Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. I'm glad there are some of you who weren't too harsh on Max
, although I have to say he's taken your words to heart and seen the error of his ways ...Enjoy!
44
“Are you sure you should be doing this?” Isabel asked. She was standing just inside Max’s bedroom door watching him pack an overnight bag.
Max just looked at her and raised his eyebrows, before returning to his packing.
“Okay, okay. Just don’t push her Max.” Isabel warned. “Be there as a friend but nothing more. She won’t be in the right headspace to deal with you, and you could end up pushing her further away.”
“I promise I’ll be on my best behaviour. Scouts honour.” Max saluted before picking up his bag and jacket ready to leave the room.
“Give my love to Liz okay? Tell her I’m sorry I couldn’t come down myself.” Isabel said as she hugged her brother goodbye.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay here on your own?” Max asked.
“Oh, I won’t be on my own. Alex will be here.” Isabel replied.
“I thought he was going to Australia with Maria?”
“There was a change of plans. Serena is going down for the funeral so she will be escorting Maria.”
“Oh.” Max replied, wondering whether he would prefer Isabel to be here alone or alone in the house with Alex.
“Stop worrying about me.” Isabel smirked, knowing exactly what Max was thinking.
“Just look after yourself.” Max asked, before giving her a goodbye kiss on the forehead.
“I will. Bye Max.” Isabel replied as she watched him walk out the door. “Good luck.”
* * * * *
“Liz?” Michael approached hesitantly. He had checked into his hotel, had called Maria and Serena to tell them the news, and had just returned to check on Liz and her mother. He found Liz sitting in the dark on the swing in backyard, staring intently at the ground by her feet.
The sound of Michael approach broke Liz out of her reverie. She looked up and squinted against the light.
“Hey Michael.” Liz replied, although distractedly.
“How are you doing?” Michael asked, taking a seat on the swing next to Liz.
“Fine.” Liz replied, unconvincingly.
“Did you get some sleep?” Michael asked, concerned about the black rings under Liz’s eyes.
“No. I couldn’t sleep.” Liz replied. Truth was, she hadn’t really attempted to. After the phone call with Max, there were too many thoughts running through her head.
“Can I get you anything? Something to eat maybe?” Michael offered.
“That would be nice.” Liz smiled, grateful for his offer. Food was the last thing on her mind at the moment, but she wanted Michael to feel useful.
“I’ll be back shortly.” Michael smiled, before making his way inside to the kitchen.
* * * * *
“Max? What are you doing here?” Maria’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Same thing as you I would imagine.” Max replied, after being accosted by Maria in the airport.
“I really don’t think that is a good idea.” Maria stated. “This is really not a good time for you to start pulling any stunts with Liz.”
“I know Maria. I just want to make sure she’s okay.” Max replied. Why did everybody automatically assume that his going to Australia to find Liz was such a bad idea?
“I really don’t think she’ll want you there.” Maria continued to argue.
“She called me Maria.” Max announced.
“She what?” Maria repeated.
“She called me last night to tell me about her dad. Out of everyone she could have called, she chose me. Doesn’t that sound like she needs me?” Max asked, wanting Maria’s confirmation of what he had been thinking himself. It was what he had been arguing since he had made up his mind to catch the first plane to Australia.
Maria looked like she was debating it for a moment.
“If you so much as look at her the wrong way … so help me God.” Maria warned.
Max put his hands up in defence, and Maria seemed to back off.
“Sorry I’m late…” Serena said walking up to Maria, but then glared at Max – “What are you doing here?”
“Liz called him.” Maria answered for him.
Serena’s eyes narrowed in the same way as Maria’s had.
“If you so much as …” Serena began.
“-I know, I know. I’ve already had the lecture.” Max cut her off.
“I’ll be watching you.” Serena warned – giving Max her best glare.
“Let’s just check in for the flight shall me?” Max said, grabbing his bag and watching Maria fumble with the millions of bags she had brought with her. “Do you need some help?” He offered.
“No. I’m fine.” Maria replied, before pushing passed Max to the economy check in line. Max meanwhile headed to the front of the first class check in line which was empty compared to the economy line. Within minutes he had managed to check in and was already headed to the gates. Maria just watched him go and tried not to get too impatient at the long line in front of her, but kicked herself for not getting to the airport earlier.
“Excuse me.” An official looking gentleman approached Maria and Serena. “Would you two ladies like to follow me please?”
A disgruntled Maria, and a mildly interested Serena, picked up their bags and left the long economy line to follow the mysterious gentleman. To their surprise he took them to the front of the first class check in line.
“There must be some mistake…” Maria began.
“No mistake. Mr Evans has just paid to upgrade your seats. You’ll be joining him in first class today.”
Maria was dumbfounded, and Serena had to reach over and pick up Maria’s jaw from off the ground.
“You mean to say we are flying the whole way to Australia in first class?” Maria squealed.
“Yes Madam. The flight isn’t for another hour so once you proceed through customs, please avail yourself to the facilities in our first class lounge.” The check-in lady smiled.
“I definitely will.” Maria smiled in return.
* * * * *
Liz eventually made her way into the house to check on Michael. He had spent a long time in the kitchen already, which meant he was either in trouble, or he was preparing an extravaganza of a meal, which she knew she wouldn’t be able to eat.
“Michael?” Liz called as she entered the kitchen. She could see the omelette that Michael had begun to prepare, but not yet cooked.
“Michael?” Liz repeated, venturing into the living room where she could hear the TV.
“Sorry, I was just trying to catch the late night news.” Michael said, reaching for the remote when he saw Liz walk in.
“That’s okay Michael.” Liz smiled, but then her eyes fell on the television screen which was showing images of Tess leaving the family planning clinic days before.
“Tess Harding has denied rumours that Max Evans is the father of her child. Sources close to the star confirm that Max and Tess have not been together since their break-up earlier in the year. Tess Harding has not yet confirmed who the father is, and appears to have gone into hiding. Max Evans has not yet been reached for comment... In related news, Max’s newest love interest, Liz Parker, lost her father earlier today from a heart attack. Sources at the hospital report that Liz and her mother were at his bedside when he died. The question now is whether Max will come down to Australia to be by Liz’s side at the funeral. This will be Max’s first visit to our shores since 2002. In other news…”
“Sorry.” Michael apologised as he flicked off the television.
Liz didn’t say anything, before taking a seat on the nearest chair.
“Are you okay?” Michael asked concerned.
“Fine.” Liz repeated for the second time that day.
Truth was her head was reeling. Max didn’t sleep with Tess – according to the media anyway… And she tended to believe them because, assuming Tess did indeed deny the rumours, Liz could not see any reason why she would lie when it was in her best interest to make everyone think that she and Max were together. No, it had to be true.
And her father’s death had made the news. No doubt they now couldn’t bury him in peace, not with the paparazzi waiting for Max to show up. Would he show up? Of course he would. After she broke down and contacted him last night, he now knew exactly where she would be. And she believed she knew him well enough to know exactly what his next move would be.
* * * * *
Max reclined his chair, put on his headphones and closed his eyes. The minute his eyes were closed, he imagined Liz, and what she was doing at that moment. He hoped that Michael had found her and was doing what he could to look after her while he couldn’t be there. He also tried to imagine how his meeting with Liz would go. Would she be happy to see him? Would she refuse to talk to him?
“I hope you don’t think this has gotten you off the hook… Just because you were kind enough to upgrade Serena and I, that doesn’t mean that we are going to just let you waltz back into Liz’s life.” Maria warned, and Serena backed Maria up with a well directed pointed stare.
“That wasn’t my intention.” Max defended himself, after removing his headphones. “I just thought it would make your trip more comfortable. And … well … maybe I just wanted the company?”
Maria eyed him suspiciously.
“Why does everyone automatically think that I’m going to hurt Liz? I love her.” Max asked, frustrated.
“But when you see her, are you going to what’s best for her or what’s best for you?” Maria asked.
Max didn’t reply, but pulled his headphones back down over his ears.
What would he do when he saw Liz? He would like to think that he would be the perfect gentleman – saying all the right things at the right time, and being everything she wants and needs at that moment. But when he finally saw her, how would he know what that was?
* * * * *
“I really think you should try and get some sleep.” Michael suggested, after seeing Liz suppress a yawn.
“I don’t think I could even if I wanted to.” Liz replied, rubbing her bloodshot eyes.
“Why don’t you just try? You might surprise yourself.” Michael suggested.
“If I try, will you get off my case?” Liz smirked.
“For a little while at least.” Michael smiled in return.
“Fine. On one condition.” Liz requested.
“Yeah? What’s that?” Michael asked.
“Will you stay with me?” Liz asked hesitantly, embarrassed that she was too scared to close her eyes on her own.
“Of course.” Michael smiled, shuffling up one end of the sofa so Liz had room to stretch out. Liz propped a pillow up against Michael’s lap and lay down. Within seconds of her head hitting the pillow, Liz was asleep. Michael pulled a blanket over Liz and tried to close his eyes himself.
* * * * *
“I think we need to set some ground rules.” Maria suddenly announced to Max, after the flight attendants had cleared away their breakfast. They had had a very smooth flight from LA to Sydney, and were now taking a connecting flight to Adelaide. They would be touching down in half an hour.
“Ground rules?” Max asked hesitantly. He didn’t like the sound of that.
“I need some kind of assurance that you are going to give Liz all the space she needs.” Maria added.
“Of course I will. I’m not going to ruin the one chance I have to make things right.” Max promised.
“Good. Then you’ll agree to my two conditions.” Maria smiled.
“And what would they be?” Max hesitated to ask.
“Firstly, I want you to agree that you won’t approach Liz until after the funeral.” Maria began.
“Okay…” Max agreed, although very hesitantly. “And the other condition?”
“The moment she asks you to leave – you do, on the first plane out.” Maria finished.
“Maria. I’m not going to force my presence on Liz if she doesn’t want me to be there. I love her and want to be with her more than anything, but only if she wants to be with me too.”
“I need you to tell me that you agree to the conditions…” Maria pushed.
“I agree. Satisfied?” Max replied.
“I will be once I see Liz.” Maria answered.
“Me too.” Max agreed.
* * * * *
“Morning.” Michael said when he felt Liz stir.
“Morning.” Liz croaked, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “How long did I sleep for?”
“About ten hours sleeping beauty.” Michael smiled. “I guess you really were tired after all.”
“I’m so sorry. You must have been very uncomfortable.” Liz apologised, sitting up on the sofa.
“Nah, not after I lost all feeling in my legs.” Michael joked.
“I’m really sorry.” Liz apologised again.
“Don’t even worry about it. I’m glad you got the chance to rest.”
“Can I at least make you breakfast?” Liz asked.
“No, let me.” Michael offered, attempting to stand up, and then immediately sat back down. “Well, maybe after I get the feeling back in my legs.”
“I’ll get breakfast.” Liz offered, leaving an immovable Michael stranded on the sofa.
Liz walked into the kitchen and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. The events of the previous day came crashing down on her when she saw her mother in the kitchen.
“Mum?” Liz said, hesitantly.
“Lizzie. Oh honey, how are you doing?” Liz’s mother said, getting up from the stool where she had been crying into a cup of coffee and came over and hugged her daughter.
“I’m okay Mum.” Liz replied, hugging her mother back.
“I still can’t believe that he’s gone.” Liz’s mother sobbed.
“I know… I feel as though I have wasted the last four years because I didn’t spend them with Dad. I should have been here.” Liz cried.
“It’s impossible to know what the future holds. You had to leave – he understood that.” Liz’s mother consoled.
“I just wish we had more time…”
“Me too.” Liz’s mother agreed.
* * * * *
“Max! Max! What’s it like to be back in Australia?” A reporter asked, having shoved a microphone and camera in Max’s face the moment he walked up the ramp from the gate to the arrivals hall in the Adelaide airport.
“I’ll let you know once I see more than the airport.” Max said as he gave one of his award winning grins.
“Are you here for Liz Parker’s father’s funeral?” Another asked.
“I’m here to support Liz and her family during his time, and you would make it a lot easier for me if you would leave them alone while they deal with their grief. Thank you.” Max replied, beginning to escort Maria and Serena to the baggage collection area. He was starting to wish he had thought ahead and organised security.
“Max! Max! What about Tess’ admission that you’re not the father of her child. Does it come as a relief?” Another reporter asked.
“There was never any doubt.” Max smiled, before walking away.
* * * * *
“I’ll get it.” Liz announced, when she heard the sound of the doorbell. Just before unlatching the door, she thought twice, and decided to check through the peephole. Releasing the breath she had been holding, she quickly opened the door.
“Maria! Serena!” Liz cried, throwing an arm around each of them. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course babe. We wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Maria answered for both of them. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay. Michael’s been great.” Liz replied.
At that moment Maria saw Michael over Liz’s shoulder and immediately went over to give him a hug too. She hadn’t wanted to admit to herself how much she had missed him in just a few days.
While Maria and Michael caught up, Serena turned her attention to Liz, who was looking over Serena’s shoulder.
“He’s not here.” Serena said, knowing exactly what Liz was thinking.
Liz nodded, and wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed.
“He’s in Adelaide.” Serena announced, seeing the look on Liz’s face and reading it as disappointment. “But Maria asked him not to come until you said you were ready. He’ll be at the funeral tomorrow.”
Liz nodded again, willing the flutter in her heart to stop.
The good news is I have so much more time to write ... 
(pretty please?) I promise that happily ever after you are all waiting for will come eventually.