Turning Paths (UC Mi/L) Ch 12 - 9/9/08 ~Complete~

[whitexeclipse]

Maria followed him and they drove to the Valenti residence.

Max noticed nobody was home.

"Come on..." He said, as he waited for them to join him at the door of the house. He then waved his hand over the knob to unlock it.

Maria gasped. "We are breaking into the Sheriffs house!?" She squealed.

Max looked back at her.

"The Sheriff would let us in if he was here...you know that." He whispered, as he pushed open the door, and walked in towards Tess's room.

Liz was in between the two of them, as they made their way into the Valenti house.

"I hope we can do this fast and quick," Liz sighed, as she rubbed her temples lightly.

"Yeah, but what are we doing?" He asked softly, as he pushed open Tess's door.

Maria sighed, as she followed him in.

"Looking for a big poster that says 'I am a big fat liar.' That's what we are doing," She said, rolling her eyes.

Max looked at her and then shifted his eyes towards a box of Tess's stuff.

"Just start looking around the room for anything…" He said, as he pulled the box out, beginning on searching through it.

Maria nodded and went over to Tess's closet. She began searching through some boxes.

Liz nodded, as she went to Tess's desk, looking through some stuff. She frowned when she saw some pictures of Max and Tess and she quickly pushed them aside. God, she felt so nervous and awkward right now.

Max was flipping through papers in the box Tess usually kept under her bed. He was flipping so fast he almost passed the paper. He suddenly saw a picture of a diamond and some documents that not only looked old and worn but handwritten. He pulled one out and began reading. It was a letter from Nasedo to Tess telling her what to do and how to get back to Antar with Max's child for Kivar. Max read the paper and then saw red. He closed his eyes and swallowed. Then, he read the paper again - this time slower. He read every word and it was true. Nasedo had planned to turn them in this whole time.

Maria threw her hands up in frustration.

"Nothing." She called from the closet.

"God Max, I can't find anything," Liz sighed, as she then saw a sonogram of the baby where there was some handwriting. 'The baby's human.' She was in shock, as she had thought that the baby was half-human and half alien. "Max, is your baby human… or different…?”

Max continued looking at the paper in anger and disgust. He then shrugged.

"Well...alien...since it can do all those things...and since it can't survive in this atmospher--" He stopped himself. He looked at Liz.

"Why?" He asked.

He knew Tess was lying but Liz did not.

"What did you find?" He asked, as he stood up, gripping the letters from Nasedo.

Liz walked over to Max, handing him the sonogram, and she pointed to him.

"It seems Tess is a liar. Your son's human, Max," Liz sighed, as she hated seeing the hurt look on his face.

She wished that there was something she could do.

Maria walked over and peered over Liz's shoulder. Max looked down at the sonogram and frowned.

"Human..." He said as he took it from her. "But...ho..w..." He said and then thought for a while.

Genetically, it made sense, they were only hybrids, not full humans, and yet, he felt anger and sadness building up inside himself.

"What am I going to do…” He said, sitting on the bed, and burying his face in his hands. "Tess wants to turn us into Kivar...it says so here. Nasedo made a deal...and once he died, that deal went to Tess...her orders were to return to our planet with my child...and turn us three over to Kivar..." Max mumbled.

He couldn’t look at them, as he was such a failure, and a fool to ever trust her.

"Max," Liz sighed, as she kneeled down in front of him where she took hold of his hands in hers. "I want you to know that this is not your fault at all. You had no idea that's what she was going to do. Your main focus is... what are you going to do now?"

Max couldn't look at Liz, as he felt so stupid and like a failure. He had trusted Tess, betrayed Liz, and ruined everything. He thought for a while.

"I don't know...I can't kill her...she is carrying my child...and I don't..." He stopped. "I don't want to...but maybe I should send her to Antar...to deal with Kivar...but my child. I don't know what to do."

He was out of ideas and he felt helpless.

"Maybe I should just talk to her...and once she has the baby...she can leave...and get out of my life." He said sadly. "I can't believe I even ever touched her..." He said disgusted with his actions. "I am so stupid."

"Max, are you sure that's such a smart idea?" Liz asked, as she looked over at Max, and then looked towards Maria, hating this very much.

Max shrugged and then finally looked up at her.

"What do you suggest…?” He asked softly, wondering if she had anything in mind.

Maria stood by and watched, as she was at a loss for words. She always knew she disliked Tess for a reason.

"Well... stress sometimes can make a woman go into labor..." Liz sighed, as she really didn’t have any ideas. "I just wish that there was something I could do. I feel like this is all my fault..."

Max looked at her. "Do you think I should try to stress her out to put her into labor sooner?"

He was confused.

"Liz, this isn't your fault...we just need to figure this out..."

He thought for a while then looked at her.

"What if I tell her we cant leave Earth yet. Maybe, that will not only stress her out, but she has the baby quicker since she is already almost due. But that give me more time to think...and maybe she will admit it...but I want her off this planet. I want her to leave the baby and then go back to Antar. I would never trust her with my son or daughter or whatever we are having," He said, looking disgusted.

Liz simply nodded her head, as she looked into Max’s eyes when she looked away from Maria, who was very quiet.

“Yes, maybe labor will be good. Humans usually have to stay in a hospital for a day or more. More time would be wonderful and so would a planet without Tess.” She gave Max’s kneecap a squeeze and she stood up, pulling Max to his feet. “You’re a smart guy, Max, and I know you can do something.”

"Okay...so I will act like we cant leave yet...because of your powers...and then I will try to stress her out as much as possible," He said with a sigh

Liz nodded her head, as she then looked towards Maria, who was very quiet. "Maria, are you all right?"

Maria nodded. "Yeah I am cool...this is just all really crazy."

"Yes it is...but we will figure it out...thanks guys," He said sincerely.

"No problem. If I get anymore visions, I will come to you, Max. I'll call you or something," Liz said, as she gave Max a warm smile when the three of them began to walk out of the sheriff’s house.

Max made sure the door was locked and they went their separate ways.

Maria sighed, "Do you think we should let Michael know what is going on? Or do you think Max will?"

"Most likely Max will know, but maybe, nah... just take me home," Liz said, as she was sure that Michael didn't even want to see her right now.

Maria nodded and drove her to her house.

"Okay chica...well give me a call if you want to talk," She said with a smile.

"I will, Maria. Thank you for taking me to Max's. Maybe this will cheer Isabel up a little bit," Liz said, as she got out the car, and gave her friend a smile on her face.

"No problem...talk to you later." Maria said, as she drove away.

Michael had just left the Evans' place, as Max had filled him in on everything, and Michael left to think about what was going on. His idea had been to confront Tess but Max thought it was best to wait to do anything. Michael walked down the street and looked up, as he saw he was at the CrashDown. He sighed, as he hadn't talked to Liz since that one night and he wanted to go tell her that he knew, and to hug her for finding out about Tess, but he knew he couldn't. He walked in and decided to order something. He saw Maria was working, but not Liz, as she was in the back. He didn’t see her. He walked in and waved to Maria. He then sat in a booth kind of glad Liz wasn't there but also a little disappointed.

Liz was sitting on the bench in the back in her CrashDown uniform. She knew that Michael would be coming by because she had called Max to see how he was doing on her break. She got up and was about to walk to the front of the Crashdown, but she saw that Michael was sitting out there. Backing up a little bit, she took a deep breath, and then walked out to the front.

Maria was busy, so she waved Liz over to Michael's table. She knew Liz wouldn't want to but she was tired of their crap. She just continued cleaning.

Michael had seen Liz walk out and he held his breath without knowing it. He swallowed and hoped Maria would go over instead of her, as he just couldn't face her.

Liz frowned over at Maria and she took a deep breath, as she walked over to Michael's table.

"Hey Michael, what can I get you?"

Michael looked up at Liz and handed her his menu.

"Saturn rings...a burger with all the fixings...and a alien blast...with extra Tabasco." He said, feeling awkward at their last fight.

"Okay, anything else?" Liz managed out, as she looked over at Michael for a split second before she wrote down on the pad of his order.

Michael shook his head, "No…”

He then looked down and started playing with a piece of the napkin on the table. He wanted to stand up and hold Liz and tell her how much he missed her but he held back.

"Okay... your order will be right up," Liz sighed, as she looked at him before she walked away where she put her order up. God, she just wanted to kiss him so badly.

Michael watched her walk away and then turned his attention away and tried to think about the situation with Tess.

Liz gave Maria a look, as she turned to her. "Please don't make me go back there, Maria."

Maria shook her head.

"You're on your own chica…” She said, as she sipped on a soda. "I am not in this."

"Just serve him for me. I don't feel comfortable near him when he obviously doesn't want anything to do with me," Liz pouted, as she looked at her best friend.

Maria looked at her friend and felt herself weakening.

"No way." She finally said, as she shook her head. "Do it…you can't avoid him forever."

"What am I supposed to do? What is it that you want me to do?" Liz asked, as she looked at her when she began to wipe down the counter.

Maria shrugged.

"Look Lizzie...all I know is I am not going to be here all the time...you need to learn how to move past this. Just accept that you might never be with him...and maybe you two can be friends." She said with a sad smile.

Liz nodded her head, as she then heard Michael's order, and then, she went to get it. Walking to his table with his food and his Tabasco sauce. "Here you go, Michael."

Michael looked at her and took his food.

"Thanks." He said, as he began eating.

He looked up at her one last time, realizing she hadn't left yet.

"Michael, do you think we can talk?" Liz asked nervously, as she looked over at him. "Like maybe I can come to my place by any chance?"

Michael chewed on a Saturn ring, and looked at her, finding himself nodding.

"Sure…so…when?" He asked, feeling nervous and jittery. He hated this feeling, as it was so unlike him.

"Um... I get off in about two hours," Liz said, as she looked over at him. "I will get a ride from Maria since my car died again."

Michael looked at her and swallowed.

"Okay. That sounds good." He said, refraining from offering her a ride, as he figured he would take her back, anyway.

Liz nodded, as she then walked away, and then walked over to Maria. "Maria, can you give me a ride to Michael's after my shift?"

Maria looked at her and grinned.

"Of course I can!" She said happily. She then hummed, as she began filling up the salt shakers. She was happy Liz was taking initiative.

Liz rolled her eyes at Maria behind her back and she then moved to sit down in the stool, as she began to fill up the ketchup and mustard bottles.

Michael finished eating, and then walked out to head back to his apartment, as he was confused as to why Liz wanted to talk. He thought she hated him after all he had said. He was worried but also excited about being alone with her again.

As her shift ended, Liz went and changed into a pair of simple pair of blue jeans and a tank top.

"Maria," Liz said, as she walked down the stairs to see her best friend on the bench. "Are you ready?"

Maria nodded and stood up, as she had already changed and was waiting for her friend.

"Sure, let's go." She said, as she walked out with her purse and keys.

She walked towards her car, climbed in, and then drove to Michael's. She looked at Liz and smiled.

"Good luck chica. Call me if you need me to pick you up."

Liz gave her friend a hug and simply nodded her head. "I will."

Liz went up the apartment complex and then knocked on Michael's door where her heart was racing by the second to what would happen tonight.

[whitexeclipse]

Author's Note: And here is the final chapter of this story.

Michael had just showered, so his head was wet, and he smelled of soap. He walked to the door and opened it. He looked at Liz and swallowed.

"Hey…come on in," he said, as he opened the door more to allow her in.

He then closed it and sat on the couch.

Liz definitely smelled him and she realized this might be a little bit harder.

"Hey Michael," Liz said, as she shut the door, and she then sat beside him. "What are you watching?"

Michael looked at the television.

"Oh, uh, a chase...but I will turn it off," He said, as he turned it off, then looked at her, "So...what's up?"

"I... I, um, I wanted to apologize, Michael," Liz began, as she turned to look at him where she was sitting Indian style. "I never ever meant to ruin our friendship, as being your friend has been truly amazing."

Michael looked at her and found himself nodding. He didn't know what to say, though, so he just looked at her, and found himself staring at her lips. He licked his own and then let his eyes look up her face into her brown eyes. He shrugged trying to play it off.

"That's fine…"

"I've missed hanging out with you. What made me realize it was when you said good-bye to everyone... but not me," Liz admitted, as she was still heartbroken that he wasn't going to even say good-bye to her. "When or if you guys still leave, I want to at least get the chance to say good-bye to you, Michael."

Michael nodded and swallowed slowly.

"I know that was wrong...but I didn't know how to say goodbye to you," He admitted.

Liz gave him a small smile on her face. "If you guys do leave, please say good-bye to me, Michael. I don't want to find out from Maria that you're leaving and you're never coming back."

"I'm sorry...and I didn’t mean to hurt you...I'll tell you if I leave." He said finally.

"Thank you, Michael. I also want to be your friend of how we were before what happened at the bowling alley," Liz finally said, as she looked at Michael.

Sure, she wanted more, but she would rather be his friend if nothing more.

Michael swallowed, as he wanted to tell Liz he wanted to be more than her friend but with the thought of possibly leaving still in his mind, and Max's feelings also weighing on him, he just nodded.

"Good...friends."

"Good… good… I am glad that got that straightened out, Michael," Liz told Michael, as she looked over at him with a genuine look on her face. "We can watch a movie or whatever if you do want to hang out."

Michael shifted and then nodded.

"Sure," He said with a shrug still feeling awkward but he knew he needed to move past that.

Liz handed him the remote when she flipped the television on where a high-speed chase was on. She wasn't exactly sure what to say since she had feelings for the guy.

Michael turned up the volume and then looked over at Liz out of the corner of his eye, as he then tried to concentrate on the television. He swallowed itching to say something but worried about what would happen.

"So…does Maria know you have feelings for me?" He asked, also concerned about her feelings. He had been with her for a while, and still cared about her, as he didn’t want to upset her.

Liz nodded her head, as she looked into his eyes.

"Actually, yes, and she... wasn't mad at me like I thought she would be for liking you," Liz explained to Michael, as she looked back to the television where she felt her cheeks redden a bit.

Michael looked at her and felt surprised that Maria knew. he just nodded and looked at the television.

"Well that's good...handled it better than Max, I suppose," he said proud of Maria and how mature she was being.

Liz smiled softly, as she remembered all the conversations Maria and her would have about Michael.

"Yeah, she was... happy I was moving on, actually," Liz said, as she watched the car flip over onto another car, and her eyes widened. "Whoa... I haven't watched a chase in quite a while."

Michael nodded and looked at her, so she was moving on from Max to him? Couldn't this girl like anyone normal? He smiled.

"Yeah, I watch them every day," He said and then looked at her again. "Um...well I am glad you are moving on...but maybe you should look for a normal guy." He said trying not to reveal how sad he was to even think of her with someone else.

In a way, she was relieved that they were talking about this.

"Do you remember what happened when I tried to date a normal guy? For some reason, the 'different' guys treat me a lot better than a normal guy could or would."

Michael looked over at her and shrugged.

"Not all guys are like that one asshole...and while the different guys might treat you better…doesn’t mean they will always be around," He said, revealing his biggest fear.

Liz heard this and she sighed.

"Oh Michael, do you really think that?" Liz pouted, as she placed a hand on his shoulder softly.

Michael felt his shoulder tingle under her hand and he shrugged her hand off gently before shrugging.

"Who knows...it's dangerous, we're dangerous...and we lead dangerous lives...anything could happen." He said softly.

"Michael, I don't think you're dangerous like you think you are," Liz said, as she settled her hands into her lap, and she swiped her tongue across her bottom lip.

Michael looked at her and kept a straight lipped look.

"Yeah...well who knows. I've already killed a guy…” He said, frowning.

"Michael, you were trying to save Valenti. That was not your fault," Liz sighed, as she looked over at him when she turned the volume down.

Michael looked over at her and nodded.

"Yeah...but I still killed him. And why was Valenti even in danger, Liz? Because of Max, Isabel, Tess and I… sometimes I wish Max had never dragged you into this...then Maria and Alex would also be safe...also the Valenti’s." He said, surprised he was saying all this, as he hadn't really ever said these things out loud.

Liz was kind of hurt at his words but she didn't know what to say or do. "I'm sorry, Michael, and I wish that there was something that I could say or do. But there isn't. Max saved my life at the CrashDown."

Michael looked at her and nodded.

"Yeah…I guess…" He said with a shrug. He then turned his attention back to the race.

Liz then turned her attention back to the television.

"I am glad that we can be friends again," Liz said softly, as she then watched the high-speed race.

Michael nodded but thought it sucked that they couldn't be more. He couldn't tell her how he felt. He knew it would cause too many problems.

Liz hated how she was feeling and it only made her wonder if she could ever get over a man like Guerin here.

Michael looked down at Liz's hand and couldn't stand not touching her, as he reached down, and took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

"You know...I think ifI ever left, it would be really hard to say goodbye to you." He said honestly.

Liz had to admit she was pretty shocked at his gesture when he grabbed her hand and then the words that left her lips. She simply gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Really?" Liz asked, as she looked up into his eyes.

Michael nodded and released her hand because he didn’t want it to get awkward.

"Of course..." He said, as he looked away from her.

Liz just smiled to herself, not wanting things to be too weird for them. "Can I ask why?"

Michael looked over at her.

"That's a weird question." He stated and then shrugged. "You make good brownies." He said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Well, um, thank you, Michael," Liz said, as she looked over at Michael, and then looked away when she felt herself beginning to blush a little bit.

Michael looked at her and nodded.

"And you're a good friend." He said, swallowing.

"Oh, um, thank you, Michael," Liz said, wishing that they could be more than just friends.

They pretty much acted like a couple, anyway. She then looked to the television.

Michael sighed and looked away. He then heard his phone ringing. He answered it and was surprised to hear a girl’s voice that wasn’t Liz or Maria. "Hey." He said and then heard the girl start talking about how he had never called her and she was offended.

Liz watched him pick up the phone and wondered who that could be.

"Michael, I will be back, and get a Snapple," Liz said, as she walked over to his refrigerator.

Michael nodded and then swallowed, as he didn’t want Liz to get upset, but he figured, they weren't together as a couple, so he didn’t have to hide his phone call.

"Oh right Karen, sorry. Yeah, of course I didn't forget about you." He said with a small laugh. "Um...yeah sure. This Friday? That sounds good...yeah...I'll pick you up...ok bye."

He hung up the phone.

Liz frowned to herself, as she heard him make a date. Liz grabbed the Snapple and then moved to sit on the couch with him, looking over at the television. He probably didn't like her because she was no blonde with big blue eyes.

Michael walked over to the couch and saw Liz there. He smiled at her.

"It was that girl Karen…she's cute…I am taking her out Friday," He said, as he took her Snapple, and took a drink, then handed it back to her.

Liz nodded her head, as she took a sip of her Snapple. "I hope you will have fun, Michael."

"I am sure I will...what do you think I should do with her?" HE asked. "You're a girl...you would know how to make things romantic."

Liz could not believe that he was asking her this, especially since she had feelings for him. God, why did Karen have to call? She then looked at him. "You could dinner and a movie... you could take her for a walk on the beach..."

Liz wasn't sure what he was looking forward to doing.

"Dinner…and a movie… should I bring her flowers?" He asked.

"Yeah, red roses usually show you like a girl," Liz told Michael, as she licked across her bottom lip.

"Red roses...or maybe I should find out her favorite flower." He said as he thought about that. "Maybe you could ask her?" He asked opening his eyes wide.

He then looked down at her.

"What is your favorite flower?" He asked.

"Me ask her? I don't know. Well, I am one for white roses," Liz said, as she looked away from Michael.

Michael nodded. "White roses...those sound nice. Maybe I will get her some of those." He said with a shrug.

Liz couldn't believe he was going to do that but she shrugged.

"Michael, I think that would be a good idea," Liz said with a fake smile on her face.

She couldn't believe how jealous she really was.

Michael smiled and then gave her a friendly punch on her shoulder.

"Thanks bud...I could have asked Max...but it is nice to have a girl for these things," He said, feeling horrible that he even asked her and wishing he could take her out and not Karen.

"Anytime Michael," Liz said, as she then decided to be a friend. "So... do you know what you're going to wear on your lovely date with Karen from Art class?"

"I figured a shirt and jeans. No?" He asked.

"What shirt?" Liz asked with a raised eyebrow, as she looked at him with a skeptical look on her face.

Michael looked at her and thought for a moment.

"That blue Metallica shirt I got would be cool...cause I have worn the black one a lot," He said and then saw disapproval on her face.

He sighed.

"I guess I need to go see Maxwell and borrow one of his hideous 'nice' shirts."

"Or... me and you can go to the mall to get you your own nice shirts," Liz said with a smile on her face, as she looked over at Michael. "I promise I won't make you stay there for hours. I'm not Isabel."

"I don't know...isn't that more of a boyfriend and girlfriend thing? Shopping together?" He asked knowing he was being overly crazy about this because he didn’t want to start something he wasnt sure he could finish.

He saw the hurt on her face and sighed.

"I mean Isabel is like my sister...so..." he sighed, as he let his voice trail off.

"Maria and I used to help Alex shopping for his shirts," Liz said, as she looked away from him. "But I don't want to make you do something you don't want to do. You should borrow Max's black, buttoned-down shirt, Michael. It'll look great on you."

"Yeah...but I might need to buy some… ‘cause who knows how many times I will go out with this girl." He said, as he stood up and stretched. "Thanks for the help though." He said with a smile, his heart racing.

She was the girl he really wanted to go out with.

Liz nodded her head, as she looked up at him, feeling her cheeks redden just a bit.

"Yeah, well, have fun with her, Michael. I should actually get going now."

She didn't want to leave but she felt so uncomfortable.

Michael nodded but then looked around.

"You can stay if you want…I don’t mind. But yeah...I mean, what else do we have to do?" He said with a sheepish smile, as he scratched his head.

"I don't know, Michael, especially since the high-speed races are finished with," Liz said with a smile, as she looked up into his eyes, feeling so nervous being around him.

Michael nodded, and felt himself being pulled towards her, and he didn't know what he was doing, but he stepped toward her, swallowing.

"Yeah...the high-speed races are fun...but we could watch a movie...if you want. I have some chick flicks Maria left," He said, as he rolled his eyes, blushing. He then stepped closer to her again, barely inches from her.

Liz felt her heart racing, as she watched Michael stepping closer and closer to her. "I was actually hoping for an action movie to watch," Liz said in a soft voice, as she looked up into his eyes.

Michael then snapped out of it.

"Right...an action movie," He said and stepped back.

Of course, Liz wasn't into chick flicks. He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Sure…so pick one out."

He motioned to the movies by his television.

Liz sighed to herself when she walked away. Who was she kidding? Michael just wasn't and would never be interested in her. She walked to his movie collection and she saw that Transformers was out. It was one movie that Maria and her both like. "How about Transformers?"

"Sure sounds good," He said, as he tried to shake off the feeling of wanting to kiss Liz. He was glad she hadn’t picked a romantic movie – a chick flick might have pushed him over the edge and he would have been kissing her before the movie was out.

Liz put the movie in and pressed play before she sat down in her original seat in the corner of the couch. She was pretty sure Michael didn't want to sit anywhere near her, anyway. "This is one of my favorite movies."

Michael nodded, "Yeah I like it too."

He then sat next to her but not too close.

Liz gave him a smile and she picked up her bottle, taking a sip of her Snapple. Being this close to Michael made her heartbeat beat faster.

Michael looked at her and then stood up.

"I'll make popcorn," he said as, he stuck a bag in the microwave and waited for it to finish. He then put it in a bowl and sat next to her, putting the bowl between them.

Liz grabbed some popcorn, taking a bite of the popcorn, and then licked across her bottom lip, tasting the butter.

Michael grabbed some and shoved it in his mouth and continued to watch the movie. He reached in the bowl and his hand brushed Liz's. He looked over at her and then decided to break the romantic tension by throwing a piece of popcorn at her. He laughed when the piece hit her nose and fell in her hair.

"Michael!" Liz pouted, as she fished the piece of popcorn out of her hair, and threw it in the trash that was beside the coffee table. God, she was so close to kissing him.

Michael laughed, and then tossed some popcorn in his mouth, and chewed it, as he then turned his attention away from her to the movie. He didn’t want to make a mistake and kiss her.

Liz turned her attention back to the movie where she grabbed some popcorn into her hand and then took a sip of her Snapple. "Thank you so much, Michael."

Michael didn't look at her for fear of kissing her.

"For what?" He asked as he kept his eyes on the television.

"For letting me come over," Liz smiled to herself, as she licked some sprinkled popcorn from her bottom lip.

"Sure... that's what friends do right?" Michael said with a shrug.

"Uhhh yeah..." Liz said, as she faced the movie. She needed to just shut up and not say a thing, as she feared she'd say the wrong thing.

Michael saw the popcorn was finished, and he raised his arms up, letting them fall back on the back of the couch. His hand grazed Liz's hair and he was amazed to feel how soft it was. He pulled his arms away, but, as he continued to watch the movie, he felt himself wanting to run his hands through it.

Liz had to admit that this almost felt like a date and she was so relieved to how natural this felt to her. Blushing a little bit, she could only imagine what an actual date with Michael would be like.

Michael finally couldn't resist the urge, he reached from behind her and ran his hands through her soft silky hair, he wanted to get lost in the feeling, it felt so soft, and silky and natural, he sighed, and continued running his hands through it as he watched the movie.

Liz definitely felt Michael's hands through her hair and it felt so amazing to her. Max had never ever made her feel this way and it scared her that a man could make her feel this way.

After a while, Michael realized what he was doing, and he stopped mid stroke. He then pulled his hands out and moved to the other end of the couch. He wanted to slap himself for being so stupid.

Liz frowned to herself and she looked at Michael in the corner of her eye before she focused her attention on the television. God, all she wanted to do was to kiss Michael, but only if he wanted to do the same to her.

Michael's heart was pounding, as he had let himself lose control around Liz, and he definitely couldn’t risk that happening again, and he couldn’t do that – not to Maria and not to Max. He sighed and tried to stop his heart from racing. He watched the rest of the movie without looking at Liz.

Once the movie was done, Liz stood up, as she grabbed her half-empty bottle of Snapple.

"I think I should get going now," Liz said with a nervous smile on her face.

"Yeah...that would probably be good..." He said honestly and then watched, as she walked towards the door.

"Bye Michael," Liz said, as she gave Michael a hug, and then walked out before he could say anything.

In all honesty, she had an amazing time with Michael.

Michael closed the door after her, then flopped on his couch, as he tried to stop his racing heart from jumping out of his chest. He closed his eyes and shook his head, what was he thinking?

As Liz parked back beneath her room, Liz inhaled a deep breath, and dialed Michael's number. She still couldn't believe that Michael was actually going out with Karen. What was wrong with her?

Michael answered his phone, "Hello?"

"Hey Michael, before I forget, are you doing anything tomorrow before you go out with Karen?" Liz asked, as she climbed up the ladder to her bedroom.

Michael frowned.

"Uh...just getting ready...getting the flowers and what not..." He said, confused as to where this was going. "Why?"

"I was just wondering if we could do something... just to hang out."

Liz felt like she was intruding all of a sudden.

Michael frowned and thought for a while.

"Uh sorry Liz...I'd like to but I think I am going to go talk to Maxwell and ask him for tips on what I should do on my date...but maybe some other time.”

"Oh okay, I understand. Well... goodnight," Liz frowned, as she then hung up.

God, maybe she should just hang low for a few days away from Michael. Once inside of her bedroom, she laid back against her bed.

Michael didn't have time to say goodnight before Liz had hung up. He frowned and then hung up his phone. He then called Max and asked if he could go over and borrow his shirt and talk to him about a few things.

---

It had been a few days since Liz and Michael had last talked. Everyone was now at Tess’s funeral.

Michael pulled at his tie and felt his hand being slapped gently away.

"Michael...don't pull on it..." Karen said smoothing it out for him.

She then took his hand and smiled up at him.

"Are you doing okay? I know you and Tess were close." She said before sighing, "It is so sad...she was so young...and how is Max holding up?"

Michael looked down at the pretty blonde and tried to look sad.

In all actuality, he was glad Tess had passed away when she did. Max had finally confronted her about her plans, and in the midst of their fight, she went into labor. However, complications during the pregnancy caused her to die, but the baby was born healthy. However, he was born fully human.

Michael looked at her, as she slipped her hand into his.

"He is holding up...focusing on the baby mostly...as for me, I am fine. Thanks." He said genuinely.

He had been taking Karen out for a little over a week and had hardly seen Liz in the meantime. He liked Karen a lot, but he often thought about Liz, and it made him sad to know he couldn't be with her. He wondered how she was doing and if she'd even show up.

Liz was sitting next to Isabel and Max, who was holding the baby boy in his lap. Zan looked just liked his father and that was a definitely good thing. She gave Max a small smile, as she then looked around to see if Michael was nearby. She had seen Karen and Michael around earlier and there was no doubt that she was jealous. She hated that Michael Guerrin could get her so nervous.

Michael grabbed a plate of food and handed Karen a drink. Then, they walked hand in hand over to Max.

"Hey Maxwell." Michael said as he stopped in front and then saw Liz next to him. He swallowed and gave her a smile. "Hey Liz."

Karen looked down at Max and the baby and gave them both sad smiles.

"Hey Max...I am sorry for your loss." She said, sincerely, then looked at Liz, and smiled. "Hey Liz."

Liz couldn't believe that Michael had actually brought Karen here but she was not going to even start that argument. She gave them both a smile and then stood up.

Michael watched Liz walk away, and then shrugged, motioning for Karen to take a seat, as it was weird seeing Liz again. Of course, the familiar butterflies found their way into his stomach, and he hated seeing her, not being able to tell her how he really felt.

"I'm going to go find Maria," Liz said, as she excused herself away from them, and approached Jimmy and Maria. "Hey."

Maria turned when she heard Liz and smiled, "Hey Lizzie."

Liz gave her best friend a smile and then looked at Jimmy.

"Hey Jimmy, can I borrow your girlfriend for a few minutes?"

"Sure...she's all yours," Jimmy said, as he started eating a huge plate of food he had gotten.

Maria rolled her eyes and then stole a carrot from him before going with Liz.

"Hey girl, what's up?" She asked. "Isn’t this whole thing crazy?"

"I know. I still cannot believe that they actually did this and then the whole thing with Karen and Michael," Liz sighed, as she sat down in an empty chair. "I am starting to wonder if he brought her here to hurt me."

Maria frowned.

"What thing with Karen and Michael?" She asked before looking around, and then she saw Karen eating her plate of food, while Michael sat next to her talking to Max.

She frowned and then sighed.

"Aw...well Lizzie, you can't be upset with him about that...he must like her. I mean...you can't get mad at him for dating someone," She said with a sad smile.

"I guess not but I am jealous that they're together," Liz said with a shrug, as she looked at Maria. "I think I am going to leave early, anyway. I never even liked Tess and I feel so out of place here."

Maria nodded.

"Okay girl...well take care," She said, as she hugged her, giving her a sad smile. "Don't let this Michael and Karen thing get you down."

"I won't. I think I am going to go for a walk," Liz said with a smile, as she hugged her back, and then walked out of the Valenti house.

She just didn't feel right and being close to Michael would make her lose her mind. She was wearing a simple black dress and heels.

Michael saw Liz hug Maria and then leave. He sighed and stood up.

"How long are you here for Maxwell?" He asked.

Max looked up at him.

"Probably another hour or so...you still up for getting together later?" He asked.

Michael nodded. "Yeah, I am going to take Karen home, and then I will call you."

He then grabbed Karen's hand and walked with her out of the Valenti's house.

Liz was walking down the road and she made herself go off the beach, taking a deep breath. It was time for her to once and for all get over Michael. Maybe, just maybe, Maria was right. She couldn't be jealous of something she would never ever have.

Michael drove Karen home and walked her to her door.

"Well, thanks for coming with me..." He said.

Karen grinned. "No problem...I am really sorry for your loss..."

She then stepped on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. Michael closed his eyes and felt her soft lips but it just didn’t feel right. He kissed her and then pulled away.

"Bye Karen…” He said before getting back on his bike and taking off.

Sitting down in the sand, Liz looked up into the afternoon sky, sighing softly. She pulled out her phone, playing with the buttons, having her feet laying into the warm sand.

Michael then went home and changed. Afterward, he drove over to Max's house. They were talking and the subject of Karen came up.

Michael sighed.

"I don't know Maxwell. She is beautiful, sweet, smart, and really nice to me...but there is something not right." He said, shaking his head.

Max was holding Zan and feeding him, while listening. He nodded.

"Something not right? Like...she isn't the one?" He asked.

He felt happier and lighter now that Tess was gone and his baby was safe. Zan looked healthier too.

Michael nodded, "Yeah...it just..." He stopped himself. "I mean... you know what I mean." He said finally.

"Yeah, I know...that is how I felt with Tess. She just wasn't Liz," He said, as he began burping the baby.

Michael watched him and felt his stomach flip. He was a horrible friend. Here, he was, lusting after his best friend’s love. He sighed and nodded.

"Right...exactly."

Max looked at Michael, as he lightly thumped his son on the back.

"So...is it Maria you are hung up on?" He asked.

Michael looked at him and tried to hide the look in his eyes. "Uh I Dunno...maybe." He said with a shrug.

Max knew that look right away and he thought about how Michael had been hanging out with Liz a lot, how he was watching Liz at the funeral, and how Liz had revealed her feelings for Michael.

He sighed. "Or is it Liz?" He asked cautiously.

Michael didn't say anything just looked away and realization hit Max.

"It is, isn't it?" He asked.

Michael just shifted his eyes to look at Max.

Max sighed and continued to burp Zan. "Well...Michael...what can I say? You should follow your heart...and if your heart leads you to Liz...then...you should do it. Before it is too late."

Michael was shocked by Max's words, "What...I mean...don't you love her?" He asked

Max nodded.

"I do...but I lost my chance with her. And now, I have another love in my life...and I think this one will require all the time and energy I have. Liz deserves to be loved...and you're a good guy." Max said, as he looked at Michael.

Michael wanted to hug Max and his heart swelled up ten sizes.

"Are you being for real?" He asked Max, looking him in the eye.

Max just nodded.

"There is no better man for her." He said sincerely. "You should go get her...before she is gone." He said honestly.

Michael nodded and jumped up.

"Maxwell, you're the best," He said, as he grabbed his helmet, feeling ten times lighter, as he could love Liz freely. There were no more obstacles. Max and Maria were fine with it and he jumped on his bike, driving to the CrashDown.

Michael climbed up the ladder but saw Liz was not there. He didn’t even see her black dress strewn on the bed. Did she never make it back from the funeral? He thought as he climbed back down and jumped back on his bike. He then called Maria, and asked if she knew where Liz could be, but she didn’t. Michael sighed and drove home, feeling defeated.

Liz stood up from the sand of the beach and wiped some of the stand off of her bottom. She had been here for an hour, just clearing out her mind. Now, it was time to go home, and she was pretty sure that Michael was not going to worry about her.

Michael went home, and then started pacing, as he had no clue where Liz could be. He drove to a flower shop and bought a dozen white roses. He then decided to call her. He dialed her number and waited for her to answer.

Liz heard her cell phone was ringing and wondered who that could be. She stopped walking, her shoes in her hand, and answered her cell phone.

"Hello?" she answered, as she didn't looked to see who was calling her.

Michael perked up when he heard her voice.

"Liz. Where are you? I went to your place and you weren’t there," He said, as he paid for the flowers.

"Oh, I haven't been home yet. I just went for a walk on the beach and I am about to go home, Michael," Liz said, as she stepped on the concrete once she was off the beach, and she slipped her feet into her heels. "Is everything all right?"

"Yeah, everything is great. I just want to see you...when will you be home?" Michael asked.

Liz heard some excitement in his voice and just guessed it was because of Tess not being there to ruin everything. "Well, I walked to the beach, but I should be there in fifteen minutes."

Michael shook his head. "No, wait there I am two minutes from there...I will pick you up."

He then hopped on his bike, and sped to the beach, feeling his heart pounding faster with ever second.

Hanging up, she placed her phone back in her purse, and then sat down on the curb of the sidewalk. She was nervous to what was going on and hoped everyone was okay.

Michael finally saw Liz and he pulled over. He then jogged up to her and held out the flowers.

"Liz. I got these for you. Why? Because I love you," He said the words, spilling out like a geyser. "I am so sorry I couldn’t say it sooner...I was just nervous abbot Max and Maria...but now, I can say it," He said nervously, as he looked down into her eyes.

Liz was definitely not expecting to hear him ever say those words to her. They had been the words she had been dying to hear ever since she spilled her feelings to him and Max at the bowling alley. She took the bouquet of flowers from him, holding them to her chest.

"Y-You love... me... bur what about Karen?"

Michael looked at her.

"Karen…she is nice…but she could never be you. I love being with you, hanging out with you, talking to you…and I’ve been dying to tell you...and to do this," He said as he pulled her to him, and leaned down, pressing their lips together in a soft kiss.

When Liz felt his lips against hers, her eyes filled with the happiest tears she could muster up. She placed her arms around his neck, still holding onto the flowers, and she responded to the kiss. This was what she wanted and that was to be with Michael.

Michael kissed her and felt his heart pounding, as kissing her was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Her lips were silky smooth, as her body fit perfectly in his arms where he could feel her body pressed against him, and he continued to deepen their kiss.

Liz suddenly pulled away and she looked into his eyes.

"Michael, are you sure this is what you want?" Liz asked, as she had her arms still locked around his neck.

"Yes, I am sure...now stop being annoying, and let me kiss you," he said before taking her mouth with his again.

Liz had to laugh at his silly comment and she proceeded on kissing him. He was kissing her and he had gotten her a bouquet of her favorite flowers. She raked her nails of her free hand over the back of his neck, deepening the kiss, wanting to show Michael how much he meant to her.

When Michael finally managed to pull himself from Liz, he looked into her brown eyes. He pushed her hair behind her ear, as he pulled her into a hug. He thought about thanking Maria because if she hadn't turned down a different path towards Jimmy, he would have never found his way to Liz, and as he held Liz in his arms, he couldn’t even imagine being any happier.