by after school.”
“Hmmm, love you,” Liz sighed then pulled the covers back up.
Max was still smiling as he climbed down the ladder to the street.
Maria arrived to school late, having over slept, and barely slid into her seat as the late bell rang. Glancing over she noticed Max dozing in the back of room and smiled. Girlfriend looked a little worn out. Smirking she turned to the front of the room and made plans to have a long talk with one Miss Liz Parker.
Max woke up when the bell rang and found Maria giving him a pointed stare. He grabbed his stuff and hurried to her side. “Hey.”
“Hey Max. Sleep much last night?” Maria asked her smile in her voice.
“I’m just a slow starter this morning I guess,” Max replied with a shrug as they walked out into the hall. “Listen, I need your opinion on something. Liz said you had a knack for recognizing people and I got this message that no one knows who it’s from. Take a listen?”
“Sure,” Maria agreed a slight frown marring her face. Not more trouble please. She took the phone from Max and listened carefully. It was hard to tell over the noise in the hallway but she thought she did recognize the voice. “The rap king of New Mexico,” Maria said with a nod. “He was a customer in the café. A real asshole if you really wanna know. Think he’s Czechoslovakian?”
“Maybe,” Max admitted frowning. “You’re sure? That it’s the same person?”
“Pretty sure. I’ll listen again at lunch when there’s not as much noise but…..I’m like 90% sure,” Maria said as they reached her locker. “So how was Liz?”
“What?” Max asked startled.
Maria quirked her eyebrow at his rapid answer and tone. “How is Liz doing?” Maria asked rummaging around for a new pen.
“She was…She’s fine. Sleeping…I guess,” Max said tugging at his ear and looking off down the hall.
“Uh huh. Right,” Maria said her lips twitching. “Well. I’ll see you at lunch and we can continue this fascinating conversation.”
Max groaned as he watched her stride off down the hall.
Liz watched Max shed his shirt and shoes in rapid jerky motions not even watching where they landed. Playing with fire was sort of fun Liz mused idly as Max crawled back onto the bed. He was magnificent. He looked a little…like he was stalking her. Like a predator. Far from being scared Liz stretched like a cat and curled up on her side watching him.
“I take it you’re staying?” Liz asked softly.
Max nodded studying her top. A wave of his hand separated the side seam and he watched it slide off her body with satisfaction.
“Umm Max?” Liz asked as he crawled over her.
“Yes?” Max asked pushing at her pants.
“I missed you,” Liz whispered lifting her hips to help him out. “I was thinking about you in my bath.”
Max stilled his breath catching as the need to have her swelled stirring other things as well. Looking up into her eyes his urgency drained away replaced by something quiet and gentle. Tossing her pajamas off the bed he settled over her. “I missed you too. I kept thinking about how I didn’t get to kiss all the places I wanted to.”
Liz smiled her eyes lighting up with laughter. “Really? Well, all my places are here and I love to kiss.”
Max’s teeth flashed briefly before his expression turned serious. “I’ve noticed that. Good thing I love to kiss too.”
Liz grinned and raised her head brushing her lips over his. “Good thing,” Liz agreed softly against his mouth.
Max slowly eased her back down planning to kiss her for hours. Her mouth was warm and wet as she welcomed him home. He relaxed over her content to be where he was. He couldn’t count the number of times he had dreamed of being right here just like this.
Liz tried to seep her kiss with all of her love and joy. She had never felt so absolutely happy and wanted him to know he was responsible for the lion’s share of her joy and her playful attitude.
Max felt humbled and graced with an enormous gift as her emotions flowed through him and his own feelings surged in response tagging onto hers. Unconsciously he sought to deepen their link, opening to her without fear.
Liz sighed into his mouth as his love filled her, meshing with hers and completing them both. It never crossed her mind to be afraid. Even as their feelings seemed to bounce between them growing with every moment that past she remained relaxed, seeking deeper contact. Love was never something to fear it was life. Their life together.
When Max finally lifted his head he framed her face with his hands looking deep into her eyes, their breath mingling in the limited space between their bodies. Everything he ever wanted to see was there in the depths of her eyes.
As his thumbs caressed her cheeks Liz’s finger feathered over his lower lip still wet from their kiss. He had a beautiful mouth. Her eyes drifted over his face noticing his light stubble and her finger moved to feel the texture, delighting in the ability to indulge her curiosity.
Max turned his head and kissed her finger first then the palm of her hand. Looking back down at her his heart squeezed at the peaceful set to her face and the soft smile tilting her lips. He leaned forward and placed soft nibbling kisses along her jaw over to her ear. She had perfect ears, small and delicately shaped.
Liz held her breath to prevent a moan from escaping as he sucked on her earlobe then moved on to trace the shell of her ear with the tip of his tongue.
Max nipped her ear as she moved under him in a deliberate enticement, rubbing her belly against his partially exposed shaft. He wouldn’t be swayed from his objective. With that in mind his lips moved on to her neck.
Her eyes drifted shut as her arms moved to hold him close, love and need growing in response to the care he showed her. As his tongue traced her collarbone her fingernails lightly scraped along the line of his pants.
She smelled so clean and tempting, a hint of spice from her soap still fresh on her skin. Following the curve of her shoulder he took her arm and held it down as his mouth brushed down over it. Reaching the sensitive skin of her inner elbow he planted a soft open mouth kiss, lightly tasting her.
Liz struggled to remember the need for silence as Max feathered a kiss over the pulse point in her wrist before sucking lightly on each of her fingers scraping the edge of his teeth along the tips of each.
“Max,” Liz breathed craving more. This couldn’t be normal. That he could do this with so little effort.
Hearing the plea in her voice he scooted down just a bit, his breath drifting over her already pebbled nipples. Bending his head he placed a soft kiss on the underside of one breast and felt her fingers play with the hair at the back of his neck. Encouraged and enjoying her touch he lightly brushed his lips over the peak of one breast then the other.
Liz watched him with heavy eyes, while unconsciously running her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp with her fingertips in a relaxing rhythm. When he drew her into his mouth Liz gasp softly, her fingers tightening in his hair. Languid heat rolled through her pooling low in her abdomen in direct response to Max’s attentions.
Max ignored Liz’s soft breathy moans not lifting his head until her breasts were flushed and aching. His eyes dilated at her barely heard whimper when he rubbed his stubble-covered cheek back and forth over her. Fierce desire surged under a layer of control searching for a way out. Feeling her need for him….knowing that she felt the same wild reckless desire was like throwing gasoline on an already raging fire.
Her fingers stilled as his desire swamped her leaving her gasping. Taking her lower lip between her teeth she held her breath as his lips blazed a trail down her abdomen. Too much. It was too much.
Max shifted off her as Liz twisted under him turning on her side away from him. Not dissuaded in slightest he curled around her back and kissed her shoulder blades his hand rubbing her hip.
Liz’s hand splayed wide on the bed as he nibbled his way down her spine. Feeling the warm wet brush of his tongue she squirmed, turning her face into the bed.
Max ran his hand down her back feeling the warm silky skin over delicate bone structure. Breathing in short quick pants he moved to her lower back his hand following the curve of her spine. Knowing he was loosing his battle with control he waved his hand at her radio and turned it up just a little.
Feeling Max’s hands smooth down her legs and the bed shift as he moved she clung to her last bit of sanity.
“That day in the library,” Max started watching his hands slide over the firm curve of her ass. “I almost did indecent things to you. I didn’t care where we were. This is what I cared about….the only thing I saw or wanted.”
Liz stifled her gasp in the bedspread as Max placed nibbling kisses over her flesh. The contrast between the softness of his lips, the warm wet glide of his tongue, and the roughness of his whiskers wrenched a cry from her.
Max took his time fulfilling one of his longest held fantasies. His teeth teased her buttocks, small, little nips, his tongue lapping gently. Hearing her muffled cry he sat up and shed the last of his clothes before coming back to her and gently easing her onto her back. He groaned seeing her eyes had turned as dark as the night sky, her lips were rosy and swollen from his kisses, her breasts were still red from his whiskers nipples standing proud. Making a place for himself between her legs he tenderly kissed her thigh.
“It’s okay,” Max murmured stroking her thigh. “I love you and I’m going to take care of you.”
“Then show me,” Liz whispered reaching for him.
Max raised up enough to kiss her slowly but he intended to finish his tour.
Liz took up an assault on his senses tempting him to forget his previous mission and take up hers. Her fingers feathered over his ears as her mouth opened under his.
Groaning as his groin throbbed fiercely he pulled away panting. She wasn’t going to win this one. Even if it killed him.
“Max please,” Liz pleaded.
“I will,” Max said absently as he scooted down to gently kiss her belly. He rubbed his cheek against her, breathing deeply to regain some equilibrium. Placing small nibbling kisses around her navel he was drawn to the seal. The mark placed there showing the path his life should take.
Liz gentled as he kissed each shining mark that made up the seal. Her fingers once again went to his hair stroking him softly letting her nails lightly graze his scalp feeling clearly his pleasure in the small movement.
Max moved over to place an open mouth kiss on her inner thigh his hands holding her still. A groan rumbled through his chest as her scent forced a fervid reaction from his body.
Liz jumped slightly as his tongue drifted over the soft folds between her legs. Stifling her moans with her hand she tried to lay still.
Max massaged her abdomen lightly as he parted her closed secretive folds with his tongue desperate for the feel and taste of her.
Her teeth sank into the heel of her hand as he sucked her into his mouth, the pain lost in rush of sensation. She writhed under his mouth unable to remain still under the exquisite rending jolt of pleasure. It was torture and ecstasy all at once causing her muscles to clench her limbs quivering.
Feeling her straining under his hand and her frantic need pulsing through him, he laved her once more with his tongue and crawled up her soft pliant body. Max dragged her hips closer to him, watching her hair fan out across the bed, pressing tightly against her slick wet entrance and paused. He wanted this image in his mind forever.
Liz moaned in frustration trying to push up into him and bring him inside but he kept shifting just enough to prevent her from succeeding, rubbing through her folds but refusing to enter her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Liz demanded her eyes narrowing dangerously.
Max smiled and kissed her nose before surging forward in one long steady thrust, filling her with his thick length.
Liz held her breath at his invasion, holding in any cries threatening to escape, as she lifted her hips into his, dragging him closer. As he moved inside her she felt the seal pulsing, building slowly as it drew strength from him.
All need for restraint gone, Max drove into her faster. There was a roaring sound in his ears growing louder with each movement, sensual hunger driving him forward as she gave herself without reservation. The pressure built higher as she rolled her hips, her body gripping him so tightly he groaned into her ear, his hand fisting beside her head. Her body was magic, moving with the same fluid grace that had always captivated him.
Sensation built unbearably, and he thrust into her hard. Helplessly she cried out against his shoulder, a vibration of sound more felt then heard, her sweet inner flesh pulsing and hugging him as she came. Max pinned her to the bed with his weight as he plunged and bucked, her body wringing his semen from him in hot spurts.
“Oh shit Max,” Liz panted, lying absolutely limp underneath him, unable to catch her breath with his weight crushing her chest.
Max kissed her neck unable to make any further movement or speak. His lips were soothing against her pulse, brushing against her with ever breath, his body still buried so deeply in hers she was sure they were welded together.
By the time he regained his strength enough to move she was asleep her eyelashes fanning over her cheeks. As he began to withdraw from her body her muscles reacted, gently gripping him, trying to hold him inside her. With a sigh of regret he rolled to her side and stood up on shaky legs setting her alarm clock carefully. He glanced over at her and smiled. She was sprawled across the bed dead to the world her fingers curling into her palms. He frowned as he spotted fresh clear bite marks on her hand. Reaching out he healed her quickly then picked her up moving her around to the head of the bed and slipping them both under the covers. A wave of his hand turned out the light and he curled into her exhaustion weighing him down.
Liz groaned as Max shook her shoulder. “Again?” She mumbled into her pillow without opening her eyes.
“Not this time I have to leave. I have school this morning,” Max said smiling in amusement.
“Kay, bye,” Liz sighed sliding toward sleep.
Max shook his head as she burrowed under the covers until he could only see the very top of her head. Putting his knee on the bed he pulled the covers down ignoring her moan of protest. Brushing a soft kiss over her hair he whispered into her ear. “Call me if you need me. I’ll come by after school.”
“Hmmm, love you,” Liz sighed then pulled the covers back up.
Max was still smiling as he climbed down the ladder to the street.
Maria arrived to school late, having over slept, and barely slid into her seat as the late bell rang. Glancing over she noticed Max dozing in the back of room and smiled. Girlfriend looked a little worn out. Smirking she turned to the front of the room and made plans to have a long talk with one Miss Liz Parker.
Max woke up when the bell rang and found Maria giving him a pointed stare. He grabbed his stuff and hurried to her side. “Hey.”
“Hey Max. Sleep much last night?” Maria asked her smile in her voice.
“I’m just a slow starter this morning I guess,” Max replied with a shrug as they walked out into the hall. “Listen, I need your opinion on something. Liz said you had a knack for recognizing people and I got this message that no one knows who it’s from. Take a listen?”
“Sure,” Maria agreed a slight frown marring her face. Not more trouble please. She took the phone from Max and listened carefully. It was hard to tell over the noise in the hallway but she thought she did recognize the voice. “The rap king of New Mexico,” Maria said with a nod. “He was a customer in the café. A real asshole if you really wanna know. Think he’s Czechoslovakian?”
“Maybe,” Max admitted frowning. “You’re sure? That it’s the same person?”
“Pretty sure. I’ll listen again at lunch when there’s not as much noise but…..I’m like 90% sure,” Maria said as they reached her locker. “So how was Liz?”
“What?” Max asked startled.
Maria quirked her eyebrow at his rapid answer and tone. “How is Liz doing?” Maria asked rummaging around for a new pen.
“She was…She’s fine. Sleeping…I guess,” Max said tugging at his ear and looking off down the hall.
“Uh huh. Right,” Maria said her lips twitching. “Well. I’ll see you at lunch and we can continue this fascinating conversation.”
Max groaned as he watched her stride off down the hall.
Chapter Forty Four
Striding into his office with his assistant dogging his heels Cal started snapping out orders.
“I want the detective agency on the phone in two minutes. Cancel my lunch meeting and warn the studio that I’ll be there by three. I’ll be calling both sets so tell the directors of both pictures they better be ready for my call and had better not be over budget. Understand?” Cal asked shortly. This piece of shit should be labeled disabled he was so damn slow.
“Yes, Mr. Langley,” Baines said nodding quickly as he struggled to scribble down all of Langley’s directions.
Cal stopped in the middle of the room his face flushing. “Why are there no fresh flowers in here? That vase is empty. Have I not said at least five times that it needs to be full of fresh flowers DAILY? I go on vacation and suddenly you have a mental breakdown or what? I need to be here to hold your hand everyday?” Cal demanded glaring at the offending vase.
“N-No Mr. Langley! I’m sorry. I’ll call the florist immediately,” Baines stuttered flustered.
“No! Detective agency first then florist! Get your priorities in order!” Cal snapped sinking into his chair. “And bring me a tart lemonade when you’re done with that.”
“Yes sir,” Baines said and fled. His two-minute window had narrowed to one and he knew from experience Langley had an internal clock that was never wrong.
Cal scowled his thoughts turning to Roswell the source of his foul mood. Things were escalating there and he had to stay on top of the situation. He had so many irons in the fire it was difficult for even a shapeshifting alien who needed little sleep to keep up. Damn that greedy fucker! It was one thing to want your own life and quite another to commit treason.
When his intercom notified him of the agency on the phone he snapped up the receiver. “Peck! You there?”
“Here,” Peck answered pen at the ready.
“I need to change your directions. I need reports on Liz Parker, her parents own the CrashDown Café in Roswell. Also add Maria DeLuca she works in the café. I need expanded coverage as well. I need to know if they get a cold you understand?” Cal asked shortly.
“Yes. I understand. Any change in coverage?” Peck asked hand smoothly moving across the paper as he made notes.
“Yes, priority has changed as well. I want Liz Parker, Max Evans, and Isabel Evans covered at all times. Michael Guerin, Maria DeLuca, Alex Whitman, Kyle Valenti, and Ava, who is now living with Kyle, covered the same as before. Tess Harding I want found and monitored 24/7. If she makes a move toward Roswell I want to know. There’s also a loose end floating around….Zan. Find him. I want to know what he’s doing,” Cal rattled off and paused frowning. “If anyone new approaches Isabel Evans I need to know immediately. I want a full account of all her dates and social activities. I need special attention paid to the health of Liz Parker. I want to know everything. How she’s eating, sleeping, if she sneezes I want to know.”
“Got it,” Peck said his pen racing.
“Any strange occurrences in or around Roswell and I want to know the very second it happens. I don’t care what time it is,” Cal added his scowl deepening.
“Strange occurrences?” Peck asked pausing.
“Lights in the sky, strange weather patterns, FBI presence, increase in the murder rate, sudden increase in the population, mass death of wildlife, any increased military activity in the area that type of thing. Anything that strikes you as out of the norm,” Cal explained listing off all the things he could think of.
“What mile radius do you want us to focus on?” Peck asked not leaving that to chance.
“Say a hundred miles. Anything major in the state I want to hear about too,” Cal answered frowning. Skins were like locust.
“Okay,” Peck agreed.
“Fax me the new contract and amount of the advance you’ll need and you’ll have by close of business,” Cal said his fingers drumming on the desk.
“You’ll have it in an hour,” Peck assured him then paused briefly before speaking. “If something should happen…..do you want us to intervene?”
Cal thought about that carefully. They weren’t stupid and this was risky as it was. “Yes. If danger of injury is a factor intervene.”
Lunchtime came with both relief and a new set of problems. Everyone had heard about the attack at the CrashDown and the normally closed group was being bombarded with questions and comments. This was the biggest happening in town in a long time so everyone was interested.
Max made his way outside and over to the furthest table sitting down with relief. He was having his own issues and wasn’t up to dealing with the morbid curiosity of his fellow students. He needed to talk to Liz.
“Lo?” Liz answered her voice still fogged with sleep.
“Liz? Are you okay?” Max asked pressing the phone tightly to his ear getting concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine just….tired,” Liz mumbled rubbing her eyes.
“Still? Liz…are you sure you’re okay?” Max asked totally focused on the conversation. Now that he was paying attention he could feel a pervasive sense of lethargy lingering around the edges of his awareness.
“I’m good.” Liz replied a smile spreading over her face at Max’s growing worry. “Relax and take a deep breath. You’re a little tense. Maybe you should skip lunch and come over.”
Max smiled feeling her amusement clearly. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I can’t even move after your version of relaxing.”
“Well….maybe you should work on your stamina,” Liz teased curling up on her side as they talked.
“Hey! I’m the one that has actually made it out of bed,” Max pointed out.
Liz smiled at his offended tone. “Fear. It can do amazing things,” Liz pointed out. Covering her mouth as she yawned she winced as she looked at the clock. “Wow. It is late. This is your fault. I was tired before you came….over last night.”
Max frowned slightly, still a little worried. She sounded fine but still.
“Stop it,” Liz said firmly. “I’m perfect remember? Nothing’s wrong.”
“I remember,” Max agreed a smile once again spreading over his face at her teasing. “Okay. I’ll see you after school.”
“Kay,” Liz agreed then something struck her. “Good luck with Maria. If you can, avoid her till after she eats. She’s always in a better mood then.”
“Too late. She’s already spotted me,” Max said morosely as he looked at Maria’s rapid approach.
“Got any candy or anything sweet? You can always try to bribe her then flee when her mouths full,” Liz suggested feeling Max’s nerves but unable to stifle her own amusement.
“Good idea. I gotta go there’s a candy machine and I think I have enough change,” Max said pulling his change out of his pants pocket.
“Okay, love you. See you after school,” Liz agreed and hung up.
Max sighed and pocketed his phone moving over to the machine. Studying the selection he didn’t know which one to pick. He should have asked Liz.
“Try that one,” Alex said pointing to a giant sized bar.
“Thanks,” Max said and pumped in some change. Glancing over at Alex he noticed the other boy smiling in amusement. “What?”
“Liz trying to protect you by phone now?” Alex asked shifting his book bag.
“She’s just…..yeah pretty much,” Max admitted scooping up the offering.
“It’s a good plan. Might actually work,” Alex said walking beside him to the table. “For a few minutes anyway.”
Max placed the chocolate on the table in front of Maria’s books. “So people giving you a problem?”
“More people have talked to me today then in the last month combined. The scent of blood always draws them out of hiding,” Alex stated as he unpacked his lunch. “I don’t understand it really. Someone actually had the nerve to ask me if Liz was gang raped! Sick.”
Max scowled in disgust glad that the holiday break was almost here. Two days next week and that was it for awhile.
“What are we talking about?” Maria asked plopping down in her seat. “Cool! Candy.”
Max hid his smile and glanced at Alex.
“How disgusting people are,” Alex answered Maria’s question.
“I know!” Maria agreed unwrapping the candy bar. “That bitch Pam Troy “accidentally” landed on her ass after shooting her mouth off. Whore.”
Alex shook his head scooting over for Isabel, who was just joining them.
Isabel settled into her place quietly and arranged her lunch with careful movements that spoke clearly of her disquiet. She wasn’t happy with all of the talk and the tone it carried. She had watched Kyle bristling under comments made by his jock friends then later saw him with scraped knuckles and a cut over his eye, his face bruised up. The catty comments she alone had iced out were ridiculous.
“Where’s Michael?” Max asked looking to a silent Isabel.
“I don’t know,” Isabel said quietly. She had seen him following a group of boys before coming out here but didn’t know what he was doing. Sometimes that was best.
“Hey, everybody,” Kyle said moving to straddle the bench seat by Maria. He looked over to Isabel and grinned. “Thanks for the voodoo. I feel better.”
“Sure,” Isabel answered casually.
Kyle broke off a corner of Maria’s candy bar and popped it in his mouth. “Everyone going to the Crash after school?”
“I am but I have to pick up Liz’s assignments so I’ll be a little late getting there,” Max replied.
“No prob. Ava was heading over there this afternoon. Since she has nothing else to do,” Kyle remarked. “I’m supposed to pick her up.”
Michael strode up to the group and took the remaining seat between Max and Isabel. He watched the main entrance closely ignoring the other people at the table. He was almost sure the group of boys he had been following had been talking to a reporter.
Max found himself distracted by a sudden soft brush of what felt like Liz. He could almost feel the glide of her fingers. Breaking out in a sweat he focused trying to latch onto the feeling.
Liz sighed under the warm spray of water. Still a little groggy her thoughts drifted to Max and last night. It was little wonder she was tired. He had woken her up at least three times during the night. Ducking under the spray she wet her hair before reaching for the soap. Lazily washing up she smiled at the stray thoughts drifting through her head. He really wasn’t fair. She was going to have to demand equal time. She had plenty of things she wanted to kiss.
Max felt her lazy sense of satisfaction mingled with desire and KNEW she was thinking about him. Amazed he sat back and tried to explore this new turn, seeking to deepen his contact with Liz.
Liz paused as she felt the seal pulse once gently. She had the sudden sense of Max standing behind her and goose bumps ran over her skin. She closed her eyes and reached for him.
Max gapped at sight of a wet naked Liz standing behind Kyle’s left shoulder. Looking around quickly he noticed no one else even seemed to pause. When he looked back she was gone and he was too rattled to try again.
Liz smirked and reached for the shampoo. He had looked a little frazzled. Yawning widely as she worked the lather through her hair she contemplated a short nap.
Ava climbed the stairs to the Parker’s apartment and knocked on the door. She gave Liz’s mom a friendly smile when she opened the door.
“Hi, Mrs. Parker. Is Liz home?” Ava asked.
“Hello Tess. She’s here but I can’t say if she’s up or not. You’re welcome to run back and check,” Nancy offered in a friendly tone of voice. “She hasn’t been sleeping well for the last couple of weeks. I think she’s a little worn out so I haven’t disturbed her.”
“Thanks Mrs. Parker,” Ava said taking note of her statement about Liz’s sleeplessness. She walked down the hall to Liz’s room and knocked twice. Frowning when there was no answer she looked up and down the hall and then opened the door with her powers. Stepping inside she closed the door after her and turned to the bed. Liz was asleep in the middle of the bed with her hair still wet from her shower. Walking over she shook Liz’s shoulder. “Liz? Wake up.” She watched Liz’s eyes flutter open reluctantly.
“Ava,” Liz said and sat up. “What’s up?”
“I thought I’d come by and see you since everyone else is in school. I was bored,” Ava shrugged.
“Oh sure. Just let me….get dressed,” Liz said getting up. Pausing she pulled the sheets off of her bed and took them with her. Shoving them in the dirty clothes hamper quickly she brushed her teeth again, her normal wake up ritual. Changing in her robe for her clothes, picked out before her shower, she was ready in no time.
While she waited, Ava glanced around the room and smiled. It was a warm comfortable room that clearly showed Liz’s varied interests.
“Are you hungry?” Liz asked as she walked back into the room. “I haven’t eaten yet and I’m sure my Mom’s cooked something. She always does when I’m sick or whatever.”
“I could eat,” Ava agreed studying Liz.
“Let’s go see what we can find,” Liz said pushing her hair back behind her ears.
Ava followed her down the hall to the kitchen and watched as she rummaged around.
“Chicken and dumplings it looks like. That okay?” Liz asked looking over at Ava. “We have Tabasco for sure.”
Ava smiled and nodded. “That sounds good. Thanks.”
They ate lunch in front of the TV and talked about general things very aware of Liz’s mom moving around the apartment. They used the time to put her mom’s fears to rest by seeming healthy and normal in face of unusual circumstances. By the time school let out Liz was able to persuade her mom to let her go and sit in the café with Ava to wait for their friends arrival.
“You’re parents seem great,” Ava noted sipping on her shake and twirling the straw through the thick drink.
“They are,” Liz agreed. “I’m very lucky.”
Ava glanced over at Liz her eyes falling on her bracelet. “What do you think about that bracelet?”
Liz frowned thoughtfully and was slow to answer. “Ummm I’ve been thinking about that actually. That and the seal. If what he said is true and his future ceased to exist then how is it that this bracelet and the seal are still here? I admit I’m not an expert on time travel and that sort of thing but it seems like if the Max that gave me these things disappeared or blinked out of existence then those things should have done the same. Max said he made the bracelet only that Max doesn’t even exist anymore. It’s very confusing.”
Ava nodded in agreement. “I see what you mean. It does make you wonder.”
“It gives me a headache when I even think about it. It’s nuts,” Liz said looking at the bracelet. “I wonder how he change it….the bracelet I mean. He said it would like feed me energy. That he had changed it to do that but how? Max can’t do that right now,” Liz asked glancing over at Ava.
“I don’t know. I can’t even imagine. The granilith maybe? I don’t know,” Ava suggested. She didn’t really understand what the granilith really was or how it worked. It must have a purpose but who knew what it really was and all the things it could do.
“Maybe. It can do a lot apparently,” Liz agreed. “It worries me that Tess knows where it is. If your enemies really do want it and they get a hold of her then they’ll know where it is too. It’s not exactly something that’s easy to hide or move.”
“I never thought about that. You’re right. She could even bargain with that information,” Ava said thoughtfully.
Just then Maria entered and made a beeline for Liz so that line of conversation was dropped.
Outside the café in his parked car, John Romero a reporter for The Tattler, focused his camera on the three girls snapping off a couple of shots.
Liz excused herself to use the bathroom and stopped at her locker for a second before heading back. Popping a stick of gum in her mouth she absently chewed it as she searched for her hair tie. With a sigh she gave up and headed back out.
“So Liz, spill. What’s the deal with you and Max?” Maria asked when Liz sat down on her stool.
“No deal,” Liz said not looking at Maria.
“Uh huh. The teeth marks on his shoulder aren’t yours then?” Maria asked arching her eyebrow at Liz.
Liz started choking as she inhaled her gum and it lodged in her throat. Waving her hands in front of her she got up still choking her face turning red as she tried to dislodge the stubborn piece of chewing gum.
Kyle came in the café and seeing Liz choking and Maria patting her back frantically he moved quickly. Pushing Maria out of the way he moved behind Liz and wrapped his arms around her making a fist with one hand and gripping it with the other.
Ava watched impressed as Kyle lifted Liz off her feet with his efforts, the gum finally flying out of her mouth to land on the floor, leaving Liz gasping for breath.
“Jesus Maria! You trying to kill her or what?” Ava asked the other girl.
“I’m soooo sorry Liz! Oh my god! Thank you Kyle,” Maria exclaimed upset and shaken.
Kyle kept his arm around Liz’s waist holding her up until she was a little steadier on her feet. “You alright?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks Kyle,” Liz said and gave him a quick hug. Holy crap. “No more gum for me.” Her phone started to ring and Liz reached for it knowing it was Max.
Outside a camera recorded the entire incident on film.
Striding into his office with his assistant dogging his heels Cal started snapping out orders.
“I want the detective agency on the phone in two minutes. Cancel my lunch meeting and warn the studio that I’ll be there by three. I’ll be calling both sets so tell the directors of both pictures they better be ready for my call and had better not be over budget. Understand?” Cal asked shortly. This piece of shit should be labeled disabled he was so damn slow.
“Yes, Mr. Langley,” Baines said nodding quickly as he struggled to scribble down all of Langley’s directions.
Cal stopped in the middle of the room his face flushing. “Why are there no fresh flowers in here? That vase is empty. Have I not said at least five times that it needs to be full of fresh flowers DAILY? I go on vacation and suddenly you have a mental breakdown or what? I need to be here to hold your hand everyday?” Cal demanded glaring at the offending vase.
“N-No Mr. Langley! I’m sorry. I’ll call the florist immediately,” Baines stuttered flustered.
“No! Detective agency first then florist! Get your priorities in order!” Cal snapped sinking into his chair. “And bring me a tart lemonade when you’re done with that.”
“Yes sir,” Baines said and fled. His two-minute window had narrowed to one and he knew from experience Langley had an internal clock that was never wrong.
Cal scowled his thoughts turning to Roswell the source of his foul mood. Things were escalating there and he had to stay on top of the situation. He had so many irons in the fire it was difficult for even a shapeshifting alien who needed little sleep to keep up. Damn that greedy fucker! It was one thing to want your own life and quite another to commit treason.
When his intercom notified him of the agency on the phone he snapped up the receiver. “Peck! You there?”
“Here,” Peck answered pen at the ready.
“I need to change your directions. I need reports on Liz Parker, her parents own the CrashDown Café in Roswell. Also add Maria DeLuca she works in the café. I need expanded coverage as well. I need to know if they get a cold you understand?” Cal asked shortly.
“Yes. I understand. Any change in coverage?” Peck asked hand smoothly moving across the paper as he made notes.
“Yes, priority has changed as well. I want Liz Parker, Max Evans, and Isabel Evans covered at all times. Michael Guerin, Maria DeLuca, Alex Whitman, Kyle Valenti, and Ava, who is now living with Kyle, covered the same as before. Tess Harding I want found and monitored 24/7. If she makes a move toward Roswell I want to know. There’s also a loose end floating around….Zan. Find him. I want to know what he’s doing,” Cal rattled off and paused frowning. “If anyone new approaches Isabel Evans I need to know immediately. I want a full account of all her dates and social activities. I need special attention paid to the health of Liz Parker. I want to know everything. How she’s eating, sleeping, if she sneezes I want to know.”
“Got it,” Peck said his pen racing.
“Any strange occurrences in or around Roswell and I want to know the very second it happens. I don’t care what time it is,” Cal added his scowl deepening.
“Strange occurrences?” Peck asked pausing.
“Lights in the sky, strange weather patterns, FBI presence, increase in the murder rate, sudden increase in the population, mass death of wildlife, any increased military activity in the area that type of thing. Anything that strikes you as out of the norm,” Cal explained listing off all the things he could think of.
“What mile radius do you want us to focus on?” Peck asked not leaving that to chance.
“Say a hundred miles. Anything major in the state I want to hear about too,” Cal answered frowning. Skins were like locust.
“Okay,” Peck agreed.
“Fax me the new contract and amount of the advance you’ll need and you’ll have by close of business,” Cal said his fingers drumming on the desk.
“You’ll have it in an hour,” Peck assured him then paused briefly before speaking. “If something should happen…..do you want us to intervene?”
Cal thought about that carefully. They weren’t stupid and this was risky as it was. “Yes. If danger of injury is a factor intervene.”
Lunchtime came with both relief and a new set of problems. Everyone had heard about the attack at the CrashDown and the normally closed group was being bombarded with questions and comments. This was the biggest happening in town in a long time so everyone was interested.
Max made his way outside and over to the furthest table sitting down with relief. He was having his own issues and wasn’t up to dealing with the morbid curiosity of his fellow students. He needed to talk to Liz.
“Lo?” Liz answered her voice still fogged with sleep.
“Liz? Are you okay?” Max asked pressing the phone tightly to his ear getting concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine just….tired,” Liz mumbled rubbing her eyes.
“Still? Liz…are you sure you’re okay?” Max asked totally focused on the conversation. Now that he was paying attention he could feel a pervasive sense of lethargy lingering around the edges of his awareness.
“I’m good.” Liz replied a smile spreading over her face at Max’s growing worry. “Relax and take a deep breath. You’re a little tense. Maybe you should skip lunch and come over.”
Max smiled feeling her amusement clearly. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I can’t even move after your version of relaxing.”
“Well….maybe you should work on your stamina,” Liz teased curling up on her side as they talked.
“Hey! I’m the one that has actually made it out of bed,” Max pointed out.
Liz smiled at his offended tone. “Fear. It can do amazing things,” Liz pointed out. Covering her mouth as she yawned she winced as she looked at the clock. “Wow. It is late. This is your fault. I was tired before you came….over last night.”
Max frowned slightly, still a little worried. She sounded fine but still.
“Stop it,” Liz said firmly. “I’m perfect remember? Nothing’s wrong.”
“I remember,” Max agreed a smile once again spreading over his face at her teasing. “Okay. I’ll see you after school.”
“Kay,” Liz agreed then something struck her. “Good luck with Maria. If you can, avoid her till after she eats. She’s always in a better mood then.”
“Too late. She’s already spotted me,” Max said morosely as he looked at Maria’s rapid approach.
“Got any candy or anything sweet? You can always try to bribe her then flee when her mouths full,” Liz suggested feeling Max’s nerves but unable to stifle her own amusement.
“Good idea. I gotta go there’s a candy machine and I think I have enough change,” Max said pulling his change out of his pants pocket.
“Okay, love you. See you after school,” Liz agreed and hung up.
Max sighed and pocketed his phone moving over to the machine. Studying the selection he didn’t know which one to pick. He should have asked Liz.
“Try that one,” Alex said pointing to a giant sized bar.
“Thanks,” Max said and pumped in some change. Glancing over at Alex he noticed the other boy smiling in amusement. “What?”
“Liz trying to protect you by phone now?” Alex asked shifting his book bag.
“She’s just…..yeah pretty much,” Max admitted scooping up the offering.
“It’s a good plan. Might actually work,” Alex said walking beside him to the table. “For a few minutes anyway.”
Max placed the chocolate on the table in front of Maria’s books. “So people giving you a problem?”
“More people have talked to me today then in the last month combined. The scent of blood always draws them out of hiding,” Alex stated as he unpacked his lunch. “I don’t understand it really. Someone actually had the nerve to ask me if Liz was gang raped! Sick.”
Max scowled in disgust glad that the holiday break was almost here. Two days next week and that was it for awhile.
“What are we talking about?” Maria asked plopping down in her seat. “Cool! Candy.”
Max hid his smile and glanced at Alex.
“How disgusting people are,” Alex answered Maria’s question.
“I know!” Maria agreed unwrapping the candy bar. “That bitch Pam Troy “accidentally” landed on her ass after shooting her mouth off. Whore.”
Alex shook his head scooting over for Isabel, who was just joining them.
Isabel settled into her place quietly and arranged her lunch with careful movements that spoke clearly of her disquiet. She wasn’t happy with all of the talk and the tone it carried. She had watched Kyle bristling under comments made by his jock friends then later saw him with scraped knuckles and a cut over his eye, his face bruised up. The catty comments she alone had iced out were ridiculous.
“Where’s Michael?” Max asked looking to a silent Isabel.
“I don’t know,” Isabel said quietly. She had seen him following a group of boys before coming out here but didn’t know what he was doing. Sometimes that was best.
“Hey, everybody,” Kyle said moving to straddle the bench seat by Maria. He looked over to Isabel and grinned. “Thanks for the voodoo. I feel better.”
“Sure,” Isabel answered casually.
Kyle broke off a corner of Maria’s candy bar and popped it in his mouth. “Everyone going to the Crash after school?”
“I am but I have to pick up Liz’s assignments so I’ll be a little late getting there,” Max replied.
“No prob. Ava was heading over there this afternoon. Since she has nothing else to do,” Kyle remarked. “I’m supposed to pick her up.”
Michael strode up to the group and took the remaining seat between Max and Isabel. He watched the main entrance closely ignoring the other people at the table. He was almost sure the group of boys he had been following had been talking to a reporter.
Max found himself distracted by a sudden soft brush of what felt like Liz. He could almost feel the glide of her fingers. Breaking out in a sweat he focused trying to latch onto the feeling.
Liz sighed under the warm spray of water. Still a little groggy her thoughts drifted to Max and last night. It was little wonder she was tired. He had woken her up at least three times during the night. Ducking under the spray she wet her hair before reaching for the soap. Lazily washing up she smiled at the stray thoughts drifting through her head. He really wasn’t fair. She was going to have to demand equal time. She had plenty of things she wanted to kiss.
Max felt her lazy sense of satisfaction mingled with desire and KNEW she was thinking about him. Amazed he sat back and tried to explore this new turn, seeking to deepen his contact with Liz.
Liz paused as she felt the seal pulse once gently. She had the sudden sense of Max standing behind her and goose bumps ran over her skin. She closed her eyes and reached for him.
Max gapped at sight of a wet naked Liz standing behind Kyle’s left shoulder. Looking around quickly he noticed no one else even seemed to pause. When he looked back she was gone and he was too rattled to try again.
Liz smirked and reached for the shampoo. He had looked a little frazzled. Yawning widely as she worked the lather through her hair she contemplated a short nap.
Ava climbed the stairs to the Parker’s apartment and knocked on the door. She gave Liz’s mom a friendly smile when she opened the door.
“Hi, Mrs. Parker. Is Liz home?” Ava asked.
“Hello Tess. She’s here but I can’t say if she’s up or not. You’re welcome to run back and check,” Nancy offered in a friendly tone of voice. “She hasn’t been sleeping well for the last couple of weeks. I think she’s a little worn out so I haven’t disturbed her.”
“Thanks Mrs. Parker,” Ava said taking note of her statement about Liz’s sleeplessness. She walked down the hall to Liz’s room and knocked twice. Frowning when there was no answer she looked up and down the hall and then opened the door with her powers. Stepping inside she closed the door after her and turned to the bed. Liz was asleep in the middle of the bed with her hair still wet from her shower. Walking over she shook Liz’s shoulder. “Liz? Wake up.” She watched Liz’s eyes flutter open reluctantly.
“Ava,” Liz said and sat up. “What’s up?”
“I thought I’d come by and see you since everyone else is in school. I was bored,” Ava shrugged.
“Oh sure. Just let me….get dressed,” Liz said getting up. Pausing she pulled the sheets off of her bed and took them with her. Shoving them in the dirty clothes hamper quickly she brushed her teeth again, her normal wake up ritual. Changing in her robe for her clothes, picked out before her shower, she was ready in no time.
While she waited, Ava glanced around the room and smiled. It was a warm comfortable room that clearly showed Liz’s varied interests.
“Are you hungry?” Liz asked as she walked back into the room. “I haven’t eaten yet and I’m sure my Mom’s cooked something. She always does when I’m sick or whatever.”
“I could eat,” Ava agreed studying Liz.
“Let’s go see what we can find,” Liz said pushing her hair back behind her ears.
Ava followed her down the hall to the kitchen and watched as she rummaged around.
“Chicken and dumplings it looks like. That okay?” Liz asked looking over at Ava. “We have Tabasco for sure.”
Ava smiled and nodded. “That sounds good. Thanks.”
They ate lunch in front of the TV and talked about general things very aware of Liz’s mom moving around the apartment. They used the time to put her mom’s fears to rest by seeming healthy and normal in face of unusual circumstances. By the time school let out Liz was able to persuade her mom to let her go and sit in the café with Ava to wait for their friends arrival.
“You’re parents seem great,” Ava noted sipping on her shake and twirling the straw through the thick drink.
“They are,” Liz agreed. “I’m very lucky.”
Ava glanced over at Liz her eyes falling on her bracelet. “What do you think about that bracelet?”
Liz frowned thoughtfully and was slow to answer. “Ummm I’ve been thinking about that actually. That and the seal. If what he said is true and his future ceased to exist then how is it that this bracelet and the seal are still here? I admit I’m not an expert on time travel and that sort of thing but it seems like if the Max that gave me these things disappeared or blinked out of existence then those things should have done the same. Max said he made the bracelet only that Max doesn’t even exist anymore. It’s very confusing.”
Ava nodded in agreement. “I see what you mean. It does make you wonder.”
“It gives me a headache when I even think about it. It’s nuts,” Liz said looking at the bracelet. “I wonder how he change it….the bracelet I mean. He said it would like feed me energy. That he had changed it to do that but how? Max can’t do that right now,” Liz asked glancing over at Ava.
“I don’t know. I can’t even imagine. The granilith maybe? I don’t know,” Ava suggested. She didn’t really understand what the granilith really was or how it worked. It must have a purpose but who knew what it really was and all the things it could do.
“Maybe. It can do a lot apparently,” Liz agreed. “It worries me that Tess knows where it is. If your enemies really do want it and they get a hold of her then they’ll know where it is too. It’s not exactly something that’s easy to hide or move.”
“I never thought about that. You’re right. She could even bargain with that information,” Ava said thoughtfully.
Just then Maria entered and made a beeline for Liz so that line of conversation was dropped.
Outside the café in his parked car, John Romero a reporter for The Tattler, focused his camera on the three girls snapping off a couple of shots.
Liz excused herself to use the bathroom and stopped at her locker for a second before heading back. Popping a stick of gum in her mouth she absently chewed it as she searched for her hair tie. With a sigh she gave up and headed back out.
“So Liz, spill. What’s the deal with you and Max?” Maria asked when Liz sat down on her stool.
“No deal,” Liz said not looking at Maria.
“Uh huh. The teeth marks on his shoulder aren’t yours then?” Maria asked arching her eyebrow at Liz.
Liz started choking as she inhaled her gum and it lodged in her throat. Waving her hands in front of her she got up still choking her face turning red as she tried to dislodge the stubborn piece of chewing gum.
Kyle came in the café and seeing Liz choking and Maria patting her back frantically he moved quickly. Pushing Maria out of the way he moved behind Liz and wrapped his arms around her making a fist with one hand and gripping it with the other.
Ava watched impressed as Kyle lifted Liz off her feet with his efforts, the gum finally flying out of her mouth to land on the floor, leaving Liz gasping for breath.
“Jesus Maria! You trying to kill her or what?” Ava asked the other girl.
“I’m soooo sorry Liz! Oh my god! Thank you Kyle,” Maria exclaimed upset and shaken.
Kyle kept his arm around Liz’s waist holding her up until she was a little steadier on her feet. “You alright?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Thanks Kyle,” Liz said and gave him a quick hug. Holy crap. “No more gum for me.” Her phone started to ring and Liz reached for it knowing it was Max.
Outside a camera recorded the entire incident on film.
Chapter Forty Five
Max burst through the café doors searching for Liz. He was not at all comforted by their brief conversation and needed to see for himself that she was okay. She was going to give him a heart attack for sure. It felt like she was always getting in trouble of one kind or another.
His eyes narrowed as he saw her stand up and turn to smile at him. Instead of easing his fears oddly it increased them. With the others watching, Max strode over to her and started checking her for damage. Liz put a stop to it when he started to lift her shirt to inspect her for bruising.
“Hold it!” Liz protested grabbing his wrist. “I don’t think so! I’m fine, Max. Really. I told you on the phone I was all right. I just had a little gum problem.”
“A little gum problem?” Max asked incredulous. “Don’t even try lying. You almost DIED! AGAIN!”
Liz sighed and moved closer placing her hands on the sides of his face. “Just look at me. I’m fine. I’m not lying and I’m sorry for scaring you.”
Max wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
Kyle’s low whistle earned him a sharp look from Ava to which he responded with a dazzling grin. Maria turned to study Michael her eyes narrowing when he appeared unaffected by Liz.
“Come on,” Max said pulling back and starting to urge her into the backroom. “Let me make sure that nothing’s wrong.”
“Max,” Liz whined slightly as he herded her into the back.
“Well, I guess that answers any questions,” Kyle muttered as the girls moved over to the counter to get something to drink. “I’m surprised you didn’t say anything.”
“About what?” Michael asked looking around the café.
“Max’s sex life of course. You seemed to have a lot to say before,” Kyle commented his eyes resting on the other boy.
“Not my business,” Michael responded shortly. “He seems happy so what’s to say.”
“Congratulations?” Kyle asked his eyes dancing at Michael’s gruff responses.
“Why?” Michael asked. “It’s not like we didn’t all know that this was how it was going to be.”
“True, but this is a good thing,” Kyle pointed out.
“Whatever,” Michael said and pushed himself out of the booth.
Kyle watched him leave not really surprised. Sometimes it sucked watching other people’s displays of happiness when you still had so far to go yourself. He could understand that, he lived it daily. Speaking of….he should take off soon. He had to pick up Faith at seven for their date.
“What are you grinning like a fool about?” Ava asked sitting across from him.
“About how the right Faith goes a long way,” Kyle replied innocently.
“Okay, we agree? There’s nothing wrong with me?” Liz asked exasperated.
Max nodded dropping his hand. “I couldn’t find any problems.”
“Good,” Liz said leaning back against a stack of boxes. “Kyle was amazing. You should have seen him.”
“It’s good that he was there,” Max agreed still a little upset. She was the only person he knew that had been shot, kidnapped twice, almost choked to death on stick of gum, attacked by aliens, and there was the time she had fallen off the top of the monkey bars…..he still thought that Brain kid had pushed her. He had been scared shitless when he felt her fear and a sense of smothering.
Liz walked over to him and went up on tiptoes wrapping her arms around his neck. “Hi, I missed you today.”
Max smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist feeling her desire to soothe him. “I noticed that at lunch.”
“Surprised you did I?” Liz asked smiling.
“You could say that. Among other things,” Max agreed squeezing her gently. “You’re a hazard to my health.”
“I know. But you love me anyway,” Liz said brushing a kiss over his ear.
“Yes, I do. It’s torture but I seem to be able to bare up under the pressure,” Max said smiling.
Liz smiled and nipped his ear. “I noticed. I’m still a little worn out. You just can’t seem to let me sleep.”
“Hmm?” Max asked confused.
“You woke me up like…three times,” Liz reminded him easing back down and slightly away from him.
“Doing what? Talking in my sleep?” Max asked a half smile on his face.
Liz froze suddenly short of breath as some nameless fear stirred. “You didn’t…? What?”
Max’s smile dropped from his face when he felt her fear flutter to life inside him. “You were out like a light last night. I just managed to put us both to bed before I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up until your alarm went off,” Max said and watched the color drain from her face. “Liz? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just…umm had some really vivid dreams I guess,” Liz whispered swallowing back her sick feeling and trying to smile.
Max studied her face and listened to the feelings that were in direct contrast to her words. “Tell me. Whatever it is just tell me. We’ll figure it out.”
Liz broke away from him to pace the small storage room. “I just…remember you waking me up. I could swear that….you did. That’s why I said what I did when you woke me up this morning.”
Max frowned, tightly controlling his emotions. He didn’t want to upset her anymore then she was. “Okay. It was a dream because I would have woken up if you left or someone else came in the room so….you were really tired. Maybe…that had something to do with it,” Max offered not really believing what he was saying.
Liz ignored that statement completely. “You don’t think….no I would know if it wasn’t you. It was a dream. It was,” Liz nodded firmly.
Max studied her for a second before stopping her continued pacing. “Let’s find out. Just like before. Let me in and I’ll see it.”
Liz nodded and took a deep breath afraid and uncertain. Looking into his steady eyes she found the strength to steady herself and moved into him.
Max bent his head and captured her mouth, slowly kissing her. Waiting for her to relax and let him in.
Liz hooked her thumbs in his belt loops and opened under him, trusting him to see her.
Focusing his powers he made a conscience effort to see into her, breaching her natural barriers with more ease then ever before. He saw disjointed flashes of last night from her eyes, the images and feels bursting inside him strong and clear. He detected the variations and slight discrepancies between what he knew to be real and what she saw.
Liz opened her eyes as Max pulled away and studied his eyes looking for a hint of his feelings. He didn’t seem upset.
“It’s okay. I think you really were sleeping. I don’t think those were dreams though. I felt power there, like when I use my powers…..it’s like an underlying hum or vibration. You were different in them too. Your hair was longer and,” Max cut himself off, smoothly editing what he was going to say. Years of living with Isabel had taught him weight was a sensitive issue. “your room was different too. There was a picture beside the bed that isn’t there now and your desk was in a different spot.”
“So what are you saying?” Liz asked confused.
“Maybe you channeled another timeline or something,” Max said with a shrug. “It was me with you. No doubts about that,” Max suddenly grinned. “You should try that little shimmy thing next time.”
Liz rolled her eyes and slapped his arm. “Max! I’m freaking out here and you’re….,” Liz sputtered not even able to think of an appropriate word.
“I’m sorry,” Max said sheepishly. “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. I mean….we’ll just have to try to figure out what’s going on. Next time I’ll stay awake while you nap and we’ll see if I can tell what’s happening,” Max suggested calmly.
“Okay,” Liz agreed relieved. If Max was okay she was okay. This was just…new. Things would settle down.
Maria followed Liz upstairs, after the others left, to work on their homework and talk. Max and Isabel had gone home for family night and Kyle had taken Ava home in time for his date. Although it was a Friday, none of them were able to do much since all of the parents were a little shaken up over the last week’s events. Amy DeLuca had to deliver a bunch of her merchandise so Maria was to stay at Liz’s until she was done.
Liz settled on her bed looking over the list of assignments Max had delivered along with all her books. Maria watched her organize her books and supplies. Finally she just came out with it.
“So? Are you going to try to pretend I’m not here?” Maria asked tossing down her pen.
“I’m not doing that,” Liz denied. “I’m just….getting settled.”
“Like we’re even going to open a book! Please!” Maria cried totally frustrated. She hated it when Liz did this.
Liz smiled enjoying Maria’s fit. “I thought you said you wanted to study?”
“Are you high?” Maria asked. “Cause you are most certainly hearing things.”
“Okay,” Liz said slipping the sheet of assignments that she needed to complete inside one of her books. “What’s up?”
“Liz!” Maria almost shrieked. “You tell me! I mean really! You and Max clearly have reached another level and Michael doesn’t seem……uncomfortable with it soooo.”
“Yeah, Michael should be fine from now on,” Liz agreed the corners of her lips twitching. “So what’s the deal with you and Michael?”
“No! You are so not changing the subject!” Maria accused pointing at Liz firmly.
“What’s the subject again?” Liz asked fanning the flames even more.
“Arrrrghhh! Liz!” Maria huffed crumpling up a sheet of paper and throwing it at her.
“Yes, we reached….another level and it was fabulous. Max is the best and I love him more then I can even explain,” Liz said her eyes twinkling at the look on Maria’s face. She had to make Maria work for it otherwise it was just no fun.
“So the whole alien sex thing is…..Okay?” Maria asked hesitantly.
“Yeah. I wouldn’t say okay but yeah,” Liz agreed tucking her hair behind her ears.
“Wow,” Maria said not sure what else to say. “So?”
“Umm sex is,” Liz paused a prickling at the back of her neck warning her. “Something that can so totally wait. There’s no hurry Maria,” Liz said shooting Maria a look.
“Right. I sooo agree with you,” Maria nodded seriously. “You’re so lucky that Max is on board with that. No pressure.”
“Yeah, Max is great,” Liz agreed glancing quickly at the open door. “So what are you going to do over break?”
“Work mostly I guess,” Maria said with a shrug.
“Girls? Do you need anything?” Nancy asked from the doorway. “I can make some popcorn.”
“Ummm we’re good. Thanks anyway,” Liz said turning to smile at her mother. “We might have some ice cream or something later.”
“Okay,” Nancy agreed and left.
“Girl, you are good,” Maria said after a long pause waiting for Liz’s mom to get far enough away. “You like have eyes in the back of your head or X-ray vision or something.”
“Yeah, that was close,” Liz agreed softly. “So what is the deal with you and Michael?”
“There’s no deal because there is no me and Michael,” Maria said a scowl creeping over her face. “I’m over it.”
Liz studied her mutinous expression doubtfully. “Uh huh. You seem over it,” Liz agreed mildly waiting her out.
“He’s just such a shitbag. How could I have been so totally blind?” Maria asked.
“Ummm I wouldn’t say he’s a shitbag exactly,” Liz floundered. “He just….he has issues. Just give it some time and see what happens. He might surprise you.”
“Yeah, by turning up with an STD,” Maria scoffed not feeling like being nice. “He’s just shoots his mouth off and acts like the words disappear into thin air or something. Like he has no control of the words coming out of his mouth. It’s disgusting.”
“I see what you mean,” Liz agreed softly. Maria in this mood was not to be reasoned with. This was the letting off steam mood. “I’ve got your back on this no matter what.”
“I know. Thanks,” Maria said looking at Liz. “I’ve got yours too. This shit will blow over. I know it will. We just have to stick it out together.”
Liz nodded seriously. “Yes. Exactly. Just like the fifth grade. It ended eventually, we just had to tough it out.”
“Right, just like that,” Maria agreed. “God that year was horrible. That pervert sitting behind me all year and saying the most disgusting things. I’m sure he’s in prison by now.”
Liz laughed remembering that guy. “What was his name? Besides pervert I mean.”
“Holden Wakefeld. Pervert of the fifth grade,” Maria shuddered.
“You’re beautiful, Maria, can I touch you’re hair?” Liz mimicked laughing.
“Stop it! That creeps me out,” Maria laughed. “That wasn’t all the little pig wanted to touch.”
Liz just laughed harder picturing the horrified look on Maria’s face when they were paired up for square dancing together.
“Besides, you had your own set of problems. Pam Troy was after you with a vengeance that year,” Maria reminded her. “And she’s still here.”
Liz groaned remembering that. “I know. She is vile. Remember when she stole all my clothes after gym? I never did get them back and I know it was her. She spit in my face that time too.”
“I remember,” Maria nodded. “You kicked her ass at volleyball and she spit on you. Actually, I think it was because Zack Aaron had a crush on you and kept hovering trying to ask you to that mixer thing but still….she was vile.”
“She still is,” Liz pointed out.
“No, now she’s a filthy fake little whore with the IQ of a fruit fly. That’s even worse,” Maria amended and watched Liz smile and nod. History had proven her friendship with Liz over many changes in both of their lives. Liz had been there for her when her father left and a thousand other events over the course of time. They always got through it together. Even finding out about other life forms. This was no different.
“You are right,” Liz said feeling 100 times better. She felt better laughing and talking with Maria about normal things. It was nice to see Maria relax and really smile. “Hey, you still have health class next semester right?”
“Yeah, did you hear about what they’re doing?” Maria asked her eyes going wide.
“Yup. The mechanical baby,” Liz nodded.
“I can’t wait to see this. With my luck I’ll get paired with the worst father in world and flunk,” Maria moaned.
Liz smiled and then giggled slightly. “Michael’s in that class too ya know. So is Max.”
“Oh god. I’m gonna flunk for sure,” Maria moaned causing Liz to laugh even harder.
Max burst through the café doors searching for Liz. He was not at all comforted by their brief conversation and needed to see for himself that she was okay. She was going to give him a heart attack for sure. It felt like she was always getting in trouble of one kind or another.
His eyes narrowed as he saw her stand up and turn to smile at him. Instead of easing his fears oddly it increased them. With the others watching, Max strode over to her and started checking her for damage. Liz put a stop to it when he started to lift her shirt to inspect her for bruising.
“Hold it!” Liz protested grabbing his wrist. “I don’t think so! I’m fine, Max. Really. I told you on the phone I was all right. I just had a little gum problem.”
“A little gum problem?” Max asked incredulous. “Don’t even try lying. You almost DIED! AGAIN!”
Liz sighed and moved closer placing her hands on the sides of his face. “Just look at me. I’m fine. I’m not lying and I’m sorry for scaring you.”
Max wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
Kyle’s low whistle earned him a sharp look from Ava to which he responded with a dazzling grin. Maria turned to study Michael her eyes narrowing when he appeared unaffected by Liz.
“Come on,” Max said pulling back and starting to urge her into the backroom. “Let me make sure that nothing’s wrong.”
“Max,” Liz whined slightly as he herded her into the back.
“Well, I guess that answers any questions,” Kyle muttered as the girls moved over to the counter to get something to drink. “I’m surprised you didn’t say anything.”
“About what?” Michael asked looking around the café.
“Max’s sex life of course. You seemed to have a lot to say before,” Kyle commented his eyes resting on the other boy.
“Not my business,” Michael responded shortly. “He seems happy so what’s to say.”
“Congratulations?” Kyle asked his eyes dancing at Michael’s gruff responses.
“Why?” Michael asked. “It’s not like we didn’t all know that this was how it was going to be.”
“True, but this is a good thing,” Kyle pointed out.
“Whatever,” Michael said and pushed himself out of the booth.
Kyle watched him leave not really surprised. Sometimes it sucked watching other people’s displays of happiness when you still had so far to go yourself. He could understand that, he lived it daily. Speaking of….he should take off soon. He had to pick up Faith at seven for their date.
“What are you grinning like a fool about?” Ava asked sitting across from him.
“About how the right Faith goes a long way,” Kyle replied innocently.
“Okay, we agree? There’s nothing wrong with me?” Liz asked exasperated.
Max nodded dropping his hand. “I couldn’t find any problems.”
“Good,” Liz said leaning back against a stack of boxes. “Kyle was amazing. You should have seen him.”
“It’s good that he was there,” Max agreed still a little upset. She was the only person he knew that had been shot, kidnapped twice, almost choked to death on stick of gum, attacked by aliens, and there was the time she had fallen off the top of the monkey bars…..he still thought that Brain kid had pushed her. He had been scared shitless when he felt her fear and a sense of smothering.
Liz walked over to him and went up on tiptoes wrapping her arms around his neck. “Hi, I missed you today.”
Max smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist feeling her desire to soothe him. “I noticed that at lunch.”
“Surprised you did I?” Liz asked smiling.
“You could say that. Among other things,” Max agreed squeezing her gently. “You’re a hazard to my health.”
“I know. But you love me anyway,” Liz said brushing a kiss over his ear.
“Yes, I do. It’s torture but I seem to be able to bare up under the pressure,” Max said smiling.
Liz smiled and nipped his ear. “I noticed. I’m still a little worn out. You just can’t seem to let me sleep.”
“Hmm?” Max asked confused.
“You woke me up like…three times,” Liz reminded him easing back down and slightly away from him.
“Doing what? Talking in my sleep?” Max asked a half smile on his face.
Liz froze suddenly short of breath as some nameless fear stirred. “You didn’t…? What?”
Max’s smile dropped from his face when he felt her fear flutter to life inside him. “You were out like a light last night. I just managed to put us both to bed before I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up until your alarm went off,” Max said and watched the color drain from her face. “Liz? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just…umm had some really vivid dreams I guess,” Liz whispered swallowing back her sick feeling and trying to smile.
Max studied her face and listened to the feelings that were in direct contrast to her words. “Tell me. Whatever it is just tell me. We’ll figure it out.”
Liz broke away from him to pace the small storage room. “I just…remember you waking me up. I could swear that….you did. That’s why I said what I did when you woke me up this morning.”
Max frowned, tightly controlling his emotions. He didn’t want to upset her anymore then she was. “Okay. It was a dream because I would have woken up if you left or someone else came in the room so….you were really tired. Maybe…that had something to do with it,” Max offered not really believing what he was saying.
Liz ignored that statement completely. “You don’t think….no I would know if it wasn’t you. It was a dream. It was,” Liz nodded firmly.
Max studied her for a second before stopping her continued pacing. “Let’s find out. Just like before. Let me in and I’ll see it.”
Liz nodded and took a deep breath afraid and uncertain. Looking into his steady eyes she found the strength to steady herself and moved into him.
Max bent his head and captured her mouth, slowly kissing her. Waiting for her to relax and let him in.
Liz hooked her thumbs in his belt loops and opened under him, trusting him to see her.
Focusing his powers he made a conscience effort to see into her, breaching her natural barriers with more ease then ever before. He saw disjointed flashes of last night from her eyes, the images and feels bursting inside him strong and clear. He detected the variations and slight discrepancies between what he knew to be real and what she saw.
Liz opened her eyes as Max pulled away and studied his eyes looking for a hint of his feelings. He didn’t seem upset.
“It’s okay. I think you really were sleeping. I don’t think those were dreams though. I felt power there, like when I use my powers…..it’s like an underlying hum or vibration. You were different in them too. Your hair was longer and,” Max cut himself off, smoothly editing what he was going to say. Years of living with Isabel had taught him weight was a sensitive issue. “your room was different too. There was a picture beside the bed that isn’t there now and your desk was in a different spot.”
“So what are you saying?” Liz asked confused.
“Maybe you channeled another timeline or something,” Max said with a shrug. “It was me with you. No doubts about that,” Max suddenly grinned. “You should try that little shimmy thing next time.”
Liz rolled her eyes and slapped his arm. “Max! I’m freaking out here and you’re….,” Liz sputtered not even able to think of an appropriate word.
“I’m sorry,” Max said sheepishly. “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about. I mean….we’ll just have to try to figure out what’s going on. Next time I’ll stay awake while you nap and we’ll see if I can tell what’s happening,” Max suggested calmly.
“Okay,” Liz agreed relieved. If Max was okay she was okay. This was just…new. Things would settle down.
Maria followed Liz upstairs, after the others left, to work on their homework and talk. Max and Isabel had gone home for family night and Kyle had taken Ava home in time for his date. Although it was a Friday, none of them were able to do much since all of the parents were a little shaken up over the last week’s events. Amy DeLuca had to deliver a bunch of her merchandise so Maria was to stay at Liz’s until she was done.
Liz settled on her bed looking over the list of assignments Max had delivered along with all her books. Maria watched her organize her books and supplies. Finally she just came out with it.
“So? Are you going to try to pretend I’m not here?” Maria asked tossing down her pen.
“I’m not doing that,” Liz denied. “I’m just….getting settled.”
“Like we’re even going to open a book! Please!” Maria cried totally frustrated. She hated it when Liz did this.
Liz smiled enjoying Maria’s fit. “I thought you said you wanted to study?”
“Are you high?” Maria asked. “Cause you are most certainly hearing things.”
“Okay,” Liz said slipping the sheet of assignments that she needed to complete inside one of her books. “What’s up?”
“Liz!” Maria almost shrieked. “You tell me! I mean really! You and Max clearly have reached another level and Michael doesn’t seem……uncomfortable with it soooo.”
“Yeah, Michael should be fine from now on,” Liz agreed the corners of her lips twitching. “So what’s the deal with you and Michael?”
“No! You are so not changing the subject!” Maria accused pointing at Liz firmly.
“What’s the subject again?” Liz asked fanning the flames even more.
“Arrrrghhh! Liz!” Maria huffed crumpling up a sheet of paper and throwing it at her.
“Yes, we reached….another level and it was fabulous. Max is the best and I love him more then I can even explain,” Liz said her eyes twinkling at the look on Maria’s face. She had to make Maria work for it otherwise it was just no fun.
“So the whole alien sex thing is…..Okay?” Maria asked hesitantly.
“Yeah. I wouldn’t say okay but yeah,” Liz agreed tucking her hair behind her ears.
“Wow,” Maria said not sure what else to say. “So?”
“Umm sex is,” Liz paused a prickling at the back of her neck warning her. “Something that can so totally wait. There’s no hurry Maria,” Liz said shooting Maria a look.
“Right. I sooo agree with you,” Maria nodded seriously. “You’re so lucky that Max is on board with that. No pressure.”
“Yeah, Max is great,” Liz agreed glancing quickly at the open door. “So what are you going to do over break?”
“Work mostly I guess,” Maria said with a shrug.
“Girls? Do you need anything?” Nancy asked from the doorway. “I can make some popcorn.”
“Ummm we’re good. Thanks anyway,” Liz said turning to smile at her mother. “We might have some ice cream or something later.”
“Okay,” Nancy agreed and left.
“Girl, you are good,” Maria said after a long pause waiting for Liz’s mom to get far enough away. “You like have eyes in the back of your head or X-ray vision or something.”
“Yeah, that was close,” Liz agreed softly. “So what is the deal with you and Michael?”
“There’s no deal because there is no me and Michael,” Maria said a scowl creeping over her face. “I’m over it.”
Liz studied her mutinous expression doubtfully. “Uh huh. You seem over it,” Liz agreed mildly waiting her out.
“He’s just such a shitbag. How could I have been so totally blind?” Maria asked.
“Ummm I wouldn’t say he’s a shitbag exactly,” Liz floundered. “He just….he has issues. Just give it some time and see what happens. He might surprise you.”
“Yeah, by turning up with an STD,” Maria scoffed not feeling like being nice. “He’s just shoots his mouth off and acts like the words disappear into thin air or something. Like he has no control of the words coming out of his mouth. It’s disgusting.”
“I see what you mean,” Liz agreed softly. Maria in this mood was not to be reasoned with. This was the letting off steam mood. “I’ve got your back on this no matter what.”
“I know. Thanks,” Maria said looking at Liz. “I’ve got yours too. This shit will blow over. I know it will. We just have to stick it out together.”
Liz nodded seriously. “Yes. Exactly. Just like the fifth grade. It ended eventually, we just had to tough it out.”
“Right, just like that,” Maria agreed. “God that year was horrible. That pervert sitting behind me all year and saying the most disgusting things. I’m sure he’s in prison by now.”
Liz laughed remembering that guy. “What was his name? Besides pervert I mean.”
“Holden Wakefeld. Pervert of the fifth grade,” Maria shuddered.
“You’re beautiful, Maria, can I touch you’re hair?” Liz mimicked laughing.
“Stop it! That creeps me out,” Maria laughed. “That wasn’t all the little pig wanted to touch.”
Liz just laughed harder picturing the horrified look on Maria’s face when they were paired up for square dancing together.
“Besides, you had your own set of problems. Pam Troy was after you with a vengeance that year,” Maria reminded her. “And she’s still here.”
Liz groaned remembering that. “I know. She is vile. Remember when she stole all my clothes after gym? I never did get them back and I know it was her. She spit in my face that time too.”
“I remember,” Maria nodded. “You kicked her ass at volleyball and she spit on you. Actually, I think it was because Zack Aaron had a crush on you and kept hovering trying to ask you to that mixer thing but still….she was vile.”
“She still is,” Liz pointed out.
“No, now she’s a filthy fake little whore with the IQ of a fruit fly. That’s even worse,” Maria amended and watched Liz smile and nod. History had proven her friendship with Liz over many changes in both of their lives. Liz had been there for her when her father left and a thousand other events over the course of time. They always got through it together. Even finding out about other life forms. This was no different.
“You are right,” Liz said feeling 100 times better. She felt better laughing and talking with Maria about normal things. It was nice to see Maria relax and really smile. “Hey, you still have health class next semester right?”
“Yeah, did you hear about what they’re doing?” Maria asked her eyes going wide.
“Yup. The mechanical baby,” Liz nodded.
“I can’t wait to see this. With my luck I’ll get paired with the worst father in world and flunk,” Maria moaned.
Liz smiled and then giggled slightly. “Michael’s in that class too ya know. So is Max.”
“Oh god. I’m gonna flunk for sure,” Maria moaned causing Liz to laugh even harder.
Chapter Forty Six
The next few days had Liz focusing on her studies. The semester was wrapping up and she had two major exams to study for, one paper due, and one presentation to complete. She talked to Max on the phone and saw him in the café for lunch but that was about it.
Max was working overtime trying to build up some cash. He knew one way or the other they would need it. He had plans and they all took money. So between that and finishing up all the loose ends for school he was just as busy as Liz was.
Michael spent his time working and thinking. The only one he really talked to was Isabel and that was only because she forced him to. Whenever he needed to work things out in his head he pulled into himself, sometimes disappearing into the desert for a day or two. A lot had happened over the last few months and he needed to work it all out in his head before he could move forward.
Isabel spent most of her time with Ava helping her get up to speed enough to manage the last few days of school. They had given Tess most of her things so Ava had clothes to buy, studying to do, and a ton of other small things to accomplish to ease her way into her new life.
They spent a lot of time talking….verbally dancing around each other, each for their own reasons. Isabel was still stinging from how completely she had misjudged Tess and was slower to warm up this time around. Isabel was a master at talking to fill space without really revealing anything she didn’t want to, while poking around for weaknesses in others. Ava studied her with jaded eyes in return. Lonnie was a master at finding someone’s weak points and Ava wasn’t about to offer up hers to Isabel who seemed to have that same knack. Even though Isabel didn’t seem to be a psycho freak you just never knew. Outward appearances showed them to be friendly with smooth smiles masking their inner musings. They each understood the game they were playing and played it well, walking away each day with grudging respect for the others moves and counter moves.
Alex checked in with his girls and plodded along with wrapping up his own end of the semester loose ends. He worked in some practicing with the guys in the band as a stress reliever. He enjoyed picking his way through a new song finding it relaxing and expressive at the same time. After all his time on the Net pulling the information Liz had asked him for he needed a little relaxation. He hacked his way into a couple of police department computers to get the real scoop on the media hype and what he was finding wasn’t comforting.
It was with relief that everyone finished the semester and got set to embark on winter break. As Liz made her way to her locker she ignored all the stares and whispers just as she had for the last two days. It was getting tiring and she hoped that by the start of the new semester they all had something else to focus on. Get a life already.
Max hustled out of his last class with one goal in mind. Reaching Liz before she could book up all of her time. They had hardly seen each other over the last four days and he missed her. He had to work later but he hoped they could make plans for the next day. A whole day alone together would be nice.
Rounding the corner he spotted her rummaging around in her locker, alone for once. Coming up behind her he slipped his arm around her waist and spoke into the hair by her ear.
“I’ve missed you,” Max murmured softly.
“I can tell,” Liz replied turning in his arms. “Unfortunately, I have to work.”
“Mmm so do I. I was thinking about tomorrow. Think you can get away for the day?” Max asked his eyes drifting over her face.
“I’ll do my best,” Liz promised leaning back against the locker next to hers. “So what do you want to do tomorrow?”
“I don’t really care. Whatever you want,” Max said shrugging.
“Whatever I want huh? I can’t resist an invitation like that,” Liz teased smiling. “I’ll think of something.”
Max smiled loving the easy banter and feeling of comfort being around her seemed to give him. “I’m sure you will.”
Liz just rolled her eyes and gave him a cheeky smile. Before she could turn to finish collecting her things, Max leaned over and brushed a soft kiss over her mouth. With a sigh she caught hold of his shirt and held him there, running her tongue over his lower lip softly.
“Excuse you,” A snotty voice interrupted the moment.
Liz eased away from Max reluctantly her eyes on his.
“Umm hello? Like get a room.”
Max smiled at the flash of temper in Liz’s eyes and stepped back away from her.
“Hello Pam. Nice to see you as always,” Liz replied, no sincerity in her tone at all.
“Slut,” Pam muttered under her breath twirling the dial on her locker.
“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Pam. At least some of the football team must have had feelings for you,” Liz replied slamming her locker door. “See you after break. Oh hey…I saw this commercial that might help you out. Max? What was that drug for genital herpes? You should totally ask your doctor about it.”
Max stepped between the two girls and hustled Liz down the hall, as Pam whirled on Liz her face turning red. Shaking his head at Liz’s satisfied smirk he led her out of the building. “It’s not nice to pick on the less fortunate.”
“That would be almost everyone else,” Liz pointed out. “Besides, I didn’t pick on her. You just didn’t hear her beg me for help that’s all. Its girl speak.”
Max laughed softly and twinned their fingers together as they headed toward the Jeep.
“Hey, you’re Liz Parker right?”
Liz paused and looked over at a forty something balding man. “Excuse me?”
“Oh I’m sorry. I’m John Romero a reporter. You are Liz Parker right? I just have a couple of questions for you,” Romero said with a “Ah shucks” tone of voice. He took in everything as he approached the couple.
“I’m sorry but I’m not answering questions. The Sheriff has asked me not to talk to the press,” Liz replied smoothly feeling Max tense next to her.
“Is it true you have a sex club?” Romero asked.
“What?” Liz asked shocked. “No!”
“I’ve heard that you and your friends..” Romero started only to be cut off when someone bumped into him hard.
“Oh sorry mister,” Michael said his hand resting for a moment on the other man’s flabby chest. “You okay? Old bones can be fragile. I’d feel bad if I hurt you.”
Romero looked into the cold eyes of the teen and shook his head. “I’m fine. No harm done.”
Michael smirked wondering if he would feel the same in ten minutes. “Great. You know, I don’t think non-students are allowed on campus. You should take off before you get arrested.”
“Michael, let’s go,” Max said wanting to get out of there before the reporter could start asking anymore questions.
“Sure,” Michael responded then looked back at the reporter. “You have ID? Or are you just into trolling for jail bait?”
Liz smiled then coughed as Max shot her a quelling look. “Come on Michael. My Dad will be pissed if we’re late for work.”
“Right,” Michael nodded and followed after them. He climbed into the backseat of the Jeep when they reached it and stayed silent as Max started the vehicle. Shooting a look back toward the school he saw the reporter still staring after them. “This is bad.”
Max gripped the wheel tightly not saying anything. There was no disagreeing with that statement.
Michael kept an eye on the dining room, grateful that Ava was working. It was so busy he couldn’t keep as close of an eye on Liz as he might like. He had seen that reporter guy hanging around asking questions the last few days so it hadn’t been hard to figure out what was going on when he saw him with Max and Liz earlier.
All of his thinking had come down to a few simple things. Changes were coming. It was inevitable, so he better get on board. The last year had shown so many changes he barely recognized his life before them anymore. Some of the changes had been good and some not, but for the most part he had to say his life was better. He couldn’t begrudge Max for wanting to keep Liz around. It wasn’t realistic to expect the three of them to remain apart forever and all in all they couldn’t have chosen much better. So with that in mind he had decided to try a few changes on his own. He didn't want to push everyone completely out of his life. Only the enemy. The trouble was remembering who the enemy was sometimes.
Liz waited till after the dinner rush to take her break. Max hadn’t been in yet since he was so used to timing his dinner around hers. Deciding to go across the street to see him for a change, she put together dinner for both of them and waved to Ava pointing across the street so she knew where she was going. She found him painting the information booth.
“Nice shade,” Liz commented reaching the last step.
Max set his paintbrush on the edge of the tray and turned. “What are you doing here? I was going to head over in a couple of minutes.”
“I know. I just thought…it would be quieter over here,” Liz said casually. Walking over to him she rubbed at a smudge of paint on his jaw. Licking her thumb she tried again.
Max lost interest in talking and took her hand leading her further into the museum. Stopping at the storage room he opened the door and pulled her in after him.
“What are we doing in here?” Liz asked looking around at the cluttered space. There was part of an alien arm hanging out of a box, the head to the alien costume Max worn last year on one of the upper shelves. In short not a really good place to eat dinner.
“No cameras in here,” Max said backing her into the door and taking the bag of food from her hand.
“I see,” Liz said as she watched him set the bag aside. “You like scoped the place out?”
“Uh huh,” Max agreed. “I like to know my environment.”
Liz’s lips twitched as she nodded seriously. “Right. Good thinking.”
Max moved in and kissed her forehead. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Sure,” Liz said softly her arms moving around his waist. “It’s getting cold though.”
“I can heat it back up,” Max replied absently not really interested in the food. He rubbed her arms frowning at how cold her skin was. “You should have worn a coat.”
“It was just a short dash across the street. Stop worrying so much. The next cold I get will send you into a panic if you don’t learn to relax,” Liz pointed out. She smiled when she felt the gentle warmth pulse out from his hands. She stood up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss over his mouth. “Thanks.”
Max nodded and laced his fingers with hers. “Come sit down with me?”
Liz nodded and followed him as he walked to the back of the small space and sat on a box. “Where am I supposed to sit?”
“Right here,” Max said and tugged her onto his lap. “See? Made just for you.”
“I don’t know,” Liz said her eyes smiling. “It’s a little hard.”
“Funny,” Max said his lips curving upwards. “If you keep wiggling it’ll only get worse.”
“I’ll try and keep that in mind,” Liz replied her legs swinging back and forth her toes not quite touching the ground. “So what did the Sheriff say when you told him what happened?”
“He said he would look into it. There isn’t a whole lot we can do really. Not yet,” Max said a slight frown marring his face. “He said to just freeze him out and not talk. It’ll be all rumors if he does print anything. We’ll just wait and see I guess.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be seen with me for a little while,” Liz suggested softly.
“What?” Max asked surprised. He moved to see her face puzzled by her suggestion.
“If you’re not seen around me then maybe he won’t print your name or catch you in a picture with me,” Liz said logically. “It’s not really a good idea for you to be plastered in the tabloids. I won’t raise any eyebrows because no one really knows me but your enemies do know what you look like. They probably knew what you looked like before you ever grew up.”
“No,” Max said simply.
“Max,” Liz sighed snapping and unsnapping one of the fastenings on her uniform. “It’s not like you’re abandoning me. We’ll still see each other just not in public. You’ll be safer.”
“No, I’m not going along with that. I’m not hiding our relationship like it’s wrong. If they know me then they already know where I am. I haven’t moved since Copper Summit. All they would have to do is talk to anyone in town and they’ll put you and I together. We never exactly hid before this so it doesn’t make sense to start now,” Max said absently tightening his arms around her.
Liz looked up her fingers stilling their restless movements. “You’re very stubborn aren’t you?”
Max smiled and cuddled her closer. “Only sometimes. Not nearly as much as you are. You take the risk to be with me so I don’t see this as any different.”
“It’s probably too late anyway,” Liz said her fingers trailing over his jaw line. She loved the hint of roughness under her fingers. Leaning forward she started nibbling along the path her fingers had taken.
Max’s arms held her securely as she wiggled around to reach him better. Conversation forgotten, he leaned back against the stack of boxes behind him, Liz following him back easily as she reached his ear. Max’s breathing picked up as she lightly sucked on his earlobe before moving to nibble her way around the outer rim.
Liz took her time knowing how sensitive his ears were. Hearing his groan of pleasure at the soft warm brush of her tongue she lingered, wanting to please him. She kept her hands from wandering, mindful of where they were, but didn’t protest when his slid up her thigh.
Max softly stroked the smooth skin of her thigh needing to maintain contact. The shifting of her body on his lap and moist brush of her mouth across first his ear then his neck had Max craving deeper contact.
“What do think about a trip out to the pod chamber tomorrow?” Liz asked in between nibbles.
“Is it tomorrow yet?” Max asked in groan.
Liz smiled and shook her head, lips brushing his skin. “Not yet. I was actually thinking of doing that for a reason. I want to see if there’s a way to protect the granilith from Tess or whatever,” Liz said then gasp as Max’s hand tried to separate her legs. “Multi tasking is good though.”
Max’s agreement was a rumble of sound in his chest as his mouth took possession of hers. His kiss was hungry and through. He groaned as she inadvertently rubbed against his aching flesh. He took her bottom lip in a biting kiss, sucking on it briefly before moving on to enter her mouth.
When Liz finally had sense enough to place her hands against his chest and push away him slightly, they were both panting.
“I should…..umm get back…..to work,” Liz forced out against what she really wanted to do.
Max reached out and tucked a strand of hair back before smiling warmly. “Let’s eat first. You didn’t eat any of your dinner.”
“Okay,” Liz agreed looking into his eyes. Even with all the problems continually cropping up she had never felt more at home. She was so lucky. Max never made her guess about how he felt. It was always there all she had to do was reach for him and she felt it.
The next few days had Liz focusing on her studies. The semester was wrapping up and she had two major exams to study for, one paper due, and one presentation to complete. She talked to Max on the phone and saw him in the café for lunch but that was about it.
Max was working overtime trying to build up some cash. He knew one way or the other they would need it. He had plans and they all took money. So between that and finishing up all the loose ends for school he was just as busy as Liz was.
Michael spent his time working and thinking. The only one he really talked to was Isabel and that was only because she forced him to. Whenever he needed to work things out in his head he pulled into himself, sometimes disappearing into the desert for a day or two. A lot had happened over the last few months and he needed to work it all out in his head before he could move forward.
Isabel spent most of her time with Ava helping her get up to speed enough to manage the last few days of school. They had given Tess most of her things so Ava had clothes to buy, studying to do, and a ton of other small things to accomplish to ease her way into her new life.
They spent a lot of time talking….verbally dancing around each other, each for their own reasons. Isabel was still stinging from how completely she had misjudged Tess and was slower to warm up this time around. Isabel was a master at talking to fill space without really revealing anything she didn’t want to, while poking around for weaknesses in others. Ava studied her with jaded eyes in return. Lonnie was a master at finding someone’s weak points and Ava wasn’t about to offer up hers to Isabel who seemed to have that same knack. Even though Isabel didn’t seem to be a psycho freak you just never knew. Outward appearances showed them to be friendly with smooth smiles masking their inner musings. They each understood the game they were playing and played it well, walking away each day with grudging respect for the others moves and counter moves.
Alex checked in with his girls and plodded along with wrapping up his own end of the semester loose ends. He worked in some practicing with the guys in the band as a stress reliever. He enjoyed picking his way through a new song finding it relaxing and expressive at the same time. After all his time on the Net pulling the information Liz had asked him for he needed a little relaxation. He hacked his way into a couple of police department computers to get the real scoop on the media hype and what he was finding wasn’t comforting.
It was with relief that everyone finished the semester and got set to embark on winter break. As Liz made her way to her locker she ignored all the stares and whispers just as she had for the last two days. It was getting tiring and she hoped that by the start of the new semester they all had something else to focus on. Get a life already.
Max hustled out of his last class with one goal in mind. Reaching Liz before she could book up all of her time. They had hardly seen each other over the last four days and he missed her. He had to work later but he hoped they could make plans for the next day. A whole day alone together would be nice.
Rounding the corner he spotted her rummaging around in her locker, alone for once. Coming up behind her he slipped his arm around her waist and spoke into the hair by her ear.
“I’ve missed you,” Max murmured softly.
“I can tell,” Liz replied turning in his arms. “Unfortunately, I have to work.”
“Mmm so do I. I was thinking about tomorrow. Think you can get away for the day?” Max asked his eyes drifting over her face.
“I’ll do my best,” Liz promised leaning back against the locker next to hers. “So what do you want to do tomorrow?”
“I don’t really care. Whatever you want,” Max said shrugging.
“Whatever I want huh? I can’t resist an invitation like that,” Liz teased smiling. “I’ll think of something.”
Max smiled loving the easy banter and feeling of comfort being around her seemed to give him. “I’m sure you will.”
Liz just rolled her eyes and gave him a cheeky smile. Before she could turn to finish collecting her things, Max leaned over and brushed a soft kiss over her mouth. With a sigh she caught hold of his shirt and held him there, running her tongue over his lower lip softly.
“Excuse you,” A snotty voice interrupted the moment.
Liz eased away from Max reluctantly her eyes on his.
“Umm hello? Like get a room.”
Max smiled at the flash of temper in Liz’s eyes and stepped back away from her.
“Hello Pam. Nice to see you as always,” Liz replied, no sincerity in her tone at all.
“Slut,” Pam muttered under her breath twirling the dial on her locker.
“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Pam. At least some of the football team must have had feelings for you,” Liz replied slamming her locker door. “See you after break. Oh hey…I saw this commercial that might help you out. Max? What was that drug for genital herpes? You should totally ask your doctor about it.”
Max stepped between the two girls and hustled Liz down the hall, as Pam whirled on Liz her face turning red. Shaking his head at Liz’s satisfied smirk he led her out of the building. “It’s not nice to pick on the less fortunate.”
“That would be almost everyone else,” Liz pointed out. “Besides, I didn’t pick on her. You just didn’t hear her beg me for help that’s all. Its girl speak.”
Max laughed softly and twinned their fingers together as they headed toward the Jeep.
“Hey, you’re Liz Parker right?”
Liz paused and looked over at a forty something balding man. “Excuse me?”
“Oh I’m sorry. I’m John Romero a reporter. You are Liz Parker right? I just have a couple of questions for you,” Romero said with a “Ah shucks” tone of voice. He took in everything as he approached the couple.
“I’m sorry but I’m not answering questions. The Sheriff has asked me not to talk to the press,” Liz replied smoothly feeling Max tense next to her.
“Is it true you have a sex club?” Romero asked.
“What?” Liz asked shocked. “No!”
“I’ve heard that you and your friends..” Romero started only to be cut off when someone bumped into him hard.
“Oh sorry mister,” Michael said his hand resting for a moment on the other man’s flabby chest. “You okay? Old bones can be fragile. I’d feel bad if I hurt you.”
Romero looked into the cold eyes of the teen and shook his head. “I’m fine. No harm done.”
Michael smirked wondering if he would feel the same in ten minutes. “Great. You know, I don’t think non-students are allowed on campus. You should take off before you get arrested.”
“Michael, let’s go,” Max said wanting to get out of there before the reporter could start asking anymore questions.
“Sure,” Michael responded then looked back at the reporter. “You have ID? Or are you just into trolling for jail bait?”
Liz smiled then coughed as Max shot her a quelling look. “Come on Michael. My Dad will be pissed if we’re late for work.”
“Right,” Michael nodded and followed after them. He climbed into the backseat of the Jeep when they reached it and stayed silent as Max started the vehicle. Shooting a look back toward the school he saw the reporter still staring after them. “This is bad.”
Max gripped the wheel tightly not saying anything. There was no disagreeing with that statement.
Michael kept an eye on the dining room, grateful that Ava was working. It was so busy he couldn’t keep as close of an eye on Liz as he might like. He had seen that reporter guy hanging around asking questions the last few days so it hadn’t been hard to figure out what was going on when he saw him with Max and Liz earlier.
All of his thinking had come down to a few simple things. Changes were coming. It was inevitable, so he better get on board. The last year had shown so many changes he barely recognized his life before them anymore. Some of the changes had been good and some not, but for the most part he had to say his life was better. He couldn’t begrudge Max for wanting to keep Liz around. It wasn’t realistic to expect the three of them to remain apart forever and all in all they couldn’t have chosen much better. So with that in mind he had decided to try a few changes on his own. He didn't want to push everyone completely out of his life. Only the enemy. The trouble was remembering who the enemy was sometimes.
Liz waited till after the dinner rush to take her break. Max hadn’t been in yet since he was so used to timing his dinner around hers. Deciding to go across the street to see him for a change, she put together dinner for both of them and waved to Ava pointing across the street so she knew where she was going. She found him painting the information booth.
“Nice shade,” Liz commented reaching the last step.
Max set his paintbrush on the edge of the tray and turned. “What are you doing here? I was going to head over in a couple of minutes.”
“I know. I just thought…it would be quieter over here,” Liz said casually. Walking over to him she rubbed at a smudge of paint on his jaw. Licking her thumb she tried again.
Max lost interest in talking and took her hand leading her further into the museum. Stopping at the storage room he opened the door and pulled her in after him.
“What are we doing in here?” Liz asked looking around at the cluttered space. There was part of an alien arm hanging out of a box, the head to the alien costume Max worn last year on one of the upper shelves. In short not a really good place to eat dinner.
“No cameras in here,” Max said backing her into the door and taking the bag of food from her hand.
“I see,” Liz said as she watched him set the bag aside. “You like scoped the place out?”
“Uh huh,” Max agreed. “I like to know my environment.”
Liz’s lips twitched as she nodded seriously. “Right. Good thinking.”
Max moved in and kissed her forehead. “Thank you for dinner.”
“Sure,” Liz said softly her arms moving around his waist. “It’s getting cold though.”
“I can heat it back up,” Max replied absently not really interested in the food. He rubbed her arms frowning at how cold her skin was. “You should have worn a coat.”
“It was just a short dash across the street. Stop worrying so much. The next cold I get will send you into a panic if you don’t learn to relax,” Liz pointed out. She smiled when she felt the gentle warmth pulse out from his hands. She stood up on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss over his mouth. “Thanks.”
Max nodded and laced his fingers with hers. “Come sit down with me?”
Liz nodded and followed him as he walked to the back of the small space and sat on a box. “Where am I supposed to sit?”
“Right here,” Max said and tugged her onto his lap. “See? Made just for you.”
“I don’t know,” Liz said her eyes smiling. “It’s a little hard.”
“Funny,” Max said his lips curving upwards. “If you keep wiggling it’ll only get worse.”
“I’ll try and keep that in mind,” Liz replied her legs swinging back and forth her toes not quite touching the ground. “So what did the Sheriff say when you told him what happened?”
“He said he would look into it. There isn’t a whole lot we can do really. Not yet,” Max said a slight frown marring his face. “He said to just freeze him out and not talk. It’ll be all rumors if he does print anything. We’ll just wait and see I guess.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be seen with me for a little while,” Liz suggested softly.
“What?” Max asked surprised. He moved to see her face puzzled by her suggestion.
“If you’re not seen around me then maybe he won’t print your name or catch you in a picture with me,” Liz said logically. “It’s not really a good idea for you to be plastered in the tabloids. I won’t raise any eyebrows because no one really knows me but your enemies do know what you look like. They probably knew what you looked like before you ever grew up.”
“No,” Max said simply.
“Max,” Liz sighed snapping and unsnapping one of the fastenings on her uniform. “It’s not like you’re abandoning me. We’ll still see each other just not in public. You’ll be safer.”
“No, I’m not going along with that. I’m not hiding our relationship like it’s wrong. If they know me then they already know where I am. I haven’t moved since Copper Summit. All they would have to do is talk to anyone in town and they’ll put you and I together. We never exactly hid before this so it doesn’t make sense to start now,” Max said absently tightening his arms around her.
Liz looked up her fingers stilling their restless movements. “You’re very stubborn aren’t you?”
Max smiled and cuddled her closer. “Only sometimes. Not nearly as much as you are. You take the risk to be with me so I don’t see this as any different.”
“It’s probably too late anyway,” Liz said her fingers trailing over his jaw line. She loved the hint of roughness under her fingers. Leaning forward she started nibbling along the path her fingers had taken.
Max’s arms held her securely as she wiggled around to reach him better. Conversation forgotten, he leaned back against the stack of boxes behind him, Liz following him back easily as she reached his ear. Max’s breathing picked up as she lightly sucked on his earlobe before moving to nibble her way around the outer rim.
Liz took her time knowing how sensitive his ears were. Hearing his groan of pleasure at the soft warm brush of her tongue she lingered, wanting to please him. She kept her hands from wandering, mindful of where they were, but didn’t protest when his slid up her thigh.
Max softly stroked the smooth skin of her thigh needing to maintain contact. The shifting of her body on his lap and moist brush of her mouth across first his ear then his neck had Max craving deeper contact.
“What do think about a trip out to the pod chamber tomorrow?” Liz asked in between nibbles.
“Is it tomorrow yet?” Max asked in groan.
Liz smiled and shook her head, lips brushing his skin. “Not yet. I was actually thinking of doing that for a reason. I want to see if there’s a way to protect the granilith from Tess or whatever,” Liz said then gasp as Max’s hand tried to separate her legs. “Multi tasking is good though.”
Max’s agreement was a rumble of sound in his chest as his mouth took possession of hers. His kiss was hungry and through. He groaned as she inadvertently rubbed against his aching flesh. He took her bottom lip in a biting kiss, sucking on it briefly before moving on to enter her mouth.
When Liz finally had sense enough to place her hands against his chest and push away him slightly, they were both panting.
“I should…..umm get back…..to work,” Liz forced out against what she really wanted to do.
Max reached out and tucked a strand of hair back before smiling warmly. “Let’s eat first. You didn’t eat any of your dinner.”
“Okay,” Liz agreed looking into his eyes. Even with all the problems continually cropping up she had never felt more at home. She was so lucky. Max never made her guess about how he felt. It was always there all she had to do was reach for him and she felt it.
Chapter Forty Seven
Liz raced for the ringing phone and smiled at the customers waiting to be cashed out. Juggling the phone she reached for their bill ringing them up as she put the phone to her ear.
“CrashDown café how can I help you?” Liz said automatically accepting the money being held out to her.
“Liz? We need to talk,” Alex said as his printer hummed in the background.
“What’s up?” Liz asked giving the customer their change and a dazzling smile. “Thanks for visiting the CrashDown hope we see you again.”
“I’ve got that information you asked me to find. I think you’re going to want to take a look. Can I come by after you close?” Alex asked listening to the busy clatter of noise coming over the phone. They sounded really busy.
“Umm sure. Just come by when ever,” Liz agreed easily. Ringing up the next customer she shot a grateful look at Ava who was making the rounds of the dining room with a coffeepot and pitcher of water. “I’ll be here and I’ve got all night.”
“Okay, I’m on my way. I don’t think I’ll need the whole night,” Alex said absently.
Liz smiled pondering her response. Nah. It was Alex. “Whatever you need it’s yours. I gotta go it’s crazy here.”
“Okay, see you in a bit,” Alex agreed then hung up. He stopped sitting quietly for a moment as a feeling of disquiet that he had been ignoring broke over him.
Romero scratched his spreading rash absently as he looked over his notes. Something was going on with these kids. Moving over to review all of the photos he had taken over the last several days he picked out a photo of each of the groups members, spreading them across his bed. Everyone he had talked to agreed that Liz was the leader so he put her picture at the top. Glancing through his notes he reread the reasons the students and café employees had given him that showed that.
It wasn’t until Liz started dating Max that the group had formed into what it is. Her two friends had naturally followed her, bringing most of the people together. The exceptions being Tess and Kyle. Of course, you could argue that Liz had indeed brought Kyle along as well, when she went back to him. Most of the students had described her as confident, smart, and friendly. That was filtering out the insults of course. Everyone said that the group, of oddly tight knit people, seemed to respond to Liz’s whims whether they were aware of it or not.
After watching the group he had a lot of questions but he agreed with the general opinion. The others seemed to let Liz run out front. What he wondered more then anything else was how she managed to hold them? They were all so different, clashing regularly. It must be some hold she had on them to force them together. Picking up the pictures of Max and Kyle he placed them on either side of Liz’s and studied them. After a few minutes and many scratches later he flipped through the pictures of the three of them. How did that work exactly? Date one then the other. Go back to the first then change your mind again and have everyone be okay with it. The ringing of the phone interrupted his thoughts.
“Hello?” Romero answered wincing as he stared at the welts rising on his skin. Goddamn this desert rash.
“What have you got?”
Romero smiled at his editors clipped greeting. “None of them are talking to the press. The Sheriff has a strangle hold on his staff so that’s been a no go. The kids aren’t talking. I have gotten some interesting things from the other students though. They’re an odd group…very closed off from the other students. Rumors were already circulating about the victim Liz Parker but I’m not sure how you want to play this. She’s sixteen.”
“Will the rumors sell?”
“Yeah, they will but she’s underage. We could get sued,” Romero pointed out. “She’s not stupid and they’re not poor. One of the kids parents is a lawyer.”
“Sell enough papers it won’t matter. Just make it good. We’re not exactly known for truth. We write about scandals and freaks. So. Are they freaks or is there a scandal?”
“How about both? I could work both in this one. Young pretty girl involved in a twisted sex cult type thing. Gets attacked or is she just using that public attack to throw people off of the real truth? The reader can decide. Is she an innocent victim or ringleader of a secretive cult? Does her innocent outward appearance hide a calculated depraved intellect? Think it will sell enough?” Romero asked and waited through the long silence.
“Any sources that could back any of that up?”
“Plenty of sources of rumors. I’ve got ten statements that collaborate those rumors but like I said before it’s all rumor and most everyone involved are minors. The interesting thing is…..the Sheriff’s son is a part of this group and they all stayed at his house after the attack. Give me a direction and I’ll slant the story that way and find sources to back it up. Or I heard about something happening in Texas. I could wander over there too. Just give me the word,” Romero said not really giving a shit which way this went. It was a job.
“How pretty is the girl?”
“Very,” Romero responded.
“Hey sweet cheeks!” Maria called to Liz pushing open the doors from the backroom.
“Maria, what are you doing here?” Liz asked tossing her cleaning rag at the counter.
“I’ve got to tell you about my date,” Maria said plopping down on a stool and watching Liz as she turned the chairs up onto the table so she could sweep and mop the floor.
“Oh yeah. The date,” Liz said without enthusiasm. Personally, she thought this was a bad idea and had in fact told Maria that. More then once. Glancing at the pick up window she really hoped Michael wasn’t close enough to hear this.
“So. He picked me up and took me to dinner. You know that little Mexican place way outside town?” Maria asked ignoring Liz’s reply.
“Yes,” Liz answered with a nod and sighed.
“The food was fabulous. Then we went to the movies. I saw Kyle there with Faith. They seem to be doing….each other if nothing else,” Maria said rolling her eyes.
“Did you have fun?” Liz asked cutting to the heart of the matter. Her eyebrow arched as Maria’s pause stretched on.
“Yes. I think so,” Maria finally answered. “It was different. In a good way.”
“Then that’s good,” Liz replied mildly again glancing at the back.
“Don’t worry he isn’t back there,” Maria said seeing where Liz was looking.
“Then spill,” Liz said relieved.
“I didn’t kiss him. Too soon I think. This was like……a getting to know him kind of date,” Maria replied smiling at Liz’s perked up attitude.
“And? Did you like what you learned?” Liz asked stopping and really watching Maria’s body language.
“Umm not so much,” Maria admitted with a wide grin. “Beyond eye candy he was a waste of space. But!” Maria said as Liz’s mouth opened. “I got out and had dinner, a movie, and a pleasant evening. That’s enough.”
Liz grinned and rolled her eyes. Maria’s dating habits and her own were light years apart. “Good for you. Having a good time isn’t a criminal offense. I’m glad you had a good time.”
“I did,” Maria agreed then grinned. “The most fun was handing Kyle a condom and offering to explain to his date what safe sex meant.”
Liz’s eyes widened and her hand covered her mouth. “You did not!”
“I did,” Maria nodded. “He doesn’t need to be reproducing Liz. Can you imagine? Cross Faith with Kyle and the whole world will go to hell. Her best trait is that she could suck a golf ball through a garden hose.”
“MARIA!” Liz cried.
“What? It’s true,” Maria defended smiling.
“She just has to ruin it for everyone,” Kyle said walking in from the back.
“Date fell through?” Maria asked her eyes dancing.
“You think?” Kyle asked plopping down next to her. “I think it was when you said that MTV Beach Party wanted their inflatable tits back.”
“Oh my god!” Liz said shooting Maria a shocked look.
“What? You wanted Kyle to die from VD?” Maria asked smiling as Kyle flung his arm around her.
“Maria!” Liz rebuked her.
“Its okay, Liz. Maria was just looking out for my well fare,” Kyle said then turned to Maria. “I’ll have you know I inflated those tits myself.”
Liz groaned not wanting to hear them really get going. They were both just insane on their own. “Stop! My brain will start bleeding if I hear anymore.”
“Kyle, you are such a liar,” Maria said eyeing him. “Not even you have that much hot air. Her toes barely touched the ground like she had two hot air balloons in her shirt.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said wistfully. “Need a ride home?”
“Sure,” Maria said and smiled. Giving Liz a finger wave and a smile Maria left with Kyle trailing her out the door.
Biting her lip to hold back her smile Liz turned back to her work. She thought the world was in a lot more danger now with those two running around together then it was before.
“What’s up with those two?” Michael asked from the pickup window.
“God! Michael! I thought you were gone,” Liz started surprised.
“Nope. Just in the freezer,” Michael replied gruffly.
“Oh. Well. Umm they were just…..fooling around. Kyle’s giving Maria a ride home,” Liz said waving off that statement as if it held no importance.
Michael didn’t respond, just went back to scraping the grill. Frowning he hoped Liz finished soon. He couldn’t stretch this out much longer but he didn’t want to leave until she went upstairs.
A half-hour later Liz walked into the back and pulled off her antenna. Tossing them into her locker she sighed. Alex was running late. Shimmying into her leggings under her uniform she grabbed her sweater and called out to Michael.
“Don’t come in here for a sec okay?”
“Yeah,” Michael called back used to the girls changing back there. Ten minutes later he called out before exiting the kitchen. “Done?”
“Oh. Yeah, sorry,” Liz said then went back to chewing on her pen.
Michael walked in and went to his locker glancing over at Liz who was bent over her notebook on the couch. “What are you still doing here?”
“I’m waiting for Alex,” Liz answered not looking up.
Michael pulled off his shirt tossing it into the locker and grabbed the clean one. Pulling it on quickly he went to sit on the arm of the couch opposite from Liz. “What are you so focused on?”
“Umm just sketching out some of my ideas. Things I need to figure out that kind of thing,” Liz replied looking up.
“How’d that blood test work out?” Michael asked interested.
“Normal,” Liz admitted easily. “No changes that I can see in my blood anyway. Still not feeling me?” Liz asked with a smile.
Michael smiled a little. “Nope. You’re a solid wall to me.”
“Wonderful. I always wanted to have my very own solid wall,” Liz replied arching her eyebrow.
Michael grunted at her pointed reply. “That supposed to be funny?”
“Do you think it is?” Liz asked setting aside her notebook.
Michael studied her for a minute before answering. “No. I don’t. I am sorry about….before. I shouldn’t have said what I did and I knew it was shitty when I did it. You hit back hard though,” Michael answered a smirk playing over his face.
“Yeah. Well. I was pissy. Between you and Tess I was on my last nerve,” Liz replied her eyes twinkling. “You beat out Isabel for most annoying so that took some effort.”
“I can usually edge her out if I try,” Michael replied. “Years of practice.”
“And brute force,” Liz added then sighed as she glanced down at her notebook.
Michael saw where her eyes went and frowned. “What is it?”
Glancing up she saw where Michael was looking and answered his question. “I’ve got this list…..Okay. Ummm I’ve been thinking and these are the things that sort of….bother me I guess,” Liz said and when Michael nodded she picked up the notebook and started listing them. “The granilith is first. Tess knows where it is and can get in. So who else can? Can the Skins if Tess told them where it is? What else can it do and how do we actually get it to work? Can we move it if we have to? Or hide it? Ummm I got these….dream like things…and they were confusing. Max said that they weren’t dreams that he felt the use of powers connected to them so what were they? What exactly was the purpose and was it me or the bracelet or Max or what? Also…can you guys learn each other’s powers? Like can Max learn to dreamwalk and Isabel learn to shield? At least a little bit? I was wondering because if you can then I would guess that Tess can and probably has. It would be good if we all knew a little bit about how other powers worked even if it wasn’t our strongest suit. Like if you could project yourself if you got in trouble or something. Plus, maybe we wouldn’t be so vulnerable to Tess’s powers if we knew more about them. Then there’s the fact that these powers are human powers….so what are the alien powers? What can a Skin do compared to you? Or a shapeshifter verses you and a Skin? What is your alien side for exactly if your powers are human? Why do you have a book you can’t read?” Liz stopped to take a deep breath and smiled at Michael’s dazed expression. “That’s some of it.”
“Shit Liz,” Michael said shaking his head. “We’re on break. Do you ever stop thinking?”
“Not often,” Liz replied smiling. “If you don’t think someone will out think you. Then you’re just screwed.”
Michael couldn’t find fault with that. “True, I guess. I know both Is and I can heal a little bit. Not like Max can but some. So maybe we can cross train a little. The problem is finding somewhere to try this stuff. We can’t do it in the open and sometimes it gets out of hand. Maybe I could move the stuff out of my living room and get a couple fire extinguishers.”
Liz shrugged. “These are just ideas. I’m not telling you to do anything. I just have all these questions and stray thoughts you know?”
“Yeah, well it’s worth a try. We need to be ready,” Michael replied as there was a knock at the backdoor. He got up and opened the door letting Alex in.
“Hey Alex,” Liz greeted eyeing his backpack and duffel bag. “What’s all that?”
“My laptop and some stuff you need to see. I printed off a lot of stuff on the killings Valenti was talking about. He showed me his system and I used that as a jumping off point to get into others. He gave me dialup access. You won’t even believe what I found,” Alex said excited.
Michael found himself taking a seat interested in what was so important.
“Okay, so Valenti was right there are a string of murders that fit our story in a way. It’s much more then we thought though,” Alex said pulling out an atlas and opening it to a view of the whole country. “I put a silver dot where I found a killing that fit our profile and look at that.”
“Holy shit,” Michael remarked looking at all the dots.
“Yeah, but it gets even more interesting,” Alex said turning to Texas first. “I narrowed things down and there’s clearly a serial killer at work here. I looked at autopsy reports and police reports to match them and there’s no doubt that at least fifteen of these are by the same person. I’d say more because they refine their style over time. Texas is where I found the most recent stuff. Look at that. Eight killings in Texas alone all in the western part of the state. Littlefield, Bledsoe, Vealmoor, Gomez, Lubbock it just goes on. All not that far from us.”
“What are you saying?” Michael asked.
“I’m saying it’s a problem,” Alex said clearly. “First, the descriptions of the victims could be tailor made for Liz. All of them were dark haired, not one was over nineteen, the tallest one was five foot six. They were described as pretty and well liked. Now, this is a problem in a couple of ways. First, if the FBI hears about Liz and what happened they will come to question her. Then,” Alex paused and took a deep breath. “If the killer hears about this. If he sees Liz then….he might be interested.”
“Alex! Really. That description could fit tons of people. Most of the world is dark haired!” Liz protested.
“Yes, but most of the world isn’t that close to his hunting ground and in the news. Something is drawing him and we don’t know what it is. Two of the girls had just been in the paper. One for her contribution to animal rights and the other for some beauty contest. I’m just saying it’s possible,” Alex said holding up his hand to forestall Liz’s comments. “It’s possible Liz.”
“What’s the story with this guy?” Michael asked leaning forward.
“He abducts his victims from different places. They think he watches them first and just takes whatever opportunity presents itself. He removes their eyes. Like…totally removes them. All show signs of sexual assault but there’s no fluid. All of them are killed with a knife and tried to fight him. Defensive wounds on their hands and arms. He carves something into their torso. It’s a symbol,” Alex said and pulled out a picture. “It blurry but its like a U with the ends curving down.”
“Get to the part that ties to what we said,” Liz said steering him back to the main concern she had.
“Umm two witnesses say that they saw a dark haired man following two of the girls before they disappeared. The picture Valenti got could fit your dad,” Alex said looking at Liz. “Dressed in jeans, medium height, dark hair with a little grey possible, and medium build. The vehicle doesn’t matter because it’s stolen and changes with every killing. They find it with the body usually. This guy is bold. Took one from her house with people home, one right off the street in broad daylight.”
“Okay, I can handle this. It’s pretty general stuff,” Liz muttered. “Plus….Ava’s blonde so that doesn’t fit.”
“Which doesn’t matter because she wasn’t the target,” Michael pointed out.
“Still I can get around this,” Liz said feeling better.
“Liz. You’re not listening,” Alex said opening a file on his laptop. “Look at these and tell me you don’t fit.”
Michael moved to see the pictures Alex was pulling up. Whistling he had to agree with Alex. Liz would sort of fit. It was the eyes. Each girl had pretty eyes most dark brown but striking in some way. “Max is gonna flip.”
Liz stiffened and turned to him. “We are not going to be telling Max. This doesn’t mean anything. There’s no reason to add this to all the other stuff we have going on.”
“Liz! If your picture ends up in the paper, which is very possible with that reporter around, it’s like pinning a sign on you saying victim here!” Alex said frustrated. “Hi, I’m Liz Parker a serial killers wet dream. I’ve been attacked once already and look at my pretty brown eyes!”
Liz rolled her eyes and sat back folding her arms. “Really Alex! Let’s not get all worked up okay? I’ll talk to my dad and get him to threaten a lawsuit if that reporter prints anything. I’m a minor so there are laws about printing bullshit stories about me. Romero has nothing to go on anyway. The TV has already aired everything and there was no picture of me so just chill.”
Michael looked at the stubborn set to Liz’s jaw and knew better then to argue. He had a different idea anyway. “Well I’m going to take off. I’m beat,” Michael said standing. When Liz shot him a look he held up his hands. “I’m not going to Max.”
“Okay. I’ll see you on Thanksgiving,” Liz said grudgingly.
“See you then,” Michael said and left.
“What’s on Thanksgiving?” Alex asked.
“We both work,” Liz replied then refocused. “Let’s go up to my room and we can go over everything okay?”
“Right,” Alex agreed hoping to make her see reason.
Liz stayed up long after Alex left. She refined her list and made a plan for her day with Max. She came up with a few experiments that she wanted to try but she needed to be tired enough to go to sleep for them so she needed to stay up as long as she could.
Alex had promised to email her some of the stuff once he worked it into some sort of clear format. Until then she really didn’t see the point in working Max up. He was so hyper anyway that if she even sneezed he was checking her for a terminal illness. She would make a point to talk to the Sheriff and see what he thought about it and go from there.
Michael climbed out of Isabel’s window satisfied that things were under control. Isabel was going to talk to her dad about the reporter and he and given her the copy he had flinched of what that killer was supposed to look like. She agreed to try and dreamwalk him. Problem dealt with for now.
Liz raced for the ringing phone and smiled at the customers waiting to be cashed out. Juggling the phone she reached for their bill ringing them up as she put the phone to her ear.
“CrashDown café how can I help you?” Liz said automatically accepting the money being held out to her.
“Liz? We need to talk,” Alex said as his printer hummed in the background.
“What’s up?” Liz asked giving the customer their change and a dazzling smile. “Thanks for visiting the CrashDown hope we see you again.”
“I’ve got that information you asked me to find. I think you’re going to want to take a look. Can I come by after you close?” Alex asked listening to the busy clatter of noise coming over the phone. They sounded really busy.
“Umm sure. Just come by when ever,” Liz agreed easily. Ringing up the next customer she shot a grateful look at Ava who was making the rounds of the dining room with a coffeepot and pitcher of water. “I’ll be here and I’ve got all night.”
“Okay, I’m on my way. I don’t think I’ll need the whole night,” Alex said absently.
Liz smiled pondering her response. Nah. It was Alex. “Whatever you need it’s yours. I gotta go it’s crazy here.”
“Okay, see you in a bit,” Alex agreed then hung up. He stopped sitting quietly for a moment as a feeling of disquiet that he had been ignoring broke over him.
Romero scratched his spreading rash absently as he looked over his notes. Something was going on with these kids. Moving over to review all of the photos he had taken over the last several days he picked out a photo of each of the groups members, spreading them across his bed. Everyone he had talked to agreed that Liz was the leader so he put her picture at the top. Glancing through his notes he reread the reasons the students and café employees had given him that showed that.
It wasn’t until Liz started dating Max that the group had formed into what it is. Her two friends had naturally followed her, bringing most of the people together. The exceptions being Tess and Kyle. Of course, you could argue that Liz had indeed brought Kyle along as well, when she went back to him. Most of the students had described her as confident, smart, and friendly. That was filtering out the insults of course. Everyone said that the group, of oddly tight knit people, seemed to respond to Liz’s whims whether they were aware of it or not.
After watching the group he had a lot of questions but he agreed with the general opinion. The others seemed to let Liz run out front. What he wondered more then anything else was how she managed to hold them? They were all so different, clashing regularly. It must be some hold she had on them to force them together. Picking up the pictures of Max and Kyle he placed them on either side of Liz’s and studied them. After a few minutes and many scratches later he flipped through the pictures of the three of them. How did that work exactly? Date one then the other. Go back to the first then change your mind again and have everyone be okay with it. The ringing of the phone interrupted his thoughts.
“Hello?” Romero answered wincing as he stared at the welts rising on his skin. Goddamn this desert rash.
“What have you got?”
Romero smiled at his editors clipped greeting. “None of them are talking to the press. The Sheriff has a strangle hold on his staff so that’s been a no go. The kids aren’t talking. I have gotten some interesting things from the other students though. They’re an odd group…very closed off from the other students. Rumors were already circulating about the victim Liz Parker but I’m not sure how you want to play this. She’s sixteen.”
“Will the rumors sell?”
“Yeah, they will but she’s underage. We could get sued,” Romero pointed out. “She’s not stupid and they’re not poor. One of the kids parents is a lawyer.”
“Sell enough papers it won’t matter. Just make it good. We’re not exactly known for truth. We write about scandals and freaks. So. Are they freaks or is there a scandal?”
“How about both? I could work both in this one. Young pretty girl involved in a twisted sex cult type thing. Gets attacked or is she just using that public attack to throw people off of the real truth? The reader can decide. Is she an innocent victim or ringleader of a secretive cult? Does her innocent outward appearance hide a calculated depraved intellect? Think it will sell enough?” Romero asked and waited through the long silence.
“Any sources that could back any of that up?”
“Plenty of sources of rumors. I’ve got ten statements that collaborate those rumors but like I said before it’s all rumor and most everyone involved are minors. The interesting thing is…..the Sheriff’s son is a part of this group and they all stayed at his house after the attack. Give me a direction and I’ll slant the story that way and find sources to back it up. Or I heard about something happening in Texas. I could wander over there too. Just give me the word,” Romero said not really giving a shit which way this went. It was a job.
“How pretty is the girl?”
“Very,” Romero responded.
“Hey sweet cheeks!” Maria called to Liz pushing open the doors from the backroom.
“Maria, what are you doing here?” Liz asked tossing her cleaning rag at the counter.
“I’ve got to tell you about my date,” Maria said plopping down on a stool and watching Liz as she turned the chairs up onto the table so she could sweep and mop the floor.
“Oh yeah. The date,” Liz said without enthusiasm. Personally, she thought this was a bad idea and had in fact told Maria that. More then once. Glancing at the pick up window she really hoped Michael wasn’t close enough to hear this.
“So. He picked me up and took me to dinner. You know that little Mexican place way outside town?” Maria asked ignoring Liz’s reply.
“Yes,” Liz answered with a nod and sighed.
“The food was fabulous. Then we went to the movies. I saw Kyle there with Faith. They seem to be doing….each other if nothing else,” Maria said rolling her eyes.
“Did you have fun?” Liz asked cutting to the heart of the matter. Her eyebrow arched as Maria’s pause stretched on.
“Yes. I think so,” Maria finally answered. “It was different. In a good way.”
“Then that’s good,” Liz replied mildly again glancing at the back.
“Don’t worry he isn’t back there,” Maria said seeing where Liz was looking.
“Then spill,” Liz said relieved.
“I didn’t kiss him. Too soon I think. This was like……a getting to know him kind of date,” Maria replied smiling at Liz’s perked up attitude.
“And? Did you like what you learned?” Liz asked stopping and really watching Maria’s body language.
“Umm not so much,” Maria admitted with a wide grin. “Beyond eye candy he was a waste of space. But!” Maria said as Liz’s mouth opened. “I got out and had dinner, a movie, and a pleasant evening. That’s enough.”
Liz grinned and rolled her eyes. Maria’s dating habits and her own were light years apart. “Good for you. Having a good time isn’t a criminal offense. I’m glad you had a good time.”
“I did,” Maria agreed then grinned. “The most fun was handing Kyle a condom and offering to explain to his date what safe sex meant.”
Liz’s eyes widened and her hand covered her mouth. “You did not!”
“I did,” Maria nodded. “He doesn’t need to be reproducing Liz. Can you imagine? Cross Faith with Kyle and the whole world will go to hell. Her best trait is that she could suck a golf ball through a garden hose.”
“MARIA!” Liz cried.
“What? It’s true,” Maria defended smiling.
“She just has to ruin it for everyone,” Kyle said walking in from the back.
“Date fell through?” Maria asked her eyes dancing.
“You think?” Kyle asked plopping down next to her. “I think it was when you said that MTV Beach Party wanted their inflatable tits back.”
“Oh my god!” Liz said shooting Maria a shocked look.
“What? You wanted Kyle to die from VD?” Maria asked smiling as Kyle flung his arm around her.
“Maria!” Liz rebuked her.
“Its okay, Liz. Maria was just looking out for my well fare,” Kyle said then turned to Maria. “I’ll have you know I inflated those tits myself.”
Liz groaned not wanting to hear them really get going. They were both just insane on their own. “Stop! My brain will start bleeding if I hear anymore.”
“Kyle, you are such a liar,” Maria said eyeing him. “Not even you have that much hot air. Her toes barely touched the ground like she had two hot air balloons in her shirt.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said wistfully. “Need a ride home?”
“Sure,” Maria said and smiled. Giving Liz a finger wave and a smile Maria left with Kyle trailing her out the door.
Biting her lip to hold back her smile Liz turned back to her work. She thought the world was in a lot more danger now with those two running around together then it was before.
“What’s up with those two?” Michael asked from the pickup window.
“God! Michael! I thought you were gone,” Liz started surprised.
“Nope. Just in the freezer,” Michael replied gruffly.
“Oh. Well. Umm they were just…..fooling around. Kyle’s giving Maria a ride home,” Liz said waving off that statement as if it held no importance.
Michael didn’t respond, just went back to scraping the grill. Frowning he hoped Liz finished soon. He couldn’t stretch this out much longer but he didn’t want to leave until she went upstairs.
A half-hour later Liz walked into the back and pulled off her antenna. Tossing them into her locker she sighed. Alex was running late. Shimmying into her leggings under her uniform she grabbed her sweater and called out to Michael.
“Don’t come in here for a sec okay?”
“Yeah,” Michael called back used to the girls changing back there. Ten minutes later he called out before exiting the kitchen. “Done?”
“Oh. Yeah, sorry,” Liz said then went back to chewing on her pen.
Michael walked in and went to his locker glancing over at Liz who was bent over her notebook on the couch. “What are you still doing here?”
“I’m waiting for Alex,” Liz answered not looking up.
Michael pulled off his shirt tossing it into the locker and grabbed the clean one. Pulling it on quickly he went to sit on the arm of the couch opposite from Liz. “What are you so focused on?”
“Umm just sketching out some of my ideas. Things I need to figure out that kind of thing,” Liz replied looking up.
“How’d that blood test work out?” Michael asked interested.
“Normal,” Liz admitted easily. “No changes that I can see in my blood anyway. Still not feeling me?” Liz asked with a smile.
Michael smiled a little. “Nope. You’re a solid wall to me.”
“Wonderful. I always wanted to have my very own solid wall,” Liz replied arching her eyebrow.
Michael grunted at her pointed reply. “That supposed to be funny?”
“Do you think it is?” Liz asked setting aside her notebook.
Michael studied her for a minute before answering. “No. I don’t. I am sorry about….before. I shouldn’t have said what I did and I knew it was shitty when I did it. You hit back hard though,” Michael answered a smirk playing over his face.
“Yeah. Well. I was pissy. Between you and Tess I was on my last nerve,” Liz replied her eyes twinkling. “You beat out Isabel for most annoying so that took some effort.”
“I can usually edge her out if I try,” Michael replied. “Years of practice.”
“And brute force,” Liz added then sighed as she glanced down at her notebook.
Michael saw where her eyes went and frowned. “What is it?”
Glancing up she saw where Michael was looking and answered his question. “I’ve got this list…..Okay. Ummm I’ve been thinking and these are the things that sort of….bother me I guess,” Liz said and when Michael nodded she picked up the notebook and started listing them. “The granilith is first. Tess knows where it is and can get in. So who else can? Can the Skins if Tess told them where it is? What else can it do and how do we actually get it to work? Can we move it if we have to? Or hide it? Ummm I got these….dream like things…and they were confusing. Max said that they weren’t dreams that he felt the use of powers connected to them so what were they? What exactly was the purpose and was it me or the bracelet or Max or what? Also…can you guys learn each other’s powers? Like can Max learn to dreamwalk and Isabel learn to shield? At least a little bit? I was wondering because if you can then I would guess that Tess can and probably has. It would be good if we all knew a little bit about how other powers worked even if it wasn’t our strongest suit. Like if you could project yourself if you got in trouble or something. Plus, maybe we wouldn’t be so vulnerable to Tess’s powers if we knew more about them. Then there’s the fact that these powers are human powers….so what are the alien powers? What can a Skin do compared to you? Or a shapeshifter verses you and a Skin? What is your alien side for exactly if your powers are human? Why do you have a book you can’t read?” Liz stopped to take a deep breath and smiled at Michael’s dazed expression. “That’s some of it.”
“Shit Liz,” Michael said shaking his head. “We’re on break. Do you ever stop thinking?”
“Not often,” Liz replied smiling. “If you don’t think someone will out think you. Then you’re just screwed.”
Michael couldn’t find fault with that. “True, I guess. I know both Is and I can heal a little bit. Not like Max can but some. So maybe we can cross train a little. The problem is finding somewhere to try this stuff. We can’t do it in the open and sometimes it gets out of hand. Maybe I could move the stuff out of my living room and get a couple fire extinguishers.”
Liz shrugged. “These are just ideas. I’m not telling you to do anything. I just have all these questions and stray thoughts you know?”
“Yeah, well it’s worth a try. We need to be ready,” Michael replied as there was a knock at the backdoor. He got up and opened the door letting Alex in.
“Hey Alex,” Liz greeted eyeing his backpack and duffel bag. “What’s all that?”
“My laptop and some stuff you need to see. I printed off a lot of stuff on the killings Valenti was talking about. He showed me his system and I used that as a jumping off point to get into others. He gave me dialup access. You won’t even believe what I found,” Alex said excited.
Michael found himself taking a seat interested in what was so important.
“Okay, so Valenti was right there are a string of murders that fit our story in a way. It’s much more then we thought though,” Alex said pulling out an atlas and opening it to a view of the whole country. “I put a silver dot where I found a killing that fit our profile and look at that.”
“Holy shit,” Michael remarked looking at all the dots.
“Yeah, but it gets even more interesting,” Alex said turning to Texas first. “I narrowed things down and there’s clearly a serial killer at work here. I looked at autopsy reports and police reports to match them and there’s no doubt that at least fifteen of these are by the same person. I’d say more because they refine their style over time. Texas is where I found the most recent stuff. Look at that. Eight killings in Texas alone all in the western part of the state. Littlefield, Bledsoe, Vealmoor, Gomez, Lubbock it just goes on. All not that far from us.”
“What are you saying?” Michael asked.
“I’m saying it’s a problem,” Alex said clearly. “First, the descriptions of the victims could be tailor made for Liz. All of them were dark haired, not one was over nineteen, the tallest one was five foot six. They were described as pretty and well liked. Now, this is a problem in a couple of ways. First, if the FBI hears about Liz and what happened they will come to question her. Then,” Alex paused and took a deep breath. “If the killer hears about this. If he sees Liz then….he might be interested.”
“Alex! Really. That description could fit tons of people. Most of the world is dark haired!” Liz protested.
“Yes, but most of the world isn’t that close to his hunting ground and in the news. Something is drawing him and we don’t know what it is. Two of the girls had just been in the paper. One for her contribution to animal rights and the other for some beauty contest. I’m just saying it’s possible,” Alex said holding up his hand to forestall Liz’s comments. “It’s possible Liz.”
“What’s the story with this guy?” Michael asked leaning forward.
“He abducts his victims from different places. They think he watches them first and just takes whatever opportunity presents itself. He removes their eyes. Like…totally removes them. All show signs of sexual assault but there’s no fluid. All of them are killed with a knife and tried to fight him. Defensive wounds on their hands and arms. He carves something into their torso. It’s a symbol,” Alex said and pulled out a picture. “It blurry but its like a U with the ends curving down.”
“Get to the part that ties to what we said,” Liz said steering him back to the main concern she had.
“Umm two witnesses say that they saw a dark haired man following two of the girls before they disappeared. The picture Valenti got could fit your dad,” Alex said looking at Liz. “Dressed in jeans, medium height, dark hair with a little grey possible, and medium build. The vehicle doesn’t matter because it’s stolen and changes with every killing. They find it with the body usually. This guy is bold. Took one from her house with people home, one right off the street in broad daylight.”
“Okay, I can handle this. It’s pretty general stuff,” Liz muttered. “Plus….Ava’s blonde so that doesn’t fit.”
“Which doesn’t matter because she wasn’t the target,” Michael pointed out.
“Still I can get around this,” Liz said feeling better.
“Liz. You’re not listening,” Alex said opening a file on his laptop. “Look at these and tell me you don’t fit.”
Michael moved to see the pictures Alex was pulling up. Whistling he had to agree with Alex. Liz would sort of fit. It was the eyes. Each girl had pretty eyes most dark brown but striking in some way. “Max is gonna flip.”
Liz stiffened and turned to him. “We are not going to be telling Max. This doesn’t mean anything. There’s no reason to add this to all the other stuff we have going on.”
“Liz! If your picture ends up in the paper, which is very possible with that reporter around, it’s like pinning a sign on you saying victim here!” Alex said frustrated. “Hi, I’m Liz Parker a serial killers wet dream. I’ve been attacked once already and look at my pretty brown eyes!”
Liz rolled her eyes and sat back folding her arms. “Really Alex! Let’s not get all worked up okay? I’ll talk to my dad and get him to threaten a lawsuit if that reporter prints anything. I’m a minor so there are laws about printing bullshit stories about me. Romero has nothing to go on anyway. The TV has already aired everything and there was no picture of me so just chill.”
Michael looked at the stubborn set to Liz’s jaw and knew better then to argue. He had a different idea anyway. “Well I’m going to take off. I’m beat,” Michael said standing. When Liz shot him a look he held up his hands. “I’m not going to Max.”
“Okay. I’ll see you on Thanksgiving,” Liz said grudgingly.
“See you then,” Michael said and left.
“What’s on Thanksgiving?” Alex asked.
“We both work,” Liz replied then refocused. “Let’s go up to my room and we can go over everything okay?”
“Right,” Alex agreed hoping to make her see reason.
Liz stayed up long after Alex left. She refined her list and made a plan for her day with Max. She came up with a few experiments that she wanted to try but she needed to be tired enough to go to sleep for them so she needed to stay up as long as she could.
Alex had promised to email her some of the stuff once he worked it into some sort of clear format. Until then she really didn’t see the point in working Max up. He was so hyper anyway that if she even sneezed he was checking her for a terminal illness. She would make a point to talk to the Sheriff and see what he thought about it and go from there.
Michael climbed out of Isabel’s window satisfied that things were under control. Isabel was going to talk to her dad about the reporter and he and given her the copy he had flinched of what that killer was supposed to look like. She agreed to try and dreamwalk him. Problem dealt with for now.